New strategy for WH Smith: Ailing retailer WH Smith has mapped out its strategy for reinvigorating the business after seeing a potential bidder walk away from a takeover. The group, which last week discovered private equity firm Permira was no longer interested in mounting a bid, pledged to overhaul its stores to boost core ranges of stationery, cards, books and magazines. Chief executive Kate Swann said WH Smith was becoming a substantially simplified and refocused group. Ms Swann said: "We aim to return the UK high street retail business to its role as Britain's most popular stationer, bookseller and newsagent."

IT service: Virage Limited, an IT services provider in East Cowton, North Yorkshire, has launched a service that dramatically simplifies the processes of accessing and modifying computer documents from anywhere in the world. Branded DMS (Document Management System), the Internet service enables computer users to access, view and edit documents online, and allows work colleagues to have similar access to the information.

CoVE status: North Tyneside College has been awarded full CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) status by the Learning and Skills Council for its work in mechatronics.

Good growth: Alliance & Leicester saw good growth across its business push half-year profits up two per cent to £268m. The upbeat progress report on the six months to June 30 was helped by a 74 per cent lift in mortgage lending.

Wilde axed: Under-pressure services group Rentokil Initial announced its second surprise boardroom change in as many months after parting company with chief executive James Wilde. The departure of Mr Wilde, who had been at the helm for 18 months, comes two months after the company ousted chairman Sir Clive Thompson.