The CBI has appointed a top lobbyist to represent business in the North-East. Stephen Rankin starts work on Monday as Regional Director of CBI's North-East region. Cumbrian-born Mr Rankin is leaving the Brussels office of Glaxosmithkline to take up the post, but he has spent 15 years of his working life with the CBI. He said: "I am determined that the CBI speaks loudly and clearly for firms in the region."

FUND LAUNCH: Hilary Armstrong MP will join stakeholders from organisations throughout the region to celebrate the launch of Capital North-East, the North-East's regional venture capital fund on Monday at Durham County Cricket Club. She will be joined by Richard Maudslay, board member of One NorthEast, Chris Hope, executive director of Northern Enterprise Limited, and Joe Docherty, director of Barclays Bank's urban and regional economic development unit.

Cycle clip: A County Durham company is set to clean up in the caravan market, with the launch of an new product. ALM Products of Newton Aycliffe is introducing Tidybike, a transportable bike stand to enable caravanners to keep their bikes safe on site. More information is available from www.tidybike.com or (01325) 313377.

Car talk: Tony Grice, Volvo Cars UK Business Development Manager, will be the guest speaker at Durham Business Club's next meeting on Tuesday. Mr Grice will talk on the new company car tax regulations. The event is being hosted by DBC member Mill Garages Volvo at its showroom in Gilesgate, Durham City, and will start at 7.30 pm. To attend call 0191-388 4488

NEW MANAGER: Chartered accountants and business advisers Mitchells NorthEast, with offices in Sunderland and County Durham, has appointed Anne Watson as manager of the firm's taxation department.

MINUTE'S SILENCE: Businesses in Sunderland city centre have been asked to fall silent for one minute on Tuesday as a mark of respect for the Queen Mother's funeral, from 11.30am. The period will be denoted by explosive charges sounded from the roof of Sunderland Civic Centre.