TransAtlantic boost from BA

BRITISH Airways is increasing frequency on some of its transAtlantic routes, including Concorde to New York, following an upsurge in passenger numbers. From April 21, BA is restoring the Saturday London to New York Concorde service so that the supersonic aircraft will operate seven days a week between the two cities. And from April 1, BA will increase subsonic Heathrow-New York frequencies from five a day to six. Heathrow to Washington DC and Heathrow to Boston frequencies will also go up from two flights a day to three.

PROFITS TUMBLE: Electrical components distributor Premier Farnell posted a slump in full-year figures. For the year to February 3, sales for the Leeds group, which has operations in the US, Europe and Asia, slid from £876.2m to £806.4m, while pre-tax profits slumped from £102.1m to £60m.

DIGITAL DATE: The Digital Factory in Durham Way South, on the Aycliffe Industrial Estate is hosting a free business lunch event on Thursday to tell firms in the area how it can help them grow. For details, contact (01325) 379 600 or email: rod.russellbacoll.ac.uk.

DEBT SEMINAR: Law firm Ward Hadaway holds improving debt collection briefings, in conjunction with the North-East Chamber of Commerce, this week. They offer practical advice and tips on debt recovery and debt collection techniques. The sessions are free and take place on Thursday at Ward Hadaway's offices at Sandgate House on Newcastle Quayside.