Shake-up boosts BPI

PACKAGING group British Polythene Industries has reported a surge in profits following an extensive restructuring of the company. The group, which owns Visqueen in Stockton and manufactures polythene sacks and packaging material, saw underlying operating profits rise 28 per cent to £22.7m last year. The majority of the restructuring took place in 2000, but last year the group sold its UK retail carrier bag operation, based in Heanor, Derbyshire, and its specialist carrier bag businesses, based in Nelson, Lancashire.

RECRUITMENT DRIVE: Telecoms firm Genesis is to create 150 jobs this year as it opens new branches and increases staff numbers in existing offices. The Manchester group employs 350 staff at 12 branches, one in Middlesbrough. It plans to open three further branches, in Birmingham, Belfast and central London, in the near future. Genesis said turnover for the year to October 31 rose 39 per cent to £48.5m, while pre-tax profits more than doubled to £1.9m.

HIGH COST: Firms spend about £12,000 relocating a worker to another part of the country, according to a new report. The cost includes temporary accommodation and estate agents' fees, research for IRS Employment Review found. To send a member of staff abroad costs employers an average of £15,000.

CHALLENGE LAUNCH: A project to give companies in the Tees Valley "homegrown" advice and support has received £180,000 through the European Regional Development Fund. The Experience Exchange aims to help 150 small and medium sized companies in the next two years.