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A publication by Cardiff Business School predicts radical changes in car production. The Automotive Industry - A Guide predicts a shift away from high-volume, low-profitability manufacturing to niche production and micro-factory retailing, and highlights the increasing use of electronic components in cars.

Score launches survey_3

Management consultancy Score Research is facilitating a purchasing card benchmarking survey to compare and gauge best practices. Participants will receive a report comparing their organisation with the survey population. The closing date is 30 October. The questionnaire can be downloaded from www.scoreresearch.com.

US card spend doubles_3

US government employees are likely to spend nearly $19 billion using purchasing cards, according to records obtained by the Associated Press (AP). The figure is more than double the spend of last year, reported recently by the General Accounting Office.

CEO predicts downturn_3

Oracle is unlikely to meet its earnings target for the quarter to 30 November, its chief executive has warned. Larry Ellison predicted earnings could be down by 10-15 per cent as customers are significantly delaying orders in the current economic climate. www.oracle.com

Defence collaboration_3

Defence companies from six European countries have joined forces to develop technologies for combat aircraft. The British, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Swedish governments will invest £92 million over the next three years in the project.

Moai merger announced_3

Firms may head abroad_3

A quarter of UK manufacturers are considering locating production overseas, according to Martin Temple, director-general of the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF).

Contract negotiations_3

Q: Our clients in the construction industry often impose contract price adjustment (CPA) clauses on us, but many of our suppliers will not accept similar terms from us. What should we do?

Westland Horticulture_3

Contract claim denied_3

The Renewable Energy Company (REC) has failed to stop a contract allowing London Electricity to supply power to all of Thames Water’s sewage works and pumping stations.