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The government is to establish a National Metals Technology Centre in Rotherham, Yorkshire. The centre will be the focus for research and development, and also advise metal producers and users, especially small firms, on how to develop business contacts.

CIPS unveils e-plans_2

Publications on e-payments, e-services, e-sourcing and e-tenders are among CIPS’s plans for this year. Roy Ayliffe, CIPS’s director of professional practice, told delegates at the E-Marketplace World event in London that CIPS was also to develop a “trustmark” for purchasers to assess e-business tools.

RBS integration move_2

The Royal Bank of Scotland’s (RBS) head of procurement has taken on the responsibility of the group’s property operations. Ed Smith will lead a team of around 1,000 with an annual budget of more than £2.4 billion. The move is part of integrating the operations of National Westminster Bank, which RBS took over last year.

Tunnel plan in doubt_2

A second single-bore Channel Tunnel for rail traffic is unlikely after a Eurotunnel survey this month declared it financially unviable. At an estimated cost of £3 billion, Eurotunnel said that the more expensive rail option would not bring in adequate financial returns, unless there were “a very significant shift from road to rail” in freight traffic.

Sales Training Games_2

Graham Roberts-Phelps Gower, £49.50

Logistics losing out_2

Commercial Contracts_2

My first impression, from the title and cover of this book, was that it might be boring, written in legalese and aimed at practitioners and students. I was wrong.

DTI inquiry extended_2

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended a Competition Commission inquiry into banking services to small businesses by four months. The extra time will allow for additional feedback from banks and consideration of their methods of calculating profitability.

European base pulped_2

PaperExchange, a US-based e-marketplace for the pulp and paper industry, has closed its London-based operations. The firm blamed its decision on a slow market.

Buyer sought for UEF_2

Automotive components supplier United Engineering Forgings (UEF) is seeking a buyer. The group, which supplies axles, transmissions and crankshafts to heavy commercial vehicle manufacturers, has called in accountants KPMG to administrate during its cash crisis.