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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.

Watchdog attacks PFI

The government’s architecture watchdog has criticised the designs of hospitals built under the National Health Service private finance initiative (PFI). The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment said the £7 billion programme focuses on cost savings at the expense of architectural quality.

E-tendering extended

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has extended the trial period of its e-tendering project until February. The three-month trials of the TenderTrust system, which aims to save £13 million, were due to be completed at the end of November.

Late payers speed up

Businesses’ late payments to suppliers have improved over the past six months, according to a survey of more than 1,000 firms. The Credit Management Research Centre, which conducts the ongoing analysis, found that the average delay in paying invoices among firms with a turnover of less than £1 million fell from 25 to 19 days.

MoD excludes weapons

It is unlikely that a Ministry of Defence e-procurement system will be extended to weapons and other items in the department’s direct spend, writes Elizabeth Bellamy.

Platform integration

E-procurement software provider Izodia (formerly Infobank)is to integrate its InTrade 5 platform on BEA Systems’ WebLogic E-business platform, gaining marketing and technical development support. InTrade 5’s clients include manufacturing, engineering and utilities firms. www.izodia.com

Defence deal for SAP

E-business enabler SAP has secured a blanket purchasing deal with the US defense department, enabling the military to use its mySAP.com software. The group has also established new alliances with mobile IT products provider Palm and computer manufacturer Compaq to develop purchasing platforms for handheld computers. www.sap.com

Belfast City Council

Revenue moves on PFI

The government has moved away from the terms of previous large private finance initiative (PFI) deals in its search for bids to run IT services at the Inland Revenue. It hopes the new private-sector partnership will offer greater flexibility than other PFI projects. The £3 billion-plus contract replaces a troubled PFI deal with Electronic Data Systems and Accenture signed in 1994.

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