Jobs warning

Industrial chain maker Renold has warned of further job cuts under a group-wide review to “re-engineer” its future after slumping to a £7.7 million annual loss. The engineering group – which once had operations in Bradford – and whose parts are used by firms such as construction equipment giant Caterpillar as well as in rollercoaster rides at Disney and Alton Towers, said it had already axed a number of roles so far this year, with more likely.

Exports targeted

More than 300 regional businesses supported a week of activity across Yorkshire to learn more about international business opportunities in high-growth markets. Events were organised by UK Trade & Investment to encourage more regional small and medium businesses to go global. Through the Exporting is GREAT campaign UKTI is targeting more than 100,000 northern businesses that are primed for export.

Pop firm pep

Irn-Bru maker AG Barr shrugged off the freezing start to the year and intense competition to report market-beating sales growth. The group, which dates back to 1875 and also makes Tizer and Rubicon, said sales grew 2.4 per cent in the 15 weeks to May 12, outperforming a soft drinks market that was hit by the prolonged cold spell. Glasgow-based Barr said it expects tough competition to continue into the summer as it awaits clearance from the Competition Commission on its merger with Robinson’s squash maker Britvic.

Award hat-trick

Ellisons Butchers of Cullingworth won a hat-trick of gold awards for traditional pork sausage, hot chilli beefburger and 28-day rib eye steak when winning through to the Q Guild national BBQ finals next month. Butchers from West Yorkshire to Northumberland competed in the event for North East members of the The Q Guild, which represents more than 100 independent butchers from Shetland to Cornwall. The BBQ finals will be held on June 19 in Oxford.