Computer plans

Cutting-edge community design centre Fab Lab in Keighley has launched a training opportunity with a range of fresh courses.

Its experts will teach the mysteries and marvels of computer- aided design and manufacture at discounted prices, said Fab Lab manager Rafeeq Chaudhry.

“For example courses which are normally £500 will now be about £130 and we have everything to appeal to young apprentices or those with experience who want to develop the very latest skills,” Mr Chaudhry said. The Fab Lab is based in Dalton Mill and its small-scale workshop is equipped with an array of flexible computer controlled tools. More details are available at www.fablabairedale. org.

‘It’s a challenge’

Construction group Balfour Beatty said markets remain challenging despite a pick-up in the prospects in the UK and US. Balfour said its professional services business in Australia was struggling, but added continued improvement in its UK construction arm will drive results this year ahead of City forecasts.

Sales declining

The maker of Lambert & Butler cigarettes and Golden Virginia tobacco reported a two per cent fall in own-brand sales during the year to the end of September. Imperial Tobacco’s pre-tax profits edged up marginally to £2.6 billion during the year, but revenues were one per cent lower to £28.3 billion. Mark Williamson will become chairman in February, replacing Iain Napier.

French is going

Flybe boss Jim French, credited with turning the regional carrier into a major player in the European aviation market, is stepping down as chairman after more than 20 years with the company. Mr French took over as chief executive in 2001 but relinquished this role to Saad Hammad over the summer. He stayed on as chairman but has now been replaced with immediate effect by former Safeway finance director Simon Laffin, as the airline prepares to announce half-year results next week Meanwhile, Flybe franchise partner Loganair has introduced a new aircraft to the Leeds-Bradford to Glasgow route, cutting flight time to less than one hour.

Insurance boost

Insurer Legal & General said worldwide sales rose 29 per cent to £1.8 billion in the first nine months of the year after a surge in annuities business and a boost from the Government’s auto-enrolment programme for workplace pensions.