INBRIEF

Lords rail link probe

The Government was questioned in the Lords this week about the Channel Tunnel Rail Link bids. Replying, Viscount Goschen said that there was a 'large number of non compliant elements in the bids submitted' but added that they fell within the scope of the rules of the competition.

optimistic small firms

Small construction companies have expressed optimism that business is improving, says a NatWest backed Small Business Research Trust survey.

Countryside profits fall

Price competition, higher material costs and labour shortages at housebuilder Countryside Properties caused pre-tax profits to fall 16% to œ3.1 million in the half year to March.

DoE award

The DoE is to sponsor a new award for regeneration partnerships which will be given annually to the most effective and innovative partnership funded under the Single Regeneration Budget.

McAlpine looks to USA

Alfred McAlpine chairman Sir John Milne says the USA offered better prospects for improved results this year, given the lack of improvement in the UK market. Euan McAlpine is to resign at the end of June, leaving the firm without any family members.

Tarmac writ

Tarmac has issued a writ against Spanish Slate Quarries for unspecified damages for work on the roof of Bromley Town Centre.

HE contract

A œ12 million contract for the electrification of the Heathrow Express high-speed rail link has been awarded by Railtrack to Spie Enertrans.