1. Pub company counts cost of its gamble

THE UK’s biggest pubs operator could shell out £300 million to pay its way out of a disastrous bet on interest rates, it was reported yesterday.

2. Bright sparks branch out to Woodley

ELECTRICAL wholesaler Wilts has expanded its UK operation by opening a new branch in Woodley.

3. What happens next as brewery sale agreed?

LAST orders loom for Foster’s brewer Scottish & Newcastle after it agreed a £7.8 billion takeover offer from rivals Heineken and Carlsberg.

4. Shoosmiths takes on commercial property for HP

HEWLETT Packard (HP) has appointed Reading-based law firm Shoosmiths to be the primary adviser for its commercial property work.

5. Networkers enjoy ‘lively’ breakfast

BUSINESSES had the chance to make valuable contacts over a “lively” breakfast last week.

6. People to work service

BUSINESSES and disabled people in Bracknell are set to benefit from a new service to help people make the transition from benefits to work.

7. New Global director a former Royal Marine

IT SECURITY in Bracknell could be getting a military makeover as a top company employs a new head of consulting.

8. Cutting-edge refit for cash lender

A £12 MILLION mechanical and electrical refit is nearing completion at the new Bracknell home of GMACRFC, the UK’s tenth largest mortgage lender, at Arlington Square Business Park.

9. Third of firms not ready for recession

Financial experts are predicting a downturn this year and fears are growing that not enough companies have plans in place to cope with it.

10. Bid for Olympic business

Companies in Berkshire have a new online portal where they can bid for business opportunities related to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

The London 2012 Business Network – www.london2012.com/business – has updated information on direct and supply chain contracts as well as details of business events.

Also on the site is a new service called CompeteFor. Described as a “business dating agency”, it aims to match interested companies to potential opportunities.

The service has begun with a stadium builder advertising for an accommodation cleaning contract.

The company will ultimately select a shortlist of applicants, who will then formally tender for the contract.

Details of the winning bidder(s) will then be published on CompeteFor, with the contractor supplying feedback to the unsuccessful parties.

The service is being officially launched at Reading FC's Madejski Stadium on February 20.

The Olympic Delivery Authority and London Organising Committee are expecting to allocate more than £6bn of work, as part of an estimated 75,000 business opportunities ahead of the 2012 games.