a franchise? VENTURE Marketing Group Ltd is organising The British Franchise Exhibition at G-Mex, Manchester on February 2 and 3, 2001.

Companies involved include Action Bikes (bicycle shops), Kall-Kwik Printing Ltd (printshops), MRI Worldwide (executive recruitment), Signs Express (sign makers), Dublcheck (office cleaning operations), Cash Converters (second hand retailers) and Subway International BV (sandwich outlets).

Details are available from David Tuck on 020 8394 5230 .

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Ian is new

Mr Utilities UNITED Utilities has appointed Ian Priestner, aged 43, as its new Group Director or Corporate Communications.

He was previously head of public policy, regulation and government relations at BG Group plc and previous roles include head of external affairs for the Engineering Employers' Federation and public affairs manager for Conoco UK.

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Appliance

of science BIONOW, the Northwest Development Agency's initiative to promote bioscience in the region, was launched recently at The Lowry, Salford Quays. Further information is available on the net at www.bionow.co.uk or by contacting Dr Linda Magee on 01925 830022. z

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Factory

etiquette THE BEN, TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS FIVE DAYS A WEEK