Halcrow Transmark, the railway engineering unit of the Halcrow Group, has opened a new office in York.

Since the company first came to Tanner Row, York, three years ago, staff levels have trebled from seven to 21.

The consultancy, now based in Museum Street, offers a "one-stop shop" for clients, including signalling design and testing capabilities, permanent way engineering and design, electrification systems, train operations and safety, plus safety training and auditing.

John Francis, acting regional manager, said: "Halcrow Transmark York is already established as a major railway consultancy in the North. The move of office provides the opportunity for us to consolidate with our existing and potential clients.

"The location of the new premises means that not only are we close to the northern headquarters of the railway industry, we are also ideally positioned to actively develop potential business opportunities with clients in the area. The diversity and scope of the disciplines we offer ensures we can provide a professional and comprehensive service."

Stationery deal for York company

Wholesale stationer JA Magson Ltd, based in York, has acquired S&E Distributors from Johnson Press plc for an undisclosed sum.

This has created what Magson, sited on Clifton Moor, believes to be the largest wholesale distributors of stationery, toys and greeting cards in the UK.

With a collective turnover of more than £22 million, the combined business will have nine showrooms and warehouses.

"When Johnston Press made it known it wished to concentrate on its core newspaper publishing business, a rare opportunity arose for us to buy a company we knew very well through our Club Group connection," said managing director Nicholas Magson. "The acquisition gives us massive coverage cross major parts of England and we are confident our suppliers, as well as customers, will enjoy the benefits of our much bigger business."

JA Magson made its first acquisition in 1984 when it bought the Matthews wholesale business in Blackburn.

Survive and thrive

How to survive hard times in business and still get ahead is the subject of a seminar staged by Business Link North Yorkshire in association with Barclays Bank.

The stages that can take businesses from crisis tactics through to making good profits will be explained in the evening seminar, Survive And Thrive, at The Parsonage Hotel, Escrick, tomorrow.

It will be led by business consultant, Tom Edge, who is a successful businessman and author in his own right.

For further details telephone the Business Information Centre on 01904 686000.

Meet the buyers

A Meet The Buyer Event, organised by the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Yorkshire Coast Partnerships, takes place on Thursday.

The event will provide local businesses with the opportunity to develop supply contacts with large local/regional companies.

The chamber is looking for construction-related suppliers to meet buyers from companies involved in the water supply and treatment developments along the Yorkshire Coast.

A business networking lunch with a presentation from Yorkshire Water will be held for suppliers and non-suppliers.

For further details telephone Sylvia Addison on 01904 629513.

Focus on exports

York College of Further and Higher Education is the venue for a Professionalism In Export event on Monday. Light refreshments will be provided at the Institute of Export seminar, starting at 6.30pm.

Telephone 0171 247 9812 for further details.

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