Wyevale ousting

THE biggest investor in Hereford-based garden centre chain Wyevale renewed its campaign to oust chairman David Williams.

Laxey Partners, which owns 28.3 per cent of Wyevale Garden Centres, called for a second extraordinary general meeting to replace Mr Williams with Robert Ware, a property expert and former executive of business park owner MEPC.

It follows an EGM eight weeks ago when investors narrowly voted against the same proposals put forward by Laxey. But Laxey said it was "highly likely" it would succeed this time as shareholders who voted against its resolutions had since reduced their stakes.

Shares in Wyevale were up 7p to 517p yesterday.

Fire strike talks

TALKS will take place today between members of the Fire Brigades Union and officials from West Midlands Fire Authority to try to settle a dispute over working conditions.

The FBU notified West Midlands Fire Authority yesterday of its intent to call its members out for "discontinuous" strike action next Monday.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said the brigade was very disappointed that the union had given notice of intent to take strike action before today's scheduled negotiation meeting.

M&S revamps

BUOYED by the early success of its turnaround plan, Marks & Spencer has vowed to speed up the modernisation drive that has helped lure back shoppers and contributed to a dramatic sales revival. It will spend about £500m.

on upgrading its estate over the next financial year - starting in April - compared with the £350m to £400m expected this year.