BUSINESS failures in Yorkshire rose sharply by 140 per cent in August, according to latest figures published by professional services firm Deloitte & Touche.

There were 24 receivership and administration appointments in the region last month, compared with 10 in July - the highest August total since 1997. Nationally, the number of receiverships increased from 123 in July to 155 in August.

Angus Marti of Deloitte & Touche said the figures provide "further real evidence that the regional economy may be slowing down. Nationally it was the highest monthly total since January and businesses which are finding current trading conditions difficult will have been dealt a further blow by the recent fuel crisis."

Green award for York-based firm

THE Green Chemistry Network (GCN) based at the University of York has won the prestigious runners-up award in the national Green Apple Awards for environmental best practice.

The judges paid tribute to GCN's success, saying: "Too often the environment has been the price that we pay for progress. GCN is working to ensure that science continues to move forward, without any damaging environmental consequences.

"They promote environmentally friendly chemistry in industry, universities and schools - and they do it very effectively."

More than 160 businesses and organisations throughout England, Scotland and Wales were nominated for this year's Green Apple Awards.

Selling Yorkshire

THE Yorkshire Brand will be the theme of a speech by Susan Johnson, executive director for business development at Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, at a seminar on Tourism in Yorkshire organised by the Yorkshire Tourist Board next month.

The seminar, at the De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel, near Leeds on Wednesday October 18 will explore ways of further sharpening competitiveness in a region where tourism is reckoned to be worth £3 billion and accounts for 135,000 jobs. It will also explore the role of aviation, the Internet and customer relations in Yorkshire tourism.

Restaurant success

THE Rose and Crown Restaurant in Sutton-on-the-Forest near York has been awarded the AA's coveted Two Rosette Award, just nine months after opening under new ownership.

Owner Ralph Magee said: "It is very satisfying to have been awarded the two rosettes after such a short time. It reflects our dedication to create a 'seriously good' restaurant specialising in imaginative and modern English food."