Trainers are ship-shape...

A SOUTH Lakeland businessman will have good reason to keep a close eye on progress in the world's toughest yacht race, which set sail last week.

For Gavin Preston coached the skipper and crew of Imagine It. Done', taking part in the 2004/5 Global Challenge, on team development in readiness for the 10-month round-the-world race. Windermere-based Mr Preston worked with the 17-strong crew, led by professional skipper Dee Caffari, through his development firm Qi to ensure they were prepared for the challenges ahead.

They were given an insight into what to expect by Qi's Alex Phillips, who drew on her own experiences as a skipper in the 2000/01 event.

The training programme used to get the crew ship-shape was based on Qi's award-winning team develop-ment and leadership event.

Mr Preston said while the Qi programme was ideal for the yacht race team, it had also benefited businesses and sports teams more used to having their feet on solid ground. Founded two years ago by Mr Preston, the firm's client list includes Royal Bank of Scotland, Aon and Reliance Security.

Growth time...

BUSINESSES in the North West enjoyed another good month, according to the latest survey assessing the strength of the region's economy. Output in September increased in the region for the 18th month in a row, said Stuart Green, senior economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland, which com-missioned the study.

Tea shop sold...

A tea and gift shop in Kirkby Stephen has been sold through PF&K Commercial of Penrith. The Mulberry Bush on Market Street has been bought by a couple from the Birmingham area. The property and business was on the market at £330,000 and the sale was agreed within five weeks of going on the market.