The Federation of Small Business said his call to force firms who wanted to bid for public contracts to offer apprenticeships would harm enterprise.

BBC: Labour conference: Miliband vows 'new bargain' for UK

His LEP also bid successfully for the city centre to be designated a Local Enterprise Zone, benefiting from streamlined planning regulations, improved broadband access and other incentives for business start ups.

BBC: Growing the economy: John Lewis' Andy Street

Local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) would then be encouraged to bid for a share of it.

BBC: Birmingham bidding for the economic growth jackpot

Faced with the prospect of being left out of the action and excluded from enterprise markets, other regional carriers could also make a competing bid.

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Federal prosecutors alleged Kilpatrick ran a criminal enterprise through the mayor's office to enrich himself through bid rigging and extortion, and using nonprofit funds for personal gain.

CNN: Ex-Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick convicted in corruption case

The enterprise software company's stock slid as results weakened after Oracle 's June 2003 hostile takeover bid.

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