Business in brief: John Lewis DEPARTMENT store chain John Lewis yesterday promoted Paula Nickolds to its main board as buying and brand director. Nickolds, who joined the employee-owned business as a graduate trainee and is currently buying director for its home department, replaces Peter Ruis, who is leaving after nine years to become chief executive of clothing retailer Jigsaw. Managing director Andy Street said: "Peter has revolutionised our fashion, home and technology offer and led our marketing team to its first ever Cannes Lion win. We will all be sad to see him go. Stagecoach rejects new Welsh powers TRANSPORT firm Stagecoach yesterday urged the Welsh government to use its existing legislation to encourage partnerships between bus operators and local councils, rather than introducing further regulatory powers. In its response to the Integrated Public Transport in Wales report, the Perth-based company called for the creation of single regional bodies to take responsibility for roads and public transport planning and delivery, but rejected proposals for a bus contracting system and separate regulatory powers for the Welsh government. SCI in £500,000 training investment A TRAINING centre for offshore workers is to open at Stonehaven harbour following a £500,000 investment by Survival Craft Inspectorate (SCI). The company is using the former Maritime Rescue Institute (MRI) site. SCI chief executive Derek Sinclair said: "We're confident the academy will boost local hotels and shops because of the numbers of people who will attend the facility. MRI trained organisations such as the Dutch Lifeboat Authority and special forces.