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New Recruits to Drive Conferma Pay’s Ambitious Growth Plans

Cheadle-based fintech firm, Conferma Pay, the world’s leading provider of virtual payments technology, has announced it is recruiting for 70 new positions in 2023.

 

The recruitment drive is the latest stage of Conferma Pay’s ambitious expansion plans. Since being acquired by global travel technology company Sabre Corporation in August 2022, Conferma Pay has received further investment from Mastercard to boost the use of virtual cards for business-to-business (B2B) travel payments.

 

The latest hires will help Conferma Pay speed up its plans to make virtual payments simpler and more accessible for businesses. With its technology already integrated with over 70 banks, the company is building a virtual card solution that improves the end-to-end corporate travel experience – removing the need for employees to spend their own money on business expenses, while increasing visibility and control over business payments more broadly.

 

Initially, 20 positions are being actively recruited for, with the ambition to fill a further 50 roles by the end of the year. The initial roles are for positions across the business, including development and infrastructure, marketing, and project management positions.

 

Neil Fyfe, Managing Director at Conferma Pay, commented: “Bringing in new talent is essential to fulfilling our growth plans, and will help us strengthen our position as the world’s largest payments platform for virtual cards.

 

“As well as helping us to increase the number of virtual card transactions among existing customers, our new hires will enable us to significantly expand our customer base around the world and further develop the use of virtual cards for business payments.

 

He added: “Manchester is fast becoming a major fintech hub, supported by first-rate universities, so we know that we have the right talent on our doorstep to push us to the next level as a company. New recruits will become part of an entrepreneurial company that gives its staff the backing to explore new ideas.”

 

The majority of the new roles are hybrid working positions based at the company’s Cheadle office, however three of the positions being listed this week are in the US, where Conferma Pay also has its sights on growth in 2023.

 

To find out more, please visit: https://confermapay.com/careers.

 

Research by Salford Festival “We Invented the Weekend” has found that nearly half of us are going to bars and clubs less

Over the weekend, 52% of respondents say they are going out less to restaurants, 43% to bars/clubs less, and 58% are reducing their shopping for non-essentials.

A crisis in how people spend their weekends has been identified by We Invented the Weekend festival and Ipsos’s recent research. This study shows that a third of Brits (35%) will be spending less on going out this year, such as to bars or restaurants. Equally, 3 in 10 plan to reduce the amount they do paid local activities such as going to the cinema or concerts. Those intending to cut back on these activities outweigh those who anticipate increase (just under 1 in 5), although around 4 in 10 predict little difference. Additionally, 1 in 4 think they’ll do fewer activities which involve travelling or time away within Britain, like day trips or music festivals – compared with only 1 in 3 (32%) expecting to do more free local ones (e.g. parks) – 8% expecting to do less and 48% staying the same.

People who plan to spend less time out this year (across any activity) cite the need to save as their main reason for doing so, with the most common responses including: saving on bills and daily expenses (50%), being unable to afford social activities (43%), and saving for long-term purchases like buying a house or traveling (32%).

According to the survey, at least half of Britons go out to restaurants (52%) and shop for non-essentials (58%) less than last year due to rising living costs. Moreover, households are being forced to reduce their social outings because of the higher cost of living, with 43% saying they are going to bars and clubs less and 38% saying they are going to the cinema less.

As a result of the cost-of-living crisis, the public’s engagement with weekend social activity has changed. As consumers spend more* on energy, fuel, food and resources, they have less money to spend on socialising, entertainment and travel at the weekends.

Wayne Hemingway MBE, co-founder of the We Invented the Weekend festival, insists that weekends are essential for reconnecting. But he warns about an alarming ‘Cost of Weekend Crisis.’ By 2023, people may be saving more money than ever before, but this could come at a price: a decrease in socialising with friends and family, entertainment, exploration and discovering new experiences.

We Invented the Weekend is a large-scale, free festival, where consumers have the opportunity to partake in activities and socialising – something that has been off limits for some time. We hope it will allow them to take a break from the pressures of everyday life and bring attention to the Cost of Weekends crisis. It’s iconic proposition; celebrating everything people enjoy on weekends in the birthplace of when they were invented.

In 2023, We Invented the Weekend will be a bold and inventive free festival in Salford, taking place on Saturday, 3rd and Sunday, June 4th. As part of the two-day event, MediaCity and Salford Quays will be opened up to partners such as the BBC, RHS, The Lowry, Manchester United, and many others. Sports, music, comedy, theatre, dance, workshops, talks, food, charity, wellness, crafts and more will be part of the festival’s celebration of free time.

With water sports on the canal, community feasts, and dance performances, as well as planting workshops and vintage markets, festival-goers can meet new people, try new things, and make memories.

 

San Carlo Expands Operations, Taking a Bite Into Arkwright House for New HQ

The award-winning restaurant group relocates 50+ employees to Parsonage Gardens in Manchester City Centre

Bacting on behalf of the Landlord , have disposed of part of the third floor in Arkwright House, Manchester to restaurant group San Carlo for its new UK HQ on a 10-year lease with a five-year break.

Following the expansion of San Carlo’s operations, 50+ employees will soon leave Acresfield, St Annes Square behind, and say hello to their new 6,200 sq ft HQ in Parsonage Gardens, with the move intended to provide the company with upgraded office facilities and additional workspace.

Completed in 1937, Arkwright House is a Grade II listed building, formally the headquarters of the English Sewing Cotton Company. The period building is surrounded by the leafy Parsonage Gardens, and inside has been fully refurbished to a Grade A specification. Presenting a relaxing environment, dedicated building management team and programme of wellbeing activities for occupiers, Arkwright House’s aim is to achieve the perfect balance between work and leisure.

Dan Margolis, Senior Surveyor in Colliers’ National Offices team comments: “It is so exciting to be a part of San Carlo’s expansion journey. This move to Arkwright House is a big next step for the restaurant group’s ever-growing business.

“High quality Grade A office space continues to be a highly attractive asset for occupiers in Manchester city centre, particularly those wanting to encourage their employees to return to an office environment. We are confident that this move will offer workers the perfect atmosphere to produce, create and inspire whilst enjoying the heart of the city centre.”

Marcello Distefano, managing director of San Carlo added:  “I couldn’t be prouder of the San Carlo team; we may have grown to be the UK’s largest independent family-owned restaurant group with restaurants worldwide, but our team are like part of the family and It’s important to us that we all feel at home. Arkwright House is a perfect fit for us, the office space has everything that we need to support our business development.”

“We are fortunate to now be located worldwide however, Manchester has always had a special place in my family’s heart. My father, who started San Carlo’s journey in 1992, lived in Manchester throughout the 60’s and it’s where he first started his career in business. “

This deal follows on from another recent Colliers’ letting at Arkwright House to Fortem International, a growing trade exhibition organisation, on behalf of the landlord PGIM. The company is due to occupy 3,700 sq. ft on the second floor on a four-year lease with a two-year break.

The Landlord has instructed Colliers and Avison Young to let out the entirety of Arkwight House and 1,800 – 30,000 sq. ft remains available for immediate occupation on competitive terms.

Emirates Is Holding Open Day for Cabin Crew Recruitment in Manchester

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is searching for candidates to join its multinational cabin crew team. The Dubai-based airline is holding a Cabin Crew recruitment open day on 4th March at Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre 70 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AF United Kingdom.

The airline is looking for individuals who are passionate about delivering simple yet personalised and impeccable hospitality while creating memorable moments for its customers. Safety being one of Emirates’ highest priorities, the ideal candidate will lead confidently and take control when it comes to managing aircraft services, security, and safety procedures. All Emirates crew will receive a world-class learning experience at the airline’s state-of-the-art facility in Dubai.

Applicants hoping to give their careers an epic take-off can walk in with an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) in English, and a recent photograph. Candidates are advised to pre-register here for a smoother experience. Those who haven’t applied online may do so as walk-ins on Open Day at Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre 70 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AF United Kingdom. Further information about the requirements for the selection process can be found on emirates.com/careers. Candidates will need to come prepared to spend the full day at the venue. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of timings for further assessments and interviews on the same day.

Emirates’ truly global cabin crew team represent 160 nationalities reflecting its customer mix and international operations in over 130 cities on six continents operating a modern fleet of over 200 all wide-body aircraft. The airline is the largest global operator of the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380 aircraft.

Emirates offers candidates outstanding career opportunities, with excellent training facilities and a broad range of development programmes for its employees. All Emirates crew are based in the exciting cosmopolitan city of Dubai and enjoy an attractive employment package that includes a variety of benefits such as a tax-free salary, free company-provided accommodation, free transport to and from work, excellent medical cover as well as exclusive discounts on shopping and leisure activities in Dubai. Emirates’ growing global network offers many travel opportunities across the airline’s six continents. Emirates’ cabin crew enjoys attractive concessional travel benefits for themselves as well as their families and friends to all destinations that the airline flies to.

Deep Tech Manchester Based Watercycle to Produce Lithium From Italian Brines

Watercycle Technologies Ltd (‘Watercycle’ or ‘the Company’) signs agreement with Energia Minerals (Italia) Srl to test Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallization system on Italian geothermal lithium barring brines

Manchester based Watercycle Technologies Ltd, a deep tech company targets developing sustainable, high-yield, low-cost, mineral extraction and water treatment systems has signed an agreement (‘the Agreement’) with Energia Minerals (Italia) (‘Energia’) Srl, a subsidiary of ASX listed Altamin Limited, to produce lithium carbonate from Energia’s Galería EL geothermal brine projects in the Lazio Region of central Italy utilising Watercycle’s proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (‘DLEC’) technology.

Watercycle’s patented filtration process is proven to be able to selectively extract lithium from sub-surface waters/brines and is currently already being piloted in tandem with Cornish Lithium in the South West of England. Its DLEC process is capable of treating a wide range of water types and can deliver dramatic reductions in costs, carbon emissions and water consumption compared with current processes.

Under the terms of the Agreement Watercycle will test the brines extracted from a borehole in Italy and once the composition is understood, dedicated membranes will be fabricated by the team based on the chemistry of the water. Watercycle will then process a quantity of the brine using its DLEC process.  Analysis of the composition of the lithium-rich solution that is produced from the process as well as the composition of the de-lithiated brine will then be undertaken. Watercycle will then process the lithium-rich solution to produce lithium carbonate salts, a key differentiator in its process compared to standard DLE practises.  This lithium carbonate salt will then be characterised to gather structural and chemical information as well as the chemical purity and recovery rate of the lithium salt.  If successful, the two parties will examine the potential for initiating large scale pilot testing in Italy.

Watercycle CEO Dr Seb Leaper said, “We are delighted to be working with Energia Minerals who have recognised the potential of our unique approach to lithium extraction from brines. This agreement is a further validation of our proprietary membranes and processes which are gaining increasing traction both nationally and internationally. Each brine has different characteristics, and it is part of our development model to test multiple brines to further prove the efficacy of our technology and provide leading edge, sustainable solutions for lithium and critical mineral extraction from them.”

 Watercycle co-founder and CTO Dr Ahmed Abdelkarim added, “Our technology has taken years of development both within the University of Manchester and now within Watercycle, the vehicle that is advancing its development and implementing the commercialisation strategy.  We are not only successfully partnering with lithium brine developers but also making fantastic headway in the extraction of multiple critical minerals including cobalt and graphite from spent batteries and the utilisation of our processes in desalination, critical in today’s world where water shortages are being becoming more pronounced.  I look forward to announcing further progress as we rapidly develop the business and deliver commercial but sustainable solutions to the mineral extraction market.” 

Trafford Palazzo Announces House of Vanity Take Over as Part of TP Feel Good Fest

Trafford Palazzo has revealed an exciting free line-up of beauty brands set to take over the famous mall on Wednesday (22nd February) in partnership with House of Vanity, a salon in Manchester city-centre.

The jam-packed schedule, which kicks off at 10am and runs right through until 7pm, will feature a number of beauty workshops, an informative First Aid workshop and defibrillator demonstration, workout classes delivered by global fitness brand, Tribe3, as well as skin and hair tutorials for all ages, all free to attend.

Some of the activities on offer include toddler yoga delivered by local yoga teacher and wellness company, Yoga Up Cat, as well as toddler braids, sculpt pilates sessions throughout lunchtime, two Trib3 workout classes set to take place throughout the afternoon and a relaxing Good Skin Guru wellness session.

The team from House of Vanity, a Beauty and Blowdry Bar in Manchester city centre, has curated the schedule gathering some of Manchester’s finest fashion, health and wellness brands as part of the takeover with a programme full of educational and practical exercises to keep you and your little ones entertained.

Hair and make-up tutorials will also take place for adults providing something for all ages throughout the day.

A number of pop-ups will also form part of the schedule including the Good Skin Guru Skin Scanner, a Maruki Sportswear pop-up shop and Known Nutrition, all supporting the wider wellness theme at Trafford Palazzo.

Trafford Palazzo launched TP Feel Good Fest at the beginning of the month with a number of activities taking place throughout February. These are wrapped around four key pillars with the aim of promoting health and wellbeing amongst visitors.

The wider schedule is outlined below:

10am-11am Toddler Yoga with Yoga Up Cat
11am-11:30am First Aid and Defibrillator Demonstration
11:30am-12:30pm Toddler Braids
12:30pm-1:30pm Sculpt Pilates
1:30pm-2:30pm Sculpt Pilates
2:30pm-3:30pm Trib3 Workout Class
3:30pm-4:00pm Good Skin Guru – Wellness Session
4:00pm-5:00pm Make-Up Tutorial
5:00pm-6:00pm Trib3 Workout
6:00pm-7:00pm Hair Tutorial

Please find the schedule below for the House of Vanity takeover:

10am-4:00pm Maruki Pop-Up
10am-4:00pm Known Nutrition Pop-Up
10am-7:00pm House of Vanity Hair & Make-up Pop Up
11am-5:00pm Good Skin Guru Skin Scanner

WhatsApp Image 2023 02 15 at 21.46.3179

 

Tickets can be booked in advance here.

North West M&A Legal Advisory in 2022 Lead By Hill Dickinson

Ranking comes as national Corporate and Banking team advise on approximately £4 billion worth of deals across the year

Leading law firm Hill Dickinson has been ranked as the top legal adviser for M&A transactions in the North West for 2022, according to a new report by Experian Market IQ. The announcement marks a notable increase in activity for the team, rising to the top spot from its previous ranking of 4th in 2021.

The Liverpool headquartered firm advised, in aggregate, on 45 transactions in the North West across 2022. The ranking for the North West team follows a record year for the Corporate and Banking team nationally, which debuted in the top 20 of Experian’s national rankings, rising to 19 from the previous year’s ranking of 23. Nationally, the team advised on 73 transactions in 2022 with a total value of approximately £4 billion.

The record growth comes as the team has continued to expand its team nationally, with the headcount of its Corporate and Banking team reaching over 100 for the first time.

In the North West, specific highlights for the team included acting for Xeinadin and management on the investment by Exponent Private Equity, acting for Steve Parry MBE and Becky Adlington MBE on the sale of 60% of Total Swimming Limited to JD Sports and acting for Northedge on its investment in ramarketing.

Ian Riggs, national head of the Hill Dickinson Corporate team said: “Our ranking for 2022 is hugely encouraging, having risen from fourth last year. It reflects not only the volume of our advisory work, but the quality too, which is testament to both our North West and national teams. During the past 12 months, our Corporate and Banking team has grown to a national headcount of over 100 people, was ranked third in the Q1 2023 AIM client adviser rankings and has advised on deals with an aggregate value of approximately £4 billion.

“All this comes at a time when many across the region – indeed the UK – have been readying themselves to withstand a challenging financial and economic outlook. It’s promising to see the North West achieve a ten-year record in deal volume despite this backdrop and rewarding to know Hill Dickinson has played a key part in enabling this activity. As we move into 2023, we are eager to maintain this momentum and continue to deliver quality advice to some of the most exciting, ambitious businesses across the region, nationally and overseas.”

Electricity North West News 20 Feb 2023 ‘a Class Act – Special Recognition for ‘Exceptional’ Technology to Save Energy Costs

From energy regulator Ofgem, a first-of-a-kind electricity system which could save Great Britain’s customers £1bn has received special recognition.

The system reduces, by very small amounts, the amount of power used by everything from streetlights to everyday household devices.  The reductions are not noticeable to the human eye and does not affect the appliances but when the micro reductions are added up across a wide area they amount to massive savings.

Developed by regional electricity network operator, Electricity North West, the system known as CLASS, helps National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) smooth out the spikes and dips in electricity demand and supply across Great Britain.

In December, Ofgem published its decision to allow the system to be rolled out nationally.   Describing it as ‘low cost’, a ‘reliable technology’ that will also in some cases ‘eliminate the need for automated disconnection’ of customers if there are power shortages.

Originating from an Ofgem innovation seed fund, the regulator has now further praised CLASS, recognising it as the only project to receive an award in its latest assessment of network company innovations.

In a report produced by a panel of judges, Ofgem states: “The Panel views the CLASS project as having GB-wide benefits that are, in its view, exceptional. Ofgem in its impact assessment anticipates CLASS delivering net savings across industry of between £0.9bn and £1.2bn over the next 30 years. It also helps accelerate the development of a low carbon energy sector.”

Ian Smyth, Electricity North West’s CEO, said: “We work tirelessly to develop energy solutions which reduce costs, improve service and maximise network reliability for the people and businesses of the North West.  We’re proud of the teams that built this system. We’re very pleased with this further endorsement of our solution.

“As well as saving customers money, CLASS also has huge benefits for the environment. When National Grid ESO needs to balance the supply and demand of electricity in real time, they can either choose to fire up generators powered by fossil fuels or use technology like CLASS which provides the same benefit at a lower cost without creating any harmful emissions.”

Steven McMahon, Deputy Director, Onshore Networks, Price Control Setting at Ofgem added: “We know that to achieve decarbonisation without placing unnecessary pressure on consumer bills will require all the technological innovation that the energy system can muster.  Innovation offers us huge opportunities to revolutionise how and when we use energy – through testing new technologies, new process, new IT and data opportunities that can help maximise efficiency.

“CLASS is a prime example of this, initially funded through Ofgem’s innovation programme. The technology has clear benefits to consumers through lower bills and also has the potential to help reduce harmful emissions. We hope that our new Strategic Innovation Fund will continue to fund more ground-breaking innovation projects like CLASS in years to come.”

As part of the assessment process, Electricity North West evidenced how it had accelerated the development of the low carbon energy sector; delivered net financial benefits to customers; made exceptional effort to ensure the project exceeds the expected delivery outcomes; and maximised the learning from the project for the good of all GB customers. 

CLASS was deployed over two years ago and Electricity North West customers have seen their electricity bills reduce by £7.3m as a result.  Additionally, all Great Britain’s energy consumers received benefits from lower national grid balancing costs.

To read the full report, please visit https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/decision-low-carbon-network-funds-second-tier-reward-2022.

Schools in Manchester and Warrington Can Apply to Win £2,000 Towards Sustainable Projects as IKEA Launches ‘Let’s Go Zero’ Competition

IKEA UK has recently launched competition giving Manchester and Warrington school children the chance to win £2,000 towards projects which will help reduce their school’s carbon footprint.

The retailer is working in partnership with the Let’s Go Zero campaign, coordinated by climate solutions charity, Ashden, which calls on all UK schools to become carbon zero by 2030.

The competition encourages teachers, nursery children, primary and secondary pupils in Manchester and Warrington to sign up and submit ideas which will make their school more sustainable – whether reducing emissions or increasing biodiversity – as part of a wider drive to unite communities in doing their bit to fight climate change.

Four schools from across the UK will receive help from IKEA staff to bring their ideas to life, with the winners announced in April. The retailer will provide products (up to the value of £2,000 for each project), solutions and sustainable living expertise.

It’s the second year IKEA has run the competition in partnership with Let’s Go Zero, with schools and sixth form colleges in Lewisham, Sheffield, Glasgow and Cardiff selected to receive help with their projects last summer.

Local IKEA staff worked with each of the schools to implement their ideas – which included an old storage closet transformed into a uniform swap shop, vegetable growing and bee keeping areas, and a sustainability resource learning hub for pupils.

More than 1,980 schools, colleges and nurseries have signed up to Let’s Go Zero since the initiative launched in November 2020, totalling 931,740 pupils and 147,854 staff across the UK.

Construction companies like ‘Soft Surfaces Ltd’ are winning multiple awards for being the ‘Best Wetpour Installers in Manchester’.

Marsha Smith, Deputy Country Retail Manager at IKEA UK and Ireland, says: “We want to create a positive impact through sustainability and inspire people to do their bit in looking after our shared home – the planet. Schools can play a huge role in educating future generations and empowering all young people to take climate action. That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with Ashden for a second year, in support of the Let’s Go Zero Campaign.

“Last year’s competition was a huge success, and in 2023 we’d love to get even more Manchester and Warrington schools involved in doing their bit for the planet. From growing vegetables to composting and designing eco classroom areas, the sky’s the limit. We can’t wait to see the entries, and to work with four winners to bring their ideas to life.”

Alex Green, Schools Lead at Let’s Go Zero says: “We are delighted to be working with IKEA again on the Let’s Go Zero campaign and this exciting competition. Schools are at the heart of our communities and we know that by supporting projects within schools we can inspire our young people, and their families and communities to be real climate champions.”

According to Let’s Go Zero, schools will play a critical role in helping the UK cut carbon emission levels, with the power to prevent 625,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Visit here for more information on how to enter the IKEA Let’s Go Zero Competition. Also head over to the Let’s Go Zero’s website to sign up and support the campaign at https://letsgozero.org/.

Competition entries will be judged by a panel from IKEA and Ashden who will select four winning designs to be created, with winners announced in April. Entries are now open and will close at midnight on 20th March.

Ft’s Uk’s Leading Management Consultancies 2023 Report Recognising Mason Advisory Ltd for Fifth Time

The Financial Times has released its sixth annual UK’s Leading Management Consultancies report and Manchester’s Mason Advisory has been recognised in nine categories.

The leading digital and technology consultancy has been awarded silver in four categories – chemicals and pharma, healthcare and life science, IT implementation and IT strategy. Mason Advisory was also awarded bronze in consumer goods and retail, financial institutions, public and social sector, travel transport and logistics, and organisation and change categories.

The list, organised by the Financial Times and Statista, identifies and celebrates consultancies most recommended by their peers and clients. The results are based on three surveys, one for consultants’ views of their peers, and an additional two surveys collating client feedback.

A total of 185 consultancies are listed this year, across 15 sectors and 14 different types of work, and the inclusion of Mason Advisory is an acknowledgement of its reputation and strong performance within the UK consulting sector.

Paul Pugh, CEO at Mason Advisory, says: “Our whole team is thrilled to be featured in the report once again, and to be listed in nine categories demonstrates our unwavering dedication to our clients, the strength of the services we offer, and the growth in our specialisms. This is the fifth time we’ve been recognised in the report, and it is testament to the tenacity and talent of the exceptional people in our team.

“We are delighted that so many of our clients and business leaders participated in the report and nominated us, and it’s a privilege for us to be included alongside heavyweight industry players.

“We’re proud of the role we play in helping our clients achieve transformational results and to thrive despite challenging and changing economic conditions. We’re a fast-growing business focused on delivering digital solutions for our clients to enable them to meet their corporate objectives and remain competitive in their respective sectors.”

Last year, Mason Advisory was listed in five categories in the UK’s Leading Management Consultants 2022 report and secured 26th place in the UK’s Best Workplaces medium business category in April.

For more information on Mason Advisory, visit https://www.masonadvisory.com and find out more about the UK’s Leading Management Consultancies report at https://www.ft.com/content/8f66961e-8792-4f01-972c-90c5bb141385