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Stagecoach Manchester Operations Director Named in Northern Power Women Nominations

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17/02/2023

Stagecoach Manchester Operations Director Named in Northern Power Women Nominations

Europe’s largest awards championing gender equality has announced its Future and Power Lists for 2023, recognising Stagecoach Manchester’s Operations Director, Rebecca Rathore.

Now in its seventh year, the Northern Power Women Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations who work towards creating gender balance in organisations, passionately supporting equality across the North of the UK.

Rebecca Rathore, Operations Director at Stagecoach Manchester has been named as part of this years’ Future List. The Future List recognises the leaders and change makers of the future who are already making a different in their communities.

With 22 years of experience working in transport, covering train, tram, aviation, coach and bus, Rebecca joined Stagecoach in July 2022. She immediately became a key member of the leadership team with operational responsibility for the largest bus operation outside of London, including 1,800 colleagues, 700 buses, 96 million passenger journeys and 23.9 million miles of route.

Rebecca is the only woman director at Stagecoach Manchester, and all other Manchester bus operators. Her inclusion on the Future List helps to elevate the transport industry as a prospect for aspiring future women leaders.

Rebecca said: “I am delighted to have been named on the Northern Women Awards Future List. Although women are currently underrepresented in the transport sector, change is coming and I’m proud to be a part of this.

“I am very excited about the future and the opportunities that are opening to women every day. My next goal is to continue to lead by example and to champion an inclusive environment at Stagecoach and lead a network of women in transport.”

Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “We’re extremely proud of Rebecca’s success, her hard work, passion and dedication truly deserves to be recognised. Rebecca’s inclusion on the Future List will enable her to extend her influence beyond the public transport sector to empower and inspire women and to play an active role in supporting more sustainable communities.”

Rebecca was nominated by Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern Trains.

Commenting on her nomination, Tricia said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Rebecca has made this year’s Future List. I worked with Rebecca when we were both at Manchester Airport Group – and the impact she had from the outset was fantastic.

“Rebecca is a working mum and it’s great to see how she’s progressed to a senior role in Operations, acting as a role model and showing other women that it really is possible to balance family life with a high pressured job, even in the male-dominated world of Ops. Congratulations, Rebecca!”

Search for Volunteers to Join Museum’s Pioneering Work With Historic Working Machinery

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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Search for Volunteers to Join Museum’s Pioneering Work With Historic Working Machinery

Join one of the city’s most visited museums for a pioneering programme aimed at preserving Manchester’s heritage and inspiring solutions for the future.

The Science and Industry Museum is hosting a volunteering open event on Monday 6 March from 10.30 – 12.30. The event will support its innovative work with historic working collections as it looks to build a dedicated team of volunteers to focus on these objects and help to inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, makers and creators.

Science and Industry Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Group

The museum is devoted to inspiring visitors through ideas that change the world, from the Industrial Revolution to today and beyond. It houses a world-class collection of historic moving objects, including original machines from Greater Manchester’s 19^th century textiles mills, which gives insight into the historic cotton manufacturing process and life inside some of the world’s first industrial factories. The volunteering event is open to people of all interests and backgrounds aged 18 and over who would be keen to work with this collection and help to tell these stories.

Demonstration in Textiles pit © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum — Demonstration in Textiles pit – © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Textiles machinery © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. C Drew Forsyth

Attendees will get exclusive insights into the museum’s live engineering displays, as well as information about working with some of its most iconic objects and playing an essential role in sharing Manchester’s legacy with future generations. Budding volunteers will also meet with the museum’s team of experienced technicians and get involved in hands-on activities that give a taster of the different roles available. Places can be reserved by registering online.

Katie Powell, volunteer manager at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “The support of volunteers in helping us to run historic textile machinery is incredibly important. It means we can preserve the city’s cultural heritage by keeping the machines running and ensure future generations benefit from seeing these spectacular objects in action. Demonstrating this working technology helps to bring to life the stories of the people and ideas that powered the Industrial Revolution, and is key to inspiring the next generation to become catalysts for change in the 21^st century.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for anyone who has an interest in working with these sorts of objects and the open event is a great way to find out more, ask loads of questions and discover all the ways volunteering can enrich lives. Experience isn’t necessary, but we’re also eager to hear from anyone who has worked with similar machines before and who could share their skills and knowledge with other volunteers.”

The event comes at an important time in the Science and Industry Museum’s development. A multi-million-pound renovation project is ongoing across its seven-acre site to open brand new spaces and make significant improvements to some of its best-loved galleries. This includes the iconic Power Hall, which houses one of the UK’s largest collections of working steam engines. When it reopens in the future, it will have a renewed focus on original historic engines with a compelling connection to Manchester, telling stories of the relationship between humans and engines and showcasing the impact skilled engineers, makers and technicians had and continue to have on the world today.

As part of the regeneration works, the museum is also embarking on a sector-leading decarbonisation scheme. In addition to showcasing Manchester’s pioneering role in the industrial revolution, many of the stories it tells will explore its own journey towards becoming carbon-neutral and its role in the next (green) revolution.

The museum already benefits from the knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm of more than 140 volunteers. From caring for its outdoor spaces to delivering in-depth talks and hosting engaging demonstrations, every person who gifts their time to the museum helps to inspire visitors from a site of global significance. Its collection of historic working machinery is a core part of its offer, and it is eager to work with a volunteer team dedicated to these objects.

For more information about the Science and Industry Museum’s galleries, collection and ongoing regeneration project, visit its website or register to attend to the volunteering event.

McCarthy Stone Has Announced Enormous Interest in Two Brand New Retirement Communities Coming Soon to Macclesfield

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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McCarthy Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, has revealed enormous interest in not one but two brand new retirement communities coming soon to Macclesfield.

Macclesfield retirees were invited to join McCarthy Stone at the Tytherington Club to hear first-hand about the new retirement properties at Kings Scholars Court and John Percyvale Court, with the special event marking the first opportunity for off-plan reservations to be made.

Following the event, McCarthy Stone is pleased to announce there has been a surge in reservations of one- and two-bedroom apartments at their Kings Scholars Court and John Percyvale Court Retirement Living and Retirement Living PLUS developments, with a large number being snapped up there and then on the day.

Limited apartments are still available for retirees in the local Macclesfield area who may be considering downsizing. To discuss the remaining properties, those interested are encouraged to act fast by calling 0800 882 1829 or visiting www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/macclesfield/

Louise Flynn, Divisional Marketing Manager for McCarthy Stone, explained: “It was so lovely to meet with the local community who came along to the Tytherington Club and hear all about their future retirement plans. Both Kings Scholars Court and John Percyvale Court present a significant opportunity for anyone looking to secure a prime location property in the vibrant town of Macclesfield, which has many amenities within its thriving community. Our developments offer the chance to downsize and enjoy life in a low-maintenance, high-quality property as part of a genuine community of like-minded people.

“We would urge anyone else with an interest in living at either Kings Scholars Court and John Percyvale Court to make contact as soon as they can. As demand increases, there will be too few properties for people’s needs, so don’t miss out on securing your pick of the remaining plots at our stunning developments coming soon to Macclesfield.”

31 one- and 30 two-bedroom retirement properties are being created at John Percyvale Court, a Retirement Living Plus development providing the ideal location for over-70s who can get tailored support when needed while still maintaining their independence. Kings Scholars Court is a Retirement Living development aimed at the over-60s who can choose from 11 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom properties.

The developments will include a communal lounge hosting regular events; well-maintained, attractively landscaped gardens; and a hotel-style guest suite where friends and family can stay overnight. John Percyvale Court will also house a bistro where residents and their guests can enjoy freshly-cooked meals. Peace of mind is assured through state-of-the-art security measures and the presence of staff on-site 24/7.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, meaning it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.

To find out more about living at either Macclesfield development, please call 0800 882 1829 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/macclesfield/

Manchester Museum is reopening after a huge transformation

Reviews

Alex Stenson

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17/02/2023

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Manchester Museum is reopening after a huge transformation

One of the largest museums in the UK, Manchester Museum, is set to re-open this weekend (February 18) following its most exciting transformation yet, as part of its Hello Future project.

The £15 million capital project has allowed the easily accessible museum to include new and diverse perspectives across the galleries and facilities that visitors will find across the museum. The new collections allow visitors to learn more about diverse cultures around the world, including the links between Manchester and China, showcased by the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Gallery.

Other new collections found in the museum include the Golden Mummies of Egypt, which features more than 100 objects and 8 mummies, allowing the visitors to gain a deeper understanding of ‘ancient Egypt’ and learn from the new research carried out by University of Manchester.

Dinosaur enthusiasts will be pleased to know there is a brand-new Dinosaur display which features April the Tenontosaurus along with a previously popular exhibit, Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex, who has been returned after being removed during the renovation.

Maude the Tigon, a cross between a male tiger and a female lion, has also been returned to the museum, alongside the other 18,000 items in their huge historical collection. Along with the famous hybrid animal, visitors can see the zoology collection which includes a very diverse collection of preserved creatures, ranging from elephants to polar bears.

Museum%20Wide%20Shots 05

Esme Ward, Museum Director of Manchester Museum, says:

“The reopening marks a huge moment in Manchester Museum’s rich history as we open our doors following a major transformation. We have extended the building, making room for more joy and learning and evolving into the Museum Manchester needs.”

“Beautiful new galleries and exhibitions will showcase the best of the Museum’s historic collections, as well as addressing the urgencies of the present day and highlighting the complexities of our world. We have also listened to advocates with lived experience, and inclusive new spaces and features are incorporated throughout. We are delighted to welcome our visitors back.”

Following the reopening this weekend, Manchester Museum is also hosting a variety of events in the future, including International Mother Language Day with the Multilingual Museum project, on February 21^st, and British Science Week on March 14^th and 15^th where students will be able to interact with experiments, talk to researchers and more.

To find out more about the opening and future events go to the Manchester Museum website.

LSH Auto Hosts Careers Event for Students From Inscape House School

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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LSH Auto Hosts Careers Event for Students From Inscape House School

This week, LSH Auto hosted a special careers event for autistic students from Inscape House School.

Eight students and six assistants were welcomed to Mercedes-Benz of Stockport on Wednesday 15 February to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities and to find out more about a variety of career paths in the automotive sector.

Katherine McLoughlin, Group Aftersales Manager at LSH Auto, said: “We were delighted to meet the young people from Inscape House School and to give them an insight into the automotive industry and the variety of careers available in it.

“Peoples differences are our strength. The automotive industry continues to make great strides on breaking down barriers when it comes to inclusion and diversity; but when it comes to neurodiversity there’s still a long way to go. It has to start by removing the bias that still exists and it is down to us to make that change.

“I really want to build on the foundation laid out today and create an environment that nurtures the confidence of young people with great potential who are sometimes overlooked. Focusing on the ability rather than the disability.”

The careers day featured highly interactive workshops where members of the LSH Auto team talked to the students about their roles, along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the showroom and the workshops, followed by lunch.

Marie Young, Careers Lead & Teacher at Inscape House School, said: “The pupils today have learnt about the world of work through exploring and fun. They have come back to school full of conversation about what they have seen and learnt. A big thank you to LSH Auto and everybody at Mercedes-Benz of Stockport for allowing our young learners to have the run of the showroom, this was definitely the driving force behind such a successful day.

“Events like this are so powerful in getting our young learners with autism to think about their futures and the different jobs and pathways that are available to them. We look forward to working with LSH Auto in the future. A big thank you from the pupils, staff and myself.”

For information on careers with LSH Auto visit https://www.lshauto.co.uk/recruitment/current-vacancies/.

Just Stop Oil Supporters From Greater Manchester Found Guilty of Disrupting Oil Supplies at Birmingham Esso Terminal

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Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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Just Stop Oil Supporters From Greater Manchester Found Guilty of Disrupting Oil Supplies at Birmingham Esso Terminal

Judge who reluctantly found Just Stop Oil supporters from Greater Manchester guilty of disrupting oil supplies at Birmingham Esso Terminal, says “You should feel guilty for nothing”

Three Just Stop Oil supporters from Greater Manchester have been found guilty of Aggravated Trespass yesterday. They were among 13 Just Stop Oil supporters who blockaded the Esso Fuel Terminal in Birmingham in April 2022.

Just Stop Oil is demanding that the government halt licences and consents for any new fossil fuel projects in the UK [1]. The Government is planning to issue over 100 North Sea oil and gas licenses, which climate scientists warn is incompatible with tackling the climate crisis.

Paul Barnes, 43, a design manager and father of two from Bolton, Alan Woods, 58, a company director from Wigan, and Oliver Clegg, 20, a plant science student from Manchester, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court before Judge Wilkinson, on trial with six others. They were found guilty, sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and made to pay costs of between £250 and £500 costs and a £22 surcharge.

The Just Stop Oil supporters peacefully blockaded the entrance to the Esso Fuel Depot, owned and operated by Exxon Mobil, and stopped distribution for nearly 12 hours on 3 April 2022 [2].

During the trial, Judge Wilkinson heard evidence from the defendants that Esso, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil, had led a sustained campaign of misinformation, across many decades, over the role of fossil fuels in climate breakdown.

Paul Barnes said: “My children, who are seven and four years old, have no concept of the risks our government is taking, by issuing over 100 new fossil fuel licences. It’s my job to protect my children, now and into the future, to weigh up the risks and to take action to prevent them from coming to harm. It is the government’s job to do the same for their citizens. A duty they are failing to undertake, for the sake of the short-term profits of oil companies and big business.”

Alan Woods said “Esso knew about the climate crisis as long ago as 1979. They deceived the public, misled their shareholders, and robbed humanity of a generation’s worth of time to reverse the damage their product has caused. I participated in this action in order to highlight this, and to demand the UK do not license any further fossil fuel projects.”

Oliver Clegg said: “I never expected that I’d find myself breaking the law, getting arrested and before a judge. However, I also never expected that the government would license new oil, gas and even coal mines, whilst claiming it’s leading the world on the climate crisis! If the government will not stand up to the fossil fuel industry, then it’s up to young people to defend our own futures.”

After initially describing the Just Stop Oil supporters as “self-appointed vigilantes,” on hearing the testimonies from the defendants the prosecutor, Mr Fielding, explicitly retracted that comment and conceded the Just Stop Oil supporters were “good people.”

In summation Judge Wilkinson said:

“It’s abundantly clear that you are all good people. …It’s unarguable that man-made global warming is real and we are facing a climate emergency. Your aims are ably and genuinely articulated and are supported by the science. …When the United Nations Secretary General gives a speech saying that the activity of fossil fuel companies are incompatible with human survival, we should all be very aware of the need for change. Millions of people, and I do not dispute that it may be as many as 1 billion people, will be displaced as a result of climate change.”

“No-one can criticise your motivations. You all gave evidence that was deeply moving. I certainly was moved. The tragedy is that good people have felt so much without hope, that you feel you have to come into conflict with the criminal justice system.”

“Thank you for opening my eyes to certain things”

“I say this, and I mean this sadly, I have to convict you. …You should feel guilty for nothing. You should feel proud that you care, have concern for the future. I urge you not to break the law again. Good luck to all of you.”

The result of this trial comes in the wake of the acquittal on the 25th January 2023, of a further four Just Stop Oil supporters who also blocked the Esso Fuel Terminal on the 3rd April 2022. [3]

Since the Just Stop Oil campaign launched on the 14th February 2022, there have been over 2,000 arrests and 138 people have spent time in prison, many without trial. There are currently seven Just Stop Oil supporters and one Insulate Britain supporter in prison awaiting trial or serving sentences for actions taken with the campaigns.

During the latest campaign of disruption in Autumn 2022, polling showed a huge surge in support for nonviolent direct action of the sort carried out by Just Stop Oil, with 66% saying they support taking nonviolent direct action to protect the climate and just 34% opposed. [4]

A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil said:

“The law is failing us – the wrong people are being criminalised. We know that we’re on course for catastrophic climate breakdown because of our continued burning of fossil fuels. And yet the government plans to issue over 100 new oil and gas licences – a plan that scientists warn will take the world over 1.5C, resulting in the collapse of ordered society, the loss of our rights and freedoms and the death of millions of people. The fossil fuel companies and the governments supporting their deadly interests are the real criminals – not those who are doing everything they nonviolently can to prevent disaster.

In the face of this reality, disruptive civil resistance is now inevitable and justified, and it will continue until the government changes course. Our families, communities, our country and civilisation are on the cliff edge of destruction, and we refuse to stand by. After decades of public debate, lobbying and petitioning, we have nowhere else to go. The government is doubling down on fossil fuels, indicating ever greater levels of criminality, so we have to stop them. Please join us – join our weekly online zoom sessions on Tuesdays at 7pm”.

Lothbury Secures Key Asset Management Wins Across Industrial Portfolio

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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Lothbury Secures Key Asset Management Wins Across Industrial Portfolio

Lothbury Investment Management has secured a number of new lettings and tenant lease renewals, on behalf of Lothbury Property Trust, across its commercial property holdings in Trafford Park, Manchester, Kent and in Birmingham.

A lease renewal with leading refrigeration and air conditioning wholesale Dean & Wood has been completed at Unit 9 at Premier Park, Manchester, achieving a record rent for the fully let business park.

Built in 2008, Premier Park is a fully enclosed estate within Trafford Park, comprising 200,000 sq ft across 21 high specification units on an 11-acre site. It is Trafford Park’s most modern multi-let estate. Unit 9 comprises 8,690 sq ft and has been let on a 10-year lease at £10.50 per sq ft, generating an annual rental figure of £91,245, the highest rent achieved on the estate to date.

Premier Park is centrally located, close to Media City and Old Trafford, Manchester city centre and junctions 9 and 10 of the M60.

The letting of two units at Lothbury’s Priory Park, Aylesford holding has just been completed. Unit 3C, which has undergone a complete refurbishment, comprises 9,413 sq ft and was vacated by Chubb Fire last year. Unit 3D comprises 10,288 sq ft and was previously let to Quadrant Modular before a surrender of their lease earlier this year.

Both units have been let to Prinova Solutions at £11.00 per sq ft on a 10-year lease with a 5-year break, generating a rental income of £216,711 per annum.

Prinova, who already own a freehold unit on Priory Park, are a world leader in high-quality ingredients, flavours, nutrient pre-mixes, and value-added solutions for the food and beverage industry, and have taken Units 3C and 3D in order to create space to expand on the park. Priory Park benefits from direct access from the A20 and is close to junction 5 of the M20.

Meanwhile Lothbury has secured a 10-year lease with a 5-year break with parcels courier Evri, formerly Hermes Parcelnet, at their holding at Unit 4, Meteor Park in Birmingham. The 112,943 sq ft property was let at a headline rent of £8.50 per sq ft, realising an annual rent of £960,000.

Meteor Park is strategically located adjacent to junction 6 of the M6, close to Birmingham city centre.

Alastair Dewar, asset manager at Lothbury Investment Management, said: “These commercial property holdings across the country continue to be excellent performing assets. The new lettings and lease renewals confirm the popularity of good quality units in strategically placed industrial locations, where we are continuing to invest successfully.”

At Priory Park, Lothbury was represented by Martine Waghorn; Prinova were unrepresented. At Premier Park, JLL acted on behalf of Lothbury; Dean & Wood was represented by Logix Property. At Meteor Park, Savills acted for Lothbury; Art Surveyors acted for Evri.

Shred-it Awarded Superbrands Status for Fourth Consecutive Year

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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Shred-it Awarded Superbrands Status for Fourth Consecutive Year

Shred-it, a Stericycle solution and one of the UK’s leading information security companies, has been recognised as an outstanding business-to-business Superbrand for the fourth consecutive year. Only the most highly-regarded brands from each category receive the prestigious award.

Superbrands status is evaluated and determined against three core factors of service quality, trusted reliability and sector distinction, as well as overall brand perception. Uniquely, brands do not apply to be considered for Superbrands Status. From the thousands of brands initially identified this year, Some 1,580 brands across 72 categories were assessed and voted for by a nationally representative sample of 2,517 UK business professionals and an independent Business Superbrands Council consisting of 27 business-to-business marketing leaders.

Rachael Alpha, Shred-it’s SVP of sales and marketing in EMEAA said: “It’s a great achievement for our team to have retained Superbrands status for the last four years. A great brand is built by great brand ambassadors and Shred-it is a collective of hard working team members who continuously strive to provide a quality service that adds value to our customers business.”

The UK Superbrands annual survey is unique in that it provides a valuable insight into how brands have evolved and been perceived since 1995. Damon Segal, country director of Superbrands UK, said: “We are very pleased that Shred-it continues to qualify as a Superbrand. The brand is an outstanding example of how putting customers first builds loyalty and brand value.”

Due to sector-based secure data compliance and GDPR, there’s never been a more important time to protect the wealth of information that is processed and stored on a daily basis. Awareness of the security risks and the impact that a data breach can have on a business’ reputation and bottom line highlights the needs for secure document and media destruction as part of a business’ critical infrastructure.

Leading Rural Insurer Warns Homeowners in the North of England and Scotland to Prepare for Storm Otto

Community

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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Leading Rural Insurer Warns Homeowners in the North of England and Scotland to Prepare for Storm Otto

NFU Mutual is warning homeowners in the North of England and Scotland to prepare for Storm Otto, which is expected to bring gales of over 75mph and heavy rain throughout Friday.

The Danish Met Office has labelled Storm Otto as the country will likely see the most extreme weather, but the extreme weather will be the first named storm to impact the UK this storm naming season. The season began in September 2022.

Winds of over 75mph and rainfall of 40-50mm could cause significant disruption and damage, so the leading rural insurer is sharing advice on how to prevent damage and protect your property during a storm.

Andrew Chalk, rural insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:

“While we’re highly unlikely to see a repeat of Storm Arwen or Storms Dudley Eunice, and Franklin, which collectively saw NFU Mutual support over 20,000 claims for damage, the strong winds and heavy rainfall brought by Storm Otto will increase the chance of damage and disruption.

“Gusts of over 75mph could be strong enough to damage roofs or weak walls, bring down branches and throw garden furniture into property, while rainfall of 40-50mm could cause localised flooding.

“While it is safe to do so, we advise homeowners in the North of England and Scotland to take simple measures to protect their property. This includes securing garden furniture, moving vehicles away from weak walls or trees where possible, and moving possessions away from ground-level rooms if flood warnings are in place.

“Though unlikely, people should also prepare for power cuts by having torches and batteries to hand.

“As the leading rural insurer, we know that properties in isolated areas are generally more susceptible to damage from storms, so people living in the countryside should pay particular attention to the risks.”

Road safety

High-speed winds and excessive rain can also make driving significantly more difficult. Those that need to travel during the storm should adjust their behaviour accordingly, reducing speeds, leaving greater stopping distances and checking routes for obstructions ahead of time.

Andrew Chalk added:

“As a campaigner on rural road safety, we urge all motorists to take extra care on countryside roads while the storm rages. These roads are already significantly more deadly than their urban counterparts, and heavy rain and wind only increases the danger of common rural road hazards like mud, blind bends and junctions and narrow roads.

“By taking things slowly and respecting fellow road users, we can ensure that the extreme weather doesn’t result in the tragic loss of life on rural roads.”

NFU Mutual’s guide to preparing for a storm

Make sure all doors and windows can be securely closed.
Prepare for power cuts: Have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required. If you are using candles, make sure you use them safely and extinguish when leaving the room, and make sure nothing hangs over the candles.
Inspect your property and make repairs to things like loose fence panels or gates.
Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
Have a space to put loose outdoor furniture like garden chairs and trampolines. If you do not have an indoor space in which to put them, ensure you have a means of tying down or otherwise securing the furniture.
Safely check that tiles, slates and roofing sheets are in place, securing any that are not.
Inspect trees on your property, removing loose or overhanging branches which may cause damage to your or others’ property in a storm.
Repair or unblock any faulty drains.
If you have a garage, clear a space for your vehicle in the event of a storm. If you do not have a garage, plan where you can park vehicle during a storm – this should be away from any walls, fences or branches which could fall and damage the vehicle.
Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings in your area.
Have your insurer’s emergency helpline number available.

While driving

Drive slowly and steadily and leave larger gaps between vehicles. Wet conditions can increase stopping distances by ten times.
In windy weather, leave plenty of room when passing other road users, particularly vulnerable road users like walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Avoid braking suddenly, slowing down gently before corners and junctions.
Accelerate slowly, keeping revs low.
Take care coming up to junctions where road markings may be less visible.

New Faces at the Helm of R3 in the North West

Olivia McHugh

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17/02/2023

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New Faces at the Helm of R3 in the North West

The North West branch of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, has two new faces leading the region.

Fran Henshaw has been appointed as the new regional Chair while Mark Davies is the new Vice-Chair.

Fran, a qualified insolvency practitioner, is Director and Head of Corporate Recovery and Insolvency at chartered accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers in Manchester. She takes over the role of Chair from Allan Cadman, an insolvency practitioner with the Xeinadin Group, who has completed his three-year term in office.

Mark Davies, an insolvency solicitor, is a Partner and Head of Restructuring and Insolvency at Chester-based Aaron & Partners LLP. Both have over 30 years’ experience helping companies and individuals with debt problems and also advising creditors pursuing outstanding debts.

Their appointment comes as business insolvencies in England and Wales have reached a 13-year high and Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidations (CVLs) – a type of insolvency procedure where directors close their company voluntarily – are at the highest level since records began over 60 years ago.

Fran Henshaw said: “Insolvency professionals play a key role in rescuing struggling businesses, saving jobs and helping individuals with debt problems. Our work is even more important in these challenging times when, having made it through the pandemic, businesses now face rising costs and the prospect of recession.

“In the short term we are likely to see a further increase in business distress which in turn could put pressure on the personal finances of business owners, especially small firms and the self-employed. The insolvency profession are here to help and the sooner people come forward to ask advice, the more effective our role can be. It is an honour to take on the role of Chair and act as the voice of the profession in the North West.”

Mark Davies added: “It is vital that businesses and individuals with cash flow or debt problems don’t bury their head in the sand. One of the trends we are seeing at present is a big rise in winding up petitions as creditors adopt a more aggressive stance in terms of recovery of their debt.

“I would urge any business or individual who is facing financial problems to ask for advice at an early stage when it may be easier to resolve such issues and with more options being open.”

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