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Manchester Airport passes 90% of pre-pandemic traffic in January, as first full year of restriction-free travel begins

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14/02/2023

<strong>Manchester Airport passes 90% of pre-pandemic traffic in January, as first full year of restriction-free travel begins</strong>

Manchester Airport has made a strong start to 2023, with passenger volumes at more than 90% of those seen pre-pandemic, according to new figures.

MAG, which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, served 3.6 million passengers in January, with over 1.6m of those passing through the Northern hub.

The figure is more than double the 750,000 or so who travelled through Manchester in January 2022, when the Group served just 37% of pre-pandemic traffic, owing to Omicron testing requirements that remained in place for passengers travelling to and from the UK.

Across MAG, January’s passenger figures were 91% of those seen in the same month in 2019.

Elsewhere, operational performance has continued to be much-improved on last summer, with 92.4% of passengers waiting for 10 minutes or less to pass through security checks last month.

The traffic stats round off a positive month at Manchester Airport, which also announced the final phase of its £1.3bn transformation programme in January. The £440m investment will update the existing Terminal Two infrastructure, to bring it in line with the state-of-the-art extension, which opened to passengers in July 2021.

The investment is set to unlock billions in economic activity and create more than 500 jobs in the construction phase alone. A further 16,400 extra jobs will also be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network. York Aviation research also shows that the Airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5bn could increase by nearly 80%, to £6.3bn by 2040.

The announcement was welcomed by a broad range of supporters, including the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, and the Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton.

As part of its initiatives to make its airports as accessible as possible for all passengers, MAG was also proud to announce the creation of its partnership with SignLive, which provides Deaf customers with interpretation in British Sign Language (BSL) when using and contacting its airports.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are delighted to have made such a strong start to 2023, with January’s statistics showing passenger numbers continuing to recover well and operational performance steadily improving.

“The announcement of the second phase of our transformation programme is a major milestone for our airport, and a statement of our intent to deliver on our full potential as the UK’s global gateway in the North.

“We are now fully focused on continuing to improve the passenger experience ahead of what promises to be another busy summer.”

Global Investigations on Evading Fraud During The Cost of Living Crisis

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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Global Investigations on Evading Fraud During The Cost of Living Crisis

Continuing to take its toll on many households across the UK, the cost of living crisis sees people falling victim to fraudsters. APP (Authorised Push Payment) fraud rose by 30% in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.

As costs rise, fraud is expected to accelerate significantly this year, with criminals finding new ways to scam their victims with fake emails, phone calls, and text messages. Cifas, the UK’s leading fraud prevention service, is warning individuals to be extra vigilant following a rise in reports of criminals targeting online and mobile phone users.

One of the scams involve criminals claiming to be from a person’s phone provider and offering them money off their bill as a way to help cope with the financial strain caused by the crisis. Unsuspecting victims are then asked a number of questions in order to obtain their personal information to be used for fraud. Cifas is urging mobile customers to hang up and contact your provider if you are unsure if a call is legitimate.

In addition, WhatsApp users have reported receiving messages offering job opportunities with appealing hourly salaries. Once they reply, users are then asked to pay money for work equipment or employment screening checks, as well as provide bank details or identity documents.

“It is crucial that people are extra cautious when receiving unexpected calls, texts, or emails,” says Jack Roberts, Director at Global Investigations, a private detective firm offering fraud investigation services. “These offers can seem appealing, but it is important that you refrain from handing over any personal or financial information.”

Through WhatsApp, criminals are also disguising themselves as financial specialists to gain access to cryptocurrency investment chat groups. These groups are frequently occupied by bots that appear like people and guarantee rewarding returns on little investment, but these promises are simply fake schemes. Cifas is asking people to be mindful when approached with exclusive financial investment offers, and remember that only scammers will pressure you into making quick decisions.

Roberts recommends to crosscheck the FCA’s register for resisted firms and personnel before parting with any money. “It is more important than ever to be vigilant of potential scams during these difficult times. Only by keeping yourself informed and understanding fraudulent behaviour can criminals be stopped from exploiting the public.”

Taking precautionary steps, such as keeping up to date on current trends in fraudulent activity, will help to protect yourself against becoming a victim of fraud. If you suspect a scammer has targeted you, the best course of action is to inform your bank straight away and get in touch with Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Funding update shows Council’s dedication to fighting climate change

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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Funding update shows Council’s dedication to fighting climate change

Updated totals reveal how much funding the Council has managed to secure to support its climate change ambitions.

In total, the Council has so far put in place £227m of investment to support its Climate Change Action Plan – which will allow the Council to reduce its own emissions – and the wider citywide Climate Change Framework which is about delivering projects city-wide that will help reduce carbon.

Both the Council and the city as a whole aim to be zero carbon by 2038 or earlier.

The funding secured to date, which is outlined in a report to the Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee which met on Thursday 9 February is as follows:

– £109.2m Council funding (this includes investment in LED street lighting, the Civic Quarter Heat Network, Estates Carbon Reduction, purchase of electric refuse collection vehicles, and others).
– £70.1m from the UK Government (this includes funding for Mayfield Park, the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, and others).
– £35.4m from GMCA (this includes Active Travel and the GM Mayors Challenge Fund).
– £4.3m from the European Union (including ERDF funded Unlocking Clean Energy, Horizon 2020 funding for West Gorton Park, URBACT C-Change and Zero Carbon Cities projects and e-cargo bikes).

– £4.3m from partners (including One Manchester contribution to the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund)
– £3.6m from the Manchester Climate Change Agency (including In Our Nature funding from the National Lottery).

Recently the Council has also set out its plans for Active Travel over the next five years. The Manchester Active Travel Strategy and Investment Plan (MATSIP) explains how the Council will expand the city’s active travel network, whilst implementing new policies that will shift the public away from car travel, towards cleaner and greener alternatives.

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester City Council is leading the way when it comes to tackling climate change. While we’re pleased to have been recognised nationally for our work, we want to go further and faster.

“Reducing emissions, creating a greener city and putting residents and communities at the heart of these efforts is a key component of our efforts. We know this is a big challenge but taking meaningful action brings benefits, not just in contributing to a global effort to reduce carbon emissions and minimise the impact of climate change but in helping create a greener, healthier and fairer city.”

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “The extent of funding which we are managing to secure and direct towards tackling climate change demonstrates our commitment to this priority.

“Whether it’s decarbonising buildings and other infrastructure, planting trees and creating new green spaces or helping people to make more sustainable travel choices, there are a host of initiatives we are investing in. The Council is determined to lead by example.

“We will continue to explore opportunities to secure further funding to support the important work being done across the city.”

Slater Heelis makes Modern Law Awards finals

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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<strong>Slater Heelis makes Modern Law Awards finals</strong>

Manchester-based law firm, Slater Heelis, is in line for a Law Firm of the Year trophy having made the shortlist of the Modern Law Awards 2023.

Facing tough competition from nine other firms in the hotly-contested category, Slater Heelis hopes that a number of recent successes will stand it in good stead.

Marking its 250^th anniversary this year, the practice recently achieved its largest ever workforce, with a year-on-year rise in the number of fee-earning solicitors taking its employee base over the 200 mark.

Having been recognised with listings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK rankings, it is also predicting a 13 per cent rise in turnover for the 2022/23 financial year.

To coincide with the anniversary, the firm has moved to a shared ownership model in the form of a Share Incentive Plan and also launched the Slater Heelis Academy, an initiative offering access to more than 100 training and development programmes.

Beyond this, having become the first law firm in the UK to become accredited as an official partner of the LGBT Foundation it has appointed 10 LGBT champions within the business. Additionally, Slater Heelis continues to support the communities within which it operates through a number of initiatives with HOME, the Greater Manchester Youth Network, local foodbanks, and regeneration projects.

Chris Bishop, managing partner at Slater Heelis, said: “We’ve had a tremendous 12 months and that is solely down to the performance, resilience and collective success of our people.

“Slater Heelis wouldn’t be anything without our workforce and, regardless of the result on the night, I’d like to dedicate this award recognition to them.

“Marking a 250^th anniversary is no mean feat and something we are incredibly proud of, so to win this trophy in our milestone year would be the icing on the cake.”

Organised by Access Legal and in its ninth year, the ambition of the Modern Law Awards is to identify and celebrate the very greatest talent and success stories in the UK legal sector.

With a total of 17 categories, winners will be announced on Thursday 2^nd March 2023 at the Hurlingham Club in London.

HMG Paints celebrate Apprentices after successful National Apprenticeship Week

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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HMG Paints celebrate Apprentices after successful National Apprenticeship Week

HMG Paints have marked National Apprenticeship Week 2023 with a celebration of a number of colleagues at various stages of their Apprenticeship journeys. The Manchester based manufacturer has been a long-term advocate of apprenticeships and developing its own staff and allowing them to develop careers within HMG. This is highlighted with current Chief Operating Office Steve Crossman, who joined HMG as an 18-year-old apprentice himself.

The business employs a number of apprentices across the business in roles ranging from paint production, laboratory and logistics to office-based roles. One of the newer apprentices just starting her journey is Gabby Parfitt, who joined HMG in 2021 as a member of the Print Room. Gaby is undertaking a level 3 apprenticeship. The 16-month course will provide her with a Level 3 business administrator qualification.

“I like doing my course at HMG because it gives me further education while working. HMG also provides time and a quiet space to do my apprenticeship work and participate in online lessons” said Gabby “My apprenticeship has taught me how to manage my time and set priorities for tasks that are urgent and non-urgent and helping create healthy habits. The 4D’s (delete, defer, delegate and do it) helped me with this.”

At the other end of the journey is Shannon Williams, who completed her Degree Level Apprenticeship in Business Management (Chartered Manager) in 2022 and achieved an Upper Second-Class Honours and has since been promoted to Product Manager.

On her apprenticeship journey, Shannon commented, “The Degree Apprenticeship helped to develop my skills and knowledge of business through a wide range of subjects and management processes. These skills have helped with my new role as Product Manager. HMG provided me with the support and time needed throughout to enable me to complete the degree”.

Shannon Williams HMG Paints Apprenticeships 2023 2 — Shannon Williams.

HMG Paints COO, Steve Crossman, is proud of the ongoing success of the apprenticeship scheme, stating: “We’re pleased to support our staff in developing themselves professionally and personally, and the apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain academic knowledge and real-life experience. We have a number of staff who have been here for decades with a wealth of knowledge and we’ve found combining that with the learning providers is a perfect way to bring numerous advantages to HMG.”

One of the common misconceptions of apprenticeships is that they are for early career journeys, however HMG also employ apprentices who are undertaking Level 7 qualifications. One such employee is Lewis Whalen, who is currently studying for his CIMA Level 7 Professional Accounting Technician qualification. Once Lewis completes his three-year apprenticeship course, he will be a qualified Management Accountant – ACMA (Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).

“Completing my CIMA qualification whilst at HMG means I can apply some of my learning in the workplace and I have a better understanding of some modules due to the exposure and experience I have within HMG. It is an ideal way to combine practical experience with theoretical knowledge” Lewis added.

Lewis Whalen HMG Paints Apprenticeships 2023 2 — Lewis Whalen.

As a Made in Britain accredited manufacture, HMG offer a number of colour career choices. The nature and variety of HMG’s customer base & product portfolio means that there is a broad range of roles and opportunities within the company from apprentice and graduate opportunities in production and operations to roles for experienced chemists within the Laboratory. These roles include technical positions such as paint technologists, research & development chemists and colour specialists with one eye on a sustainable, net zero future. Believe it or not the company even have roles that require watching paint dry.

Health Assured, the UK & Ireland’s largest EAP provider, is speaking out for LGBTQ+ rights and urging other businesses to do the same

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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Health Assured, the UK & Ireland’s largest EAP provider, is speaking out for LGBTQ+ rights and urging other businesses to do the same

In honour of LGBT history month and recognising the discrimination LGBTQ+ people face day-in-day-out, Manchester-based Health Assured has launched a project to help. On Wednesday 15th February, Health Assured’s inclusivity and diversity group, Undivided, will take over the company’s Instagram account with a video Q&A session on how to support LGBTQ+ individuals at work.

Kayleigh Frost, Head of Clinical Support at Health Assured, says “Many people – employees and employers alike – want to do more to support inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. But they might not always know how to approach the subject or may not fully understand the challenges people face.

“More than a third of LGBT staff (35%) have hidden that their sexuality at work for fear of discrimination. And this is hardly a surprise, as the figures show that 9 in 10 LGBTQ+ people have experienced verbal abuse at some point in their lives.

“Hiding aspects of who you are and living in fear of discrimination can have a huge impact on mental health. And it’s up to us all to do our bit to make a change.

“Making a change requires effort and learning, and that’s what this Q&A is here to do. We’ve got 10 volunteers from our undivided group, many of whom identify as LGBTQ+, answering a range of questions including:

Why is it important to create a safe space to discuss sexuality/identity in the workplace?
Is there a way to create a safe space for people to talk about their sexuality/identity openly at work?
How can we work to become more accepting and inclusive towards the LGBTQ+ community at work?
How can you promote pride in the workplace?

“Creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive workspace means employees at Health Assured feel empowered to be their true authentic self in the workplace.”

Clinical Support Manager Jodie Hughes says “When I joined Health Assured, I was surrounded by colleagues who were open about their sexuality, identity, and gender etc. This encouraged me to be myself in a very casual way. Even little things such as managers speaking opening about their lived experiences was eye opening for me.

“I am proud to be a part of the inclusive and diverse culture we have here. This session will give you a fantastic insight into LGBTQ+ at work, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

The Q&A session starts at 13:00 on Wednesday 15 February on Health Assured’s Instagram account @healthassured.

The Carbon Literacy Project recognises NorthEdge as the first private equity firm in the world to achieve Gold status as a Carbon Literate Organisation

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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The Carbon Literacy Project recognises NorthEdge as the first private equity firm in the world to achieve Gold status as a Carbon Literate Organisation

From the Carbon Literacy Project (CLP), NorthEdge has become the world’s first private equity firm to gain Gold Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) status.

The CLP provides firms with an awareness of the impacts of our everyday activities and the cost of climate change for our businesses and our planet. The organisation has been set up to help people to understand how to reduce emissions on an individual, community, and organisational basis.

The CLP was also recognised by the United Nations at the COP21 climate negotiations in 2015 as one of 100 ‘Transformative Actions Projects’ worldwide that could materially change the way we deal with climate change.

As part of its work towards the accreditation, NorthEdge invested in carbon literacy training for its entire team – with colleagues pledging to take accountability for reducing carbon emissions generated from their collective personal and business activities.

The firm has also used the training to support the delivery of its net zero plan, as well as encouraging 14 of its portfolio companies to take steps to build out their own – with a target set for all portfolio companies to have a net zero plan in place within the next 18 months.

NorthEdge is also dedicated to using the accreditation as a platform to drive positive change – not only across its business and portfolio, but also the wider industry. NorthEdge is aiming to encourage other private equity firms to take responsibility for the carbon emissions in their business and portfolios – collectively reducing Private Equity’s impact on the planet through the large network and sphere of influence the sector has.

The Gold CLO accreditation follows NorthEdge’s recent win at the Real Deals ESG Awards, where it was recognised for its commitment to best practice in ESG amongst its peers and for driving positive change in the private equity space, and special recognition from BVCA at the Excellence in ESG Awards.

Lucie Mills, Partner, Value Creation & ESG at NorthEdge said: “We’re thrilled to be the first private equity firm to achieve gold CLO status, emphasising our commitment and efforts to create a positive change not only within our firm, but also our portfolio and the wider industry.

“Whilst it will take a collective effort over many years to achieve the global net zero goals, we want to use our reach and sphere of influence as investors to play a significant role in reducing the impact on our planet and supporting businesses to grow sustainably.

“We will use this accreditation as a call to action to drive further progress and continue to share ESG best practice with our network, our peers and our portfolio – collectively working towards achieving a more sustainable future through building better businesses.”

Phil Korbel, Co-Founder & Director of Advocacy at The Carbon Literacy Project said: “’The power of private equity to move the dial towards a safer climate is extraordinary. This doesn’t just refer to their influence on their portfolio but the signal it sends to any business seeking investment. The fact that NorthEdge has become the world’s first Gold Carbon Literate Organisation in the sector speaks volumes about its commitment and ambition to be a standard bearer for climate action in the business world.”

North West stands out as hotbed for nation’s explorers of tomorrow Liverpool and Manchester lead the way

Travel

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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North West stands out as hotbed for nation’s explorers of tomorrow <strong>Liverpool and Manchester lead the way</strong>

The search for a group of intrepid explorers who will join a pioneering, high Arctic waters expedition, journeying from Svalbard, via London and Plymouth, and on to Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Northern Canada, has revealed that the North West is among the UK’s top ten areas for interest in exploration.

While the South West and London led the way, the North West came in seventh, with particular peaks in interest in the Ocean Warrior Project #Resolute Expedition coming from Manchester and Liverpool.

Designed by Jim McNeill, one of the world’s most experienced and respected explorers, the scientifically significant trip requires 134 would-be explorers (ordinary people with little or no experience) to make the expedition possible. These 134 will join ten individuals from unprivileged backgrounds, fully funded by Jim himself.

The voyage’s goal is to monitor the pulse of the planet using citizen science, implemented by would-be explorers sailing and staying on board Europe’s largest three-mast wooden Schooner, SV Linden; itself modelled on a ship of the same name from the 1920s.

The expedition, which leaves in June and returns in October, has eight legs, sailing from Svalbard to Plymouth via London, followed by legs to Iceland, South Greenland, Resolute Bay via Baffin Island and back to Nuuk, then on to West Greenland, Nararsuaq in South Greenland, Reykjavik, and finally back to Plymouth via the Faroe Isles. The expedition will be one of the most sustainable and important of its kind ever undertaken.

UK and Ireland’s top locations for would-be explorers

1- London

2- Plymouth

3- Exeter

4- Bristol

5- Birmingham

6- Manchester

7- Belfast

8- Leeds

9- Bradford

10-Dublin

11- Glasgow

12- Truro

13- Edinburgh

14- Southampton

15- Sheffield

16- Leicester

17- Cardiff

18- Bangor

19- Cambridge

20- Liverpool

Commenting on interest in the Ocean Warrior #Resolute Expedition, Jim McNeill said: “Britain and Ireland have a wonderful heritage of explorers.

“Wallasey-born Bill Tilman was a sailor, climber and explorer. James Cook was born in Marton, Yorkshire. Sir Francis Drake, Robert Falcon Scott, and Richard Francis Burton were all brought up in Devon. David Livingstone lived in Blantrye, Scotland. Henry Morton Stanley was born in Denbigh, Wales. William Baffin spent his formative years in London, and Ernest Shackleton was born in County Kildare, Ireland. All had a burning desire to discover and explore parts of the world that few had ever encountered. My goal, through the Ocean Warrior Project, is to share the gift of exploration with individuals from all walks of life, helping those from ordinary backgrounds achieve the extraordinary.”

Jim McNeill added: “Adventurous travellers, be they students on a gap year, individuals on a sabbatical, professionals sponsored by companies, or retirees looking for a new challenge, have the opportunity to join this scientifically significant and life-changing endeavour. They will take part in an unparalleled experience while making an invaluable difference to our understanding of the health of our oceans, through the collection of data for scientific bodies.

“Our voyage will collect critical ‘ground truthing’ scientific measurements to help deliver ‘the holy grail of oceanography’: understanding how much carbon is stored in our oceans, and how this is impacting on acidification, pollution, and species in our oceans.”

Up to 18 individuals will join each leg, and while no previous experience is required, aspiring explorers will need to show initiative, resilience, tenacity, and good humour, and must apply before the end of February.

Explorers on the voyage will learn new and potentially life-changing skills, including:

guidance on fundraising to help pay for the expedition
on-vessel training in sailing and the use of scientific equipment to measure the pulse of the planet
training in maritime safety, resulting in a certificate in Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping; (STCW: A V1/1-1 and 1-4); required by all crew on commercial vessels over 24 metres
team building and resilience in the face of adversity

Legs start from £8,000 for the shortest nine-day leg, rising through to £18,000 for the longest 31-day leg. A deposit of 25% is required, followed by full payment by 1^st May, giving individuals time for fundraising. Tickets for the optional selection weekend cost £200, the next of which will be held on 3-5 March.

Link to full details of the legs and costs here.

To find out more information about Ocean Warrior Project, the #Resolute Expedition, its selection process, and how to join as a self-funded, or fundraised participant, visit https://www.warrior-ocean.com/ or https://www.ice-warrior.com/.

Young people join forces to celebrate achievements and look to the future as Manchester seeks Child Friendly City status

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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Young people join forces to celebrate achievements and look to the future as Manchester seeks Child Friendly City status

Over 300 young people joined together last week in Manchester to celebrate their achievements during the city’s child-focused year-long 2022 Our Year campaign, and to look to the future as Manchester drives to become recognised by the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Child Friendly City.

Schools from around the city participated in a special event at Manchester Central that included a ‘have-a-go’ marketplace filled with stalls offering on-the-spot activities to take part in, as well as showcasing the many different opportunities and activities children and young people have been involved in during the last year.

MWjan23 5089BW — Celebration event for Manchester’s 2022 Our Year campaign which was devoted to children and young people last year. The city is now working towards being recognised by UNICEF UK as a Child-friendly City. The event included a marketplace with on the spot have-a-go activities for young people to try

The event also saw high school students hearing from a number of inspirational speakers from different fields who talked to them on the theme of resillience and how this had helped them in their own lives. Speakers included former Commonwealth athlete Diane Modahl MBE, owner of Social PR Scott Thomas, inspirational young person and mental health ambassador Abz, actor Nathaniel Hall, and local young businesswoman Millie Turner, still in her early twenties, who started her own now flourishing flower business at the age of only 18.

MWjan23 5149BW — Celebration event for Manchester’s 2022 Our Year campaign which was devoted to children and young people last year. The city is now working towards being recognised by UNICEF UK as a Child-friendly City. Pictured are keynote speakers mental health ambassador Abz, former athlete Diane Modhal, actor Nathaniel Hall, Social PR owner Scott Thomas, young businesswoman Millie Turner who all spoke to young people at the event about resillience

Last year’s 2022 Our Year campaign saw the council work with businesses, community organisations, and other partners throughout Manchester and beyond to provide a wealth of opportunities, experiences and support to help the city’s children and young people grow and learn, and to help expand their horizons again post-Covid.

As well as taking part in a jam-packed year of after-school and holiday activities, children and young people of all ages also threw themselves into a wide range of other unique opportunities during the year that really gave them a chance to show off their own ideas and talents.

Opportunities included everything from standing up and speaking with confidence and conviction about the things that matter to them at events for business leaders and politicians, and doing a fantastic job programming the young people’s stage in Piccadilly Gardens on Manchester Day, to seeing their fabulous designs turned into Christmas lights that lit up the city centre during the festive season, taking part in a special schools’ climate summit, and creating a brilliant original song and music video to highlight Manchester Young Carers’ Support not Sympathy campaign – which went on to win an award at the prestigious Manchester Culture Awards.

MWjan23 5059BW — Celebration event for Manchester’s 2022 Our Year campaign which was devoted to children and young people last year. The city is now working towards being recognised by UNICEF UK as a Child-friendly City. The event included a marketplace with on the spot have-a-go activities for young people to try

Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People, said: “What our campaign last year really showed is just how much can be achieved and what a real difference we can make to our children and young people’s lives if we all work together.

“Hearing from our children and young people at the event about all the different activities and opportunities they were able to take part in last year and what they had gained from these was fantastic – their enthusiasm, spirit, and determination to succeed and learn shone through and was brilliant to see.

“We’re determined to make Manchester the very best place in the world for children and young people to grow up in, and are excited to now be taking things to the next level as part of UNICEF UK’s international Child Friendly Cities and Communities programme.”

Young people will be at the heart of Manchester’s planning and efforts to become a Child Friendly City, and the city has pledged to make sure all children and young people are involved in this.

MWjan23 4889BW — Celebration event for Manchester’s 2022 Our Year campaign which was devoted to children and young people last year. The city is now working towards being recognised by UNICEF UK as a Child-friendly City. The event included performances by young people showing off their talents

Virginia Collins, Youth Parliament Member for Manchester, said: “We can’t be a child friendly city without young people at the heart of everything we do. The city will need our views to understand what a child friendly city looks like, and we call on everyone in Manchester to hear us and to join us in supporting the city’s commitment to making Manchester a truly child friendly city.”

Representatives from UNICEF UK were also at last week’s event and spoke to children and young people about the Child Friendly Cities programme and what it involved.

Jo Maycock, UK Committee for UNICEF’s (UNICEF UK) Child Friendly Cities and Communities Programme Manager (North and Scotland), said: “It was great to be in Manchester and to meet so many of the city’s children and young people. We’re really pleased to be welcoming Manchester onto our Child Friendly Cities programme, which we know will make a real difference to children’s lives in the city.”

Bruntwood SciTech launches UK-wide support network for life sciences sector

Olivia McHugh

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14/02/2023

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<strong>Bruntwood SciTech launches UK-wide support network for life sciences sector</strong>

Ecosystem of industry mentors and corporate partners, including KPMG and Deloitte, to accelerate the potential of growing life sciences businesses

Bruntwood SciTech – the 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal and General – has launched a nationwide initiative to connect experienced mentors, advisors and corporate partners with high-growth businesses in the UK life sciences sector.

The Biospheric Network will support customers within Bruntwood SciTech’s network of more than 500 businesses, based across innovation districts in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Cambridge and Cheshire’s Alderley Park.

As the UK’s leading property provider dedicated to the growth of the science and technology sector, Bruntwood SciTech has launched the network which will see established entrepreneurs and senior executives provide funded growth-oriented support – including business consultancy, deep sector-specialised networking, and access to finance – to some of the most promising businesses in the life science sector.

The initiative’s first cohort for 2023 is made up of 15 corporate partners and 21 mentors, with the total number of advisors and mentors expected to reach 20 and 30 respectively by 2024 – at which point the network will be maintained at 50 participants.

Corporate partners already signed up to the initiative include: Acceleris KPMG, Brabners, Coulter Partners, Deloitte, Granted Consultancy, Leaman Life Sciences, Marks & Clerk, Oyster Venture Partners, Pinsent Masons, Praetura Ventures, RSM, Shore Capital, Singular Talent, SP Angel, Ward Hadaway.

The Biospheric Network will add to the existing package of tailored support and collaboration opportunities offered to customers across Bruntwood SciTech’s UK campuses; including funded seminars, entrepreneurship training, investor readiness support, access to accelerator programmes, access to highly skilled STEM talent, scale up support and venture finance.

Dr Kath Mackay, Director of Life Sciences at Bruntwood SciTech, commented: “Our customers already enjoy access to a wide range of specialist life science support services to help them grow, but the Biospheric Network takes that concept of a supportive ecosystem even further.

“We have a deep understanding of life science businesses and the challenges that entrepreneurs face. The Biospheric Network is a collaborative approach that has huge potential in its ability to support innovative, high growth businesses and individuals right across the sector in a structured, meaningful way that will ensure our regional hubs of excellence continue to thrive and businesses grow. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this first cohort leads to – and to welcoming more mentors and corporate partners in the months ahead.”

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