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Deliveries with game-changing precision: DHL Parcel UK’s retail partners can now accept what3words at checkout

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08/02/2023

what3words and DHL Parcel UK grows their partnership further as the location technology is now available for DHL Parcel UK’s retail partners at checkout

what3words, the innovative global location technology company and DHL Parcel UK have recently revealed a brand new element of their partnership. Customers, whether small businesses or large e-commerce players can add a what3words field at checkout to enable shoppers to specify exactly where they want their deliveries to go. Once entered at checkout, the what3words address is then seamlessly passed on to DHL Parcel UK so its couriers can find and navigate to delivery destinations with ease, no matter how hard they might be to find.

Last year, DHL Parcel UK revealed that it had rolled out the what3words location technology to its UK Parcel App. This new integration represents an exciting milestone in the partnership and a huge opportunity for UK retailers to enhance the addressing information they capture from a customer at checkout.

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In the UK, deliveries can be challenging. Addresses aren’t always accurate, street names are often duplicated, postcodes cover broad areas, and specific building entrances can be hard to find. And for new builds, it can take up to 6 months for the address to be registered. In fact, a quarter of people in the UK find that their full postal address doesn’t direct people, deliveries, or services exactly to their front door. Poor addressing can add difficulties for couriers too, and this is something what3words is perfectly positioned to solve.

what3words is revolutionising the way we communicate location. It has divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. It’s an easy way to find, share and navigate to precise locations, anywhere in the world. The entrance to The Postal Museum, opposite London’s central mail centre, known as ‘The Mount’, can be found at ///ships.post.bets. DHL customers can discover their what3words address via the free what3words app – available for iOS and Android – or the online map at what3words.com

The benefits of what3words technology will continue to be felt in many ways. Drivers can find delivery locations at the first attempt, so routes can be better optimised. This improves business efficiency, makes the job more enjoyable for couriers, and emissions are reduced in the last mile too.

Peter Fuller, CEO, DHL Parcel UK says: “The latest stage of our partnership with what3words really extends the benefits to more customers and consumers. It gives shoppers the convenience of being able to specify their exact delivery location at the point of check-out and gives retailers even more confidence that their goods will be received on time, without complication. It’s a smart, innovative solution that allows us to improve the quality of the service we offer even further.”

Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO of what3words adds: “what3words is now being used at critical points throughout DHL Parcel UK’s delivery infrastructure. This means that everyone, from a customer purchasing an item at checkout, right through to the courier can benefit from the precision of a what3words address. It’s fantastic working with DHL Parcel UK – a true innovator in the space, adopting new technologies to maintain and evolve the world-renowned service that it provides.”

Around the world, what3words is being used by e-commerce and logistics companies to deliver goods exactly where they’re needed, and companies such as Premier Inn and Lonely Planet use what3words to help travellers find the right hotel entrance or a hard-to-find restaurant. The technology has also been built into in-car navigation systems including Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi, enabling drivers to enter any destination with just three words. Emergency call centres are also embracing what3words at a rapid pace, with control rooms in the UK, US, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, Canada, India, and South Africa all utilising the innovative technology. And every day, people are using what3words to meet up with friends at parks and on beaches and to share running, hiking, and sports match locations with their teams.

Health Innovation Manchester Board joined by three global industry leaders

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Health Innovation Manchester Board joined by three global industry leaders

Health Innovation Manchester has appointed international industry experts to support the Board’s drive to improve the health of Greater Manchester citizens through research and innovation.

A Board of non-executive directors, including academics from Greater Manchester health and care systems, as well as leaders from the four universities in the region, welcomes Professor Steven Myint, Dr. Mark Chakravarty and Steve Oldfield CB as non-executive directors.

Announcing the appointments at today’s Board meeting, Chair, Rowena Burns, said: “It is a measure of the widespread national respect for HInM’s vision and commitment that we have been able to attract candidates of the highest calibre.

“The new appointees bring with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and insights from across the global health and life sciences landscape to assist Health Innovation Manchester to deliver research and innovation at pace and scale across Greater Manchester.”

In welcoming the new colleagues to the Board, Rowena added: “Steven, Mark, and Steve all have experience in public life, science, and in industry – this combination will support Health Innovation Manchester in introducing innovations which can transform the health and wellbeing of citizens across Greater Manchester.”

The new non-executive directors are:

Professor Steven Myint, Chairman of Inex Private Ltd, Co-chairman of the External Advisory Network for the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Dr Mark Chakravarty, Vice Chair of the unitary board of directors at National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Steve Oldfield CB, former Chief Commercial Officer and Director General, Life Sciences at the UK Department of Health & Social Care

Professor Steven Myint is a former NHS consultant, university Professor and Faculty Dean with international business experience across public, private and NGO sectors. He has considerable entrepreneurial experience and has been the founder of several companies across biotech, medtech, diagnostics, AI and corporate culture.

Steven has been a board level executive in biotech and pharmaceutical multinational companies, including Medical Director for Global Research and Development at GSK Global, and Senior Vice-President for R&D and Chief Medical Officer at BTG International. He is currently the Chairman of Inex Private Ltd, non-executive director of Aplagon Oy and Medisapiens Oy, and Co-chairman of the External Advisory Network for the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Commenting on his appointment, Steven said: “I look forward to bringing my experience across multiple sectors to guide strategy, growth and innovation at Health Innovation Manchester. The Greater Manchester health and care system is already demonstrating the ability to forge strong and sustainable partnerships, and I welcome the opportunity to support the board in achieving Health Innovation Manchester’s vision to become a recognised international leader in accelerating innovation.”

Dr Mark Chakravarty is a business leader and physician with more 20 years’ international leadership experience in both the private and public sector, including Novartis, Procter and Gamble and the NHS. He has worked in a variety of roles, including medical, scientific, external relations and communications.

Mark is currently the Vice Chair of the unitary board of directors at the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). He was formerly the global head of communications and patient advocacy for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and also led communications for the feminine and family care sector at Procter & Gamble.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: “Health Innovation Manchester has an ambitious plan to accelerate innovation at scale, address inequalities and stimulate local economic growth. I am delighted to join the board and work at the heart of cross sectorial collaboration, to transform the health and wellbeing of GM citizens and be recognised as an international innovation leader.”

Dr Mark Chakravarty 1 — Dr Mark Chakravarty.

Steve Oldfield CB has international leadership experience across the private and public sector, in healthcare and life sciences. He was appointed Chief Commercial Officer at the Department of Health and Social Care in 2017, where he worked at the centre of healthcare policy and operations throughout Brexit and COVID-19. Steve was awarded a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2021 in recognition of his work on the COVID 19 response.

Steve was formerly Chief Operating Officer for PGT Healthcare, a consumer-health joint venture between Procter & Gamble and Teva, and UK Managing Director for the Sanofi Group. He has strong record of delivery against ambitious targets and has successfully led major organisation transformation initiatives.

Commenting on his appointment, Steve said: “I look forward to bringing my commercial experience and perspective to guide and support the discovery, development and deployment of new solutions across Greater Manchester. I have a keen interest in the adoption of innovation in the healthcare system, and the role of non-executive director at Health Innovation Manchester brings the opportunity to work with others right in the heart of this exciting landscape.”

The three new non-executive directors join Helen Routh, who has been non-executive with HInM for the last three years and has an extensive background in global healthcare technologies.

Manchester groups urged to apply now for share of largest funding pot in ten years to provide activities for children and young people

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Manchester groups urged to apply now for share of largest funding pot in ten years to provide activities for children and young people

Voluntary and community groups based in Manchester are being encouraged to apply now for their share of the city’s biggest dedicated funding pot in ten years that has been set aside to provide activities for children and young people.

An overall total of £2.8m has been earmarked by the council from its budget to directly fund enriching educational and recreational activities for the city’s children and young people over the next two years.

Manchester’s Youth Play and Participation Service (YPPS) is looking to award the funding to a wide range of local voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations with the aim of making sure the provision of such activities is spread across the city and that as many children and young people as possible can benefit from them.

A total of £1.2 million is available from 1 July 2023 up to 31 March 2024, followed by a total of £1.6 million from 1 April 2024 up to 31 March 2025.

The council is looking for voluntary and community groups that can provide opportunities for children and young people to take part in a wide range of activities that help improve young people’s physical and mental health and their emotional wellbeing, as well as supporting their personal, social, and economic development, and connecting them to their community.

Organisations that are successful in securing funding will need to meet a number of requirements linked to local Manchester strategies and will also have to work to meet tangible outcomes that are measurable and can be reported on.

They will also be expected to liaise and work with other VCS and statutory organisations in the city to deliver effective and efficient services identified by children and young people, and to attend and contribute to district based networks to jointly address issues, support each other, and develop the youth and play workforce.

The callout for organisations to apply for funds follows the council’s year-long ‘2022 Our Year’ campaign, which was dedicated to providing young people with a packed programme of opportunities and activities throughout last year to help make up for everything they had missed during the pandemic.

It comes also as the council begins its journey towards becoming recognised as a UNICEF UK Child Friendly City.

Councillor Garry Bridges, Executive Member for Early Years, Children, and Young People, Manchester City Council, said: “We’re determined to make Manchester the very best it can be for all our children and young people. Our ambitions are high and quality youth and play work in every part of the city is vital to this – which is why we’re investing an extra half a million pounds more this year and next than we’ve previously invested, to make more provision available across the city than at any time over the last ten years.

“We know we have many thriving communities right across the city with their own expertise and experience, and we’re really keen to harness this and see them also being supported to provide youth and play work alongside our already fantastic range of established organisations.

“Whenever we talk to young people they tell us they want a range of things to do in their local areas that are free and easy to get to. That’s what this funding is for – let’s work together and make it happen.”

A series of ‘Meet the Funder’ events have been taking place both in person and on-line to provide more information to organisations interested applying for a grant. There’s still time to book a place to attend the following events:

• 7 February from 2 – 4pm at Rushford Park, Longsight:

• 15 February, from 1 – 3pm, Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe:

To find out more about the grant scheme and to make an application visit: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/vcsgrant

The closing date for all applications is 26 February 2023. Applications received after this date won’t be considered.

Liverpool Solicitors Angelus Law Announces Expansion To Manchester With New City Centre Office

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Liverpool Solicitors Angelus Law Announces Expansion To Manchester With New City Centre Office

Liverpool-based solicitors Angelus Law has revealed that it will be expanding to Manchester in April 2023.

Taking a 4,500 sqft office space in Manchester City Centre, with the option to expand further, Angelus Law will increase its Manchester workforce to 100 employees in the next 12 months.

Angelus Law already has a 75 strong workforce in its Liverpool offices at 1 Tithebarn Street, situated right in the heart of Liverpool’s business district.

Currently providing services for Housing Disrepair, Historical Abuse, Financial Mis-selling, Bank Fraud, Mis-sold Business Energy Claims and Mercedes Emissions Claims, Angelus Law will also be expanding to offer further areas of law.

Angelus Law will offer additional services including High End PI, Recovery of Care Homes, Wills. Power of Attorney, Probate and Data Breach.

Tom Hardwick, of Angelus Law, said: “The team is delighted to be expanding into our neighbouring city of Manchester, where we can continue to grow our workforce as well as develop additional areas of law within Angelus.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes on this expansion to ensure that we’re fully prepared for our Q2 opening. The recruitment of a talented team of employees has been integral, as well as carefully selecting our office space which is in the heart of the city centre and will be a fantastic home for Angelus Law’s Manchester office.”

Alsico set to reveal workwear’s best kept secret with appointment of Refresh PR

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Alsico set to reveal workwear’s best kept secret with appointment of Refresh PR

Manchester based PR and comms agency, Refresh, has been selected by Alsico to uncover the UK’s uniform requirements in 2023 and officially introduce its latest innovative new fabric. The partnership marks the beginning of a national campaign to highlight evolving user requirements, amplify brand awareness and support Alsico’s ambitious sector growth plans for 2023.

Alsico was founded in 1934 in Belgium and has since grown to become one of Europe’s largest workwear providers, responsible for despatching over 18 million garments a year. The brand’s UK operations were established in its Preston headquarters in 2007, implemented to welcome a new approach to workplace clothing for large sectors in the UK including laundry, healthcare and manufacturing – to name a few.

In recent years, having spotted a gap in the market for a fabric that is not only fit for purpose across all sectors but also comfortable, modern and with sustainability in mind. Alsico has designed and developed a new fabric which is primed to launch a number of collections this year, starting to offer sustainable innovation to the UK and beyond.

Refresh was selected to support the UK team with both their project to gain market insight into target sectors, and also the much-anticipated clothing launches, in addition to the wider growth strategy for the year, due to the agency’s specialist knowledge in e-commerce businesses and extensive industry connections.

Laura Mashiter, managing director at Refresh commented: “From our very first conversation with the team, we understood the care and attention that they have dedicated to workwear innovation, and we could feel the excitement within the business for the upcoming launches.

“Alsico is a great addition to our diverse and expanding client roster. We now look forward to collaborating on a nationwide research piece, and showcasing the incredible work conducted by the team to bring a transformative fabric to multiple industries this year.

“At Refresh, we have a highly experienced team who love helping brands to increase brand awareness and connect with the right people – and now we are preparing to uncover the best kept secret in workwear!”

Greg Houlston, general manager at Alsico, added: “We are really proud of our innovative workwear fabric and are excited to share it with industries across the globe. There are so many workers that will benefit from our latest innovation and we are delighted to be working with a fellow North-West business, Refresh, to kick off the 2023 campaign and support our wider growth plans for the year.

To find out more about Refresh, visit www.refreshpr.co.uk

Greater Manchester businesses urged not to forget their ‘original intentions’ and make the most of training in 2023

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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<strong>Greater Manchester businesses urged not to forget their ‘original intentions’ and make the most of training in 2023</strong>

Business In Greater Manchester are being urged to make the most of the support offered by Skills for Growth – SME Support so they can reach new heights in 2023.

The start of the year is a good time for businesses to invest in skills, training and the personal development of their team. As we approach February, Greater Manchester’s SMEs are being encouraged to check the status of their Original Intentions and aims made at the start of the year.

By checking their original intentions and looking at the training and support that can help them achieve them they can look to get as close as possible to achieving their aims and goals for the year ahead.

Skills for Growth – SME Support provides the fully funded training that can help to do this by developing a productive, engaged and motivated workforce. This is done by working with a dedicated skills coach to get tailored, individual support.

While businesses are facing a range of challenges, including rising costs, they are being urged to take advantage of all the training available to them, to help them to tackle these challenges, retain and develop talent, grow their business and also support colleagues to develop and achieve everything they can.

Janine Richardson, Programme Manager, Skills for Growth – SME Support, said: “As we start another year, it’s always a great time to look at skills, training and personal development of teams.

“That’s why we’re urging businesses to ‘not forget their original intentions’. By looking at why they went in to business in the first place and what they want to achieve, businesses can have great results for the year ahead.

“Skills for Growth – SME Support helps businesses to identify training that will increase productivity, grow their talent pool and help in the challenge of retaining staff and reducing turnover.

“Both the support we deliver and often the training recommendations and solutions we present to businesses are fully funded, giving businesses access to thousands of pounds of support at no cost. This is resulting in businesses benefiting for upskilled staff, more effective and dynamic leaders and managers that can ultimately drive productivity and profit.

“Anyone interested in training should get in touch with Skills for Growth – SME Support and our Skills Coaches can help you discover what training could benefit you most.”

Mandy Clark, is one of the expert Skills Coaches helping businesses across Greater Manchester and is urging businesses to make the most of the support available.

She works with SMEs to identify what training programmes meet their needs, find solutions to challenges they may be facing and use her expertise to match them to appropriate training and support that can help.

Janine Richardson 1 1 — Janine Richardson.

Mandy Clark, Skills Coach at Skills for Growth – SME Support, said: “Skills for Growth – SME Support is an incredible opportunity for businesses to show their staff that they value them and then upskill them.

“It provides a lot of benefits, including increased productivity and that feeling of being valued means they want to stay with the business.

“We know right now there are lots of jobs out there but not many people looking for jobs so this is a great chance to help develop your business and your staff.

“We do hear from some businesses that they don’t have the time to release staff for training but we make it as easy as possible and there are massive benefits. The overarching feedback from Greater Manchester SMEs is that working with us gives them opportunities they have not had in the past.”

Skills for Growth – SME Support works with a range of expert partners to ensure that businesses are getting the very best training. More fully funded training available in their website GM Skills Map | Skills for Growth – SME Support (skillsforgrowthsme.co.uk).

Tom Laws, works for Serco on the digital careers upskill programme. He supports Skills for Growth – SME Support by offering businesses digital support and increasing digital confidence amongst people employed in Greater Manchester.

Tom Laws, partnerships coordinator at Serco, said: “It has been fantastic working with Skills for Growth – SME Support. They have a clear mission by knowing what they are trying to do and the areas they should support and put the resource into it.

“Skills for Growth – SME Support makes it so that businesses don’t have to work as hard to find what areas they want to get better in and then make delivering the courses as easy as possible.

“By identifying what is beneficial to individuals the business then gets the most out of it and then the employees are getting more confident and more confident people do better work.

“From a business point of view, their staff are getting better and that can only be beneficial to the businesses. Most businesses realise the reciprocal benefits of helping their staff to do training like with Skills for Growth – SME Support is helping them to be as profitable as possible.”

Businesses interest in working with Skills for Growth can get in touch by going to Contact Us | Skills for Growth – SME Support (skillsforgrowthsme.co.uk)

The Stock Market Grill launches at Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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The Stock Market Grill launches at Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel

Opening 1^st March 2023

Discover baroque splendour at Manchester’s newest dining spot

The restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel, the luxury destination in Manchester’s city centre, opens later this month as Stock Market Grill — under the supervision of esteemed sibling team Joe and Daniel Schofield. They are joined by James Brandwood, wine expert and 20-year hospitality industry veteran. This much-lauded trio have already had proven success with venues such as SCHOFIELD’S BAR, ATOMECA and STERLING.

Set in the Edwardian baroque splendour of this listed building, once the city’s financial hub, the Stock Market Grill will be at the heart of the Stock Exchange Hotel, a luxurious, warm, inviting place to unwind and entertain.

Named among the World’s Best New Luxury Hotels in 2019 by Luxury Travel Intelligence and Leading Hotel of the Year at the This is MCR Awards, 2022, Stock Exchange Hotel features forty rooms, suites and a fully serviced residence, private spaces and a subterranean bar, STERLING — serving cocktails, rare wines and live music, all overseen by the Schofield and Brandwood team. Stock Market Grill joins this roster in the spectacular setting of what was the trading floor, nestled under its ornate domed ceiling.

With head chef Joshua Reed-Cooper in charge (previously at The French with Simon Rogan, with Sam Buckley at Where the Light Gets In and at Michelin-starred Mana), Stock Market Grill will offer an all-day menu replete with elevated “British Brasserie” classics using the highest-quality local ingredients.

Serving traditional favourites, exceptionally executed by Reed-Cooper, the launch menu includes:

Oysters with Mignonette

Westcombe Cheddar & Smoked Anchovy Straws

Chicken Liver Parfait with Sauternes Jelly & Sourdough Toast

Mussel Cullen Skink

Wild Mushrooms with Confit Yolk & Spelt

Rabbit Suet Pudding with Mustard Cream

Tranche of Brill with Borderlaise & Grilled Onion

Mangalitsa Pork Chop with Yorkshire Rhubarb Ketchup

Ex-dairy Rib Eye with Brown Butter Jus & Lemon

Blood Orange Tart with Clotted Cream

Whiskey Baba with Vanilla Chantilly

“We aim to create one of the best restaurants in the North of England, right here at the Stock Exchange Hotel… To create an experience to remember, highlighting the stunning architecture of the dining room and the food on the plate.” says Joe Schofield.

“I’m really excited,” adds Gary Neville, owner of the Stock Exchange Hotel, “to be working with Joe, Daniel and James again on the launch of Stock Market Grill. I know they will bring another world-class brand to the Stock Exchange Hotel and to our city.”

The Stock Market Grill will open on 1^st March 2023.

Bookings can be made via: https://stockexchangehotel.co.uk/dining/ or https://stockexchangehotel.co.uk/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/stockexhotel/ https://www.instagram.com/stockmarketgrillmcr/

Opening times:

Mon – Closed

Tues – Closed

Weds – 5pm to 9.30pm

Thurs – 5pm to 9.30pm

Fri – 12pm to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Sat – 12pm to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Sun – 12pm to 7pm

Shared ownership model is adopted by Slater Heelis to give staff a financial stake

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Shared ownership model is adopted by Slater Heelis to give staff a financial stake

Manchester-based full-service law firm Slater Heelis has launched an employee benefits initiative that will offer staff the opportunity to acquire shares in the business for the first time.

The Share Incentive Plan will democratise ownership structures within the firm and encourage greater accountability, offering additional financial support to employees in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

A Share Incentive Plan is a vehicle approved by HMRC that promotes partial ownership for employees, enabling them to obtain shares in their employer company in a tax efficient way.

Through their scheme, Slater Heelis’ 200+ employees are set to financially benefit from the firm’s future success. All employees who have worked continuously at Slater Heelis for six months will receive free shares in the firm, with the additional opportunity to purchase partnership shares – with each purchased share being matched by the firm.

Chris Bishop, Managing Partner of Slater Heelis, says:

“Slater Heelis prides itself on an ethos of togetherness, so moving to a shared ownership model that enables employees to share in the company’s success seemed only a natural continuation of this. The firm is celebrating its 250^th anniversary this year, so it’s the perfect time to honour and build on that legacy in a way that gives greater agency to the beating heart of our company: our people.”

Partner Simon Wallwork, assisted by Sophie Fleetwood and the Slater Heelis Management team, led the project. Simon adds:

“We recognise that our people are our greatest asset, and our hope is that this move will not only serve to empower and motivate existing employees, but also attract fresh talent ranging in seniority.

“Ultimately, this next chapter for Slater Heelis is one we’re all part of – an apt celebration of the hard work and talent of the incredible employees who make us the leading law firm that we are.”

James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) adds:

“We congratulate Slater Heelis on introducing this employee benefits scheme. Giving employees a stake builds trust and shared responsibility that unites leaders and employees behind a common purpose”.

Andrew Baker, partner and regional professional services lead at RSM UK, says:

“It’s been great to work alongside Slater Heelis on the implementation of its Share Incentive Plan. Following the innovative move to incorporate its traditional Limited Liability Partner structure that many professional services firms adopt, and having worked with us to understand the benefits, establishing the SIP was the natural next step.

“Slater Heelis was keen to align its wider ownership structure with its approach to employee engagement and recognises that giving employees an equity stake can be hugely beneficial. The SIP allows the company to achieve this objective, whilst obtaining some welcome tax advantages for its employees. We believe that this will act as a positive differentiator for Slater Heelis as it embarks on the next chapter.”

Savings are reduced, cost of living help is boosted, and key services are invested in in revised budget proposals

Finance

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Savings are reduced, cost of living help is boosted, and key services are invested in in revised budget proposals

Manchester City Council’s Executive will consider revised budget proposals when it meets on Wednesday 15th February 2023.

The Council’s immediate financial position for 2023/24 and 2024/25 has strengthened relative to forecasts due to a somewhat better than feared funding settlement from the Government and changes to Council Tax rules which mean we are expected to raise more funding than was previously anticipated.

However, while the revised finance settlement gives some breathing space it also pushes the risk back to 2025/26 after which steep funding cuts and a greater budget shortfall – requiring more difficult decisions around savings – are looming.

Revised and reduced savings proposals

So while the Council has been able to limit some proposed savings in the immediate term, it is also planning ahead to ensure services are on the most solid footing to cope with challenges from 2025/26 onwards.

The Council has been able to review proposed savings and bring forward £6.1m fewer than had originally been envisaged – £36.2m over three years rather than £42.3m – to balance the budget. £15.3m of those savings will be realised in 2023/24.

Examples of options that will NOT now be brought forward include temporarily reducing roadside gully cleaning, reducing the opening hours of Manchester Art Gallery by a day a week, charging for replacement recycling bins and a 10% increase in bereavement services fees and charges.

The eased position in the short term also enables the Council to make targeted investments to support those who are most in need and to invest in putting key services in a more sustainable position for challenges ahead.

Council Tax

The Government’s funding settlement calculations assume that local authorities, such as Manchester City Council, which have social care responsibilities will increase Council Tax by the maximum amount now allowed without the requirement for a local referendum – 4.99%, consisting of a 2.99% general precept increase plus a 2% precept towards adult social care costs. This is 2% more than originally proposed but the extra funding raised, around £4m, would be directed at helping those who need it most. For this reason, and to ensure that Council resources are in the best position to cope with future pressures, it is being proposed to take the combined 4.99% increase.

Cost of Living Crisis support

The budget already included £3.5m investment in targeted support for the most vulnerable residents and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to boost their work helping Manchester people who are struggling during the cost of living crisis.

Now an extra £2m of investment is being proposed on top of that to provide extra targeted support, especially for those suffering hardship.

Under the proposals there would be further funding to voluntary and community groups providing community hubs, good neighbours group and other support across the city.

There would also be new support, in addition to existing welfare provision schemes, to help anyone struggling with outstanding Council Tax debts. This is in addition to the Council Tax Support scheme which gives tens of thousands of the lowest paid Manchester people assistance with their bills.

The extra funding through the adult social care precept will be used to increase support for the social care sector, also helping relieve some of the well-documented pressures on the NHS.

Extra investment in services

The proposed budget includes a £4m increase in the homelessness service budget to help manage pressures and give breathing space for savings from increased prevention and reduced use of temporary accommodation to be realised and £3.3m investment in children’s services to invest in prevention and help with higher placement costs.

An extra £1.5m funding for cleaning and managing the city and a £700,000 fund for small but urgent improvements around the city, for example fixing broken swings or replacing litter bins, are also proposed.

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “This is a proposed budget which puts Manchester people at its heart and is about both protecting them from the worst impacts of the cost of living crisis now but also taking a long term view which helps the city and its residents to thrive.

“It bears repeating that Manchester has been one of the places hardest hit by more than a decade of austerity and that since 2010 we have had to make more than £428m of savings to cope with Government funding cuts and unfunded pressures such as inflation and population growth.

“Despite this, we are continuing to move forwards as a cleaner, greener, more liveable and fairer city. We have bold ambitions but we don’t forget the importance of getting the basics right and working with our communities to ensure they can share in the city’s success.”

Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Finance, said: “We recognise that times are hard for many people. The Government are effectively forcing us to increase our share of Council Tax by 4.99% by moving the goalposts on Council Tax but we are determined to ensure that we produce a budget which gives a helping hand to those who need it the most while continuing to invest in the future of the city and sustaining the services which everybody relies on.”

Next steps

A consultation on the proposed Council Tax increase is open until Tuesday 7 February at www.manchester.gov.uk/budget and its provisional results will be reported to and considered by the Executive with further consideration of final results at Budget Scrutiny on 27 February.

The final budget will be agreed at full council on Friday 3 March 2023.

Construction Apprentice Ethan Olubodun has turned his passion for the video game Minecraft into creating beautiful new homes for older people in Greater Manchester

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Construction Apprentice Ethan Olubodun has turned his passion for the video game Minecraft into creating beautiful new homes for older people in Greater Manchester

Ethan Olubodun – Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship

Regular games of Minecraft as a youngster sparked an interest in architecture and construction for Ethan Olubodun, aged 20, from Chester, which has now turned into a varied and rewarding career path through an apprenticeship with the UK’s leading manager and developer of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone.

Ethan is currently based at the construction site of McCarthy Stone’s exciting new state-of-the-art Retirement Living complex in Bramhall which will compromise of 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments, complete with landscaped gardens, guest suite and with easy access to Bramhall village centre and all its amenities.

Ethan first played Minecraft aged 7. He comments:

“Minecraft is set in a virtual world, and involves resource gathering, crafting items and building across different environments and terrains. I loved playing it when I was younger so it’s perhaps no surprise that I chose construction as a career.”

As a school leaver, Ethan was unsure about the different roles available to him in the field of construction and had originally looked into Town Planning. A planned work experience placement during sixth form with a local firm of architects was thwarted by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Ethan never lost his passion for the sector.

When the time came to choose a learning path after A-levels, he faced a choice between going to university and a more hands-on work environment offered by an apprenticeship.

“Ultimately, I chose an apprenticeship over university as I believed it would set me up better in terms of my career. Studying while working has allowed me to create connections throughout the industry while having the satisfaction of earning a wage for my work at the same time.

“I am more of a physical learner, so completing tasks in a specific job role gives me a better understanding, rather than listening to a university lecturer explaining. The apprenticeship has helped me use what I have learnt and made it applicable to the daily tasks I complete within the team. I can understand how we do things and why we do them which I think is really important.”.

Now 20 and in the second year of his Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship, Ethan has very specific reasons why he chose to pursue this route with McCarthy Stone.

“I really like and respect what the company provides to the retirement community. My Grandma lived in a similar community to that offered by McCarthy Stone and I saw first-hand how beneficial it was to her, so being able to do an apprenticeship that helps people like my Grandma move to somewhere better suited to their needs, and where they can benefit from the community and peace of mind it brings, was really special to me.”

Ethan accepts he has had to forego some aspects of the university lifestyle enjoyed by many of his peers, but has no regrets: “I work all week in a professional environment, then at weekends, I’m able to travel to the different cities where my friends are at university and spend time with them there. No two weekends are ever the same.”

Travel is a constant theme for Ethan. Often, he can be based in Altrincham, but also travels to York as part of the job, and to McCarthy Stone’s Head Office in Bournemouth. He has had the opportunity to visit many different sites across the North of England during his rotation with the Land team, the Development and the Commercial teams, where McCarthy Stone is building specialist housing designed with community and ease of maintenance in mind, in areas including Bramhall, Macclesfield and Standish.

Ethan’s advice for those seeking an apprenticeship path is simple: “It is very competitive to get into, so if you manage to be accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme, take it with open arms and an open mind.”

Once complete, Queens View, the brand-new McCarthy Stone development in Bramhall that Ethan is working on, will provide everything the over 60s could want for an enjoyable and independent retirement. Homeowners will feel safe and secure with a House Manager on hand to take care of the day-to-day running of the development, while a 24-hour emergency call system will provide added peace-of-mind. There will also be a large communal lounge perfect for getting to know your new neighbours.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring 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 we have taken part in the survey.

McCarthy Stone boasts over forty years’ experience in creating award-winning premium properties that are thoughtfully designed to assist retirees as they grow older. A McCarthy Stone apartment offers more than a stylish home to feel proud of. It gives retirees access to a vibrant, community of neighbours and friends. Homeowners can get as much support as they want, from a little to a lot. Plus, all its properties are carefully located within easy access to amenities, like shops, restaurants and sport facilities.

For more information about retirement living in the North West, please visit McCarthy Stone.

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