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Factory International welcomes former Channel 4 executive to supercharge purpose-led partnerships  

Former Channel 4 executive Jane Hector-Jones has been appointed as Head of Brand Partnerships and Sponsorship for Factory International as the landmark cultural venue prepares to open its doors in June 2023.  

Jane will spearhead Factory International’s brand partnerships and commercial events strategy, as well as develop new innovative models in IP, broadcast, digital and content led partnerships. 

Jane’s decade-long career at Channel 4 spans leading the first partnership and content team for Channel 4 Nations and Region and delivering award-winning sponsorship campaigns with major brands including Aldi and Hillary’s. Now, Jane’s remit is to drive meaningful partnerships and sponsorships and purpose-led campaigns with brands that share Factory International’s passion for diversity, sustainability, community, and the future of the arts.  

Operated by the team behind Manchester International Festival (MIF), Factory International will be a global destination for arts, music and culture, commissioning and present a year-round programme of extraordinary, ground-breaking, and interdisciplinary work by leading artists. Its development is being led by Manchester City Council, with backing from HM Government and Arts Council England.  

Attracting up to 850,000 visitors annually, Factory International will add £1.1 billion to the economy over a decade and create 1,500 direct and indirect jobs. Its pioneering programme of skills, training and engagement will benefit local people and the next generation of creative talent from across the city, whilst its Factory Academy apprenticeship and trainee schemes are already underway during the construction phase. Located in the new St John’s neighbourhood next to the River Irwell, Factory International will be at the heart of a burgeoning city centre hub for culture, creativity, and digital innovation. 

Commenting on the appointment, Jane Hector-Jones said, “It’s a real honour to be joining the team at Factory International and play a part in the cultural landscape of our city, on a local and global scale. We’re looking to collaborate with brands that want to enact tangible positive change and make a real difference socially and environmentally – and combine that with supporting world-class arts, music, and culture. I truly believe that thoughtful brand partnerships and sponsorships have capacity to change the world around us and that is exactly what we will be doing at Factory International. 

Randel Bryan, executive director and deputy CEO at Factory International, said: “As we near the opening of Factory International this summer it’s brilliant to welcome Jane, who is aligned in our approach to creating authentic partnerships. Jane brings with her a wealth of experience in hugely impactful campaigns and relationships with world-leading brands. This is a strategic appointment that will drive further meaningful, creative and content-led partnerships that represent the very best of what Factory International has to offer.” 

Hyatt Regency reaches the final of the Manchester Hoteliers Association Awards in five categories

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The iconic dual-branded Hyatt Regency Hotel and Hyatt House Manchester have been chosen as a finalist in five categories at the prestigious Manchester Hoteliers Association Awards 2023 (MHA’s), which seeks to showcase the ‘best of the best’ in the County’s thriving hospitality sector.

The annual MHA’s and evening ball are now in their 18th year and will bring over 600 individuals from the hospitality industry from across Greater Manchester to reward and recognise their hard work and achievements over the past year.

The awards celebrate the unsung hardworking individuals and teams who work tirelessly in a tough yet exciting industry. With 10 awards being given, Hyatt Hotels Manchester are delighted to have team members represented in the following five categories: 

Ruben Segovia (Front of House Award), Norbert Hegedus (Back of House Award), Kelly Walsh (Unsung Hero Award), Eirini Giankou (Mentor of the Year Award) and finally the core team are recognised for the Team of the Year Award.

Assumpta McDonald, General Manager at Hyatt Hotels Manchester said: To have our team represented in 50% of the awards being given out on the night is a huge feat and I am incredibly proud of each of them. 

“From providing reliable world-class customer service to guests to the incredible food and beverage we offer, a guests stay with us is our utmost priority and are delighted to be at the forefront of the sector and to be recognized as a finalist in these coveted awards.”

Hyatt Hotels Manchester is a striking modern landmark building just off Oxford Road in the new innovation district. The 19-storey building comprises two upscale hotels – a 212-bedroom Regency Hotel and Hyatt House; a 116 bedroom apart-hotel with first class facilities and home from home comforts making it perfect for longer stays.  

Davis Blank Furniss announces new managing partner and changes to its senior leadership team in Glossop

Davis Blank Furniss, the Manchester and Glossop based law firm, has announced that Richard Hamilton, head of the property team, is the firm’s new managing partner. He takes over from Kate Oldfield who had been in the post for 15 years. 

Kate will be taking up the role of senior partner and will be working alongside Richard on a number of leadership duties including business development, client liaison and marketing. She will also remain head of the personal injury and clinical negligence department.

Richard and Kate – along with their fellow equity partners, Andrew Ryan and Sonio Singh – have been preparing for the transition over the past few months. In his new position, Richard will focus on the firm’s day-to-day operations, driving its strategic growth, and continuing to develop its people and working practices.

Richard joined the firm as a trainee in 2001, he qualified into the property department in 2003, became a salaried partner in 2008 and then an equity partner in 2010. His key areas of expertise includeall aspects of commercial and residential property; from commercial property sales and purchases (offices, warehouses, retail, and licenced premises), to all aspects of commercial leases, lender security work, as well as Option Agreements, SIPP and SASS transfers and nationwide sales, purchases, and the re-mortgages of residential properties.

Kate Oldfield said: “After 15 years as managing partner I felt now was the right time to pass the baton on. Richard is an exceptional lawyer and has natural leadership qualities so I know he will do a fantastic job. He joined Davis Blank Furniss as a trainee and his career journey is testament to the fact that we are committed to developing talent from within. I’m looking forward to supporting him as we enter our next phase of growth.”

Davis Blank Furniss has also announced that Martyn Gee – the longstanding head of its Glossop office – will be retiring at the end of March. Martyn joined the firm in 1979 and over the past 44 years has become one of the High Peak’s most renowned businesspeople. Debra Kelly – who is a partner in the private client team – will be leading the Glossop office from April. She joined the firm in January 2022.

Richard said: “Kate has done an amazing job steering the firm through the economic crisis in 2008 and then COVID. Her professionalism and vision have laid the foundations for a strong future, and I am now focused on driving that forward over the coming years.

Richard added: Our decision to remain fully independent allows us to treat our clients as individuals and to always strive to deliver an outstanding level of service that is based squarely on their needs. That bespoke and caring approach will remain at the core of everything we do.

He concluded: I’d also like to thank Martyn for his dedication and service. He has been the face of Davis Blank Furniss in Glossop for over 40 years so I – along with everyone at the firm – wish him a very happy retirement. Moving forward, we are delighted that Debra is picking up the baton and I’m confident that she will lead the Glossop team to even greater successes.” 

RETIRED VICAR AND INSULATE BRITAIN SUPPORTER FROM GREATER MANCHESTER FACING PRISON AFTER ROADBLOCK IN CITY OF LONDON

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FOUR INSULATE BRITAIN SUPPORTERS GUILTY OF PUBLIC NUISANCE

An Insulate Britain supporter from Greater Manchester was found guilty of causing a public nuisance by a Crown Court Jury yesterday in the sixth jury trial relating to Insulate Britain’s campaign of nonviolent civil resistance last year undertaken to demand the UK government insulates Britain’s cold and leaky homes.

Reverend Mark Coleman, 63, a retired vicar from Rochdale, was on trial with Daphne Jackson, 72, an Osteopath and psychotherapist from Sedbergh; Beatrice Pooley, 65, an English teacher from Kendal and Stephanie Aylett, 28, a medical sales rep from St Albans. They were declared guilty of causing a public nuisance in relation to the Insulate Britain roadblock at Bishopsgate in the City of London on 25th October 2021. One other trial relating to the same roadblock has already taken place in which the three defendants were acquitted.

After a 5-day hearing, the 11-person jury took one and a half hours to deliberate before returning a unanimous guilty verdict. The four will appear again for sentencing on March 24th and they have 28 days to appeal the conviction. The maximum penalty for the common law offence of public nuisance is life imprisonment.

The trial started with Judge Silas Reid ruling that the four defendants could not refer to their motivations for blocking the motorway in their defence. As with the earlier Insulate Britain jury trials, the defendants were each barred from referring to the climate crisis, insulation or fuel poverty during the trial. An additional restriction imposed in this trial compared with previous trials was on any mention of the 1960s civil rights activists, the Freedom Riders, on which Insulate Britain’s strategy was based.

Rev Mark Coleman said: “I sat on Bishopsgate in the City of London with many other supporters of Insulate Britain as an act of peaceful, non violent resistance to the murderous behaviour of our government. To leave people in cold, badly insulated homes, especially older and vulnerable people, is immoral and cruel”

“British people care for their neighbours, and do not usually walk by ‘on the other side’, ignoring the suffering of others. Our families, friends and neighbours are suffering. It does not have to be like this. Insulating Britain and stopping these reckless plans for new gas and oil wells are common sense first steps away from disaster. I call on Rishi Sunak to do his duty as a minister of the crown: to serve the people.”

In the five previous Insulate Britain jury trials for public nuisance charges, two trials so far have resulted in acquittals, one has resulted in a guilty verdict and two have been deferred. The first Insulate Britain jury trial was deferred until June 2023 after the Judge dismissed the jury and asked the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider whether proceeding with the trial was in the public interest.

The Crown Prosecution Service has chosen to summon a total of 56 supporters to answer at least 201 charges of Public Nuisance across at least 51 jury trials the last of which is scheduled to begin on 4th December 2023. These trials are planned to be heard across Inner London, Hove, Lewes and Reading Crown Courts and we estimate will take up around one thousand four hundred and twenty eight hours of court time.

Manchester-based company fined over £10,000 for sale of counterfeit toys

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A company has been fined more than £10,000 following an investigation into the sale of counterfeit and dangerous toys. 

Following intelligence from a UK port regarding imported goods, Trading Standards officers for Manchester City Council carried out a visit to Just Traders Limited, of Commerce House, Manchester, in May 2021. 

During that visit 280 items in total were seized on suspicion of being counterfeit or unsafe. 

Samples taken included Batman and Marvel merchandise. 

Under investigation it was found that the toys seized failed basic safety tests, for example battery compartments were easily broken apart posing a choking hazard should a child ingest a battery. Other elements of the toys were also easily broken apart with minimal force, again posing a choking hazard. Also, plastic packaging was also not at the required thickness, posing a risk of asphyxiation. 

Some electrical components were also found to be unsafe, becoming easily detached exposing live wires to a potential user. 

Following these tests Just Traders Limited was invited to attend an interview on several occasions, however these were declined. 

At a hearing held on Thursday, 26 January, 2022, Khalid Mahraj appeared on behalf of the company before Manchester Magistrates’ Court. 

At this hearing the defendant pleaded guilty to 10 total offences, relating to regulation 26 and 27 of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, regulation 11 of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008 and Section 92(1)(c) of the Trade Marks Act 1994 

Magistrates ordered that the defendant pay a fine of £10,667, pay costs of £3,354.41 and a victim surcharge of £180. 

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said: “This is a great example of how collaborative work between ourselves, the port authority and Greater Manchester Police can lead to a successful day in Court. 

“We take the sale of counterfeit goods very seriously and are taking steps to address the harm it causes to our communities. As we have said many times before, the counterfeit industry is not a victimless crime. Safety standards are in place for a reason and we do not want to see the severe injury, or even death of a child to underline just how important they are.  

“I want to thank our officers in our Trading Standards and Legal teams for securing this great result.”

Best Price Conveyancer Fees – Need To know What’s Happening in 2023?

Best priced Conveyancing Comparable Nationwide Searches 

The best conveyancing price in 2023 will be important if you are moving, buying or selling residential property (including buy-to-let properties) or remortgaging your home.

By using the Homebuyer Conveyancing comparison service you can instantly compare online best priced quotes without detailing your contact details. The advanced search filters allows you to review online your best priced conveyancing tabulated results by low cost price, property postcode and by approved Mortgage Lender. 

Conveyancing – Local or National Conveyancer

Which is best? 

You are probably interested in trying to find a local best priced Conveyancer, before you commit, let’s think about pricing. 

If a Solicitor is based in a low cost of living postcode area their legal fees potentially will also be cheaper than a solicitor based in say a city such as London. Taking this onboard, focus on choosing a solicitor based on providing a great service but could be some distance away. 

Solicitors can successfully operate from home. The home office is the new place of work and some Solicitors / Conveyancers split their working week between the office and home. 

If you instruct a Solicitor / Conveyancer for your property, they will send out a Client care pack. Ideally you should complete the documents, sign appropriately and send back by email. You could also post if you wanted a belt and braces approach or ask the Solicitor to confirm receipt. 

In 2023 you can confidently use a Solicitor that is some distance away. Which may help to  provide your best priced conveyance. 

This  is where comparison websites come into play and a favoured by many Consumers. They want to understand pricing but don’t want to make a call just yet. They see conveyancing as complicated just like house insurance and that’s why a good comparison website paves the way to help make an informed decision on who to use for all types of Consumers. 

Get To Completion Fast 

In UK property law both property parties, Buyer and Seller must exchange contracts so that the accepted offer becomes binding. This security milestone is key to a successful transaction. 

Before that milestone the Seller can accept counter offers from other Buyers which is costly in both time and money for the Buyer that first received an acceptance. It’s a bad place to be in and many Buyers walk away once they are in that mix of further price negotiation. The Seller should base their acceptance not only on price but on the speed of the conveyance for success. The number of people in the Property chain is key. The longer the chain, the slower a conveyance could be and a risk of collapse increases.. 

Property Buying Trends in 2023 

First Time Buyers will gravitate to new build. Often they will be encouraged by Developers providing financial support in way of white goods, stamp duty paid and floor coverings. All open for negotiation. First Time Buyers can get the deal done in record time simply because the only parties involved is the Buyer and the developer. 28 days for exchange is not uncommon as a deadline with Developers completing the build say 2 months after. So a realistic timescale between offer and completion for First Time Buyers is 3 – 4 months. 

We already witnessed a shift in 2022 of Property Developers specifically targeting First Time Buyers whereby redundant commercial buildings were turned in to high end residential units 

Make Your Move With That Important Comparison Website

The Homebuyer Conveyancing comparison website provides the opportunity to get to grips with conveyancing rates by using a savvy quoting tool. They also include with their purchase quote a search pledge within your best priced conveyancing results. 

This pledge provides another set of searches for Free up to a value of £300 for your replacement property should your current transaction fail through no fault of your own. 

In this economic downturn the conveyancing market place can be uncertain. The pledge provides peace of mind and benefits all buyers of property. 

You can instantly and accurately compare a range of best priced deals online and then when the time is right, you can take away your best priced conveyancing summary and book a direct call back. 

All Conveyancers and Conveyancing Solicitors on the Homebuyer Conveyancing panel adhere to a unique Customer Charter. They provide their direct best prices deal online detailing their legal fees and disbursement costs. 

Make progress and advance your move today by using the Homebuyer Conveyancing Comparison service. Unlike many other websites Homebuyer does not need your personal contact details to display the national conveyancing quotes 

For more information visit the Homebuyer Conveyancing secure website (No personal details required to view quotes online) 

Banking Trends 2023: What Financial Institutions Should Look Out For

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Despite the recent economic downturn, UK banks are expecting to be more profitable in 2023 as the industry continues to grow. An IBISWorld report on UK commercial banks found that the 2023 market size is currently valued at £‎101.0 billion, with a growth of 5.1% from 2022. Yet despite these positive numbers, 2023 could still be a difficult year for banks as the UK is expected to go into a recession. With this in mind banks need to stay ahead of the latest trends. Below are some of the top 2023 banking trends that financial institutions should look out for.


Artificial intelligence


When it comes to automating services from customer service to data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a far-reaching tool in banking. While these technological tools are already used for processes such as risk management and revenue generation, their solutions have become more viable for increasingly complex challenges. Business Insider notes that almost 75% of global banks with over $100 billion (£80.60 billion) in assets are implementing more AI strategies. Some critical applications include:


  • Front-office – Customer identification and authentication, mimicking live employees through chatbots and voice assistants, providing personalised insights and recommendations
  • Middle-office – Assessing risks, detecting and preventing payment fraud, and improving processes for anti-money laundering

Basel 4 compliance


Basel 4 is a revised framework for banks to change how they manage risk and handle capital requirements. On 1st January, the Basel Committee set into motion capital standards— with the UK requiring all financial institutions to meet all guidelines by 2025. With this deadline more financial institutions are seeking an integrated Basel 4 solution to help them comply with the new regulations. These cover different requirements from data management, financial risk analysis, regulatory calculators, and cash flow and exposure analysis— enabling banks to make informed decisions and overcome transition challenges. As changes are implemented toward compliance, financial institutions are expected to have a level playing field by improving the resilience of each banking system.


Green and ethical banking


As we reported at the beginning of this year, UK businesses are already having to comply with a new German ESG law designed to prevent human rights abuses or environmental degradation. With a growing concern over climate change and ethical practices financial institutions are also taking on sustainable action. Banks are now pressured to meet new standards, so many are shifting their strategies to adopt the ESG (environmental, social, governance) framework. In a Forbes report on ESGs, a survey of consumers and employees found that more than 80% of groups want companies to be actively involved in creating good ESG practices. In addition to social forces, working with ESG initiatives adds extra pressure to innovate and improve policies and technological capabilities— opening up market advantages and business opportunities. One notable green banking advocate in the UK is the Triodos Bank, which has actively invested in sustainable efforts like renewable energy firms, social housing, and Fairtrade organisations and charities.


Cloud-based solutions


Most traditional banks rely on legacy infrastructure to run daily operations. But with the shift in technology and the rise of digital banks, more financial institutions rely on cloud technology to keep all information in a virtual space without physical space constraints. These cloud services include software as a service (SaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS), which offer better storage scalability, employee collaboration, and decreased logistical costs. An added advantage of cloud-based solutions is their greater freedom for hybrid or even fully remote work setups. From the comfort of their own homes, employees can access critical financial data without sacrificing their security or quality of service, enabling banks to maintain high performance and improve the customer experience.

By staying updated on banking trends, financial institutions can learn the best investments to boost efficiency, ensure regulation compliance, enhance sustainability efforts, and save on operating costs.

SALFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS REWARDS HIGH-FLYING APPRENTICE WITH KEY ROLE

Salford-based Cerberus Receivables Management (CRM) has promoted Theresa Divers to the role of Receivables Executive after a hugely successful two-year apprenticeship with the firm.

CRM is a leading UK debt collection and ledger management business which helps businesses, lenders and restructuring specialists to recover debt in both trading and distressed situations. 

The announcement comes on the eve of National Apprenticeship Week 2023 which aims to show how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills required for a rewarding career and help businesses to develop a talented workforce for the future.

Theresa becomes part of a highly respected and experienced team at CRM which looks after sales ledger review and evaluation, credit management and control services, debt verification and collection, audit investigation, specialist legal recoveries and reporting. Her promotion will see her taking on more responsibility, including offsite work on clients’ premises.  

Theresa completed her Business Administration apprenticeship with The Growth Company one of the largest providers of work-based learning for young people and adults. 

She passed her course with distinction in all 3 parts – knowledge test, presentation and interview. Alongside this, she also completed the UK Finance IFABL foundation course with an impressive score of 86%. 

She commented:  “Starting at CRM as an apprentice administrative assistant helped me build a good foundation and an excellent understanding of the processes and procedures of a case from beginning to end. This allowed me to make a smooth transition to my new role.” 

For other would-be apprentices she had this advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes –  as that is how you will learn – and be confident in yourself.”

Katie Pomfret, Head of Lender Services at CRM, said: “It has been great to watch Theresa grow throughout her apprenticeship and now start to excel in the role of Receivables Executive. “She is an asset to the team and we look forward to helping develop her skills and knowledge in the future. Well done Theresa on your continued hard work.”

If you are interested in an apprenticeship with CRM please contact: jo.booth@cerberus-group.com

LandAid launches annual property SleepOut fundraiser at Sale Rugby Football Club

LandAid aiming to raise over £600,000 to end youth homelessness, calling on over 1,000 property professionals to SleepOut in March across 7 UK locations, including the North West.

LandAid, the property industry charity, is calling on over 1,000 property professionals across the UK to come together to endure one night outside and SleepOut on Thursday 2 March, to raise funds to support young people between 16-25 years facing homelessness. 

This year, the LandAid SleepOut is bigger than ever, bringing together property professionals from across the North West at a brand-new location, Sale Rugby Football Club.

All funds raised at the Manchester SleepOut will go towards a local project supporting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the North West.

Each participant will be asked to raise over £166 – the cost of funding one desperately needed bed space for a month. Every penny raised will take LandAid one step closer to giving young people the structure and support they need, to build a brighter future. 

Wide support has already been shown across the property and real estate industries, including Manchester regional sponsor, Addleshaw Goddard.

“Addleshaw Goddard has been a longstanding supporter of LandAid and its work. This year, we decided to endure one night outside at LandAid’s Sleepout on 2nd March 2023. Whilst this is a mere glimpse into the hardship people continue to face, we hope to raise awareness of youth homelessness and support our local community in Greater Manchester.”

122,000 young people approached their local council for housing support last year alone. Sadly, many of these were left unsupported and therefore rely on the vital care that charities provide in local communities across the UK. Now, this support is more valuable than ever.

Register for the LandAid SleepOut 2023 here: https://bit.ly/3Htl51P

SUCCESS FOR MANCHESTER E-COMMERCE AGENCY WITH DOUBLE AWARD WIN

Manchester’s Rainy City Agency enjoyed success at the UK Digital Excellence Awards last week, winning two categories in London at a prestigious awards ceremony. 

Coming out on top in both the “E-Commerce Website of the Year” and “In-House Digital Team of the Year” categories, Rainy City Agency was commended for its work for renowned hair care brand Lee Stafford as well as for the agency’s unique culture, the team’s efforts and the results that are delivered to its expanding, global client base. 

The UK Digital Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding website design, migration and teams across the nation, and entrants are judged on their creativity, innovation and technical implementation by a respected panel of industry experts.

Commenting on the awards programme, Helen Barkley, Managing Director of Don’t Panic Events added: “Going on to win an award at the UK Digital Excellence Awards is a true testament of the hard work and innovation our winning entrants are showcasing.” 

“We send our congratulations to all our finalists and winners; we are already looking forward to seeing more amazing work when the UK Digital Excellence Awards return in 2024.”

Reflecting on her agency’s double triumph, CEO and Founder Rebecca Worsley commented: “Winning in both categories is such a great achievement for Rainy City Agency, and I’m really proud that the wider team here is getting recognition for their hard work and efforts.” 

“We’re at an exciting stage of the agency’s journey and in the past year we’ve expanded the team, the markets that we operate in – big focus on health, beauty and lifestyle brands this year – and our promotion of Shopify solutions. Winning awards for those solutions all helps!”

Rainy City Agency has also been shortlisted in the “Best Site Migration” and “Agency of the Year” categories in the upcoming UK Development Awards 2023, which celebrates work across websites, apps and CMS agencies, and Rebecca Worsley is also shortlisted in the “Business Owner/ Entrepreneur of the Year” category in the 2023 Made in Manchester Awards.