| More funding for further improvements to GMP confirmed. |
| The Greater Manchester Police, Fire and Crime Panel has agreed to the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s proposal to increase the police precept for 2023/24 to fund further developments to policing by £1.25 per month for a Band D property or 83 pence per month for a Band A property – the largest proportion of properties in Greater Manchester (44.7 percent) are in Band A. |
| The majority (73 percent) of people who responded to the public consultation on the police precept supported the proposals to prioritise providing Neighbourhood Crime Teams, sustaining and improving call handling times and strengthening investigative capacity and capability. The Panel is made up of elected representatives from across all ten of Greater Manchester’s councils as well as independent members, chaired by Councillor Janet Emsley. The Panel’s role is to scrutinise the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor who have Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities which includes setting the police precept – the police element of council tax. The precept increase, along with the central government policing grant, will fund: – The establishment of dedicated Neighbourhood Crime Teams in each district to more effectively and proactively tackle the issues that residents said are important to them including burglary, robbery, and vehicle crime. – The workforce level required to ensure that the significant improvements in 999 and 101 waiting times are maintained and further improved, particularly in respect of 101. – Increased capacity and capability of crime scene investigators and digital investigators strengthening opportunities to detect neighbourhood crime and sex offending, including such offences against children. – Increased numbers of investigators who conduct initial investigations when a crime is first reported, to ensure more timely and effective investigations into offences that have a big impact on our communities like criminal damage and hate crime. The current police precept for a Band D property is £228.30 which will increase to £243.30 in the coming financial year and a Band A property will go up from £152.20 to £162.20. Even with the increase, the Greater Manchester police precept will remain one of the lowest in the country. Over the current financial year, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester have continued to see improvements in GMP performance, including coming out of special measures. 999 call answering time are now the fastest they have been for over 2 years, police officers have attended 94 percent of all burglaries – increasing from 74 percent the previous year, while arrests have more than doubled. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “I haven’t taken the decision to increase to the police precept lightly. Budget pressures caused by record high inflation but without an increase in the government police grant to mitigate it, means GMP needs this additional funding to avoid cuts to vital services.” “I know that many of our residents are struggling with the cost of living crisis but they have also told us they want to see more police in their neighbourhoods, be more responsive to incidents and arrest more people. It is these measures that will help keep our streets safe.“ “I would like to thank the Police, Crime and Fire Panel for unanimously backing my proposal which will see GMP continue on their improvement journey and create a force we can all have confidence in.” Chair of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, Janet Emsley, said: “The Panel agreed to endorse the Mayor’s proposal to increase the police precept because we recognise residents want to feel safe in their homes, at work and out and about, and we need to support GMP by ensuring they have the funding to do this.” Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, added: “I would also like to thank the Police, Crime and Fire Panel for supporting the increase to the police precept. No one wants to add to the financial burden of our residents but the Mayor and I have a responsibility to keep people safe and it is crucial we continue to invest in the frontline services needed to tackle crime.“For anyone struggling with their bills there is information on our Helping Hands website www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/helping-hand/.” |
Further improvements to GMP approved after receiving more funding
First of ten veterans starts work as HGV driver after Asda’s investment into Greater Manchester veterans’ charity
It’s a great start to the new year for the Thomson household in Littleborough, as former British Army soldier Wez Thomson becomes the first of ten former military personnel to start a new job as an HGV driver with Asda, thanks to the supermarket funding £40,000 into veterans’ charity, Veterans into Logistics.
The charity has a two-year established partnership with Asda Logistics Services who support their mission of preventing homelessness and unemployment in the veteran community.
Asda made this significant donation to Veterans into Logistics in November and the charity is thrilled to announce Wez Thomson is the first veteran to complete his Class 1 HGV training and will be starting a new driving career with Asda.
39-year-old Wez joined the British Army after leaving school in 1996 and served for nearly seven years, seeing active service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo with the Grenadier Guards.
He’s been married to his wife for 12 years, and they’ve been together for 21 years and have three children – a daughter and 19-year-old twin boys.
Wez has been impressed with Veterans into Logistics’ efficiency and support whilst getting his Class 1 HGV Licence. He already had his Class 2, but it was too expensive for him to do his Class 1 training himself.
He got in contact with Veterans into Logistics Founder and former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner Darren Wright, through professional networking site LinkedIn. Darren invited Wez down to the training office and Wez said: “I met him and had a few brews with him, we have the same background and interests. I immediately felt comfortable in his office with the infantry and para flags and memorabilia.
“I must admit I was dubious at first. I couldn’t believe that my Class 1 training would all be paid for and provided by Asda and Veterans into Logistics. But it’s true and the process has been so quick! This is so good for my family and I can now provide them with the nicer things in life.
“I’m grateful for the Asda funding and I’m pleased to be the first veteran to pass my Class 1 Licence and achieve this new driving career. This means so much to me and my family and I’m excited to start. Thank you to Darren and Veterans into Logistics for supporting and training veterans into new careers in the logistics industry.
“I would encourage any veteran to contact Veterans into Logistics. Take the plunge, I had a new career lined up within weeks, with better money which means a nice family holiday and being able to enjoy a few more of the nicer things in life.”
Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright said: “Myself and the whole team are proud that Wez has become the first veteran to achieve a new driving career with this generous donation from Asda, and Wez’s hard work and dedication.
“Alongside our driver training scheme, we also provide personal mentoring and understand the skills, discipline, and hard-working ethos that ex-military personnel have from their careers in the armed forces.
“This new year, Wez will be joining other veterans who have been through our training and worked as HGV drivers at Asda for several years. They have established good careers and importantly say they feel respected and appreciated by Asda. We know that Wez will fit right in.
“We look forward to announcing the other nine veterans who will benefit from this life-changing investment which will give them structure, stability and financial security.”
Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd said: Many people leaving our armed forces struggle to find a job; the skills they learn in the armed forces may be relevant but may not be in civvy street. But we would all believe helping ex-service personnel is good for them and their families but is only appropriate for the public service they have already given.
“Wez Thomson is the first to start his new job as an HGV driver with ASDA, and that’s good news for him and his family this new year and for many years to come. The Veterans into Logistics charity have done a great job in helping Wez but have given hope to Ex-Service personnel in the future.
“ASDA also deserve thanks, and I know they, like many companies, have found finding HGV Class 1 drivers a real problem but their support for Wez and support for Veterans into Logistics is turning a problem into a solution.
Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that Wez has secured permanent employment with ASDA after completing his course with Veterans into Logistics. I know that Veterans into Logistics do sterling work in our local communities in getting ex-armed services personnel into full-time employment in the logistics and haulage industry.
“Secondly, we should recognise and thank ASDA for the £40,000 investment they have put into Veterans into Logistics to help our local veteran heroes to find good employment after they’ve left the armed services.”
Melanie Richmond, Training Manager at Asda Logistics Services said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Veterans into Logistics with this investment that will help to support 10 armed forces veterans with the opportunity to be upskilled to hold an HGV licence.
“We have been working with Veterans into Logistics for the last two years, helping them with their vision of supporting and rehabilitating ex armed forces back into work and civilian life and the next step of their life journey.”
Veterans into Logistics has had an exceptional first two years by either successfully training or supporting hundreds of ex-military personnel into new HGV driving careers, featuring in a BBC 1 documentary, receiving high-profile ministerial visits from the Cabinet Office and being awarded the prestigious Gold Armed Forces Covenant for their support to reservists, service leavers and the veteran community.
Video content agency What Media wins trio of new tech clients
Manchester-based video content specialist What Media is celebrating winning a trio of new tech clients.
The company has started 2023 by winning contracts to supply video content for North West-based Lunio, which has developed a technology platform to prevent ad click fraud, and London-based Web3 specialist Roster.
It follows a contract win at the end of 2022 to deliver a global launch video for Manchester-based Intergalactic Gaming, which has produced a play-and-earn eSports tournament platform.
What Media’s managing director Chris Townsend said: “After a successful 2022, it represents a really good start to the new year.
“Lunio, Roster and Intergalactic Gaming are three very different clients but they all recognise the fact that video is the perfect way for companies to communicate to help them stand out in a congested marketplace.
“The attention span of consumers is becoming less and less so you have to communicate much quicker and video allows that. Our video content is linked to data analytics so we can demonstrate how it’s hitting the client’s target audience.”
Josh Robson, CEO of Intergalactic Gaming, said: “I was blown away by the work that What Media produced over the last six months. We’ve elevated our brand so it’s ready for mass media consumption. We’ve rebuilt the platform, introduced a whole host of new functionalities that enhance and gamify the IG Galaxy experience and What Media have captured this perfectly in 60 seconds.”
Earlier this month a video produced by What Media was screened at the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Congress in New York to showcase Manchester.
Other clients include Cottages.com, Uber and New York-based Capelli Sport.
MD Chris Townsend added: “We’re proud to be based in Manchester and winning work around the world.”
NEW TALENT ACADEMY AT GREATER MANCHESTER’S UNITY RADIO LOOKS AHEAD, AFTER A SUCCESSFUL YEAR
New Talent Academy is celebrating a successful year of delivering accredited creative media courses to young people and adults in Greater Manchester.
Unity Radio’s New Talent Academy are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, following on from a positive first full year. 2022 saw 87 learners in total joining New Talent Academy, with 10 going into further education, 25 taking on volunteering roles, and 19 going into employment. This includes progressing into roles such as presenting for Unity Radio and BBC Radio One.
With a 20-year history and 30,000 weekly listeners, Unity Radio broadcasts dance and urban music on 92.8FM, DAB and online. Having started life as a pirate radio station, Unity Radio is proud of its grass roots and authentic reputation across the community.
Based in HOST at Media City, Unity Radio’s New Talent Academy provides ‘real life learning’ to young people and adults in Greater Manchester. This includes
Not only has New Talent Academy been offering vocational education, training, and pre-employment provision since launching in 2021, but it also gives learners the opportunity to present their own weekly radio show. Broadcast live on Unity Radio, learners are given practical experience of producing and presenting. They also become peer leaders in their community.
In addition to technical skills, New Talent Academy also teaches skills such as leadership, collaboration, resilience, problem solving and communication. Throughout the course, learners interact with industry professionals and locally known artists, who can provide unique insights into the industry. All courses are taught by experienced facilitators with first-hand industry experience.
As well as professional success, New Talent Academy is celebrating a proven track record of improving wellbeing amongst learners. This includes reducing a range of risk-taking activities, such as going missing from home, self-harming, and antisocial behaviour.
New Talent Academy is now forming relationships with other providers for onward pathways into longer term employment, education, and training.
“Our New Talent Academy is a unique accredited outcome-led education, training, and wellbeing center. With a focus on the creative, media and digital industries there are few learning centers that can combine both learning following by training in a working environment. Access to Unity Radio is what makes the difference, improving confidence, developing the transferable skills for young people and supporting them into longer term pathways” – Lee Dinsdale, Director of North West Media
“The biggest asset of the New Talent Academy is the people, their knowledge, experience and person-centred approach ensures all young people receive quality tuition and support in an environment that is tailored to their individual learning needs” – Matthew Pickford, ESF Connexions Adviser
Socials: @unityradiofm
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCuNJfheDZcrgKaXDpmjtrGg
Find out more: https://unityradio.fm/new-talent-academy-creative-digital-and-media-courses/
PRE LET DEAL CONFIRMED AS MULTIMILLION-POUND DEVELOPMENT BEGINS IN GREATER MANCHESTER
A pre-let deal has been agreed by Network Space at Altrincham’s Broadheath Networkcentre to one of the world’s largest logistics companies.
Maersk will take a 41,500 sq ft unit at the Atlantic Street site, where some 206,000 sq ft of workspace is being delivered across 25 units.
Network Space has appointed Bansco to deliver the development at the 11.5 acre former Cartwright headquarters with completion expected this summer.
Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager at Network Space, said: “This is a fantastic pre-let to a multi-national company and represents some 20% of the scheme’s total floor area. Securing Maersk as an anchor tenant in the most prominent unit on site is a fantastic start.
“We are receiving a strong level of enquiries from local businesses and trade occupiers to last mile logistics firms and legal negotiations are ongoing for additional lettings. This best-in-class scheme will deliver high quality employment space, job opportunities, inward investment and economic growth.”
The regeneration of this brownfield site will see a mix of high-quality refurbished space, alongside new builds, creating a modern, multi-let industrial destination. With remaining units available from 2,100 sq ft to 28,500 sq ft, the development has the capacity to create upwards of 400 new jobs and provide much needed speculative workspace in the region.
Both Network Space and Maersk are committed to a highly sustainable development and will be targeting low or very low greenhouse gas emissions. Across the wider scheme, Network Space will be targeting EPC A ratings and BREEAM Very Good.
Bansco is working closely with Network Space to seek to reuse and recycle steel and concrete structures on site, resulting in a significant reduction in embodied carbon within the development. Individual units are being designed to accommodate photovoltaic panels to support renewable energy provision and electric vehicle charging will be delivered across the entire scheme.
Chris Liptrott, Managing Director of Bansco, said: “As a Greater Manchester company, we are delighted to be working with Network Space to regenerate one of the oldest industrialised sites in the area.
“The sustainability credentials of the development, and the quality of the space that is being delivered, is already starting to attract high profile occupiers. The development will create new job opportunities, during construction and after completion, helping to boost the local economy.”
Regional sub-contractors will be involved and local training and employment opportunities will be provided during construction. Once complete, the scheme will have an estimated GDV of £45 million.
The scheme is being supported with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council.
Jonathan Williams at Savills and Will Kenyon at B8 have been appointed as letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. The wider professional team includes Walker Sime, project management and quantity surveying and AEW architects.
Link below to You Tube film:
Retailers supported by Parfetts’ team expansion
Parfetts is broadening its team to support retailers and help them maintain margins. The move sees three new regional managers appointed to lead a network of 25 regional development advisers and four store development managers.
The Stockport-based wholesaler is expanding with a new depot opening in Birmingham in the spring. It will also appoint an additional three regional development advisors across the network.
Christine Reast joins Parfetts to manage the East region. She joins from Bestway retail, where she held the role of regional controller for the past 14 years.
In the West Midlands, Richard Huxley moves from Parfetts lead retail development advisor to regional manager midlands. He will focus on supporting the new depot and expanding the symbol group in the region. Richard has been with Parfetts for the last six years and was instrumental in growing the delivered model in the Somercotes depot.
Steve Miller will manage the North West region and moves to the role from a series of senior positions across Parfetts, including general manager at Aintree.
Commenting on the move Steve Moore, head of retail at Parfetts, said: “We are focused on supporting retailers and helping them get the most out of their relationship with Parfetts. Our fast-growing fascias, Go Local and The Local, are easy to join and offer a host of benefits. As we grow, it’s vital that we have the best people in place to support our retailers and provide great service.”
Additionally, John O’Neill moves into the newly created role of retail sales controller. He will support the retail team and work on key projects, including category management, store development, and marketing. He will also head up the development of The Local, Parfetts licensed facia offer. John has been at Parfetts for 17 years and most recently held the role of customer development manager.
Chris Moore has been appointed as store development manager. He previously worked at Jordons as a project manager.
Steve Moore concluded: “These changes create a robust platform for growth for the Go Local symbol brands over the next few years. As a business, we are attracting retailers who are trading under other symbol banners or are unaffiliated retailers looking for the right range, price and promotions to allow them to take more money and make more money.
“The regional managers will work closely with our RDAs to ensure we are working with and listening to our retailers whilst also looking to the future to implement changes that will further drive sales as margin.”
5 ways for Manchester businesses to retain team members
Finding talent was one of the biggest challenges facing businesses in Manchester in 2022, and that doesn’t show any sign of letting up soon.
Last year, unemployment fell to its lowest level in almost 40 years, with many companies chasing a smaller pool of talent. But while a lot of management teams put significant focus on building their pipeline of talent and finding new people, retaining current employees is often overlooked.
And, yet, one of the best and most cost-effective ways to tackle this challenge is to take more steps to retain your current team. If you do more to retain your current team members, you will have to find fewer people to fill the gaps.
In this article, we look at some of the top tips for increasing retention at your business.
1. Provide opportunities for growth and development
People don’t only go to work to earn a salary. They are also looking to develop themselves as individuals through building new skills, capabilities, and areas of expertise.
Companies should consider adding a thoughtful personal development programme for team members to improve their skills. This might include allocating each team member a training budget to pay for courses, training, or development activities, but it could also include inviting in training partners occasionally to deliver on-site training sessions.
When team members get to the end of the year, you want them to be able to look back and see that they have gained new experiences and skill sets across the year. You also want team members to come into the office and feel like they work in a supportive environment that cares for its staff.
2. Increase the visibility of the leadership team
People don’t only see themselves as working for brands; they see themselves working for people, whether that’s their direct line manager or the CEO of the company. And, yet, many companies do not invest in the visibility of their leadership team, either within or outside of their company.
This leave many team members feeling unsatisfied and unmotivated. In fact, recent research by PR agency Profile found that half of people said that they thought that the leadership teams of their current companies were not visible enough, with 20% saying that they should be much more visible.
Companies led by well-known people in the industry are always at an advantage when it comes to poaching new talent, so make sure that your leadership team is sufficiently recognised to compete.
3. Foster a positive work culture
When people come into the office, they want to enter an office that is enjoyable and energising. And they want to work with people that they not only enjoy spending time with, but who push them to do better and more engaging work.
But creating a positive, immersive, and friendly culture is much more difficult than it sounds. At its very base, it starts with embedding supportive and positive cultural values across the team and management; you need to create a sense that the full team are part of a cohesive company that sees the world in a very particular way.
You might also want to think of ways to help colleagues bond and form strong, deep relationships: running regular social events, designing an away day for the team, or even putting aside some company resource for after work drinks.
4. Offer competitive compensation and benefits
Ultimately, you also need to make sure that the salaries at your company are competitive. But, you shouldn’t just think of remuneration only in terms of the pay cheque at the end of the month: you should also think about holiday allowance, gym membership, health insurance, and much else besides.
There is a lot of growing evidence that younger team members are often a lot more interested in additional workplace benefits than just a higher salary. This is why we have a seen a number of the largest employers, especially in the highly competitive technology start-up sector, where companies have added free canteens, well-being rooms, on-site gyms, and much else besides.
5. Provide clear communication and transparency
Finally, retaining your team isn’t only about just adding benefits to your company. It is also about taking steps to remove as much potential negatively from your workplace as possible. In particular, in some companies there is a resistance to communicating openly and transparently about the company and its challenges.
This can often lead to a secretive culture built on rumours, insinuations, and gossip. It is much better to build a culture where everyone is free to discuss issues and challenges, and get the full picture.
Taken together, retaining talent should be an absolute priority for companies that want to succeed, but it is important to have an developed and thought-through retention strategy. The tips in this article should help you get ahead of your competition.
AF Blakemore announces Carol Welch as their new CEO
The UK’s largest privately owned family business, AF Blakemore, announces Carol Welch will join the company in April as Chief Executive, succeeding Jerry Marwood, who is resigning to devote more time to non-executive directorships and consultancy roles.
Carol joins the business from ODEON Cinemas Group, where she is Managing Director UK & Ireland and Commercial Officer Europe. Over the last six years, she has transformed ODEON’s customer and colleague experience, introducing Luxe recliner cinemas, new digital systems, more efficient operating models, and a purpose driven, inclusive culture. She has overseen growth of commercial revenues across nine European markets and successfully navigated through the pandemic. Carol brings a significant depth and breadth of experience from branded food and drink, retail, and foodservice, having held positions at Costa Coffee, Associated British Foods, Cadbury-Schweppes, and PepsiCo. She is also a non-executive director at Hammerson plc.
Carol said “I am thrilled to be joining AF Blakemore as CEO. It is a fantastic business with a deep understanding of retail, wholesale, and foodservice and an enviable values-led culture, fuelled by more than 7,000 colleagues and partners who are passionate about delivering great food and drink solutions. I’m excited to be working with the shareholders and team to deliver their business ambition.”
Peter Blakemore, Chairman, commented: “We’re delighted that Carol is joining, she brings a wealth of experience from multiple sectors, a strong strategic vision combined with an approach aligned to the Blakemore Way and values.
Carol joining sees the culmination of our CEO succession plan following Jerry’s decision to leave the business at the end of this financial year. Jerry has done an outstanding job for Blakemore’s over the last 11 years, handing over strong sales performance and a strategic plan that will help us to deliver the innovation and ambition that are hallmarks of our business.”
Outgoing CEO Jerry Marwood said: “I’ve had a fabulous time at AFB and had the privilege of working with an outstanding group of people. Together we have proven that a privately owned family business can succeed in one of the most competitive markets in the UK and still uphold core values that make us all proud to be part of the team. Carol is a great recruit and clearly demonstrates our shareholders’ ambition for the future.”
AF Blakemore recently announced sales for year ending May 22 were £1.2bn and a 9% growth in the first 24 weeks of 22/23. Latest data from their company owned retail estate highlighted a positive Christmas trading performance with 4-week LFL retail sales +7.7% to w/e 8th January 23.
As well as the SPAR retail and wholesale businesses, AF Blakemore operates across the foodservice, wholesale distribution, and fresh meat sectors alongside Philpotts, a chain of prepared-food stores.
About A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd was founded in 1917 and is a family-owned food & drink retail and wholesale distribution business, based in Willenhall, West Midlands.
Peter Blakemore is the third generation of the Blakemore family to lead the company, which currently employs more than 7,000 people.
A.F. Blakemore consists of the following divisions:
- Retail, which consists of 262 company-owned SPAR stores
- Philpotts, a chain of 15 prepared-food stores
- Trade Partners, which serves 690 independently owned SPAR stores
- Wholesale Distribution, a complete food & drink supply chain service provider
- Foodservice, which serves catering outlets nationwide
- Fresh Foods, a fresh meat wholesaler, distributor, and importer
- Design & Shopfitting, A.F. Blakemore’s own shop fitting division
- Vegan Store, a wholesaler, and distributor of vegan products
BBC Berkshire welcomes David Harris and discusses the issues of the teachers strikes
The Teachers strikes in February will mean school closures, but can you take time off work and do you get paid?
Listen to David Harris discussing this concern with Andrew Peach on the BBC Berkshire Breakfast Show.
https://dphlegal.com/david-harris-discusses-the-teachers-strike-on-bbc-berkshire/%C2%A0
Regarding the upcoming strike action, David is available for any legal advice you may need.
About David Harris
David Philip Harris is a highly-regarded employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law matters. He is a frequent contributor to BBC Radio Berkshire and People Management Magazine. David has represented individual and corporate clients in the employment tribunal as well as the High Court and County Court. David is a member of The Law Society and The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA UK).
NEU teachers strike Schedule
England and Wales
After balloting 300,000 teachers and support staff, the UK’s largest education union, the National Education Union (NEU), announced seven strike days in February and March:
1 February: All schools in England and Wales
14 February: All schools in Wales
28 February: North and north-west England, Yorkshire and Humber
1 March: East Midlands, West Midlands, and the NEU’s eastern region
2 March: South-east and south-west England, and London
15 and 16 March: All schools in England and Wales
NEU teachers in sixth-form colleges in England, who have already been striking, in a separate pay dispute, will also walk out on these dates.
Wales
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) is taking action short of a strike from 1 February, including not attending meetings after 17:00 and refusing to engage with school inspectors.
Scotland
Teachers are striking in two local authorities per day until 6 February. The Educational Institute of Scotland and two other unions will also walk out on 28 February and 1 March. And the EIS will hold 20 further strike days from 13 March to 21 April.
Northern Ireland
Most teachers in Northern Ireland are walking out for half a day on 21 February. Teachers from five unions have been taking action short of a strike since October.
Staying in due to the cold weather? TalkTalk reveal the perfect formula for a night in for Mancs
- Mancunians formula for the ‘perfect night in’ revealed following streaming boom
- Archie’s voted the city’s favourite Manchester-originated takeaway for a night in streaming
- Enjoy 33 per cent off new TalkTalk TV Hub and Now Entertainment Membership package** – available for a limited time only
Salford based connectivity provider, TalkTalk, recently announced the formula for a Mancunian’s perfect night in after the boom in streaming over the past few years. The new poll reveals that comfy seating, access to a wide range of entertainment and Archie’s takeaway are essential for Mancs during ‘staying in’ season*.
Mancunians opt for thrills this winter
As Mancs get comfy indoors during the colder months, TalkTalk’s research reveals that Manchester residents are most excited to stay in and stream the Netflix thriller, You (32 per cent) this winter season. The top five most popular TV series and movies to watch include:
- You (Netflix, 32 percent)
- BBC Frozen Planet 2 (27 percent)
- Spider Man, No Way Home (Now Cinema, 17 percent)
- Extraction 2 (Netflix, 17 percent)
- The Last of Us (Now Entertainment, 16 percent)
Crisps take the crown for Mancs
We all know that no night in is complete without snacks, but people may be surprised to know that Mancs aren’t just reaching for the popcorn whilst streaming their favourite movie. Almost two thirds voted crisps (64 percent) as their top choice, followed by chocolate (38 percent).
Other less traditional snack choices include:
- Baby Boomers like to enjoy a healthy piece of fruit with a film (16 percent)
- While cheese is a popular snack among Gen X (16 percent)
Archie’s tops Manchester’s favourite takeaway list
For those that intend to go all out and order a takeaway for their big night in, boujee restaurant Archie’s, a Manchester burger joint, was voted the top pick for a takeaway that originated in the city, as over a quarter (28 percent) of Mancs admit to loving burgers.
- Mancs favourite takeaway include chinese (46 percent) and pizza (48 percent)
- While fish and chips (19 percent) and chicken shops (15 percent) are top picks among Manchester based Gen Zers
Mancs’ night in essentials
Finally, while comfy seating is essential for two thirds of Mancs (66 percent), fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection is also necessary to help to beat the buffering with almost half (45 percent) voting it as a key contributor to a successful night in. As well as this, over a third of Mancs (34 percent) think access to a wide range of entertainment is important, plus good value for money TV (54 percent).
Aiming to make Mancunians nights in even better, until 25th February customers who sign up for TalkTalk Full Fibre plans can add on their TV Hub and a NOW Entertainment membership for just £9.99 a month with no up-front costs****, meaning Manchester residents can have access to a wide range of entertainment and stream unmissable shows like The Last of Us or award-winning Succession for 33 per cent less this winter.
Becki Smith, General Manager of Full Fibre at TalkTalk, said: “As a Manchester local, I know the joys of spending a night in with my family, ordering a takeaway and catching up on my favourite TV shows. Which is why we’re delighted to offer our latest TalkTalk TV Hub and NOW Membership deal for people looking to enjoy the entertainment they want whilst spending less this winter.”
The TalkTalk TV Hub is available to customers on its Full Fibre 150 + plans which use the UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband technology. With speeds right up to 944Mb/s, it’s up to 24x faster than standard fibre and more reliable – helping to ensure everything our customers watch, play and do on the TV Hub runs seamlessly.
** NOW Entertainment is usually £9.99 a month, TalkTalk TV usually £5 a month = £14.99, equating to a saving of 33.36%.
