Business Manchester | Manchester's Leading Business Online Magazine

Pixel Kicks brews up new relationship with Perky Blenders

Partnerships

-

05/12/2022

Pixel Kicks brews up new relationship with Perky Blenders

Pixel Kicks, the Manchester-based full-service digital agency, is toasting a new project win with Perky Blenders which is one of the UK’s most exciting coffee companies.

Established six years ago in London by husband and wife duo Adam and Victoria Cozens, Perky Blenders has become a favoured choice for discerning coffee fans across the UK. It now operates five popular stores in London, has two franchises in place and has a growing base of wholesale customers around the country including Whole Foods and Anthropology. It also sells direct to the public via its own website, and through a subscription service.

In the last few years, it has been featured in the Indy Best’s ‘Best Coffee Subscription Services,’ has won two Time Out Awards and has partnered with Nescafe on a range of products that is available in several national retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado. Despite its ongoing growth, the firm has retained the same core aims of being responsible, friendly and accessible to all.

The project will see Pixel Kicks drive a number of initiatives including ongoing website development as well as the launch of curated PPC and SEO campaigns that will maximise the all-important Christmas sales period. The team will include Jamie Swain, head of PPC, and Faye Valentine, senior social media executive.

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – said: “Perky Blenders is such an exciting client to get our teeth into as it’s a recognisable and young brand that is renowned for quality and passion. Those attributes really resonated with us.”

Jake Ashby – head of marketing at Perky Blenders – added: “Pixel Kicks understood what we were all about from our very first conversation. That was important to us as we need to partner with agencies that appreciate what we do and our approach to business.”

HYDE-BASED FINDEL LAUNCHES FOUNDATION TO GIVE £200,000 A YEAR TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, WELLBEING AND ENVIRONMENT CAUSES

News Desk

-

05/12/2022

0

HYDE-BASED FINDEL LAUNCHES FOUNDATION TO GIVE £200,000 A YEAR TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, WELLBEING AND ENVIRONMENT CAUSES

Hyde-based educational resources supplier Findel has launched a long-term initiative to provide ongoing support to a range of children’s education, wellbeing and environment causes throughout the UK.

Called the Findel Foundation, its ambition is to give back more than £200,000 per year and has started by making volunteering support, donations and funding available of £100,000 this year. In addition, the company will invest its people’s time spent running the Findel Foundation.

The Foundation comprises of six pillars. The first is ‘charities’ where fundraising will take place for a nominated annual charity which is due to be announced in the first quarter of 2023. Additional donations to other charities will be given by the Foundation where a demonstrable benefit to children and their education is identified.

The second is ‘breakfast clubs’ where the Foundation will build on its work with the Greggs Breakfast Club Programme to create additional breakfast clubs for more than 500 children a year at schools located throughout the UK.

Thirdly, there is the ‘Findel Forest’ initiative which will see the Foundation involved in the planting of trees to reduce the carbon footprint of Findel’s people and customers.

The fourth pillar is ‘volunteering’ with the goal of more than 30 per cent of Findel’s employees volunteering on projects that will positively contribute to the education of children and benefit the environment.

The fifth is ‘careers’ where the Foundation will aim to provide experiences of work to more than 300 children over the next three years.

The sixth pillar is called ‘Leading Positive Change’ and relates to the Foundation actively supporting Findel’s customers, schools and nurseries to become more sustainable.

Commenting on the launch of the Findel Foundation, Chris Mahady, Findel’s chief executive, said: “As a business that cares, we are totally committed to doing good things for education, the environment, the community and each other.

“We have created the Findel Foundation to lead positive change in the educational supplies sector. It is solely focused on positively impacting children and their education because that’s what motivates and inspires our people and customers every day.

“The Foundation and its six pillars are an important part of our environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. Our Foundation team have done an extraordinary job taking it from concept to reality and we are excited to now launch and start delivering against our ambitions for it.”

Findel’s origins as an educational resources supplier can be traced back to 1817. Today, its brands and websites offer more than 32,000 products to educators and parents based in the UK and overseas with the business exporting to 130 countries.

Headquartered in Hyde, Findel also has a distribution centre and offices in Nottingham and employs around 300 people.

Findel is backed by Leeds-headquartered private equity firm Endless, which supported a management buy-out in April 2021.

In January this year, the company announced it had rebranded and introduced a new brand positioning line of ‘Growing education for generations’ which reflects the company’s heritage and future evolution. Findel’s brands comprise Hope, GLS, Davies Sports, Philip Harris and Scandibørn.

For more information on Findel visit www.findel.co.uk

Metro Mayor DJ Battle with special guests raises over £20k for A Bed Every Night in Greater Manchester

Charity

News Desk

-

05/12/2022

0

Metro Mayor DJ Battle with special guests raises over £20k for A Bed Every Night in Greater Manchester

The music of Manchester and Liverpool went head-to-head in a one-off DJ battle to raise money for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

Andy Burnham secured victory for Manchester in front of a packed crowd at Manchester’s Mayfield Depot. The well-fought battle has so far raised over £20,000 for charity.

All the money from the sold out event will go toward A Bed Every Night, the flagship scheme which aims to provide a bed (and wraparound support) for anyone rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, in Greater Manchester.

Donations are still incoming, but the money raised so far will fund over 600 nights of accommodation, with food, and full wrap-around support for those that need it most.

Tim Heatley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:

“It was just an epic night, with a really positive vibe. We can’t thank everyone enough who gave up their time and showed up to support a really worth cause. Those on the decks were all on top form and it means a lot that so many people continue to get behind of our efforts to support people at risk of homelessness when they need it most. To everyone who turned out, bought a drink, made a donation and danced all night – a massive thank you.

“We’ve recently launched our 1,000 Beds for Christmas campaign and we’re always blown away by how many get behind it. Especially at a time when incomes are squeezed, it’s a demonstration of people’s generosity that they still choose to donate to others.”

The fundraiser saw special guests out in force. Alongside the mayors, Labour’s Deputy Leader and Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner dropping N-Trance’s ‘Set You Free’ was a standout moment – with a clip of her dancing shared widely on social media and garnering rapturous applause at the venue.

The celebration of the region’s music scene saw Rowetta, Nihal Arthanayake, Stanley Chow and Clint Boon show up for Manchester, whilst Team Liverpool boasted Peter Reid, Ian McCulloch, The Farm, and actress Sue Johnston.

Mayor Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram have already promised a re-match in 2023 – next time on Liverpool soil.

A Bed Every Night was launched in 2018 by Andy Burnham, supported by the Charity, and provides emergency accommodation for anyone rough sleeping across the city-region, regardless of status, as well as vital personal support.

Since 2018, A Bed Every Night has helped over 4,000 people and been instrumental in reducing rough sleeping in the region by 75%, since its peak in 2017 (as of June 2022). The 2021 ‘1000 Beds for Christmas campaign saw an overwhelming response from the public, and raised over £34,000, funding 1139 nights of accommodation, along with wrap-around support. Due to the current cost of living and energy crisis, there’s an increased need to offer support this winter.

The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is also concerned that many more people will end up at risk of homelessness due to ongoing turbulent economic conditions and uncertainty over Universal Credit. A Bed Every Night is already supporting over 600 people currently needing a place to stay.

Appeal for extra donations

One night of accommodation for one person, with full wraparound support, costs just £30 – so the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is asking that if anyone is able to give more, that they make additional donations via the Charity’s official ‘1,000 Beds for Christmas’ JustGiving page.

1,000 Beds for Christmas is the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s annual winter fundraising campaign which will formally launch later this month. A voluntary donation of £20, on top of a £10 ticket price (plus fees), will mean one night has been fully funded. Note that only those with an official ticket, purchased via Eventbrite, will be able to access the DJ battle event itself.

Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park launches Nest at Glasshouse

News Desk

-

05/12/2022

0

Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park launches Nest at Glasshouse

Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s leading property provider dedicated to the growth of the science and technology sector, has announced the launch of Nest – its newest workspace offering for innovative, high-tech companies at Alderley Park.

Situated within Glasshouse – a £30m development that opened its doors in 2020 and is home to over 60 companies – Nest will house the tech hub’s newest coworking space, as well as up to 7,500 sq ft of managed office space specifically designed for tech businesses.

Nest at Glasshouse is expected to welcome specialists in software development, digital health, AI, gaming, fintech, and app development who will benefit from access to tech-enabled meeting rooms including table top mics, sensor enabled AV, cloud controlled access and indoor air quality sensors and monitoring as well as Bruntwood SciTech’s sector specialist business support. Direct access to funding, highly skilled STEM talent, new markets and support with mentoring are all included.

Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture partnership between Bruntwood and Legal & General, ensured sustainability and wellbeing was central to the design of Nest from build to fit-out, with the development achieving the WELL Building Standard and the US green LEED rating. The theme continues in the biophilic design of the space, which is equipped with a bespoke wellness suite suitable for yoga, pilates or meditation. Companies based in Nest will also be able to access classes at the on-site Alderley Park gym.

Josh Whiteley, head of commercial for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Glasshouse was launched at the start of the pandemic and since then has proven to be a dedicated home for digital and tech businesses looking to collaborate, network and grow in a like-minded community at Alderley Park. The creation of Nest is an evolution of the existing offering at Glasshouse and will bolster its already thriving innovation cluster by providing a relaxed, creative space where future-facing businesses can incubate, expand their ideas and grow.”

Nest at Glasshouse forms part of the 400-acre Alderley Park masterplan, with plans currently being developed for an additional 200,000 sq ft of space, in addition to the Park’s 85,000 sq ft lab redevelopment announced by Bruntwood SciTech last summer.

The Jargon Group Acquires Pelican Communications

Acquisitions

News Desk

-

05/12/2022

0

The Jargon Group Acquires Pelican Communications

– Fourth Acquisition Adds Global Sustainability & ESG Capability –

The Jargon Group has today acquired Pelican Communications. Based in the North West of England, the agency specialises in sustainability and ESG focussed integrated communications campaigns with a client portfolio that includes The British Frozen Food Federation, Ylem Energy and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Founded in 1998 by Michael Bennett, the agency was recognised as ‘ESG Consultancy of the Year’ in the 2022 PRmoment Awards.

The Jargon Group includes a number of market leading agencies including b2b focussed Jargon PR and processing, packaging and industrial automation specialist GloHouse Media. The new partnership will strengthen The Jargon Group, adding ESG capability into the group to advise brands on social and economic issues, responsible governance and brand reputation.

The acquisition extends The Jargon Group’s offering and presence in Manchester, which now includes twelve full time team members based in Manchester’s Media City.

Michael Bennett, Managing Director at Pelican Communications said, “Pelican Communications are incredibly excited to be joining The Jargon Group. Our shared values and commitment to quality of service for every client make this an ideal partnership. Joining The Jargon Group means we can expand the reach of our social impact and brand purpose services globally, working with the agency’s international client base and teams in the US and Dubai.’

Kevin Winfield, Associate Director at Jargon PR said, ‘We’re excited to be welcoming the team at Pelican into the Jargon Group. Every business has a role to play in sustainability, the specialist insight and communications capabilities the team brings will continue to allow us to continue to build world-class content and communications strategy services for our clients.’

Earlier this month Jargon PR celebrated its thirteenth anniversary while also reporting record growth with revenue for the first six-months of FY 22-23 exceeding £1,500,000. The agency expects annual fees to surpass £3million this financial year.

Supporting this growth has been the diversification of office locations throughout the UK including offices in Cardiff, Manchester, Reading and London. At the same time, the agency has invested in its international model by opening a series of offices including Jargon PR MENA in Dubai led by the former Markettiers4DC Managing Director Cheryl King and a US office in New York led by PR veteran Vivian Kelly.

As the agency has grown, Jargon PR has continued to put CSR at the heart of its strategy through a strategic partnership with Ecologi. Since June 2021, Jargon PR has planted over 4,100 trees and taken over 340 tonnes of co2 out of the atmosphere. The Company’s longer-term ambition remains to become B Corporation certified.

Growth through acquisition has been part of Jargon Group’s accelerated growth strategy to provide geographical and sector specific specialism for its international clients.

This is the fourth acquisition in the past three years which includes Cardiff communications agency Vantage Marketing (Nov, 2020), Manchester-based Souter PR (July, 2021) and processing, packaging and industrial automation market specialist GloHouse Media (Oct 22).

Commenting on the first six-months of FY 22-23, Simon Corbett, Jargon Group founder said, “The past few years have been hugely successful for the agency as we continue to focus on organic growth and maximising value from our existing client base. Record new business performance continues and client and team retention remains strong.

“The business is focused on a three-year growth strategy which has included a series of strategic acquisitions. Despite the economic challenges facing the economy, client demand for digital PR and communications services continues to grow and Jargon is well set to benefit from this demand.’’

TRAVELLING THROUGH MANCHESTER AIRPORT AS A PASSENGER WITH ASSISTANCE NEEDS – HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT

News

News Desk

-

02/12/2022

0

TRAVELLING THROUGH MANCHESTER AIRPORT AS A PASSENGER WITH ASSISTANCE NEEDS – HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Every year, around 400,000 people request assistance to help them travel through Manchester Airport. For some, this may seem daunting, but Manchester Airport and its special assistance partner, ABM, have teamed-up to offer a new assisted travel process guide.

Manchester Airport works with ABM, experts in assisted travel with a team of dedicated staff based in each of our terminals, to ensure all passengers have a smooth and comfortable journey with the right adjustments made for their needs.

Shirley Valentine, a special assistance agent, guides us through the process, explaining how to prepare for your journey, what to expect when you get here, and top tips for getting the most out of your airport experience as a disabled traveller.

Book the assistance you need in advance

“If you require any assistance at the airport, we strongly encourage you to arrange this with your airline at least 48 hours before the date of travel. Your airline or travel agent will take all necessary information from you regarding your needs and travel plans and will inform the Special Assistance Team at the airport. This important step helps us to be as prepared as we can for your arrival and avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

“If you are unable to book your assistance prior to 48 hours before your travel, don’t worry. The airport can still assist you, although there may be more of a wait, especially at busy times. On your arrival, just report to the Special Assistance reception points, located in the check-in halls. Ask one of the airport’s customer service team, who patrol the terminals in orange hi-vis vests, for help or directions if needed.”

Notify your airline if travelling with your own mobility equipment or assistance dogs

“If you are travelling with your own mobility aid it is important that the dimensions and weight of the equipment are supplied to your airline or travel agent prior to travel so any necessary arrangements can be made. It is very important to pre-book this with your airline or travel agent to ensure your mobility aid can travel with you.

“Assistance dogs are allowed into the terminal building at Manchester Airport and may travel on the aircraft providing they comply with the Pets Passport Scheme. If you use an assistance dog, you must inform your airline or travel agent prior to travel so they can make any necessary arrangements. Also remember to bring any important documentation for your assistance dog.”

Allow plenty of time for your journey to the airport

“It’s crucially important that you plan your journey to the airport in advance, particularly if using public transport, and allow extra time in case of any unexpected delays. Ensure that you have plenty of time factored in and a back up plan in case you encounter any disruption.

“Transport for Greater Manchester offers an online tool to plan your journey by car, bus or train from anywhere in the country, with live traffic updates and public transport service information. Visit tfgm.com/plan-a-journey.”

Ask for a Sunflower Lanyard if you have a hidden disability

“Not all disabilities are outwardly visible, and we assist lots of passengers with ‘hidden’ conditions or requirements on a daily basis, from autism to colostomies.

“For passengers who may not want to share details of their disability, the airport offers a special Sunflower Lanyard to wear so that staff can identify passengers that may need additional support or understanding. Staff working throughout the airport have been specially trained to recognise the lanyards and act accordingly.

“If you would like to request a Sunflower Lanyard just visit our special assistance desk upon your arrival.”

Ensure you’re prepared for security – but there’s no need to be anxious about it

“Going through security at airports may make some passengers feel anxious, and this can be particularly acute for those with disabilities. At Manchester Airport, all Aviation Security Officers are trained in Disability Awareness, and the airport has private search areas available, if required. The airport can also provide walking aids to assist passengers through archway metal detectors.

“For passengers that need to take liquid medication in hand luggage, this can be screened using specific equipment. All medication must be placed in clear plastic bags and declared to the airport’s Aviation Security Officers at the baggage x-ray load area.”

Make use of our accessible facilities

“When travelling through the airport, you will find several accessible facilities. These include The Sunflower Room in Terminal One, for passengers who need to break away from the noise, bright lights and crowds of the main Departure Lounge. We also have a designated quiet space on the mezzanine level of Terminal Three, and the recently-opened Terminal Two has been built with accessibility in mind, so you can enjoy all of its brand-new facilities.”

Remember to enjoy yourself!

“The thought of travel might seem overwhelming for those living with disabilities, but it doesn’t have to be. Every day, my team and I assist more than 1,850 travellers needing our help, and we do our best to ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their faces, as they either jet off to their next destination or make their way home.

“We believe passionately that travel should be accessible for all, as do our partners at Manchester Airport, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for each and every passenger that books assistance with us.”

To find out more about Assisted Travel at Manchester Airport, visit https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/special-assistance/.

82 NEW STORES OPEN ACROSS RETAIL PARKS IN THE NORTH WEST IN 2022

Real Estate

News Desk

-

02/12/2022

0

82 NEW STORES OPEN ACROSS RETAIL PARKS IN THE NORTH WEST IN 2022

The North West has seen 82 new stores open at retail parks in the region this year, with further openings still to come in the final month of the year, according to research from international real estate advisor Savills.

Savills reports that the high number of openings demonstrates the ongoing resilience of the out of town retail market, as retailers continue to favour retail park locations.

In spite of the array of challenges facing the wider UK retail market, the research suggests that the North West is on track to meet, and potentially surpass, last year’s total number of new openings of 99.

Savills notes that the region has seen a diverse mix of retailers taking new stores, with Homesense opening at Altrincham Retail Park and planning secured for Lidl’s introduction to the scheme next year, along with a refresh of the existing Homebase store.

In addition, Savills reports that New Look has shown its confidence in Stockport Retail Park on new lease terms, following a raft of new store openings including Smyths Toys, Bensons for Beds, Sofology and Tim Hortons. Crown Point Shopping Park in Denton has seen both Poundland and Greggs upsize from existing units with new, larger stores due to open this month, while local gym operator King’s Gym has acquired a new site at Moorgate Retail Park in Bury with plans to open in Spring 2023.

Savills goes on to report that the strong acquisition activity has helped drive vacancy rates downwards, with vacancy at retail parks in the North West now standing at just 4.9%, marginally below the UK average of 5%. The constrained supply of vacant stores means that rents in the sector have remained robust with some sub-sectors, such as drive thrus, experiencing an uplift in rents due to the significant competition for space.

Andy Hall, out of town retail director at Savills Manchester, comments: “The retail park market has shown resilience throughout the pandemic as customers favoured spacious, convenient out of town locations with ample car parking and provisions for services such as click and collect. It’s pleasing to see that this drive is continuing, with the North West seeing an ever increasing mix of retailers taking new stores in the region this year. With the supply of available units remaining low, we expect to see a continued good level of demand for vacant units as retailers look to capitalise on the ongoing resilience of the retail park market.”

Sam Arrowsmith, commercial research director at Savills, adds: “While the retail sector is once again facing a number of headwinds, ultimately the fundamentals of the out of town market remain robust, which is why we continue to see retailers opting to open new stores in these locations.”

KIDS PLANET BUYS ITS FIRST DAY NURSERY SETTING IN WIGAN TOWN

News Desk

-

02/12/2022

0

KIDS PLANET BUYS ITS FIRST DAY NURSERY SETTING IN WIGAN TOWN

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Tender Years Day Nursery in the town of Leigh in Wigan.

Tender Years Day Nursery is a high-quality, family-run setting which has effective operating capacity for 120 children aged nought to five years old. It was established by its current owners, Mike and Rachel Critchley, in early 2021 as a sister setting to their successful nursery in Bolton.

The nursery operates from a large, attractive two-storey detached property in the Wigan town of Leigh in Greater Manchester and, despite challenges caused by the pandemic, it has thrived, attracting new parents from the local area and surrounding towns due to its unique offering of five large, air-conditioned rooms, an expansive outdoor learning environment, off-road parking, and freshly cooked meals.

Mike and Rachel recently decided to sell to pursue a lifestyle change.

Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, the setting has been sold to national operator, Kids Planet, which now has over 143 settings across the UK.

Rachel Critchley former owner, comments, “The sale of the business is for a lifestyle change. Kids Planet was the only operator that we would consider as they share the same ethos and drive to provide the best care for children. Sofia Beck supported us with the initial contact with Kids Planet and Claire Roberts, and her team provided an in depth and swift sale of our Leigh Nursery.”

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, comments, “Tender Years Leigh is a fantastic purpose-built building that is in its infancy but has a dedicated and enthusiastic team in place that will make a great addition to Kids Planet. I am pleased to welcome the nursery into our Kids Planet family and look forward to supporting the team as they integrate into our group.”

Sofia Beck, Associate Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “After selling Mike and Rachel their first nursery in 2015, it’s been a real pleasure keeping in touch with them over the years. Seeing what they had created from the ground up with their Leigh nursery after acquiring the vacant site in the middle of the pandemic was truly impressive.

“I could see that this setting was a clear fit for Kids Planet’s growing portfolio, especially given that they previously didn’t have a presence in the town Leigh. I’d like to wish Mike and Rachel all the best for the future, and I’m certain they have left their budding nursery in excellent hands.”

Tender Years Day Nursery in Leigh was sold for an undisclosed price.

20 Stories launches festive themed Afternoon Tea in-time for Christmas

News Desk

-

02/12/2022

0

20 Stories launches festive themed Afternoon Tea in-time for Christmas

Manchester’s highest restaurant and bar, 20 Stories, has launched a specially curated festive afternoon tea for guests to enjoy over the Christmas period whilst overlooking the city’s wintery skyline.

With a number of different savoury and sweet options available guests can choose from a selection of delicate handmade finger sandwiches including Turkey and Cranberry on Country Malt Bread, Crayfish and Marie-Rose Roll, Egg Mayo on White Bread as well as Mushroom Quiche, and Smoked Salmon with Caviar Blini.

For those with a sweet tooth a selection of Homemade Plain and Fruit Scones with Clotted Cream, Orange Marmalade and Strawberry Jam will be served followed by a festive favourite, Black Forest Yule Log, a seasonal Cranberry Cheesecake, Maple and Pecan Choux and a Quince Macaroon.

The festive themed afternoon tea will be available Monday – Thursday, 2pm – 4:30pm and Friday’s between 12pm – 3pm. It will be priced at £35 per person.

There will also be an option for guests to opt for the Prosecco Afternoon Tea for £42.50 per person featuring champagne, or try 20 Stories Miniature Cocktail Pairing Afternoon Tea priced at £55 per person where guests can sample 20 Stories Signature cocktails including Sloe Love, 20 Stories Cocktail, Champagne Supernova and Manchester Tart Punch.

Afternoon Tea is also available for £47.50 per person. This will consist of X glasses of Nyetimber.

All Afternoon Teas will be served with your preferred choice of tea or coffee.

The menu can be viewed here.

Afternoon Tea can be booked here.

N8 Research Partnership appoints new chair of Board of Directors

Blog

Karen Jones

-

02/12/2022

0

N8 Research Partnership appoints new chair of Board of Directors

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of York, has been appointed chair of the N8 Research Partnership Board of Directors.

As part of his role, Professor Jeffery will seek to promote the N8 and its programmes to key audiences throughout the public and private sector as a key mechanism to deliver solutions to the many challenges society is currently facing.

This includes Net Zero North – which seeks to drive growth in the green economy in the North of England and beyond by co-producing research and innovation with businesses and other stakeholders – and Child of the North, a platform for collaboration, research and policy engagement that seeks to improve the lives of children living in the North of England in a post-pandemic age.

The Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group was recently launched, bringing together policy makers and experts in child outcomes from across the country to find solutions to the disparities suffered by children growing up in the North. The Net Zero North programme, meanwhile, is convening a Skills Alliance of Further and Higher Education providers and business, to support a reshaping of the skills landscape in the North of England as part of the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Professor Jeffery will also ensure strategic engagement with government officials, industry, research funders and other stakeholders, working closely with the Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors of Research of the other N8 universities, as well as the N8’s Director, Dr Annette Bramley.

Before taking on his current role at York, Professor Jeffery was Senior Vice-Principal at the University of Edinburgh and was a Member of Council of the Economic and Social Research Council from 2006-12 and Chair of the Political Studies Association of the UK from 2009-12.

Professor Jeffery is also a member of the Partnership Board of key organisations in the City of York, the York Central Steering Board, and the York Health and Care Alliance Board. He is currently Deputy Chair of the Russell Group of leading universities in the UK.

His predecessor as chair of the N8 was Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, who had held the role since 2019.

Professor Jeffery said: “The N8 is the North’s very own ‘golden triangle’ – an extremely powerful partnership of universities which supply the R&D innovations and graduate talent that drive collaboration with business and industry across the North of England.

“Harnessing that power to meet challenges like climate change and decarbonisation and to bring new vitality to the North’s economy are areas where N8 research is making a real difference to people’s lives, and really puts the N8’s research capabilities in the shop window.

“Given all the challenges we face, that role is more important than ever. So, I am looking forward immensely to continuing to work to translate N8 expertise into real economic and societal impact.”

Dr Bramley said: “Having had the pleasure of working with Charlie Jeffrey over recent years, I know that his passion and vision for the North of England makes him a perfect fit for the role.

“He has a deep-rooted interest in how university research and education can serve to the general benefit of society. In Edinburgh and now in York he has worked to bring together leading academic institutions with local authorities, businesses, other universities and colleges to promote inclusive economic development. During this challenging period for so many, it is vital that we promote collaborative research and demonstrate the importance of our universities to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of our region and the country.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Professor Chris Day, who has been an inspirational advocate for Northern research excellence during his tenure.”

About us

Company

Must Read

Subscribe to our newsletter