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High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult signs MOU with Greater Manchester to provide £1.7bn manufacturing boost

Manufacturing

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16/11/2022

High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult signs MOU with Greater Manchester to provide £1.7bn manufacturing boost

HVM Catapult, Innovation Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority join forces to drive industrial transformation
HVM Catapult to help the attraction and retention of an additional £1.2bn high tech foreign direct investment (FDI)
HVMC centres have strong relationships with innovation stakeholders in Greater Manchester

High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult will provide a £1.7bn manufacturing boost which will expand and diversify the Greater Manchester Economy, according to new research. This includes the attraction and retention of an additional £1.2bn high tech foreign direct investment (FDI).

Yesterday (15 November 2022), HVM Catapult, Innovation Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to help manufacturing businesses improve their productivity through supporting research and development.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This new agreement between Greater Manchester and HVM Catapult is a fantastic boost for our city-region’s manufacturing businesses.

“Greater Manchester has a proud manufacturing heritage and we can ensure this continues well into the future by helping our businesses scale up and develop new technologies. The sector has an important role to play in the transition to net zero, while business growth can help deliver high-quality, well-paid jobs.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and GMCA Portfolio Lead for Economy and Business, said: “HVM Catapult’s recently established presence in Manchester is another great addition to our city-region’s growing innovation ecosystem. This MOU sets out how Greater Manchester and HVM Catapult will work together to boost the performance of our manufacturers through R&D.

“By helping businesses embrace innovation we can help them grow, which in turn creates more high-quality, well-paid jobs for Greater Manchester residents. From the transition to net zero to tackling health inequalities, accelerating innovation in manufacturing can help us address some of our biggest challenges.”

Juergen Maier, Innovation Greater Manchester board member, said: “We look forward to working with the HVM Catapult to find opportunities for Greater Manchester’s manufacturing businesses to improve their productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.

“Through Innovation Greater Manchester we’re developing a world-class innovation ecosystem that will put the city-region at the centre of the fourth industrial revolution. Our approach can stimulate economic growth and investment to deliver high-quality jobs that are accessible to all, setting an example for other regions to follow.”

HVM Catapult Chief Executive, Katherine Bennett added: “We will only unleash the full potential of the manufacturing industry through collaboration and I am proud to see such strong connections and progress being made within weeks of us setting up home in Greater Manchester.

“Like us, Innovation Greater Manchester is committed to levelling up our communities, creating the solutions we need to deliver net zero and creating the conditions for UK businesses to benefit from exporting and inward investment.

“It makes perfect sense for us to work as a collective and I look forward to seeing the positive impact I know we will make in delivering industrial transformation.”

The Greater Manchester area is in the bottom 20% for public sector spending on R&D and in the bottom third of peers for how many tech-enabled firm headquarters there are with specialisms in key manufacturing and industry sectors. The HVM Catapult will support Great Manchester in attracting and retaining high-growth companies in critical sectors such as pharma, materials and agri-food and med-tech, who at present account for circa 15% of the local business base.

This collaboration could double the size of these sectors in the Greater Manchester area and provide a further 15,000 gross jobs over the next decade if the region matches the manufacturing global growth rate.

The HVM Catapult, formed 11 years ago from its seven constituent innovation centres, has worked with more than 5,500 industrial partners in 2021/22. Additionally, HVM Catapult recently announced it has opened its first office in Manchester with technology innovation catalyst, CPI, which will support the region on the ground to deliver its technology and innovation plans to boost the local economy.

North West security firm fly in to top three percent of UK security companies

Business

News Desk

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16/11/2022

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North West security firm fly in to top three percent of UK security companies

North West-based security firm, CDX Security Group, has surpassed previous years’ SIA audit scores and stepped into the top three percent of the UK’s security firms.

Family-run security firm, CDX Security Group recently landed a spot in the top three percent of UK security firms, following a successful audit from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), commissioned by the SIA, aims to protect the public and employees within the security industry through a framework that sets, improves, and monitors operating standards. Firms are marked against seven criteria and must consistently demonstrate excellent service delivery and sound business management.

North West-based CDX Security Group, who have been in operation since 2012, demonstrated excelled levels of compliance in all areas and scored an impressive 131 points out of 145, placing them in the UK’s top three percent security firms, a two percent increase on their 2021 audit result. The audit included interviews with key senior team members, front line security teams and customers to understand the processes and procedures in place and to gather any feedback.

Elliot Roddy, Group Operations Director at the firm, said of their recent success: “We’ve continued to work really hard to ensure our working practices are second to none, and to gain a 2% advantage on our 2021 audit is fantastic news for CDX and our customers.”

“We pride ourselves on the standards of our team and our company values, and achieving these scores is testament to the team’s dedication to CDX. With the launch of CDX Aviation, fantastic audit results and a win at the Warrington Business Awards all achieved in 2022, we’re looking forward to what 2023 has in store.”

Areas of good practice highlighted in the audit included the internal audit procedure put in place by CDX Security Group to score themselves against the ACS standards, any scores below the highest mark are identified and improvements outlined, their community initiatives for promoting careers in the security industry via local schools were also highlighted by the audit.

CDX Security Group was founded in 2012 and is a family run business based in Birchwood, Warrington. They recently launched their Aviation service focussed on airport security and related services and were successfully announced as Large Business of the Year at the Warrington Business Awards this October.

Zerum receive permission for 150 new apartments in Leeds

News Desk

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16/11/2022

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Zerum receive permission for 150 new apartments in Leeds

Manchester and Leeds based Planning, Project Management & Cost Management Consultancy, Zerum have secured a permission for 150 new apartments in a 16-storey building located in Leeds.

The building is located in the emerging and exciting South Bank of Leeds, close to the new City Park, the Climate Innovation District and the Guiness Development.

It will also generate a number of direct and indirect benefits for the city including local construction employment opportunities, a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units and new resident onsite amenities.

Tom Cook, Divisional Director at Zerum commented: “We’re delighted with this outcome. This development further strengthens the South Bank of Leeds, which is an exciting part of the city. To secure this permission by delegated powers demonstrates the strength of the working relationship we and the team have with the council.”

John King, of King & Co commented: “Zerum have provided our planning advice for a number of years, and the strength of our relationship was such that we were able to identify the potential of this former industrial site and bring it forward quickly for a major residential development in a short period of time.”

Work is set to start on the scheme mid to late 2023. Zerum acted as Planning Consultants, NBA as Architects, Weetwood as Drainage Engineers, Mosodi as Transport Consultants

North West Could Bag £400m Investment in Plastic Recycling ecoPlants

Business

Matthew L

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16/11/2022

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North West Could Bag £400m Investment in Plastic Recycling ecoPlants

A new partnership could see 10 new ecoPlants built across the UK at a cost of over £400m.

The partnership is between Clean Planet Energy and private equity firm Crossroads Real Estate. The latter has already announced funding for Clean Planet Energy’s flagship UK ecoPlant, which is under construction in Teeside.

However, the pair are hoping to seek permission to build a further 9 plants around the UK. These plants are designed to take plastic waste that would otherwise end in a landfill and put it to good use.

In a statement detailing the partnership, the ecoPlants’ functions were discussed.

It read: “Clean Planet’s ecoPlants are green, advanced recycling facility intended to process non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle waste plastics that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

“Each ecoPlant is designed to accept 20,000 tonnes of plastics each year and to convert this waste into (a) ultra-low sulphur fuels to replace fossil fuels in the transport and heavy-machinery sectors, and (b) petrochemical feedstocks, including naphtha, which can be used to make new plastic products without the need to use fossil-based feedstocks”.

Bertie Stephens, Group CEO of Clean Planet Energy, expressed his delight at the partnership and shared his enthusiasm for the future.

He said: “Clean Planet Energy’s mission is to remove over 1 million tonnes of non-recyclable plastic waste from our environment, every year. This exciting partnership gives us the capacity to make a significant dent in this target. Having Crossroads Real Estate join us, not just for the development of potentially 10 new UK ecoPlant projects, but also for the construction of the current Teesside ecoPlant, means in Crossroads we have a partner who, like us, is focussed on making a sustainable difference with its investments; delivering on a vision of a greener United Kingdom and beyond”.

Potential sites for the ecoPlants include Lincolnshire, Gloucestershire, Lancashire and South Wales.

Verastar recognised for ‘award winning learning and customer service’

Awards

News Desk

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16/11/2022

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Verastar recognised for ‘award winning learning and customer service’

Sale based small business services provider Verastar has been recognised for its bold, creative and impactful learning in the workplace and its customer service excellence in the as it wins a suite of national awards.

The Learning at Work Week Impact Awards celebrate campaigns by employers from across the UK that champion and drive lifelong learning at work and opportunities for staff. Verastar has been recognised as an organisation that has gone above and beyond to promote learning in the workplace

This year’s winners of the awards, created by the educational organisation Campaign for Learning, all took part in Learning at Work Week in May and are from a diverse mix of sectors, including national media, banking and finance, corporate utilities, and the NHS.

Verastar employs around 600 staff at its Sale and Central Manchester based offices and was voted as winner of both the Innovation in Learning and Development Award, sponsored by Findcourses.co.uk and the Inspiring a Lifelong Learning Culture Award, sponsored by getAbstract.

Ivan Jones, Head of Learning and Development at Verastar comments: “The team were relentless and the hard work and effort that went into this week really showcased our qualities as an L&D function. We are creative thinkers, never satisfied with the status quo, but instead we challenge and push ourselves to deliver innovative and engaging learning solutions.”

Learning at Work Week is an annual celebration which encourages all organisations to promote a learning culture highlight the importance and benefits of continual learning and development. The Verastar team created the concept of a ‘Learn Island’ theme for its Learning at Work Week which captured the imagination of all the employees, including the CEO Lee Hull.

Ivan adds: “To win two Impact Awards in our first year of taking part in Learning at Work Week is a dream come true and inspires us for the next stage of our journey as a department. A huge thank you to all our colleagues who took part.”

Verastar was also named a b-Heard ‘One to Watch’ 2022 organisation earlier this month where workplace engagement is showing promising signs for the future and good levels of engagement.

Finally, Verastar Group was featured at the Northern Contact Centre Awards for Best Transformational Programme in which the Customer Care Technical COE Manchester was highly commended. Verastar’s Samantha Hale won the Complaints Manager of the Year.

Customer Care Director Stacey Clarke comments: “I’m so proud of my team for winning two awards of recognition. Customer complaints used to be a taboo subject but we’ve worked hard to change the way in which we interact with other teams around the business to try and resolve a complaint as early as possible. Thank you to everyone who has supported these amazing achievements, we really were a united team working together across Customer Care, HR, Transformation and Development, and IT to make these awards possible.”

THE BLACKPOOL TOWER ATTRACTION OPERATOR MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Appointments

News Desk

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15/11/2022

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THE BLACKPOOL TOWER ATTRACTION OPERATOR MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Merlin Entertainments, which runs The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, SEA Life Blackpool plus many more local attractions, today announces the appointment of 25-year sports and entertainment industry veteran Scott M. O’Neil as Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 November 2022. O’Neil will be responsible for overseeing the business operations and global growth for Merlin Entertainments across its 147 attractions in 24 countries. O’Neil’s appointment comes following outgoing CEO Nick Varney’s decision to retire after 23 years.

Merlin’s attractions include 10 LEGOLAND Resort Theme Parks and hotels, six Resort Theme Parks including Alton Towers, Heide Park and Gardaland, as well as a vibrant portfolio of renowned global brands in city destinations, such as SEA LIFE aquariums, Madame Tussauds, Peppa Pig World of Play, the Lastminute.com London Eye and Sydney Tower Eye. Merlin is continuing to expand, with three LEGOLAND Resorts in China under development and further openings planned across the US and Asia.

O’Neil was most recently CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a portfolio of sports, entertainment, and investment properties, where he oversaw more than $2bn growth in enterprise value, from $415m to $2.5bn, through his focus on talent, culture, and guest experience.

Under O’Neil’s leadership, HBSE evolved from managing a single team, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, to an award-winning live sports and entertainment group. It now spans multiple professional teams, real estate holdings, an esports platform, a GRAMMY Museum, a top 10 internationally booked arena, a venture fund, innovation lab and Elevate, a growing sports marketing company.

O’Neil has led some of the top athletic brands in the world, including New York Knicks – NBA, New York Rangers – NHL, Philadelphia Eagles – NFL and the Philadelphia 76ers – NBA, where success is predicated on building the brand, driving attendance, leveraging data, engaging fans through the guest experience and partnering with big brands to drive growth.

Roland Hernandez, Chair of Merlin Entertainments, commented:

“Scott has significant experience in the entertainment industry, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Merlin through the next exciting stages of its global development. The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.

“I would like to reiterate the Group’s thanks to Nick for his outstanding leadership of Merlin Entertainments over the last 23 years. Merlin is one of the best leisure businesses in the world thanks to his leadership, passion, and talent and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer designate, added:

“I am thrilled to be joining the Merlin family. There is an extraordinarily talented management team, a driven, ambitious, hardworking, team centric, can-do culture, and a board led by KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB which is committed and focused on growth and driving value. Merlin partners with some of the top global brands including LEGO, Sony Pictures Entertainment and HASBRO and is a business with phenomenal tailwinds, whose purpose is to bring joy and make lasting memories for families and friends around the world.”

“Nick has built an incredible business and achieved unprecedented growth in this industry and yet there are still tremendous upside opportunities ahead to continue the momentum. We are actively building and searching for new attractions and sites. We are fortunate in that we are not constrained to a single studio or content pipeline and are seeking additional brand partners to redefine the attractions business. Merlin will also aggressively look to expand our offerings and experiences in our current attractions. I have been impressed by the talent, energy and dedication of the people at Merlin that I’ve met so far and am looking forward to working with the wider team to deliver on the exciting growth strategy.”

Nick Varney, retiring Chief Executive Officer, added:

“I am very proud of what we have achieved at Merlin over the past 23 years. We have built an incredible business with amazing attractions and brilliant people. I have every confidence that Merlin will go from strength to strength under Scott’s leadership over the coming years.”

Save a life in 60 minutes

News Desk

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15/11/2022

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Cookson First Aid is offering free first aid training for all across Greater Manchester

Award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Myprotein, Oliver Cookson, has launched Cookson First Aid to bring free first aid training to the Greater Manchester region.

The innovative new programme is fully funded by the Oliver Cookson Foundation and teaches a range of first aid and life-saving skills in just 60 minutes. The not-for-profit organisation is being led by Emily Harrison, CEO, who is now forging partnerships with community groups across the region to access the free courses.

Each course is delivered by fully qualified and experienced first aid professionals and will be provided completely free of charge. In the sixty-minute training sessions, attendees will be taught how to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest, how and when to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use a defibrillator. Courses will also be offered on how to perform first aid on babies and young children.

Cookson First Aid aims to bring its courses direct to communities – anyone can sign up whether voluntary or community groups, or the general public – to ensure there are no cost or access barriers for anyone to learn essential first aid skills. And they are also working with specialist organisations to develop accessible courses to offer free first aid that really is for everyone in the community.

The Oliver Cookson Foundation is 100% funded by Oliver Cookson – Cookson First Aid was chosen as their flagship programme with a clear mission to save lives in communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Oliver Cookson said: “First aid, CPR and knowing how to use a defibrillator are essential life skills, and training to teach them should be available for free to everyone. For me, that’s a non-negotiable life skill. If you look at the stats, less than one in 10 people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest. And this is all down to the low bystander CPR rates – basically people don’t know how to react or what to do.

“But acting quickly with knowledge of how to respond can make all the difference. In fact, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces a victim’s survival rate by 7-10%, and without immediate treatment 90-95% of cardiac arrests prove fatal. Lives can be saved, simply by learning these valuable skills. Yes, we’ve all seen high-profile cases – especially on the football field – like Christian Eriksen, but cardiac arrest can happen to anyone and with this initiative we want to make sure that everyone in all our communities across Greater Manchester has the skills to save a loved one in an emergency.”

Whilst Oliver has been involved in charity work for many years as a key donor to Caudwell Children’s Charity and as patron of Make a Wish, the Oliver Cookson Foundation is his opportunity to start his own charitable initiatives. He has a history of heart disease in his own family and remains committed to giving back to Greater Manchester.

He continued: “We’re kicking off our Cookson First Aid free courses in Manchester as I see it as a real opportunity to give back to the communities that made me. I was born in Withington Hospital and grew up in South Manchester – as a proud Mancunian the city will always be my home and close to my heart. I want to make sure the great people of Manchester learn the skills to be able to save someone they love. By removing cost and time barriers associated with first aid training we believe we can make a real impact.

“And once we’ve helped change the lives of people in Manchester, we aim to roll out the initiative, working with partners and local councils on a national scale.”

ADI Install First LED screen as part of Printworks Manchester’s Digital Transformation

News Desk

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15/11/2022

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ADI Install First LED screen as part of Printworks Manchester’s Digital Transformation

As part of the extensive upgrade of Printworks entertainment complex, ADI have installed the first in a series of large-format LED screens and digital signage. A new 112m screen above Printworks’ main entrance on Withy Grove replaces an existing digital display, and is part of Ocean Outdoors’ DOOH network, providing a premium platform for brand advertisers in the very heart of Manchester city centre.

Procured by Printworks’ owners, DTZ Investors, the huge screen is larger and higher resolution than the previous installation. It features ADI’s new 6mm MT Series product, ensuring this prominent DOOH platform offers exceptional image quality and clarity for full-motion adverts within Ocean’s network. With Printworks enjoying around 8 million visitors annually, and significant passing footfall, the screen is a premium site for brands targeting affluent consumers, tourists and city-workers.

Drew Burrow, ADI Displays Division, Head of Sales (Bespoke & Creative) comments: “ADI are delivering an extensive digital installation programme across the exterior and interior of Printworks, and we’re pleased to unveil the first large-format screen by our team. We’ve upgraded this iconic DOOH site, providing an enhanced platform for advertisers in this vibrant area of Manchester’s retail district, situated above the entrance to one of the city’s best-loved entertainment venues.”

This installation is part of the multi-million-pound project taking place at Printworks, which will see ADI install Europe’s largest LED ceiling, and create a spectacular multimedia experience that’s supported by additional screens and signage around the venue.

ADI’s unique offering of display technologies, content and services has made us the ideal partner to deliver this transformative project, which includes:

Installation of an LED ceiling screen of 965m² throughout the whole venue
A 90m² interactive screen in the Pump Yard area
A 50m² screen on the outside of Printworks on Dantzic Street
Installation of multiple ribbon screens totalling 277 m² along the roofline on the exterior of Printworks
Supply of a complete bespoke content management solution to power the whole platform
Multiple sensors and cameras throughout the venue to allow for interactive programming and gaming
Ongoing creation and management of bespoke creative content, with ADI working alongside Flipbook Studio in Manchester

For further information, please visit: https://printworks-manchester.com/printworks-2022/

DEANSGATE’S FRESHEST NEW OFFICE SPACE OPENS ITS DOORS

News Desk

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15/11/2022

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DEANSGATE’S FRESHEST NEW OFFICE SPACE OPENS ITS DOORS

A newly refurbished category B office space in the heart of Manchester’s business district is now available to businesses looking for smart new affordable premises.

St Johns House, a seven storey purpose built office block that contains more than 41,000sq.ft of ground space, offers occupants a number of benefits including secure on-site parking, a ground floor Café Nero, showers, suspended ceilings with air conditioned offices and 24 hour access for businesses that need to operate outside of regular hours.

Anna Main, Director at Landwood Group, said: “An increasing number of businesses are currently looking to downsize their operations in the wake of rising costs and with the rise of flexible working.

“Buildings like St Johns House are great options for businesses looking to make more efficient use of space, and being a Category B office the building offers very competitive rents which coupled with a low service charge to comparable buildings, makes it a very attractive place for office users reducing overall costs of occupation.

“One of our most recent tenants is Avensure, who moved from 7,500sq.ft to just over 4,000sq.ft, without losing any functionality because of the office’s effective space management. Their suite looks incredible and they have slashed their outgoings.”

While the building itself has a number of attractive features, the sought after location is the icing on the cake for any occupier.

Situated in the heart of Spinningfields and close to a litany of stunning restaurants, bars and cafés, the office space is ideal for any business that wants to offer an enjoyable location for staff.

Anna continued: “St Johns House is one of the most desirable office locations available in the city at the moment.

“It offers tenants a range of top-quality features along with premium quality design, making it perfect for any business that is ready to step into the heart of Manchester.

“With its position in the centre of Spinningfields, its close proximity to the Metrolink service and the wealth of bars, restaurants and shopping locations all within a few minutes walk, St Johns House offers everything you need in a modern office space and proves that you don’t need to be burdened with huge overheads to be in a great space in a great location.

To enquire about the range of office space available in St Johns House, please contact Anna Main at anna.main@landwoodgroup.com.

FOR THE LOVE OF LITERATURE: EVENT CELEBRATES INSPIRATIONAL AUTHORS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

News Desk

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15/11/2022

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FOR THE LOVE OF LITERATURE: EVENT CELEBRATES INSPIRATIONAL AUTHORS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

Launch of new anthology shines a light on students from The University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing

A new anthology of stories written by Manchester students is to be published this month, celebrating the wealth of literary talent produced by The University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing.

The Manchester Anthology showcases the works of 17 emerging authors who have just completed a Creative Writing MA, giving a voice to fresh new writers and kickstarting their careers in publishing.

The volume was launched at a special event on the evening of 14 November 2022 at the state-of-the-art Bright Building at Manchester Science Park and is set to attract leading lights from the publishing industry.

Previous volumes of the anthology have featured contributions from students who have gone on to become established authors.

They include Rochdale-born Beth Underdown, whose debut novel, The Witchfinder’s Sister, became a Richard and Judy bestseller in 2017. Beth is now a Lecturer in Creative Writing at The University of Manchester. In the same year, writer and poet Alys Conran was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel, Pigeon.

Professor John McAuliffe, Co-Director of the Centre for New Writing, said: “The Manchester Anthology is a fantastic student-led project that showcases the depth and diversity of literary talent coming out of the city.

“It means that every writer graduates from the Centre for New Writing as a published author, with an in-depth understanding of how publishing works.

“This brilliantly varied anthology showcases 17 recent graduates of the Centre for New Writing, each of them working out – in fiction, memoir and poems – questions about difference and belonging, about the body and about ideas, about joy and shame and the sometimes comic, sometimes excruciating ways in which we humans discover who we are.

“Over more than a decade, the anthology has established itself as an important outlet for exciting new Northern talent and helps put our young authors on the radar of agents and publishers.

“Not only that, it helps inspire the next generation of writing talent to come and learn their craft in our great city.”

The students are given a budget and have full creative control over everything from editing submissions to the design of the cover and the type of paper used, to give them insight into how a book is made.

Students collaborated with artist Jeremy Simon to develop a distinctive look and feel for the anthology, which draws on an aesthetic inspired by medieval folklore.

Jeremy said: “I love the idea that the stories in the anthology are almost modern folk tales, each set in its own world.

“I was inspired by old woodblock printing and incorporated mythological images of an imagined world, which hints at this strange, unsettling experience of the pandemic that we are now emerging from.”

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