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Bolton is the WORST area in the UK to own an electric car, new study reveals

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09/11/2022

Bolton is the worst area in the UK to own an electric car with more than 8.3 charging points per 100,000 population
Walsall ranks as the second worst with 8.4 charging points per 100,000 people, whilst Southend-on-Sea ranks as third
Milton Keynes, Coventry and Brighton are revealed as the best places in the UK to own an electric vehicle

A new study has revealed that Bolton is the worst area in the UK to own an electric car.

The study by International Drivers Association, analysed the number of electric car charging points on ZapMap and ONS data to establish which area in the UK with a population of more than 100,000, has the highest and lowest number of charging points per 100,000 population.

The worst area in the UK to own an electric car is revealed to be Bolton, which has the lowest number of accessible charging points per population with only 8.3 per 100,000 available. With a total of 24 public charging devices across the area and a population of 288,248, Bolton is the area with the least access to charging points for electric vehicle owners.

Walsall is the second-worst UK area for owners of electric vehicles with a population of 286,716 and only 24 charging points across the area. This equates to 8.4 public charging devices per 100,000 – the second lowest number of all areas analysed.

The South-East area of Southend-on-Sea has the third-worst rate of charging points for electric vehicle owners with only 9.8 charging points per 100,000. The seaside location has a population of 182,773 and 18 total public charging devices, three of which are rapid chargers.

The worst areas in the UK to own and electric car
Area	Rank	Number of charging points per 100,000 people
Bolton	1	8.3
Walsall	2	8.4
Southend-on-Sea	3	9.8
Dudley	4	11.8
Stockport	5	12.2
Wigan	6	12.4
Oldham	7	14.3
Stoke-on-Trent	8	14.4

The data found that Milton Keynes is the area in the UK with the highest number of charging points per 100,000 people, at 137.3. This comes as a result of 371 total charging points in the area and a population of 270,203. The area also boasts the highest number of rapid charging devices at 121.

The second-best area in the UK to own an electric vehicle is Coventry which has 127.8 charging points per 100,000 people. The area has a total of 485 charging points, significantly more than Milton Keynes, but with a population of 379,387, this means that the area provides slightly less accessibility to charging points than Milton Keynes.

Brighton ranks as the third best area to own an electric vehicle in the UK. The Southern city has 117.9 charging devices per 100,000 people as a result of 344 public charging devices and a population of 291,738. Brighton also has the third highest number of charging points at 344, just below Coventry and Milton Keynes.

Taking the fourth spot is London with 109.9 charging points per 100,000 and Dundee being the fifth best borough to own an electric vehicle with 87.4 charging devices per 100,000 people.

The best area in the UK to own and electric car
Area	Rank	Number of charging points per 100,000 people
Milton Keynes	1	137.3
Coventry	2	127.8
Brighton	3	117.9
London	4	109.9
Dundee	5	87.4
Oxford	6	71.2
Bedford	7	60.1
Sunderland	8	57.2
Nottingham	9	56.7
Chesterfield	10	56.2

A spokesperson from International Drivers Association commented on the findings: “The UK’s charging infrastructure still has a way to go despite the many benefits that electric vehicles have to offer. It will be fascinating to see, particularly as fuel costs continue to rise, how the electrical charging landscape continues to evolve over the coming years.”

The Vita Group to host webinar on how Science Based Targets can tackle the climate crisis

Blog

Karen Jones

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09/11/2022

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The Vita Group to host webinar on how Science Based Targets can tackle the climate crisis

The Vita Group – one of Europe‘s leading providers of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam – is to host a webinar exploring how its innovative and collaborative approach to sustainability has resulted in it being one of only 1,800 companies globally to be validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The SBTi was established in 2015 to help companies set emission reduction targets in line with climate science.

Earlier this year, Vita became the first flexible PU foam manufacturer to have its climate targets approved by the SBTi, making it the only flexible PU foam manufacturer to set science-based emissions reduction targets in line with the level of decarbonisation required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – to limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

The SBTi‘s Target Validation Team classified Vita‘s scope 1 and 2 targets and has determined that it is in line with a 1.5°C trajectory, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process. Vita has also further committed to reducing absolute Scope 3 emissions by 13.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.

Now, Vita’s senior leadership team members are to share details of the company’s environmental roadmap during their first webinar. The webinar – The Power of SBTi to Drive Sustainability – will be hosted by Natalie Watson and Mike Murray – Vita’s head of sustainability and chief technical officer, respectively.

In the one-hour session – which takes place at 10 am (GMT) on Thursday, 24th November – Natalie and Mike will:

Put forward the case for partner collaboration to meet SBTi targets

Explore ‘ ‘Vita‘s sustainability journey to date
Describe the role of flexible PU foam in this journey and how it is uniquely placed to outperform other products during the net-zero transition
Why Vita is encouraging others to sign up for SBTi

Natalie Watson said, “This webinar will demonstrate how it is only through collaboration with our industry partners we can hope to reduce the effects of climate change.

“By setting ambitious, company-wide emissions reduction targets, we are the first flexible PU manufacturer globally to be validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We want to share the story of how we achieved this meaningful milestone.

“Our webinar will be of interest not only to those working in the foam industry or manufacturing, but anyone interested in how their business can utilise collaboration and innovation to address the climate crisis while achieving business objectives.“

To sign up for the webinar, please visit: The Power of SBTi to Drive Sustainability (thevitagroup.com).

The SBTi accreditation built upon the launch of Vita’s first sustainability report in early 2022, which detailed how the business has balanced commercial objectives with morally and ethically sound business practices.

Over the last two years the company has reduced its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, with other successes including reducing waste sent to landfill to just 2.01% and has manufactured, tested and launched its first foam range made from raw materials extracted from end-of-life products.

V7 founder completes management buyout to drive further international growth in Europe

News Desk

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09/11/2022

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V7 founder completes management buyout to drive further international growth in Europe

V7 Recruitment was founded in 2017 by Steve Whiston with investment from Keith Jones

Specialist recruitment firm, V7 Recruitment is targeting further growth in Europe with a focus on Germany, and a further strategy to break into the American market following the completion of a management buyout.

V7 was founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs and business partners Steve Whiston and Keith Jones. Joining the founding shareholders were recruitment experts Alex Waterhouse and Claire Hodgson, with Operations Director Natalie Wood joining a year later in 2018.

The Manchester city centre based business, which also has an office in Germany, specialises in the niche recruitment markets of Aviation, Construction, Utilities, Fire & Security, Data Centres and Pharmaceuticals.

The directors and management team have established the company as one of the leading recruitment experts in the North West. Having built a workforce of 22, it continues to grow rapidly with a strong presence across the UK and in Europe and is forecast to deliver £14m in revenue in its 2023 financial year and £20m for 2024.

As a result of the management buyout, Steve and the existing management team have acquired an additional 33.5% shareholding, enabling Keith to exit the business. Following the buyout, Steve and the management team have plans to scale their operations in the UK and internationally by cementing their European offering via their German office and expanding into America by 2027.

The buyout was supported by experts in recruitment finance and existing financial provider Zodeq, along with Cheshire based accountants, Afford Bond. Advising Steve and the management team on the MBO was Manchester based Ward Hadaway. Legal advice to Keith Jones was advised by JMW.

“Zodeq were delighted to work with V7 on this transaction that will allow the business to continue its growth strategy. We have a strong relationship between our two businesses that we hope will continue for some time to come” said Paul Cooney Managing Director of Zodeq.

Steve Whiston said: Having moved into our new 4,000Sqft NQ home in early part of the year, we have a very clear strategy on how to double our business over the next 24 months. Our MBO and the additional funding that we have secured will help V7 go to the next level in 2023. We are extremely thankful to Tom Hornbuckle at Afford Bond, Gareth Smith and Paul Cooney from Zodeq and Emma Digby from Ward Hadaway for their invaluable assistance throughout the process. Our growth plans are ambitious, but we are confident with our established team and support network of its execution.

THE BIG PINK BUS HITTING THE STREETS OF MANCHESTER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST SCREENING

Health

News Desk

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09/11/2022

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THE BIG PINK BUS HITTING THE STREETS OF MANCHESTER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST SCREENING

Manchester breast screening rates significantly lower than the national average
BooBee Bus set to tour areas of Manchester with the lowest uptake of breast screening aims to increase awareness of signs and symptoms of breast cancer and highlight the importance of attending screenings
Both ethnicity and social deprivation shown to have an impact on breast screening uptake

From Wythenshawe to Cheetham Hill, the BooBee bus tour will hit the road on Monday 7th November to raise awareness of the importance of attending breast screenings, across areas in the region with the lowest uptake.

Manchester has consistently fallen below the national average for screening uptake, with only 53.2% of Mancunians getting their breasts checked in 2021, compared to the national average of 64.2%. With the help of the BooBee campaign, Prevent Breast Cancer aims to increase these rates, and help make Manchester the most breast aware city in the UK.

More than 55,900 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and with one in 10 instances of cancer being diagnosed late, there has never been a more important time to take action.

The week-long bus tour, part of the wider BooBee campaign, will see the bright pink BooBee bus visit the areas of Greater Manchester that have the lowest uptake of screening, educating on what happens at breast screening, who should attend and promoting the importance of breast screening and self examination, not just for those who screening is available to, but for all women of all ages.

As the roadtrip gets underway, 100 charity ambassadors – women who have been personally affected by breast cancer – will travel with the bus to share their experiences and spread awareness of this devastating disease that has taken so many lives.

The BooBees will be accompanied by the team at Answer Cancer, Greater Manchester’s screening engagement programme, who will be on hand to answer any questions around breast screening.

The tour also aims to raise awareness among those living in deprived areas.

Every year, 420 women in Greater Manchester die from breast cancer, and research has found that there is a strong link between deprivation and increased incidence of cancer. In Manchester, 60% of these breast cancer patients are from the most deprived groups.

The tour will begin in Eastlands on the 7th November, and travel around Greater Manchester, with a final stop in Manchester fort Cheetham Hill on the 13th November.

Breast cancer screenings help to save roughly 1,300 lives a year by using X-rays to check breasts for signs of cancer. Early detection is lifesaving and helps to increase the chance that treatment will be successful.

Alongside screening, which is available every three years to all women in the UK between the ages of 50 and 70, we encourage all women to regularly check their breasts to understand what’s normal for them and seek out advice if they notice anything unusual. It can be done by examining monthly in the shower, lying down on the bed, whilst getting dressed or even blow drying hair.

Lester Barr, founder of Prevent Breast Cancer, said: “We are dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of attending breast screenings across Greater Manchester. There are a multitude of reasons that women don’t attend their screening invitation, and we’re committed to addressing the issue by learning more and communicating effectively with women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.

“We aim to proactively share information with different cultural and ethnic groups within different communities, whilst encouraging everyone to attend their screening invite and not only just check their breasts, but be aware of all the signs and symptoms, so that we are empowering each woman to know what’s normal for them, and cancer can be diagnosed as early as possible.

“As the only UK charity dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer, Prevent Breast Cancer is passionate about creating a future free from breast cancer.”

Manchester Airport operator MAG is the headline sponsor of the BooBee campaign, supporting the fit out of the BooBee bus for its journey around the city, and promoting the project to the many thousands of people working at and travelling through the airport.

Tina Edwards, People Director at Manchester Airport, said: “We are proud to be supporting this crucial campaign, highlighting an issue that we know is close to the hearts of many of our colleagues and customers. Breast screening is vitally important and we want to encourage people across the region to get themselves checked”.

For more information about the campaign and where the bus is visiting, please check out preventbreastcancer.org.uk.

Vita Group signs two new F&B tenants for Circle Square

News Desk

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09/11/2022

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Vita Group signs two new F&B tenants for Circle Square

Vita Group has signed deals to bring two new tenants to Circle Square, as the joint venture between Bruntwood SciTech and Vita Group for the former BBC site continues to become a go-to-destination for food and drink in the city.

Now the quickly populating Manchester city centre development on Oxford Road is getting ready to welcome its next wave of tenants to join the site, including burger specialists Boo, and renowned Leeds-based brewers North Brewing Co, which will be bringing street food favourite Little Bao Boy.

Boo, which is opening underneath Vita Living East, is taking a 3,000 sqft space at Circle Square. Already well established up and down the country, Boo provide something different – serving up freshly prepared, high-quality burgers, breakfast, and speciality coffee at an affordable price point and in a fantastic setting.

The simple menu, stemming from the company’s obsession with freshness and quality, uses locally sourced ingredients where possible and is all freshly prepared on site, supported by Boo’s own butchery business. In addition to the Angus beef burgers expect to see a simple high quality breakfast menu catered for people on the go.

The second tenant arriving at Circle Square, signing a 10-year deal, is North Brewing Co which will be opening its first North West site taking a 2,590 sqft space underneath the Vita Living East tower. Customers will be able to taste the beer that has been taking Leeds by storm for seven years since the brewery’s birth in 2015. It will be bringing its core line of beers like Transmission, Sputnik and Atlantis but make sure not to miss their specials and collaborations beers, which will be making their way in and out of the new bar to make sure there is always something fresh to try. North Brewing Co will be sharing its unit with another Manchester debutant, Little Bao Boy. Already a proven hit by beer punters in North Brewing Co’s Springwell and North Taproom: Sovereign Street sites.

The two tenants are expected to create a further 50 jobs in the area once they are open, complementing Circle Square’s ever-expanding retail and leisure mix. Acting agent for Vita Group’s retail and leisure offering is Lyons Thompson Letts Property Consultants.

Chief Operating Officer of Vita Group, Max Bielby said: “We are delighted to sign deals with North Brewing Co and Boo, two operators who will act as a real draw for the development, bringing in new audiences and driving footfall for Circle Square as visitors take in everything this great destination has to offer.

Quick and convenient metal recycling is coming to Salford

News Desk

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09/11/2022

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Quick and convenient metal recycling is coming to Salford

Tradespeople and members of the public in Greater Manchester will soon benefit from quick and convenient metal recycling thanks to the arrival of EMR Express’ first site in Salford.

World-leading metal recycler, EMR is committed to finding new ways to improve the customer experience at all of its sites to allow as many people as possible to play their part in saving the planet by recycling their old and unwanted metal items. EMR Express has been carefully designed with busy customers in mind.

Located just off Liverpool Street, the streamlined site will accept, weigh and pay customers for their metal in a matter of minutes. Well-trained, professional staff will guide customers through the process, helping them continue with their day having been paid a competitive price for their material.

The metal collected at the site will then re-enter the supply chain, reducing manufacturers’ reliance on the carbon-intensive and nature-depleting mining of virgin materials around the world.

The site will open its doors for trade on November 9th and will accept materials such as:

Cable
Copper piping
Taps and valves
Kitchen sinks
Boilers
Radiators
And much more..

Ian Sheppard, Managing Director at EMR, said: “At EMR we are always working hard to develop new ways to better serve our customers. By creating a scaled-down site without the heavy processing machinery that you see at most of our other sites, our teams will be ready to focus on what really counts: customer experience.

“EMR Express is built around the needs of tradespeople and members of the public who simply want to deposit material, get paid a competitive price for it, and then continue with their days. Helping them to play their part in protecting natures resources.

“The metal recycling industry is changing fast as businesses and individuals look for ways to make sustainable choices about how they dispose of material. EMR customers can rely on us to ensure the metal we collect at our new Salford site will be processed responsibly and re-enter the circular economy for the next generation of manufacturing or construction.”

THE (PUMPKIN) PIE’S THE LIMIT – CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING IN STYLE AT HARD ROCK CAFE MANCHESTER

News Desk

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08/11/2022

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THE (PUMPKIN) PIE’S THE LIMIT – CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING IN STYLE AT HARD ROCK CAFE MANCHESTER

If you thought a pumpkin was just for Halloween, think again – head for Hard Rock Cafe Manchester this month and celebrate Thanksgiving in true US style with a traditional slice of pumpkin pie, alongside a feast of slow-roasted turkey breast and all the trimmings.

Hard Rock’s mouth-watering Thanksgiving menu, available for one day only on Thursday November 24th, is a heavenly taste of US tradition featuring:

Slow-roasted turkey breast, roasted fresh vegetables, home-style classic stuffing, creamy sweet potato mash, cranberry sauce finished with a traditional turkey gravy
A slice of classic pumpkin pie topped with caramel sauce and house-made whipped cream

Dishes can be ordered separately (including a kids plate for smaller appetites), or as a two-course meal bundle. What’s more, order two Thanksgiving main courses and you can enjoy a free slice of pumpkin pie to share.

Booking is advised – head here for more.

URBAN SPLASH COMPLETES OFF-MARKET ACQUISITION AT NEW ISLINGTON

News Desk

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08/11/2022

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URBAN SPLASH COMPLETES OFF-MARKET ACQUISITION AT NEW ISLINGTON

Award winning regeneration company Urban Splash has acquired a site on corner of Lampwick Lane and Old Mill Street at New Islington in Manchester, completing an off-market deal with a private vendor.

Urban Splash will explore a residential development for the site, creating new homes for sale or rent.

The site stands on familiar territory for Urban Splash; the company has spent 20 years working in collaboration with Manchester City Council and other partners to transform the former Cardroom Estate into New Islington, creating new homes – one third of them affordable – workspaces, a park, the New Islington Free School, marina, cafes and bars. The newly-acquired land is at the north eastern end of New Islington – adjacent to Stubbs Mill, a building which Urban Splash transformed into workspace and is now fully let to Fanatics. Director Nathan Cornish explained: “New Islington is an important part of the Urban Splash story – a place in which we’ve helped deliver a new vibrant community for Manchester.

“This site is a natural purchase for us and an opportunity to create more new homes for the area. We look forward to exploring our options here.”

The news comes amidst a run of acquisitions for Urban Splash which has in invested in 25 new sites for its own operations and associated businesses in the past five years. Recent purchases include the Urban Splash Residential Fund’s acquisition of Derwent House in Birmingham, where the entire block of 40 homes is now available to rent.

Nathan concluded: “We are active in the market, using our own equity without bank debt. We take pride in being good buyers, completing on time and as quickly as vendors require; we hope to find more opportunities as we move forward with our regeneration work across the country.”

For further details about Urban Splash visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk

Pixel Kicks celebrates double client wins

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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08/11/2022

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Pixel Kicks celebrates double client wins

Pixel Kicks, the Manchester-based full-service digital agency, has won two new clients who will be working with the agency’s web development and branding teams.

The firm’s first new client is Sheffield-based Peek & Poke which makes branded games that help companies engage with their audiences. The project will see Pixel Kicks design a new WooCommerce-based website that will aim to consolidate Peek & Poke’s service offerings and simplify the user journey.

Accounts & Legal is a national small business accountant offering accounting, tax, business and legal advice. Pixel Kicks will deliver a rebrand and a new content-focused website design. Both projects are now being progressed and will be launched over the coming months.

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – commented: “These new wins are fantastic news for the business. Being appointed by two clients working in such diverse sectors reflects our skill set, experience and ability to tailor the right solution that will ultimately add value.”

Claritas Tax welcomes a new Associate Partner to the team

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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08/11/2022

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Claritas Tax welcomes a new Associate Partner to the team

Claritas Tax, the independent tax advisory firm with offices in Birmingham and Manchester has announced the appointment of Richard Smith, as Associate Partner and Head of Indirect Tax. His skills and experience will help the firm to drive its growth plans, build on existing and new client relationships and respond to the fast-changing needs of clients.

Richard Smith, tells us: “After many years working in senior leadership positions within the Big 4 environment, I am delighted to be joining such a vibrant, dynamic, and award-winning tax team whose growth trajectory to date has been extremely impressive. Claritas’ ambitious expansion plans mirror my own and I feel privileged and excited to be able to join the business and take on the role of leading and developing its Indirect Tax function. The VAT landscape remains complex and challenging to navigate and one of my key objectives will be to build and maintain trusted advisor relationships to ensure clients mitigate their VAT risk and effectively manage their compliance obligations”.

Claritas has had a fantastic year so far, being announced as the ‘Best Independent Tax Consultancy Firm’ at the prestigious Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2022 and more recently having been recognised as ‘Specialist Transaction Team of the Year’ at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers awards. Not to mention a landmark year for them, celebrating ten years since the firm was founded.

Matt Hodgson, Partner, comments: “I’m absolutely delighted that Richard’s joined us. It’s rare to find someone with such a wealth of experience in the world of indirect tax and with the vision and appetite to build such a service line with us. Richard’s appointment is a real statement for Claritas as we continue to recruit high-calibre people and build upon our full-service tax offering to the mid-market.”

Iain Wright, Partner, adds: “Our firm is ending the year in a really strong position and that is down to the fantastic team we have. I believe that adding Richard to the mix will not only bolster Claritas’ work but we’re continually investing in our multi-disciplinary service lines to support our clients on all of their complex tax needs.”

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