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Will the Subsidy Control System Succeed? It Depends!

Finance

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01/11/2022

Will the Subsidy Control System Succeed? It Depends!

The UK government’s public spending amounts to whopping 40.8% of the GDP.

From access platforms operating in the construction industry to higher education; a range of sectors receive some form of government support provided through public funds. Even the oil and gas companies received £13.6bn in subsidies in 2021 despite its denial.

The rampant spending that led the government borrowing to jump to £ 20bn in September has been the subject of widespread debate and public uproar.

However, the introduction of the Subsidy control system in the latter part of October, could have a far-reaching impact on multiple regions, for instance; North West, depending on the level of subsidies they benefit from. It’s being seen as a mechanism to re-target subsidies to those who need them the most.

But, will the system achieve the intended consequences?

What is the subsidy control system?

The UK’s subsidy control system comprises a set of rules and regulations designed to prevent the government from overspending on subsidies or wasting funds on infeasible projects.

The subsidy control system is made up of several different measures, including the setting of an overall limit on subsidies to ensure that the money is spent in a way that is most beneficial to the economy and the UK citizens.

Will the subsidy control system succeed?

Gareth Smythe – the CEO of Hilton Smythe – a firm specialising in business sales; has put forth his two cents on the matter and expressed reservations:

“Whilst this looks like a fantastic scheme that will allow devolved administrations and local authorities to deliver subsidies to local businesses, the devil is always in the detail. If the scheme operates anything like some of the COVID assistance that was left to local authorities to manage, the scheme could be little more than a news headline. Some local authorities were poor at making businesses aware of grant entitlement during COVID; from our experience, some authorities even made it difficult for businesses to obtain. Hopefully, the government will ensure the regime gets to businesses that benefit through a proactive effort rather than a silent benefit that only a few hear of.”

In a Nutshell

From the “no fault divorce” legislation geared toward families aiming to separate to the subsidy control system; the UK government has continued to introduce new laws and regulations geared towards betterment in 2022. However, when it comes to UK policymaking; success in the long run isn’t always guaranteed.

The impact of this new system is yet to be fully seen, but if successful, it could help to save the government millions of pounds every year, which could be used to fund other essential services. It could also help to level the playing field between large and smaller businesses, as the latter are often at a disadvantage when claiming subsidies. Only time will tell whether the new subsidy control system will be successful, but it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Campaign to get under-40s in North-West England to understand risk of type 2 diabetes

Sam Allcock

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01/11/2022

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Campaign to get under-40s in North-West England to understand risk of type 2 diabetes

Campaign from Diabetes UK and Tesco aims to help 1 million people understand their risk of type 2 diabetes and get support to prevent or delay the condition
More than 16,900 under-40s in North-West England registered as living with type 2
UK-wide, registered cases of type 2 in under-40s up 23% in five years, new analysis reveals

A leading charity partnership is urging people across North-West England to check their risk of type 2 diabetes through a free online tool as shocking new figures reveal an alarming acceleration of diagnoses in younger age groups across the UK.

More than 16,900 people under-40 in North-West England are currently registered as living with type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that is known to have more severe and acute consequences in people under 40 and, without the right treatment and support, can lead to serious complications that include kidney failure and heart disease.

Analysis of NHS data carried out by long-standing partners Diabetes UK and Tesco has shown that cases of type 2 diabetes – historically associated with older people – are now rising at a faster rate among those under 40 than in those over 40. With registered cases of type 2 in this age group up 23% in just five years, the charity predicts the number of people in the UK aged between 18 and 39 living with a diagnosis of the condition could hit 200,000 by 2027.

It comes as new research commissioned by Diabetes UK and Tesco reveals that people under 40 from North-West England are generally unaware of many of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, or the devastating complications the condition can lead to.

The research also sheds light on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. More than half of people (57%) said they had deprioritised their health as a direct result of the current crisis, with nearly a quarter (23%) saying they had avoided or put off medical checks.

The UK-wide survey of people aged between 18 and 39 also found:

A worrying 70% of people in North-West England didn’t know how to check if they were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
65% either didn’t know or weren’t sure what the symptoms of type 2 diabetes were, raising fears cases could go undiagnosed.
Few realised that amputations (37%), strokes (32%) and depression (25%) were possible complications of type 2 diabetes.

In response, Diabetes UK and Tesco are launching a campaign across the UK to drive a million people to better understand their individual risk of type 2 diabetes by using Diabetes UK’s free online ‘Know Your Risk’ tool, or by visiting their local Tesco pharmacy. Anyone who completes an assessment using the tool will be directed to free advice and information on the help and support available to manage their risk.

The campaign comes ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14^th November. In addition to launching an online risk assessment and in-store support at Tesco pharmacies, Tesco has also produced a series of healthy and budget-friendly recipes, which are available through the Tesco Real Food website. This is on top of Tesco’s existing commitments to make healthy food more accessible for its customers. Last year, Tesco committed to increase sales of healthy food to 65% by 2025 and make products healthier through reformulation.

Shannon Ball, 26, is from Halifax and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 16. She said:

“I know how overwhelming a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be for a younger person – I’ve lived through it – and I also know how difficult it can be to know where to go for support or advice if you’re worried about your health. That’s why I want to help as many people as possible understand their risk of type 2 diabetes and find the support to act.

“I’m proof that with the right advice and support around you, it’s possible to feel more in control of your health. I hope this campaign shows people who are worried about their risk of type 2 diabetes that the help is there and gives them the confidence to go out and get it.”

Clare Howarth is Head of North of England at Diabetes UK. She said:

“This trend of rapidly-increasing early-onset type 2 diabetes is incredibly troubling. It marks a shift from what we’ve seen historically and should be taken as a serious warning to policymakers and our NHS.

“If you’re under 40, you’re not immune to type 2 diabetes. It is vital that you check your risk now and that individuals, no matter what their age or background, are given the opportunity to access support to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

“We’re immensely grateful to Tesco for their support with this important campaign and hope it leads to huge numbers of under 40s in North-West England making that essential first step and checking their risk of type 2 diabetes.”

Jason Tarry is CEO, UK & ROI at Tesco. He said:

“Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common health conditions we face in the UK, but the reality is that many cases could be prevented or delayed. And we know that a healthy diet is one of the ways to reduce your risk

“In these tough times, we want to make it easier for families to enjoy an exciting, healthy, budget-friendly diet, so that even when pressed for time and money, eating healthily never feels out of reach. With 373 Tesco pharmacies across the country, serving half a million people a week, our community pharmacists can also provide expert support and advice. As part of a long running partnership with Diabetes UK we’re urging people to do the Know Your Risk check either online or at your local Tesco pharmacy.

“Next time you’re in-store, visit the pharmacy and have a quick chat to one of our pharmacists or try out one of the healthy and budget friendly recipes we’ve created. Reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes is doable and affordable, with the right support, and a few simple changes can make a big difference.”

While type 2 diabetes is often stigmatised as a condition that people bring on themselves, the risk factors are multiple and complex, and include genetics, family history and ethnicity, as well as living with obesity or overweight, among other factors.

Social deprivation is also an issue. Factors such as income, education, housing, access to healthy food, as well as poorer access to healthcare, have been shown to be strongly linked to an increased risk of developing several health conditions – including obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a result, people who are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes are all-too-often less likely to be able to benefit from support to manage it.

Type 2 diabetes has until recently been quite rare in those aged under 40, and while numbers of under 40s with type 2 diabetes remain a small proportion of total cases, many people – including healthcare professionals – don’t always recognise the symptoms, which include:

going to the toilet more often, especially at night
feeling more tired, because your body can’t get enough glucose in to your cells for energy
losing weight without trying
genital itching or thrush
cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
blurred vision
feeling extremely thirsty

Most people over 18 are eligible to use the free Know Your Risk tool (See notes to editors for exceptions). The tool can be found at: https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/c/tesco

To find your nearest Tesco Pharmacy visit: www.tesco.com or take an online assessment at: www.tesco.com/pharmacy.

Debt Collection Agency’s expertise called upon by top TV soap

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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Debt Collection Agency’s expertise called upon by top TV soap

Leading debt collection agency Federal Management has been handed a key role in the legendary Manchester based TV soap, Coronation Street.

The highly revered debt collection firm was enlisted to help with scripts for a future storyline in the long running TV soap.

The respective episodes are set to be broadcast to millions of viewers in January 2023. They will feature a tense debt collection storyline involving some of the show’s well-known characters.

Coronation Street’s script writing team sought the help of Federal Management to ensure the gripping storyline was as true to life as possible. The gripping scenes will be realistic and have viewers sitting on the edge of their seats.

Script writers and Federal Management have remained tight-lipped about the actors that will be involved in the scenes to be shown next year.

Federal Management’s Managing Director Marc Curtis-Smith, said: “One of the main characters is going to face an unpaid CCJ debt problem, so we were approached by the producers to check scripts and scenes for authenticity.

“This included making sure the writers had used accurate industry terminology and that the facts used were legally correct. Many of our staff are regular viewers of the show so we were honoured to be asked for advice on the scripts.”

Federal Management has also been pencilled in as key advisers for future script writing projects involving debt collection famous ITV show.

It is not the first time Federal Management has been called upon to assist script writers and producers for television shows.

They have previously advised TV producers on scripts and narratives for various TV presentations and documentaries. The Award-winning Debt Collection specialist has been established nearly 20 years and is highly revered in the world of Business.

Their professional debt collection services have been used by many high-level and prestigious organisations as well as small businesses across the UK and overseas. Their sister Company is Frontline Collections, a famous name in the world of Private and Personal Debt Collector agents.

This is not the first time that a debt collection storyline has been at the forefront of Coronation Street’s thrilling episodes. The role of an ‘illegal’ debt collector has been undertaken in the past by one of the soaps favourite stars Mikey North.

It is understood the episodes Federal Management have advised on will feature CCJ enforcement of unpaid debts owing by a character.

New Partner bolsters Ward Hadaway’s construction team in Leeds

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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New Partner bolsters Ward Hadaway’s construction team in Leeds

Law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed Dan Lyon as a Partner in their growing Built Environment Team.

Dan, who is based at the firm’s office in Leeds, deals with a wide range of contentious and non-contentious construction and engineering matters and provides advice to a range of clients involving development, site and project issues including contract reviews and advising on potential disputes.

He joins from his previous firm, where he rose to be a Partner after originally joining them as a trainee in 2005.

He brings with him over 17 years’ experience working with leading developers, contractors, subcontractors and lenders. He has particular knowledge and experience in the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation), logistics and BTR (build to rent) sectors, but also acting on developments in retail, energy, residential and sport.

He is looking forward to continuing to work with his existing clients but also working with new clients at Ward Hadaway, who also has a regional office at Chapel Walks in Manchester.

Commenting on his new role, Dan, 40, said: “Ward Hadaway’s Built Environment Team is considered as one of the most experienced northern based teams in the sector. One of the main reasons which significantly attracted me to this role was the opportunity to help further grow the Built Environment Team and to build on the reputation already forged in the Yorkshire region.”

“Ward Hadaway’s ethos of caring for their staff came across very clearly in my discussions, and this is a value close to my heart. I was delighted to see the firm has recently achieved the Investors In People Gold accreditation, a recognition which reinforced my conviction that I had made the right decision in joining the firm. I’m really looking forward to working with my new colleagues and clients and am excited to get started.”

Stephen Radcliffe, a Partner in the Built Environment Team responsible for growing the firm’s construction and engineering service in Leeds, said: “I’d like to offer a warm welcome to Dan and I know he will add great value to the service we provide to new and existing clients.

“He has a wealth of experience and is joining us at a really exciting time as we continue to strengthen and grow our service right across the North. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Dan likes to keep fit and stay healthy by participating in regular exercise and enjoys running, cycling, boxing and calisthenics. He is a big Leeds United fan and adores his family.

Manchester Airport pledges to inspire and develop the next generation of aviation professionals

Education

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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Manchester Airport pledges to inspire and develop the next generation of aviation professionals

Manchester Airport launches new programme to educate and inspire people of all ages to seek out career in aviation
Announcement at Airport Academy open day comes as the Northern hub publishes its annual CSR Report
The airport has also renewed commitments to investing in local communities and transitioning to Net Zero Carbon.

Manchester Airport today announced a major drive to create the next generation of aviation talent.

The airport’s MAG Connect programme will educate and inspire people of all ages – from primary school pupils to PhD students – about the range of exciting and dynamic opportunities a career in aviation can offer.

The initiative will be replicated across other airports owned by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which is the UK’s largest independent airport operator, and also runs London Stansted and East Midlands Airports.

A network of education and employment facilities will be used to deliver the programme in Manchester, including the Aerozone centre for school-aged children which launched earlier this year, and the Airport Academy, which helps jobseekers develop their skills and access job opportunities at the airport. It comes as the Department for Transport’s new ‘Generation Aviation’ scheme was unveiled, as part of the Government’s commitment to develop skills in the aviation sector.

The programme was announced today at an Airport Academy Open Day, with a variety of employers based on site at Manchester Airport giving talks to jobseekers referred from JobCentre Plus, before conducting a Q&A session and a terminal tour.

Over the next 12 months, across the three airports it covers, the MAG Connect scheme will;

Support the education of around 12,000 young people, welcoming them to visit its Aerozone facilities
Introduce a new Jet Zero curriculum focused on decarbonisation throughout its Aerozones by next September
Continue to provide free fully accredited pre-employment training programmes aimed at jobseekers and free upskilling training programmes for existing workforces
Organise multiple on-site jobs fairs to enable local jobseekers to connect with on-site employers and secure roles at MAG’s airports
Launch writing competitions for Key Stage 2 and 3 students at schools around MAG airports to feature in a ‘Little Book of Travel Tales’
Organise a series of focused events to break down barriers and encourage more female students to take up STEM roles.

The Programme’s longer-term goals include supporting 60,000 young people through MAG airports’ Aerozones, and a minimum of 7,500 job seekers through its Airport Academies, by 2025.

The airport also published its latest annual CSR Report for the year 2021-22, which outlines the achievements of the airport and the wider Group over the last 12 months. This report aligns with MAG’s CSR Strategy “Working together for a brighter future”, first published in 2020, and seeks to deliver positive change through a number of outreach programmes based around key themes, such as environmental sustainability (‘Zero Carbon Airports’), careers (‘Opportunity For All’) and community engagement (‘Local Voices’).

Neil Robinson, MAG’s CSR Director, said: “MAG Connect is a clear demonstration of our commitment to inspiring the next generation of aviation talent.

“By illustrating the breadth of opportunities in our industry to young people, and by supporting and upskilling jobseekers into exciting career paths, the aviation sector stands to benefit from a new cohort of passionate professionals for the future.

“MAG Connect will play a crucial role in supporting the Government’s Generation Aviation scheme, and we will continue to work closely with Ministers to maximise that support.

“Our latest annual CSR Report outlines the important contribution our education and employment facilities made to our communities over the last 12 months; alongside the progress we have made against our goal to be a net zero carbon business by 2038.

“Despite the challenges faced by our industry over the last 12 months, I am proud of what MAG has achieved in delivering a more sustainable future for our industry and those who live closest to our airports.”

The CSR Report revealed that more than 800 school pupils from across the North West visited Manchester Airport’s Aerozone in the two months after its launch, and the facility hopes to host 5,000 pupils per year. The Airport Academy, meanwhile, played a crucial role in the airport’s recruitment efforts as it recovered from the pandemic, making more than more than 4,000 job referrals.

MAG’s commitment to a sustainable future goes beyond education and employment, and this year’s report also detailed the work delivered to support communities and progress the airport’s decarbonisation agenda over the past 12 months, as it continued to recover from the impact of Covid-19.

Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund celebrates its 25^th anniversary in December, and to mark the occasion, has launched a one-off ‘eco-garden’ competition for schools in its catchment area, with a top prize of £25,000 for the primary school which produces the best design for an outdoor learning space. The Community Trust Fund continues to pledge a minimum of £100,000 per year to supporting community-led, not-for-profit projects and groups in communities neighbouring the airport.

As part of its ongoing work to deliver on its CSR Strategy, in recent months MAG has set out further ambitious commitments, including:

Announcing plans to publish a MAG Good Employment Charter by the end of 2022/23, which will set the standards people can expect when they work for the Group, or at any one of the companies in its supply chain.
The publication of five new Jet Zero pledges to help drive forward the UK’s 2050 net zero target, including a commitment to create a new sustainability curriculum for its Aerozones, and to fund three PhDs focused on the decarbonisation of the aviation sector.
Piloting its new Youth Forum scheme to put the views of young people across MAG’s local communities to greater effect in the Group’s plans for the future.

Debt Recovery Fintech to Drop Fees to Help Manchester Businesses Recover Cash Amidst Recession

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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Debt Recovery Fintech to Drop Fees to Help Manchester Businesses Recover Cash Amidst Recession

A debt recovery Fintech is offering businesses free access to its collections platform till the end of the year to help them recover unpaid debts as recession looms.

The Debt Register platform, which helps businesses collect unpaid debts within seven days, on average, will be free for businesses of any size from small independent traders to FTSE 100 companies to extend a lifeline.

Debt Register hopes the move will enable businesses to stabilise their cashflow, which according to research by SME Loans was the principal cause of insolvency for 80% of UK businesses in 2020.

In addition to this, the data also showed 78% of businesses owed money are forced to wait over a month for payment, whilst 34% of SMEs are relying on overdrafts to pay their bills. Collectively, the sector as a result spent £4.4 billion in administrative costs chasing late payments.

Gary Brown, CEO of Debt Register, hopes the move will give businesses a way out of what could become a devasting time for the economy: “During COVID the UK saw a 14% increase in insolvencies, many of which were due to a lack of cash flow thanks to COVID restrictions,” he explains.

“Whilst a recession won’t halt business to such a degree, cashflow challenges will cripple thousands of businesses due to unpaid invoices. By removing fees from our platform, we hope, in some way, we can give businesses a tool to help mitigate the challenges and support their recession proofing strategies.”

Thanks to its built-in automation, Debt Register helps business owners cut down on the level of admin needed to chase debts, whilst also giving credit teams an effective consequence for non-payment. Firms that don’t pay their suppliers when the invoice is not in dispute are automatically reported to the credit reference agencies, impacting their credit file or report.

Business Advisor and former Interim Small Business Commissioner, Philip King, added: “Credit teams are under more pressure than ever before as businesses look to recover cash from wherever possible. The Debt Register platform gives teams a way to succeed at chasing debts rather than chasing tails and it’s helping to improve morale, which as recession looms is going to be a critical part of business success.”

The platform will be free to use until 31^st of December 2022 and will allow users to load an unlimited number of debts within that period regardless of company, invoice size or geographical location of your debtor. For more information, please visit: https://debtregister.com/enterprise/

CarReg UK: New Private Number Plate Office Opens In Manchester

Automotive

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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CarReg UK: New Private Number Plate Office Opens In Manchester

Are you looking to buy or sell private number plates? If so, then check out our new office in Manchester and find out how you can make your plate dreams come true with CarReg. Private number plates are rapidly growing in popularity all over the UK, especially as people look to stand out from the crowd and put their personalities into their vehicles. CarReg makes it easy to own your dream number plate, with everything from sales to transfer completed in simple steps.

What Is A Private Registration Plate?

Private registration plates are a new way to show off your individuality and personality, without being restricted to the same number of characters as standard registration plates. This gives you the freedom to express yourself through your car’s license plate. A private registration plate is an official UK number plate that does not carry any pre-allocated characters.

About The New Office of CarReg In The Manchester

We are delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Manchester, on 19 Lever Street. CarReg Manchester will be able to better serve our customers in the North West region. Lever Street is perfectly positioned for us, as it is close to many major M1 junctions and provides easy access to public transport links on Deansgate.

CarReg is committed to supporting local businesses and we aim to be a great addition to an already thriving area. We are passionate about helping our customers achieve their number plate dreams, and we look forward to doing just that from our new office in Manchester.

CarReg UK: Best Private Number Plates Supplier

CarReg UK is the leading supplier of private number plates in the UK. As well as selling personalised plates on our website and over the phone, we now offer an office service for customers who want to buy their plates more quickly and easily. The new CarReg Private Number Plate office in Manchester is just one of many ways we are making it easier for you to get your perfect plate.

Based in the heart of Greater Manchester, CarReg is the UK’s leading private number plate supplier. Renowned for our high-quality customer service and unbeatable prices, we have been supplying number plates to customers since 1988. We have an extensive range of personalised and standard registrations available to buy online or over the phone. Alternatively, you can visit us at our new office in the City Centre and browse our selection of plates on display before taking them home with you.

We take great pride in our friendly, personable, and efficient service. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have, whether you’re an experienced number plate buyer or just looking for your first personalised registration.CarReg UK has been bringing customers their dream plates since 1988. We offer personalised number plates of every style and size, including single characters, prefixes, suffixes, and English number plates. Our experienced team is always happy to help you find your ideal plate.

The Bottom Line

So if you’re looking for a new private number plate, you can now find one here in Manchester. If you have any questions about the process or would like to find out more about CarReg, then feel free to get in touch with us.

SEVEN NEW ROLES CREATED AT RECOM SOLUTIONS

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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SEVEN NEW ROLES CREATED AT RECOM SOLUTIONS

Seven new roles have been created at RECOM Solutions, strengthening its team amid a period of bumper growth.

Andy Mellor has joined RECOM as finance director with a remit that includes providing strategies and implementing procedures to facilitate further growth for the business, which is based at Salford Quays.

RECOM’s finance team has also been strengthened by the appointment of Natalie Ferguson as accounts manager. Her role is to ensure the smooth running of the internal accounts department.

Jordan Wilson has joined RECOM as a construction project manager, bringing more than 10 years’ experience of delivering technical, quality and management functions across complex schemes in the UK and overseas.

Another addition is Tom Salt, who has joined as an assistant construction manager with responsibility for managing subcontractor teams to ensure the successful delivery of RECOM projects.

Luke Roscoe has been recruited to support the strategic development of the business. He is focusing on client success, project delivery and supporting the senior leadership team in developing strategies for further sustained growth.

He has nearly a decade of experience in master-planning and client-side project management across the public and private sectors.

The other newcomers are Joanna Jagla and Caroline Cherian, who have joined RECOM as a trainee project manager and trainee quantity surveyor respectively. Caroline is on a year-long placement while undertaking a master’s degree in construction project management at Sheffield Hallam University.

RECOM, which was founded in 2015 by directors Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, undertakes construction project management and main contracting work across sectors including healthcare, education, retail and leisure, commercial and residential. It also provides consultancy services to assist in the design and delivery of health and safety, sustainability, passive fire protection and cladding projects.

The company is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its fire protection services, which include passive fire protection installation, fire door surveys and installations, repairs and upgrades, fire strategy reviews, compartmentation surveying, advice and guidance, training, development and support.

Earlier this year, RECOM acquired a three-storey building on the Waters Edge Business Park in Salford Quays as its new headquarters to accommodate its expanding team, with staff numbers now at 37.

Jason McKnight said: “As our business has grown, so have our requirements to increase our financial processes. Having Andy and Natalie on board adds extensive experience to the team.

“Tom, Luke and Jordan have joined us at a time when we have a significant pipeline of projects, and their knowledge and expertise will bolster our construction management offering.

“Caroline and Joanna have been recruited in a graduate capacity and are providing support to the wider RECOM team.

“All of the new roles are in line with our growth strategy and evolution, and strengthen our skillset to enable us to continue on this path.”

RECOM has recently upgraded its employee benefits package, with a £1,250 cost-of-living bonus for all staff, a day off for their birthday and improved private medical provision with enhanced mental health cover.

Manchester Museum reopens to the public in February 2023 following major redevelopment

Entertainment

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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Manchester Museum reopens to the public in February 2023 following major redevelopment

Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, is to reopen to the public on 18 February 2023 following its most ambitious transformation in a generation
The £15 million transformation is supported by public funding from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester, and numerous philanthropic supporters
Architectural practice Purcell has designed a new modern two-storey extension increasing the capacity of the museum and revealing new exhibition spaces and a contemporary entrance along with new inclusive facilities
Committed to building better understanding between cultures and foregrounding inclusive perspectives, the Museum will offer visitors the opportunity to experience never-before-displayed collections, unique co-curated galleries and extraordinary projects and research.

February 2023 marks the reopening of Manchester Museum, following its ambitious £15 million transformation. The museum reopens its doors with the aim to build greater understanding between cultures, a more sustainable world and to bring to life the lived experience of diverse communities through the Museum’s historic collections and new displays.

Esme Ward, Museum Director of Manchester Museum, says: “February 2023 will mark a huge moment in Manchester Museum’s rich history as we open our doors following a major transformation. We have extended the building, making room for more joy and learning and evolving into the museum Manchester needs. Beautiful new galleries and exhibitions will showcase the best of the museum’s historic collections, as well as addressing the urgencies of the present day and highlighting the complexities of our world. We have also listened to advocates with lived Page 1 of 4 experience, and inclusive new spaces and features are incorporated throughout. We can’t wait to welcome our visitors back.”

The public will be invited to new galleries including the South Asia Gallery, a British Museum partnership and the UK’s first permanent space to explore the lived experience of South Asian diaspora communities.

There will also be a new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, the Belonging Gallery, a brand new Dinosaur display and Golden Mummies of Egypt, its first blockbuster exhibition opening in the new Exhibition Hall.

Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester, first opened in 1890 and is recognised as one of the largest university museums in the UK. The original neo-Gothic building, designed by renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse (1830–1905), is home to around 4.5 million objects from natural sciences and human cultures. Proud to be the world’s first Carbon Literate Museum, the museum has recycled and reused as much material within the museum during renovation works.

Purcell has designed a modern two-storey extension housing a major new Exhibition Hall and South Asia Gallery, alongside a new accessible entrance from Oxford Road and a new cafe and shop. The extension is clad in green-glazed terracotta tiles and pays homage to craftsmanship as well as Victorian and Edwardian period buildings in Manchester.

Other new features include a Changing Places toilet, prayer room, quiet room, picnic area and therapy room.

Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall is home to ambitious shows that explore past, present and future and engage with global and local narratives. The opening exhibition, Golden Mummies of Egypt, will offer visitors unparalleled access to the Museum’s world-class Egypt and Sudan collection and aims to challenge Victorian narratives of ‘ancient Egypt’ through new research from the University of Manchester. Featuring more than 100 objects and 8 mummies, the UK debut follows a hugely popular tour across USA and China and will present a rich perspective on beliefs about the afterlife during Egypt’s Graeco-Roman Period (332 BC -395 AD), with highlights including elaborately decorated mummies known as ‘Fayum Portraits’.

South Asia Gallery, a British Museum partnership

The South Asia Gallery, a British Museum partnership, is the first permanent gallery in the UK to celebrate the lived experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora. Co-curated with the South Asia Gallery Collective, a group that includes community leaders, educators and artists, the gallery will explore the connection between South Asia and Britain and the legacy of Empire alongside contemporary South Asian culture and creativity, perspectives that have not been presented before. Divided into 6 anthologies, the Collective has grappled with a range of subjects through 140 artefacts, including one of the collective’s great-grandfather’s World War I uniform, a rickshaw imported from Bangladesh and decorated by communities in Manchester, a new commissioned mural from British artists, The Singh Twins – an emotional map of South Page 2 of 4 Asian diaspora experience – and a Cartier brooch containing a repurposed carved emerald from the Mughal Empire. At the heart of the gallery is also a dedicated space for performance, film and participatory activities.

Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery

The Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery highlights personal stories of migration, friendships and collaboration to inspire empathy and build understanding. Developed in partnership with the University’s Manchester China Institute, it draws on historical and contemporary links between Manchester and China. Showcasing rarely and never-displayed collections from cultural partners across the city, visitors will delve through personal stories and objects such as a late Qing dynasty (1636–1912) ‘Manchu’ headdress decorated with blue kingfisher feathers, a 20-metre scroll showing Emperor Kangxi’s birthday procession through the streets of Beijing in the 18th century and a taxidermy milu deer, once on the brink of extinction but now thriving in China after decades of transnational conservation efforts. A night sky constellation – our shared sky – also encourages people to gather and connect through cultural exchange and performances.

Dinosaur Display

Palaeontology enthusiasts will learn what it means to think like a palaeontologist at the brand-new Dinosaur display next to the historic Fossils Gallery. Visitors can meet with prehistoric giants Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the museum’s most visited exhibits, and its new addition, April the Tenontosaurus. The museum worked with a team of Earth Science students from the University of Manchester, who’s new research and several years of cataloguing have allowed April’s skeleton, dating back to the Cretaceous period and found in Montana, USA, to stand on all fours again. Our changing world is a focal point throughout, with featured objects such as fragmented rock showing the moment the asteroid hit Earth, relating to our understanding of evolution, climate change and outer space.

Belonging Gallery

Alexandra P. Alberda is the first ever Curator of Indigenous Perspectives at Manchester Museum. She was appointed to take forward the innovative ‘Indigenising Manchester Museum’ programme, funded by the John Ellerman Foundation, which sets Indigenous perspectives at the heart of the museum. The new Belonging Gallery – the first of the permanent galleries visitors will see – captures the welcoming spirit of the museum and has been led by Alberda. It draws upon the museum’s collections and diverse cultural perspectives to reflect on what it means to belong. Following an open call, the exhibition presents the work of multiple visual storytellers, who bring their own life experience to comic art to rewrite the past and inspire new futures, including Indigenous Futurism and African Futurism, which is explored alongside artefacts and natural history specimens. The works tell stories including the climate migration of the first people to Britain during the last Ice Age, and the poignant story of a Syrian refugee’s life jacket, collected in 2017.

To find out more about the project and upcoming exhibitions, visit: manchester.ac.uk/museum

Link to press pack here

Just Stop Oil supporters from Greater Manchester arrested in 5th week of London road blockades

News

Sam Allcock

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31/10/2022

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Just Stop Oil supporters from Greater Manchester arrested in 5th week of London road blockades

There have been around 15 arrests of Just Stop Oil supporters from Greater Manchester in London over the weekend, following at least 13 from the county earlier this month. They are among hundreds of Just Stop Oil supporters who have been arrested for blocking traffic in Central London, bringing the capital to a standstill for the 5th week running.

They are demanding that the Government commits to ending all new oil and gas projects in the UK.

Just Stop Oil supporters from the North of England blocked the three roads next to Mansion House Tube station on Thursday. The same group – 61 in total – returned on Saturday to block four locations across central London – Charing Cross Road, High Street Kensington, Harleyford Street and Blackfriars Road. Each time they disrupted traffic by sitting in the road with their now familiar banners. Some supporters glued themselves onto the tarmac while others locked on to each other with steel tubes, making their removal more difficult.

Paul Harnett, a 62 year old Economist from Manchester, said “I work on climate change with the World Bank and the UN so I am very familiar with what the scientists are telling us and it leaves me terrified for friends and family and all the world’s people. If we allow our government to go after new oil and gas as the say they will then we have no chance of avoiding climate breakdown and the loss of all that we hold dear. That is why I have joined thousands of ordinary people taking nonviolent direct action against our government and the suicidal fossil fuel industry; asking nicely hasn’t worked so we are demanding an end to new oil and gas and we are prepared to go to jail to make that happen.”

Lucy Timlin, 44 year old single mum and campaigner from Manchester, said “I am here because young people deserve a future and the actions of our government in licensing new oil and gas projects is stealing that future from them. Our children do not have a voice but we do and it is important that we use it to create a world in which they can thrive. If ordinary people like myself have to break the law to make this happen then so be it – asking nicely hasn’t worked and it’s time for action.

Rev Mark Coleman, 63, a retired vicar from Rochdale, has been arrested several times since the blockades began on 1st October, having just been released from prison after blocking Kingsbury Oil Terminal in Warwickshire. He said “The government has been told there can be no new oil and gas if we’re to have a liveable future. I will not walk by on the other side while millions starve. We do not have to commit collective suicide. There is another way. Let’s start with renewables, insulation and free public transport – these are easy solutions that will benefit us all and will set an example for other countries to follow. We have a chance to be world leaders but it is clear to me that our government will not do this without pressure from ordinary people.”

Jane Touil, 56, from Rochdale, said “I gave up my public sector job earlier this year to enter into civil resistance against this criminal government which is going to get us all killed unless we fight for a liveable future. I am terrified by what’s coming. Millions are already suffering and dying in places like Somalia and Pakistan where climate change has caused famine and floods and it’s heading our way too if we don’t act. I cannot stand by while the government wilfully ignores the science and licences new oil and gas production, it’s absolute madness! We could move easily and quickly to cheaper, cleaner, greener energy but the government is hell bent on going after the fossil fuels that are killing us so we need to force them to stop.”

Alan Woods, 58, a business owner of over 40 years from Wigan, has been arrested multiple times since the blockades began on 1st October. He said “Our Prime Minister has made it clear that he is not taking the climate crisis seriously, he can’t even be bothered to attend the COP 27 climate summit in Egypt next month – he’s totally out of touch with what ordinary people are demanding which is a clean, green, secure future free of fossil fuels. Now the Government is looking to license 130 new oil and gas fields – totally contradictory to what all the world’s scientists tells us is necessary, and incompatible with any sort of habitable future. The chance to turn this ship around is closing fast. There can be no new oil and gas if we want a liveable future. It’s that simple, the science is clear.”

Paul Barnes, 43, a Dad of two young children from Bolton and one of those arrested, said “It’s like living in a dream world where everyone’s sleepwalking to disaster and I’m screaming for them to wake up. I’m still waiting for an emergency broadcast on all TV channels, where the public is communicated the full science and consequences of what climate breakdown means.

We tell our children that we’d do anything to protect them, and I know if mine were trapped in a burning building I’d be kicking the door down. The climate emergency is just the same only on a global scale. As a parent I’m willing to do all I can to protect my children, which is why I’m willing to risk arrest and imprisonment to draw attention to the crisis, and I appeal to all parents like me to join us. We can’t afford to wait to act.

It’s so hard to think about all the children around the world right now who are being killed due to climate breakdown caused by fossil fuels. The climate crisis is here now and we have to do something, because our government is going in the opposite direction and we’re facing crop failure, mass migration, civil unrest and violence as society breaks down.”

A number of those arrested were remanded in custody and taken to court the following day.

There have been scenes of angry drivers shouting abuse, throwing traffic bollards and dragging the Just Stop Oil supporters off the road, only for them to return immediately to sit down in the road again. However, despite these reports, recent polling has shown a huge surge in support for nonviolent direct action of the sort carried out by Just Stop Oil, with 66% saying they support taking nonviolent direct action to protect the climate and just 34% opposed.

The actions over the weekend follow 29 days of continuous disruption by supporters of Just Stop Oil, which have resulted in around 650 arrests. Since the campaign began on April 1st, Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested nearly 2,000 times, with 6 currently in prison.

The London blockades come after the Government announced it plans to license more than 130 new oil and gas projects. Just Stop Oil say they are peacefully resisting those plans, and what they see as the government’s failure to tackle the climate crisis and fulfil its promise to help people with their skyrocketing energy bills. The energy price hike on October 1st means almost 8 million households are expected to fall into fuel poverty by April 1st 2023, while energy companies are accused of making huge profits.

A spokesperson from the campaign said “This is not a one-day event – expect us every day and anywhere. This is an act of resistance against a criminal government and their genocidal death project. Our supporters will not stop until our demand is met: no new UK oil and gas.

We will not be intimidated by changes to the law; we will not be stopped by private injunctions sought to silence peaceful people. Our supporters understand that these are irrelevant when set against mass starvation, slaughter, the loss of our rights, freedoms and communities.

Stand with our supporters in prison, with the 1,700 murdered across the global south, for protecting all our lives. We have every right, and indeed a duty, to disrupt, to disobey and to resist. We stand to lose everything we’ve got, so we’ve got to give it everything we’ve got. It’s going to take all of us. Step up and take action. Join our weekly zoom calls on Tuesdays at 7pm. And join us at Downing Street at 11am every day during October.”

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