Business Manchester | Manchester's Leading Business Online Magazine

LOGICOR MAKES NEW HOME FOR LOCAL PRINTING COMPANY IN STOCKPORT

Construction

-

27/10/2022

LOGICOR MAKES NEW HOME FOR LOCAL PRINTING COMPANY IN STOCKPORT

Logicor has agreed a new 15-year lease with local printing business, Deanprint Ltd at its 22,023 sq ft warehouse in Stockport.

Unit 16, Lawnhurst Trading Estate has undergone extensive refurbishment to improve the efficiency of the building and improve its levels of sustainability. New LED lighting has been installed throughout, in addition to replacement cladding and insulation and a new level access door.

James Carney, Logicor’s Senior Asset Manager, said: “Unit 16 has undergone a full refurbishment to bring the property back to life, providing high-quality, sustainable business space in this established industrial location. We are very pleased to provide a new home, on a long-term lease, for this local business and welcome them as a new customer to our UK portfolio.”

Deanprint was founded in 1890 in Stockport and moved into its first, purpose-built facility in 1920. It has since established itself as one of the most well-respected printing and bookbinding companies in the north-west of England.

David Thurrold, Managing Director of Deanprint Ltd, comments: “We are very proud of our Stockport roots and, while our previous premises served us well for over 100 years, we are excited to be starting a new chapter in this modern, sustainable building that perfectly suits our business space needs, enabling us to best serve our local and UK-wide customers.”

JLL and Sanderson Weatherall advised Logicor as joint letting agents.

6% increase in revenue for Edwin James Group

Growth

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

6% increase in revenue for Edwin James Group

The engineering services group maintains a strong position after the pandemic with several high-profile contract wins, including Sellafield and Northumbrian Water.

The future order book has also seen sales rise from £155m to £545m, which puts the organisation in a favourable position to continue delivering robust results.

A clear strategy to build a national engineering services group that harnesses the synergies of the three operating brands is delivering growth and has helped the business to maintain consistency of earnings in uncertain times. Looking to the future, the organisation is focused on the growing electrotechnical market that sits at the heart of the sustainability, digital and energy transition.

Commenting on the results, Christopher Kehoe, CEO of Edwin James Group, said: “This set of results marks another strong year for the group. We are now seeing the benefits of our strategy to harness the synergies of our brands, Parker Technical Services, Peak Technology Solutions and Musk Process Services and to target resilient client sectors. Our positive balance sheet and strong order book will enable us to capitalise on opportunities as they arise and focus on growing our presence in energy and digital transition.

“The current financial year is progressing well, and we continue to develop our direct client relationships. The investments we’ve made, and continue to make, in people, training and technology mean that the group is well positioned for 2022 and beyond.”

Edwin James Group acknowledges that its key strength is its people and has a strong ethos of investing in future talent. The company is committed to apprenticeships and, through the EJ Academy, provides opportunities for lifelong learning and the upskilling and reskilling of all staff. Following the launch of the first EJ Academy Hub in 2020, the business launched a second training academy in 2021, with a further digital academy to follow in 2022.

CitySprint looking for over 600 couriers across the UK ahead of Christmas rush

Business support

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

CitySprint looking for over 600 couriers across the UK ahead of Christmas rush

The new couriers will support CitySprint ahead of the 2022 peak season rush, as well as in the longer-term, as the business sees an uptick in logistics demand
Roles available in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Heathrow Milton Keynes, Warwick, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Cambridge

London, 27th October 2022: CitySprint — the UK’s largest same day distribution company — has announced that it is looking to take on over 600 couriers across the UK to support with ongoing logistics demand during this year’s peak season and beyond.

The weeks leading up to Christmas are the busiest time of the year for many businesses and retailers across the UK, and the logistics sector is no different, with increasing demand for fast delivery turnarounds and much larger volumes.

The couriers will join CitySprint’s fleet of over 3,500 couriers across the UK, with the business hiring across a range of vehicles, with a particular focus on small and large vans. They are also looking to employ drivers for their electric vehicles as they continue to expand their electric van fleet by another 40 by the end of 2022, with more due to be rolled out in the early part of 2023.

Together, they will help ensure a smooth service for CitySprint’s wide variety of clients across every industry, especially retail, throughout peak season and beyond, as the business continues to grow.

These couriers are needed across the UK, with a specific focus across the following cities:

London
Birmingham
Manchester
Leeds
Nottingham
Heathrow
Milton Keynes
Warwick
Newcastle
Edinburgh
Cambridge

Discussing the benefits of working as a courier, Mike Clarke, a courier for CitySprint in Brighton said: “Before joining CitySprint in 2020, I was in the building trade for 40 years but was looking for a change. Then, one day, my daughter, who is the Brighton Service Centre Manager, told me all about the type of work that couriers do, and I decided to give it a go. It’s a choice I don’t regret one bit! I love that you’re always on the go and get to travel to loads of different places and meet many interesting people (and lots of dogs!) every single day. It’s honestly the best job I’ve ever had, and I can’t recommend it enough!”

London-based courier Darren Dutnell adds: “I’ve been a courier with CitySprint for over nine years now and can say without a doubt that it’s a job I am extremely passionate about. I love the freedom it brings and providing a valuable service to businesses as well as the general public — meeting and talking to a wide range of people day in, day out. If you are after job satisfaction and are someone who enjoys communicating and are prepared to put in the hard work, then I suggest giving CitySprint a call.”

Mark Footman, Chief Operations Officer at CitySprint, commented: “Our focus is always on providing our clients with the best possible service and, in turn, helping them do the same for their customers. Getting the festive-season supply chain right can be difficult and we understand how important this time of year is for everyone. With just over eight weeks to go until Christmas, we’re making sure we have the right team in place to provide a first-class service for our customers to help keep their operations moving during this year’s peak season. We’re also bolstering our fleet to support the ongoing demand we foresee in January 2023 and beyond.”

For more information on becoming a CitySprint courier, visit and apply today: https://www.citysprint.co.uk/couriers

Emirates is holding open day for cabin crew recruitment in Manchester

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

Emirates is holding open day for cabin crew recruitment in Manchester

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is looking for candidates to join its multinational cabin crew team. The Dubai-based airline is holding a Cabin Crew recruitment open day on 3^rd November at Hilton Manchester Deansgate – 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ, United Kingdom.

The airline is looking for individuals who are passionate about delivering simple yet personalised and impeccable hospitality while creating memorable moments for its customers. Safety being one of Emirates’ highest priorities, the ideal candidate will lead confidently and take control when it comes to managing aircraft services, security, and safety procedures. All Emirates crew will receive a world-class learning experience at the airline’s state-of-the-art facility in Dubai.

Applicants hoping to give their careers an epic take-off can walk in with an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) in English, and a recent photograph. Candidates are advised to pre-register here for a smoother experience. Those who haven’t applied online may do so as walk-ins on Open Day at Hilton Manchester Deansgate – 303 Deansgate. Further information about the requirements for the selection process can be found on emirates.com/careers. Candidates will need to come prepared to spend the full day at the venue. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of timings for further assessments and interviews on the same day.

Emirates’ truly global cabin crew team represent 160 nationalities reflecting its customer mix and international operations in over 130 cities on six continents operating a modern fleet of over 200 all wide-body aircraft. The airline is the largest global operator of the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380 aircraft.

Emirates offers candidates outstanding career opportunities, with excellent training facilities and a broad range of development programmes for its employees. All Emirates crew are based in the exciting cosmopolitan city of Dubai and enjoy an attractive employment package that includes a variety of benefits such as a tax-free salary, free company-provided accommodation, free transport to and from work, excellent medical cover as well as exclusive discounts on shopping and leisure activities in Dubai. Emirates’ growing global network offers many travel opportunities across the airline’s six continents. Emirates’ cabin crew enjoys attractive concessional travel benefits for themselves as well as their families and friends to all destinations that the airline flies to.

Emirates has been flying to the UK for 35 years and will be offering 110 weekly flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Glasgow airports by October 2022.

Refurbishment work begins at university’s Grosvenor West Building, the historic home of Manchester School of Art

Appointments

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

Refurbishment work begins at university’s Grosvenor West Building, the historic home of Manchester School of Art

Conlon Construction and architectural, planning and building surveying practice, Cassidy + Ashton, have been appointed by Manchester Metropolitan University to refurbish its Grade II listed Grosvenor West Building.

Conlon Construction will deliver a ‘life cycle’ project refurbishment, designed by Cassidy + Ashton, that comprises fabric repairs to the exterior brick and stonework, roof and rooflights, as well as adding secondary glazing to improve insulation properties.

The work also includes enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, upgrading and replacing internal heating and lighting systems, and maintaining, enhancing and reintroducing the original heritage assets, all of which sets out to preserve the 141-year-old building and ensure it meets the needs of the school’s next generation of art and design students.

Manchester School of Art is the UK’s second oldest art school and spans a number of buildings on the Manchester Metropolitan campus, including Grosvenor West and the Benzie Building. The historic Grosvenor West Building also houses the Holden Gallery, a public gallery situated at the heart of the building, which has functioned as a gallery since the building was extended in 1898. Designed by George Tunstal Redmayne, with the later rear addition by Joseph Gibbons Sankey, the School of Art has hosted notable names such as Walter Crane, Sylvia Pankhurst, Adolph Valette and LS Lowry.

Work onsite is underway, following the alteration of other buildings on campus to create additional temporary accommodation for the Manchester School of Art, and the project is due to complete in spring 2024.

Simon Barlow, associate architect from Cassidy + Ashton, said: “I feel very proud that Cassidy + Ashton was once again selected by the Manchester Metropolitan University to carry out work to another of their listed assets. This is a substantial project that will not only draw on our experience as heritage architects, but on our enthusiasm and dedication to play a part in conserving and promoting heritage properties and making them fit for the next generation of people that will use them.

“It is a privilege to be part of a project and team that will preserve a monumental building that has inspired creative thinking ever since it was opened in 1881. The university is very proud of the history behind Grosvenor West Building, and we will be continuing to work closely with them to ensure it continues to excite and motivate artists and designers of the future.”

Conlon Construction’s commercial director, Darren Lee, said: “With strong experience in education and heritage builds, we are delighted to be working alongside Manchester Metropolitan’s Estates Team once again, having recently completed the adjacent Grade II listed Ormond Building.

“The plans are exciting and carefully considered, and the end result promises to be something very special. This is a place with a prestigious legacy that, with our help, will celebrate the features and history of the building, transforming it into an efficient and motivating place to study and garner inspiration for years to come.”

Professor Martyn Evans, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Arts and Humanities at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Manchester School of Art has a proud and important legacy in our city, and its historic home in the listed Grosvenor West Building is central to that. We are pleased to be working with Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton to preserve and refresh this inspiring space, so that it can continue to nurture future generations of artists, designers and makers.”

Cassidy + Ashton was appointed to the project through the Procure Partnerships Professional Services Framework, whilst Conlon Construction was procured through the North West Construction Hub High Value Framework.

Manchester School of Art is an innovator in art and design education in the UK. Established to provide design training to the manufacturing industry, the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses still very much influenced by the demands of industry to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge for their chosen careers.

Sigma Capital announces four key new hires across asset management and development

Appointments

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

Sigma Capital announces four key new hires across asset management and development

Manchester build-to-rent provider Sigma Capital Group Limited has announced the appointment of four new starters, following landmark growth of the business. Under its private BTR brand Simple Life, Sigma currently has over 5,000 homes completed and over 2,000 under construction across the UK. The new hires will be involved in directly driving the growth of the Simple Life portfolios, to meet the targets set by £3bn worth of direct regional investment.

The four new starters will sit across asset management and development. The Manchester office is the base of the asset management team. Nicola Prime has been appointed as assistant asset manager; her role involves maintaining high quality standards of properties outside of the warranty period. Gurpreet Saran also joins the asset team, as director of asset management – South. Gurpreet’s main responsibilities include delivering against business performance and controlling budgets and expenditure.

Two new regional development directors have been appointed, to help Sigma reach its target of building an additional 15,000-20,000 homes over the next five years. Kate Tuckey has been appointed to oversee the delivery of the Midland and South West schemes – five developments in total. Stuart Churchward has joined the business to manage the Southern region, working on delivery of schemes across London and the South of England.

Graham Barnet, CEO at Sigma Capital, said: “Following the acquisition of Sigma Capital by PineBridge Benson Elliot LLP, we set an ambitious target for the next five years. All four of our new team members are crucial to driving that growth, with each overseeing important elements of the business plan. We’re really excited for the next stage of progression towards our goals and we are proud to be in such a positive position despite the current financial climate.”

Gurpreet Saran said: “Sigma Capital is the market leader in BTR single family housing across the UK. I am excited to work with the business to grow and expand the London portfolio and ensure this is the highest performing BTR provider in the South.”

Stuart Churchward said: “Having worked with the Sigma London team during my previous role at Calfordseaden LLP, the opportunity to join an organisation with such ambitious and exciting growth opportunities was simply too good to turn down. I look forward to bringing my skillset to the team to assist with the delivery of targets.”

Sigma Capital has also made two new hires to the accounts team, based in Edinburgh. Nabeel Shafi joins as accounts assistant, whilst Michael Steven has been appointed Sigma financial controller.

Energy consultants ready to scale up by creating 100 new jobs in Manchester

Business

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

Energy consultants ready to scale up by creating 100 new jobs in Manchester

A North East consultancy firm which provides energy solutions tailored to UK businesses is set to scale up its operations across the North of England to meet demand for its services.

County-Durham-based Fusion for Business (FFB) is creating 120 new jobs with 100 based from their new 4,000 square foot office at Exchange Quay in Salford Quays, Manchester.

Despite the crisis impacting households, businesses are also feeling the pressure and are just as concerned about the sustainability of their existing energy supplier, broker/consultant but also rising energy prices which are significantly higher than before.

FFB supports businesses to help them navigate through these challenging times and is scaling up operations and rapidly increasing headcount to deal with the rise in demand from businesses for energy efficiency solutions that will help them reduce energy usage and costs.

Chris Charlton, CEO at Fusion for Business, said: “We are really excited to scale up our operations in Manchester to meet the demand for our services. It’s a very challenging market for businesses right now and we are supporting customers by being able to identify potential revenue income from historical mis-sold energy supply contract claims through honest and transparent energy procurement.

“The roles that have been created include Energy Consultants, Sales Executives and Business Development Managers and I’d particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experience and worked within the energy sector but may have been made redundant or are at threat of redundancy. Hopefully we can support those people back into long-term employment.”

FFB works closely with organisations such as Hipperson Consulting, who have a long and established professional relationship with OFGEM, BEIS and other governing bodies in the energy market.

Their sister company, Intelligent Energy Management 360 (iEM360) works with businesses to help them become more energy efficient and provides access to funding to deliver and implement cost saving energy efficient projects, helping them meet Net Zero targets.

Further details about the new roles and how to apply are available on their website at www.fusionforbusiness.co.uk

BBRS announces Ombudsman Association membership

Business

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

BBRS announces Ombudsman Association membership

The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS) has successfully obtained Complaint Handler membership of the Ombudsman Association (OA).

The BBRS is a not-for-profit, free, dispute resolution service for SMEs who have claims against their banks. Its membership of the OA was awarded following a review of the service covering areas such as independence, accessibility, openness, transparency and efficiency. A submission on these areas was supported by evidence of the robust policies, processes and procedures of the BBRS.

Mark Grimshaw, Chief Executive of the BBRS commented, “I’m very pleased that our independence and best practice approach has been recognised with membership of the OA. Our membership will help us to maintain the highest standards.”

Membership of the OA gives the BBRS access to forums and networks covering areas such as operations, legal, quality and policy. BBRS leadership and their teams will be able to engage and network with other ombudsman schemes and complaint handling organisations, with the opportunity to discuss common challenges and experiences.

Donal Galligan, Chief Executive of the OA, said, “We’re delighted that the BBRS meets our Complaint Handler Member criteria and has joined the OA. In sharing experiences, ombudsman schemes and complaint handlers can shape and adopt best practice from across the sector, helping to drive improvements in the delivery of services and complaint handling.”

The BBRS recently appealed directly to North West-based businesses, including those in Manchester, to see if their unresolved banking disputes can be tackled. It is estimated that nearly 600,000 UK SMEs could qualify for the BBRS’ independent, free specialist dispute resolution services – including more than 57,000 based in North West England – which covers current and past complaints, dating back to 2001.

ASK AND VITA PRESENT DETAILED DESIGNS FOR NEXT PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT AT FIRST STREET

Construction

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

ASK AND VITA PRESENT DETAILED DESIGNS FOR NEXT PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT AT FIRST STREET

Ask Real Estate and Vita Group have revealed more information about their proposals for the site, including the design of the two buildings
Plans include a NABERS 5.5* sustainable office building alongside Vita Group’s new concept food hall and high-quality, purpose built student accommodation
Local residents invited to have their say as part of a second stage of consultation, with more information available through the consultation website and drop-in events

Ask Real Estate and Vita Group have today shared updated plans for Plot 10 at First Street, including the design of the two stunning new buildings.

Located on River Street, to the south of Number One First Street and James Grigor Square, Plot 10 is one of the last remaining plots in the First Street masterplan. The developers recently shared their early ideas for commercially-led mixed use development on the site as part of an initial stage of consultation.

Alongside building 9a (due to complete in 2024 and house the Government Property Agency’s Manchester Hub), the plans for Plot 10 will see the area around James Grigor Square take shape as another vibrant focal point, continuing the success story of one of Manchester city centre’s most transformational regeneration schemes.

The plans for the site include Ask’s proposals for a next generation sustainable office building and Vita’s innovative House of Social concept, combining high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation with a ground floor food hall open to all.

New public space and pedestrian connections around and between these two new buildings will help spread the vibrancy of Tony Wilson Place southwards and open up First Street to more people.

On the eastern half of the site (Plot 10a), Ask’s new office building would provide approximately 215,000 sq ft of market leading sustainable new office space, supporting around 2,000 jobs. Targeting a NABERS 5.5* rating – the highest level of environmental performance in use- this pioneering new building will add to First Street’s cutting edge offer to occupiers.

Jon Matthews Architects’ striking design for the 13 storey building will contribute to the emerging streetscape in this part of First Street, complementing the neighbouring building 9a designed by the same architects.

The eastern part of the site will host Vita’s innovative new student accommodation brand, House of Social. Focused on sharing apartments supported by great social facilities, this brand has been designed to cater to a growing number of students seeking accommodation in the city centre, relieving the pressures this demand currently puts on the local housing stock.

Already an important part of the First Street neighbourhood, Vita’s commitment to quality design and active management is reflected in the existing Vita Student First Street building on Jack Rosenthal Street. The building on Plot 10b will provide over 600 student bedspaces within 4 and 6-bed apartments, with a focus on proactive management and building a sense of community.

The building’s ground floor food hall will open on to River Street to the north and east, with landscaped spill out area for the food hall further activating the street to the east. The food hall is designed to bring the community together with a focus on sustainable local producers and traders.

The elegant design of the building, by Tim Groom Architects, takes inspiration from the historic mill buildings nearby. At 52m (17 residential storeys), the design steps down from the building on Plot 10a, and is well below the height envisaged for the site in the First Street Strategic Development Framework.

Since Ask and Vita announced their vision for the site in August, the plans for Plot 10 have continued to take shape, taking on board feedback from the local community. Both developers now want to hear people’s views on their updated proposals before submitting a joint planning application by the end of the year.

This next stage of consultation will be open until Friday 11 November 2022 and the consultation website (www.firststreet-plot10.co.uk) provides more information about the proposals and how local people can have their say.

Local residents and anyone else with an interest in the proposals are encouraged to attend one of two drop-in events at Vita Student First Street (13 Jack Rosenthal Street, M15 4RB), on Tuesday 1 November and Thursday 3 November.

John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask Real Estate, said:

“We’re delighted to unveil the stunning design for our NABERS 5.5* office building by Jon Matthews Architects. Having listened to feedback from the first stage of consultation, we’re even more confident that this trailblazing new building will not only provide market leading floorspace to bolster First Street’s offer, but also help bring new life to the area around James Grigor Square.”

Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group, commented:

“The vibrant mix of uses at First Street makes it the perfect place to launch our new House of Social concept in Manchester. We’ve given careful thought to the design, making sure this elegant building will complement and enhance its surroundings. The ground floor food hall will bring new life to this part of First Street and bring the community together.

“Having been part of the First Street neighbourhood for almost 10 years, we take very seriously our commitment to quality management and being good neighbours, and these values are shared by every member of our in-house team.”

Williams BMW i7 Debut Set to POP Alongside Jeff Koons Masterpiece at Manchester Art Fair

Automotive

Sam Allcock

-

27/10/2022

0

Williams BMW i7 Debut Set to POP Alongside Jeff Koons Masterpiece at Manchester Art Fair

Williams, the prestigious automotive retailer, will debut the all-new fully electric luxury BMW i7 alongside a limited-edition Jeff Koons masterpiece at Manchester Art Fair.

Williams has chosen the UK’s most ambitious art fair as the perfect platform to unveil the brand-new BMW i7, making the Fair one of the first locations to host the luxury sedan before it’s launch in late November.

Securing the early reveal of the i7 together with “The 8 x Jeff Koons”, a BMW M850i Gran Coupé that has been transformed by the world-renowned artist to offer the ultimate blend of pop art and performance, ensures the Williams presence at the art fair will be a celebration of contemporary design and engineering.

Industry leading design of the i7 displays ‘Forwardism’ in the electric car market. With Swarovski crystals as headlights, a 31.3-inch drop down BMW theatre screen creating a private cinema in the rear seats, and a luxurious lounge atmosphere for the driver and passengers, the unveiling of the vehicle within Manchester Art Fair highlights the creativity and skills of its engineers and designers.

Alongside the premiere of the i7, Williams has secured world-renowned artist Jeff Koon’s pop art limited edition BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupé to be the centrepiece of the entrance hall at Manchester Art Fair. “The 8 X Jeff Koons, is the ultimate blend of pop art and performance and will greet visitors to the Fair – taking pride of place as people arrive at the prestigious three-day event. With only 99 models scheduled for production globally, the collaboration vehicle will be transported from its appearance at Frieze London in Regents Park for its first Northern viewing.

With over 200 hours spent on the exterior paint for each model, the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupé has literally been used as a blank canvas. Inspired by the world of pop art and showcasing strong connections with former BMW Art Car creator Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons has successfully paired his bold visual style with the powerful BMW design elements. The craftsmanship and purpose can be seen and felt in every detail, from the artist’s lasered signature to the luxurious seats.

Guy Adams, managing director at Williams, said, “John Henry Williams founded the business in 1909 as a wheel manufacturer on Deansgate – just around the corner from Manchester Central where the Art Fair is curated. From starting out making wheels over one hundred years ago, to now unveiling the futuristic all-electric BMW i7 so close to our roots, is a privilege. Having represented BMW in the region for the past 50 years, and as the longest serving BMW retailer, we have selected this highly anticipated event to unveil two of our very special vehicles, creating another manifestation of our purpose and ethos – ‘the difference is Williams.”

Thom Hetherington, CEO of Manchester Art Fair, adds “Since 2008 we have welcomed art lovers to the heart of Manchester for the annual Manchester Art Fair. This is our most ambitious year yet, so to have the Williams team choosing to debut the BMW i7 with us is fantastic. The Jeff Koons 8 Series is spectacular, we are excited for our visitors to be welcomed by the work of a world-renowned and well-respected artist.”

Manchester Art Fair will be delivering a friendly, welcoming art buying experience from 4-6 November at Manchester Central with the i7 and the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupé available for viewing throughout. Tickets are available from manchesterartfair.co.uk

About us

Company

Must Read

Subscribe to our newsletter