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Manchester-Based Companies Launch International Campaign with Fred Sirieix

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25/10/2022

Manchester-Based Companies Launch International Campaign with Fred Sirieix

Manchester-based drinks distributor Paragon Brands, with the support of video production agency Dead Pixel, has launched an international gin marketing campaign with TV star Fred Sirieix.

The campaign follows the announcement that Paragon Brands has secured Fred Sirieix as the first ever UK ambassador one of the globally renowned spirits within their portfolio, G’Vine gin, the premium French gin made with grapes.

Manchester-born Chris Jones, Managing Director of Paragon, says “Dead Pixel were the natural partner for us to take care of the video production of the campaign. Manchester is an incredible pool of talent and we are proud to be able to showcase this in such a wide-reaching campaign bringing a premium and unique gin to an International audience with such a recognisable ambassador as Fred”.

The digital advertising campaign created by Paragon Brands and executed by Dead Pixel follows the UK’s favourite Frenchman as he returns to his home region of southwest France to indulge in the home comforts. While catching up with his friend and creator of G’Vine, Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, Fred falls in love with the history, taste and ethos of this unique French gin made with grapes.

“While we have worked with many well-known brands there is the added joy of representing our home town of Manchester working side by side with Paragon Brands to showcase the expertise of our city” says Kieran Edwards, Creative Director of Dead Pixel. “This campaign really shines a light on Manchester’s capabilities within the international food and beverage market” he adds.

The partnership forms part of the wider ‘Gin Your Way’ UK marketing campaign launching this month to inspire consumers to explore new ways to enjoy gin.

Fred will use his expertise to create inspiring drinking experiences with G’Vine complemented by a series of ‘Gin Your Way’ consumer events taking place in December.

“I am very proud to be the first ambassador for G’Vine, an exceptional French gin, and I look forward to it being welcomed into homes here in the UK, like I have been. We also share the same roots from the inspiring southwest region of France,” says Sirieix. “G’Vine is different to traditional gins because it is made with grapes not grain and this makes it very smooth, also like me. G’Vine is me in a bottle!”

G’Vine is offered at 40% ABV and priced at £35 per 70cl bottle, available online at Drink Supermarket and The Bottle Club and distributed in the UK by Paragon Brands.

Farleys Solicitors Join Forces with Lawfront to Accelerate Growth Plans

Growth

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Farleys Solicitors Join Forces with Lawfront to Accelerate Growth Plans

Leading North West law firm Farleys Solicitors have announced the next stage in the firm’s success, joining forces with Lawfront to accelerate their growth plans.

The news follows ten years of consistent growth for Farleys as they become a key partner in accelerating Lawfront’s rapid growth in the sector. This innovative partnership will support Farleys to grow and strengthen the firm’s offering and footprint through service development and targeted acquisitions across the North West region and beyond.

Farleys employ 150 people, including 15 partners. All remain with the firm, along with Farleys’ well-recognised brand and strong values. Lawfront’s backing ensures the firm’s continued success, providing additional resource and investment to support ambitious growth plans.

Lawfront are building a leading national law firm through partnering with high quality, likeminded firms concentrating on private clients and services to small and medium-sized businesses. They support firms to develop their business through investing capital and resources in central services, systems and, most importantly, people and culture.

Farleys’ managing partner Ian Liddle commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Farleys and will unlock many opportunities for our already successful team to grow and develop.

“Our ethos remains the same – legal expertise with a down to earth approach, and we have already invested in a number of key appointments and practice areas over recent months which is indicative of our commitment to increasing and strengthening our existing teams.

“With the support of Lawfront we will continue to build upon and enhance the service that we offer to our clients, whilst also looking at opportunities to grow by way of acquisition.”

Neil Lloyd, Lawfront CEO said: “We are delighted that Farleys have joined Lawfront.

“Farleys are an excellent fit for Lawfront in our strategy of backing high quality law firms; regional leaders with strong local brands who invest in developing great places to work for colleagues.

“It is another important step in delivering our vision to be a leading national law firm.

“We are deeply impressed with the positive, down-to-earth culture and commitment to client service in Farleys and are very excited about working with the team to drive further growth in the region.”

£100m Development in record time by Sourced Development Group

Construction

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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£100m Development in record time by Sourced Development Group

As everyone in the construction sector is currently facing challenging economic markers, one local property business is celebrating significant success. Sourced Development Group, based in Widnes, are pleased to announce that Phase One of its exciting Westminster Park development in Liverpool is due to be completed in January 2023, three months ahead of schedule.

This £100m development is close to many key locations, including Cannon Place and its University buildings. Westminster Park is within minutes’ walking distance of Liverpool One and the city’s creative hubs and leisure facilities. Featuring stylish one and two-bedroom apartments finished to the highest specifications, Westminster Park makes luxury living a more affordable goal. The development forms a stunning gateway to Liverpool City Centre in the city’s key regeneration zone, allowing homeowners to live in a prestigious area surrounded by everything they need and desire.

This development has seen Sourced Development Group use its ingenuity to repurpose previously derelict land to create a fully sold-out project. The scheme is set to hand over keys to buyers in less than 12 months after purchasing the site. The first phase has completely sold out, and from ground breaking to handover in less than 12 months is a record-breaking achievement in the current economic climate. Sourced Development Group is a business which retains its focus on building much-needed local homes, ploughing its own funds into the investment, Westminster Phase 1 completely changes the A59 arterial route into Liverpool.

Joanne Karen Waller, Managing Director of SDG, explains: ‘As an independent business, we are proud of our team and our combined achievements. We have safely navigated through a global pandemic which stopped projects in their tracks for every firm within our industry. Like every other business, we are still feeling the after-effects however, we remain wholly committed to our ongoing developments and feel transparency is vital when communicating with all our purchasers.

We remain committed to providing the finest, affordable homes in the North West. As a private development Company, we concentrate all of our resources back into the region, allowing us to be proactive instead of just reactive – as well as working on our current portfolio of sites, we have several exciting future projects in the pipeline.

Watching our developments go from planning stages to completed sites, providing employment during development and aiding the overall economic regeneration of local communities are some of our most important goals.

It is a legacy we will continue to honour, and we are particularly pleased that Westminster Park Liverpool Phase One is due to complete three months ahead of schedule. In the current economic uncertainty, completing developments ahead of the stated programme, enabling people to settle into their beautiful new homes as soon as practicable, is fantastic for us and the homeowners alike.

We remain committed to providing the very best value for our buyers. We continue to pride ourselves on our level of commitment as an independent business, we are proud to play our part in the continued regeneration of Liverpool and the city region.’

Manchester’s new cargo-partner office

Growth

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Following the completion of cargo-partner’s acquisition of Aztek International Freight Ltd earlier this year, the company continues to grow in the UK, with the Manchester team now relocating to a new office, to support further development of the team, services and products.

After embarking on a joint venture with Aztek International Freight Ltd in 2021, cargo-partner acquired the remaining shares of the UK-based company earlier this year. Over the last few months, the team has grown to 70 UK employees in three locations across the UK.

cargo-partner’s UK Managing Director Neil Murray, said of the announcement: “We’re pleased to have delivered on such an ambitious growth strategy so far this year, with new service offerings and multiple new team members highlighting our current positive momentum – but we’re not stopping there.

“With existing offices in Manchester, Bradford and East London, we are pleased to announce that we have opened the doors to a new office by Manchester Airport as we continue to deliver on our expansive strategy for the UK and beyond.”

Following the acquisition of Aztek International, the two teams have collaborated fantastically over the last 12 months, having previously worked together as separate businesses for many years. The full UK cargo-partner team is now able to provide air, sea, road and comprehensive customs services.

Neil Murray, added: “We’ve got an incredibly exciting future ahead of us. This is no ‘ordinary’ office and represents all the individuals working at cargo-partner. A place where our personalities can shine through, and we can be our true authentic selves whilst continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients and partners.

“We look forward to welcoming more customers and clients to our offices, so please get in touch with our UK teams for a full-service solution and see how cargo-partner can benefit your logistical needs”.

Since opening the UK branch, cargo-partner has handled a variety of freight shipments for customers from the automotive, aerospace, healthcare, retail and consumer industries.

The Austrian-based logistics provider has had a very strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe but has recently substantially invested in expanding its footprint in Western Europe. The company has long established branch offices in Germany, Benelux, Sweden and Ireland, but has more recently expanded its network into the UK, Italy and Spain, ensuring cargo-partner is now represented in the most important markets in the region.

Morrisons to sell “nightmarish” cheese for Hallloween

Food and Drink

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Morrisons to sell “nightmarish” cheese for Hallloween

The UK’s number one blended and snacking cheese supplier has launched a new seasonal cheese for Halloween that could give foodies a bit of a “nightmare” and is available in Morrisons stores across Manchester and the northwest

Ilchester®, which has ranges of both dairy and plant-based cheeses, has teamed up with Morrisons to introduce Nightmare on Market Street, a cheddar cheese blended with smoky chipotle and chilli jam. It is a taste sensation for food lovers who appreciate a Smokey Chipotle and Chilli flavour profile.

The smoky chipotle and chilli ingredients give a nice smoky and spicy flavour to complement the mild and mellow flavour of the Ilchester cheddar, which makes it the perfect cheese with “heat” for Halloween. Best used to make Halloween party food, such as Smoky Chipotle Chilli Witches Fingers Cheese Straws and Smoky Chipotle Chilli Stuffed Spooky Peppers. Add some smoky flavour and heat and crumble on top of jacket potatoes, mac ‘n’ cheese and fries. Or simply slice onto hot dogs or burgers and give the whole family a Halloween (trick or) treat.

Talking about Ilchester’s new Halloween launch, Lisa Harrison, Marketing Manager for Ilchester, says: “We know how popular cheddar cheese with a little bit of mild spicy, smoky flavour is, which is why we have chosen the smoky chipotle with chilli jam, which is the perfect “ghoulish” complementary ingredients to our Ilchester cheddar this Halloween.

“Previous cheeses that we have launched in the autumn and winter that have a bit of “heat” have proved really popular and we are hoping that Nightmare on Market Street will be a great new seasonal cheese for foodies who are hosting their very own Halloween parties this October.”

Ilchester’s Nightmare on Market is available at Morrisons deli counters across Manchester and the northwest and costs £1.30 for 100g.

Pandemic and no-fault divorce law has caused rise in ‘grey divorces’

Legal

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Pandemic and no-fault divorce law has caused rise in ‘grey divorces’

The rise in older people divorcing is due to pressures in relationships created by the pandemic and the 2022 no-fault-divorce legislation, says Northwest family lawyer, Claire Porter.

Claire Porter, a partner in the family team at SAS Daniels LLP – which has offices located in Chester, Congleton, Macclesfield and Stockport, believes the increase in people over this age is down to a number of reasons, including high-pressured environments created by the pandemic, as well as the new no-fault divorce law making the process of divorce easier.

She comments:

“With the average life expectancy in the UK now 81.65 years and many expected to live into their 100s, it is no surprise that older people are considering their life plans with many imagining a future alone or with a new partner who can meet their needs.

“Whilst the reason for divorce could be due to a couple simply growing apart, having unmet emotional or physical needs, and having different lifestyles or dreams for the future, the COVID-19 pandemic likely made many realise the reality of their relationships – with marital problems intensified by the ‘pressure cooker’ environment social distancing produced.

“In addition to this, the no-fault divorce legislation that was introduced earlier this year has made it a simpler process for couples to part ways.

“Under the new procedure, it is easy enough for one or both spouses to file a statement with the family court confirming that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.”

No-fault divorce laws allow for a divorce without either party attributing fault or requiring lengthy separation periods.

Under the previous divorce law, couples had to allege their partner was to blame for the breakdown of the marriage, which could be established in court via adultery, separation, desertion, or unreasonable behaviour.

Despite the increase in divorces for those in later life, Claire believes those going through it should view the process in a positive light.

“There is a stigma around divorce as a whole. Whilst divorces can come as a huge shock to an unsuspecting spouse or children, with the right advice and guidance, it can and should be empowering at whatever stage in life.

Claire shares some advice for those considering divorce in later life:

“Divorcing in later life means that it may be easier to negotiate a financial settlement amicably as capital assets, income and pension pots are likely to be of a higher value. Prepare a list of all your assets and any liabilities as this will give you an idea of how much money there is available to be shared.

“Of course, a good divorce lawyer is essential, so ensure you’ve found one that understands your needs and seeks the best outcome for you.

“As with any divorce, it is imperative that you get good legal, financial and emotional support during the transitional period so that life after divorce can be as fulfilling as you would like it to be.”

Local businessman creates free videos to help people protect themselves from cybercrime.

Cyber

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Local businessman creates free videos to help people protect themselves from cybercrime.

To celebrate cybersecurity awareness month, local businessman and owner of a cybersecurity training company Ian Murphy has created a series of free videos to help people to protect themselves against cybercrime.

Ian Murphy, who runs cybersecurity training company Cyberoff wants to, in his own words, make cybersecurity ‘less boring’ by injecting humour into his short training videos, which he is offering to people for free.

Ian uses a unique blend of comedy and animation to make traditionally uninspiring cybersecurity issues more engaging. He hopes that this will encourage more people to look after their safety online.

“I started doing these videos because I worked in cybersecurity a long time and I found that most people were just baffled with science,” says Ian.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated or boring and most people can protect themselves in a few basic steps. My videos try to engage people through animation and humour, so that they retain the information and enjoy the process- as much as you can with cybersecurity!”

Ian, who trains businesses within banking and logistics on the importance of cybersecurity decided to release a full suite of videos through Youtube in time for cybersecurity awareness month. His short videos, which titles include ‘The Scaminator’, ‘The Datatrix’ and ‘Phishing with Ian’ are a light way to cover topics such as scam awareness, keeping images safe on your mobile, identifying fake antivirus scams and staying safe over public networks.

“It’s a fun way for me to get my point across but these are really key issues that a lot of people are unfortunately still falling foul to. There are lots of vulnerable groups of people out there, as well as people who have a momentary lapse in judgement. Hackers and scammers are getting so sophisticated now that its important to make people aware of what they will and won’t be asked for via phone or email.”

CyberOff’s YouTube channel has over 25 videos that are grouped into playlists covering scams, family awareness and workplace awareness- all available for free now.

Manchester-based agency Embryo is up for six Search Award Nominations!

Awards

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Manchester-based agency Embryo is up for six Search Award Nominations!

The Manchester-based digital agency, Embryo, has revealed that they’ve been nominated for six UK Search Awards.

After successfully winning an award at last year’s UK Search Awards and most recently winning Best In-House Team at the UK Search Award, the agency is delighted their team’s hard work is being recognised as some of the best in the country.

The digital marketing company that specialises in both paid and organic search, paid social, and digital PR, regularly continues to secure new clients and award wins due to their successful marketing campaigns and outstanding digital strategies.

The agency shared that they’ve been nominated for the following awards due to their work with clients, including Buy Association and BCB Group.

BEST USE OF SEARCH – RETAIL / ECOMMERCE (SEO) (LARGE)
BEST USE OF SEARCH – RETAIL / ECOMMERCE (PPC) (LARGE)
BEST USE OF SEARCH – B2C (SEO) (LARGE)
BEST USE OF SEARCH – B2C (PPC) (LARGE)
BEST USE OF SEARCH – REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY (LARGE)
BEST INTEGRATED CAMPAIGN (LARGE)

The company’s Managing Director, Ross Green shared: “Winning one award last year was great, and to be one year on and shortlisted in 6 categories shows just how far Embryo has come. We always aim to be bigger and better, and the results we are achieving prove that. I’m really proud of our achievements and look forward to celebrating with the rest of the shortlist at the awards ceremony in November.”

Company Culture + Expansion: LDM maintains high growth

Growth

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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Company Culture + Expansion: LDM maintains high growth

Rob Henry (Managing Director at LDM), is thrilled to announce the latest addition to the team: LDM’s new Sales Director, Terry Boland. Terry has been a valuable member of the door drop marketing world since 1999, most recently working for Whistl.

“Having worked in the door drop industry for the past 23 years the opportunity of working at LDM UK really did excite me.” Terry says

“The ambition and drive that Rob and his team possess is infectious, combined with a strong brand, and product offering meant this was very much an environment that I wanted to be part of. I feel my knowledge, understanding and respect for this fine media channel we called door drops can only enhance LDM and their offering further. I’m proud and very excited to see where this journey will take us. Watch this space!”.

Having Terry join the team is the latest in a series of new hires, allowing LDM to continue scaling up year on year. “Each new addition to our team brings not only a fresh set of skills, but also a range of different experiences and backgrounds, adding to the culture here at LDM” says Rob Henry, MD. Company culture is something that Henry and his co-director Sean Thomas have made a priority from day one, believing that employee happiness and autonomy is the key to success.

“We set out to do things a little bit differently at LDM. Our aim is to treat our employees as individuals rather than numbers, so that they feel comfortable playing to their strengths. We’ve created a culture of support, with not only support from the Leadership Team to their staff, but also through peer to peer support too. This respect and level of care, then naturally passes onto our clients, who then have the best experience throughout their campaign” Thomas says.

Each new hire at LDM not only continues a pattern of rapid growth at the company, but also opens new opportunities to be better as a business. Elements of the company’s everyday working life are constantly evaluated to ensure the workplace is accessible, an employee of choice for all staff, and a business whom clients look forward to dealing with. Whether it is maintaining a flexible hybrid working model, or looking for new ways to be sustainable, each new employee and client are taken into consideration.

Building a successful business that cares about people and their stories takes a lot of attention and a proactive approach. These attributes are ultimately passed along to the level of service our clients receive. We expect that by having Terry as our latest teammate, we will be able to provide for our clients like never before. Indeed proving the value of door drop marketing.

HMG Paints recognised amongst Family Business Top 100

Awards

Sam Allcock

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25/10/2022

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HMG Paints recognised amongst Family Business Top 100

Family Business United recently released the first 50 individuals on the Family Business Top 100 list. Two of names listed are employees of 92-year-old business HMG Paints Ltd; John Falder, Chairman and Stephen ‘Paddy’ Dyson, Marketing Manager. The duo are recognised amongst other prominent leaders of family business such as John Thatcher of Thatchers Cider, Stephen Bagnall of Alfred Bagnall & Sons, Simon Brewer of Brewers Decorator Centre and Joyce Onuonga of John White & Son Ltd.

The inaugural Family Business Top 100, which showcases some of the best of family business individuals across the UK, was created by Family Business United this year to recognise these people, their efforts and collective importance to our national economy. “We wanted to do something special to celebrate ten years of Family Business United and what better way than to celebrate the individuals managing the businesses that are at the very heart of what we do – championing family firms across the whole of the UK. Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and often the unsung heroes too. Family firms are significant contributors to the economy in terms of jobs provided, income generated, and wealth created and behind each family firm are individuals driving them, making decisions and looking to the future. Family firms take the long-term view and invest in their businesses and the communities in which they operate, and we wanted to create the Family Business Top 100 to recognise outstanding individuals within these organisations and to shine a light on the people that are making a difference within the business and more broadly too.” Said Paul Andrews, Founder of Family Business United.

HMG Paints are proud to have been recognised on the Top 100 list with John and Paddy both representing the business. “It is an honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with magnificent family business leaders on the Top 100 list. I’m very humbled to have been recognised for my time and achievements at HMG. Every step of my career has been a pleasure and I have been fortunate enough to work for a business that has encouraged my development and engagement with other family businesses. There is no better culture than the one that family businesses create. Congratulations to the other worthy individuals on the list.” Commented Paddy Dyson.

Recently in 2021 HMG Paints Ltd were awarded the Essence of Family Business award by Family Business United “HMG Paints are truly great ambassadors of the family business sectors and in the eyes of the judges totally represent the essence of family business. They are worthy winners of this national award.” Said Paul Andrews.

Featured in the Family Business Top 100 list, John Falder has been in the paint industry and his family business, HMG Paints Ltd (formerly H. Marcel Guest) for almost his whole life. Venturing into the family business for the first time when he was about 7, accompanying his father, Brian and grandfather, Herbert Falder, founder of the business, John has never looked back.

“My very first job was sticking on labels, and packing tubes of adhesive this was fantastic, and a good Saturday morning which involved me earning some wages (2 shillings and 6 old pence to be exact), which were spent later in the day at a local toy shop.” said John in an interview.

After John graduated from Bangor University in chemistry and marine biology, he started his full-time career in HMG at 21 years old and remains a huge part of the business 46 years later, stepping down as Managing Director in 2021 and becoming Chairman.

In 2021 John Falder was awarded the paint industries highest honour with a lifetime achievement award from the British Coatings Federation. “John is a great example of someone that has dedicated his career to the family business and embraced each opportunity along the way. He thoroughly deserves recognition and his place in the Family Business Top 100” said Paul Andrews.

HMG Paints second recognition on the list is Stephen ‘Paddy’ Dyson who joined HMG Paints Ltd at just 18 years old (19 years ago) following in his father’s footsteps. Starting from humble beginnings in the label printing room, Paddy quickly became noticed by peers for his dedication & enthusiasm for the family business.

Paddy put himself forward for the new Marketing Manager position in 2008 and has since completely transformed the branding and marketing of HMG Paints with the family values at the core of everything that is done. Throughout his time in the business Paddy has also been an ambassador for HMG taking part in talks and judging panels for industry & family business events such as Family Business United.

In 2019 Paddy was a finalist for the Young Leader of the Year Award with the British Coatings Federation based on his achievements throughout his time at HMG. From creating internal engaging content for staff around the family values of the business to promoting them externally, Paddy has a skill set that is second to none and continues to go above and beyond for HMG and his peers.

“Paddy is an exceptional individual and totally committed to the family business in which he works, as well as the broader family business community and thoroughly deserves recognition for all that he does and is a deserving recipient of a place in the Family Business Top 100.” Commented Paul Andrews.

The nominations for the Family Business Top 100 list were sought from all corners of the UK and all sectors of the economy. Entrants must have been working in a senior position within the business for at least five years.

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