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What Are The Risks Of Forex

Thought Leaders

Sam Allcock

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21/10/2022

Investing is becoming more accessible to all of us, with platforms and apps developed to help us get the most from our money. Most recently, investing in Forex is becoming more popular as it moves away from being solely for larger corporations and exclusive banks. Just like any investment, FX comes with both pros and cons, and risks that you must weigh up before you dive in. FX risk management solutions can help you manage volatile exchange rates in the future.

What is Forex?

Forex is a term used to describe the foreign exchange market and you may also see it shortened to FX. It is the global marketplace that countries all over the world use to trade their currency with each other. Forex is not monitored by a government or physical body, instead, it is based on an electronic network that is made up of banks, institutional investors, and individual traders. The Forex market sees a huge amount of currency exchanged within it each day – with over a trillion dollars being traded between countries. Read on as we look at some of the benefits and risks that come with the foreign exchange market.

Investing in Forex

Investing is becoming more accessible to all of us, and with platforms and apps available to help you get started, anyone can invest their money however they see fit. And it’s no different with the foreign exchange market – gone are the days when trading within the Forex market would be mostly carried out by the government and larger companies, if you have a bit of cash to invest, FX is open to you. When investing in Forex, the aim is to invest in a specific currency of your choice, hoping that the currency will become strong – this way, you can make a return.

There are a few differences that may make trading in FX sound more accessible and exciting than you would find with other markets. Because it is not governed, there are fewer rules, which means fewer standards to uphold and regulations to adhere to. You will also find that there are not as many fees when you trade within the FX market. Finally, the market is flexible to suit you – you can invest anywhere, anytime – it is open 24 hours a day.

What are the benefits?

So, you may be wondering what the benefits are to investing in FX. There are a couple that may make investing in this way sound beneficial to you. Firstly, as we touched on above, there are fewer fees, so you may find it cheaper to invest in the FX market than the commission that you may pay to invest in others. In the past, Forex was closed off to the average person, and only accessible to various financial institutions, but as it gets easier to invest in modern times, FX is open to everyone. If you are interested in investing in FX, you should use a trading platform to help you work out the basics before going all in.

What are the risks?

As with every investment, there are risks – even with FX. When you’re investing, you should conduct your research beforehand and never invest more than you can afford to lose. The currency market is highly volatile, so if you’re a beginner or invest without having a good idea of what may happen, you could stand to lose money, rather than make a profit. Forex does require training to get the best from it – so don’t skip this step if you are thinking about investing! FX can also result in those investing getting themselves into deep financial issues, as many find themselves leveraging money to make money.

Legal ruling has implications for farming inheritance rows

Legal

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21/10/2022

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Legal ruling has implications for farming inheritance rows

A LANDMARK legal ruling could have far reaching implications in disputes over the future of family farms.

Rebecca Armstrong, a Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist with Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said the judgment by the Supreme Court on Wednesday (October 19) would impact farming families who find themselves in legal battles over who will inherit the farm.

Rebecca said: “The ruling was unusual in that it offered the parties a choice as to how the case could be resolved, with remedies deemed fair and equitable to both parties.

“These high profile cases are a reminder that people need to be clear about their plans for the future. Leaving the future of your farm unresolved can lead to animosity and upset between family members, which can cause years of legal battles and, in some cases, the sale of the farm.

“The principle of proprietary estoppel within the farming community is essentially a parent promising a son or daughter that: ‘One day, all this will be yours.’ It’s a promise or assurance to another person that they have or will be given an interest in property which that other person then relies upon to their detriment.

“In farming families, that can mean the son or daughter working long hours for low rates of pay for many years on the promise that they will inherit the farm after their parents’ death. If, as in this case, that doesn’t happen, then it can lead to legal fights over what they believe is their rightful inheritance.”

The case heard by the Supreme Court was brought by a son (Andrew) against his parents (David and Josephine), who own the farm. In Partnership with his parents, Andrew had lived and worked on the farm for 32 years since leaving school, earning a basic wage and living in a property on the farm.

Andrew had been promised by his parents that he would inherit a substantial but unspecified share of the farm, along with his two siblings.

Following a deterioration in the family relationship, David and Josephine changed their wills, disinheriting Andrew. The farming partnership was ultimately dissolved and Andrew forced to leave the farm property where he and his family lived.

Andrew took the case to court where the judge awarded him a lump sum based on his expected inheritance; however, his parents argued that it should have been calculated on his contribution to the value of the farm or his loss of opportunity to work elsewhere. They said the sum should be based on what he had expected to receive on his parents’ death.

The Supreme Court ruled that the farm should either be put in trust for the three children to inherit after their parents’ death as originally promised or that Andrew is given a lump sum which reflects the fact he has received his inheritance before his parents’ death.

Rebecca, who is an Associate Solicitor with Cartmell Shepherd’s Contentious Probate team, said: “Each case is dependent on its specific facts, but this ruling does set a precedent in respect of the flexibility the Courts have when determining matters. It ensures that Andrew’s expectations are met but not exceeded and provides the parties with options which could avoid the potential sale of the farm.”

Cartmell Shepherd operates across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally and has six offices at Rosehill Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth and Haltwhistle, with the firm’s full range of legal services available from all of its offices, delivered by a team of more than 40 solicitors.

Contact Rebecca on 01228 516666 or email rebecca.armstrong@cartmells.co.uk

Velstar Acquires Marketing Agency We Influence

Acquisitions

Sam Allcock

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21/10/2022

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Velstar Acquires Marketing Agency We Influence

Liverpool-based eCommerce agency, Velstar announces it has acquired Chester-based marketing agency, We Influence, to bolster service offering and drive further growth.

The acquisition, which was supported by Liverpool fund manager, River Capital, with a significant investment from its recently announced Business Growth Loan Fund, will blend the technical knowledge and eCommerce expertise of Velstar with We Influence’s creative, growth-focused marketing capabilities, creating a unified agency with over 50 digital specialists, across web design and development, PPC, social, SEO and affiliate marketing.

Founded in 2016, Velstar has been on a strong growth trajectory ever since. Adding We Influence to its portfolio marks the first of many, as the company seeks meaningful acquisitions and strategic partnerships as part of its wider M&A strategy.

We Influence’s team will make the move to Velstar’s HQ in Liverpool city centre, integrating the two businesses’ teams to establish Velstar as the UK’s leading end-to-end eCommerce agency.

Daniel Sheard will remain as Velstar’s CEO, whilst We Influence’s Graham Withe will take the position of Managing Director, Marketing at Velstar.

The combined agencies will have a turnover of £4M, with ambitious plans to reach £6M by 2024. Its client portfolio will include French Connection, AVON, Castore, Kenwood and De’Longhi and Salons Direct.

Following the announcement, the agency is on a major recruitment drive, hiring for an Account Manager and Senior Project Manager, as well as for several marketing roles to keep up with demand and maintain a high standard of delivery across all departments.

Commenting on the acquisition, the CEO of Velstar, Daniel Sheard, pictured centre, said: “Both Velstar and We Influence have been active in the eCommerce space for years now. We have great admiration for one another’s work, and it was clear we shared similar ambitions, as well as the same people-focused approach. So it was an obvious decision to team up and combine our efforts.

This acquisition, made possible with support from the River Capital Business Growth Loan Fund, strengthens our offering within the Shopify ecosystem by deepening our marketing services to give our clients access to a team of digital growth experts at every stage of their eCommerce journey, all in one place.”

Graham Withe, Managing Director, Marketing, pictured right, added: “What Velstar has achieved over the past couple of years has been impressive. Their skills, experience and services perfectly complement our own, and we’re all really excited about becoming part of their talented team.

We recognise that online retailers’ growth and success are best achieved with a collaborative approach, leveraging different technologies and services. The acquisition will enable us to provide our clients with a deeper level of technical support, as well as a larger-scale in-house marketing capability. For our team, it will provide them with an opportunity to develop their skill sets further and fully immerse themselves in the eCommerce industry like never before, building relationships with third-party technology providers and industry leaders.

I’m incredibly proud of this move and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Watch this space!”

Do I have to pay employees for the extra hour if they’re working when the clocks go back?

Business

Sam Allcock

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21/10/2022

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Do I have to pay employees for the extra hour if they’re working when the clocks go back?

Manchester, England. 21^st October 2022 – Spring forward, fall back. We’re all familiar with this saying. But not everyone is as clued up when it comes to the HR considerations of the clocks changing.

As we approach the last Sunday in October – the date we traditionally ‘fall back’ – Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, looks at what this means for people working overnight and the rules that employers need to be aware of.

“Employees who work overnight shifts either love or hate the clocks changing. While the Spring change can mean a shorter shift, this coming weekend often means they end up working nine hours instead of the usual eight – and may not be entitled to an extra hour’s pay.

“It all comes down to the wording of the employment contract.

“A contract may state that an employee will work 8 hours per shift, or it could set out specific start and finish times, i.e. hours of work are from 10pm-6am. Employers will need to review individual contracts to ensure any employees who will be working when the clocks change are scheduled and paid correctly.”

Questions to consider include

Will hourly staff be paid for the extra hour of work, or will they start their shift later/finish earlier on that day?
Does the additional hour count as overtime for salaried staff?
Will there be no change to shift patterns and/or pay?

“It’s important to remember that wages must not fall below the national minimum wage if employees are expected to work this extra hour. If that is likely to happen, employers should be sure to top up the employee’s pay to avoid falling foul of law and being on the Government’s regular name and shame list.

“Asking employees to work the extra hour must also not breach Working Time Regulations in respect to the weekly working limit, maximum night shift hours and rest-break entitlements.

“If employers do not have any clear contractual terms outlining employees’ rights in this situation, then they can rely on what they have done in the past, making sure to apply the same rules when we ‘spring forward’ again in March.”

Spire Manchester Hospital maintains its ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating

Health

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Spire Manchester Hospital maintains its ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating

Staff and leadership praised for well-led surgical services
Hospital is helping to ease pressure on NHS waiting lists

Spire Manchester Hospital has again maintained its ‘Outstanding’ rating, following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC carried out an unannounced inspection of surgical services offered at Spire Manchester in August. In its report published today, they rated the services ‘Outstanding’ overall, and for being well-led, and ‘Good’ for being safe.

In the report, CQC singled out for praise some of the hospital’s safety initiatives, including the presence of a surgical safety guardian in the operating theatres to drive the highest safety standards. Hospital colleagues were also praised for working with patients and the community to effectively plan and manage services.

Other areas that received positive feedback from the inspectors were the hospital’s improvement projects to improve the quality of patient care; positive patient feedback about the way colleagues treated them; and a special educational video to support patients undergoing joint replacements.

Lesley Lock, Hospital Director at Spire Manchester Hospital, said: “Maintaining an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the England’s independent health regulator demonstrates Spire Manchester’s commitment to delivering incredibly high standards of care to people seeking treatments.

“This rating is a true team effort. I know my colleagues will be delighted with the national recognition of continuing to make a positive difference to people’s lives through outstanding personalised care.”

Justin Ash, Chief Executive at Spire Healthcare, commented: “I want to thank and congratulate all my colleagues at Spire Manchester who, as I am, should be incredibly proud of this CQC rating. This demonstrates how we are genuinely putting people first and at the heart of everything we do.

“We are incredibly proud that 98% of Spire Healthcare’s inspected hospitals and clinics rated ‘Good,’ ‘Outstanding’ or the equivalent by health inspectors in England, Wales and Scotland.”

During the pandemic, the hospital provided care to over 6,400 NHS patients who needed treatment for cancer and other critical conditions, as well as hosting Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s cystic fibrosis service. It is now helping local NHS trusts in addressing waiting lists in the area.

The £65 million purpose-built Spire Manchester Hospital, which opened in January 2017, employs 744 people and is based in Didsbury. The hospital has 37 inpatient rooms, a dedicated six bedded paediatric suite, 27 day case rooms, a hydrotherapy pool and five critical care beds.

The hospital provides surgery, medical care, critical care, services for children and young people, outpatients and diagnostic imaging. The inpatient treatment includes orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat, gynaecology, endoscopy, general surgery, urology, gynaecology, cardiology and cosmetic surgery.

Venture Arts Whitworth Prints Edition Launch

Creative

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Venture Arts Whitworth Prints Edition Launch

Fresh from the hugely successful ‘YESS LAD’ exhibition in London, Venture Arts is proud to launch a series of limited-edition prints on Thursday 27^th October at The Whitworth, part of The University of Manchester.

This stunning collection of prints has been created by Venture Arts artists, Darren Bates, Michael Beard, Amy Ellison, Barry Finan, Andrew Johnstone, Ahmed Mohammed and Leslie Thompson.

The print series marks a longstanding partnership and collaboration between Venture Arts and The Whitworth. Artists Andrew Johnstone and Amy Ellison were part of Other Transmissions ~ a collaborative project by Venture Arts, Castlefield Gallery and The Whitworth, which was shown at the Whitworth Art Gallery in February 2020.

Each print comes in a limited edition of 50 on Giclée 300gsm Monte Carlo mould-made cotton rag paper. In addition, the whole series is available as a special box set in an edition of 10. Postcards of the artworks will also be available.

Venture Arts Director, Amanda Sutton: “We are so pleased that we are expanding our partnership with the Whitworth, who have supported us in championing the work of learning disabled and neurodiverse artists from the north of England over many years: through supported residencies, to acquiring one of these works for their fine art collection. We’re thrilled to see seven of our artists’ work will be produced into 10 limited edition prints – they are all wonderful and I’d love to see each and every one of them on my own walls!”

Alistair Hudson, Director at The Whitworth, University of Manchester: “This is the latest project in the longstanding collaborative relationship between Venture Arts and The Whitworth. Our partnership is driven by a shared understanding of the importance of creativity for all, working with the broadest range of artists in the most innovative ways, to ensure life is as gloriously rich and complex as it can be. We’re proud to be able to publish and share work of such quality and joy.”

The launch event for these beautiful prints is part of The Whitworth’s successful Thursday Lates events and will take place from 5.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry and open to everyone. Refreshments will be provided. The series of prints will also be available to purchase at The Manchester Contemporary (Sat 5th – Sun 6th Nov).

All profits from the prints are split equally between the artists and organisations.

For more information, interviews or high-res images, please contact:

Alison Bell (07818 256 434) or Liam Walsh (07976 258 577)

The Whitworth: Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER 0161 275 7450

Gallery opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm, Thursday late opening until 9pm

How businesses can shape their future by looking back – 7 tips for conducting current-state analysis

Business

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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How businesses can shape their future by looking back – 7 tips for conducting current-state analysis

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s latest business survey shows a sharp downturn in the economy, along with concerns over falling sales, export figures, cashflow and investment. This has hit business confidence with many expecting profits or margins to dip.

Managing the finances is critical for businesses in order to cope with volatile times ahead – and this means not spending money on something that’s not directly contributing to their future says business innovator and author Mark Wilson, who this year published Futurestate Design: How to step out of the past to create a business fit for the future.

The book argues that all businesses need to look to the future if they want to flourish and not become obsolete, and presents a strategic methodology for developing a future vision called futurestate design. But in looking to the future businesses must also conduct current-state analysis to ensure they aren’t wasting money today.

Wilson says, “In building a vision for the future business need to break away from how things are done today and imagine what a future generation of services could achieve for a future generation. However an important part of deciding on future strategy is looking at a business’s current state as this is the ‘from’ point and is critical in defining the key transformations needed to realise their future vision.

“Unfortunately some businesses can make the mistake of not understanding where they are heading before carrying out this analysis which can be costly. This can also mean they continue spending money on activities that won’t be relevant in the future. Instead businesses should conduct their current-state analysis when they have clearly articulated their future vision. This ensures they focus time and money where it matters most.”

Seven guiding principles for conducting current-state analysis:

Don’t dig too deep too soon – Businesses need to map widely and rapidly so they can identify what to focus on and what to set aside. It’s important to get a version done quickly so that they can get hold of the challenge more effectively, then they can progressively dig deeper into the areas they need to.

Talk to the people who do, not the people who manage – Always speak to the people in the organisation who are on the front lines, not those who have most ‘corporate’ responsibility. To get honest, real-world insights as soon as possible, it’s vital to establish a culture of honesty so people know they can tell what they really think. There’s far less vested interest in service users than in business owners.

Pay careful attention to measures and metrics – Scrutinise carefully how current KPIs might stack up against future objectives. For example, if a business is trying to keep people on the phone and the future demands a self-service experience, every day a team hits today’s performance targets could be getting in the way of achieving the future vision, by training customers to be more dependent on something the business wants to leave behind.

Ask ‘why?’ until a real answer is clear – Identifying pockets of activity that aren’t necessary is critical and this can only be done with the liberal use of the word ‘why?’ Why does this thing exist – what is its purpose? Why does the business do it that way, when no-one else does? Any answer that even vaguely sounds like ‘because we always have’ or ‘that’s just how we do it’ should cause alarm. Often there will be a good number of ‘I don’t really know’ answers, which is an indication that something is built on shaky foundations.

Sniff out risk-aversion – Has a risk-averse culture prevented better or bolder decisions being made? If reasons not to do things seem to be more common than reasons to try new things, there is a key cultural inhibitor to overcome before the business has any hope of achieving their future potential. Identify risk in hard-wired processes, spot the people who are most likely to inhibit progress because they’re afraid of it, and put a big tick against those who think risk lies in not doing new things. The business is going to need those people.

Get multiple perspectives – Gather inputs on anything important from multiple sources to ensure a balanced view of what’s going on. Expect to have to dig deepest into those areas with the most diverse views. Don’t be afraid to bring in external expertise either, as a fresh pair of eyes can identify something that no-one else even knew to look for.

Be brave – Current-state analysis is not for the faint-hearted. Businesses have to be brutally honest about where strengths and weaknesses lie; and be prepared to uncover things they don’t want to see. It’s really important that they focus efforts on scrutinising the right things, at the right level – and know when they simply don’t have to. If they have something clear and compelling to aim for, they will be more likely to scrutinise their current state honestly and be brave enough to leave the right things behind.

Wilson concludes, “It’s safe to look back, but only when the business knows where it’s going. When a business has its future vision in hand, current-state analysis using these guiding principles becomes a more focused, cheaper and faster exercise. It will enable the business to look back with a future-facing perspective but not get lost down endless rabbit holes.”

Mark Wilson is an expert in digital business strategy and innovation and CEO of Wilson Fletcher. He and his team work with leadership teams to design breakthrough strategies and services and embed digital-first behaviours.

Mark and the Wilson Fletcher team have helped hundreds of companies around the world (including AXA Health, NHS, British Film Institute, News UK, SNTV and LexisNexis) become strong digital businesses, building deep expertise in the challenges established companies face in the digital economy, and the radical shifts in thinking needed to overcome them.

FUTURESTATE DESIGN: HOW TO STEP OUT OF THE PAST TO CREATE A BUSINESS FIT FOR THE FUTURE | MARK WILSON | ISBN: 9781399922104 | RRP £14.99 | Available for purchase on Amazon

Journalists can request a copy for review from Kathryn Hughes: Kathryn@kayakpr.co.uk

For more information on Futurestate Design visit: www.futurestate.design

For more information on Wilson Fletcher visit: www.wilsonfletcher.com

Free hot showers for community struggling with energy crisis thanks to Oldham Active

Health

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Free hot showers for community struggling with energy crisis thanks to Oldham Active

Local residents will have access to free hot showers thanks to Oldham Active’s (Oldham Community Leisure) ‘Shower and Go’ initiative to support people in the Oldham community struggling to pay for heating and heat hot water in the colder months.

Shower and Go follows the launch of Oldham Council’s wider initiative in creating welcoming, heated, sheltered spaces for those who cannot afford to put the heating on. The move will see places like libraries turned into Warm Banks as part of the council’s £3m plans to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Shower and Go is available from 16^th October 2022. To access the showers people must first register, confidentially, for the scheme. Young people (under 16s) as part of a family group will not need to register separately. The ‘Shower and Go’ scheme will be on offer at the following locations:

Oldham Leisure Centre – All Opening Times
Royton Leisure Centre – All Opening Times
Saddleworth Leisure Centre – All Opening Times
Failsworth Sports Centre – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 3pm-5pm
Radclyffe Athletics Centre –Monday – Friday 6pm onwards and Saturdays

The showers will be provided in 10 minute slots, with shower gel and shampoo provided too. People will need to provide their own towels.

Kelly Tattersall, Oldham Active Community and Partnership Manager says: “The option for people to have access to free warm showers and to be able to get clean is a basic human right. As a charitable organisation it was important for us to be able to provide these facilities to people and families who maybe struggling this autumn and winter. Oldham Active is determined to support our local community during these difficult times, and we want to make sure nobody is left to suffer as the weather gets colder. We will provide hot showers to those most vulnerable, treating them with respect, dignity and a warm welcome.”

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care says: “As always, partnership working is vital for these initiatives to work, so we are delighted that through our work with Oldham Active, we can offer more help and support for our communities through the cold winter. Projects such as these are so important, as we all know with the current economic climate and challenges with utilities that people will be finding it hard. The provision of a free shower is a simple but important offer and we are delighted this scheme is there for the borough as part of our We Can Help support campaign.”

Kelly continues: “Times are tough for everyone, but it is local residents on the lowest incomes who are feeling the brunt of rising prices the most. Our team of friendly staff will be on hand to help or to answer any questions, and if you are struggling and need further help, they will be trained to provide and signpost you to other warm and food bank schemes in the area.”

The online link for more information and how to register for Shower and Go is https://oclactive.co.uk/shower-go/

EHE release book to help entrepreneurs secure funding & growth.

Business

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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EHE release book to help entrepreneurs secure funding & growth.

Manchester based EHE Capital have released a book to help entrepreneurs make it easier to secure funding and grow fast.

The book, ‘Fast growth through funding. Entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs achieve the extraordinary’ is an honest, informative and practical guide which helps to navigate the path of investment and fast growth from a founders perspective.

EHE, which stands for ‘entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs’ was founded by entrepreneur-turned- investors, Guy Remond and Gary Fletcher and helps connect entrepreneurs with investors, whilst also providing free education and advice to those looking at fast growth.

The book covers the fundamentals of fast growth and investment and includes;

The mindset you need for fast growth in your business.
What foundations you need in place to achieve fast growth and attract investors.
Due diligence and how to prepare for it.
Which funding options are available at different stages in your journey.
How to prepare for a successful and profitable exit from your business.

The foreword is written by Carl Castledine, Chief Executive of Away Resorts who said ‘One of the reasons this book is so valuable to entrepreneurs seeking funding for fast growth is that it covers such a broad spectrum of funding types and explains when different types of funding are appropriate in different entrepreneurial journeys.

The EHE Group was founded on the principle of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs, which is precisely what this book does so well”

Guy Remond, founder of EHE said ‘our mission at EHE is to help entrepreneurs to grow fast, whether that’s pragmatic advice available through our weekly podcasts and blogs, or providing investment advice and opportunities through our platform. The book consolidates a lot of the conversations we’re having with entrepreneurs, as well as drawing on our own personal experience. It’s a great mix of practical advice, anecdotes and information on all aspects of growth and funding. Including a really handy entrepreneurs dictionary at the back.’

OUT NOW! Fast Growth Through Funding: Entrepreneurs helping Entrepreneurs achieve the extraordinary

EHE Capital is a high growth investment partner, connecting entrepreneurs with relevant investors whilst also providing a range of free content and education modules which help prepare an entrepreneur for their investment journey.

HURST STAFF REACH NEW HEIGHTS FOR WILLOW WOOD

Charity

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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HURST STAFF REACH NEW HEIGHTS FOR WILLOW WOOD

Intrepid staff at accounting and business advisory firm HURST have reached new heights to raise thousands of pounds for a Greater Manchester hospice.

HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill and Rebecca Leech, an associate in HURST’s business services team, led the way with sponsored tandem skydives from 15,000ft.

Meanwhile a team of 25 HURST colleagues completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – scaling Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 12 hours.

Seven others undertook a cycle ride along the Tissington Trail in the Peak District, covering a total of 26 miles there and back, while a group of six took part in an open swim at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, clocking up 7km in total, followed by a 10km walk.

The endeavours mean HURST has now raised more than £13,000 for Willow Wood Hospice, which is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and provides care and support throughout Tameside and Glossop.

Willow Wood is HURST’s charity of the year for the second year in a row, as Covid impacted the firm’s fundraising ambitions in 2021.

Simon said: “Willow Wood does amazing work and our team was keen to help them out with some creative fundraising efforts.

“We’ve had groups of people doing some amazing things for the charity. I’d always wanted to try a skydive, and having the opportunity to do one for such a great cause was awesome.

“As well as raising money, we have supported Willow Wood directly, with a number of staff volunteering in its shop, distribution centre and at the hospice itself, and by the firm donating a number of computer monitors.”

Rebecca said: “I was inspired to do the skydive for Willow Wood as it was something I’d always wanted to do and I couldn’t think of a better reason to do it than to raise money for this lovely charity.

“I have a family friend whose mother was looked after at the hospice, and they have spoken so highly of the care that she received. It’s a very worthy cause to jump out of a plane for!”

The hospice provides care for people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. It has an 11-bed unit for palliative and end-of-life care. All of the rooms have en-suite facilities, a garden view and a private patio.

Willow Wood also provides holistic therapies, a dementia café, home support and bereavement support. It costs around £3m a year to run the hospice.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of Willow Wood’s board of trustees and its acting head of income generation, said: “Our sincere and grateful thanks go to the HURST team, who have pulled out all the stops to support Willow Wood this year.

“After voting for us as their charity of the year, they have not only volunteered in our shops, distribution centre and at the hospice itself, but have also raised thousands of pounds with their many and varied challenges.

“Their commitment has been fantastic and we are very proud to be associated with them. We wouldn’t be able to care for patients and their loved ones without supporters such as the team at HURST.”

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