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Commuters return to Seacombe as Mersey Ferries refresh project is completed

News

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19/10/2022

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Commuters return to Seacombe as Mersey Ferries refresh project is completed

Commuter and River Explorer back at Seacombe after almost two-years
Woodside terminal now closed for works to the landing stage
Upgrades are part of plans to enhance the Mersey Ferries for future generations

New commuter bundle tickets introduced to reflect hybrid working and encourage more people on board

Mersey Ferries services are making a welcome return to Seacombe, Wirral following a major upgrade of the ferry terminal that has welcomed passengers for hundreds of years.

Both Commuter and River Explorer Cruises returned to Seacombe this morning (Monday 17 October) for the first time since it closed for refurbishment in December 2020, and ahead of the opening of the Eureka! Science + Discovery next month.

As part of this multi million pound investment, both the 130-year-old linkspan bridges were replaced, signifying a major piece of engineering work which can be viewed online.

The landing stage has been refurbished, with the installation of new powered gangways to help people get on and off the ferry easily and safely as well as a contemporary ticket office area – integrating fully with the new Eureka! Science and Discovery attraction.

Following the successful completion of this project, attention now turns to Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral, which has closed for a similar upgrade closely linked to wider regeneration plans for the local area.

Improvement works at both ferry terminals are part of the Combined Authority’s plans to help make sure the iconic ferries can sail along the River Mersey for generations to come, helping passengers to cross the river quickly while taking in the best views of the Liverpool and Wirral waterfronts.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:

“It’s been great to see so many of our loyal commuters returning to Seacombe this morning and we remain extremely grateful for the patience they have shown whilst this much-needed refresh took place and I’m sure they will be impressed with the work that has been done.

“Now that services are back at Seacombe, we can move on to Woodside and start the process of giving it a similar refurbishment that will support the on-going regeneration works in Birkenhead.

“Our commitment to the Mersey Ferries remains as strong as ever as they are an important part of our cultural identity in the city region. These works at both of our Wirral terminals will make sure the ferries can continue to operate from there for many years to come.”

New commuter ticket bundles for 3 and 5 days are available at Seacombe in a move to make it easier for passengers who may only be travelling for part of the week to use the ferries.

Passenger numbers on the Mersey Ferries have recovered strongly following a significant drop during the Covid pandemic.

The latest data suggests the number of people enjoying the ferries has risen to pre-pandemic levels, with significant further growth predicted over the coming years.

More information is available on line and you can read our blog about the hidden history of Seacombe Ferry Terminal.

Move Over London

Business

Sam Allcock

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19/10/2022

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This tech platform is proof the future of art & tech doesn’t have to be London centric.

Manchester has always been an entrepreneur’s city. It was at the forefront of the industrial revolution, the birthplace of the world’s first stored computer system, and in recent years the fastest growing tech hub in Europe. With a history of innovation, it makes sense companies emerging from this constantly evolving city are carving out spaces previously thought to be reserved for the London crowd.

Such is the case with Arcarta, a young tech platform serving the art market. Founded in 2019 by Tom Noon and Matthew Whiteley, the Art Market Due Diligence Platform serves over 300+ international art market clients found in the likes of London’s Mayfair gallery district and New York City’s Upper East Side. For this reason alone, you could be forgiven for thinking their HQ would be off Regent’s Street, but Arcarta’s home is firmly rooted in Manchester’s St. Peter’s Square.

Both northerners themselves (Matthew was born in North Yorkshire and Tom in Wigan), the duo made Manchester their HQ out of economic necessity, starting the company as housemates, and ideating around Tom’s kitchen table. But, as the company has grown to include elite clients such as PACE, Colnaghi and publicly listed art marketplaces, there is no desire to move anytime soon.

As Matt explains, “Having lived in different cities around the world I’ve always felt a special connection with Manchester. We feel like we have a great work life balance here. As we’ve grown and expanded our team, Manchester felt like the perfect place to call home for the business. With members of the team spread across the UK and EU, travel links and the location of the city have suited perfectly.”

Tom also has a special attachment to Manchester and appreciates its community feel. “Manchester has somehow managed to continue to feel small – and less frantic than some major cities – even as it continued to expand.”

And with recent major investment into the Manchester arts and cultural sector they won’t be alone for long.

Recently the new Factory International Arts and Cultural Centre has brought attention to what has be dubbed a ‘rebalancing of the country’. The largest government investment since the Tate Modern, it is clear Manchester is asserting itself as a serious cultural hub.

This, married with its already booming tech industry, means that Tom and Matt are in the right place to grow their company.

It also offers them flexibility – hiring an international team that spans across the UK and Europe, while still being a train ride away from their clients.

As for why they have managed to carve out a space for themselves in a London dominated landscape – both credit their shared values of optimism, honest realism, authenticity, and radical transparency. They also have a lot in common with their clients, who are also small-mid sized business owners.

With an average team size of 4-7 people, it is easy to forget that galleries are primarily small businesses. While it may seem unglamourous, Anti Money Laundering Regulation is a legal requirement – and a process small businesses are not always equipped to do.

Supported with a background in experience design, Matt and Tom have made it their mission to understand their art community fully. Providing a necessary service, they put customer experience at the centre of everything they do – creating a product made for non-compliance art professionals that is elegant, visually appealing and easy to use.

As Head of Product Matt asserts that, “having a background in user focused design has helped us ensure our products are usable no matter how technically skilled someone might be. Since the beginning we have endeavored to make the complex feel simple.”

Tom, who acts as CEO, echoes Matt stating that while it is “easy to overlook, Anti-Money Laundering regulation has – and will always have – a two-sided impact affecting both buyers and sellers. As a two-sided design challenge, our focus has – and will always be – to minimize disruption to sales between trustworthy, legitimate persons, by arming a gallery with reasons to transact with anyone, anywhere and provide the required evidence to back this up.”

But that is not to say that Arcarta is all tech, and no art. Tom regularly makes trips to all the major London art fairs and the company has an evening event launching at Cromwell Place in South Kensington this November.

For now, they have the best of both worlds, able to dip into London when necessary but grow their base close to home.

As they move forward, they are focused on making their client’s lives easier, “any day the process doesn’t feel like a burden that looks like success,” and getting their new office dog Chico acclimatized to walks around St Peter’s Square.

EY’s dealmakers in the North advise on transactions worth more than £2bn

Business

Sam Allcock

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19/10/2022

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EY’s dealmakers in the North advise on transactions worth more than £2bn

EY team advised Croda on the £667mn divestment of its Performance Technologies and Industrial Chemicals business.
Momentum in the local deals market continues as companies look to transform during continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
2022 will end with a more subdued number of completions, which will continue into the first half of 2023.

EY’s North Strategy and Transactions teams have advised on deals worth more than £2bn so far this year.

One of the most significant transactions they worked on was the £667mn divestment by East Yorkshire-based Croda, of its Performance Technologies and Industrial Chemicals business to a wholly owned subsidiary of global food corporation Cargill Inc.

Completing in July 2022, a multidisciplinary team from EY advised Croda, pre and post deal completion, supporting the client with financial vendor due diligence, a separation blueprint, support on operational aspects of the carve out, tax structuring, valuations assistance and the sales and purchase agreement.

Mark Clephan, EY’s North Corporate Finance Partner, said: “After a resurgence of deals in 2021, economic headwinds stunted the number of deal completions in the first half of this year. However, despite the geopolitical tensions and cost pressures, the transactions market has remained active, driven by a strong flow of private capital.

“EY’s team in the North has seen continued momentum and appetite for transactions, driven by businesses looking to transform and shape their organisations for the future, particularly using technology, which is boosting activity in that sector. Companies are investing in tech to boost capability, source management data, disrupt established industries, and improve customer/client experience.”

Deals EY advised on

Most recently, the dealmakers at EY assisted SymphonyAI in acquiring financial crime detection business, NetReveal®, from defence contractor BAE Systems. They also advised OCS Group UK, a facilities management business, to sell its facilities services division to global investment firm Clayton, Dubilier and Rice (CD&R).

Looking back to quarter two (Q2), the team worked on nine business deals totalling more than £1.2billion, spanning a range of industries including technology, gaming, sales and advertising, and automotive.

Deals EY advised on included: the acquisition of game developer Sybo by mobile gaming studio, Miniclip, which expanded its business operations by opening a new office in Lisbon earlier this year; the purchase of leading salesforce consultancy, Pexlify, by Japanese PR and advertising firm, Dentsu Group; and the sale of major tech-enabled used-car platform Big Motoring World to Private Equity investors Freshstream PE.

The team also provided buyside due diligence to web hosting firm Miss Group as they acquired IT solutions businesses Cloudnet, Cloud Access and PrivateVPN.

Closing out the quarter (Q2), the team acted on the £80mn acquisition of Grant Westfield – a bathroom panel manufacturer – by Norcros; and the agreement to acquire roller garage doors business, Garolla, by consumer and technology investors Mayfair Equity Partners.

The pace of completions in 2022 was set in quarter one (Q1), when EY acted on seven deals worth almost half a billion pounds, including: LDC’s investment in Manchester-based digital agency, CTI Group; providing financial due diligence (FDD) to TIMCO (TI Midwood & Co Limited), on its acquisition of Bufab; assisting Premier Technical Services Group’s (PTSG) acquisition of Nationwide Specialist Services (NSS); and delivering buy side due diligence services to FleetCor Technologies during its acquisition of Levarti UK Limited.

Mark Clephan added: “The whole team at EY has worked on some tremendous deals so far this year, helping local businesses with their growth and transformation ambitions, in what remains a challenging and uncertain market.

“In the last quarter of the year we expect the deals market to be tougher, in the face of continued economic volatility. That is likely to characterise the first half of 2023, with a potential pick-up in the second half of the year.”

Co-op Live reveals unique ‘smart bowl’ design as opening moves closer

Entertainment

Sam Allcock

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19/10/2022

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Co-op Live reveals unique ‘smart bowl’ design as opening moves closer

New image renders reveal the interior of Co-op Live’s innovative ‘smart bowl’, taking inspiration from conversations with Bruce Springsteen and venue investor Harry Styles.

The bowl, designed with an intimate atmosphere in mind, will feature no corporate branding, ensuring both the fan and artist can fully immerse themselves in the show. The suites lining the edges of level 2 will also utilise soundproof black curtains to maximise the impact of the shows sound and lighting.

The UK’s only music-first arena will boast the largest floor space of any indoor venue, a significantly lower ceiling, and tiered seating that brings fans closer to the artist. Unlike venues designed primarily for sporting tournaments or public exhibitions, Co-op Live is the first of its kind to be built around concert acoustics.

“Co-op Live is about the fan and the artist, it is specially designed to deliver the best sound, atmosphere and experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” says President of OVG International, Jessica Koravos. “Innovative technology and design will bring a unique live entertainment experience to the UK.”

Set to open in December 2023, the 23,500-capacity venue is currently under construction on Manchester’s Etihad Campus. The project is a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, alongside private investor Harry Styles who has been instrumental in the design, offering personal insight having visited major venues and arenas worldwide.

“I am incredibly happy to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live,” Styles revealed in 2020. “Manchester is an incredible city filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier to be involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.”

Co-op Live’s 330 tonnes of rigging capacity and 8 loading bays ensure the ability to bring some of the industry’s biggest live productions to Manchester.

The fan experience will be further heightened by 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges, including a locally sourced and sustainable food and drink offering.

TALOS360 MARKS NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE AS IT PARTNERS WITH LDC

Partnerships

Sam Allcock

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19/10/2022

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TALOS360 MARKS NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE AS IT PARTNERS WITH LDC

Talos360, an award-winning provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, has chosen to partner with leading mid-market private equity firm LDC to support the next stage of its growth journey.

The company, which was co-founded by Stephen Rundell and Tomas Coulter in 2009, is one of the UK’s fastest growing HR technology providers. Its proprietary recruitment and engagement technology helps businesses to better attract, recruit and retain talent, and it is a trusted partner to more than 700 businesses. Customers range from SMEs to blue chip organisations, and include household names such as Easyhotel, The Entertainer, Homebase, Graham & Brown and Purplebricks.

Talos360 has become a market leader in SaaS talent solutions through the quality of its product and the service its team provides. It has also built a reputation as a people-first business through its commitment to supporting employees. This was independently recognised earlier this year when Talos360 was named the fifth best workplace in tech by Great Place to Work.

Today, Talos360 employs more than 120 people at its headquarters in Warrington. It has grown rapidly in recent years, ending 2021 with increased revenue of 56% – which includes a 94% increase in tech revenues – and is on target to finish 2022 with a turnover of more than £10m.

LDC is backing the existing management team, led by CEO Janette Martin and Co-Founder Stephen Rundell, to support their organic growth strategy and explore complementary acquisitions. Financial details of the transaction are undisclosed, and it provides an exit for existing investor Tristan Ramus and his team at Twenty20 Capital.

With LDC’s support, Janette and the team will be able to further invest in product development and continue to evolve its proposition for the benefit of new and existing customers. The partnership will also enable the team to create further opportunities for employees and it plans to create more than 50 new jobs by 2025.

The investment was led by John Clarke, Investment Director at LDC in the North West. He was supported by Investment Managers Camilla Greenwood and Grant Goodwin, and Dale Alderson, Partner and Head of LDC in the North West.

Both John and Dale will join the board as Non-Executive Directors, alongside Chris Herrmannsen, Founder of global talent acquisition and management business Ochre House, who joins as Non-Executive Chair.

Stephen Rundell, Co-Founder of Talos360, said: “We’re really proud of the business we’ve built, and I’d like to thank Tristan and the team at Twenty20 Capital for helping us to get to where we are today. As we look to the next stage of our strategy, we see huge potential for continued growth and with the team’s track record and sector expertise we’re confident LDC is the partner to help us tap into this.

“We also wanted a partner who would be a good cultural fit. Our people are our most important asset and to have a partner that mirrors the characteristics we look for in our own employees – caring, genuine and down to earth – was key for us.”

Janette Martin, CEO at Talos360, added: “I am incredibly excited about our partnership with LDC. We share a passion for developing people-first, high-growth businesses and I can’t wait to have the team join us at the boardroom table. From day one, it was clear that LDC is an investment partner that backs management teams and supports their strategy, which is exactly how we want to work.

“I’m so proud of what we have achieved so far and there is no doubt that we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Our amazing team is brimming with ideas, and we’re looking forward to what we can bring to both existing and new customers. To have a partner that will add value and support us along the way is exactly what we were looking for.”

John Clarke, Investment Director at LDC, said: “Talos360 is a fantastic business and the management team’s strategy of putting its people and customers first has enabled them to build an enviable proposition within the market. There’s a real opportunity to build on this, enabling the business to support more customers with their talent strategies, and we’re looking forward to supporting Janette, Stephen and the wider team on their journey.”

LDC has a strong heritage of supporting the growth of HR SaaS businesses. The private equity firm successfully backed the growth plans of workforce management software specialist Mitrefinch, helping the management team to double revenues and increase employee numbers by 64 per cent during its four-year partnership. It also supported HCM software solutions provider CIPHR during a four-year partnership, helping the management team to double its headcount and drive a compound annual revenue growth of more than 25 per cent.

Janette Martin has recently been named one of LDC’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders of 2022. This follows her being recognised as The Optima Talent Tech Leader of the Year at The TIARA Talent Tech Star Awards, where Talos360 was also awarded The Talent Tech Scale-Up Award in recognition of the company’s growth.

Houlihan Lokey (Dominic Orsini, James Grundy, Matt Doyle and Ben Levett-Dunn) both originated and acted as lead adviser on the transaction, providing corporate finance advice to Talos360. Legal advice was provided by Addleshaw Goddard.

LDC was advised by GP Bullhound (corporate finance) and DWF (legals).

Tech recruiter appoints MD and eyes up US growth

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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19/10/2022

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Tech recruiter appoints MD and eyes up US growth

A fast-growing tech recruitment firm has appointed a new managing director as part of its strategy to expand internationally.

Manchester-based Fairmont Recruitment has promoted Mark Pugh to the role of MD while CEO Jack Donohue and director Andy Ward focus on new opportunities in the USA and UAE.

Fairmont Recruitment recently signed a five-year lease on 2,100 sq ft of space in 53-55 Mosley Street, Manchester and plan to grow their headcount from 13 to 20 by the end of the year.

Donohue said: “It’s an exciting time for Fairmont Recruitment. Since we moved into Manchester city centre we’ve focussed on growing our brand internationally and not just in the UK.

“As part of that, I’ll be looking at locations internationally, most noticeably in the US and then the UAE.

“As a result we needed someone to run the UK operation and Mark was the perfect choice to continue our success.”

Fairmont was founded in 2018 and is on track to double its turnover to £3.5m in the current financial year.

Pugh said: “We’ve exceeded all our financial targets and remain extremely ambitious in terms of our future growth.

“We know the US is a buoyant market and less saturated than the UK. Jack and Andy will embark on opening up a foothold in the US while my role will be to look after the UK, both from a delivery perspective and operationally.”

New senior recruit joins award-winning firm Claritas Tax

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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19/10/2022

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New senior recruit joins award-winning firm Claritas Tax

Claritas Tax, the independent tax advisory firm with offices in Birmingham and Manchester has announced the arrival of Katie Edwards, Senior Manager, to its award-winning team.

Joining this month, Katie will bolster the rapidly expanding Transaction Tax and privately owned business tax service lines at Claritas. Katie has previously worked for Big Four and boutique tax advisory firms specialising in advising mid-market businesses, entrepreneurs and family offices on a wide range of tax issues throughout their business life cycle.

The appointments come as Claritas accelerates its growth and expands its operations which now include more than 14 key tax service lines.

Katie comments: “I am thrilled to join Claritas and look forward to working with such a high-performing tax team. Their ambitions are strong, which matches the market demand, and with my broad-ranging experience I feel that I can support them further to enhance the services provided to clients to navigate tax challenges and achieve their commercial objectives.”

Iain Wright, Partner at Claritas said: “With the firm having recently been recognised as ‘Specialist Transaction Team of the Year’ at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers awards, Katie is a key hire for Claritas. Her arrival is a further boost to our market-leading tax advisory service. We are committed to building a best-in-class team that advises and supports our clients fully as they navigate the increasingly complex and ever-changing world of tax.”

Matt Hodgson, Partner at Claritas adds: “Katie has a wealth of experience and will provide the depth and breadth of experience needed to guide and develop our people, serve our clients and stakeholders, and position us for long-term sustainable growth.”

PURPLE CELEBRATES A DECADE OF SUCCESS WITH 1000TH CLIENT

Business

Sam Allcock

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18/10/2022

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PURPLE CELEBRATES A DECADE OF SUCCESS WITH 1000TH CLIENT

The Manchester-based technology company has seen rapid expansion since its inception in 2012.

Manchester-based technology company, Purple, has signed its 1000th client, with the milestone marking ten years since it was first established.

Over the past decade, the WiFi specialist has expanded into 110 countries and after starting with a team of 12, it now boasts a global headcount of 115, welcoming 22 new starters in 2022 alone.

Backed by Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco, Purple embarked on a rapid growth trajectory in 2015, with the aim of becoming the ultimate tool for businesses to keep up with the pace of digital innovation. A year later, Purple had reached 10 million WiFi users and, to-date has seen more than 15 billion visits across over 50,000 venues.

The North-West company began with just one type of WiFi hardware and now offers 157 hardware types – with an average of 748,000 users connecting to WiFi through Purple every day.

In 2017 Purple received a £5.4 million recruitment investment and relocated its UK headquarters to Oldham, as well as an additional UK hub in Bracknell, Berkshire.

Earlier this year, Purple welcomed former Executive Vice President (EVP) of Cisco, Chris Dedicoat, to the board as a non-executive director. Drawing on his 25 years of industry experience, Dedicoat is supporting Purple through a new period of strategic growth, which will see expansion into specific sectors and new territories worldwide.

Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, commented: “We’ve come a long way over the past decade and are extremely proud of our growth in this time – and achieving the 1000-client milestone is a great way to mark this success.

Our people are our best asset and this year alone, we were able to welcome 22 new starters to the team. Our fully remote working model allows us to recruit the very best talent from across the globe, ensuring we’re always ahead of the curve.

“The uncertainty of the economic landscape is putting pressure on businesses and consumers alike. Whilst there isn’t a one ‘fix-all’ solution, embracing the capabilities of technology will enable businesses to set themselves apart from their competitors.”

Founded out of frustration for poor guest WiFi connection, Purple works with businesses across a huge number of sectors including healthcare, retail, hospitality, leisure and transport to implement smart technology solutions which help bolster businesses.

Wheeldon continues: “When we set up Purple in 2012, our aim was to help businesses expand the capabilities of their existing tech to enhance visitor experience, optimise safety and ultimately drive revenue. Since then, we’ve continued to adapt and innovate to find new ways businesses can turn their venues into intelligent tech hubs.”

From facilitating hyper-personalised communication with customers to tracking valuable assets, Purple’s solutions provide businesses with a complete view of what is happening in real time, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive meaningful interactions.

Purple recently launched a new asset tracking platform aimed at helping the NHS reduce the £300m of medicine wasted every year and speed up operation waiting times.

The launch strengthens Purple’s ‘Intelligent Healthcare’ offering, created to help increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve patient experience for healthcare organisations in both the UK’s NHS and the USA’s healthcare system.

Wheeldon concludes: “Here at Purple, we will continue to support our clients in every way we can, implementing solutions that drive the best results for them.”

MANCHESTER CHARITY UP FOR FUNDING BOOST AT NATIONAL AWARDS

Sam Allcock

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18/10/2022

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MANCHESTER CHARITY UP FOR FUNDING BOOST AT NATIONAL AWARDS

A Manchester charity supported by the ScottishPower Foundation could be in line for a funding boost this winter after being shortlisted for its annual awards.

Lorna Young Foundation has been shortlisted for the Community Engagement Award, Education Award, Charity Champion Award and Innovation Award thanks to its ‘Freeing Up Ethical Enterprise Training – NEETs and Not Just Us’ programme, which is designed to create opportunities for marginalised groups to help them move into further education and self-employment.

The project offers free-to-all access to Ethical Entrepreneurs (‘Not Just Us’) training resources to improve the economic and employment chances of NEETs (young people not engaged in education, employment or training), refugees and individuals experiencing homelessness, and fosters local ethical and environmental responsibility.

The charity was funded by the Foundation in 2022 and is now in with a chance of an additional boost with award winners receiving a further £5,000 to support their vital work and runners-up taking home £2,500.

In total, 23 inspirational charities are in the running for this year’s ScottishPower Foundation awards.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation said: “The value of the vital support charities provide to people and communities has never been more important. The work of Lorna Young Foundation is a great example of how our funding can help incredible charities transform lives across the country.

“These are tough times for many people, but the hard work of these charities continues every day to support, educate and inspire people across the country. They go above and beyond, so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to give them further funding support in these difficult times.

“It’s a real privilege to help make a difference and that is all thanks to the £10 million the ScottishPower Foundation has provided in funding over the last nine years. I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists – and the legacy of the ScottishPower Foundation – on Awards Day next month.”

Christina Longden, Director of the Lorna Young Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to have received a shortlisting for this award. Our charity was named in memory of Lorna Young, the Scottish Fair Trade pioneer who challenged the business sector to adopt both ethical policies and practices.

We are so pleased that the Scottish Power Foundation are working with us to promote better ethics, a stronger and kinder society, and address climate change issues. We are the only education charity in the UK that focuses on supporting disadvantaged people to become ethical entrepreneurs and we are committed to ensuring that free and accessible ethical enterprise is available to all, regardless of background or disadvantage.”

The shortlists for all awards this year were selected by a judging panel made up of experts from the industry and the education sectors. This year’s judges were Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee of the ScottishPower Foundation; Sarah McNulty, HR Director at ScottishPower; Arthur McIvor, Senior Client Manager at EU Skills; and Marina Livingstone, Programmes Director at Strathclyde University Business School.

You can keep up to date with the winners and runners-up on Twitter @ScottishPower. The winners will be announced on 1 November.

For a full list of the shortlisted charities, go to www.scottishpowerfoundation.com.

Manchester local crowned National Rail’s ‘Chief Environment Officer’ to inspire Brits to take sustainable trips by train

Sam Allcock

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18/10/2022

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Manchester local crowned National Rail’s ‘Chief Environment Officer’ to inspire Brits to take sustainable trips by train

Demario Green from Manchester has won a National Rail competition to ditch the car and discover 10 sustainable trips by train around Britain by train – one of the greenest forms of public transport
Demario will visit places like Oxford, Cornwall, Reading, and Bath, amongst others, to reveal some of Britain’s best green destinations and champion sustainable travel by train
The three Chief Environment Officers were selected by a judging panel made up of explorer and broadcaster Simon Reeve and travel vloggers Wanderlust Chloe and An Adventurous World

Demario Green from Manchester has been crowned one of National Rail’s ‘Chief Environment Officers’ (CEOs) who will champion sustainable travel by train around Britain. Demario’s prize includes all expenses paid trips to ditch the car, discover 10 of Britain’s hidden green attractions and locations, and vlog his experiences to inspire others to make green journeys by train.

Demario has always had a passion for travel and transportation and is a huge advocate of sustainable travel with a particularly keen interest in new technological advancements for the transport system. His goal as Chief Environment Officer is to see how each destination around Britain has done their due diligence to the environment and what measures they have put into place to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure a greener future.

After finding the National Rail CEO competition on Facebook, Demario immediately knew he had to enter, recognising it as a good opportunity to explore post lockdown and an excellent opportunity to promote sustainable travel to his followers.

“I’m passionate about transport and the future of it, particularly in relation to developments around sustainability. I’m excited to learn more about this in my role as Chief Environment Officer, seeing what measures have been implemented around the country while getting the opportunity to explore the UK and meet new people”, Demario said.

The CEO competition was judged by explorer and broadcaster Simon Reeve, who said, “Demario’s CEO competition entry was visually stunning and authentically showed his passion for sustainable travel. I feel confident that his reviews of some of Britain’s best trips by train will inspire others to opt for green trips of their own, and I look forward to following along with his adventures.”

Travelling by train is one of the greenest forms of public transport and a ready-made solution for a low-carbon future where our roads are quieter and safer, and the air we breathe is cleaner. Taking the train already helps tackle climate change – it cuts carbon emissions by two-thirds compared to traveling by car – and it can do more in the future. That’s why National Rail began the search for three Chief Environment Officers and will be promoting their inspirational vlogs to inspire others to go green and get onboard.

Jacqueline Starr, CEO at Rail Delivery Group, comments, “Travelling by train cuts carbon emissions by two-thirds compared to driving, but many Brits are unaware of the sustainability credentials of rail. Therefore, we are proud to appoint Demario as one of our Chief Environment Officers who will champion sustainable travel and enjoy visiting some of Britain’s greenest and most beautiful destinations over the next three months.”

To see the sustainable destinations you can visit by train check out railcard.co.uk/maketracks, National Rail’s YouTube channel and follow @nationalrailenq on Facebook, Twitter, and national.rail on Instagram.

If you want to follow Demario on his adventure as National Rail’s CEO, follow his YouTube channel “De’s”. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5t51VvEjg9JI_Vf-KOdUCQ

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