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Rebirth of Wythenshawe town centre begins as Council acquires site

Acquisitions

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17/10/2022

Rebirth of Wythenshawe town centre begins as Council acquires site

Manchester City Council completed the acquisition of Wythenshawe town centre from St.Modwen marking the beginning of a major regeneration programme for the site.

The aim of the redevelopment work will be to create a large new focal point for the local community in a new civic square that celebrates Wythenshawe’s roots as a garden city, developing open areas for planting, trees and boulevard-style public realm.

The ambitious vision includes a new cultural hub, food hall and workspace – as well as helping to fund decarbonisation investment in the existing building, while creating hundreds of new jobs.

Thousands of new homes will also be built, including a significant number of affordable homes, on nearby Council-owned brownfield land.

The City Council will undertake a consultation with local people and businesses in the autumn to share proposals and get invaluable feedback from the communities who use the centre every day.

A £20m Levelling Up bid was submitted to Government in August that would jumpstart the transformation and help realise the long-term vision for Wythenshawe Town Centre.

The main elements of the Levelling Up Fund bid are:

Culture hub: Artist studios, performance space and a community cinema in the former Co-op department store
Food Hall: A large, flexible events space championing local produce by day and leading a new night-time economy through a food, drink, live music and street food offering by night.
Employment spaces: New flexible employment accommodation ranging from co-working spaces through to a new enterprise centre with a focus on local start-up and small and medium-sized businesses and larger floorplate managed office space.
New civic square and public realm: A large new focal point representing the new heart of the town centre and capable of hosting community events. Improved accessibility and the creation of small naturally- planted ‘sponge parks’ designed to increase biodiversity and help adapt to the impacts of climate change while reducing the risk of flooding.
Decarbonisation: Sustainable retrofit of existing building to improve energy performance and reduce carbon emissions plus the installation of solar PV cells on rooftop spaces.

Progress in the town centre is already evident with a new Lidl supermarket proposed for the former Gala Bingo site and the launch of a new monthly Grub street food market.

The long lease for the town centre will now transfer from St.Modwen to the City Council and the town centre will be managed by Savills.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:

“It’s encouraging to see the plans for Wythenshawe town centre move on at pace. We know it’s the heart of the local community and our ambition is to transform the centre and realise its massive potential for our residents who rely on it daily.

“Central to the proposals will be to create a new green, attractive public square and invest in things that will make the town centre an exciting place to visit, shop and access services – and will create hundreds of new jobs.

“We will begin consultation with local residents and businesses soon about our proposals – including thousands of new homes – and we hope as many people as possible will take part. Your views will be invaluable and we’re looking forward to sharing more details soon.”

Manchester Bomb Survivor Martin Hibbert presented with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award.

Awards

Sam Allcock

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17/10/2022

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Manchester Bomb Survivor Martin Hibbert presented with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award.

Martin Hibbert has been presented with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award by Chorley MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lyndsay Hoyle.

The award is given to outstanding and inspirational volunteers who are making a difference in their community to celebrate, encourage and promote volunteering and the value that it brings to the country.

Martin was just metres away from the bomb that killed 22 people in the terror attack at the Manchester Arena in May 2017. Martin spent six months in hospital and was told he would never walk again, but after meeting Gary Dawson, a support officer from charity Spinal Injuries Association, he was determined to keep going and turn an appalling act of terror into a force for good.

Earlier this year he reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in a specially adapted wheelchair to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association and to help “move mountains” for other spinal cord injured people.

Martin said:

“It’s an honour to receive the Points of Light Award for my Kilimanjaro climb. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it is only part of the full story. Because we all have our own mountains to climb every single day, my true ambition is to enable every spinal cord injured person to receive the specialist care and support they need to live the life they choose and reach their full potential.”

Martin visited Chorley Town Hall on Friday night where the Rt Hon Sir Lyndsay Hoyle MP and the Mayor of Chorley Julia Berry presented him with his award. Martin also took the time to discuss with Sir Lindsay the biggest obstacles that those affected by spinal cord injury face in the UK and what more can be done by politicians to support the community.

Sir Lyndsay said:

“It was fantastic to see Martin setting off on this amazing endeavour to highlight the work of the Spinal Injuries Association and to raise funds for them. His bravery and determination are truly inspirational, and he has both my admiration and utmost respect. Martin truly represents Points of Light and everything it stands for.”

So far Martin has raised over £800,000 for the Spinal Injuries Association but is looking to reach his target of £1million.

If you would like to support Martin, you can find out more here.

Home | Martin’s Mountain (justgiving-sites.com)

Progress so far at Stockport interchange mixed-use development

Transport

Sam Allcock

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14/10/2022

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Progress so far at Stockport interchange mixed-use development

Just over one year on from work getting underway Stockport’s new multi-million-pound transport interchange has started to emerge on the site of the old town centre bus station.

The project, which will also see the construction of a new two-acre park and 196 high-quality residential apartments, got underway on 29 August 2021. Since then the old bus station has been demolished, the site has been cleared, groundworks have been completed and the new building’s distinct oval outline is beginning to take shape.

The project, which represents part of a major £1bn investment in Stockport town centre, is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stockport Council, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), in conjunction with building contractor, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, and Residential development partner, CityRise.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “It is incredible to see the progress at the Stockport interchange development so far, whether that’s passing through on the train over the viaduct or attending meetings in Stockport town centre.

“It’s already coming together and once complete will become an iconic feature of Stockport town centre, making Stockport a better-connected place for all, creating new homes, integrated transport and green space.”

The Stockport interchange development forms a core part of the Town Centre West regeneration district, a 130-acre site that will see new housing, leisure, workspace and amenities delivered, alongside these major transport and infrastructure improvements. The Town Centre West transformation plans are being delivered by the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), working alongside public and private sector partners, including Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Homes England.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “I’m delighted with the progress underway at the Interchange site, which will see us create a state-of-the-art transport hub for the borough and further boost the ongoing revitalisation of the town centre.

“The new hub will encourage the use of sustainable transport, provide quality new homes and a new town centre park for residents and visitors to spend time in and enjoy.”

Following the demolition of the old bus station and site clearance, construction got underway in early 2022 and to date there has been over 5,000m3 of concrete poured on site, creating the piled foundations and some of the stairs, lift cores and frames for both the interchange and residential buildings.

Work also got underway over the summer to form the bridge section linking the train station to the park and interchange areas and some of the columns set to support the new town centre park have also begun to emerge into the sky.

Lord Kerslake Chairman of Stockport MDC said: “It is great to see the progress that has been made to Stockport Interchange, a major redevelopment within Stockport MDC’s Town Centre West regeneration area. When it completes, Stockport Interchange will set a new standard for town centre transport hubs. By transforming the old bus station, the Interchange is able to deliver a new park for the town, implement new active travel links, create new homes, and will re-connect the area to the railway station and the town’s new commercial hub at Stockport Exchange.

“It is this innovative approach to placemaking, that makes Town Centre West one of the most exciting regeneration masterplans currently being delivered in the UK, and will see Stockport become one of the most sustainable, connected and liveable town centres in Greater Manchester.”

Building contractor, Wilmott Dixon, have re-used 74% of excavated material, significantly reducing demand for natural resources. The team will also be reusing 29,847m3 of site materials, meaning no additional soils or aggregates will need to be imported to site. This also cuts many of the transport related impacts of importing materials.

Anthony Dillon, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We’re proud to be playing our part in shaping the future of Stockport town centre and creating a transformational new gateway for local people. The exciting progress on site continues at pace and yet the project’s impact will be even more far reaching; it will leave a legacy of investment, skills and opportunities in Stockport.”

Willmott Dixon recently held its first Building Lives Academy programme on site, working alongside Groundwork Greater Manchester’s Stockport sustainable futures construction programme, to create work experience opportunities for local people aged between 18-25 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Its wider commitments include working alongside supply chain partners in Stockport to create 40 local jobs and upskilling a new generation.

As part of the next phase of development works, foundations will continue around the interchange to support columns above ground level and floor construction and decking levels are being formed for the residential element.

Due to open in 2024, the transport interchange will incorporate a modern, fully accessible and covered passenger concourse with seated waiting areas, and 18 bus stands, providing capacity for future growth in bus services.

A major feature of the scheme is the two-acre rooftop park which will improve leisure and recreation opportunities in the town centre and create more green space for everyone to enjoy. As part of the wider Bee Network vision, there will also be new cycling and walking routes connecting the bus interchange to the train station, as well as to the Trans Pennine Trail and town centre.

196 high quality apartments are also being built by residential partner CityRise, providing new homes in the heart of the town centre and helping to tackle the need for future housing.

To find out more about the new interchange development, please head to https://tfgm.com/stockport-interchange.

Drugs and Alcohol in the workplace cost the economy £7.3bn a year – How to protect your business

Dawn Jackson

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14/10/2022

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Drugs and Alcohol in the workplace cost the economy £7.3bn a year – How to protect your business

Around 25 per cent of employees admit that drugs or alcohol have affected them in the workplace, according to figures from CIPD1. As well as affecting the well being of the work force, alcohol alone is estimated to cost the British economy £7.3bn per year.

Alcohol and drug misuse is widespread in our society. So, it’s hardly surprising that it significantly impacts businesses across every sector.

The effects of drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace are wide-ranging: from reduction in productivity, to an increased risk of workplace accidents, a rise in sickness absence, and the risk of reputational damage.

The figures above not only highlight the prevalence of the problem in the UK, but also the importance of raising awareness of these issues in the workplace and educating staff on the risks of substance misuse.

Why does awareness training matter?

Substance misuse is no respecter of rank or salary, a fact that makes drug and alcohol awareness training crucial for staff at all levels, from the factory floor to the boardroom.

Effective management and employee awareness training can help embed the company’s stance on drugs and alcohol for both new and existing employees, making it a part of company culture, and strengthening the company’s reputation as a responsible employer.

There are many additional benefits to awareness training. These include keeping risk management front of mind, ensuring staff are educated on the signs, symptoms, and impact of using alcohol or drugs at work, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals who are struggling, thereby enabling employers to offer the appropriate support.

A truly effective awareness training session will cover:

– The impact of substances in the workplace
– Drug and alcohol legislation, and the company’s responsibility
– Signs and symptoms of substance misuse
– Employee rights and responsibilities

What should be included in a drug and alcohol policy?

A drug and alcohol policy is a formal corporate document that defines the company’s stance on drugs and alcohol, and ensures employees are kept informed of how substance misuse issues will be handled.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty of care for the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Having an appropriate policy in place demonstrates that the company is committed to safeguarding its employees and creating a safe working environment for everyone.

A robust policy should include:

– Why there is a need for a policy
– The purpose of the policy
– Who the policy will apply to
– How and when the policy will be implemented
– Reasons for testing e.g., post-incident/where there are grounds to suspect an individual of using drugs or alcohol at work
– Testing methods and sample collection
– How substance misuse issues will be handled e.g. procedures for non-negative samples

The policy document should be reviewed regularly, to ensure it aligns with the latest health and safety regulations and be updated whenever new testing methods or procedures are introduced.

The document should be made available to all employees and can even be shared prior to new employees being appointed, so that the company’s stance on substance misuse is clear from the start.

Book your drug and alcohol awareness training now

Whether you’re looking to introduce a workplace testing programme, or simply want to embed your existing substance misuse policy, awareness training plays a vital role in educating your staff and demonstrating your commitment to workplace health and safety.

Book an online or face-to-face awareness training session and receive 50% off a policy review by our in-house experts until 30 November 2022. Simply cite WPLPPR50 when booking your training.

As a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs offers a range of products and services for the workplace, from testing for cause (post-incident/where drink or drug use is suspected), to random, pre-employment and return-to-work testing, management & employee awareness training, and assistance with policy creation & review.

Our Warrington laboratories can test a variety of samples for drug and alcohol use including urine, breath, oral fluid (saliva), hair and nails. We also work with leading brands, offering Home Office type-approved drug and alcohol testing devices to suit all budgets.

For more information call 0333 600 1300 (select option 2) or email workplace@alphabiolabs.com.

Free business webinar hosted by Pareto and Luna to take place later this month

Blog

Dawn Jackson

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14/10/2022

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Free business webinar hosted by Pareto and Luna to take place later this month

If you’re unsure of what’s happening in the financial markets and how this will impact your own life, a free webinar on the subject is taking place this month.

Manchester based Pareto Financial Services and Luna Investment Management are holding a free webinar on the 19th October 2022 at 10.00am to explain how slowing global growth, low investor confidence, inflation and rising interest rates are impacting the consumer. Hear from Pareto’s director Stuart Carswell and Luna’s chief investment officer Alex Brandreth on what the rest of the year could look like.

To register for this free webinar, please go here

Unity Trust Bank appoints Graham Dow to its board

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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14/10/2022

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With offices in Birmingham, Manchester and London, Unity Trust Bank has appointed Graham Dow to its board as a Non-Executive Director.

Graham brings extensive experience drawn from many years working within the Trade Union movement, having specialised in accountancy throughout his career.

In 1998 he was appointed as Chief Accountant at GMB, the general trade union that represents workers across all sectors, and joined the union’s senior management team as Head of Finance in 2021. Here, he played an active role in general management, financial stewardship, investments, banking and asset management.

Commenting on his appointment, Graham said: “Unity Trust Bank exists to support organisations that make a difference across the UK. I’m looking forward to working alongside my fellow board members and the wider Unity Trust Bank team to continue driving forward Unity’s success, and that of our customers.”

Unity Trust Bank Chairman, Alan Hughes, added, “Graham’s in-depth knowledge and experience is a huge asset for Unity, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the Board.”

Graham is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. In his role as Non-Executive Director at Unity Trust Bank, he will sit on the Board’s Audit Committee.

With commercial offices in Birmingham, Manchester and London, Unity Trust Bank was founded by the Trade Unions in 1984 to serve the common good. The Bank’s philosophy is unchanged and in 2021 it was named Socially Responsible Lender of the Year for the second year running by the NACFB.

LH1 have rebranded and gone global

Property

Sam Allcock

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14/10/2022

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LH1 Global, Leading International Property Consultants, have undergone a recent creative expansion and rebrand. This is an exciting time for the successful husband and wife entrepreneurial duo: they’ve just opened a new office in the UAE taking their business reach even further. Since its inception in 2017 by founder Benjamin Hunter, LH1 London has since developed into LH1 Global and has successfully delivered prime projects throughout the UK in major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Derby and Ashford. The business sees no sign of stopping and has accrued a development pipeline over over 1,500 units – all set to be launched in the upcoming 12 to 24 months.

LH1 Global currently operates out of UK offices, but its new Dubai premises will be the firm’s international base and will be led by the company founder Benjamin Hunter. The location will benefit from its own dedicated team sourcing and securing exceptional global property investment opportunities to compliment the UK offering. The core focus of LH1 Global’s international arm will be on emerging markets that offer exceptional capital growth in the short to medium term.

Rayna Hunter has been appointed as CEO and is taking over the full-time management of the UK operation. Rayna was first appointed in 2017, joining from a highly successful PR & Events firm she had established for over a decade. Rayna’s transferable skills, passion for property and leadership qualities quickly saw her become Head of Global Sales and later Managing Director in January 2021.

Commenting on the rebrand and expansion of LH1 Global, Founder, Benjamin Hunter, said: “When I set up LH1 London the first objective was to create the UK’s leading international property consultancy, specialising in the off-plan sales and marketing of prime city centre residential developments.

“We wanted to tap into the international audience that was typically focused on London and demonstrate the potential of other UK hotspots with excellent capital growth. This has been achieved and now is the time to move onto the global stage and take our trusted and proven model to overseas developments.”

Rayna Hunter, CEO of LH1 Global, commented: “I am delighted to accept the position of CEO for LH1 Global and have great plans for the continued growth and future success of the company. I am privileged in my role embracing an industry I find challenging and exciting, plus I have the benefit of a great team behind me. I joined LH1 after building a successful PR & Events business, which has proved vital when using my communication skills in a traditionally male dominated industry. “

“I am proud to be leading this business as a female executive, which aligns with our business sentiments that are based on traditional fundamental values. We pride ourselves on our excellent working relationships with our International Partners and remain intent to uphold our principles and build on now long-established relationships to strengthen our position as the market leader within our sector.”

LH1 Global has grown into a market leader, with the largest network of Investment Property Agents, IFAs and Family Offices throughout the world, enjoying distribution channels in over 30 countries and exclusive access to high-profile investors.

Marketing developments typically range in size from 50 to 500 units, and LH1 Global has built a reputation of selling out projects in record time, often attracting a mixture of purchaser demographics, including domestic buyers, international purchasers, investors, funds and local owner occupiers.

Recent successes including the full sell out of all available apartments in 12 weeks at a sustainability-focused development in Ashford, Kent, as well as securing buyers for all off-plan units at Spinning Mill, a prime period refurbishment project in Manchester.

LH1 Global’s dedicated offering to developer clients, includes:

A full-cycle service for developers that wish to expedite and secure pre-build or off-plan sales.
The certainty of sales allows developers to hit “Funding Hurdle Rates” and expedite the build process saving the developer considerable time and cost.
Deal structuring and Marketing strategy.
LH1 Global’s team manage the entire Development process from conception to completion.
In House Sales Progression Team run all sales and legal processes from reservation to exchange of contracts and ultimately end purchase.

For further information on LH1 Global and its wider development portfolio contact Tel: 0207 129 7900 or Email: info@LH1.Global

True Bearing acquire nine firms in 2022

Dawn Jackson

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14/10/2022

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Seven firms from around the north-west and beyond have recently been acquired by Independent Financial Adviser group True Bearing. In an effort to expand and grow, the Chorley-based company has been focusing on acquisition – with these firms all joining the company in the last nine months.

Of the acquisitions, Mary-Anne McIntyre, CEO of Amber River says; “From the first time we met George and the True Bearing team we knew they shared our passion for creating a best in class financial planning group centred around clients. George is well known for this and, as a result, has been able to attract like-minded businesses in the region to join him on the journey. It’s a pleasure to see our partnership bearing fruit and new roles being created to support both client and firm growth.”

Amber River group is partnership of a handful of the UK’s leading Independent Financial Adviser groups (IFA) from across the regions. A part of that group, True Bearing, is in serious expansion mode. 2022 has been a period of growth for the Chorley based financial adviser firm. Since True Bearing joined the Amber River group in 2021, the award-winning company has added an acquisition focus to its underlying organic growth.

These firms are based in locations across the North West and beyond, including Radcliffe, Bowden, Sale, Preston, Cockermouth, Stoke and Macclesfield. True Bearing are also in talks with several other North West IFA firms and with these further acquisitions in the pipeline, the company hopes to pass the 10 million turnover mark.

The True Bearing company ethos is based on a philosophy of good advice and good service, aiming to enrich the lives of their clients. The company has always prided itself on its down to earth attitude, typical of many Lancashire based firms. Chairman George Critchley says ‘The firms we have decided to buy have been run by people with the same attitude, so it appears there is a good cultural fit. We value every pound that our investors trust us with’.

This acquisition programme and the continuing demand for their services has created many new employment roles in the Lancashire area. As well as the staff from the acquisitions, True Bearing have added 3 additional outstanding and experienced IFA’s since the start of 2022 and more will join before the end of the year. This has also led to a need for more back office support including Adviser Assistants and new additions to the Business Development team.

Quick facts
. True Bearing became part of the Amber River group in 2021 and have been on a programme of expansion
. True Bearing have expanded by purchasing seven IFA firms in 2022
. This puts the company on track to turn over 10 million pounds a year
. These acquisitions have created a range of employment opportunities in the Chorley area and beyond
. These roles include Independent Financial Advisers, a Legal Intermediary and some back -office roles.

True Bearing Chartered Financial Planners are an Independent Financial Advisory Firm based in Euxton, Chorley. Founded in 2003, the company’s growth has accelerated through a clear focus on professionalism, excellence, strong mutual business partnerships and creative business thinking.

Invigorating Workspaces: 5 Ways to Improve Your Office

Business

Sam Allcock

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14/10/2022

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Invigorating Workspaces: 5 Ways to Improve Your Office

There’s no doubt that the global pandemic changed the nature of office working. In fact, according to data collected on Indeed, hybrid working is more popular than ever, as year-on-year searches have increased by 6531% between April 2021-2022. Research by ADT Workplace revealed that Manchester employees’ preferred the working pattern of; 2 days working from home and 3 days in the office – creating the perfect balance between the two. However, Only a third of people wanted to be in the office full time but, only 1 in 10 people want to be at home full time. Being able to have a split in their workspaces is incredibly valuable to those in the North West.

To make sure your workers are excited to spend time in the office, think about the ways you can invigorate your workspace. Research has revealed that 7 out of 10 office-based workers in Manchester would change jobs for better company culture. In order to keep staff retention high, company culture is key and a better office helps that. Here are five ways to do this.

Decorate with comforting touches

To invigorate your workspace, consider reimaging the interior design of traditional offices. Instead of conforming to professional aesthetics, such as uniform desks and minimalistic designs, you can incorporate comforting touches.

These might be anything from plush furnishings to inviting plants and even a splash of colourful paint. In other words, you can create a space your employees look forward to spending time in, creating a positive environment for your staff.

Yvonne Partridge, a spokesperson at Bi-Silque, has commented on the benefits of decorating with comforting touches, otherwise known as resimercial design:

“It blends home elements into the contemporary workspace, with textures and materials that evoke a sense of comfort – an environment where people enjoy spending time reduces stress and promotes productivity.” So why not try it out?

Take a chance and have a fresh start

If you’re brave enough to take a chance, you can start fresh and move into a new office. This is the perfect opportunity to try something new and experiment with unconventional spaces, such as complexes made of storage containers.

Storage containers are fast becoming a popular addition to cityscapes. Cardiff Containers, for example, operates as a functioning office for hybrid and freelance workers. The complex has all of the usual amenities, such as coffee shops and toilets.

These office spaces can also be beneficial for the environment. Business owners can choose a storage container made of recycled and recyclable steel, meaning that no materials will end up as waste in landfills.

Create collaborative spaces for your workforce

To further improve your office, create collaborative spaces for your employees to work in. These can replace or go alongside existing desk space, allowing people to work together on projects. It might be a refreshing change from home working.

Not only can collaborative spaces help improve communication, but help your employees become more productive throughout the working day. Online meetings can become monotonous and distracting, after all.

In the UK, 18% of business leaders are already considering implementing more collaborative spaces. So, stay ahead of the game and invigorate your office today.

Change floor plans and encourage social interaction

It’s no secret that humans are social creatures. More often than not, we crave interaction and connection with others, feeling happier and more fulfilled when we have strong social relationships. The workplace is no exception.

In fact, research has shown that socialising at work can have a number of benefits. This includes increasing employee productivity, boosting ease of communication, and creating a positive atmosphere in the workplace.

To encourage social interaction, you can create an open-plan office, rather than having singular desks or pods and position workspaces to be gathered in clusters. It might encourage more talking, but it will be great for invigorating your office.

Installing technology to stay ahead of the game

You can also install the latest technologies to improve your office space. Hybrid working has increased the number of online meetings throughout the day. You can install video conferencing tools in offices, such as large televisions in meeting rooms.

This is only the beginning. Businesses are beginning to install all manner of technologies in their offices, from footfall tracking devices to meeting management apps. So, it’s logical to stay ahead of the game.

These are some of the ways you can invigorate your workplace. Whether you’re ready to move locations or experiment with technology, making some changes can make your office an exciting place to spend your day in. And who said it has to be all work and no fun?

FOODHUB REVEALS TRIO OF INNOVATIONS DESIGNED TO HELP INDEPENDENT TAKEAWAYS

Food and Drink

Sam Allcock

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14/10/2022

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FOODHUB REVEALS TRIO OF INNOVATIONS DESIGNED TO HELP INDEPENDENT TAKEAWAYS

Foodhub has advanced its pledge to champion small business after announcing a trio of ordering innovations which will propel independent restaurants and takeaways to dizzy new heights – and help them keep pace with industry leaders like McDonald’s.

The features, launched alongside a revamped business website, are set to advance Foodhub’s promise of a streamlined and efficient experience for independent restaurants and their customers.

Regional business partners, including those in the North West and Manchester, and customers will now have access to offline ordering technology, self-ordering kiosks and ordering via Google.

While technologies such as these are already offered by large chains such as McDonald’s and KFC, until now they have been out of reach for smaller independent restaurants and takeaways.

Their introduction by Foodhub falls in line with the company’s ground-breaking Love Local initiative – a pledge to champion local restaurants and takeaways as pillars of their communities.

The launch of the new ordering features also coincides with the revamp of Foodhub’s website, which provides prospective restaurant and takeaway partners with information about the business.

It outlines the company’s offering of a full tech ecosystem, from software to hardware, with restaurants and takeaways able to manage the full order process, from taking orders to income and tax reports.

As part of the new ordering innovations, Foodhub is offering some partners the option of stationing self-ordering kiosks in their restaurants, allowing customers to place orders in the shop via a screen.

In an additional ordering innovation, partners will further have the option of accepting orders offline, allowing them to attend new orders that are placed from a different location or device.

Elsewhere, Foodhub clients will gain access to the app Drive2Success.

This will mean orders can be assigned to delivery drivers via a scannable QR code on receipts, eliminating the need to manually designate deliveries, which can be an inefficient process.

Additionally, many customers will now be able to order food via Google, after Foodhub rolled the feature out to 15,000 clients, with many more set to join.

Customers can search for their favourite restaurant or takeaway on Google, before ordering directly from the site, rather than via an app or through the business’ dedicated web page.

Foodhub CEO Ardian Mula said: “We’re very excited and proud to launch our new website, alongside three operational innovations that will propel us to the next level as a business.

“The introduction of offline ordering technology, self-ordering kiosks and ordering via Google will undoubtedly benefit both the client and customer, providing everyone with a better product.

“These modernisations represent the continuation of our mission to create a streamlined and efficient experience.”

Mr Mula added: “Elsewhere, our new business website is extremely user-friendly and accessible.

“One of our main goals as a company is to help small, independent restraints and takeaways thrive, and that’s what the new site is designed to achieve.

“Any restaurant takeaway owners interested in partnering with Foodhub should visit: https://foodhubforbusiness.com/.”

Decorate with comforting touches

Take a chance and have a fresh start

Create collaborative spaces for your workforce

Change floor plans and encourage social interaction

Installing technology to stay ahead of the game

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