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Trio of Wins for Code Computerlove

Partnerships

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04/10/2022

Design-led transformation company Code Computerlove has secured three new partnerships in Warner Leisure Hotels, O’Neill Patient Solicitors and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group as it continues to enjoy a strong year of growth.

UK Hospitality company Warner Leisure Hotels, part of Bourne Leisure, has chosen Code as its digital partner to provide design and conversion expertise to help the holiday provider benefit from the boom in bookings for UK breaks. Code will work alongside MediaCom North and Warner Leisure client teams to deliver high-priority, value-driven performance improvements, followed by a programme of product and service design to deliver a sustainable customer experience.

Code has also been appointed by award-winning conveyancing firm O’Neill Patient Solicitors to deep dive into the behaviour of customers and deliver value-driven improvements across its brand, service and platforms.

Community Benefit Society Wythenshawe Community Housing Group Limited, which provides homes for more than 29,000 people in Wythenshawe, south Manchester, is calling on Code to transform parts of its customer service delivery, and coach new ways of working whilst embedding modern design practices within the organisation.

Commenting on the wins, Gemma Handley, Commercial Director at Code, says:

“While these are very different types of businesses, they share a goal to deliver change that will enable them to better meet the needs of their users and customers. This trio of wins comes on the back of a strong year for Code, achieved with both new business and growth from existing partners.

“As well as new clients coming on board with us, we’re continuing to support our long-standing clients such as Hillarys, Peninsula, JCT600 and Bluestone as they continue to innovate and evolve their customer experiences.”

Gemma adds: “We position ourselves as helping organisations make rapid progress with their transformation programmes. We do this by looking at the value in the business as well as the service they deliver, then also how things are done, before choosing areas to redesign and re-engineer that will make the greatest impact.

“We do this rapidly and do it together – often leaving partners self-sufficient if that’s their vision. These ingredients have made Code a go-to business in the region for organisations tired of ineffective transformation activities.”

NWBLT sets out stall to drive positive change in the North West

Business support

Sam Allcock

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04/10/2022

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NWBLT sets out stall to drive positive change in the North West

The North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), an organisation of business leaders in the North West who aim to drive change in the region, has unveiled a major rebrand to reinforce its position as a power for good in the North West.

The new brand, developed in partnership with full-service brand and communications agency Agent, reflects NWBLT’s position as a voice for business and reinforces its mission to lead, inspire and harness the power of business to help the North West prosper.

Since its founding in 1989, NWBLT has worked tirelessly to initiate significant change for good, bringing together leaders who share an ambition of placing the North West as the UK’s best region to do business, work, live and invest. Members include leaders from influential North West organisations, such as Bruntwood, BASF, Electricity NW, EY, CGI, Accenture and Assura, who work together for the benefit of the region socially, culturally, environmentally, and economically.

NWBLT exists to articulate and highlight the view of major business leaders on key issues which make a real difference to the region’s economy to local, regional, and national decision makers. It brings to light innovation and best practise, and encourages collaboration across the North West, not only in business, but with government.

The organisation has firmly established itself as a driving force for positive and influential change in the North West, and as such required a brand identity to reflect this and clearly communicate who it is, what it does, and its mission in the North West.

With Agent, NWBLT worked collaboratively to develop a voice that would reinforce its position in the North West and encapsulate its value. Following a thorough strategic process of engagement with high level stakeholders, the rebrand maintains NWBLT’s exciting mission, while introducing a more aligned and consistent personality that enables a better understanding of its impact in the region.

With the new identity, which welcomes a brand-new website, logo and various creative assets, NWBLT and Agent have worked to embody the organisation’s conviction to making the North West a powerhouse.

Unveiling its new look and voice, NWBLT has developed a brand which will ensure the organisation is situated where it needs to be to continue to drive positive business in the region. It welcomes a new brand architecture and guidelines to better represent both how NWBLT positions itself, and how it works with its members to set positive change in motion.

CEO at NWBLT, Emma Degg, said:

“It is over three decades since the North West Business Leadership Team was founded. In that time much has changed – but the original objective of our founders remains true and sound.

“All leaders have a responsibility to work together for the benefit of the communities we are a part of. Agent has completed a fantastic piece of work that we hope will help to underpin our work in the decades to come.”

Chairman at NWBLT, Jonathan Murphy, said:

“We are delighted that Agent has developed such an exciting new brand for the North West Business Leadership Team. This is the culmination of over 12 months’ work bringing together our stakeholders and members to reflect on the important work of the Team and look to the future.

“Our commitment to work together for the benefit of the North West is reflected in the new design alongside our mission to initiate significant change for the good of the region”

CEO at Agent, Paul Corcoran, said:

“NWBLT bring together some of the region’s very best responsible business leaders. It’s a partnership that drives real positive change in our region and therefore it needed a brand identity and presence that reflects the passion, commitment and talent of those involved.

“For us, aligning with organisations who share our commitment and passion for making good work is key, so it was a no- brainier that we would bring together our strategy, digital and creative teams to help better communicate the brilliant work and ambitions of NWBLT.”

To find out more information about NWBLT, visit the new website at: https://nwblt.com/

Take action now to avoid double trouble this Winter, says Manchester’s public health chief

Health

Sam Allcock

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04/10/2022

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Take action now to avoid double trouble this Winter, says Manchester’s public health chief

Manchester’s public health chief is urging people to take up the Autumn Covid booster offer and the flu vaccination to avoid the risk of catching both viruses at the same time.

After two years where the country has seen flu cases at historic lows- probably due to isolating and social distancing – there is evidence it is returning this year starting now in the southern hemisphere. This is alongside the predicted rise in Covid numbers as we approach Winter.

Those eligible, which includes everyone over 50, are urged to get both the Autumn Covid booster and the flu vaccine so that they not only avoid getting ill themselves, but also so that they don’t pass either virus to anyone else, or need hospital treatment.

David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, said: “We do expect high levels of Covid again this winter. That, coupled with the risk of flu means that we all have to do everything possible to stop people becoming seriously ill and it’s even more important that we protect those most at risk.

“Many people will think they don’t need another vaccine because they have already had Covid, or the vaccine didn’t stop them from getting the virus. But, immunity wears off and even if the vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the virus, it should stop you from getting it as badly and reduce the risk of Long Covid.

“And if new variants arrive in time to cause widespread infection, boosters for older adults and those with health conditions will also be critical in reducing pressure on hospital services, too.”

For those with further questions, Manchester had a free advice line where medically trained staff will be able to answer any concerns or fears. The helpline number is 0800 840 3858 (or text 07890 036 892) and it is open five days a week from 9am to 5pm, with a translation service available.

A full list of who is eligible for the Autumn Covid booster and free flu jabs is also on www.manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab

The website also gives details of how to get any other first or second doses of the Covid vaccine in Manchester as it is never too late to take up the offer.

“Finally, I’d like to say thank you again to Manchester people,” said David. “We’ve asked a lot of everyone over the last two years and as always our residents have looked after one another at all the different stages of the pandemic. We’ll keep everyone updated on Manchester’s vaccine offer and our main message is to follow all the preventative behaviours so that we keep viruses at bay and don’t give Covid and flu anything to do this year.”

20 Stories launches Halloween themed kids masterclass for October half term

Hospitality

Sam Allcock

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03/10/2022

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20 Stories launches Halloween themed kids masterclass for October half term

With Halloween on the horizon, Manchester’s highest restaurant and bar, 20 Stories will host a kids cookie making and decorating masterclass on Thursday 27th October led by their Head Chef, Dario Carvalho and Head Pastry Chef Andrew Macdonald.

Adults and little ones will be invited to join the 20 Stories team on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields and get creative high above Manchester.

Children will become chefs for the morning and take part in the making of cookie dough and shape them into spooky designs to fit with the Halloween theme. Each child will get four of their very own Halloween cookies to decorate.

This will be followed by a specially created 3-course lunch from 12pm including a soft drink. There will also be the option for adults to dine from the A La Carte menu alongside their little ones.

The cookie masterclass sitting will be 11am-12pm and £30 per child. This will include the 3-course lunch and soft drink.

Tickets can be booked via the link.

Trafford Palazzo to host special remembrance event for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Thought Leaders

Sam Allcock

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03/10/2022

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Trafford Palazzo to host special remembrance event for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Trafford Palazzo are set to hold a special Global Wave of Light remembrance event on 15^th October at 7pm where guests who have been impacted by pregnancy issues and trauma are invited to light a candle to remember those who have been lost during pregnancy and childbirth.

Trafford Palazzo’s iconic fountain will be steeped in coloured light for the second year running with candles available to be lit – bringing bereaved parents, friends and family together in a safe and supportive remembrance.

Visitors will be able to buy candles of remembrance and purchase bags supported by My First Five Years and funds raised from sales and donations at the event will go to support, Tommy’s, the largest UK charity carrying out research into the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.

The event which was held for the first-time last year, has been organised in conjunction with Tommy’s and the Rainbow Clinic team of midwives at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester who provide a specialist service for women and their families in a subsequent pregnancy following previous complications.

This is also alongside a group of female business leaders whose lives have been directly impacted by pregnancy, and baby loss as well as premature birth.

Kate Holland, Senior Business Marketing Partner at Peel L&P, said: “We are delighted to host the Wave of Light remembrance event at Trafford Palazzo, as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week to bring bereaved families together and allow them to unite with others across our communities alongside raising awareness of the important work the Tommy’s Rainbow Clinic in Manchester does for the region.

“Being able to support Tommy’s for the second-year running is a privilege for all those involved. The charity is shedding new light on the causes of stillbirth, miscarriage and preterm birth and have been significantly improving outcomes for mothers, their babies and their families.”

Jacqui Clinton, Tommy’s Fundraising Director, said: “As the leading pregnancy charity funding research, we’ve invested over £2.4m in the last year to help save babies’ lives. Continuing to make research breakthroughs is essential for shaping and improving the support that’s available for anyone who sadly loses a baby, and it’s thanks to our incredible supporters that our scientists have achieved so much so far. We’re extremely grateful to Trafford Palazzo for hosting this event, connecting a community, spreading awareness, and raising vital funds for our work.”1 in 4 parents lose a baby during pregnancy or birth, and 60,000 babies are born prematurely in the UK each year. Tommy’s exists to help change this.

The Tommy’s Manchester Research Centre focuses on understanding the causes of stillbirth, developing treatments to prevent it, finding ways to identify which pregnancies are at risk, and working with the NHS to improve antenatal care to help reduce stillbirth rates in the UK. Since 2010, the research centre has reduced the stillbirth rate in the Greater Manchester area by 32% against a much lower national average rate of reduction.

All the money raised at Trafford Palazzo’s Wave of Light event will help Tommy’s to support families during pregnancy, baby loss and premature birth, while Tommy’s scientists continue their work to find out why pregnancy sometimes goes wrong and how it can be prevented.

Bedspace reaches target of filling 100 jobs across the North

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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03/10/2022

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Bedspace reaches target of filling 100 jobs across the North

Award-winning housing organisation, Bedspace, has achieved its goal of hiring 100 new employees, a year ahead of its 2024 target.

The job hires span across different roles from support workers, admin assistants and senior leadership staff, and will be significant in enabling Bedspace to support and provide accommodation for more vulnerable people.

20% of the new staff have been hired in the Greater Manchester and Preston region, whilst another 32% of new employees are based in Liverpool, 20% in Yorkshire, and 23% in regional support function or management roles.

Meanwhile 5% of the new staff were hired to operate at Bedspace’s first children’s home in Staffordshire, which launched earlier this year as the organisation widened its services into the children’s residential sector. As a result of these dedicated staff hires, Bedspace has been able to house more vulnerable young people and extend its care pathway – a unique model of tailored support and accommodation to support more service users on their journey to full independence.

Since inception in 1999, Bedspace has supported over 20,000 vulnerable people across the North and has ambitions to expand into other regions in the near future.

Nick Thornhill, managing director of Bedspace commented: “I am so proud to announce that we have met our target to hire 100 new members of staff, and thrilled that we have achieved this a year earlier than anticipated. This is a momentous milestone which will really make a difference to the communities that we operate in. Our brilliant staff at Bedspace will help us to support even more vulnerable people and expand in new and existing regions across the UK to transform more lives.

Sue Kaveney, director of people and charities at Bedspace also added: “The people that work at Bedspace are the core reason why we can continue to provide such valuable support for the people who need it most. Providing job opportunities for 100 new people is a great achievement, particularly as we continue our efforts in attracting talent wanting to make a significant lasting impact on the lives of others”.

INNSiDE The Bedroom | New intimate gig and event series launched

Sam Allcock

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03/10/2022

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INNSiDE The Bedroom | New intimate gig and event series launched

INNSiDE by Meliá, part of Meliá Hotels International, is to launch INNSiDE The Bedroom – a brand new series of gigs and experiences in an intimate setting across INNSiDE North UK hotels.

Taking place within a bedroom suite, at INNSiDE’s three UK North locations – Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool – on select nights, the bedroom will be transformed into a captivating and intimate stage for the performers – complete with lighting and sound system.

Kicking off the series, will be Newcastle-based singer and songwriter Andrew Cushin. On the back of his summer shows supporting Noel Gallagher and Libertines – whose frontman, Pete Doherty, made Andrew his first signing to his Strap Originals label – Andrew will takeover Manchester’s Gorilla, as part of his UK tour, on Thursday 6th October. INNSiDE The Bedroom with Andrew Cushin will take place just before he heads to his gig, down the road, at Gorilla.

Ten fans will be able to win the chance to attend the exclusive gig at INNSiDE Manchester via a competition on the @innside_by_melia_uk channel, including tickets to the Gorilla gig with Andrew Cushin later that evening.

Andrew Cushin will entertain fans that afternoon, with an acoustic set, followed by a meet and greet. Welcome drinks will also be offered to guests on arrival.

While INNSiDE regularly has live music and DJs in the Open Living Lounge and downstairs lobby areas, this will be the first time the hotel has hosted an event like this in one of its bedrooms.

Working with local and national artists, the live gigs will give fans the opportunity to get close to some of their favourite acts in a totally unique setting.

Scott Brown, Director of Sales – UK North, said: “We’re so excited to welcome Andrew Cushin to INNSiDE Manchester to kick off this fantastic new series. At INNSiDE we love creating special experiences for our guests, from hosting wellness days to filling our bedrooms with flourishing houseplants, and now touring musicians! We can’t wait to see Andrew in action and look forward to announcing further acts across our hotels.”

INNSiDE The Bedroom is in keeping with INNSiDE by Meliá’s philosophy ‘Stay Curious’, which promises to accommodate guests’ every need with considered comforts and inspiring experiences enriched with music, art and wellness.

To book your stay at INNSiDE Manchester, please visit www.melia.com/innside-manchester

Venue: INNSiDE Manchester, 1 First Street, Manchester, M15 4RP, United Kingdom

Social:

Instagram: @innside_by_melia_uk

Twitter: @innsideuk

Facebook: Facebook.com/innsidebymeliauk

Express Solicitors ranks in the top 100 law firms rankings

Awards
Legal

Sam Allcock

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03/10/2022

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Express Solicitors ranks in the top 100 law firms rankings

– Express Solicitors finds itself ranking among the elite law firms in the UK

– The Manchester law firms counter-flows and breaks into the top 100

It’s official: the 2022 Lawyer Top 200 UK Law Firms ranking list has been officially announced and the Manchester based Express Solicitors, which has met significant growth, secured its ranking in the top 100 for the first time in their 22-year history.

Remarkably jumping up the ranks, Express Solicitors was placed at number 93 – a whole 13 point increase from 2021.

Though the Manchester based Express Solicitors have consistently developed and grown over the years, it was in 2017 that they truly met their success boom, with the firm’s turnover increasing from £17.7M in 2017 to £42M in 2022 – a rise of over 130% in 5 years.

Despite rapid growth, the firm shows no sign of stopping and has recruited 241 employees in the past 12 months alone, with 7 at Partner level.

Keen to keep the momentum going, Express Solicitors promoted over 10% of its workforce as of September 2022. Its ambition to become the UK’s largest provider of training contracts is well underway, with 62 trainees currently working within the firm and 45 new training contracts recently being awarded last year.

Express Solicitors stands out amongst the other law firms in the Top 100 ranking as one of only a few firms specialising in personal injury claims.

Where large sections of the legal sector are struggling with pressure on costs, reductions in fees, and an over-reliance on traditional marketing methods, Express Solicitors are bucking the trend and showing that it is possible to build a thriving, fast growing personal injury law firm.

Express Solicitors has made a series of acquisitions, including McKay Solicitors, Manchester based Lavin Copitch, and the caseload of Ashfields Solicitors in a pre-pack deal. The firm is working on further significant acquisition opportunities.

The data released by The Lawyer paints a rosy picture of profitability for the two Equity Partners, Mr Maxey and Mr Slade. However the success enjoyed by Express Solicitors is boosted in no small part by the commitment to re-investing the profits into the sustained growth of the firm rather than taking cash out of the business as drawings.

James Maxey, Managing Partner said:

‘Breaking the top 100 UK law firm rankings has been a long-held ambition of ours here at Express. This could have not been achieved without our dedicated staff, from the new client team to our fantastic lawyers putting in the hard work, day after day.’

Daniel Slade, Senior Partner said:

‘Since joining the firm in its infancy back in 2003, Express Solicitors has gone from strength to strength. We have benefitted from developing departments of specialist lawyers working with the best medical experts and barristers available so that we are recognised for the highest quality of service to our clients. We are pleased to have built a solid reputation within the personal injury industry.’

Express Solicitors first entered the Top 200 rankings in 2013, steadily working its way up to 106th position in 2021. James Maxey has previously been quoted stating that his philosophy of embracing change and moving with the times has allowed him to keep driving growth.

‘We are constantly evaluating opportunities for growing the business, whether that’s through purchasing smaller PI firms who are struggling to adapt to the changing legal landscape, or just looking to exit and sell their WIP.’ Said Maxey.

‘We’ve also understood the importance of building our own brand and invested significantly in digital marketing in order that we can generate cost-effective work over the long term.’

Bespoke celebrates record-breaking H1 results

Digital

Danielle Trigg

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03/10/2022

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Bespoke celebrates record-breaking H1 results

Lead-generation specialists, Bespoke is set to have its best ever year, after reporting its turnover after seeing the H1 results. The Lancashire based digital agency confirmed turnover for 1 January to 30 June was up 16% on the previous best figures giving them their best year in their 22 year history.

And thanks to advance bookings for H2 the agency is on course to record a third successive year of double-digit growth.

Co-founder and CEO Steve Brennan said “We reviewed and restructured our service during lockdowns and performance has improved since.

“We now offer the cornerstones of online lead-generation with digital strategy, performance websites and ongoing marketing services.

“We track leads generated for clients and have seen continuous improvement across the board in recent years.

“Our team has created a high-performance culture where clients are challenged to adopt the most profitable tactics available for them.

“Not all agencies challenge their clients and bring a strategic approach to marketing but our team is comfortable doing so.

“As a result the annual client renewal rate is 94% over 3 years and we have a consistent flow of leads from businesses interested in working with us.”

Bespoke was founded in Preston in 2001 and offering website builds only.

It now provides performance websites and ongoing marketing for B2B service and manufacturing businesses.

Bespoke is Investors in People accredited and employs a team of online lead-generation at its main headquarters in Chorley, and has a second base in London.

CEO & Co-founder Steve Brennan is author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller ‘Build Your Digital Marketing Strategy’ and the agency is Investors in People accredited.

For more information go to https://www.bespokedigital.agency

FRIDA ROME: strong is sexy, so why are businesses still afraid to mix both?

Sam Allcock

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03/10/2022

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FRIDA ROME: strong is sexy, so why are businesses still afraid to mix both?

We can all benefit from sexual liberalism, and it’s about time we all did. Thankfully, people have become more and more comfortable with experimenting with their sexuality and gender. Have you tried? If so, would you bring your findings into your next business meeting? Perhaps not. The business world seems stuck in keeping business and pleasure separate, which is a great shame, considering the appeal of sex and sustainability. If only there was a way to mix them… Look no further as two focused (and sexy) businesswomen from Manchester did just that.

Natalie Deana and Rebecca Joy did it and challenged the market of vegan luxury handbags with their playfully risqué accessories brand, FRIDA ROME.

Featured on series 19 of BBC’s Dragons’ Den earlier this year, the self-proclaimed ‘Bad Girls Who Do Good Things’ proved nay-sayers wrong when they revealed their concept of placing an erotic element inside their sophisticated and sustainable handbags.

With a tastefully sensual story chapter written on the side linings of the bag’s interior , the entrepreneurs got Touker Suleyman hot under the collar, after Peter Jones read it aloud on the show. Jones couldn’t fault the style and design of the products and whilst neither he nor Deborah Meadon chose to invest, Meadon did champion the entrepreneurs on their sustainable efforts. It was newest Dragon Steven Bartlett however who saw the true potential in what FRIDA ROME could become.

And Bartlett wasn’t wrong. The brand is very much proving that sex still sells.

Their risqué USP has been a huge success amongst thousands of women across the globe, with them now carrying around the hidden FRIDA ROME secret in bags that rival big brand designer accessories.

And it’s not just vegans who love what they do.

‘We have so many fabulous customers; from CEOs to cool mums, and even lots of gentlemen.’ says Joy. ‘We’re seeing more and more of these great guys who are thinking outside the box when it comes to a buying gift for their partner.

The Northwest based brand has managed to find the perfect balance between refined style and capturing the zeitgeist of the modern businesswoman.

‘The beauty is that the erotic detail is so unassuming’, says Deana. ‘We have carefully designed our beautiful bags with ethics and style in mind, to perfectly suit every occasion. You can go from the office to a dinner party effortlessly, while still carrying a part of your rebellious nature with you.’

For more information or to purchase Frida Rome products:
WEBSITE: www.fridarome.com
INSTAGRAM: @fridarome
FACEBOOK: @fridaromebrand

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