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FACTORY INTERNATIONAL – OPENING PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR MANCHESTER’S LANDMARK NEW CULTURAL SPACE

Creative

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29/09/2022

FACTORY INTERNATIONAL – OPENING PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR MANCHESTER’S LANDMARK NEW CULTURAL SPACE

The opening plans were announced today for Factory International, Manchester’s new landmark cultural space which will welcome its first visitors in June 2023. Programmed and operated by the team behind the world-famous Manchester International Festival (MIF), Factory International will be a global destination for arts, music and culture, commissioning and presenting a year-round programme by leading artists from across the world. It is the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000, thanks to initial HM Government investment and backing from Manchester City Council and Arts Council England.

The official opening production will be Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive performance based on The Matrix films presented across the building’s ultra-flexible spaces. This dramatic retelling through dance, music and visual effects will bring together the visceral movement of choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE with a powerful score from renowned composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE (co-founders and artistic directors of the Olivier award-winning Boy Blue), world-leading designer Es Devlin’s large-scale stage sculptures and the work of the acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz – directed by Danny Boyle. Using spectacular visual effects, a cast of professional dancers and hundreds of Manchester participants will recreate some of the film’s most iconic scenes, provoking visions of an alternative future. (18 October -5 November 2023)

Before the official opening, the new venue will form the centrepiece of the 2023 Manchester International Festival (which will return across the city from 29 June to 16 July) with a major exhibition in its main warehouse space. You, Me and the Balloons celebrates three decades of Yayoi Kusama’s spectacular inflatable sculptures, shown together for the first time. Created specially for Factory International, this will be the renowned Japanese contemporary artist’s largest ever immersive environment, featuring works that are over ten metres tall – including giant dolls, spectacular tendrilled landscapes and a vast constellation of polka-dot spheres. (29 June – 28 August 2023)

Following Free Your Mind, a wide range of music, circus, art and fashion will fill the building and its outdoor spaces during The Welcome, a nine-day programme developed by Greater Manchester residents. Building on Manchester International Festival’s strong history of working with local people to choose and programme artists and events, The Welcome is an invitation from Greater Manchester residents to their neighbours – to meet, learn, and play in the extraordinary new cultural space opening in the heart of their city. (11-19 November 2023)

Reflecting Factory International’s commitment to ensuring access to the widest possible audiences, 5,000 tickets will be available for Free Your Mind at £10 or less as part of an affordable pricing strategy that will see discounted tickets for Manchester communities across its year-round programme.

Designed by the world-leading Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), with OMA Partner, Ellen van Loon as lead architect, Factory International is the practice’s first major public project in the UK. Spanning 13,350 square metres, the ultra-flexible building will offer multiple configurations, enabling large-scale artistic work of invention and ambition that is not made anywhere else. Audiences will be able to enjoy year-round, in a new world class facility, the broadest range of art forms from major exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences. Outside, its public areas will come alive with pop-up performances, events and markets, creating a thriving riverside destination for audiences to enjoy.

Factory International will add to the city’s thriving music scene, presenting over 80 gigs a year, including in-house concerts and collaborations with local and national promotors. A highlight of the opening programme will be a series of special music events in the warehouse – with details to be announced. There will also be a focus on developing the profile of music creatives in the region, building on the success of MIF Sounds, which provided financial support and development opportunities to musicians, producers and record labels in the pandemic.

Ahead of opening, artist Luke Jerram will celebrate the births of hundreds of babies born locally with a spectacular installation outside the building which will cast beams of light into the sky to represent new births. Each of the families with babies born in January will receive lifetime membership to Factory International – providing priority booking, discounted tickets and exclusive invitations. The online Virtual Factory project (which has featured artists such as Tai Shani, Robert Yang and LaTurbo Avedon), will conclude with a new film by Jenn Nkiru to be released in 2023 exploring the resonances of the building’s historic site.

Factory International will also be home to Factory Academy, a major training centre for local people, which will help people from all backgrounds to start new careers in the creative industries. Working in partnership with cultural organisations and employers across the city, Factory Academy is already delivering a range of training opportunities including paid internships, training academies and work experience programmes. Upcoming initiatives include courses to develop skills in Live Events, Social Media, and Broadcast & Film Production including filming, editing and visual effects (VFX).

The development of Factory International is being led by Manchester City Council, with backing from HM Government and Arts Council England. A major capital gift of £2m has been secured from The Law Family Charitable Foundation and will be recognised through the naming of the hall. In addition, the Foundation has pledged £888k to support the Factory Academy.

Factory International is located in the new St John’s neighbourhood which is being developed on the site of the former Granada Studios next to the River Irwell and will make a major contribution to the ongoing regeneration of this part of the city centre.

John McGrath, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re delighted to be able to share our opening plans for Factory International. At every stage in imagining and building this extraordinary space we have focussed on creating new possibilities – for artists to let their imaginations fly, for citizens of Manchester and the world to meet and dream, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills and gain experience. Factory International is truly a place where we can invent tomorrow together.”

Stuart Andrew, Arts Minister said: “Thanks to almost £100 million of Government funding, Factory International will further increase access to world-class arts and culture in Manchester when it opens its doors for the first time in summer 2023. This represents a great example of the Government’s commitment to distribute arts funding right across the country.

“It is fantastic to see such an exciting programme of events being put together for its opening and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the venue has on the city.”

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This remarkable new space, rooted in Manchester, will be a significant addition to the national and international arts landscape and a major visitor destination. Factory International will further strengthen the city’s role as a centre for culture, creativity and innovation. It is already creating jobs and apprenticeships for people who live here and will be an important training centre for an array of creative careers. As well as changing lives directly, Factory International will provide a huge economic boost to Manchester, creating or supporting up to 1,500 jobs and adding £1.1 billion to the city’s economy over a decade. This is, in more ways than one, a landmark moment.”

Ellen van Loon, OMA Partner and Lead Architect, said: “Factory International will be a new type of performance space – a unique crossover between a fixed theatre and flexible warehouse. Super-sized moveable walls enable endless configurations within a large space, allowing audiences unexpected vistas of performers. I hope that whenever people come to Factory International they always experience something different, as if with each visit they encounter a different building.”

Danny Boyle, director, said: “I’m delighted to be part of Factory International as a starting point for a kind of identity that this extraordinary new building is going to have. It’s a space that gives you an enormous amount of potential. It’s wildly ambitious in terms of its scale. In my lifetime, to see a new space like this open is hugely empowering, and I hope the new generation of artists feel that power.”

Es Devlin, artist and designer, said: “Since its inception in 2007 Manchester International Festival has produced some of the most innovative and urgent works I’ve been fortunate enough to witness, which have had an immense impact on my practice including such pioneers as Steve McQueen, Adam Curtis, Marina Abramović, Björk, Akram Khan, Yoko Ono and more. Factory International will continue to cultivate these world-class collaborations, with each project rooted on this specific site and within the community in Manchester. It’s a profound privilege to be invited to take part in its inception. Like a new musical instrument, a new building needs to be ‘tuned in,’ and it’s immensely energising to be present when it starts to sing.”

Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE, producer, composer and DJ, said: “The uniqueness and versatility of Factory International allows us to really create something different and be magical, to play with different concepts and open up a whole new way of trying to interact with our creativity. With our production we want to show people what they could possibly do in this space, that they have the opportunity to create something different and get them to envisage how they would use it.”

Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE, choreographer and performer, said: “What excites me is the flexibility of Factory International, exploring how versatile the building can be, how to take the venue to another level. I want us as artistic collaborators to be challenged within the space.”

Senior staff join not-for-profit team at accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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Senior staff join not-for-profit team at accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers

Following a period of significant growth, two senior staff have joined the not-for-profit team of accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers.

The growing firm appointed Helen Knowles from BDO as director and Nonie Freeman from Crowe as senior manager.

These latest hires take the number of dedicated and specialist staff in the not-for-profit team to over one hundred.

Sue Hutchinson, partner and head of charities at Beever and Struthers, said: “Helen’s skills and experience across not-for-profit in both external and internal audit will expand the strength of the team nationally, and in particular drive our growing foothold in the further education sector forward.

Nonie’s extensive experience within the charity sector will support our clients to achieve compliance with the complexities of financial reporting for charities, as well as the increasingly challenging regulatory duties and good governance for Trustees.”

Helen Knowles stated: “I’m joining Beever and Struthers during an exciting period of growth for the firm. I have admired the firm for a long time and its commitment to the not-for-profit sector. The current economic climate is creating a number of challenges for not-for-profit organisations and I am looking forward to supporting our clients with navigating these issues.”

Nonie Freeman stated: “I’m so pleased to join Beever and Struthers. The firm is committed to investing in the not-for-profit sector and I’m looking forward to helping the firm grow further and assisting our clients through these difficult times”.

Maria Hallows, executive partner and head of not-for-profit at Beever and Struthers, added: “Our recent appointments and wider recruitment drive prove our commitment to identifying and nurturing talent and having the highest ambitions for our staff and our clients. I’m very proud of our continuing investment in the charities and wider not-for-profit sector. It’s a pleasure to welcome Helen and Nonie to the firm.”

Beever and Struthers is moving to the iconic One Express building in Ancoats, Manchester and will relocate from its current head office at St George’s House, Chester Road, Manchester this autumn.

New Dog Supplement Brand Launches

Featured Businesses

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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A new dog supplement brand has launched to help owners across the UK support their pets’ health.

Yumi Dogs has been set up by the team behind Salford Quays-based supplement brand Yumi following success in the adult chewable vitamin market.

The Yumi Dogs team recognised the importance of keeping your pets healthy and strong, but also knew first-hand how difficult it can be to get dogs to consume vitamins and supplements.

In response, the brand has created a range of drool-worthy chews packed full of nutrients proven to improve the health of dogs of all sizes.

Following a rigorous testing process, the range of Joint Care, Skin Coat and Paws and Probiotic chews are now available to buy from the Yumi Dogs website.

CEO of Yumi Dogs, Sebastien Vanderlinden, said: “It’s taken over a year of hard work but we’re delighted to have finally launched Yumi Dogs.

“Having changed the narrative of how human supplements are taken, I’m excited to replicate our success in the pet sector offering a tasty chewable alternative to hard-to-swallow pills, this time for dogs.

“With the Yumi Dogs range of chews, making sure your pet gets the nutrients they need no longer has to be a chore.”

Find out more and view the range at https://yumidogs.com/

Computer game helps Salford children care for the environment

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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Computer game helps Salford children care for the environment

As the new school term begins, a new computer game teaching children vital lessons on climate change is being launched by a North West social landlord.

‘Future Matters’ was tested out by young people aged 4 to 11 at schools, youth clubs and other community groups across Salford in June so ForHousing could hear their thoughts on it.

The innovative game has been designed by progressive landlord ForHousing to teach the next generation about ways to be more environmentally friendly at home. A mobile application version of the game is due to launch this autumn.

As players travel around a home, they face challenges that will teach them about being more eco-responsible, and characters such as The Great Climate Wizard, a disguised grandparent, help educate the children.

‘Bosses’, with names such as Trashasaurus Rex and Sharky Malarkey, teach good habits to the children such as recycling and saving energy.

In the third level of the game, which includes settings for those with audio sensory difficulties, players meet Ducky McLucky and The Soap Kid. Through chasing a duck, children learn not to waste water by taking too many baths or staying too long in the shower.

It’s just one example of the creative ways children learn to respect the environment through the new game.

Harry, aged 6 from Salford, said: “It was a fun game to play! Now I know what to do at home, I can help my Mum with the recycling because the brown bin is for glass bottles and cans, but the blue one is for paper and boxes.”

Mark Lowe, Interim Director of Sustainability at ForHousing, said: “It’s been so rewarding to see young people interact with the game already. Learning through doing is a great way to teach green habits, so we believe the game has the power to make a big impact throughout local communities.

“It’s also been great to work with tenants and schools in the development of the game. Feedback and the involvement of tenants and the community is extremely important to us at ForHousing – we know it’s the only way to understand what communities need and want.

“Decarbonisation is one of the biggest challenges of our times, and the game is our way of getting everyone involved, from a young age to help influence the next generation in a positive way.”

The computer game is part of a series of initiatives from ForHousing to help get tenants involved in caring for the environment.

Monthly group sessions give tenants advice on how they can contribute to saving the planet while saving money on their energy bills. Each session has a theme, such as food, waste, plastic, or transport.

Tenants can also take part in monthly challenges to have the chance to be nominated as a ‘green champion’ and win sustainable prizes to encourage them to make habits last.

“We all have a part to play when it comes to looking after the planet. That’s why we are putting all types of interactive support in place to make more possible for more people, and we are enjoying working with tenants, colleagues, and partners to make this happen,” Mark added.

Play the Future Matters game here: www.future-matters.co.uk

LSH Auto shortlisted for four national awards

Awards

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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LSH Auto shortlisted for four national awards

LSH Auto has been shortlisted in four different categories across two of the UK’s most prestigious motor trade awards.

The company has made the final selection in the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2022, for the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award and the Social Media Award. Stefan Bowett, Dealer Principal at Mercedes-Benz of Stockport has also been nominated for ‘Dealer Principal of the Year’.

In the AutoTrader Retailer Awards 2022, LSH Auto has been shortlisted for the People & Culture Award.

Martyn Webb, Managing Director LSH Auto, said: “Being finalists in these awards is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.

“We’re passionate about promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in all its forms, so we’re thrilled to be recognised as one of the best four automotive businesses in the UK for our work in this area.

LSH Auto uses social media to build brand awareness, engage with customers, promote its events and facilities, drive community and charity initiatives, and to support recruitment.

“Social media has become a massively important channel for us to engage with our stakeholders. To be considered one of the top businesses in the country in this field is a ringing endorsement of the great work that our marketing team are doing.

Stefan Bowett became the new Dealer Principal at Mercedes-Benz of Stockport in November 2020, having previously led LSH Auto’s Whitefield operation. The move marked a return to the area for Stefan as he spent five years working at the original Mercedes-Benz of Stockport site from 2013 to 2018.

Martyn Webb said: “I’m delighted that Stefan has been nominated for his impact and leadership. Since taking the helm at Mercedes-Benz of Stockport, the business has been going from strength to strength and has become the most popular Mercedes-Benz destination in the North West.”

The AutoTrader Retailer Awards are a celebration of the very best automotive retailers that not only inspire those in the automotive industry, but set the bar for all retailers across all sectors.

The People and Culture Award is a new category for 2022 at the AutoTrader Awards, and will recognise a business that puts its people first and has created a dynamic, open and diverse work space.

Martyn Webb added: “Our people are our most important asset, so to be shortlisted for the People & Culture Award, is perfect.”

The Motor Trader Industry Awards are now in their 32^nd year and have grown to become one of the most prestigious and coveted awards in the sector, recognising the highest levels of professionalism and excellence in the industry.

The winners of the AutoTrader Retailer Awards 2022 will be announced at 8 Northumberland Avenue in London on the afternoon of Wednesday 12 October.

The winners of The Motor Trader Industry Awards 2022 will be announced at a gala dinner at Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday 23 November.

ASK REAL ESTATE COMPLETE £105M INVESTMENT FOR NEW NET ZERO CARBON OFFICE FOR GPA FIRST STREET HUB

Blog

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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ASK REAL ESTATE COMPLETE £105M INVESTMENT FOR NEW NET ZERO CARBON OFFICE FOR GPA FIRST STREET HUB

Ask Real Estate (Ask), and its JV partner, The Richardson Family, has completed a £105m transaction with Pension Insurance Corporation plc (PIC) to enable delivery of the next phase of office development at First Street in Manchester city centre which will start on site immediately.

Situated within the expanding First Street neighbourhood, the next phase of development is a 130,900 sq ft Grade A office building which has been fully pre-let to the Government Property Agency (GPA) for their Manchester Hub on a 25-year lease.

In alignment with Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038, the next generation office building has been designed for the GPA so it can be operated as a net zero carbon space. This has been achieved by using a higher percentage of solid façade to reduce the solar gain and improve the thermal performance of the building and therefore reducing energy demands. The mixed mode natural ventilation system also reduces energy usage as well as improving health and wellbeing.

Designed by Jon Matthews Architects, Ask will deliver a next-generation workplace which is on target to achieve a NABERS Design for Performance 5.5* rating. The building features a state-of-the-art dedicated cycle hub with storage for 130 bikes, co-working and breakout spaces, private roof terraces and winter gardens providing visual, social and working amenity. Complementing the building will be a series of new green areas of landscaping which will further enhance the high quality public realm which is already a key part of the First Street Estate.

John Hughes, Managing Director at Ask said: “We’re delighted that PIC shares our vision for First Street. We’ve always strived to deliver high-quality, innovative and sustainable developments, and without doubt the GPA hub will be exactly that.

“From a wider perspective, this investment highlights Manchester’s continuing strength as a forward-thinking world-class city in which to work, live and visit. We are proud to be playing our role by successfully progressing the phased delivery of the First Street Estate, which is now one of the region’s most popular workplace destinations.”

James Agar, Head of Long Income at PIC, said, “We are delighted to have concluded this market leading transaction during a period of such turbulence in both financial and construction markets. This investment provides us with secure, long-dated and index linked cashflows which are perfectly aligned to serving PIC’s purpose, which is to pay the pensions of our current and future policyholders over coming decades.

“Government let commercial property assets have been an area of specific focus for PIC and we are we are pleased to make this long term commitment to supporting the modernisation of the GPA estate. We expect First Street to be the first development in an expanding partnership with the GPA as it looks to deliver its strategic roll out for 2025 and beyond.”

Speaking on behalf of the GPA, Clive Anderson, Director of Capital Projects said: “The First Street development is part of the Government Hubs Programme which will provide a smaller, better and greener estate which supports the Government’s ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“The Government Hubs Programme will also create modern, inclusive environments where departments can be collocated in shared buildings across the UK. This supports the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and Places for Growth initiative, encouraging the movement and creation of jobs outside London.

When the Manchester First Street Hub opens in 2025 it will be home to 2,500 civil servants from at least four different government departments, making it one of the largest hubs for cross-government collaboration and operation outside London.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “First Street is a true exemplar for regeneration at scale, delivering a new mixed used neighbourhood that is a real asset to our growing city centre. It’s great to welcome the next phase of the ongoing development.

“The city’s continued economic recovery following the pandemic relies on sustainable growth, and this includes meeting demand for high quality office space – providing the necessary infrastructure businesses need to establish themselves and grow in Manchester.

“Low carbon development is a key priority for us as we journey towards becoming a net zero carbon city by 2038 – and the investigations into low carbon building are welcomed as every development has a part to play to lower our collective emissions.”

The Manchester office market is making a strong recovery following the Covid pandemic, with take-up of space increasing by 32% between 2020 and 2021. The outlook for the second half of 2022 is positive with over 320,000 sq ft of new build office space currently under offer across 15 transactions, which is 34% more space transacted over a similar period prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.

Based on recent historical evidence, demand in Manchester has always met supply. The forecast over the next four years is that this same trend will continue with larger occupiers seeking to acquire ‘best in class’ office space, which enables them to attract and retain the very best talent in a dynamic and thriving city such as Manchester.

The GPA Hub joins office buildings, N01 and N08 First Street where current occupiers include Auto Trader, Jacobs, Ford Credit Europe, ODEON, WSP, Lonza and Willis Towers Watson. There is an array of cafe bars, restaurants and leisure amenities such as WOOD Manchester, The Indian Tiffin Room, Junk Yard Golf Club and Bunny Jackson’s. It is also home to cultural venue, HOME, which has five cinema screens, galleries and a book shop.

As an employment-led development with a current working population of c4,000 people, First Street is on target to accommodate 10,000 jobs on final completion.

B-COMPLIANT DIRECTOR URGES ACTION ON MENOPAUSE

News

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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B-COMPLIANT DIRECTOR URGES ACTION ON MENOPAUSE

Manchester-based B-Compliant is adding its voice to those calling for better working conditions for menopausal women in the financial services sector.

Head of the financial compliance specialist, Vicky Pearce, is affected directly by this issue and wants more openness about menopause to increase understanding and awareness.

Vicky said: “Having been thrown straight into a medically induced menopause last year, I know how hard it is to manage the gamut of symptoms in a professional environment and one that is still, in the majority of workplaces, male dominated.

“I am speaking out to help smash the myths and stereotypes surrounding menopause. The collective experience and knowledge offered by women of my age and older should be valued by our industry and every effort made to retain their services during this difficult transitionary period in their life.”

A study by the Financial Services Skills Commission found that one in ten employees in the financial services sector are currently going through the menopause and for almost half, it makes them less likely to want to progress. It uncovered three key findings:

A culture of silence means the impact of the menopause is hidden
The sector is losing talent because of the menopause
With the right support, women can stay and progress in financial services.

Vicky added: “We need to stop believing menopause is something to hide and start talking to our colleagues – women and men – about how it is affecting our working day. Progressive employers are already integrating menopause policies into their HR provision and more firms should follow suit. Simple changes to the workplace and the attitudes of managers can make a world of difference to women like me and ensure we continue to make a valuable contribution to the industry for years to come.”

Manchester’s SoMo strengthens team with four new appointments due to increase in business

Appointments

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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Manchester’s SoMo strengthens team with four new appointments due to increase in business

Increased business has brought with it a need for multiple new recruits at SoMo | Bridging. The specialist lending firm has added to its growing team with four new appointments including an Underwriter, a Relationship Director, a Relationship Executive and a Valuations Manager.

Laurel Livesey joins SoMo as its newest Underwriter, bringing the Underwriting team to 12 members strong. With over five years’ experience in the finance industry, Laurel will use her skills to work on SoMo’s increasing pipeline by assessing and reviewing cases and their credit worthiness.

In the newly created role of Valuations Manager, Rachel Killeen will work alongside both the Sales and Underwriting teams to oversee the valuation process. Her appointment is the start of SoMo’s long term vision to build its own specialist valuation panel. Rachel joins from Together where she focused on commercial operations and brings with her 14 years of managerial experience in the retail sector.

Greg Applewhaite is the Sales team’s newest Relationship Director for the home counties. He joins SoMo with six years sales experience in the finance industry across secured and unsecured lending and will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with Brokers.

Damiano Lo Presti has joined SoMo as Relationship Executive, supporting the lender’s relationship directors, as well as maintaining SoMo’s customer database. With its newest members, SoMo’s Sales team now stands at 10 talented and experienced individuals to support the business growth.

Commenting on the new appointments, SoMo’s Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Lindsey O’Neill said: “It was important to strengthen our team to not only help support our growth but also maintain the quality customer service we are known for. Thanks to our popular Valuation Only™ product and market-leading Second Charge rates we’re lending more year on year.”

HMG Paints announce Rabart as new Distribution Partner

Partnerships

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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HMG Paints announce Rabart as new Distribution Partner

HMG Paints Ltd have announced a new distribution partnership with fellow family run business Rabart Decorators Merchants. The partnership will see Rabart distribute the HMG range across South Wales and the South West of England. This includes HMG’s most popular products from 2K Industrial coatings to specialist UPVC coatings, C71 and QAD Enamels.

Rabart is an independent family run merchant, that has been supplying and distributing paints for over 30 years. This new partnership will see them expand their offering with HMG’s market leading industrial portfolio, including PVC Pro the company’s popular product for uPVC Windows and Doors.

“We are looking forward to opening up new market places for both Rabart and HMG across South Wales and the South West” commented Richard Thomas, Rabart Group Sales and Operations Manager. “HMG have been very welcoming, and are a key part of our industrial division plan.”

The partnership launch coincides with the opening of Rabarts new branch in Plymouth. Where customers will be able to order and collect HMG products. A key to this new partnership is HMG’s UNIT Tinting System which will allow Rabart customers access to a library of over 95,000 colour formulations. Colours available in HMG’s UNIT Tinting system include RAL, BS, Pantone, Industrial, OEM, commercial fleet, agricultural machinery and more.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Rabart to the HMG family and we look forward to working with their customers and supporting their business growth in the South West of England and South Wales” added Anthony Beard, HMG Key Account Manager. “We have already started to build up a strong relationship with the Rabart team having visited HMG for product training. Both companies are focused on providing customers with the products, support and service to get the job done.”

HMG products, such as its EP2 Epoxy Primer, Monothane and Multi-Surface Topcoat will be stocked at Rabart branches in Plymouth, Cwmbran and Stroud. They, and other products from HMG’s extensive portfolio of paints will also be available for order and next day collection at Merthyr, Cardiff, Swansea, Pembroke, Bath, Warminster, Torquay and Redruth.

In 2021, Rabart acquired S.G Bailey Paints Ltd, a paint manufacturer and distributor based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Bailey Paints has sold HMG products for over 15 years, and can provide all HMG single pack synthetic and cellulose paints in aerosols – now available to the entire Rabart Group. Visit http://www.baileypaints.co.uk/industrial/manufacturer/hmg to buy HMG products online from the Rabart Group.

Stockport-based Parfetts achieved record sales

Finance

Sam Allcock

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29/09/2022

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Stockport-based Parfetts achieved record sales during the week ending 18 September. The company saw sales reach £14.6m, the most in its history.

The fast-growing wholesaler ran a ‘September Savers Trade Week’, which attracted record sales across its depot network. The Aintree depot was the best performing and achieved sales of £3.5m during the promotion.

Commenting on the results, Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “We continue to invest back into the business to support retailers through this challenging economic period. Our promotions calendar continues to grow and means we see existing customers shopping with us more often while also attracting new customers to our retail club and fascia groups.

“Parfetts employee-owned structure means that it can respond quickly and flexibly to retailers’ needs. We’re working hard to ensure we protect and increase retailer margins at a time when they really need it. And at the same time are continuing to offer free delivery, free leaflet distribution and free marketing support.”

Parfetts is expanding its calendar of trading events with upcoming promotions, including Halloween, The World Cup and Christmas. This is a continuation of the company’s strategy to provide the cash & carry service retailers need, supported by strong click & collect and delivered services.

The wholesaler runs a wide range of regular promotions from weekly manager’s specials to quarterly showcases. There are regular three weekly promotions with 120+ products plus EDLP lines offering increased value and margin across key products in any promotional period.
Parfetts operates seven depots in Aintree, Anfield, Halifax, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Somercoates and Stockport. It is opening a Birmingham depot in the coming months.

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