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Former Verastar Tech Heavyweight Joins WasteQuoteSupermarket

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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25/03/2022

Former Verastar Tech Heavyweight Joins WasteQuoteSupermarket

Utility tech dynamo has joined the leading Manchester-based commercial waste comparison company as Chief Technology Officer as the business continues in its mission to disrupt the B2B waste management market.

Gee will bring almost two decades of experience in defining and embedding strong technical growth strategies and building world-class technical teams to position WasteQuoteSupermarket as the leading tech platform for B2B waste, recycling, sustainability and carbon reduction services.

His appointment reunites him with ex-Verastar CEO, Chris Earle, who joined WasteQuoteSupermarket last summer as an investor and shareholder.

Chris Gee comments: “Despite
playing an integral role in transforming Verastar into a multimillion-pound business, I’m passionate about working with start-ups and small businesses with potential. I love a challenge and the chance to make a difference. I’m already learning so much about
the waste industry from CEO and Founder, Carl Bennett – and working together, I believe we have the perfect balance of industry knowledge and tech expertise to exceed our goals in the next 12 months and beyond.”

WasteQuoteSupermarket, which is headquartered in Sale, was founded by Carl Bennett, who wanted to disrupt the UK’s fragmented waste management sector, worth £11 billion, by reinventing how businesses access and compare their second-largest utility expense after energy. By combining
25 years of experience in the waste sector and developing industry-leading AI technology, the comparison and switching platform has been able to offer impartial waste management deals to over 7,500 businesses.

The pioneering data-driven platform partners with waste service providers to provide instant comparisons on a wide scope of business waste services including trade, commercial and industrial services, all types of recycling, shredding, skips, bulky waste, hazardous, WEEE, clinical waste, and washroom services. It does this through an effective combination of sourcing, aggregating and converting business into new contracts for the waste service providers, directly matching the two parties together through the company’s bespoke AI virtual waste expert – a key USP that will ultimately showcase a full array of deals and resource-efficient options at scale.

Gee and Earle are now set to work with the overall senior team to take the business to the next level with a transformational strategy that will further improve the existing platform, whilst creating an industry-first white-label product that will allow B2B utility
brokers to tap into WasteQuoteSupermarket’s unique AI-powered technology from May 2022. The team is also planning a ‘bolt-on’ service that other B2B comparison websites can incorporate into existing platforms.

This, in turn, will allow SMEs to access better deals, save money, be more sustainable, improve resource efficiency, and measurable solutions to form part of their ESG-friendly policies.

Carl Bennett, WasteQuoteSupermarket Founder and CEO, comments: “For
far too long, despite being one of the main cost outlays for businesses, waste has taken a back seat. However, as economic, social and political forces gather momentum to persuade businesses to be more resource-efficient, we’re perfectly placed to maximise this accelerating area of interest by helping businesses to save money and do the right thing – all through our tech-enabled platform.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris Gee to our team. His vast experience in delivering industry-leading technical strategies is second to none, and we’re excited to evolve our technology to ensure ALL businesses have instant access to good value waste management deals that are tailored to their needs. Until now, the SME business waste market was almost untouched by technology, and we intend to be at the forefront of the drive towards digital transformation in our sector.”

WasteQuoteSupermarket is the only impartial waste comparison switching platform that has the key metrics and technology to offer virtual waste quoting expertise for SMEs. Over the next 12 months, the business plans to help over 1.5 million UK businesses with multiple waste streams access better value and more sustainable deals, with plans to roll out the service to the EU, USA, and beyond.

Due to demand from like-minded companies and investment partners that share the company’s vision, WasteQuoteSupermarket is bringing forward the follow-on fundraise to accelerate its current first-mover position to become the leading ‘go-to’ platform for all types of commercial waste-related deals.

A Guide to Business Expenses

Thought Leaders

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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Do you know what business expenses are allowed and which are not? Every business owner, contractor and freelancer needs to be aware of expenses and how they should be recorded, tracked and managed at all times. This post will outline everything that you need to know about business expenses and how they can be managed and help to lower your tax bill.

What are Expenses?

First, it is worthwhile outlining what business expenses are. Essentially, these are costs incurred by you or staff members specifically needed for the running of the business. It is a necessary expense and one that is incurred solely as part of the daily operation. There are two different types of expenses that need to be recorded:

Tax-deductible: A tax-deductible expense is one that is taken from the profits, which will help to reduce your tax bill.

Non-tax deductible: Expenses that are not deducted from profits and have no bearing on the tax bill.

Allowable Expenses

HMRC allows many different types of expenses that businesses in different sectors might incur. The most common types of allowable expenses include wages, rent, insurance, utilities, office equipment and repairs and maintenance. If you have a car that is used for business purposes, then you can claim the maintenance costs as a business expense. From booking an MOT online to a quick car service, these can be legally claimed.

Excluded Expenses

Not all expenses can be claimed on your tax return and it is vital that you know what these are. A few of the most common expenses that are excluded from tax relief include business entertainment, donations, the repayment of loans and the depreciation of assets. Although you cannot claim these expenses, it is still important to track them to maintain accurate books.

Keeping Records

It is vital that your business maintains accurate and up to date financial records. This means that all of your expenses must be tracked, which means that you and your team must always collect receipts for all business expenses. You can then update your accounts, but you should also keep hold of receipts and records as evidence. It can be much easier to maintain accurate records with the use of accounting software or by outsourcing to an accountant.

Hopefully, this post will have been useful and help you to gain a stronger understanding of business expenses. It is important to track all of your expenses so that you can maintain accurate financial records, lower your tax bill and operate above board. Having a clear system in place for recording and managing expenses is key and will make it much easier to keep on top of your accounts, tax obligations and overall financial health.

Manchester cladding specialist Vivalda confirms move to larger premises and new jobs in 2022

Growth

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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Manchester cladding specialist Vivalda confirms move to larger premises and new jobs in 2022

Vivalda, one of Manchester’s longest-established cladding suppliers, has moved to new, larger premises in the city due to sustained demand for its services. The relocation from Trafford Park to its own 14,000 sq. ft. fabrication facility in Worsley, doubles the business’s capacity to supply non-flammable rainscreen facades to contractors.

The company has invested more than £1.3m in acquiring and remodelling its warehouse and production facility, which includes new technology such as specialist beam saws, dust extraction and optimisation software. Currently employing 11 full-time staff, Vivalda is immediately creating three new jobs as part of the expansion.

Vivalda works closely with building contractors and developers to provide construction projects with safe, non-flammable, A-rated façade systems, cut to size and delivered on-site on a just-in-time basis. Recent standout projects that Vivalda has been involved in include Airport City Manchester (Ibis / Holiday Inn) and Yotel (formerly Qbic) in Deansgate.

Vivalda Manchester branch manager, Jamie O’Brien, is delighted by the move. He said: “Over the past few years our business has gone from strength to strength, based on our team’s unrivalled knowledge of cladding products and our strong customer service ethos. As a result of our growth, we’ve been looking for the right location to enable us to take the business to the next level – and our new facility is perfect.

“We can now increase our stock levels to improve further our product availability and provide a modern office environment for our technical sales team – meaning our customers can rely on us, even more, when it comes to supplying world-class cladding systems, fixings, framings and other accessories.”

Vivalda operates from six locations across the UK and Ireland. Established in 1992, it provides fabricated cladding products from brands such as Rockpanel, Equitone, Cembrit and Trespa and also supplies A-rated solid aluminium cladding which is increasingly used for vital cladding remediation projects. For more domestic applications, the business also holds stock of Cedral Weatherboard, ideal for those wanting to achieve the ‘New England’ look.

Starting a home contractor business in 2022 – why now is the best time

Thought Leaders

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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Starting a home contractor business in 2022 – why now is the best time

Now the effects of the pandemic have been easing, life is getting back to some semblance of normality, and many of usBrits are taking the opportunity to renovate their homes. In 2021, SGS Engineering surveyed 2,000 UK homeowners on their plans for home renovations. The study revealed that 35%were planning a major home renovation that year.

The increased interest in home renovations explains why demand for construction workers has continued to soar,meaning there’s never been a better time to start a home contractor business. No matter whether you’ve been grafting away for years or you’ve recently gained your qualification, with the market the way it is now, it’s worth considering a jump to contracting.

Read on to find out why 2022 is the best time to launch a home contractor business and how to go about it.

How much money is there in the home contracting market?

SGS Engineering’s study found that those surveyed planned to spend an average of £15,461 on home improvements. With 2,000 UK homeowners participating in the survey, it’s clear there’s a significant amount of money to be made in the home contracting market.

How can you start your own home contracting business?

Obviously to start a home contracting business you’ll need to have a good level of experience in the field. Consider the services you’re planning to offer and how much knowledge and experience you have in those. If need be, you may want to consider doing some refresher training or a part-time course if there are any areas in which your skills are lacking.

Having the right tools will also be crucial to your success as a home contractor. Investing in a range of good quality Milwaukee tools will allow you to perform your work to a high standard for your clients. Ensure you store your tools securely to avoid tool theft, which is a currently a very common issue in the UK.

Getting clients

Finding your first few clients may be challenging, but once you’ve got past that hurdle marketing your business will become easier. Ask family, friends, and any business contacts you have to spread word of your company prior to opening your doors.

Ensure you take advantage of the digital marketing opportunities that are available, as this will help you increase your market reach and attract new clients. Get a professional website set up and create a social media page to showcase previous work.

Providing excellent service

Your clients will be putting their trust in you, allowing you to enter their home and complete work on it, so it’s essential to ensure you do a professional job and offer top quality service. Not only will this ensure your clients get what they deserve, but it will increase the chance of them hiring you in the future or recommending your company to others.

EQUANS awarded £5.9m decarbonisation work with Rochdale Borough Council.

Energy
Green

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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EQUANS awarded £5.9m decarbonisation work with Rochdale Borough Council.

EQUANS, the new brand for ENGIE’s service-led activities, is pleased to have been awarded a £5.9 contract with Rochdale Borough Council for Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) work.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. EQUANS has supported Rochdale Borough Council with its application for PSDS funding and is looking forward to continuing a partnership that will see energy efficiency work undertaken across the borough. The decarbonisation work EQUANS will be undertaking will include public buildings such as schools and leisure centres across the region.

Rochdale Borough Council has declared a climate emergency in the region, drafting a strategy to help meet this deadline while creating a working group to make decisions moving forward. A target has been set for net-zero by 2038, bringing Rochdale into line with the whole of Greater Manchester.

Alyson Seddon, Head of Education and Public Buildings at EQUANS, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this crucial decarbonisation work on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council. EQUANS is looking forward to working in partnership with the council, helping them to meet their carbon net-zero targets using our innovative solutions and products.”

EQUANS operates at the forefront of national and global carbon reduction and renewable energy technology, delivering unrivalled solutions for clients. With the ambition of enabling a cost-efficient zero carbon transition for our clients and partners, EQUANS helps to create sustainable places for everyone to live and work.

Councillor Sara Rowbotham MBE, portfolio holder for climate change and sustainability, said: “As a council, we have a responsibility to take meaningful action to reduce carbon emissions, alongside preparing the borough for the impacts of a changing climate. These decarbonisation projects on our public buildings and schools are part of our commitment to meet our target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. It is fantastic that we are able to partner with EQUANS and work together to meet the challenge of climate change.”

New tool launched to help businesses find the right support and funding

Business support

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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New tool launched to help businesses find the right support and funding

Businesses across Greater Manchester now have a simple tool to help them navigate the complex and varied landscape of support and funding, thanks to the launch of GC Business Growth Hub’s Business Support and Funding Finder.

Commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the new online resource is available to all businesses in the city-region and enables them to find the right support and funding, either delivered by the Growth Hub or one of its many partner organisations.

As well as giving businesses the ability to search and filter results for all publicly funded support relevant to them, the Business Support and Funding Finder will ensure they can make the most of these opportunities by also signposting them to the enquiry team from the Hub, which is part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Janine Smith, Director of Business Growth at the Hub, said: “It’s a great accomplishment to bring all of these services and resources together in one place to create a unique resource for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

“There are 230 publicly funded programmes across Greater Manchester, which can make it difficult for businesses to understand what is right for them.

“This tool brings together all the support in one place and is incredibly accessible for time-poor businesses – answer a few simple questions online and it will identify the services that are available to you.”

Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council and GMCA Portfolio Lead for Economy and Innovation, said: “There are many challenges businesses face, especially around having the time and resources to make things happen.

“The Business Support and Funding Finder is an essential new tool for every business in Greater Manchester, empowering them to find the right support or funding opportunity to help them to overcome these challenges, develop their services, upskill their staff and to innovate and grow.”

Nick Shepherd, Business Development Manager at the Hub, said: “I’m genuinely excited about the positive impact the Business Support and Funding Finder will have. By answering a handful of basic questions, businesses will be directed to the most comprehensive package of support available, quickly and effectively.

“Our advisors have played a crucial role in developing this tool and will also be on hand to ensure businesses can maximise the opportunities they will find.”

The Business Support and Funding Finder is available at https://www.businesssupportfinder.com.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.

Capital&Centric and Kamani Property Group submit plans for new Ancoats community

Property

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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Capital&Centric and Kamani Property Group submit plans for new Ancoats community

PLANS to create a vibrant canalside community at Manchester’s Ancoats Works have been submitted to Manchester City Council by developers Capital&Centric and Kamani Property Group.

New images of the £50 million project – including canalside apartments, town houses, gardens and a new café bar or store – have been revealed. They show the proposed designs for what’s currently a disused storage depot, including 193 homes, with a mix of 1 and 2-bed apartments; 3-bed duplexes; and townhouses fronting onto Carruthers Street.

It’s the second collaboration between the two Manchester-based developers, who have teamed up to breathe new life into the historic site. If approved, work could start on site in early 2023.

The new images show the fusion between old and new, with the retention of the iconic Ancoats Works frontage on Pollard Street and new apartments including a modern twist on the red-brick buildings that once dominated the industrial area, whilst complementing the neighbouring Hope Mill.

A striking space for the community to hangout – either a new store or café bar – is included, alongside plans to restore the unloved canalside with lighting and generous planting as part of a lush new garden.

Adam Kamani, CEO at Kamani Property, said:
“We think this community will be a really vibrant addition to Ancoats as it grows. The design strikes the perfect blend between old and new – retaining parts of the historic building with the iconic ‘Ancoats Works’ signage, whilst creating design-led homes on what’s currently a pretty unloved, industrial site. As well as new homes, we plan to deliver stunning outdoor spaces and improve the canalside, making the space much more welcoming with real character.”

Adam Higgins, co-founder at Capital&Centric, said:
“At our communities in Piccadilly East and Kampus, we’ve seen first-hand that Manchester’s diverse neighbourhoods are attracting a real mix of people wanting to put down roots in the city. More and more, young families, retirees and downsizers are wanting to call the city home, as well as the more stereotypical young professionals. Ancoats Works responds to that, with a mix of townhouses and apartments to help foster a diverse neighbourhood, as well as spaces like the corner café bar and gardens where a genuine community can bond and grow. We’re excited about getting going.”

Submission of the Ancoats Works application follows community consultation last year. The collaboration follows the two companies joining up on plans for a site on Swan Street in the Northern Quarter, consented by

ONLE Networking launches in Manchester

Business support

Sam Whitear

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24/03/2022

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ONLE Networking, the business network for people who like people, has announced ONLE Manchester, the latest expansion in its growing portfolio of online networking meetings. ONLE Manchester launches on Friday 25th March at 1000.

Manchester’s reputation for community and entrepreneurial innovation means it was a natural fit for ONLE’s growing network of business leaders. Starting from its base on the UK’s south coast, ONLE has expanded across the country, reaching Brighton, London and Newcastle. Manchester is a keystone piece connecting the UK.

The success of its inclusive online networking model means ONLE has shattered the previously limited geographical reach of networking, which was previously curtailed by the physical limits people were prepared to travel. The strongest evidence of this model working is ONLE New York. Following its launch in January 2022, ONLE New York has quickly established itself as a forum to unite business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic who want to support, learn and work together.

ONLE Manchester will be hosted by Kallum Nicholson from Kwakademy who is thrilled that ONLE is bringing its brand of networking to one of his favourite cities. “Even for a city known for being vibrant, Manchester is especially exciting at the moment. There are so many innovative and creative people in the city with an appetite to help each other build world-class businesses. ONLE Manchester will bring those people together, plus others like them from around the UK – and the world.”

Kelly West, co-founder of ONLE Networking will also be attending the launch. “We love people – it’s why we run a network! We set out to build a welcoming, inclusive network and these are the same qualities that Manchester is famed for so we expect to find many people we gel with. Online networking is helping us reach people who we’d never have met in person and we look forward to bringing the city of Manchester into our growing network.”

Bookings for ONLE Manchester are open now, with a visit costing £10:
https://theonle.network/shop/manchester-and-surrounding-areas

Pixel Kicks wins string of new digital projects

Growth

Sam Whitear

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23/03/2022

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Pixel Kicks wins string of new digital projects

Pixel Kicks, the Manchester-based full-service digital agency, has won a string of new clients following a number of competitive pitches. The new wins are across its web development, SEO and branding teams.

The first win is with Gee Hair which is a leading hair extension brand. Pixel Kicks will be designing a brand new Shopify website that will support Gee Hair’s extensive and growing product range.

For Maveroc.com – a new fine jewellery brand based in Dubai – the agency will be building a WooCommerce site that will have a luxurious, high-end feel reflecting its rebellious and bold style. It is expected to launch by the middle of 2022.

Pixel Kicks has also been appointed by Mercury Conveyor Systems, which a new company specialising in the supply, installation and maintenance of telescopic conveyors that are used to load and unload lorries and vans all over the UK. The project will see the team develop a completely new brand and brochure website that will drive consumer awareness, improve brand visibility and generate both new B2B enquiries and inbound leads.

Another website brief is with Klowdfone – a VOIP phone system designed for small to medium sized businesses. The agency will be creating a new mobile responsive user-friendly ecommerce website that will showcase plans, pricing, features, and products; generate direct sales and increase conversions. It will launch in the summer.

The Pixel Kicks SEO team will be working with m-hance on its SEO strategy. The company is a Microsoft Gold Partner and is based in Manchester and Dublin. It provides its clients with Dynamics 365 CRM, Azure, Dynamics GP, Dynamics 365 Business Central and Office 365 solutions. The agency won the work after it commissioned a bespoke SEO audit. The focus will now be on increasing m-hance’s rankings and the quality of traffic to the site.”

The final new wins is with The Belgian Beer Company which will see Pixel Kicks host and support its
existing e-commerce website. It will also provide ongoing updates as well as layout and functionality improvements – all with the sole aim of driving better performance.

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – said: “The first three months of 2022 have been fantastic with new wins across all our teams. The range of projects in such diverse sectors clearly demonstrate our ability to tailor the services we offer. Our focus will now be on delivering for each client in order to help them grow their businesses.”

ZEAL super-charges its shopper centre of excellence

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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22/03/2022

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ZEAL super-charges its shopper centre of excellence

ZEAL Creative, the UK’s most effective brand activation agency, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sam James as Head of Retail & Shopper within the agency’s ever-growing strategic planning team.

Sam joins team ZEAL from Manchester-based promotional marketing agency Blue Chip Marketing, where for the last 9 years she has focussed all her time and energies on understanding the UK’s diverse range of retail channels. Her specialist area of FMCG and grocery is a real passion point for Sam and she is excited about helping ZEAL’s world-leading clients to win in these fast-paced, ever-changing environments.

Sam James, Head of Retail & Shopper at ZEAL Creative, says: ‘I’ve been admiring ZEAL campaigns from afar for a few years now so joining the team was an easy decision to make. I was especially drawn to the wide range of influential brands that they work with, the standard of existing thinking within the agency and their desire to grow and evolve their strategic offering.’

Sam will work hand-in-hand with ZEAL’s Planning Director Callum Saunders who was determined to bring Sam on board his team. Callum comments:

‘I first met Sam at an industry event several years ago and was immediately impressed by her knowledge and passion for all things retail: bringing her into the business to spearhead our growth in this area was a decision I didn’t even have to think twice about. At ZEAL we build and execute effective retail strategies for some of the world’s biggest brands and Sam’s depth of knowledge in this area, alongside her previous experience of working with ZEAL’s founders, is already seeing her add huge value to our business.’

Sam also has the benefit of working alongside Will Adams, a former Shopper Marketing Manager from Tesco, who joined ZEAL three months ago, and is giving the agency unique insights into how to win with the UK’s biggest grocery retailer. She is also supported by Yvette Flower, formerly of the shopper media agency Capture, who returned from maternity leave last year to focus 100% on strategy and planning.

Sam has found it very easy to adapt to her new life of ZEAL, she continues:

‘The ZEAL team has already impressed me with their widespread shopper knowledge at every level of the agency. The passion that they have for their clients and the work that they do is truly contagious and excites me for what the future has to hold.’

Outside of work Sam is a dedicated mum to two beautiful young children and when she’s not taking too many photos of Point-of Sales (POS) with her IPhone she enjoys exploring the North East coastline with her two feisty dogs.

ZEAL wishes Sam and our new expanded shopper strategy team the very best of luck and looks forward to seeing this team develop and grow further in 2022 and beyond.

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