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Vaping: A Beginner’s Guide To E-Liquids And Expiration Dates

Sam Whitear

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10/09/2021

Vaping is a trend that took the world by storm, with people of all ages ditching their cigarettes in favour of vape pens, e-cigs, pod systems, and box kits. E-liquids provide the flavour and nicotine each time you vape and are not only functional but also fun to use; available in several flavours, many people enjoy the variety that they can’t get with traditional smoking. However, vape liquids do need to be handled with the proper care, and it’s essential that every vape user, whether they’re a beginner or a vaping veteran, understands the basics and how to store their e-liquid properly. In our beginner’s guide, we provide you with valuable tips about e-liquids and their expiration dates that every vaper should know about.

Expiration Date

Many people who vape are unaware that their vape liquid has an expiration date, but as with any consumable, e-liquids can go bad. The shelf-life for vape liquids can depend on a variety of factors, as certain flavourings and colours can have a shorter shelf-life than others. Another factor that can affect how quickly your e-liquid degrades is the container it is stored in; plastic bottles can cause the liquid to deteriorate faster due to the amount of air or light the bottles let in, whereas glass-bottled liquids tend to last longer. How you store your vape liquids can also impact the shelf-life.

However, you don’t need to throw away your vape liquid if it’s reaching the expiration date. As with all consumable goods like food or drink, the expiration date is a suggestion and is a guideline of when your liquid will be at its best. E-liquids can go bad before they reach their expiration dates, typically due to how they are stored, and it’s important to pay attention to any colour, smell or taste changes to know if your liquid needs to be thrown away. Check out this helpful guide from AquaVape if you have any questions about vaping.

Has Your Liquid Gone Bad?

While it’s not necessarily harmful to use an e-liquid that has gone past the expiration date, there are a few signs to look out for that your vape liquid has gone bad or is about to expire.

The first and easiest sign to look out for is the colour of the vape liquid. If the colour begins to fade or change in any way, it’s a good indication that the e-liquid has gone bad, and you need to open a new bottle. Often as the colour fades or changes, you will also notice that the flavour of the vape liquid is less intense than you would typically expect. When your liquid no longer has the same strong flavour you expect to experience, it can mean that it is about to expire. However, it’s crucial to remember that our taste buds can become used to a flavour which can cause a natural dulling in flavour. Another indicator is the smell; if your liquid had a strong scent during the course of use and now suddenly doesn’t smell as strongly, this means it is about to go bad.

The nicotine content can start to fade as a liquid reaches or passes the expiration date, which can be a significant problem for people who have changed from smoking to vaping in order to reduce the harm from traditional tobacco products. A lower nicotine level can lead to increased withdrawal symptoms if your body depends on a certain amount of nicotine. If you notice a sudden increase in withdrawal symptoms without any changes in your vaping habits, it will be worth checking the bottle to ensure your vape liquid has not passed the expiration date.

Proper Storage

Due to the shelf-life, it’s vital to ensure that you are storing your vape liquids properly. The best places to store your e-liquids are dark boxes, draws, or a cabinet where they can be kept cool and away from direct sunlight; this way, you can preserve your vape liquids and enjoy the whole experience of vaping. Take note of the expiration dates before you store your liquids so that you can use them in plenty of time without having the burden of needing to test any that have expired before opening. Heat breaks down vape liquids and can leave the solutions flavourless and with low levels of nicotine; this is why it’s essential to keep your e-liquids out of direct sunlight and in cool places.

Safe Disposal

If you are left with a vape liquid that has expired, it’s crucial to dispose of it safely. Due to the nicotine and other chemicals that can be found in e-liquid, it is best to avoid pouring it down the sink as it is considered a hazardous contaminate. If you regularly use coffee grounds or have cat litter in your home, they can be used to absorb the liquid before safely disposing of it in the bin.

Culture Shift Raises £1.5m To Help UK Workplace Culture ‘Build Back Better’

Investment

Sam Whitear

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08/09/2021

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Culture Shift Raises £1.5m To Help UK Workplace Culture ‘Build Back Better’

The Manchester-based impact software firm, Culture Shift, has raised £1.5m via Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures.
Culture Shift plans to use the funds to continue its success to date and help UK organisations proactively improve culture post pandemic.

Manchester-based technology business Culture Shift has secured £1.5m investment in a funding round led by Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures.

Founded in 2018, Culture Shift has created a platform for people to confidentially and safely report workplace harassment.

Over the last few years, debates over work locations and office culture have consistently made headlines, both regionally and on a global scale. Adapting to new working conditions, along with increased awareness of harassment and other issues, has pushed employees and employers to have an open conversation about the future of work.

A growing body of research paints a worrying picture of the modern-day workplace. Research from Breathe HR in 2021 suggested almost a third of people in the UK quit their jobs due to toxic workplace culture.[1] The report states that this churn costs the UK economy £15.7bn per year.

As the workforce ‘returns’, there could be further complications. According to Culture Shift’s own research, 37% of employees said they feel more likely to experience something they would describe as bullying or harassment while in the workplace. In a new hybrid world, this raises questions of how managers are going to attract employees back to offices.

In terms of attracting new talent, culture is increasingly prioritised by those applying for new jobs. In 2019, Glassdoor published research suggesting 57% of UK workers would consider workplace culture before salary.[2]

Many companies have fallen foul of this new debate, but Culture Shift sees this as an opportunity to reset the status quo. Its team suggests employers are now faced with a ‘critical chance’ to show they’re taking a proactive approach towards overcoming these issues.

The new funding will allow Culture Shift to make a significant number of new hires in Manchester, and expand into new markets across the UK, helping it support more UK organisations in proactively improving culture.

This latest investment follows a funding round in March 2020 which saw Culture Shift secure £1.35 investment from Praetura Ventures and GC Angels. Since then, the business has significantly grown its client base and operations.

Culture Shift’s proprietary online reporting platform – which removes the barriers to reporting issues of harassment or bullying, enabling organisations to take a proactive and preventative approach to protecting their people and their culture – is now employed by more than 70 of the UK’s top universities, while the business is working with a number of other organisations.

The software provides individuals a safe environment to report an event and then offers direction to appropriate emotional or practical support. The system also provides the organisation with data to manage and address any particular issues or a growing pattern of misconduct that may have been occurring, as well as a case management tool to effectively manage communication with the involved parties.

Thus far, the response to this technology has been overwhelmingly positive. Both students and staff have praised the system’s contribution towards solving some of their challenges around dealing with negative interactions.

Gemma McCall, CEO and co-founder of Culture Shift said: “We’re extremely proud that over one million people in the UK now have access to our reporting platform. This investment and the continued support from Praetura and Blackfinch will help us now continue our mission to help organisations better manage their own workplace culture with the right tools.”

David Foreman, MD at Praetura Ventures said: “The work Culture Shift is doing is so important. Everyone wants to work in a place where they feel safe. Gemma and her team work tirelessly to make this a reality for so many people. We’re so pleased to be supporting them on their journey and excited to see them continue to improve the lives of workers in a variety of industries.”

Dr Reuben Wilcock, Head of Ventures at Blackfinch said: “We were hugely impressed by the drive and ambition of the Culture Shift team, who all believe so strongly in the company’s mission to reduce harassment and bullying in the workplace. It is exciting to be backing such a forward-thinking vision, and one that aligns so well with our own Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values.”

IoD appoints Debbie Francis OBE as Manchester chair

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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06/09/2021

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IoD appoints Debbie Francis OBE as Manchester chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed one of the region’s leading business figures to chair its Greater Manchester branch.

Debbie Francis OBE joins as the IoD ramps up its support to help local directors to rebuild, recover from the pandemic and prosper.

Debbie is best known in Manchester and across the North of England for her vocal support for transport infrastructure investment in the North and the need for levelling up, alongside her efforts and strong advocacy for equality, diversity and inclusion.

She is the chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and her business career has also included senior executive roles with Arcadis UK, Direct Rail Services, London North Western Route Finance and Network Rail.

She also holds several non-executive roles with organisations including Harwich Haven Authority, MDC Stockport, Loram UK, Penny Bridge Church of England Academy and Pave the Way. As well as her OBE, Debbie has several awards and honours recognising her contribution to business and the community including IoD North West Director of the Year for Inclusivity and Woman with Edge at the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2019. She is currently working towards a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University with leadership at the core of the research.

Debbie said: “It is a tremendous honour to become chair of an organisation that has represented directors for more than a century. Greater Manchester’s business community is diverse and resilient, and I am determined to give directors the tools and inspiration that they need to lead the UK economic recovery.”

Steve Bennett, chair of IoD North West, said: “We are delighted to secure Debbie to lead one of our biggest and most active branches. She will be the standard bearer for local directors, providing support where it is needed most along with inspiration through a programme of business events as we recover and rebuild the IoD across the region.”

Debbie will work alongside a team of branch ambassadors to provide local directors with connections, professional development, and an influential lobbying voice.

Manchester India Partnership gears up to strengthen bilateral ties on the road to the first major UK-India free trade deal

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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02/09/2021

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Manchester India Partnership gears up to strengthen bilateral ties on the road to the first major UK-India free trade deal

Manchester’s award-winning Manchester India Partnership (MIP) has appointed a new chair, director and board members ahead of the 2021 Manchester-India Business Summit with an aim to re-vitalise and steer the Partnership into new areas of growth and success.

The new MIP chair, Simon Arora, Chief Executive of B&M Retail, Board member of the British Asian Trust, and a highly prominent figure within the Indian diaspora and business community will bring a wealth of new connections and opportunities. Jo Ahmed, Global Employee Services Partner at Deloitte and a founding member of the MIP will now take the position of Deputy Chair.

Shehla Hasan, the former Head of the Confederation of British industry in India and South Asia has taken over as Director of the MIP, and she will be joined by new Board Member Vikas Shah MBE, one of the UK’s highest profile entrepreneurs and business commentators representing TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs).

Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive of Lancashire Cricket club will also join the board to build on the Partnership’s broadening of focus on sport and culture and Dr Zubair Hanslot will replace Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi representing The University of Bolton.

The new board will host the MIP’s annual Manchester-India Business Summit next week on the 9th and 10th September in partnership with The Department for International Trade at Lancashire Cricket Club, to celebrate and coincide with the England v India Men’s Cricket Test Match.

The Summit will promote the strong relationship between Greater Manchester and India as well as highlight opportunities around trade, investment and innovation across the two regions, particularly within the context of, and lead up to the UK and India 2030 Free Trade Agreement.

The high-profile event, which will include a welcome dinner for special guests, is due to attract up to 100 attendees including leading dignitaries, key India influencers and stakeholders, national and local Government along with representatives from universities across Greater Manchester.

The ‘2030 Roadmap’ was announced in May this year as part of an historic commitment made by the British and Indian Prime Ministers to strengthen work between the UK and India over the next decade covering areas such as health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

The MIP was established in February 2018 to unite private businesses, academia and the public sector across India and Greater Manchester to build and strengthen trade, investment, cultural, and educational ties.

Simon Arora, Chair, Manchester India Partnership, said: “I’m really excited to take up this role as Chairman of MIP. It’s such an integral time in the UK & India’s relationship with the Enhanced Trade Partnership now in place and clear roadmap ahead. India is a strategic market for Greater Manchester and I’m looking forward to leading MIP’s continued success to further strengthen and deepen ties.”

Jo Ahmed, Deputy Chair, Manchester India Partnership, commented: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Deputy Chair of the MIP, working with our esteemed new Chair and Director to drive forward the next chapter in the MIP success story at a time when there is so much focus on the importance UK and India relationship and so much opportunity for us to work together across borders for mutual benefit.

Shehla Hasan, Director, Manchester India Partnership, commented: ” This is truly an exciting time for the Manchester India relationship. The UK and India are progressing steadily towards a closer trade and investment relationship through the Enhanced Trade Partnership. In my long experience of working in the UK-India corridor, more recently as the India head of the Confederation of British Industry, I have seen the Manchester India Partnership grow quickly as a strong brand. I look forward to making this relationship even more robust and sustainable in the long run”

Tim Newns, Chief Executive, MIDAS, said: “India was the third most active inward investor in new projects in Greater Manchester between 2017 and 2020, creating a total of 15 projects and over 792 jobs. Now, with a fantastic new team in place, I am really looking forward to seeing how the Manchester India Partnership can build on this tremendous success, by deepening existing relationships and leveraging new networks and opportunities in the lead up to the 2030 Free Trade Agreement.”

NEW CLIENT WINS SPUR RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR PEPPERMINT

Creative

Sam Whitear

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02/09/2021

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NEW CLIENT WINS SPUR RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR PEPPERMINT

Local PR and marketing agency, Peppermint Soda is set for continued success this year, as it launches a recruitment drive following a raft of recent client wins.

The company is seeing its busiest period in 15 years, as it takes four new clients onto its roster.

The recent wins include Haute Dolci, the luxury dessert dining chain, which appointed Peppermint to increase brand awareness. The approach will include a blend of tactics from influencer marketing through to newsmaking.

Specialist family law firm, Maguire Family Law, has also appointed Peppermint to help build its client portfolio and fuel growth across the region. This will be achieved via a strategic thought-leadership and business profiling campaign.

The third win is VU Compare, a new vehicle finance and insurance comparison website, with the agency being briefed to support the company as it looks to secure initial seed funding, and then the website’s official launch later this year.

Legal UK Services, a leading financial mis-selling specialist, completes the list, with Peppermint tasked with helping to raise the profile of the brand on a national scale and providing an agile and reactive press office function.

Owner of Peppermint Soda, Jean-Philippe Glaskie, said: “We are thrilled to be working with four new clients and can’t wait to get started on all the activity we have planned.

“This has been a hugely exciting year for Peppermint. We started to see the business grow rapidly in the past few months, and we are now the busiest we’ve been since we started in 2005. With this in mind, we are on the lookout for ambitious PR professionals, at all levels, to join our team and come on this exciting journey with us.”

SALE SHARKS SIGN NEW FRONT OF SHIRT DEAL WITH AO

Partnerships

Sam Whitear

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01/09/2021

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SALE SHARKS SIGN NEW FRONT OF SHIRT DEAL WITH AO

Sale Sharks has signed up to a new long-term partnership with online electricals store, AO, which will see the Bolton-based retailer take over as the club’s principal front of shirt sponsor.

AO will also work closely with the Sharks Community Trust, the club’s charitable arm, to create and launch ‘Are you AO-K?’, a life-changing mental health programme in schools across the North West.

And the South Stand at Sharks’ AJ Bell Stadium will also be re-named and branded as the AO Stand, as part of the multi-year deal.

Sharks CEO Sid Sutton said: “Everyone at the club is so excited to welcome AO to the Sharks family. I have no doubt that this is a partnership that’s going to drive the club onto the next level both on and off the pitch.

“We’re embarking on a new era for the club and we want to work alongside partners who we can grow with and who share our ambition, our passion for the north and our values.

“AO puts its customers and the community at the heart of everything they do in the same way that we put our supporters right at the centre of every decision we take.

“The long-term commitment is a sign that both the club and AO believe strongly in the value and the potential of this partnership.”

Sharks fans won’t have long to wait to see the famous AO smile on the new 2021/22 kit, and work on the stadium re-branding will start straight away ahead of the new season.

And the AO influence on the supporter matchday experience won’t stop there – ahead of the new season the team are working on special giveaways, half-time activations on the pitch and promotions outside the stadium before after fixtures.

Vicky Monk, director of customer and brand at AO said: “We’re investing hugely in our brand this year and our partnership with Sale Sharks is a big part of that strategy.

“We are really looking forward to working closely together with the Trust to create and launch a highly impactful mental health programme to local schools in our region. It’s a topic that’s close to many of our hearts after the last 18 months and we’re proud to be able to play a part in making a difference for young people across the North West.”

MAZZA JOINS SYLVAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NEW ADVISORY ROLE

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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01/09/2021

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MAZZA JOINS SYLVAN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NEW ADVISORY ROLE

Cheadle-based Sylvan Financial Management has announced the appointment of Gordon Mazza as the first member of its newly formed advisory board.

Formed just eight months ago in the height of the pandemic by three qualified Manchester-based financial advisors, Sylvan provides independent investment management and financial planning.

Mazza is a well-known figure in financial services. A Cambridge graduate, he has spent almost 30 years in a number of increasingly senior roles within the sector. In 1998 he became a founding director of one of the UK’s leading financial advice businesses, The Roberts Partnership, which was sold to a private bank in 2016. Now based with his family in Denmark, he is pursuing a number of interests in the voluntary sector.

In his advisory role with Sylvan, he will advise on the strategic direction of the business in all areas of financial services, including investment and pensions management.

Ed Painter, a founding director of Sylvan, explained the thinking behind the advisory board. “As we grow our client base, we consider it vitally important to get an outside view and advice in what is a complex and fast moving market. We are delighted that someone of Gordon’s standing and experience has agreed to come on board. “In the coming months, we plan to recruit further board members to help develop our business both from a consumer and operational perspective.”

Mazza commented: “Having worked with Sylvan’s three directors at the Roberts Partnership, I know that in setting up their business, they share my values of providing an independent and highly personal service to the clients in their care. It is a journey I made nearly a quarter of a century ago and I look forward to offering insights, experience and guidance on the road ahead.”

TalkTalk’s Salford headquarters to host The Reach Next Generation Summit in September

Sam Whitear

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01/09/2021

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TalkTalk’s Salford headquarters to host The Reach Next Generation Summit in September

Greater Manchester is set to host an inspirational empowerment summit for girls aged 11-15 on September 18th at TalkTalk’s Salford headquarters. The Next Generation Summit will be delivered by Reach, a community committed to championing women and girls across the UK, which was created by Sky Sports anchor and successful businesswoman Sarah Stirk.

There’s no doubt that today’s young girls are facing pressures unknown to previous generations. Whether it’s social media, societal pressure relating to appearance, finding friends, making important decisions, or discovering who they are and what type of world they want to live in. This stage of life is full of daunting demands.

The Reach Next Generation Summit aims to empower and educate girls from all backgrounds. The event will provide discussions and guidance from a series of female leaders across a broad range of themes, including: the environment; social media; body positivity; wellbeing; exercise; fashion; and opportunities in tech. Informative and interactive sessions will inspire the girls to face challenges, improve confidence and help to fulfil personal ambitions. The summit also focuses on diversity and inclusion with speakers from all areas of society ready to share their life experiences.

Speakers include: Jo Coates, CEO UK Athletics, Gemma Oaten, Actress and founder of Seed Charity and Sharon Davies CEO of Young Enterprise.

Girls from across Greater Manchester are invited to attend The Reach Next Generation Summit at TalkTalk’s COVID-secure headquarters – or alternatively via a live stream. Those registering or watching will be encouraged to reach out to friends and classmates after the event, to widen its impact and foster long-lasting results.

The Reach Next Generation Summit in Salford follows the success of the previous summit held in London in June, as well as a series of Women’s Leadership events for adults at sporting venues such as St Andrews, Royal Lytham St Annes and the Aegis Bowl.

Sarah Stirk, co-founder of Reach, commented “At Reach, we are proud of the work we’ve done to inspire women of all ages and are committed to playing our part in inspiring the next generation of women leaders. The summit, which this time will be hosted by TalkTalk at their headquarters in Salford, is a brilliant opportunity to impact young women; offering guidance, reassurance and, most importantly, positivity to affect real change together.”

The Reach Next Generation Summit is supported by Levi Strauss, Haines Watts, Swinton Insurance and Salford-headquartered connectivity provider TalkTalk.

Tristia Harrison, chief executive officer at TalkTalk, commented “Young women today face a number of modern pressures, with issues like social media and climate change having an impact on mental wellbeing. That’s why events like The Reach Next Generation Summit are so vital, enabling young women to confidently pursue their goals in a friendly and exciting environment.”

She added “At TalkTalk we are passionate about equality, inclusion and providing opportunities across Greater Manchester and beyond, so to sponsor and host an event that contributes so positively to our community is especially important. We look forward to welcoming and empowering the next generation of women leaders at our Salford headquarters.”

PRAETURA VENTURES LEADS £2.2M FUNDING ROUND IN FINTECH DISRUPTOR BANKIFI

Investment

Sam Whitear

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01/09/2021

0

PRAETURA VENTURES LEADS £2.2M FUNDING ROUND IN FINTECH DISRUPTOR BANKIFI

Manchester-based BankiFi’s technology helps large banks to compete with challengers in the SME payments space

BankiFi, a fintech business specialising in payment processing and financial administration services for SMEs, has secured a £2.2m investment in a funding round led by Praetura Ventures, with participation from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Headquartered in Manchester, BankiFi was founded to help financial institutions better serve small and medium-sized businesses. The firm’s technology equips banks to take on challengers and provide more agile customer-led services to SMEs, as opposed to more traditional product-led offerings. BankiFi enables banks to provide a set of integrated services, including invoicing, payments, cash management and accounting, which are designed to help businesses reduce time spent on financial administration.

Mark Hartley, founder and CEO at BankiFi, said: “SMEs and early-stage innovators are a vital pillar of our economy and will play an important role in UK’s post-pandemic recovery, but many continue to be hampered by inadequate banking services. BankiFi want to change that by putting banks at the heart of businesses’ day-to-day needs. Before the pandemic, invoice cycles took a month on average, meaning most businesses didn’t get paid for their services or products for more than 50 days. That delay has now increased to more than 70 days, putting immense pressure on the cashflow of many SMEs.”

McKinsey estimate that around 74% of an SME’s time is spent on ‘non-core activities’, including time-consuming administrative tasks. Compounding this, late payments owed to individual SMEs stand at more than £6,000 on average, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses.

“The good news is that banks are beginning to see the sizeable opportunity to tap into this under-served market. Our software allows them to offer advanced services to SMEs, and we’re seeing a real uptick in demand for our products as banks look to compete in this space. The Praetura Ventures team has deep sector insight with a track record of scaling fintech businesses, which we believe will be crucial in helping us grow our business.”

The business was founded in 2017 by Mark Hartley, an innovator in payments and open banking. He previously scaled payments technology provider Clear2Pay, which was sold to FIS for circa €375m in 2014. BankiFi’s CFO is Chris Fry, who was previously a partner at KPMG.

The £1.5m investment by Manchester-based Praetura Ventures, the VC fund that targets early-stage businesses in high-growth sectors, is joined by an additional £700k from GMCA. This new funding will allow BankiFi to expand its product and service offering, grow its client base and target new domestic and overseas markets.

David Foreman, Managing Director at Praetura Ventures, said: “The UK is Europe’s established leader in FinTech, and the sector will play an important role in future of the UK economy. The global market is forecast to almost triple in size to £380bn by 2030, so there’s a clear opportunity for innovative businesses like BankiFi to scale up. It’s such an exciting sector that we’re always looking to invest in.”

“Since we first met Bankifi, we’ve been so impressed with the founding team’s passion, knowledge and track history in Fintech. Their focus on growing the business in the North of England and delivering something revolutionary to the region dovetails perfectly with our own mission.”

Councillor David Molyneux, GMCA lead for investment and resources, said: “We are delighted to be investing in BankiFi. This investment will boost the services BankiFi is already providing and assist in achieving its ambitious global ambitions. COVID-19 has amplified the importance of helping micro and small businesses reduce time spent on administration rather than doing the job, and BankiFi’s products will be invaluable for fulfilling the post-pandemic opportunities for businesses.

“It is a very exciting time in Greater Manchester for the financial services and technology sectors. Our city-region is the largest creative, digital and technology hub outside of London. This is a great example of how business, private investors and GMCA can work together to support our burgeoning technology sector.”

Gateley provided legal advice to Praetura Ventures.
Lockett, Loveday and Mcmahon provided legal advice to BankiFi.

Beever and Struthers gives back to communities by donating laptops and other supplies to schools in Manchester and Blackburn

CSR

Sam Whitear

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31/08/2021

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Beever and Struthers gives back to communities by donating laptops and other supplies to schools in Manchester and Blackburn

As part of its longstanding commitment of giving back to the communities in which it operates, accountants and business advisors Beever and Struthers have donated recycled laptops to schools in Manchester and Blackburn, Lancs. The schools donated to are Manchester Communication Academy (MCA) and Blackburn Central High School (BCHS).

The issue of a ‘digital divide’ between households came to the fore during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when schools, colleges and universities were closed, and students had to be educated remotely. Beever and Struthers wanted to help bridge the so-called ‘digital divide’ between homes that do or don’t have access to a laptop for learning purposes by providing students with the means to continue their education at home.

As well as donating the laptops, Beever and Struthers’ partner Andrew McLaren gave a presentation on career prospects at the firm to Year 11 students at MCA. MCA is part of Greater Manchester Academies Trust, located in Harpurhey, north Manchester and also consists of GMAT Manchester Communication Primary Academy, North Manchester ITT and Manchester Communication Research School.

BCHS allocated laptops to its safeguarding team to ensure students have access to external agencies supporting the care of young people, with the remainder being used as a ‘bank’ for online tutoring and mentoring across the curriculum. We also provided students at BCHS with stationery and craft items to aid their education.

The donation to BCHS reflects a wider partnership between Beever and Struthers and the school including representatives of the firm meeting students selected for mentoring to raise their aspirations, confidence, self-esteem and achievements. The students also receive information on Beever and Struthers including career options in areas such as accountancy, IT, HR and marketing.

Beever and Struthers recently organised for explorer Mark Wood to address Year 9 students about his 35-plus expeditions in extreme environments including the Geographic North Pole and South Geographic Pole and an insight into the effects of climate change, with Mark also donating a signed copy of one of his books to the BCHS library.

Geraldine Finn, the firm’s marketing and business development director and formal enterprise advisor for BCHS, said: “Being constantly aware of the need to give something back before, during and after the pandemic, sourcing and donating these laptops to GMAT and BCHS proves we’re more than an accountancy firm by investing in and supporting the communities in which we work and live.”

Martin Roberts, assistant principal at Manchester Communication Academy, said: “The donation of the laptops by Beever and Struthers is an incredibly generous gesture and is already making a significant difference to our students, their studies and their future.

“We’d also like to thank Andrew for taking the time to speak with our Year 11 students. They’re excited to further their knowledge and interest in the sector via some of the potential opportunities he discussed with them.”

Tracy Reeves, assistant Headteacher and Careers Leader, said “Beever and Struthers is an extended part of our BCHS family. We have formed a meaningful and long-lasting relationship that will continue to support our students through their studies as well as helping them to have high aspirations for life. We are incredibly grateful for the time and resources Beever and Struthers provide to BCHS; we are already seeing the impact of the support provided. Individuals who receive mentoring from the professionals at Beever and Struthers have already made gains in their studies and have higher career aspirations as a result of the relationships formed.”

Geraldine’s role as formal enterprise advisor at BCHS helped Beever and Struthers to recently become a Lancashire Skills Pledge member, an accreditation from Lancashire Enterprise Partnership for almost 100 businesses actively involved in one or more skills pledges to inspire and upskill people in Lancashire.

The firm also works with the Employer Skills Group organised by the Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation with support from GM Futures, a partnership with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

The contributions of the firm ensure that voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Greater Manchester have better access to skills and training opportunities that are relevant to their employees.

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