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The Vita Group donates 300 mattresses to Shelter to help tackle rough sleeping across Greater Manchester

CSR

Sam Whitear

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24/06/2021

The Vita Group donates 300 mattresses to Shelter to help tackle rough sleeping across Greater Manchester

The Vita Group, Europe’s leading flexible foam solutions provider, is donating 300 mattresses to Shelter Greater Manchester to help tackle the region’s housing emergency.

The first 100 mattresses were delivered earlier this month and are being distributed to temporary accommodation providers across Greater Manchester, bolstering the city’s ability to house its hundreds of rough sleepers and families affected by the housing crisis.

Shelter is working with Manchester City Council’s temporary accommodation provider, ICCG Services, to allocate the mattresses to temporary and emergency housing, so that people staying there have a clean, suitable bed to sleep on when they are most in need.

The Vita Group has committed to donating a further 200 mattresses by the end of the year, bringing the total donation for 2021 to 300 mattresses, with a value of over £50k. The mattresses have been designed and manufactured to meet the stringent CRIB 5 fire regulations required in hostel premises.

In 2017, a report by Shelter revealed that 1 in every 154 people in Manchester was homeless, a statistic that looks to snowball after the pandemic. The mattress donations will help to ensure the temporary accommodation offering within the region has clean and suitable beds.

Currently, 520 beds are available to rough sleepers, and more than £660,000 has been pledged, as part of the city’s A Bed Every Night scheme launched by Greater Manchester Major Andy Burnham, to support young people identified as being at high risk of homelessness.

The Vita Group’s donation is the latest in several efforts from the company to support the local community. As suppliers of polyurethane foam, Vita partnered with healthcare companies at the height of the pandemic last year to supply foam for more than 25,000 additional mattresses used in the NHS Nightingale Hospitals.

Ian Robb, Group CEO at The Vita Group said: “Shelter’s work is instrumental in helping tackle the homelessness crisis in Manchester and we are incredibly proud of our team who have worked hard to manufacturer the mattresses, which can now be distributed to places most in need of them.

“At The Vita Group, we have always been committed to supporting local communities, and believe it is more essential than ever that businesses are looking for ways to help charities and organisations. We look forward to continuing our work with Shelter and providing more mattresses in the future.”

Shelter is a homelessness charity that works nationally to tackle the UK’s housing emergency, with the ultimate goal to end homelessness.

John Ryan, Shelter’s HUB Manager for Greater Manchester, added: “We are extremely grateful for The Vita Group’s support. We have so many people needing these beds at the moment and one of the biggest costs is trying to refresh mattresses. Vita’s donations allow temporary accommodation providers, who are already struggling for funds as a result of the pandemic, to provide more, clean beds to those who need them.

“It is more important now than ever that we are all coming together to support those who need it most, and donations such as this from local businesses can really help in our aim to provide safe spaces for rough sleepers.”

AVRO COMPLETES IN MANCHESTER – WITH 3,000 SQ FT OF OUTDOOR SPACE FOR RESIDENTS NOW OPEN

Property

Sam Whitear

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24/06/2021

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AVRO COMPLETES IN MANCHESTER – WITH 3,000 SQ FT OF OUTDOOR SPACE FOR RESIDENTS NOW OPEN

It’s rare to see a city centre apartment development offering residents garden space, but that’s what award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash has created at Avro on Great Ancoats Street in Manchester.

Here, the developer has transformed one of Manchester’s last undeveloped Victorian mills, a beautiful, Grade II* Listed brick building which overlooks the Rochdale Canal and was once home to the famous AV Roe aviation company and was the place in which warplanes were built. Famous artist LS Lowry was also the building’s rent collector.

Embracing the building’s original features, whilst taking inspiration from the aesthetics of a spacious Manhattan loft, the 31 homes now created here are some of the biggest on the market, with just a handful of homes remaining – each exceeding 1,000 sq ft of living space.

And while there’s many appealing features inside these homes – brickwork, cast iron columns, beams – there’s an even more enticing prospect as we head into summer – 3,000 sq ft of brand-new residents’ gardens.

The new space is rich in soft and hard landscaping, giving residents an inner-city oasis that’s a stark contrast to bustling Ancoats outside. Anjub Ali is development manager for the building and said: “I am delighted to see our work at Avro now complete. It has been a fascinating project to work on; we’ve unearthed so much industrial heritage and sensitively restored the fabric of the space, without losing any of that history.

“The new gardens are the perfect extension of that, using the red brick exterior of the building to deliver a city-centre oasis at the very heart of Ancoats.

“Featuring plentiful seating areas for socialising or solo relaxation, the garden is both green space and outdoor living area combined. One of the advantages of living within a residential building is the sense of community and at Avro, this is amplified by the use of a communal outdoor space to really draw people together.”

The completion comes as Urban Splash continues its quest to create more green spaces for increasing numbers of people who want to live in the city centre, without compromising on the perks of suburbia. Across the road from Avro at New Islington, the company is creating more family homes with residents’ gardens, the Cotton Field Park and Marina, and plans for another public park underway.

ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS DOUBLES PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEMAND

Business support

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS DOUBLES PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEMAND

Alcohol Solutions, a specialist in alcohol-based drinks development, distilling and packaging, is doubling production capacity at its Carrington-based site as a result of business growth from both on- and off-trade customers.

To support the reopening of UK hospitality and the return of outdoor events this summer, Alcohol Solutions has added another full-time shift pattern, allowing the business to double its production capabilities.

The business has also experienced a 100 per cent increase in enquiries for its canning, bottling and labelling facilities due to the growth in demand for ready to drink (RTD) beverages such as hard seltzers and canned cocktails, as lockdown restrictions have eased, allowing more people to socialise outdoors.

Dave Rigby, managing director at Alcohol Solutions, said: “We’ve seen a change in consumer behaviour through lockdown. People have become more adventurous in their own homes with the likes of at-home cocktail kits and virtual masterclasses allowing them to try new drinks and flavour combinations. As a result, brands and retailers have stepped up their own development to capture the growing consumer appetite.

“The investment in our Carrington site has allowed us to establish a full range of alcohol services, from concept development to alcohol sourcing, distilling, canning and bottling, and means we’re perfectly placed to support businesses looking to entice customers with new and innovative products.”

Alcohol Solutions is also recruiting four new apprentices for a range of three-year apprenticeship positions from liquid development through to compliance and warehouse logistics as part of the Skills for Growth – SME Support Programme, in collaboration with apprenticeship specialist, Suzanne McNicholas.

The programme, which is run in partnership with GC Business Growth Hub and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and funded by the European Social Fund, works with a network of education and commercial training providers to offer apprenticeships and training to Level 3 to degree level qualifications.

Graham Gibson, director at Alcohol Solutions, commented: “As our business continues to grow, we want to attract new talent and create opportunities to inspire people that have been most affected by the jobs market during the pandemic. The Skills for Growth – SME Support Programme is a really valuable scheme and will allow us to offer practical training as well as recognised qualifications to candidates.”

Suzanne McNicholas, apprenticeship specialist from Skills for Growth – SME Support, said: “Graham and I talked at length about Alcohol Solutions’ apprenticeship recruitment plans and job descriptions, to make sure that we identified the right apprenticeship standards for each of the roles. I felt that Trafford College would be the best answer to their needs and referred Graham to them to discuss the next steps of the recruitment process, while in the meantime we began exploring the array of grants and funding together that is currently available through the government scheme. I’m really excited to see where apprenticeships will take Alcohol Solutions and look forward to supporting the business with all of their future apprenticeship starts.”

“Between the directors, we’ve over 50 years of experience in the drinks industry. This programme will allow us to share that knowledge and experience to educate the workforce of tomorrow, while also allowing us to tap into a demographic of consumers that will drive future trends in the industry so we can continue to offer the latest market innovation to our customers,” Graham added.

GROWTH FOR CLARKE WILLMOTT’S MANCHESTER LITIGATION TEAM

Growth

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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GROWTH FOR CLARKE WILLMOTT’S MANCHESTER LITIGATION TEAM

Manchester law firm Clarke Willmott LLP is celebrating a strong 2021 for its litigation team which has seen appointments and promotions over the first half of the year.

Consultant Alex Megaw joined the team in January closely followed by Senior Associate Louise Goodwin in March and Secretary Sarah Kemp in April.

Geraldine Stephens was promoted to Associate while on maternity leave, highlighting the firm’s unprecedented commitment to staff development.

John Flint, Partner in the commercial and private client litigation team at Clarke Willmott, said: “The growth of our litigation team over the past year is a testament to our reputation for leading legal advice in the city.

“All of our new appointments will mean a seamless and professional service for our clients who come to us for help with all manner of commercial and private client dispute resolution matters.

“Being able to promote Geraldine during her maternity leave shows how we value our talented lawyers.

“This growth also underlines the continued success of the office as a whole. The business is enjoying an exciting time of expansion and appointments in Manchester.”

Alex Megaw is recognised as a leading litigator in the North West and specialises in claims involving commercial contracts, shareholder and partnership disputes – including specifically medical and legal partnerships, injunctions and search orders, corporate and personal insolvency and professional regulation. He is also a Supervising Solicitor for the purposes of Court Search Orders.

Previously an equity partner, Alex was also appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 1998.

Louise Goodwin advises on all private and commercial disputes encompassing injunctive proceedings and all forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Geraldine Stephens has nine years of commercial dispute experience. She is a member of Manchester Law Society’s civil litigation committee and is past President of Trafford Law Society.

Geraldine said: “It is even more special to be promoted on maternity leave. I believe this is a testament to Clarke Willmott’s fantastic family values, promotion of work/life balance and commitment to providing a positive and supportive place to work.”

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.  

RECRUITMENT DRIVE UNDER WAY AS BROMLEYS SEES UPSURGE IN DEMAND

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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RECRUITMENT DRIVE UNDER WAY AS BROMLEYS SEES UPSURGE IN DEMAND

Law firm Bromleys has embarked on a recruitment drive amid increasing demand for its services as confidence grows with the end of lockdown on the horizon.
The award-winning Tameside practice has added four staff in recent weeks across its care proceedings and children services, corporate and commercial and family teams.

The new arrivals are solicitors Charlotte Ellingham and Lisa Bartlett, chartered legal executive Carla Williams and paralegal Holly Sweeney.

In addition, Anthony Nurney has been promoted and secured a training contract supporting the litigation and family teams.

Senior and managing partner Mark Hirst said: “Further recruitment is in the pipeline due to the upturn in business across the board.”

He said Bromleys’ career pathway, strong team spirit and extensive benefits package were key factors in enabling the firm to attract new talent.

Charlotte specialises in child care law and is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation scheme, which recognises specialists in children and family law work.

She is the seventh solicitor at Bromleys to be a member of the scheme, which was previously known as the Children Panel. Her appointment means Bromleys has one of the largest representations under the scheme across Tameside and the whole of Greater Manchester.

Joining Charlotte in care proceedings and children services is paralegal Holly, who will assist the team.

Lisa has joined the corporate and commercial team after relocating from the south coast. She will focus primarily on commercial property transactions and complex residential property matters and will also support the commercial team on other matters. Her appointment follows a significant increase in instructions and commercial activity for the team.

Carla Williams has joined the firm working exclusively in the family team. She has extensive experience in advising on divorce and relationship breakdowns, domestic abuse injunctions and all aspects of the arrangements regarding children and finances, arising from the separation of couples.

Mark said: “All four new recruits are a great fit for the firm, and we look forward to seeing them develop their careers with us.

“Our benefits package, IT and positive approach to flexible working rivals any city centre law firm and enables us to attract real talent to complement and enhance our existing offering.

“This, coupled with our career pathway scheme which maps out a defined path for progression in the firm, makes Bromleys the practice of choice for a growing number of talented legal professionals who share our values of being accessible, caring and effective and are committed to providing clients with a service of the highest quality.

“The last year was challenging, but I’m delighted to say that the Bromleys team stepped up, working together to be the best – which is our internal motto – and we are now well set to expand further in the coming months and year.”

Adrian Ellis, Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, speaks out about recruitment challenges across Manchester’s hospitality sector

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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Adrian Ellis, Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, speaks out about recruitment challenges across Manchester’s hospitality sector

With over 3,000 current vacancies across Manchester’s hospitality sector, Adrian Ellis, general manager of the Lowry Hotel and chair of the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA), discusses the ongoing recruitment challenges facing the industry.

Adrian commented “Across Greater Manchester, hoteliers are facing huge difficulties with an excess of vacancies across all job roles- from waiting staff to housekeeping to Head Chef positions. The supply problem is a big challenge and here at the MHA we are determined to take real action to resolve the issue.”

The Lowry Hotel, despite being one of the city’s most iconic 5-star hotels, currently has 25 vacancies it is seeking to fill- a statistic echoed across all hotels in the Greater Manchester conurbation.

Adrian cites both Brexit and the effects of the pandemic in explaining why the industry is facing such recruitment issues “Brexit has resulted in a large amount of hospitality’s European workforce no longer being able to work in the UK, diminishing the volume of available workers considerably.”

“Additionally, lots of hospitality workers, having been on furlough over the pandemic, have sought secondary career paths. Now faced with the uncertainty of pandemic life, they have chosen not to return to the sector. These two factors have made a huge impact and have created challenges for hoteliers across the Greater Manchester city region.”

In response to the recruitment challenges, the MHA, a non-profit organisation of the key hotels within the city centre and the Greater Manchester area, is taking action to convince people to join the vibrant and dynamic hospitality sector.

This work includes the MHA’s extensive outreach work with universities, colleges, and schools across the conurbation, in which they seek to imbue enthusiasm for the sector in young people in Manchester.

Throughout the pandemic, the MHA in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has been running its Pioneering Manchester hotel mentoring scheme. The initiative sees 12 BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management students paired with General Managers of some of the city’s biggest and best hotels.

The MHA also hosts hospitality student forums, entitled Keep the Faith in Hospitality. Initially, the forums were held in Manchester for 50 MMU student attendees, with the aim to keep students updated on what was happening in the industry throughout such uncertain times. Due to the great success the forums have now expanded to become UK wide, with over 250 students, registered from universities up and down the country, attending.

Additionally, the MHA is supporting PROGRESS21, a three-day event which seeks to promote careers, business and global investment in Manchester, that has now been postponed to September 2021.The MHA will be represented in PROGRESS21’s job fair, promoting the exciting hospitality sector.

On top of PROGRESS21, the MHA is also set to embark on a recruitment campaign, in partnership with Marketing Manchester, which is forecasted to provide a momentous boost in interest in the hotel industry.

Adrian Ellis adds “Through the proactive measures that we are taking at the MHA we seek to tackle this issue head on and demonstrate to people across Greater Manchester how brilliant a career in hospitality can be.”

“We are committed to truly making an impact and are excited to continue demonstrating how working within the hospitality sector is a rewarding prospect that offers an abundance of opportunities for career development. Our sector is the beating heart of Manchester, and, as such, is an incredibly inspiring industry to work in.”

Eco Solutions Pioneer Marks Decade in Developing Energy Efficiency

Energy
Green

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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Eco Solutions Pioneer Marks Decade in Developing Energy Efficiency

A green technology entrepreneur, inventor and pioneer of eco-solutions that help homeowners and housebuilders achieve energy efficiency, is celebrating a decade in business.

Simon Peat, CEO of Project Better Energy, a leading renewables energy and heating technology group of companies, supplies pioneering products designed to improve energy efficiency and help with the long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions. Within his portfolio are solar panels, smart infrared heating panels, air-source hot water cylinders, power stores, and electric vehicle charging powered by smart technology and apps.

As the owner of the UK’s largest retailer of solar panels, Project Solar UK, he is marking his decade in business this month in an industry which hardly existed when he set up in 2011.

Simon began the business from a bedroom in his home near Burton-Upon-Trent in 2011 having trained as an electrician, spotting opportunities in the emerging green energy sector. He now has 50 colleagues based in Houldsworth Mill on Houldsworth Lane in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with additional installation teams working from home locations across the UK.

June 2021 marks a major milestone for Simon and his expert team who forecast that their 35,000th solar panel installation will take place this year. They completed over 100 solar panel installations in their first year of business in 2011 and since then, the interest in solar has grown rapidly and his national team of installers has a healthy sales pipeline for the remainder of this year.

They are responsible for over 18,000 installations across the UK and anticipate hitting the 35,000th later in 2021. Saving over 3750 tons of carbon each year, the solar power systems used derive clean, pure energy from the sun, helping combat greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the collective dependence on fossil fuel such as coal and natural gas. The company forecasts that its customer base will save at least the same tonnage of carbon in the next decade as the level of interest in reducing carbon emissions rises in the UK.

Simon has broadened his interests to other green tech solutions including air-source hot water cylinders, smart infrared heating and electric vehicle charging points. He is providing tested solutions to housebuilders and home providers to meet their obligations on energy efficiency scoring and the deadline for the ban on boilers.

Simon says, “There has been a major shift in interest to green energy in the past decade and we are witnessing a surge in demand as people recognise the important role solar panels play in providing energy through natural sunlight.

People are actively seeking out options to run their domestic appliances without harming the environment. Solar panels, used alone or as part of a wider energy solution, are proving an attractive and cost-effective option that is being explored by an increasing number of householders.

Every day our expert team are chatting to customers about how solar works and how we do not need to always have direct sunlight to generate energy.

My years of working in such fast-growing sectors have led me to invest in related areas including electric vehicle charging points and infra-red home appliances – all fascinating businesses where we are already seeing major growth. The next decade looks to be shaping up as just as exciting as the first one.”

Project Solar UK will be marking its decade in business by continuing to support community sports teams and the EV Veloce racing team.

BRUNTWOOD WORKS INVESTS IN WELLBEING WITH GLOBAL FITNESS BRAND

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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Workspace and leisure provider Bruntwood Works has partnered with international fitness brand Les Mills as it continues to invest in health and fitness as part of its focus on workplace wellbeing.

The partnership, which is the first of its kind for a workspace provider in the UK, enables customers across the Bruntwood Works portfolio to access the brand’s famous BodyCombat, BodyPump and BodyBalance classes on-demand and in new state-of-the-art fitness studios.

Following a successful pilot, which enabled Bruntwood Works’ customers to access the mind and fitness classes online during the pandemic, fitness studios have now launched at West Gate in Leeds and Booths Park in Knutsford, Cheshire. The launch complements the existing studio at Trafford House in Greater Manchester and Bruntwood Works has confirmed plans to roll-out the programme across further sites in the North and the Midlands.

Ciara Keeling, CEO of Bruntwood Works, said: “The health and wellbeing of our customers – both physical and mental – is vitally important and central to the way we blend work and lifestyle across our portfolio. We want to create spaces that connect our customers to the things that make them happier and healthier, and by partnering with one of the biggest fitness brands in the world we can really offer our customers something that is more than just gym space when it comes to fitness.”

Martin Franklin, CEO of Les Mills Europe, added: “Our sole purpose is to create a fitter planet, helping people live happier, healthier lives, and this complements Bruntwood Works’ business model. They are leading the way as a workspace provider by bridging the gap between property company and a business that puts the overarching needs of its customers at the forefront of everything it does. Our partnership is part of their overall wellbeing strategy; we’ve proven that virtual, flexible fitness classes meet the needs of a post-pandemic employee who now wants to workout when they want, how they want and in an environment they feel comfortable in. This flexibility is a gamechanger for Bruntwood Works and we’re looking forward to working with the team as they roll out Les Mills across some of their most iconic buildings.”

Ciara added: “While exercise is proven to help boost your mood, we mustn’t forget that health and wellbeing is about more than just exercise – the physical layout of the space in which you work, the amount of natural light in a building, the quality of the air and access to down time are just some of the other factors that play a valuable role. Wellbeing means different things to different people and that’s why we’ve curated a programme that encapsulates everything, from fitness and holistic therapies, to art and mindfulness. This means our customers can access a wide range of amenities and facilities, whatever building they’re in.”

Workplace wellness is central to the Bruntwood Works ethos, which focuses on blending work and lifestyle to bring balance to business. This means removing barriers to keeping fit and healthy – making it easy for people to make exercise an everyday part of a fulfilling workplace routine, and in turn improve mental wellbeing and productivity.

The partnership with Les Mills is the latest wellbeing investment from Bruntwood Works, and follows its recently announced partnership with Manchester’s premier training brand, FORM.

Altrincham’s premier shopping street secures two new occupiers

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

0

Altrincham’s premier shopping street secures two new occupiers

Two new tenants have been secured for the ground floor units within the Everyman cinema complex on George Street, Altrincham’s prime shopping location.

Homebird Interiors has expanded its Altrincham outlet and taken a 3,575 sq ft unit on a 10 year lease at 82-84 George Street relocating from Stamford New Road. The town has proved a successful location for Homebird along with its other shops in Wilmslow, Cheadle Hulme and Heswall. The stores offer an eclectic mix of stylish sofas, furniture, and home accessories

Homebird, co-founder Miri Templeton said: “ Having more space has allowed us to display our beautiful ranges to their full potential giving our customers a great choice and the ability to visualise our products as they would look in their own homes”.

At 74-80 George Street a new gym, Strength Collective, has been launched and taken 4,760 sq ft on a15 year lease.

Dana Huggins, co-owner, Strength Collective, said “Our primary aim, is to help people discover their own potential, and build a healthier life in every aspect. We provide the same outstanding level of service to every member from athlete, to the first time gym goer.

“What makes us different beyond the premium equipment we have is our passion for community within our industry. We aren’t just a gym or a personal training facility, we are a collective and we welcome everyone.”

Daniel Lee, managing director, Regional Property Solutions, who manage this 20,000 sq ft complex on behalf of Altrincham Regeneration LLP, said: “These units took some time to let but as covid restrictions eased we had some positive enquiries and these lettings reflect the growing demand for surburban outlets in affluent market towns”.

Social Republic Wins One Of The UK’s Largest Independent Lenders

Creative

Sam Whitear

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23/06/2021

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Social Republic Wins One Of The UK’s Largest Independent Lenders

Global social media agency, Social Republic, has been appointed by business finance provider, White Oak, for its social media marketing services, further establishing its presence in an industry worth £530m.

One of the UK’s largest independent lenders will join the agency’s portfolio alongside The British Red Cross, Neville Johnson, RedManta and Constance Hotels & Resorts.

Founded over 30 years ago, White Oak has funded more than 44,000 businesses, as well as, providing over £1 billion to businesses since 2018 alone.

Social Republic’s global teams will focus on promoting White Oak’s industry expertise and business lending offering through organic social media campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter, combined with weekly blogging updates.

Dean Renshaw, Customer Outreach Manager at White Oak commented: “We can’t wait to start expanding our brand awareness and reach customers instantly through social media alongside Social Republic global teams.”

CEO of Social Republic, Rob Illidge added: “We’re delighted to begin our new partnership with White Oak, and we look forward to helping them expand their social media presence through the power of social media.”

Social Republic has established itself as a leading global agency, having developed a client base in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

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