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Law firm gears up for Manchester growth with new partner hire

Suzanne Gregson joins from Brabners LLP and will help to lead and grow the social purpose law firm’s housing litigation and management practice in Manchester alongside partners Helen Tucker and Baljit Basra in Birmingham.

Gregson brings more than 20 years’ legal expertise to ACS’ growing North West housing team, with further recruitment in the pipeline for ACS in Manchester. A strategic move for the firm, as it looks to build its regional presence after opening a new office located on the city’s King Street in 2019.

With Gregson helping lead the team, ACS is set to bolster the housing litigation services it offers in the North West – supporting an increased number of social housing providers, local authorities and charities.

Suzanne Gregson, partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors, said:

“Anthony Collins Solicitors is well known for its housing expertise. The firm already has partnerships with a range of social housing providers and local authorities in the North West and nationally. Building on these strong foundations, I’m excited to be joining ACS’ Manchester team and helping deliver the firm’s ambitious growth plans.”

Gregson was the first solicitor in Lancashire to be awarded a Police Commendation for her work combatting anti-social behaviour in Preston.

Gregson added:

“Joining ACS also represents an opportunity to contribute to its social purpose mission. I share these values and believe expanding in Manchester will enable the firm to support more North West housing organisations – improving lives, communities and society.”

Anthony Collins Solicitors’ Manchester office is led by Jonathan Cox. The social purpose law firm’s main headquarters are in Birmingham.

Jonathan Cox, head of Anthony Collins Solicitors’ Manchester office, said:

“Despite the challenges of the last year, Anthony Collins Solicitors is entering a new period of growth in the North West. Suzanne’s appointment demonstrates this momentum, while highlighting the firm’s commitment to the region, with further recruitment planned for 2021.

“Suzanne joins ACS with a wealth of expertise and drive which will be invaluable as the firm continues to work alongside its housing clients in the North West and nationally.”

Hilton Manchester Deansgate to celebrate the reopening of hospitality venues across Manchester with dramatic light display

Following months of restrictions for the hospitality sector, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, the luxury hotel housed in Beetham Tower, is set to feature a light display to salute the much-anticipated reopening of hospitality on Monday 17 May 2021.

The initiative, entitled Light Up MCR, will see the Hilton create a giant numerical 10-1 countdown each night across 22 floors of the hotel’s building facade. Using its floor-to-ceiling windows and bedroom lights, the countdown will go live 7 May from 21:00.

The light display will culminate in the floors lighting up to reveal the shape of a heart, highlighting the community spirit that has kept the Manchester hotel industry afloat throughout the pandemic.

Once hospitality is able to ‘fully’ reopen on 17 May, Light Up MCR will open their first night exclusively for members of the MHA in the Hilton’s Cloud 23 bar for industry workers and supporters.

The countdown is in collaboration with the Manchester Hoteliers Association (MHA), a non-profit organisation of the key hotels within the city centre and the Greater Manchester area, and will serve as a show of solidarity for those in the industry in the city region.

Adrian Ellis, chair of the MHA, said “Light Up MCR is a brilliant opportunity for all who are connected to the hospitality industry to celebrate the reopening of our beloved sector. Over the past 12 months we’ve faced huge challenges, as tight restrictions in our region have resulted in an extended period in which hospitality has been closed.

“Facing such difficulties would have been insurmountable had it not been for the enduring community spirit which carried the sector through.”

He added “The culture of support and kindness in the Manchester hospitality sector has been unrivalled, so to have an occasion, like Light Up MCR, where all of the industry can celebrate its return is really heartwarming. We hope lots of people will turn out and show support.”

Adam Reckert, general manager of the Hilton Manchester Deansgate said that he was “delighted to be able to support the MHA in a way that can help unify Manchester’s hospitality industry”.

Hospitality workers will be able to enjoy complimentary and discounted drinks in Hilton’s champagne and cocktail bar, Cloud23, on the night. Tickets can be secured by contacting the relevant General Manager who will confirm the booker is connected to the MHA.

MORGAN SINDALL CONSTRUCTION BRINGS SKILLS BOOST TO SALFORD WITH KNOWLEDGE QUAD

Morgan Sindall Construction has launched its second Knowledge Quad as part of its work on the University of Salford’s new Science, Engineering and Environment Building (SEE Building).

The Knowledge Quad is a multi-purpose training and learning facility located within a live Morgan Sindall Construction site. It delivers value by undertaking activity focusing on the four key areas of skills, education, employment and discovery.

The Knowledge Quad also creates a vital link between industry and education, ensuring that curriculums align with employer requirements and that students, trainees and apprentices at all levels are provided with the relevant knowledge and skills to help them succeed.

Morgan Sindall Construction has collaborated with the University of Salford for several years on a range of educational programmes. That relationship is now being taken to a new stage of partnership through the launch of the Knowledge Quad, its position within the SEE Building site enables the ongoing work to serve as a live textbook and to provide those who use the facility with a unique insight into how a large scale built environment project is delivered.

The new facility will initially open its doors as a soft launch offering community programmes to small groups, in line with social distancing guidelines, followed by a more extensive programme schedule as lockdown restrictions ease. The first event being held at the new facility has been led by Build Salford, a traineeship programme that enables 16-24-year olds to get takes the first steps in beginning an apprenticeship with leading construction firms.

The Knowledge Quad concept began at Morgan Sindall Construction’s £150m Paddington Village multi-project site in Liverpool City Council’s Knowledge Quarter, the scale of which enabled a substantial investment into tackling the worsening skills gap in construction and maximising the socio-economic value of the development.

Since its launch in early 2019, the Knowledge Quad has run a range of programmes that have upskilled workers in trades and sectors identified as important to the future growth of the Liverpool City Region. Other activities have included employment pathway programmes for underrepresented groups including UK veterans, pre-employment skills workshops and numerous schools, college and university engagement sessions.

To date, the Knowledge Quad in Liverpool has resulted in over 6,950 students attending engagement events, 1,442 volunteer hours donated via Morgan Sindall Construction’s staff and supply chain and over 1,900 apprentice weeks at Morgan Sindall Construction projects. As a result of its impact in Liverpool, the Knowledge Quad was awarded the Value award at the 2020 North West Regional Construction Awards.

Now, Morgan Sindall Construction is replicating the model to create a new Knowledge Quad on site at the University of Salford to help students and the local community benefit from the opportunities that the facility enables. Morgan Sindall Construction is currently delivering two projects for the University of Salford – the SEE Building and the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Morgan Sindall Construction’s long-standing collaborative relationship with the University of Salford has involved the delivery programme of onsite work experience to undergraduates, as well as supporting PhD students by providing research opportunities within the company.

Members of the local Morgan Sindall Construction team have also undertaken regular lectures at the University as well as offering regular site visits, workshops and experience in preparing project proposals for the design, planning, costing and development of a new site to multi-disciplinary Salford students. Additionally, the company – in partnership with the University – has arranged for students to undertake activities at the Constructionarium at the Construction Industry Training Board’s Bircham Newton base in Norfolk.

The University and Morgan Sindall Construction will work collaboratively to ensure the Knowledge Quad creates pathways that are inclusive and accessible, resulting in a tangible skills boost for Salford.

Shaun Jones, Greater Manchester area director for Morgan Sindall Construction said: “For many years our industry has been battling a skills shortage, and the creation of the Knowledge Quad in Liverpool was our North West team’s way of taking action in order to help people take advantage of the many routes to a rewarding career that construction and related industries have to offer. Two years on, we’ve proven the model works. While there’s been disruption as a result of the pandemic, it has only made us more determined to use the Knowledge Quad as a means to better support the communities in which we work.

“Launching the second Knowledge Quad on site at our work at the University of Salford is a really proud moment for our team. Most importantly, it will improve the prospects of many people across Salford and Greater Manchester at time when it’s more important than ever to have access to skills and training opportunities.”

Jason Challender, director of estates and facilities, University of Salford, said: “We are delighted that the University of Salford will be home to Morgan Sindall Construction’s second Knowledge Quad facility. Providing real-life experience and opportunities for our students is central to what we do.

“The Knowledge Quad will enhance our current programmes to students and provide an opportunity to engage directly with our local communities. The facility has already been used for small group sessions with the community. Behind the scenes we are making plans for the facility to come available for wider use, in accordance with Government guidelines, later in the year.

“The facility will play an important role in our mission to Build Back Better as part of the Crescent Masterplan following the challenges presented by the pandemic. It will provide a much-needed space for the local community to upskill and receive training that can support them in growing their careers.”

Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeships at Salford City College – which is running the Build Salford scheme in partnership with Salford City Council – said: “Morgan Sindall Construction’s new Knowledge Quad at the University of Salford is an important addition to the skills and training offering in the local area. We’ve already seen what the facility has helped achieve in Liverpool, and it’s brilliant that young people from Salford and the wider local area will now be able to benefit from the career opportunities that it will support.

“The manner in which the Knowledge Quad will help apprentices make valuable connections with potential employers is crucial – we look forward to working with Morgan Sindall Construction closely in order to help more young people achieve their potential.”

Salford City Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to marry classroom and onsite learning on two prestigious projects which will support learning for decades to come. Salford’s building boom has not slowed even during the pandemic and the construction trades offer huge opportunities for local residents. I’m delighted to see Build Salford playing a key role in this scheme.”

ENDS

For more information about this news release please contact Tom Carlin at Influential on 07827 957740 or carlin@thisisinfluential.com
Notes to editors
Morgan Sindall Construction
Morgan Sindall Construction is a UK business with a network of local offices. Project capabilities cover the entire range of construction activities, from special works and repair and maintenance, to major landmark schemes delivered as standalone projects or as part of larger multiple project frameworks. The company operates across the public and private sectors to deliver the social infrastructure around us – from schools, universities and hospitals to retail, office and leisure environments. Morgan Sindall Construction is part of Morgan Sindall Group plc, a leading UK construction and regeneration group with revenue of c£3 billion and which operates through six divisions of Construction & Infrastructure, Fit Out, Property Services, Partnership Housing, Urban Regeneration and Investments.

New partner hire for Tosca Debt Capital

Manchester-based independent debt fund Tosca Debt Capital (TDC) has appointed Mat Deering as a partner to further develop and grow its investment portfolio.

He will be working alongside founding partners Gary Davison and Richard Williams to strengthen the firm’s presence in the market and unlock growth for UK SMEs and lower mid-market corporates.

Mat joins TDC having had a successful career in both corporate advisory with EY and as a partner and original team member with Endless LLP. During his time at Endless, Mat led the Manchester office and was responsible for a number of successful investments including Moda Furnishings, Bright Blue Foods (BBF) and EVO Group. More recently, Mat has acted as executive chairman of TDC portfolio company, EDAM Group as well as undertaking a number of other non-executive and board advisory roles via his advisory consultancy Remedy LLP.

Mat’s new role will focus primarily on the natural extension of the TDC proposition, which is centred around the deployment of secured debt capital into UK corporates. He will be supporting transactions which require a broader approach to financing potentially involving equity participation and subordinated debt investment.

TDC has recently received total commitments of £182m into TDC Fund III, with a final close due in the Autumn. To date, the firm has deployed £340m across 40 UK borrowers and has achieved 10 successful exits, including the recent exit of Lomond Group to Linley & Simpson, an LDC investee company in the property rental and estate agency sector.

Gary Davison, managing partner at TDC, said: “We’re delighted to have Mat on board at an important time for our business. As we embark upon closing TDC Fund III and considering our options in terms of future fund raising, we are committed to deploying increasing volumes of debt capital across the region’s ambitious businesses. With this in mind, Mat will be a great asset in terms of his experience and network and will help drive the continued development of our product portfolio and remit.”

Mat Deering, partner at TDC, added: “I am genuinely excited at the opportunity to join such a dynamic and unique business as TDC and support its continued expansion and development. TDC has significant funds available to deploy across regional businesses and as the economy recovers from the impact of COVID, I believe there will be many opportunities to support strong management teams.”

Manchester Agency Banc Launches Dedicated Digital PR Division

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Manchester-based full-service digital agency Banc recently expanded its well-established Content Marketing department with the launch of a dedicated Digital PR division.

Evolving out of the agency’s decade-long legacy of excellence in organic search, the move signifies a strategic commitment to be at the forefront of emerging digital marketing disciplines.

The creation of this new service structure has been facilitated by both strategic internal appointments and key recruitment – and complements the business’ existing service areas in Technical SEO, Content Marketing, Paid Media, Conversion and Web Design & Development.

Jonathan Branney, Content Marketing & Digital PR Director at Banc, commented: “We made the conscious decision at the outset of 2020 to further develop and restructure our product offering in order to remain ahead of the curve when it came to client demand.

“In an increasingly competitive search landscape, we are incredibly proud to be able offer a fully integrated solution for driving organic growth, comprising Content Strategy, Digital PR and Technical SEO.

“Beyond its benefits as a tool for high-authority link acquisition at scale, I believe marketers are really starting to understand the profound effect Digital PR campaigns can have in increasing reach, introducing your brand to new audiences, and even generating referral traffic and social engagement. And as our customers’ requirements evolve, we are well-positioned to deliver the creative and operational excellence clients have come to expect from our agency.”

Over the last twelve months, Banc has run 34 individual digital PR campaigns for 18 clients– generating a total of 620+ unique backlinks and pieces of coverage for our brands across a range of sectors – from travel to consumer goods and leisure attractions to B2B.

Jonathan added: “Whether it’s a household brand or a niche business tech company, our team are equipped to deliver the highest quality content and digital PR services at every level.”

Peer Networks provides Greater Manchester SMEs with opportunity to be stronger together

Business leaders in Greater Manchester have the chance to join a flourishing network that promises to help support, develop and grow their SMEs.
Peer Networks unites small groups of owners and directors to address shared challenges, devise solutions, and maximise their combined expertise and experience.
Funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the programme is being delivered by GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company.
Participants are able to join virtual sessions, where they will receive valuable insights that lead to practical day-to-day solutions to the real issues their business is facing.
Dawn Duggan, Head of People, Skills & Talent at the Hub said: “We received fantastic feedback from the those who have taken part in Peer Networks since its launch last autumn.
“The programme has provided a forum for business owners to work together to support each other in a non-competitive environment, which has proved invaluable in what are obviously demanding times.”
Kashif Ashraf is the co-founder and joint chair of Asian Business Leaders, who delivered the first Peer Networks programme on behalf of Hub partner, the Ostro Fayre Share Foundation.

He said: “The participants really bonded well over the action learning, and passionately got involved in trying to understand each other’s business and the support they could provide.

“The sessions were so inspirational that they are planning a reunion once conditions allow, and a couple of them have begun more formal business collaborations.”

Each Peer Network consists of 11 senior figures from the Greater Manchester SME community and is led by a facilitator. The group will usually meet fortnightly to discuss a series of common business problems.

Individual one-to-one support will also be provided to help to implement and manage change within each individual business.

Gemma Gray, Head of Operations at Mastercall Healthcare in Stockport, joined up last year.

She said: “Peer Networks allowed me to meet and work with some wonderful people from different industries, to gain new perspectives on leadership issues that are common, even across such different organisations.

“The one-to-one tutor session really helped me work on some long-standing obstacles and I’ve already implemented some changes in our organisation – to the benefit of the staff and the leadership teams. I am so glad to have taken part, and now feel more confident in my own skills and attributes.”

Jane Kasbia, Managing Director at KitsByDarren KDB Ltd, said: “I joined following a recommendation from a business contact. It was a very rewarding experience, getting to know other businesses owners from the local area, hearing about their issues and being able to help them.

“I would highly recommend Peer Networks. We are all busy people, but by taking part you will realise how much we can help each other out.”

To find out more about Peer Networks, or to register an interest in joining, please visit https://peernetworks.co.uk/. There is no cost and you will not be placed in a group with any competitors.
Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about GC Business Growth Hub’s extensive range of services. This and other Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of a 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.

Virtual trade mission to New York for B2B tech companies

 An innovative North-South collaboration will take Black, Asian and mixed background tech founders on a five-day virtual trade mission to New York.

 

The Race Ethnicity And Cultural Heritage (REACH) Mission to North America has beenorganised by The Growth Company’s Global Scale-Up programme together with the London & Partners Mayor’s International Business programme.

 

The mission will support B2B tech sector companies in Greater Manchester and London to explore and accelerate their expansion plans across North America.

 

The trade mission is part of a wider commitment to help companies from a range of diverse communities. It is one in a series of activities focussing on promoting greater diversity and inclusion being organised this year.

 

Delegates will have the opportunity to meet North American corporations and establish new trade opportunities, join investor roundtables and online networking events.

 

The mission will take place between 7 to 11 June. Limited places are available and interested businesses need to register by 30 April to find out more.

 

The Growth Company’s Global Scale-up programme gives the city region’s SMEs access to a global market entry network alongside a combination of tailored coaching, international growth sprints and regular bootcamps.

 

To be eligible for this mission, companies must have a trading address in Greater Manchester or London, be able to show a 20 per cent year on year growth and £1m in annual revenue or funding equivalent.

 

Businesses in London need to be a member of the Mayor’s International Business programme.

 

Global Scale-up Programme Manager at GC Business Growth Hub, Anna Carson Parker, said: “I’m very pleased to be joining forces with London & Partners to make this virtual trade mission happen, aligning diversity and international growth with a week’s worth of exciting opportunities.

 

“This is a real opportunity for those looking to enter the North American market to access investment opportunities, build new partnerships and cross border collaborations.

 

“We may not be physically going to New York in June but this mission will offer the same level of opportunity as a physical mission and I would urge interested businesses to register to find out more.”

 

Register interest for the mission: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reach-race-ethnicity-and-cultural-heritage-mission-to-north-america-tickets-148763386293?aff=GrowthCompany

 

For more information, please contactGlobalScaleUp@growthco.uk.

 

Visit the GC Business Growth Hub website for more information about the Global Scale-up Programme: https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/globalscaleup.

MANCHESTER-BASED DRINK SUPPLIER PARTNERS WITH ALDI TO LAUNCH NEW PRODUCT

Local drink supplier, Manchester Drinks Company, has partnered with Aldi to introduce a new gin flavour just in time for summer.

The tasty tipple – Cucumber & Lime Gin – will be available online and in stores across the country from 22nd April, launched as part of Aldi’s biggest ever Spirits Festival.

The Manchester Drinks Company is owned and run by Richard Benjamin and Brian Levine who have been friends since school. Since beginning their partnership with Aldi back in 2015, the pair have grown the business to employ 19 passionate staff members and now turn over more than £25 million a year.

The drink supplier’s refreshing new Cucumber & Lime flavour creation offers up a fabulous taste of summer, inspired by gin drinkers’ desire for a fresh squeeze of lime in their gin and tonic.

Richard Benjamin, Co-Founder of Manchester Drinks Company, said: “Our partnership with Aldi has challenged us to keep being creative and dynamic as a business, coming up with some great flavour innovations over the years to share with customers across the country.

“Alongside supplying over 200,000 bottles of gin and gin liqueurs to Aldi stores this year, we will also continue to supply various other products, including our popular Frozen Cocktail Pouches and Water Enhancers.”

Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “Manchester Drinks Company is a trusted partner and we’re delighted to share its new gin with our shoppers for this year’s Spirits Festival.

“The partnership we’ve built is invaluable and we look forward to continuing our work with Manchester Drinks Company in the future, bringing more of their wonderful creations to our shelves.”

Aldi has recently announced plans to increase the amount of food and drink it buys from British suppliers by £3.5bn a year by 2025 as it continues its rapid expansion across the UK.

Specialist recruitment firm MERJE enjoys most successful Q1 to date in spite of industry challenges posed by Covid

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Leading recruitment firm MERJE has recorded its most profitable Q1 to date, after successfully overcoming the many marketplace challenges which emerged as a result of Covid.

The financial figures achieved throughout Q1 of this year saw a 16 percent increase, compared to the same period in 2020, which had previously been MERJE’s record quarter before Covid increased its global grip and stringent Government guidelines around working came into force.

Ed Manson, MD for MERJE, said: “To surpass where we were positioned prior to Covid is a huge achievement, given the global circumstances and the impact they had on the jobs market. This latest milestone as we enter a period of recovery is all down to the hard work, resilience and determination of our expert team during the pandemic and the challenges which came with it.

“Alongside this, MERJE grew exponentially over the course of 2020 and into 2021 to accommodate three new specialist areas. They include our thriving Legal, Actuarial and Insurance and Claims divisions, as well as an expansion into Scotland with the appointment of a dedicated Business Manager.”

In terms of next steps, the strong start to the year has paved the way for MERJE to implement strategic commercial growth plans. This includes expanding its staff headcount by 39%, taking the overall number of employees from 36 to 50 by the end of 2021.

These key hires would be instrumental in working across MERJE’s Compliance, Customer Contact & Front-Line talent, Finance & Audit, Financial Crime & Fraud and Risk Management & Analytics disciplines.

This is with a view to assisting the business in making the whole of 2021 its most successful financial year-to-date. This follows a record year in 2019, during which MERJE reached a record revenue in excess of £10m.

Ed Manson added: “We’re delighted to have made such great strides so early into 2021 and recognise that this is significant given the many obstacles which the majority of businesses found themselves facing both this year and last.

“We now look forward to keeping up the momentum, by capitalising on our great start to the year with a view to achieving even greater success. This comes as we prepare to celebrate the landmark 10th anniversary of MERJE in October after being established in 2011.”

Henri-Lloyd Appoints 3PL as DTC Fulfilment and Logistics Partner

3PL, the Wigan-based third-party logistics specialist has secured a multi-year partnership with British clothing brand Henri-Lloyd to better manage the ecommerce order and logistics supply chain following their change to a more contemporary and innovative direct-to-consumer (DTC) business model.

Established in 1963, Henri-Lloyd sells its own manufactured products online across the world. The multi-award-winning British brand has created its direct-to-consumer model so that customers can permanently enjoy the same products at significantly more affordable prices worldwide. By cutting out all distributors and retailers, Henri-Lloyd will offer outstanding quality at outstanding prices whilst delivering on their sustainability goals.

Throughout the duration of the contract, 3PL will be responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s order fulfilment requirements worldwide, from source to delivery. The contract will take advantage of the company’s extensive expertise in ecommerce fulfilment. The partnership includes warehousing, bespoke pre-retail services, shipping items to customers and an enhanced delivery experience.

”We are so proud and excited to partner with Henri-Lloyd.” Erica Morrison, Customer Success Manager at 3PL, commented on the partnership. “We look forward tremendously to providing quality fulfilment and logistics services for such an iconic, forward thinking, innovative brand, who are continually evolving and growing with the demands of this ever-changing world’.

Graham Allen, CEO at Henri-Lloyd said “We are delighted to have found a trusted partner who share our values around the delivery of outstanding service in the digital world. 3PL’s focus on delivering our promises to customers is especially important as we navigate the extra complexity and costs following Brexit.”