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GC Business Growth Hub appoints Janine Smith as new Director

Janine Smith has been appointed as the new Director of Greater Manchester’s GC Business Growth Hub.

The first female director to lead the GC Business Growth Hub, Janine has been with the Hub for the last eight years.

She is taking over the reins from Richard Jeffery, who founded and led the Hub over the past 10 years. Richard is stepping up to lead the development and expansion of The Growth Company’s business support services across the UK.

Janine started her career in sales and marketing for Bellway Homes, a national property development company, before moving into teaching business and management studies at a high school and then Accrington and Rossendale College.

In 2005, she entered the world of business support as an operations team leader for Business Link North West, before becoming Director of Enterprise and Skills at Orvia, a Lancashire-based enterprise agency.

Janine joined Greater Manchester’s GC Business Growth Hub in 2013 as a Start-up manager, before being promoted to Head of Growth Services.

She took on the role of Head of Specialist Services in 2018, leading the Hub’s sector specialist and growth teams, managing a range of successful multi-million-pound contracts and programmes.

Janine said: “Richard has been a brilliant founding director and ambassador for our business community, and I am proud to be continuing his legacy.

“The Hub makes a real difference to the lives of businesses across our region and I am so proud of the work we do.

“I am really looking forward to leading us in the next stage of our journey and continuing to drive the support and services that we deliver for our amazing entrepreneurs.

“The last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for the entire business community and I’m proud that our teams have been there to offer support and advice for those who need it the most. We will continue to be here for our businesses, every step of the way.”

In his new role as National Director, Richard Jeffery will lead the development and national positioning of GC Business, leading on a range of national business support services, working with Local Enterprise Partnerships, Combined Authorities, Government and private backers.

The development of the Growth Company’s national proposition comes almost 10 years after the Growth Company invested in and developed England’s first Business Growth Hub in Greater Manchester.

It has since become the blueprint for a network of 38 Business Growth Hubs which facilitate local and national business support programmes.

Richard Jeffery said: “Janine has been a core part of the leadership of the Business Growth Hub for many years and she is really committed to supporting the business community.

“As an experienced operational and development director, Janine is ideally placed to lead the Hub and I wish her every success.

“It is 10 years since I was set the task of establishing the Business Growth Hub and I am incredibly proud of the impact our teams have on the business community that we serve.

“I am delighted to be taking on an exciting new role to establish GC Business and expand our national business support activities.”

Businesses interested in understanding the national opportunities being developed through GC Business can contact GCBusiness@growthco.uk.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services.

This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project, designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.

Salford’s HOST launches Skills City with a commitment to fast-track 450 technology career starts each year for women and the BAME community

A unique digital skills powerhouse is set to transform talent diversity in the North West’s tech sector, by breaking the barriers faced by those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds and fast-tracking 450 people into careers in digital technology every year.

Skills City comprises leading digital technology bootcamp academies, working in collaboration with employers at all levels to create a clear pathway to jobs and diverse talent recruitment.

Based at HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology at MediaCityUK, it aims to provide fairer access to digital and technology career starts, creating the most diverse technology talent pool and thus being a magnet for technology businesses to move into the region.

Women remain largely underrepresented in the tech sector (17 per cent in the UK), and in a bid to readdress gender inequality, Skills City has committed that 50 per cent of learners will be represented by women.

People from a BAME background, those who are financially disadvantaged, or on career breaks like return to work mums, are also encouraged to explore the opportunities available at Skills City as alternative routes to finding employment in the tech sector.

The Skills City Learner Charter commits to securing skilled job offers for all its cohorts. A dedicated team of employer engagement managers and community skills coaches will be working across the region’s businesses large and small, with all learners completing an employability programme and industry projects as part of their training.

HOST by IN4.0 has a strong track record in skills development and will be delivering best in class training across six technology areas: cyber, data analytics, immersive technologies, cloud engineering, software engineering and creative digital media.

The technology training will be delivered by Skills City’s academies including the Raytheon Cyber Academy, Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start, University of Salford, Unity 3D Academy and Black Codhers, a specialist software engineering academy for black women. All Skills City academies will carry a professional industry certification and transition to level 3 and 4 apprenticeships.

At the heart of Skills City is the commitment to removing the present barriers impacting diversity and inclusivity during the entire learning journey, from education and skills training right through to securing a job in the tech industry. Skills City’s expert team will support employers in achieving their diversity and inclusion ambitions.

This unique offering will include outreach programmes into BAME and disadvantaged communities across Greater Manchester and the North West, where individuals who would not otherwise have fair access to opportunities will be supported to embark on a career in technology.

Another programme due to launch shortly from Skills City will be Kickstart Digital. In collaboration with Salford City Council, it will provide digital skills development to young people employed on the government’s six-month Kickstart apprenticeship scheme.

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted Salford residents aged 16-24 with 2,785 now claiming unemployment related benefits, an increase of 1,400 since March 2020.

This will not only help to grow businesses in Salford but also create life-changing opportunities and hope for young people, kickstarting their careers and opening up employment opportunities.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, said: “Establishing Skills City has been a very personal mission, a first of its kind Skills City in Greater Manchester, and our ambition is to establish a Skills City hub within all of the region’s technology clusters as a catalyst to eradicating inequality and digital exclusion.

“Diversity and inclusion is in our DNA at HOST and we see Skills City as a bridge between education and responsible employers. We understand that offering training courses is not enough, especially now when unemployment is at an all-time high, and while many career routes have been shut down, digital skills continue to be in demand. We will be launching recruitment in April and building a community of tech talent from the most diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to support them through their journey into employment.

“By working in collaboration with the government, local authorities and employment partners, our mission is to support people from across Greater Manchester, the North and the UK with overcoming the barriers into new careers in tech.”

Salford’s City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “Salford is committed to becoming a digitally inclusive city where no-one, young or old is left behind. No-one should be excluded from opportunities in the latest industries or everyday life just because they cannot get online or do not feel confident using the latest technology.

“Skill City is a key part of our Digital Everyone ambition to ensure local residents have access to cutting edge training and development to realise their full potential and create a better, fairer Salford.”

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Salford City Council, said the pandemic had accelerated digital adoption and emphasised that digital skills are now as essential as maths or English.

“Salford is now second only to London as a digital and technology hub for businesses and, as a result, has the fastest growing economy in Greater Manchester.

“Local businesses have shown they can adapt to rapidly changing and challenging circumstances and use digital technology – from virtual reality to online transactions to open up new markets and cut costs. By investing now in cutting edge skills we will develop the workforce needed to grow these industries and not just drive our recovery but transform our future economy,” said Tom.

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK, said: “Our MediaCityUK community includes some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic enterprises in the country, meaning the ability to attract and recruit trained technology talent, at speed, is crucial in this fast-moving sector. The Skills City graduates will ultimately provide all MediaCityUK businesses with the opportunity to reach their digital and tech recruitment goals as well as provide local, diverse talent with fantastic employment opportunities.”

The influential Manchester tech firm you’ve probably never heard of

Tucked away in Cheadle Hulme, there’s a Manchester business known for bringing James Bond-style spy gadgets into homes – while also devising bespoke surveillance solutions for private investigators, police forces and perhaps even some real-life spies.

This sounds like a fascinating mix, but it’s just part of the everyday working week for the tech specialists at Online Spy Shop.

Started in 2005 by surveillance expert Steve Roberts, Online Spy Shop now has a team of skilled mechanical and electrical engineers, software developers and programmers. They spend their days testing out every aspect of their hand-built product range in their workshop.

And many of their products are straight out of a Bond film, from miniscule spy cameras hidden inside coffee cups to near invisible bluetooth earpieces. On their regularly restocked site, you can even find surveillance gadgets disguised as teddy bears, credit cards and spectacles. It isn’t just spy gadgets either, as OSS is also a one-stop-shop for bug detectors and other counter surveillance equipment.

Making spy gadgets affordable for the consumer market

Surveillance equipment of this quality used to be eye-wateringly expensive, or simply not available to the consumer market. But innovative thinkers like Roberts and the team at Online Spy Shop have changed all that.

Not only does the Manchester-based company produce and sell high quality products for all budgets, but it also prides itself on offering honest, jargon-free advice. So, whether you want to keep your car safe with a GPS tracker or install a CCTV camera system in your home, the team will talk you through everything you need to know.

But OSS isn’t just a consumer-facing business. Among its products are professional grade surveillance systems and gadgets, used by everyone from security and police forces to fraud investigators. The company even develops bespoke solutions using state-of-the-art technology.

The company without a single salesperson

 

One of the most surprising things about a company like Online Spy Shop is its lack of even a single salesperson.

 

The business has gone from strength to strength since it launched in 2005, capitalising on a huge increase in consumer interest in hidden cameras and listening devices. In fact, the spy gadget market is believed to be worth in excess of £25 million a year.

 

Online Spy Shop has managed to increase its sales and loyal customer base without a sales strategy. Instead, the key to its extraordinary success is customer service. This is a big part of their ethos – solving the customer’s problem, not just selling products.

 

Steve Roberts and his team are more than happy to spend as long as it takes advising customers on the right solution for their needs. Whether it’s a business owner worried about protecting their premises or a homeowner wanting to keep tabs on builders or babysitters in their home, every query is answered in full.

 

It’s clear that the OSS team are true experts, on a mission to demystify the technology they’re so passionate about. Their business continues to grow due to word of mouth and glowing reviews, to the extent that there’s just no need for the hard sales pitch.

DOUBLE BOOST FOR COURT OF PROTECTION TEAM

Law firm Bromleys has enhanced its Court of Protection team with two appointments.
Chris Brayshaw and Rebecca Calverley have joined the Tameside practice from firms in Manchester city centre.

Bromleys’ Court of Protection team, led by John Longworth, acts for clients who lack the mental capacity to manage their own property and financial affairs due to reasons such as injury, illness or old age.

Solicitor Chris specialises in high-value Court of Protection work and Lasting Power of Attorney cases, acting on behalf of clients from teenagers to the elderly on end-of-life care.

Chris, who is a member of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association, also has extensive experience of advising on personal injury and wills, trusts and probate matters.

He said: “There is a real synergy between my values and those of Bromleys. The firm echoes my belief about the importance of helping others.

“The needs of clients are put at the heart of everything it does, and I’m delighted to join a thriving team and a firm with ambitious growth plans.”

Rebecca has joined Bromleys as a paralegal. She has 10 years’ experience working with clients and their families to support them in managing their financial affairs. She is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
She said: “Having worked in a busy Court of Protection team at a city centre firm for over 10 years, I wanted to seek a new challenge.

“I was offered several positions but chose Bromleys for its warm and friendly atmosphere, its overall sense of community and the quality and variety of the work.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Court of Protection team at Bromleys and look forward to playing my part in helping to develop and increase its capacity while delivering the highest standards of client care.”

Mark Hirst, senior partner at Bromleys, said “Our Court of Protection team is held in high regard on a regional and a national level.

“They are experienced, hardworking and dedicated, with a real passion for their work, so it was crucial that we recruited like-minded experts to complement our existing team.

“Chris and Rebecca will each play a key role in helping the department go from strength to strength and I wish them long and happy careers with us.”

Aberla Energy secures 3-year Solar PV Contract

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Aberla Energy, part of the North West based Aberla Group, has been selected by Progress Housing Group as their specialist energy contractor over the next three years. Aberla will provide their industry leading solar PV maintenance and installation services to homes across Progress’ portfolio.

Aberla was awarded the contract following a mini-competition issued by Procure Plus, and will include properties across Lancashire and Lincolnshire.

Paul McCarren, chief executive officer at Aberla said, “As the cost of renewable technologies continues to fall, it’s encouraging to see organisations such as Progress Housing invest in solar PV. Residents will benefit from powering their homes with cleaner and cheaper energy, reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and energy generated from the grid.”

Established in 1994, Progress Housing Group is one of the UK’s leading supported living providers, owning and managing over 10,000 homes across the UK. Progress operates mainly in Lancashire, but offer their supported living services nationwide.

Mark Harrington, compliance mechanical & electrical manager at Progress Housing said, “Our focus as an organisation is to improve the quality of housing for our residents, and this project allows us to do exactly that. We were impressed with Aberla Energy’s experience and look forward to working with them.”

This contract win strengthens Aberla Energy’s growing portfolio of public sector work, having recently completed the successful delivery of over 100 solar PV and battery storage systems for Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Aberla’s team is due to start the project in Spring 2021, with the programme due to be completed by October 2023.

Place Capital Group Adds Extra Strength to Board with finance and legal specialists

Manchester-based Place Capital Group, the housing estate regeneration specialist that works with large social landlords to revive inner urban communities, has added two senior property industry specialists to its Board of Directors.

Joining the business as non-executive directors are Karl Eddy, former Senior Partner at Grant Thornton and Scot Morrison, a Senior Partner at Pinsent Masons in Manchester with 25 years’ experience in property, housing and regeneration.

Founded by David Smith-Milne and Peter Martin earlier this year, Place Capital Group is working with major owners of social housing stock to bring new life and place led investment to large scale housing estates. The company is growing through a buy and build strategy and announced its first acquisition, Fourth Street Place Consultants, in February 2021.

With a strong project and acquisition pipeline, the company is now expanding its board to support the group’s corporate development and governance. Eddy joins from a career that includes senior roles with Drivers Jonas, KPMG and, more recently, Grant Thornton where he was a member of the Senior Leadership Team and previously headed up the Government and Infrastructure advisory team.

Commenting on his appointment, Eddy said “Place Capital Group is bringing a much-needed focus on some of the hardest regeneration challenges. It wants to create better places. Sustainable and thriving places that connect people with prosperity. The unique combination of robust advisory and development / investment capabilities will provide a new model for project delivery at a time when Government’s focus has rightly shifted to tackling some of the most over-looked places of the UK.”

Morrison has spent over 25 years advising public and private sector clients ranging from central government bodies such as Homes England, Local Authorities and a variety of developers on structuring large-scale regeneration and urban development projects. He is recognised for structuring and delivering public private JVs, partnerships and finance arrangements with the ability to navigate the public private space and associated regulatory space.

Commenting on his new appointment, Morrison said “Place Capital Group is bringing real innovation to the comprehensive revival of our essential former council estates through its development partnering model and the outputs of this will benefit thousands of people through better quality, affordable homes set within renewed urban spaces.”

David Smith-Milne, CEO of Place Capital Group, said, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Karl and Scot to the board. Their knowledge of the regeneration sector and the strength of their experience will be invaluable as we grow the business, both organically and through acquisition.”

Grainger plc launches the first two phases of its £80m scheme at The Filaments

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The Salford development comprises 376 homes, including a mixture of 365 apartments and 11 townhouses across three blocks – Neon House, Halogen House, and Lamp House, with the latter two ready for occupation in early April.

The Filaments adds to Grainger’s existing Build-to-Rent portfolio in the region, which includes the £100m, 510-unit Clippers Quay scheme at Salford Quays, one of the UK’s largest rental developments outside of London.

Residents of The Filaments will benefit from on-site professional management provided by a team directly employed by Grainger, which has won awards for its service.

Helen Gordon, chief executive at Grainger plc, commented: “The north west is a key growth market for Grainger and the launch of The Filaments further reinforces our commitment to the area, taking our portfolio in the region to 1,841 homes.
“The Filaments is an exciting new development, and we’re very proud to be bringing high quality rental homes to this market combined with our award-winning service, delivered by our inhouse Grainger Resident Services team.

“The Filaments is nestled in the heart of Salford’s bustling Chapel Street corridor, providing our residents with great access to some of the city’s best independent bars, restaurants and culture venues, whilst also on the doorstep of Spinningfields and everything Manchester city centre has to offer. Salford Central station is adjacent to The Filaments and can be reached in a minute on foot!”
The Filaments is also home to a co-working zone, gym, residents lounge, and host of other amenities, which together total over 6,500 sq. ft. of shared social space for residents.

Super-fast Wi-Fi (250 MB), available in all homes and throughout the building, is also included in the rent, and the on-site Resident Services team will also organise regular residents’ events to encourage the creation of a community, while respecting social distancing guidelines in line with Government guidance.
All homes contained within Halogen and Lamp House will boast private outdoor space. Neon House is pet friendly enabling residents to move in their four legged friends.

In addition to studio, one, two, and three-bed apartments, it is hoped that The Filaments’ townhouses for rent will appeal to a broader demographic, such as families.

The site is bound by Trinity Way and Gore Street, and forms part of the Chapel Street regeneration masterplan.
In addition to new homes, the Filaments includes six high quality ground floor commercial units ranging from 400 sq. ft. to nearly 3,000 sq. ft. in size. The units benefit from flexible planning consent and will suit a range of uses including retail, restaurants, cafe, and fitness space. Grainger will be looking to attract a range of independent and local operators to help develop this vibrant new community.

WORKS BEGINS ON SITE FOR NEW 185,000 SQ MANCHESTER WAREHOUSE

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Patrick Properties, represented jointly by Savills and B8 Real Estate, has received planning consent to redevelop its holding at Stakehill Distribution Park in Middleton, Greater Manchester. Work has now commenced on site with practical completion expected in April 2022.

Acquired by the property company in 2009, Patrick Properties has gained consent to develop a major new build manufacturing and distribution facility of 185,000 sq ft on a 10 acre site. Prior to its acquisition in 2009, the site previously accommodated a 190,000 sq ft regional distribution centre for Sainsbury’s and is the only development plot currently available on the park.

Stakehill Industrial Estate is one of the key warehousing and logistics parks in the North West. The site extends to over 200 acres and comprises in excess of 2.5m sq ft of industrial and distribution space with occupiers including Tesco, Aldi, Booker, Toolstation and Yodel.

Jonathan Atherton, industrial and logistics director at Savills Manchester, comments: “This is a welcome development in a region that is very quickly becoming undersupplied with large grade A units. Stakehill remains one of the North West’s key industrial locations and we are expecting strong interest from local and national occupiers.”

Christian Thorpe, PAM at Patrick Properties, adds: “The investment to redevelop this prominent site will create best-in-class logistics space suitable for a diverse mix of occupiers in a highly sought after location. Since the acquisition of this plot in 2009 the industrial market has significantly developed and this new project will create a standout hub equipped to service today’s thriving market. ”

From Manchester to Madagascar – Digital Agency Embarks on 5,777 Mile Fundraiser for client WaterAid

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They’ve designed and managed their website for nearly three years – now the team at Manchester digital agency Access are going the extra mile for their client WaterAid with an epic charity challenge that will see them cover 5,777 miles – the distance from Manchester to Madagascar – by foot, bike and rowing machine!

With an ambition to raise at least £5,777 for the charity, the agency is also hoping to highlight the crucial work that the charity does in Madagascar.

Access staff and their counterparts at WaterAid are taking part in the challenge. Working in two teams, they are collectively walking, running, cycling, rowing, swimming and even climbing a combined total of 5,777 miles. Adding a competitive element, one team started in Manchester and the other in Madagascar to see who can (virtually) reach the mid-way point around Mecca first.

For Access Managing Director, Simon Landi, launching the fundraiser is also about motivating the team to stay active and well while working remotely. He said: “The past 12 months have been tough for everyone physically and mentally so we wanted to kick off the beginning of this year with a charity initiative that would bring us together, challenge us and encourage staff to take a break from their screens and get outside – whether that be a gentle walk or a challenging bike ride, all whilst raising money and awareness for an incredible cause.

“We’ve missed being able to do group sports and wellbeing activities in our office-based lunch breaks, so this has got everyone collaborating and supporting each other to give it everything that they’ve got as they race to be first to the target.

“We’ve already reached more than half of our target – and nearly covered 4,000 miles – so it would be great if our peers and friends in fellow businesses around the region showed their support by making a donation – to spur the team on further.”

Simon added: “We’ve been WaterAid’s global web development partner for almost three years and we are continually inspired and amazed at the life changing work they do. We’re having lots of fun doing this challenge with them and they’ve been brilliant at encouraging us – they gave us a motivational kick off presentation and we’re working closely with their Field Officer in Madagascar, Ernest, on a Q&A session soon to chat about their work in Madagascar. He’s also provided us with a Spotify playlist and encouragement along the way.

“WaterAid’s latest awareness campaign called ‘Mission to Mars’ is extremely moving, highlighting the juxtaposition between our desire to go to Mars to see if life can exist there (mainly by researching for water) – compared with people here on earth (like the families the charity supports in Madagascar), who are still dreaming of finding water right here on our own planet.

“It was this campaign that compelled us to step outside our comfort zones and raise money and awareness for the people who struggle to find one of our most basic, yet vital, human resources.

“You can keep up to date with our progress, and the race to Mecca, within our daily update blog and anyone who would like to donate to the challenge can do so via our Just Giving page.”

Genr8 and Kajima announce joint venture partnership

The partnership will focus on delivering urban regeneration across the UK
DEVELOPER Genr8 has formalised its partnership with Kajima Corporation of Japan to deliver a series of town centre regeneration projects throughout the UK.

This follows the successful launch of the £80m first phase of Rochdale Riverside, a 200,000 sq ft retail and leisure destination which has transformed the heart of the town centre with a host of new occupiers in a scheme designed by architect’s TP Bennett. The scheme opened last year and features a 50,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer and a six-screen cinema alongside both national and local occupiers.

Having completed an £80m funding deal with M&G Investments to deliver the scheme, the partnership is now on site delivering the next phase which will see an additional £50m investment and deliver 240 apartments and a 146-bed Hilton hotel.

Building on this success the two companies have now formally established Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd with the intention of working with aspirational councils to deliver transformational regeneration projects alongside the Government’s levelling up agenda.

Richard Ingham of Genr8 said: “We’re making this announcement now because the partnership is focussed on successful delivery. Kajima and Genr8 have proven track records and Rochdale is proof positive that together we can deliver a new breed of town centres. The partnership wants to engage with public sector partners who are looking to bring about real physical and social change to their towns and city centres.”

Kirk Taylor of Kajima Partnerships said: “Having completed the first phase of Rochdale Riverside, we are really excited to be evolving our strategic partnership with Genr8.

“Based on our first-hand experience of working closely with local government and development partners, we are confident this ongoing partnership will provide a fresh and strong contribution to regeneration efforts across the UK.

“We believe that together, Kajima and Genr8 can bring both real expertise and financial resource to the Government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda, for the benefit of communities around the country.”

Richard Ingham concluded: “Our teams are closely aligned in terms of values and ethos, and we look forward to continuing a prosperous, long-lasting relationship.”
As well as Rochdale Riverside, Genr8 is delivering the £200m Smithfield scheme, a new mixed-use quarter for the city of Stoke-on-Trent, where Genr8 has already delivered 200,000 sq ft of Grade A office, 151 Build-to-Rent apartments and a Genr8 owned Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.

Kajima is a leading developer and manager of employment, residential and public social infrastructure space. Increasingly working as a valued partner of public bodies looking to rationalise and optimise their estate. Kajima manages over 75 social infrastructure assets/buildings in the UK with a gross value of about £5 billion.