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First look inside Kampus garden neighbourhood

Property

Sam Whitear

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15/03/2021

First look inside Kampus garden neighbourhood

New images have been revealed of Kampus – the new £250m garden neighbourhood being developed in central Manchester by Capital & Centric and HBD.

The first look showcases the quirky rooftop village of Amsterdam inspired Dutch Houses that sit atop of North Block. With high ceilings, panoramic views across the city and huge suntrap terraces, the Dutch Houses are the penthouse reimagined.

With one and two bedroom apartments to rent, North Block is the first of five individual buildings to complete at Kampus. It makes a bold new addition to Manchester’s skyline, with its distinctive pixel windows, Lancashire red brick and exposed concrete features. Inside it’s all about clean design and sharp interiors crafted by Dezeen award-winning YOUTH Studio.

The building, along with its sister South Block, sits alongside two beautiful Victorian shipping warehouses and a 1960s brutalist tower. At the heart of Kampus lies a canal-side garden, full of trees, plants and flowers, and open to everyone. It will also be a home for the city’s creatives and independents with two floors of independent bars, restaurants and shops.
Adam Brady, Executive Director at HBD: “Each building at Kampus has its own distinct character. So whether you fancy living in a rooftop village with unbeatable views across the city or an exposed brick loft is more your thing, we’ve got something for everyone.

“There’ll be loads of places for you to meet your neighbours. As Kampus grows you’ll find independent shops, bars and eateries by the lush garden. You can catch a film in the rooftop cinema, host a dinner party or have drinks in the lounge or join in a yoga class on the terrace. We’ve even got the Bungalow – an ex-security cabin on stilts overlooking the canal which is our village hall.”

Talking about the interiors, Liam McGroarty, co-Founder at YOUTH said: “We wanted them to feel like home, somewhere you can make your own, so the design is understated with simple details – wall colours that add warm tones, floor colours that don’t dictate what you do with the space, furniture made from natural materials. It’s not a white box, but neither is it too much. You bring your own style.”
With no deposit or hidden fees, pet friendly and tenancies from 12 months to 3 years, prices start at £1,125 for a 1-bed apartment and £1605 for a 2-bed. Along with super-fast broadband, a resident’s app and 24-hour on-site team, other resident perks include a gym, yoga terrace, private cinema and dining room. All 534 apartments at Kampus are for rent with the other buildings becoming available later this year.

STAGECOACH DELIVERS CLEANER AIR FOR GREATER MANCHESTER AS CITY’S FIRST ELECTRIC DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES CLOCK UP OVER 700,000 CARBON-FREE MILES

Energy
Green

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

STAGECOACH DELIVERS CLEANER AIR FOR GREATER MANCHESTER AS CITY’S FIRST ELECTRIC DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES CLOCK UP OVER 700,000 CARBON-FREE MILES

Stagecoach’s multi-million-pound investment in new electric buses is helping deliver cleaner air for communities in Greater Manchester, with the vehicles clocking up over 700,000 carbon free miles after a successful first year in service.

The fleet of 32 electric double-decker buses was introduced in March 2020 and represents one of the single biggest investments in this technology anywhere in Europe.

They are helping cut pollution from cars on the region’s roads by encouraging people to switch to more sustainable public transport. Previous research shows that pollution from cars sitting in nose-to-tail traffic is four times higher than on free-flowing roads.
Nitrous oxide, particularly from cars, makes by far the most significant contribution to non-CO2 emissions from the transport sector. It is a significant source of local air pollution, with 1kg of Nox equivalent to 298kg of carbon. As a result, the new buses will reduce annual Nox by the equivalent of 4.4 tonnes of carbon a year, further helping efforts to deliver cleaner air in the region.

The buses use state-of-the-art batteries that use regenerative braking to recharge every time the bus slows down. They operate on some of the busiest roads in Europe, connecting Manchester City Centre with the airport, hospitals and universities. They were introduced in partnership with the Mayor, Andy Burnham and Transport for Greater Manchester as part of plans to improve air quality in the region and reduce harmful carbon emissions. Stagecoach has recently announced it is targeting a UK-wide zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.

Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director for Stagecoach Manchester, said: “Buses play a critical role in delivering cleaner air in our towns and cities and reducing the harmful impact caused to our region’s communities through car congestion.

“As the country starts to recover from the pandemic, there is an opportunity to make real progress in cutting pollution by encouraging people to switch from cars to more sustainable public transport. Now is the time to invest in bus priority measures and better infrastructure to help support the shift to a greener region.

“As we mark successful 25 years of delivering services in Greater Manchester, we are proud to be playing a crucial role in supporting cleaner air for our communities through our major investment in electric buses. As one of the most important regions in the country, we now need to lead the way in working together to ensure a boost in bus use to deliver a greener Greater Manchester.”

Buses have continued to play a critical role in Greater Manchester during the pandemic in helping people access jobs, education, training and other essential public services.
Independent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) published last year shows that without Stagecoach bus services, there would be an annual increase of 190,000 tonnes of CO2 through passengers using alternative transport, mainly cars. One double decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road and a 1% switch away from cars could increase bus use in Greater Manchester by 12% or more.

First look images inside CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s Crusader owner occupier community

Property

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

First look images inside CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s Crusader owner occupier community

Social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC has released new images of the first apartment to complete at their Crusader Mill development off Chapeltown Street in Manchester.

Crusader, which recently featured in the BBC2 documentary Manctopia, hit the headlines in 2017 when locals were given ‘first dibs’ on the loft-style apartments and investors were banned.

The images show how the iconic mill, built around 1830, is being lovingly restored into one and two bed apartments with exposed brickwork, original cast iron columns and wooden beams, and huge windows.

Along with neighbouring owner occupier community Phoenix, Crusader forms part of the emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood, nestled between Piccadilly and Ancoats, which was recently named by The Times as one of the next greatest places to live.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said:
“Crusader is packed with history, but that’s meant it’s been challenging. Stuff that we couldn’t have ever foreseen that’s caused us and our buyers some delays. We can’t wait to welcome our residents and really appreciate how they’ve beared with us.

“But ultimately we weren’t going to cut corners. This building is so iconic, with such great features, we have to do it justice. Once part of Manchester’s Cottonopolis, the building gives the loft apartments tons of industrial character that oozes from the exposed bricks, beams and huge windows that soak the apartments in light. This was the first project we brought forward in Piccadilly East – it’s our baby! – so it’s awesome to see it nearing completion.”

The first residents are anticipated to move into Crusader in March. The final phase of apartments are now available to buy with two-beds starting at £299,000 and one-beds from £200,000, some of which are only available to First Time Buyers using the Help to Buy scheme.

All residents get access to Crusader’s lush, green courtyard, with fire pits and barbeques, while some of the penthouse apartments have private roof terraces. The apartments will be dog friendly and benefit from a 24/7 concierge.

First time Crusader buyer James Lomas said:
“I’d not long started saving for a deposit when I saw Crusader Mill was available with Help to Buy so thought I’d have a nosey. As soon as I saw it I completely fell in love and knew it was the one for me. So, I spoke to my parents and, after a bit of convincing, they agreed to provide the rest of the deposit. I wasn’t expecting to buy something so soon but there was no way I was missing out.”

Crusader buyer Jo Beswick said:
“The design and layout of the apartments are really, really well thought out. The windows flood the room with light, the beams are just gorgeous and the exposed brick gives it character. We knew straight away this was the one for us! The whole aspect of it being for residents only is great. We wanted a community and we’re really excited to be here.”

SUN SHINES ON PROJECT SOLAR UK AS GROWTH TRAJECTORY CONTINUES

Energy

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

SUN SHINES ON PROJECT SOLAR UK AS GROWTH TRAJECTORY CONTINUES

A Stockport-based retailer and installer of solar panels is celebrating a decade in business as the move towards green energy moves apace.

Project Solar UK, established in 2011 by Simon Peat, has built a reputation as the go-to supplier in the fast-growing clean energy market. It now employs 130 people at its call centres in Stockport and Burton-upon-Trent and has installation teams located across the country.

2021 is a milestone year for the ambitious team who forecast that their 20,000th installation will take place during their decade celebrations

Since its inception in 2011, Project Solar UK has completed over 18,000 domestic installations saving 3750 tonnes of carbon each year. The solar power systems used derive clean, pure energy from the sun, helping combat greenhouse gas emissions and reducing 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 interest in reducing carbon emissions climbs the agenda in households.

Solar panels are a direct way to reduce ongoing energy bills as they are designed to absorb energy from daylight and convert it into energy for domestic use. Any excess can then be sold back to the energy supplier through a Smart Export Guarantee, a fee paid per KW hour. This sell back scheme, launched 12 months ago, has already seen millions of KW hours paid back to homeowners nationally who have moved to incorporating solar panels on their roofs.

Simon Peat, Managing Director, states, “There is a clear shift to clean, green energy as customers 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 evidenced by the surge in calls we are experiencing from our call centre bases. Our expert team are explaining that we do not need to always have direct sunlight to generate energy and that daylight, even when overcast, plays an important role. Once people understand how solar panels and power work, they can visualise a future using a new energy source, translating into a busy sales pipeline for our national installation teams.”

Project Solar are marking their decade in business by renewing their sponsorship of Stockport County FC and continue to sponsor community football teams at Stockport Vikings. Their relationship with the Hatters includes centre circle sponsorship, personal sponsorship of four players and a dedicated Project Solar Day at the club which will take place when permitted withing government guidelines.

THE INSIGHTS PEOPLE EXPANDS INTO INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES & SOUTH KOREA

International

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

THE INSIGHTS PEOPLE EXPANDS INTO INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES & SOUTH KOREA

The Insights People, global leader in kids, parents and family research are delighted to announce our expansion into Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. The launch follows on from the company expanding its Asian operations in recent years, with the launch of Kids Insights India in 2019, and Kids Insights in Australia and China in 2020, and Parents Insights in all of those countries earlier this year. The company are now surveying c410 different kids (age and gender representative kids between the ages of 3 and 18) and c205 parents of children (between the ages of 1 and 16) in each of the four new countries.

The launch of Kids Insights and Parents Insight in these four new countries sees the business surveying more than 7,000 children every week aged 3-18, totaling more than 362,000 per year and 3,264 parents every week, totalling more than 170,000 per year.

Kids Insights and Parents Insights already operates in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, UK and the US. The company is firmly established as the global leader in kids, parents and family market intelligence with a diverse and hugely impressive client portfolio which includes: Amazon, BBC, Disney, F1, Kraft, Mattel, T-Mobile and Warner Bros, to name just a few.

Nick Richardson, Founder and CEO of The Insights People comments:
“This represents an important development for us as a business, as we have experienced significant demand for our services in this region. Initially we will be running all of our Asia-Pacific operations from the UK initially, but we will be looking to launch an office in the region later this year”

Data collection in the region started on 1st February, so the first reports for both Kids Insights and Parents Insights will be due out at the end of May.
Another announcement, recently made by The Insights People, is the creation of the first real-time global media planning tool focused on kids, which will allow planners and marketeers to choose the right media mix for their campaigns, taking into account 17 different types of media.

Richardson adds,
“It would be impossible to do what we do if we were based in any other city. The access we have to incredible tech, research, data science and commercial talent through the cities universities cannot be underestimated. Our 52 strong, highly talented team are currently made up of 11 nationalities – which is a critical component to our success”

Manchester Chosen as the New Home of Polestar – Sweden’s Electric Car Brand with a Sustainability and Community-focused Ethos.

Transport

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, has chosen Manchester to host its revolutionary new Space – where you can look but you can’t buy.

“Manchester has a rich history in technical innovation, not least when it comes to transport, and is leading the way in terms of sustainability and the digital revolution – so it is the perfect location for our second home in the UK,” says Jonathan Goodman, CEO of Polestar UK. “This is an extraordinary time to be opening a new retail proposition, but Polestar is anything but an ordinary brand – and Manchester is anything but an ordinary city.”

The Polestar Space within the Manchester Trafford Centre is situated at the heart of where people go to shop and relax, for a hassle-free customer journey. Minimalist design and integrated digital interactivity ensure the product remains the focus. Non-commissioned Polestar Specialists are there to inform consumers about the brand and its products before using the Polestar website to order their car, Polestar 1 electric performance hybrid GT or the Polestar 2 fully-electric performance fastback, directly from the Swedish manufacturer.

The Polestar Space at the Trafford Centre was initially due to open its doors three months ago, but the national lockdown means it will now launch on 11thMarch but for now the Manchester team is working with the community to help families in need of support.

Tomorrow (Thursday) a fleet of 10 Polestar 2 electric vehicles will assemble atthe Trafford Centre to deliver over four tonnes of food – or 10,000 meals – to families supported by FareShare Greater Manchester. The food has been donated by members of the media and Polestar UK staff, following a campaign inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford.

When the Space’s formal opening had to be cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions closing non-essential retail, the Manchester staff came up with an idea to help others rather than wait for the Space to reopen. Using its London Space opening as the basis, when a launch-in-a-box was sent to the homes of the journalists who would have been invited to the event, the team in Manchester sent out empty boxes to the same people to fill them with non-perishable items for families in need.

The initiative, dubbed #NoWasteofSpace, went viral on social media and a nationwide campaign was quickly co-ordinated, with hundreds of boxes soon being sent in by fans including Jason Manford, the Manchester United and Swedish International footballer Victor Lindelof and Dynasty star Emma Samms.

Overwhelmed by the response, Polestar, who have matched every donation kilo for kilo, had to increase the scale of what they needed to buy.

“We are a new brand of car, a new way to see cars, and a new type of business in the North West,” said Goodman. “And we want to give back, to be a part of the city here in Manchester,” he said. “Our local team have joined with FareShare Greater Manchester to deliver over 10,000 meals to those people who are facing challenges in these very difficult times. We are working with the community now and will continue to do so when we are able to welcome everyone to our Space at the Trafford Centre.”

DARESBURY LAB FRAMEWORK SUCCESS FOR MC CONSTRUCTION

Property

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

DARESBURY LAB FRAMEWORK SUCCESS FOR MC CONSTRUCTION

MC Construction has won a place on a new three-year framework for improvement works at the internationally-renowned Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire.

Salford-based MC Construction has been appointed by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Part of the Science & Technology Facilities Council, STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory has more than 300 staff and is located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, which spans nearly 200,000 sq metres.

MC Construction achieved the highest overall score in the tendering process for refurbishment, replacement and maintenance projects worth up to £500,000 in value.
Its first-place ranking means it will be awarded all works up to £15,000 in value under the terms of the framework.

The estimated total spend under the agreement will be up to £2m a year. Projects will range from minor construction works to extensions and lab and office fit-outs.

Russ Forshaw, group operations director at MC Construction, said: “STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory is internationally recognised for its world-leading scientific research.
“We are thrilled by our appointment to improve and maintain this inspiring campus via the new framework, and coming first in the tender process highlights that our experience, processes and personnel are of the highest standard to deliver a wide range of projects.

“The framework will enable us to showcase the flexibility we offer via our core construction business and facilities services division. In addition, our specialist local supply chain, who will be helping to deliver small and large projects, will have an important role to play in the delivery of future schemes.
“We look forward to starting projects in the near future and to building a strong relationship with the client.”

MC Construction undertakes building projects throughout the north west with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors.

Its other framework partnerships include Manchester Airport, Royal Mail Group, Transport for Greater Manchester, the University of Manchester, Salford City Council, Cheshire East Council, STAR Procurement, the Crown Commercial Service, North West Construction Hub and the Rise Construction Framework.

The family-owned business is based on Oldfield Road, Salford, and employs 60 people. It is celebrating its golden jubilee in 2021.

LEADING ARTS ORGANISATIONS JOIN FORCES TO CREATE 40 NEW KICKSTART JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN GREATER MANCHESTER

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

LEADING ARTS ORGANISATIONS JOIN FORCES TO CREATE 40 NEW KICKSTART JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN GREATER MANCHESTER

A consortium of leading arts organisations in Greater Manchester have joined forces to create job opportunities for 40 young people (aged 19-24), who are currently unemployed or claiming Universal credit – with more to come over the next few months.

The roles are funded by the government Kickstart Scheme which was launched in September 2020 by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), in response to the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the jobs market and young people.

The GM Cultural Consortium, which includes Manchester International Festival (MIF), the Royal Exchange, Contact, The Lowry, and HOME, took part in a joint application led by MIF’s The Factory Academy, Cultural & Creative Skills and Curious Minds, to successfully secure funding for the 40 Kickstart roles.

The consortium was initiated by MIF, as part of a longer-term vision to put opportunities for local people at the heart of The Factory, the city’s new landmark cultural arts space that will be its future home. This latest collaboration builds on previous work which has seen members collectively create traineeships, work experience opportunities and launch five new Creative Venue Technician apprenticeships.

The Kickstart roles will commence over the next few months and cover all aspects of the industry. MIF is offering ten roles in Sponsorship, Press, Producing, Marketing, Sustainability, Touring, Community Engagement, Skills & Training and Artist Liaison in the lead up to and during MIF21 (1-18 July); HOME is offering eight new roles in Marketing, Customer Services, Fundraising, IT, Environmental Sustainability and Building Maintenance as part of its Work Based Training programme; and twelve roles at Contact will span Creative Development and Marketing & Digital Communications, Front of House and Operations/Facilities.

In advance of the Kickstart jobs roll-out, MIF has already engaged with 50 Kickstart-eligible students who have taken part in pre-employment training as part of its skills and training programme, The Factory Academy. The DWP-approved course featured sessions on leadership and navigating change and is designed to help support them in their next steps in the creative sector. Ten students from this cohort will be selected for the Kickstart roles at MIF, with many others being matched to other roles as they become available.

Kickstart employers across the region will also be able to benefit from ‘Kickstart Creative’, a new wraparound programme created by The Factory Academy to complement the government’s Kickstart Scheme. The programme provides learning and personal development opportunities and is designed to boost students’ employability and self-confidence both during and beyond their six-month employment.

Jocelyne Underwood, Skills and Training Director at MIF & The Factory says: “We’re thrilled to have worked together with our partners in the region to help secure these roles for young people in the city. This collaborative approach is a key part of our vision to put skills and training opportunities at the heart of The Factory. Over the next five years we’re creating thousands more training opportunities with the aim of opening up the creative sector to the widest pool of talent and helping to equip young people with skills that will be useful post -COVID.”

Dave Moutrey, Director of Culture, Manchester City Council and Director and Chief Executive of HOME said: “Greater Manchester has a history of cultural organisations working together to provide platforms for young people to develop their skills and experience. These Kickstart roles offer new opportunities for young people to build their confidence and skills in a dynamic industry, and the wide range of roles available across the scheme reflects the diversity of skills and experience employed within cultural organisations. Importantly, the scheme also provides a pipeline for the sector to access new talent and ideas – at a time when this has never been more valuable.”

Julia Fawcett OBE, Chief Executive of The Lowry in Salford, said: “This is a great example of arts organisations across Greater Manchester working together to open-up the industry to new talent. The successful Kickstart applicants will bring with them fresh perspectives on how the sector should reinvent itself post-COVID. In that spirit, The Lowry is already consulting with our local community on specifically which areas of our business Kickstart positions should be based to amplify those new voices.”

Sheralee Lockhart, Director of Business and Operations at Royal Exchange Theatre said: “A thriving cultural industry has always been part of Greater Manchester’s history, and what better way to ensure a dynamic future than to open-up skills and training opportunities for young people from across the region. We are delighted to be working with our peers to offer a real variety of Kickstart roles across the theatre which highlight the diversity of skills across our industry.”

New name signals new chapter for leading technology hub in the North

News

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

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New name signals new chapter for leading technology hub in the North

The Landing is rebranding as HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, to scale its ambition as a pioneering hub for nurturing talent, accelerating innovation and driving prosperity across the North.

This new chapter will be the first of its kind, combining the three pillars of skills, innovation and start up all under one roof, with a focus on building a world-leading reputation in data science, AI, gaming and immersive technologies.

Based at the heart of MediaCityUK, which was recognised as one of the UK’s fastest growing tech hubs that will propel the region into recovery after the pandemic, HOST will serve as a driving force to the interconnected and collaborative Salford Innovation Triangle – alongside Salford Royal Foundation Trust, with its global-leading innovation factory; Salford University, the fastest-growing University in the North West; and MediaCityUK, the creative tech and digital hub with 8,000 employees and over 250 SMEs.

IN4.0 Group took over management of the hub on 1 October 2020 with plans to build on its great pedigree, and since then it has already made several high-profile appointments and collaborations.

HOST has already established significant partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Barclays Eagle Labs, Greater Manchester AI Foundry, AI Tech North and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, mobilising the most diverse and innovative business community. Simon Benson, co-inventor of PlayStation VR, was appointed Director of Immersive Technology in November 2020.

Dr Maria Stukoff, director of the University of Salford’s Maker Space and former BBC Academy and Sony PlayStation ‘imagineer,’ recently joined the hub to foster future talent and support the development of its esports and XR immersive community.

Several more high-profile announcements are on the horizon for HOST that will further enhance its capability to help drive the region into post-pandemic job rich recovery.

A precursor to this is FreelanceHER 100, a ground-breaking 12-week accelerator programme that is currently supporting and empowering over 109 women impacted by the pandemic, to kick-start their careers as freelancers.

The five floors of the building will also be refreshed to include a state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, which will house a 24/7 security and network operations centre, dedicated to supporting SMEs with secure and scalable digital adoption and nurturing new IP in cyber and AI technology.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Salford City Council as we enter this landmark moment from when The Landing was first established in 2013.

“HOST, Salford’s Home of Skills & Technology, is not just a name-change, it is a representation of the hub’s mission to establish an ecosystem that supports skills, growth and innovation in the region.

“Diversity, accessibility and inclusion are at the core of everything we do, and it is imperative we continue to build on these values as we enter this new chapter with HOST. We are an enabler, not just of productivity, but of prosperity for all – we may be about technology, but the benefits we bring are all about people.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed an extra emphasis on digital technology and skills more than ever before. Our aim in Salford is to be the UK’s leader in digital enterprise.

“HOST scaling its ambition and driving this important work forward is another piece in the jigsaw to enable us to do that. It is fostering and nurturing talent which is creating growth, opportunities and jobs that local people can benefit from. It is a very exciting time for this city.”

Debbie Brown, Strategic Director of Service Reform at Salford City Council added: “The digital sector is continuing to thrive in Salford. HOST will be the engine room to open up opportunities for residents and businesses in the city and beyond. I am delighted with the progress and look forward to working with the team on this next step of the journey.”

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK: “MediaCityUK is constantly evolving and HOST’s ambitions in data science, gaming and immersive technologies will accelerate our position as the home of globally recognised talent and innovation. Through HOST’s inclusive approach it will make opportunities accessible and help transform visions into a reality.”

Fire protection specialist keeps the flame alive with BBLS loan

Finance

Sam Whitear

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12/03/2021

0

GMJ Fire Prevention Ltd., a fire protection product company, has secured £4,295 from specialist social impact lender, GC Business Finance, through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Based in Bolton, GMJ Fire Prevention maintains, services and rents fire extinguishers for businesses in the North West and beyond. Focusing on quality and affordability, it also offers comprehensive fire safety training, equipping its customers with the knowledge and skills to conduct a safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

With many of its customers secured through face to face meetings and phone calls to office environments, the coronavirus pandemic immediately halted GMJ Fire Prevention’s growth and threatened the business’s future. After it was denied a loan by its business bank, GMJ Fire Prevention secured the four-figure BBLS loan from GC Business Finance, enabling it to continue operating during national lockdowns and look forward to growing the business when restrictions lift.

GC Business Finance is an alternative finance provider for businesses unable to obtain finance through their regular bank. It offers loans ranging from £500 to £500,000, including CBILS, start-up loans, equity investment, export finance and micro finance. In November, it became the first local authority-backed delivery partner to offer BBLS loans when GMCA pledged £10m emergency funding to support businesses in the region.

Gary Jacques, Managing Director at GMJ Fire Prevention, said: “The loan from GC Business Finance has helped us to navigate a difficult period and put the focus back on our business growth plan. I was really impressed with the way that GC Business Finance handled the loan: every aspect was totally professional. Jonathan and the team are a credit to the business. Thanks to them, we are already looking forward to offering our personal and friendly service to businesses again when restrictions lift.”

Jonathan Nelson, Senior Loan Manager at GC Business Finance, said: “In the last 12 months, the need for accessible business finance has been thrown into sharp focus, so we are proud to have helped GMJ Fire Prevention to mitigate the negative financial impact of COVID-19 through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. It was a pleasure to work with Gary, and we wish him every success in 2021.”

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