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The company that’s developed a new way to clean – using probiotics

Business support

Sam Whitear

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16/02/2021

The company that’s developed a new way to clean – using probiotics

Bolton-based We Are Probiotic has introduced a new way to clean that is eco-friendly, cost effective and sustainable.

Co-founder Samantha Kitchen believes that cleaning with nature’s own beneficial bacteria is the way forward – and is flying the flag for a transition from simply ‘eco-friendly’ to verifiably ‘earth-beneficial’ products.

Thanks to support from GC Business Growth Hub’s Eco Innovation team, the company has now embarked on a year-long study in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to test probiotic cleaners against standard products. The Hub is part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Brewed at a farm in Wiltshire, probiotic products have shown to be far more effective at cleaning than their chemical equivalents. Evidence suggests that they can protect a surface from re-contamination for up to three days after cleaning, the firm said.

Once the data from the MMU study has been finalised, Samantha plans to break into the commercial market, initially targeting the hospitality and leisure sector.

Having completed a degree in environmental science in 2018, Samantha has recently embarked on a master’s course in environmental management and sees rigorous scientific study as crucial to growing the business.

“We’re wary of ‘green wash’ and overegging it in our marketing,” she said.

“This is a relatively new way of cleaning, so to successfully sell it to consumers we have to explain what the science suggests they can achieve. But we can’t make grand claims or be over-certain in any of our explanations without direct evidence.

“Last year, we undertook a trial in a care home which gave us incredible results. But we need to be able to replicate this many times in a laboratory environment for it to hold any weight.

“Our aim with the MMU study is to have a published research paper in the next two years, and we hope there will be many more studies to increase awareness of these incredible little cleaners.”

The partnership with MMU was made possible with the support of the Hub, which helped secure 50% of the funding through its Innovation Voucher scheme to get the project off the ground.

Dharma Nurse, Senior Innovation Development Manager at the Hub, said: “We Are Probiotic is an innovative company that is challenging the industry with its eco-friendly sustainable cleaning products.

“Research into the effectiveness of probiotic cleaners is still in its early days, but this study is going to have a massive impact on the sector. It will provide Samantha and her team with huge opportunities to accelerate the company’s growth.

“We were thrilled to work with Samantha to get the University collaboration off the ground and are looking forward to seeing how it develops.”

Innovation Vouchers enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Manchester to apply for up to £5,000 funding to access expertise, research and specialist facilities to accelerate the development of innovative products and services.

The vouchers provide an opportunity to develop a new, long-term and sustainable partnership with a university or a recognised research organisation (typically not for profit).

For more information on how GC Business Growth Hub’s Eco Innovation team can help, visit https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/services/eco-discovery

BRUNTWOOD SCITECH TO BRING NEW MARKET HALL AND DINING CONCEPT TO CIRCLE SQUARE

Property

Sam Whitear

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16/02/2021

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BRUNTWOOD SCITECH TO BRING NEW MARKET HALL AND DINING CONCEPT TO CIRCLE SQUARE

Bruntwood SciTech has secured a deal with the Chi Yip Group to bring a new market hall and dining destination – Hello Oriental – to Circle Square, Manchester, in July 2021.

Located in Symphony Park at the heart of Circle Square, Hello Oriental will occupy more than 6,000 sq ft, over three floors in the South Pavilion – a unique ground floor and subterranean space.

The new concept which is being launched by the group behind well-known Manchester restaurant Ocean Treasure and online supermarket of the same name, will offer everything from Chinese roast meats and dim sum to East Asian street food, alongside a modern Chinese bakery and on-site supermarket seven days a week.

Ricky Yip, Owner of Hello Oriental, said: “When we launched Hello Oriental as an online supermarket 12 months ago, that was only the start of our journey. We also wanted to deliver the very best Asian and oriental produce to our customers in Manchester, but we needed a flagship venue that would bring our vision to life.

“It was clear to us that Circle Square is the perfect place for us, a new city neighbourhood that is bringing people together to create a really thriving community. We can’t wait to launch Hello Oriental later this year and we’re confident that our new market hall experience will be a place for food-lovers of all backgrounds to come together, socialise and enjoy the very best Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine.”

Hello Oriental is the latest in a string of new food and lifestyle concepts to announce their move to Circle Square. It follows the announcements that Canvas, a first-of-its-kind lifestyle and events space, and TRIB3, a specialist high-intensity fitness studio, will open their doors to the public later this year.

Azim Kourah, Director of Hello Oriental, added: “We’ve always had one goal – to bring the finest oriental food to the people of Manchester to enjoy. Moving to the city’s newest, fast growing neighbourhood enables us to reach new audiences through an original concept and delivered with the same exceptional levels of quality and service we’re famous for.”

Tom Renn, Managing Director, Bruntwood SciTech – Manchester, added: “The very best cities around the world are known for being hotbeds of culture, entertainment and social activity, and that vibrancy and community is exactly what we’re creating at Circle Square. Hello Oriental is a fantastic concept that will appeal to the students and residents that call Circle Square home, as well as to office workers and visitors alike.

“With the arrival of Hello Oriental, TRIB3 and Canvas, Circle Square is set to become a must-visit destination in the heart of Manchester city centre.”

Chris Middleton, retail and leisure manager at Bruntwood, said: “Supporting successful and ambitious independent businesses with their growth journeys has never been more important. In what has been a challenging year for the retail and hospitality sector, it’s really exciting to be working with Hello Oriental supporting them to bring their innovative, first-to-market dining concept to Manchester.”

When complete, Circle Square will boast more than 1,700 new homes, 1.2 million sq ft of workspace and over 100,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including a variety of restaurants, boutiques and bars.

Greater Manchester manufacturers to share inspirational stories of digital technology adoption at Made Smarter virtual summit

Manufacturing

Sam Whitear

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16/02/2021

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Greater Manchester manufacturers to share inspirational stories of digital technology adoption at Made Smarter virtual summit

SME manufacturers using digital tools and technology to transform their businesses will share their inspiring stories at a free-to-access online summit.

The virtual conference, Made Smarter: The journey to digital manufacturing, on Wednesday, March 10, will show manufacturers how to leverage and fast-track digital technology and tools for a year of recovery, growth and resilience.

World leading puppet-makers MacKinnon and Saunders based in Altrincham, behind TV characters including Bob the Builder and Postman Pat, and currently collaborating with Hollywood director Guillermo Del Toro on the forthcoming Pinocchio animation, will talk about how 3D printing is driving efficiencies, increasing productivity and giving it a technological lead over its international rivals.

Meanwhile, clothing manufacturer Creative Apparel, based in Stockport, will discuss its journey to build a state of the art, smart factory while becoming a leader for change in the sector by putting sustainability at the heart of its production processes.

Other, SME manufacturers sharing real-life stories of their experience of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption programme include: Fabricon Design (Ashton Under Lyne), Arden Dies (Stockport), Bindatex (Bolton), Crystal Doors (Rochdale), and Starlight Bedrooms (Bolton).

Curated by manufacturers for manufacturers, the conference also features an impressive line-up of industry heavyweights such as Juergen Maier, Chair of the Digital Catapult and co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission; and Stephen Phipson, the Chief Executive of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation; Andrea Hough, Managing Director of ATEC Engineering Solutions; and Glyn Jones, Service Delivery Director at BAE Systems and Chair of the Made Smarter Pilot Steering Group, who will showcase the ‘why?’, ‘what?’ and ‘how?’ of digital manufacturing.

The packed one-day programme, running from 9.00am-5.00pm, will be hosted virtually using an interactive online platform and include insightful panel discussions and roundtable debates, interactive workshops; demonstrations of the latest digital manufacturing technologies; and one-to-one advice sessions, giving businesses the vital intelligence needed to start their digital journey or take the next step.

To ensure the Made Smarter message reaches as many people the conference is free to access for anyone from the spectrum of UK manufacturing and engineering, including aerospace, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, construction, defence, electronics, energy, food and drink, nuclear, plastics, security, steel, space and textiles.

Juergen Maier said: “I am delighted to be participating in the Made Smarter: The journey to digital manufacturing conference to share my passion for the benefits of digital technology and celebrate the positive impact that Made Smarter’s adoption pilot is having on individuals, businesses, the environment, and the UK economy.

“For manufacturers by manufacturers, this summit is a must-attend event for anyone working in the sector to learn how to make their product or process smarter.

“In these tumultuous times COVID-19 has, without doubt, demonstrated that digital tools can enable and accelerate innovation, and create resilience.

“Grasping the digital opportunities has never been more important for businesses to recover and return stronger.”

To register your interest, visit https://www.madesmarter.uk/conference

A rich blend of sessions will cover themes including: the Made Smarter vision, achievements and future; building resilience through digital tools, and how technology can help manufacturers enhance and improve sustainability, exports, new product development, and the supply chain.

Manufacturers will be able to access practical, actionable advice through workshops including: how to get started on a digital journey, led by Made Smarter’s technology advisers; and how to lead the digital transformation in your manufacturing business, led by Lancaster University Management School;

Technology Demonstrators Alley will showcase the latest solutions available to manufacturers which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, create simulations of their plants and processes, as well as how 3D-printing, automation, and robotics can solve business challenges.

There will also be the opportunity to speak one on one with a variety of business advisers to explore the advice, support and funding available to manufacturers.

Made Smarter: The journey to digital manufacturing will be hosted by the Made Smarter North West Adoption pilot, which has been driving technology adoption in the region for two years.

The pilot has worked with 1,200 makers in every corner of Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Liverpool, providing advice, expertise and financial support to help them grow their business, increase competitiveness and reduce inefficiencies through digital tools.

550 businesses have received intensive support including expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, a leadership programme, and funded digital technology internships.

Donna Edwards, North West Pilot Programme Director at Made Smarter, said: “This conference is a unique opportunity to showcase to UK manufacturers the tremendous achievements of the pilot, the value technology can bring to the sector, and give real-life examples of makers who have started their digital journey, reporting growth, productivity and efficiency gains, and job creation.

“Whatever you make from wherever you are in the UK the journey to digital manufacturing event offers you the chance to learn from the experiences from industry leaders, gain the know-how you need from experts, and hear from peers who have been through the journey.”

KOMI Group’s ARK Media continues growth with new Head of Distribution and Partnerships appointment

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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15/02/2021

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KOMI Group’s ARK Media continues growth with new Head of Distribution and Partnerships appointment

As part of its strategic growth plans, ARK Media – the licensing, syndication and rights management division of Manchester-based the KOMI Group – has appointed Terry Pierce as its new Head of Distribution and Partnerships.

Pierce joins ARK Media from Newsflare where he was Head of Sales since 2016. Over the past four and a half years he oversaw the rapid growth of Newsflare’s content distribution and partnerships arms – both in terms of revenue and team capability. He has also previously worked at Elisa as its Head of Content Distribution, and he spent four years in TV news culminating in him being made News Editor at Sky Sports.

Terry’s new role at ARK Media will see him lead the licensing and distribution of KOMI’s acquired and licensed content for use across editorial, TV production and brand/ad segments. He will also be consulting across the wider group to enhance its entire content licensing and distribution services.

Terry said: “User Generated Content is powerful, and KOMI is at the heart of this rapidly scaling content vertical. UGC conveys stories from everyday people and its influence on the media landscape is only growing. You only have to look at the last year to grasp how important it has become for media companies and brands who are trying to tell authentic and emotive stories. It’s proven to be more trusted and more engaging, particularly during the times we’re living through.

Terry added: It also provides a voice to those people whose stories may not have been shared traditionally, and it’s amazing to play a role in sharing those experiences. I believe this is only the beginning for the sector and I’m looking forward to helping ARK Media, the whole KOMI Group and its partners use UGC to grow.”

Andrew Trotman – Managing Director of the KOMI Group – added: “Terry has some fantastic experience that will help us to capitalise on the booming UGC landscape. We already have huge and hyper-engaged communities who we acquire amazing content from, and I’m confident that under his direction the agency will continue to offer a full 360-degree service for brands and ad agencies who are looking to integrate UGC into their messaging, as well as accelerate our distribution to editorial organisations who have a huge appetite for the amazing content we work with.

The KOMI Group is a three divisional agency business consisting of dedicated social media, marketing and licensing teams. It was founded in 2016 and is led by Andrew Trotman and Ryan Williams. Over the past four years, its team of content creators, analysts and video producers have made and then distributed video content and viral campaign adverts for international brands such as BBC Films, O2, Universal, Bud Light and Disney.

Content has been shared across its Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts including It’s Gone Viral, which is dedicated to relatable, informative and educational content; as well as Go Fetch, a platform for dog lovers to connect with one another; Happiest, which focusses on bringing the most entertaining and uplifting content and real life stories; and Ultimate which is all about sharing fascinating and clever DIY, crafts and hacks followers can do at home.

The last year has seen the company reach other various milestones including launching ARK Media – its new licensing arm, delivering over six billion views across its portfolio of in house brands, relocating its HQ to Beehive Mill in Ancoats, reporting its highest ever NewsWhip results, acquiring social media brand Happiest Media Ltd and appointing Urban Splash’s Sam Lenehan as its new non-exec director.

BBI celebrates all agency win hat-trick

Growth

Sam Whitear

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12/02/2021

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Manchester-based content-led performance agency, BBI, has won its third agency of the year industry accolade in just a matter of months as it continues its rapid expansion.

It has beaten off strong competition to be crowned ‘Integrated Agency on the Year’ at the 2021 Northern Digital Awards.

Just prior to this, it was awarded ‘Large Integrated Agency of the Year’ at the Prolific North Awards 2020, swiftly followed by ‘Best Large Agency’ at the Northern Marketing Awards held before Christmas.

The 60-person strong agency has received praise for its ambitious growth plans, including its new Manchester headquarters, its handling of the Coronavirus pandemic and the launch of a new health division, BBI Health.

Jon Butler, Founder and Managing Director of BBI, said: “To hit the treble for large, integrated all agency awards in the last six months, in such a challenging climate, is testament to all the hard work every member of our team has put in.

“We’ve achieved a lot in the last few months, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the entire agency has adapted to obstacles that have come our way and risen to the opportunities we’ve had.”

Made in Manchester Awards 2021 Winners Announced

Awards

Sam Whitear

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12/02/2021

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On Thursday 4th February the ninth annual, and first ever, Virtual Made in Manchester Awards, brought to you by future pro-manchester celebrated the best of Manchester’s young business talent.

Streamed live from the VE-M Studio, Vison Events Manchester made this year’s virtual awards possible by providing us with their fantastic studio along with all of their AV and tech expertise.

Hosted by pro-manchester CEO Sam Booth, the stylish awards celebrated excellence in innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, training and development and leadership. Getting bigger and bigger every year, three new categories were introduced for 2021: Team of the Year, Manager of the Year and The Lockdown Hero Award. This award was for someone who had gone above and beyond and, in doing so, made a significant, if not vital contribution to a business, organisation or community within the Greater Manchester region during the pandemic.

The evening was a huge triumph with the Chair of future pro-manchester, Laura Guillon, Senior Associate at Hall Brown Family Law speaking ahead of the event:

“We had a record number of applicants this year and the quality has been exceptional. There’s no doubt that the young talent in Manchester have overcome a great deal this year and it is really inspiring to see how people have pulled together and gone above and beyond.”

Our proud sponsors of the event included; Headline Sponsor: WorkLife by OpenMoney along with Category Sponsors: Virgin Money, Sharp, Together, Brewin Dolphin, BNY Mellon, Hall Brown Family Law, Vision Events Manchester and DWF. Event Sponsors: Brabners. Brand Partner: Thisislda.

Our nominated charity was Spoons neonatal family support and we raised in the region of £4000.00 during the course of the event.

Full Winners List:

Apprentice of the Year: Georgia Carly, The Growth Company
Business Development Professional of the Year: Ruth Carmichael, Brabners
Business Owner / Entrepreneur of the Year, Emily Coxhead, Emily Coxhead ltd.
Finance Professional of the Year, Jessica Jackson, GC Angels
Graduate of the Year, Umar Tahir, Brabners
HR/Talent Professional of the Year, Jaye Haynes, Slater and Gordon
Lawyer of the Year, Charlotte Lewis, Mills & Reeve LLP
Lockdown Hero, Cherryanne Dawson, MIDAS
Manager of the Year, Nadia Johnson, Thales UK
Marketing and Creative Professional of the Year, Charlotte Moore, Studio Sonder
PA/EA/Business Support of the Year, Natalie Griffiths, The Oakridge Centre
Recruitment Professional of the Year, Paula Pawlowska, Realm Recruit
Team of the Year, EY
Technology Professional of the Year, Ellie Judge, Tech Returners
Chairman’s Rising Star Award, Emily Coxhead, Emily Coxhead ltd.

Manchester AF brewery sees off multinational brands to win Alcohol Free Drinks Product of the Year award

Awards

Sam Whitear

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11/02/2021

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Manchester AF brewery sees off multinational brands to win Alcohol Free Drinks Product of the Year award

Manchester alcohol-free craft brewer Drynks Unlimited is celebrating its 0% SMASHED Pale ale winning a coveted Product of the Year award. It was one of the only small independent businesses, and the first ever alcohol-free drinks brand, to win a coveted award.

SMASHED Pale ale is a light and refreshing 0% ale with hints of toffee and caramel finished with passionfruit notes. It only launched in October 2020 and has already proved one of the brands most popular beers.

This is the first year that the prestigious Product of the Year award included a specific No and Low Alcohol category which saw 10,000* consumers vote for the most innovative product.

Drynks Unlimited launched in 2018 and has invested millions of pounds in a pioneering cool vacuum distillation plant in Stockport, Manchester which gently removes alcohol from real premium craft beers and ciders. This innovative process results in a range of 0% beers and ciders which taste as good as the alcoholic originals. You wouldn’t know there wasn’t any booze in them.

It owns the only cool vacuum distillation brewery in the UK which has started paying dividends as its SMASHED range of quality alcohol free drinks is winning global taste awards, national supermarket listings in the UK, UAE and USA and seen sales grow by almost 50% from January 2020-January 2021.

Richard Clark Founder and MD of Drynks Unlimited said: “We only launched our SMASHED range of alcohol-free beers and ciders in 2019 and we’ve been bowled over by their popularity. We spent a long time perfecting the best way to remove alcohol from premium craft drinks without damaging the original liquid so the fact that 10,000 people voted for our SMASHED Pale ale above big name drinks brands is very humbling.

“We know people are missing the social atmosphere of a pub, so we thought we would offer a free 0% pint delivered to your front door; have A Smashed Pint on Us.”

SMASHED Pale Ale was one of just 34 national winners, joining an illustrious group of market-leading and innovative products including Heineken’s Strongbow Rosé Cider, Echo Falls’ Blueberry & Hibiscus Rosé Seltzer and Nando’s Garlic PERinaise PERi-PERi Mayonnaise.

To celebrate winning Product of the Year and to say thank you to everyone’s support since Drynks Unlimited launched, the brand is giving away 250 x 660ml bottles of SMASHED Pale ale and 250 x 660ml of SMASHED Lager on the Drynks store on Thursday 11th February 2021. www.drynks.co.uk

“No-low is a fast growing industry and what better reflection of this than to be voted Product of the Year” says Helga Slater, MD, Product of the Year “We’re thrilled to crown 0% SMASHED Pale Ale as the winner in the alcohol-free category, a truly worthy winner.”

The annual Product of the Year Awards feature the most comprehensive survey of product innovation with the world’s leading data and insights company, Kantar. The winning products represent key consumer wants and habits and each brand wins the right to feature the iconic red Product of the Year logo – an instantly recognisable symbol of product excellence.

The SMASHED range uses the finest ingredients to create authentic tasting beers and ciders that maintain the same bubbly personality, character and flavour of the original full alcohol version.

All SMASHED drinks are vegan, gluten free (where possible) and contain less than 100 calories per 330ml bottle/can. The quality and taste of SMASHED drinks also won the brand a Great Taste Award and World Beer Award bronze for SMASHED Lager and an International Beer Challenge silver medal for SMASHED Citrus.

SMASHED is available in selected Sainsbury’s** stores (SMASHED Lager and SMASHED Pale ale 4 pack box) and the full range is in Booths supermarket. It is also available online at www.drynks.co.uk, Zeroholic.co.uk, Drydrinker.com, and a range of local independent retailers across the UK.

Check us out on www.drynks.co.uk and on social @drynkssocial

*Winner Alcohol Free Drinks Category. Survey 9,865 People by Kantar.
** SMASHED Lager is in 250 stores and SMASHED Pale ale in 130 stores nationwide

Manchester’s What Marketing rebrands as What Media

Creative

Sam Whitear

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11/02/2021

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Manchester’s What Marketing rebrands as What Media

Manchester-based video content specialist, What Marketing, is rebranding to What Media.

The company, which specialises in creative, videos and animations, has evolved and developed since launching in 2016, and following increased demand in its creative services, the team felt the time was right to re-brand to reflect its core offering.

Based at Bonded Warehouse, What Media currently has seven members of staff, and operates across a wide range of industries and markets. As part of the rebrand, the team has redesigned its website to reflect the new name and core services.

Creative Director of What Media, Chris Townsend said: “Since launching the agency in 2016 I’ve certainly learnt a lot and we have grown and evolved far more than I could ever have hoped.

“2020 gave us a real opportunity to reflect on our offering and how we were increasingly supporting our clients, so it felt right to leave 2020 as What Marketing and start the New Year as What Media.”

What Media has kick-started 2021 with a real bang after winning a number of new clients and project briefs, including Uber for Business where the team have been developing a campaign to build brand awareness to their target audiences.

What Media has also been working with Muscle Food in a bid to creatively resolve a branding issue and raise awareness of its brand proposition as a full meal provider – not just as a discount meat provider. This saw the team create a video and suite of social media content to be used as part of its wider campaign.

Chris continued: “We’ve had a crazy start to 2021, launching the re-brand and winning all these new projects and clients – it has been fantastic!”

Sustainable fashion venture Thrift+ transforms its packaging strategy with Duo UK

Creative

Sam Whitear

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11/02/2021

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Sustainable fashion venture Thrift+ transforms its packaging strategy with Duo UK

Online retailer Thrift+ has engaged packaging specialist Duo to develop a mailing bag for the business and its collaboration with hush.

Thrift+ allows customers to sell second-hand fashion items via its website and donates a portion of proceeds to one of 160,000 registered charities in the UK. With an estimated £140 million worth of clothing going to landfill each year[1], Thrift+ offers an alternative solution to reduce clothing waste and generate much needed funds for charitable organisations.

For Thrift+, Duo has created GreenPE mailing bags that feature a unique QR code that allows the recipient of the bag to scan to arrange a return as part of a reverse logistics process. The QR code eradicates the need for a paper label, which creates a contamination-free mailing bag that can be recycled as part of Duo’s closed loop recycling system.

Duo has also been commissioned to produce a GreenPE mailing bag for the retailer’s collaboration with women’s fashion and lifestyle brand hush. Hush customers can request a mailing bag to send their unwanted fashion items to Thrift+, which photographs the items and lists them for sale on the Thrift+ website. Once an item sells, a third of the proceeds are donated to the nominated charity, a third covers Thrift+’s cost and a third goes to the customer as Thrift+ credit. The customer also receives a 10% discount code to spend on hush.

Duo is the first packaging manufacturer to combine this printing technology to offer a unique paperless label mailing bag, which can be manufactured using its sustainable GreenPE material. GreenPE is a thermoplastic resin made from sustainably-derived sugar cane that is both renewable and recyclable. Each kilogram of Green PE produced saves 2.78kg of CO2 when compared to the production of conventional fossil-based polyethylene.

Thrift+ and hush customers will use the QR code to return their mailing bags, which are filled with clothes to sell, to a specific destination. The fact the parcels are destined to go to the same location makes it possible for a QR code to be used for this process. Each bag’s unique code carries the details of who has sent the parcel, to be processed accordingly when it arrives with Thrift+.

Once the mailing bags reach the destination, the clothes are removed and the bags are collected and returned to Duo to be recycled using its closed loop recycling facility. The high-quality polythene material is then used to produce new packaging products.

Joe Metcalfe, Co-Founder & CEO of Thrift+, said: “The ability for Duo to print a unique QR code on each bag has removed the need for us to attach a paper label on each bag. This has streamlined our operations saving us time, money, and materials.

“In addition to this, by using the Thrift+ service, our customers and those that shop with hush, are actively engaging in the circular economy and so are almost always highly environmentally conscious. The fact that we can get the performance of plastic with the renewable and recyclable credentials of GreenPE is a huge win for us.”

Zoe Brimelow, Brand Director at Duo, added: “There’s currently a huge demand for good quality polythene that can be recycled and reused at a high percentage to create new products without affecting the material’s performance. We developed this solution for Thrift+ using QR codes in place of paper labels to reduce contamination and deliver better quality recycled material that can be reused as part of a closed loop recycling system.

“Thrift+ is a retailer that’s taking responsibility for its own footprint, helping consumers become more sustainable in their approach to fashion. They have chosen the most environmentally-friendly material – lightweight, durable GreenPE polythene – and kept the value of this great material by eradicating contamination using a QR code. The opportunity to work with forward-thinking retailers such as Thrift+ and hush as some of the first to embrace the solution is an exciting step forward for the industry, and one that we hope will be adopted by more retailers.”

The mailing bags were introduced by the retailer in January 2021.

North West exports to China hit £10bn mark since 2015

International

Sam Whitear

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11/02/2021

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North West exports to China hit £10bn mark since 2015

As Chinese New Year passes, the North West has continued to strengthen trading relationships with the Chinese market, with total exports passing the £10bn mark in the last six years.

Analysis from Deloitte has revealed that annual export figures have remained stable at between £1.5bn and £1.8bn each year. Despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, this figure has remained consistent over the past 12 months.

The North West has exported £1.2bn to Chinese businesses in the first three quarters of the year at an average of £400m per quarter. This represents a rise on the £375m quarterly average seen in 2019, and is identical to 2018 levels.

Outside of the trading relationships, the region has developed connections with China across a number of areas. This includes Manchester University becoming the most popular university for Chinese students, with more than 5,000 students enrolling – one in eight total students at the university.

This continued success in China has been driven by the progress of the Manchester China Forum. Established in 2013 by George Osborne, the Manchester China Forum has since supported Chinese firms in their investment in projects with a development value of more than £6bn, including the £1bn Airport City development and the £1bn Northern Gateway project.

John Cooper, partner at Deloitte in the North West, said: “China has become one of the most important international trade partners for the North West in recent years, and have increasingly taken an interest in investing in high profile infrastructure projects in the region. By continuing to cultivate this relationship, China can support the sustained economic recovery of the North West, as well as help to drive the ‘Levelling Up’ agenda on a national scale.

“There are also considerable synergies between the North West and China when it comes to shared knowledge and experience. With Greater Manchester committed to a zero carbon target of 2038, there is considerable advice and guidance businesses from the region can provide as China looks to cap its own carbon footprint.”

David Percival, partner at Deloitte and chair of the Manchester China Forum, said: “A key objective of the Manchester China Forum, was to take a holistic approach of our relationship with China. When approaching inter-city relationships, many organisations elect to improve one area, whether trade or tourism, but we recognised that it was crucial to consider all elements to drive sustainable growth for both parties.

“As a result, Manchester has become an extremely attractive proposition for China, from our manufacturing capabilities to our higher education institutions. We remain committed to sharing best practice and knowledge to maximise the speed of recovery and drive international trade for the future.”

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