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AWARD WINNING BUSINESS COACH TO MOTIVATE MANCHESTER THROUGH LOCKDOWN

Health

Sam Whitear

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09/02/2021

AWARD WINNING BUSINESS COACH TO MOTIVATE MANCHESTER THROUGH LOCKDOWN

Award-winning business coach, Martin Robert Hall, is offering free motivational mindset training sessions to Manchester businesses as they deal with the challenges that have arisen during the pandemic.

The initiative named Motivational Mondays is now in it’s fourth successive year and takes on even more significance in 2021 as busines leaders and their teams deal with brand new challenges around motivation, mental health and a lack of contact with their colleagues.

Martin originally launched the idea in 2018, which saw him bring his unique brand of leadership and mindset training to Manchester’s top businesses and resulted in him being crowned Business Coach of the Year at the International Coaching Awards.

The campaign was designed to support the Manchester business community, sharing skills around resilience and mental strength at a time when people really need it. Instead of Martin charging a fee for his time, he encourages those who take part to make a donation to Mind Manchester, who support people young and old with their mental health.

Martin has been coaching these methods in business and elite sport for 12 years and believes there has never been a more important time to focus on these topics.

He commented: “This has been an extremely challenging period for everybody in different ways. Keeping motivated and mentally strong during this time has been extremely difficult for many people and I am just pleased to support Manchester businesses with this initiative.

“The ONS reported that one in five people are considered to be on the threshold of depression, twice that of this time last year. A survey by Qualtrics echoes this by finding that 44.4% of newly remote workers said their mental health had declined since the outbreak of the pandemic.

“Employers have a responsibility to look after their people, now more than ever. I have worked with some great companies who do this tremendously well and others who just seem to push it down the priority list.

“If my Motivational Mondays Initiative can help employers with a simple solution and give their people some extra support during a period of darkness, now matter how small, I will feel I’ve made a difference in my own way.”

To learn more about the initiative, which begins on Monday 15th February please visit: https://martinroberthall.co.uk/motivational-mondays-2021/

Foresight investment to boost leading eCommerce agency Space 48

Digital

Sam Whitear

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09/02/2021

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Foresight investment to boost leading eCommerce agency Space 48

Foresight Group LLP (“Foresight”), a leading listed independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager, has invested into Space 48 Limited (“Space 48” or “the Company”), a digital eCommerce agency. The investment and Foresight’s involvement will support founder and Managing Director Jon Woodall in taking the business through its next stage of growth, further building on Space 48’s success and current market-leading position.

Space 48 offers clients a full range of eCommerce consulting services with a focus on designing solutions to improve end-customer experiences and drive online sales. This includes eCommerce design, engineering, re-platforming, platform improvements, growth marketing and eCommerce consultancy.

The company, which has around 50 employees, has a long track record as an independent consultant across leading eCommerce platforms and offers a differentiated proposition in the market due to the breadth of these relationships. Space 48 is known for its high-quality work as demonstrated by organic revenue growth of over 25% in the past two years, and its expansive customer portfolio.

The eCommerce agency market represented c.£1.5 billion sales in the UK in 2019 and is projected to continue to grow by 7% annually through 2024. As retailers increasingly focus on driving online sales channels and improving customer experiences by investing in eCommerce technologies and infrastructure, an agency like Space 48 is well positioned to help ambitious online retailers thrive.

Foresight’s investment will drive further growth across the business, with plans to develop the sales team, go-to-market strategy and explore international opportunities. As part of the transaction, Foresight is appointing a Chairperson from industry, who will be instrumental in leading the business through its next phase of growth, driving operational efficiencies and exploring expansion opportunities.

Commenting on the investment, Jon Woodall, Managing Director of Space 48, said: “The company has grown organically since 2008 but, in order to take it to the next level, we decided to bring in a new partner to help realise our full potential. Foresight’s focus on growing UK businesses and its track-record of investing in eCommerce were key for us. As we look to expand our reach and breadth of customers for services, I am confident that the business will flourish with Foresight’s support.”

Matthew Pomroy, Investment Director at Foresight, added: “Jon and the team at Space 48 have built a very strong business from the ground up and have become one of the most reputable companies within the sector. As shown by feedback, it’s clear that Space 48’s quality, range of services and value-add insights are behind its long-term customer relationships. We believe the growth in eCommerce will remain robust and Space 48 is well positioned to become one of the market-leading eCommerce agencies.”

Wattbike appoint digital innovation agency, Apadmi, to disrupt indoor-cycling market

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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08/02/2021

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The global indoor smart bike brand, Wattbike, has partnered with leading mobile-first digital agency, Apadmi, to bring an immersive, connected experience to indoor cycling.

Off the back of Wattbike’s expansive growth in 2020, the duo have already begun a large-scale digital transformation project, combining Wattbike’s power-based training solutions, with leading, state-of-the-art digital technology.

The partnership will focus on building elite training tools and systems using leading data and technological insight from Apadmi’s team of strategists, designers, developers, engineers and systems integration experts.

Wattbike CEO, Rich Baker, commented: “We’re so pleased to announce our partnership with Apadmi. Their valuable industry expertise and knowledge of the digital ecosystem will help us continue to lead the way with performance-driven indoor cycling.

“We’re living in a time of exciting progression and growth for Wattbike, off the back of investment and emergence into global markets. Sharing this sense of motivation with Apadmi will guarantee premium product growth and an outstanding difference for our customers.”

Manchester-based Apadmi have their roots in mobile technology, with a focus over the last few years on sport innovation. They’ve recently built a world-first solution for new, global sailing initiative SailGP, along with a portfolio of unique products with Chelsea Digital Ventures, the innovation arm of Chelsea Football Club.

On their appointment, Apadmi’s Jasper van de Luijtgaarden, Chief Revenue Officer, added: “Wattbike has been headlining the indoor cycling industry for many years now, and as a user myself, I’m eager for our digital experts to hone in on the immersive, performance and data-driven qualities of the brand to fuel world-first innovation for their users.

“At Apadmi, we’ve got some eager sports fanatics both on and off the bike, who are supercharged and ready to take Wattbike’s idea of ‘driven to be different’ into each stage of the digital journey.”

Apadmi has recently undergone large-scale growth, almost doubling their headcount of technical leaders, enhancing their offering for their varied portfolio of clients in the healthcare, sport, retail, and finance landscapes.

The agency, headquartered in Salford Quays, has operated a company-wide remote working approach since March 2020, yet has continued to thrive. They’ve recently been awarded Most Impressive Agency Growth at the European Agency Awards in 2020.

Commercial Sound Insulation and How to Minimise Noise in Industrial Buildings

Sam Whitear

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05/02/2021

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Commercial Sound Insulation and How to Minimise Noise in Industrial Buildings

With commercial spaces being designed to be more open, airy and bright, noise is an issue that must be addressed to maintain healthy and inviting spaces. We have shared some advice below so that you can get optimise your noise levels and create a space that is functional and safe for everyone.

Basics of Soundproofing

Soundproofing is the process in which different types of insulation are used to reduce the noise level (decibels) in a space or to absorb the noise in a space. There are a range of materials that can do this, and the type you need will depend on the type of noise you are trying to reduce.

The materials used to soundproof a room work to:

• Block airborne noises by adding mass to a structure – this then reflects the noise or converts it into heat.

• Dampen the level of noise by adding a separation that will reduce the circulation of sound.

• Absorb sounds that would typically reverberate around a room otherwise.

To understand which soundproofing you need, you will need to first be aware of the different types of sound to choose the right materials for the job. The following categories will help you decide which sounds you need to insulate against:

• Impact Sound – this type of noise happens when there is a firm impact between an item and part of the building. For example, impact noise occurs when a chair is dragged or when hammering occurs.

• Airborne Sound – this noise type is transmitted through the air and comes from a noise source such as an animal making a noise or a television or music being played. Airborne noises need a barrier in place to reduce their impact.

• Flanking Sound – this sound tends to occur when a building has been made from lightweight materials as sound can then travel around the entire building through the interior walls.

• Structure-Borne Sound – this is the noise that is transmitted from the building’s physical structure and then travels around the building. It is typically created through impact noise in a different part of the building – for example, when you can hear footsteps.

Reducing Noise Through the Right Soundproofing Material

There are a wide range of materials that you can choose from when you want to soundproof a specific space, and there are a variety of options depending on the area you are working on. When it comes to understanding how effective a material is, you will typically find a dB rating on it to help you work out the total minimisation it can offer.

Some of the most common soundproofing materials include:

• Soundproofing sheets (foam, PVC or PUR)

• Soundproofing mats (bitumen or plastic)

• Soundproofing foam

• Soundproofing tiles and panels

• And more

Effective soundproofing is only possible when you are able to seal as many sound inlets as possible, meaning that you will need to use a variety of the products mentioned to get the coverage you are looking for.

Commercial Sound Testing

The only way to know if your soundproofing efforts have been successful or not is to have sound testing completed by a local reputable supplier such as NovaAcoustics. These testscover the requirements as laid out in Part E of the Building Regulations and will provide you with the information you need to prove that your building provides the right level of sound insulation.

When you arrange sound testing, your building’s compliancewill be checked along with the party walls and floor insulationagainst Part E (Resistance to Sound) of the UK building regulations. Once complete, you can share the results with your building inspector ready for your building to be signed off.

Work to start on £6.1m Technology Centre extension

Education

Sam Whitear

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05/02/2021

0

Work to start on £6.1m Technology Centre extension

Hopwood Hall College is building a £6.1m extension to its Technology Centre in Rochdale as it prepares to launch a range of T-Level qualifications.

T-Levels are high-quality technical alternatives to A-Levels and Hopwood Hall College is one of the first colleges in Greater Manchester to start offering them.

The extension to the Technology Centre at the Middleton Campus will allow the college to offer more T-Levels and higher technical training especially in advanced manufacturing and advanced construction.

The £6.1m project includes £1.7m from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to invest in Rochdale’s future skills and the remaining £4.4m from Hopwood Hall College.

A total of £3.8m will be spent on the building and a further £1m will be invested in state-of-the-art equipment and resources. It also includes an extensive refurbishment.

Julia Heap, principal and chief executive of Hopwood Hall College, said: “We are delighted at Hopwood Hall to be one of the first colleges approved by the Department for Education to be delivering T-Levels from September 2021.

“It offers a huge opportunity for prospective students and also for local employers to support and develop the skills of our future workforce in Rochdale. It’s a truly exciting time for Rochdale.

“T-Levels are new qualifications, designed in conjunction with employers and are equivalent to three A-Levels,” she said. “The ‘T’ stands for technical and allows students, when they leave school, to have another route into an academic option. It also allows them to study a technical qualification that is designed by employers.

“The T-Levels include a minimum of 45 days of work placements to make students work-ready. 80 per cent of their learning takes place in the classroom.

“We’re talking to a number of employers. Willmott Dixon have already confirmed placements and conversations are taking place with a number of other companies.

“We want to raise awareness with employers so they know what T-Levels are. It’s a massive change in further education and the T-Levels are really important in maintaining the talent pipeline.”

Paul Pritchard, centre director for technology, said: “We are very excited to be in the position to build the extension to the centre. It will give Hopwood the opportunity to work with AMPI and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver manufacturing and engineering skills that will support employers of all sizes to create pathways in employment across Greater Manchester.

“Our plans and new curriculum will support Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s carbon emissions vision.”

AMPI stands for Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute and is a multi-partner initiative planned for Rochdale.

Cllr John Blundell, an RDA board member and Rochdale Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is brilliant news for Rochdale. It will help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. It also dovetails very neatly into the AMPI project.”

Tracey Wood, head of business development at Hopwood Hall College, said the T-Levels will start in September 2021 and applications are currently being taken.

“We are building employer advisory boards and steering groups to put business at the heart of the college, ensuring our courses fill skills gaps and our students are equipped for employment,” she said.

Businesses wanting to be involved can contact Tracey direct at tracey.wood@hopwood.ac.uk

Hopwood Hall College are launching seven T-Levels this year:

• Digital production and development
• Digital support and services
• Design, surveying and planning
• Building services engineering (electrotechnical pathway)
• Early years education and childcare
• Adult learning
• Science

Tracey said: “T-Levels are aimed at 16-19-year-olds as an alternative to A-Levels, however with recent government announcements and new policies such as the lifetime skills guarantee, this could expand to adults in the near future.”

PR and communications agency Roland Dransfield has won six new accounts across the real estate, green tech and third sectors

Creative

Sam Whitear

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05/02/2021

0

PR and communications agency Roland Dransfield has won six new accounts across the real estate, green tech and third sectors

Roland Dransfield, headquartered in Manchester, has been appointed by Kick it Out; Oxford Road Corridor; residential managing agent Qube; Leeds-based developer Opus North; housing company Fortior Homes; and sustainability platform Zellar.

Football’s equality and inclusion organisation Kick it Out approached the agency to consult on the PR aspect of its full root-and-branch brand communications review. The charity, which is the most high-profile of its kind, worked with Roland Dransfield to refresh and reposition its media relations and external communications strategy.

Roland Dransfield worked alongside design agency One Fine Day – which consulted on the charity’s comprehensive rebrand – to refine Kick it Out’s place in the market following the appointment of new chair, Sanjay Bhandari.

The review led to the launch of Kick it Out’s “Take a Stand” campaign, which focuses on reporting and fan engagement. The campaign was launched with The FA at the first England International at Wembley and has had prominent placements on digital signage at subsequent international games.

In addition, the agency has been appointed to manage social media and placemaking for the Oxford Road Corridor partnership. The district, located to the south of the city centre and including landmark destinations Circle Square and First Street, accounts for 20% of the city’s GVA (£3.6bn) and 50% of the innovation assets of the Greater Manchester region.

Environmental start-up Zellar, which provides SMEs with a tailored plan to help them become more sustainable, has brought in Roland Dransfield to assist with launching the company. The agency is currently working on a stakeholder engagement exercise for its operations within Manchester, helping Zellar to connect with corporates and embed itself into the city as Manchester accelerates towards its target of net-zero carbon status by 2038.

Opus North has appointed Roland Dransfield to handle social media for the regeneration of 12 King Street in the heart of Leeds. In addition, Fortior Homes has sought social media and media relations support from the team for the launch of its latest development, Saxon Place, in Stoke-on-Trent.

CEO and founder of the agency, Lisa Morton, said: “We really can’t underestimate what a difficult year 2020 was; the creative and digital sectors were hit massively by COVID-19, which was devastating to see.

“For Roland Dransfield to have won this diverse and exciting tranche of new business in those circumstances is exceptional, and I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team. Their relentless hard work, under conditions that were new and highly pressured, has shone through.
“It’s brilliant to have won clients both on our doorstep here in our home, Manchester, and some from further afield which boast international profile and prominence.

“Purposeful relationships are at the heart of what we do, and it’s been so fulfilling to continue to create and nurture these over the past year or so – even from our kitchen tables.

“I feel as though we’re firmly on the path to building back now, and the team and I are thoroughly enjoying welcoming these new clients into the fold. We are also hugely grateful for the support we’ve had from our existing clients and our friends within our long-established networks.”
Roland Dransfield was established 24 years ago by Lisa Morton, and operates across the B2B and B2C sectors from its offices in Manchester and London. Clients past and present include Equilibrium Financial Planning, Schroders, Genr8 Developments, Manchester Hoteliers Association, Tackle4MCR, and OBI.

Siemens unearths student talent with virtual competition to design sustainable connected transport system

Education

Sam Whitear

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05/02/2021

0

Siemens unearths student talent with virtual competition to design sustainable connected transport system

Siemens has unearthed the next generation of engineering, technology and business talent through an innovative, virtual competition which challenged students to design a smart, sustainable and interconnected transport system.

The two-day hackathon-style event, dubbed ‘Siemens SustainaCity Racer’, involved 60 promising students from 11 of its partner universities including the University of Manchester.

Participants were put into 10 hybrid, multidisciplinary teams and asked to work together virtually to design a new transport network for a fictional city region, combining a variety of transport types, and considering the demands of different environments. An exercise in design thinking, the students were challenged to take into account engineering, digital and commercial elements.

The winning group scooped the prize of a £250 Amazon voucher and a trophy for each member, as well as an interview for internship and graduate roles at Siemens Digital Industries which is based in Manchester and Congleton, as well as Siemens’ Mobility and Smart Infrastructure businesses.

Key characteristics of the team’s proposals, which aimed to achieve zero emissions, included: smart vehicles powered by IoT technology; smart power sources for cars, trains, trams and boats such as electric, hydro, wind and solar power; smart charging stations for cars and buses; a Smart app for users to plan journeys, receive information and also make payments; a Smart transport framework to facilitate public transport access; and new Personal Electric Automobile (PEA) vehicles to provide transportation in the countryside.

SustainaCity, which took place at the end of 2020, was created as a virtual competition to replace the annual Sir William Siemens Challenge, a live hackathon-style event held at the University of Sheffield, which had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

It was launched by Brian Holliday, Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries, and Will Wilson, CEO of Siemens Mobility.

Nicholas Dunne, Director of Technology for Siemens Mobility, said: “Siemens is shaping the global landscape with every kind of energy, transportation and technological infrastructure imaginable. In this digital world, where everything is becoming increasingly interconnected, we’re in constant need of visionary talent who can help us build on a new age of connected mobility that allows people to move more intelligently and sustainably.

“I am delighted that our Talent Acquisition team was able to come up with SustainaCity, a fantastic alternative to replace the annual Sir William Siemens Challenge which had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

“The judges were hugely impressed with the creativity of all of the participants and how they responded to the additional challenge of working in a virtual and collaborative environment, and we hope the experience could be a defining moment in what could be a fascinating and rewarding career with Siemens.”

SustainaCity builds on Siemens’ commitment to forging a partnership with higher education providers to bridge the Industry 4.0 skills gap.

Anything launches bold new Quorn website to support global marketing & communications strategy

Digital

Sam Whitear

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04/02/2021

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Anything launches bold new Quorn website to support global marketing & communications strategy

Manchester-based agency, Anything, has launched Quorn’s new website after an impactful rebrand that highlights their ongoing commitment to producing great tasting food that is good for the planet.

As Quorn’s long-standing digital agency, Anything, was responsible for bringing the new ‘Helping the Planet One Bite At a Time’ campaign to life online.

Anything Account Director, Jonny Wilcox said: “With concerns about climate change at their peak, consumers are caring about the planet now, more than ever. The growth of the conscious consumer goes hand in hand with the rising interest in foods that are kinder to the planet.

“The Quorn 2021 rebrand is not just a visual refresh, but an effort to kick-start a movement towards eating food that will help the planet, one bite at a time. For us, it was really important that Quorn’s ambitious messaging and new look characterises the refreshed website.

“The website design echoes the modern look and feel of the new brand utilising the distinctive colour palette, punchy messaging and mouth-watering lifestyle photography to truly showcase Quorn’s personality online.

“From a web development perspective, there was a strong focus on creating a UX that would enable users to find what they are looking for easily and that would encourage them to engage. This has been considered through the creation of an intuitive navigation, clear signposting and interactive elements.”

Quorn’s Global Digital Manager, Lindsay Winstanley, said: “The Quorn website rebrand is vibrant, bold and has our great purpose at its heart, really bringing home our mission to get more and more people into healthy, delicious food that’s also great for our planet. It was imperative that this was translated across digital and Anything has done a really great job of showing off the new brand tone of voice, whilst still providing an excellent user experience for users old and new. For Anything, speed has always been a top priority across all the Quorn websites and the new Quorn website is no exception.”

Palatine Private Equity makes lockdown office move to Chancery Place lol

Property

Sam Whitear

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04/02/2021

0

Palatine Private Equity makes lockdown office move to Chancery Place lol

OBI has announced that it has represented its long-term client, Palatine Private Equity, in its relocation to new Manchester city centre offices.

Private equity firm Palatine PE has agreed a deal with NFU Mutual to occupy 5,665 sq ft at Chancery Place on Brown Street in the city core, on a 10-year lease.
The 11th-floor space will be home to the firm’s new Manchester headquarters, as it relocates from The Zenith Building
One of the first private equity firms to be headquartered in Manchester, Palatine PE focuses on the UK mid-market and invests from two funds, Buyout and Impact.
Chancery Place is owned by NFU Mutual, which is undertaking an enhancement to the building’s reception area and refurbishing in excess of 30,000 sq ft.

OBI was engaged to deliver a full-service solution, with the team advising Palatine on the surrender of its previous lease; search and acquisition; workplace consultancy; and project managing the fit-out of the new space.

This multi-disciplinary approach is what the consultancy terms ‘The OBI Difference’.

Will Lewis from OBI said: “It was great to work with the Palatine team again. The company relocating during the peak of the lockdown, and committing to enhancing the quality of workspace, is a great show of confidence in the city and the future of the office.

“Our workplace consultancy team worked closely with Palatine on its future ways of working, and the new office provides a stunning environment in which the team can continue its success.”

“Chancery Place will be a great platform for Palatine’s next phase of growth, seamlessly supporting its ambitions as a business,” Will added.

Chancery Place was developed in 2008 and is home to QBE Insurance, HSB Engineering and Landmark serviced offices.

Ed Fazakerley, partner at Palatine PE, commented: “It’s been great to upgrade our premises in challenging times. We remain committed to our city centre location, as our team works much better when together. The new environment has given the team a real lift during a turbulent year, and will enable us to embrace new ways of working going forward.”

Tom Foley, from landlord NFU Mutual, added: “To secure an occupier of Palatine PE’s quality during these testing times is a serious endorsement to the level of refurbishment that has been undertaken at Chancery Place. At a time in the market that take-up and investor sentiment is subdued, this transaction shows there is still strong demand for high quality refurbished grade A office accommodation located in the traditional prime core.
“We are very excited to be launching in excess of 30,000 sq ft of prime space to the market shortly.”

CBRE represented the landlord on the transaction.

National transport planning, placemaking and engineering consultancy PJA has made a key appointment at its Manchester office.

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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04/02/2021

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National transport planning, placemaking and engineering consultancy PJA has made a key appointment at its Manchester office.

Catriona Swanson has been hired as Associate at the Piccadilly Place office which serves the North West.

She will support director Chris Sibthorpe in advising public and private sector clients on cycling and walking schemes as well as PJA’s wider expertise in designing better places.
Catriona joins from Arup where she set up and ran the North West and Yorkshire active travel team and worked on regional and national projects.
She was leading Transport for Greater Manchester’s Active Neighbourhoods programme, working with Sustrans and 10 local authorities to deliver pilot active travel neighbourhoods.
Previously, she spent 11 years at Salford City Council leading on award-winning active travel schemes in addition to public realm and development planning projects.
Catriona’s relationship with PJA goes back several years, having commissioned PJA to produce Salford’s cycle network plan. This underpinned a series of successful funding bids as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network programme.
Catriona said: “I consider PJA to be the UK’s leading active travel consultancy so am really thrilled to be joining Chris and the team.
“These are exciting times for active travel with more funding and political will than ever and, at last, strong design guidance with the recent publication of the new cycling infrastructure local transport note which PJA co-authored.
“I’m very excited to be able to combine my experience as well as my own personal passion for better walking and cycling infrastructure in this new role. I look forward to delivering transformational schemes and growing our presence in the North West.”
Chris Sibthorpe added: “We opened the PJA Manchester office less than a year ago to respond to the rush in demand for advice on active travel schemes in the North West.
“Our client base is already quickly growing and I’m delighted to have Catriona on board to deliver our high quality, people-focussed design solutions.
“She brings a wealth of experience as well as knowledge of the political landscape that will hugely benefit our clients – who include local authorities, developers, house builders and land promoters.”

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