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INNSiDE Manchester and Sterling Event Group join forces to launch Hybrid Event Studio in Manchester

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INNSiDE Manchester, part of Meliá Hotels International, has partnered with one of the UK’s leading technical event production and AV hire companies, Sterling Event Group to launch Manchester’s first virtual event production studio in a hotel.

Installed and ready to be booked as and when Government guidelines permit, ‘INNSiDE LiVE’, at INNSiDE Manchester, is a virtual event solution that features a state-of-the-art studio setting, offering a live streaming experience, designed to facilitate a virtual or hybrid event.

A first for a Manchester city-centre hotel, the Sterling Event Group has taken over part of the self-contained event space to provide a creative technical studio production that enables businesses to engage, communicate and inspire employees, suppliers, clients and stakeholders by combining cutting edge technologies and expertise to create live, virtual and hybrid events. The set features a central rear projection screen with HD laser projection, 2 x65 Inch screens for custom logos and content, brandable backdrop, stage floor, multiple cameras, live stream production suite and a professional audio and lighting system – plus more.

The COVID-safe space, set within the eclectic home-from-home #bleisure hotel’s Chadwick meeting room space, allows companies to hire out and to host live audiences at the venue, in line with current Government restrictions, whilst streaming professional, broadcast-quality content in real-time; engaging, entertaining and communicating with audiences wherever they are across the globe. Content can be streamed to Zoom, YouTube, Facebook and more. Alternatively, it can be pre-recorded ready for broadcast at a later date.

The live studio experience is supported by INNSiDE Manchester’s experienced in-house events team and the expert production crew at Sterling Event Group, who will be on hand to ensure all studio events run smoothly and safely from start to finish.

Commenting on the virtual studio collaboration, INNSiDE UK North, Cluster Director of Sales Scott Brown said: “INNSiDE LiVE is a new state-of-the-art hybrid event studio, that allows us to deliver a top-class event production facility, in a safe, dedicated space at INNSiDE Manchester.

With this facility staying in place for the next six months we have been able to offer a cost-effective solution that doesn’t require the usual set up and break down costs, meaning this is accessible for everything from an online conference or awards event to company briefing or online training day.”

As and when events can return to what they were, on larger scale, this studio offering will only add to the experience; allowing organisers to reach a much larger delegate audience – both within the UK and globally.”

Dan Estcourt, Technical Manager at Sterling Event Group said, this is a great solution for event organisers as it works equally as well with a fully virtual audience as it does with a hybrid audience allowing them to plan with confidence.

INNSiDE LiVE comes as a fixed rate package, however Melia Hybrid Solutions have been developed globally meaning that virtual or hybrid events of a larger scale with full Video Walls or enhanced technology are equally as possible with quotes on request.

As part of Meliá Hotels International, INNSiDE Manchester will operate the global ‘Stay Safe With Melia’ programme across the hotel, which guarantees the highest COVID-19 health and safety standards, in collaboration with Bureau Veritas – Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good to Go’. Some of the measures put in place to prioritise guest and staff safety during this time include: a new signage system to inform customers and indicate how spaces will be used and the need for social distancing, installation of protective screens in reception and other public areas, sanitising stations and digital concierge.

Stephensons adds to its award-winning family department

The award-winning family department at Stephensons has appointed an experienced child care solicitor to join its growing team, its third significant hire in recent months.

Amy Jones joins Stephensons from Watsons Solicitors in Warrington and brings with her over 10 years’ experience in a range of family law matters. Amy specialises in child care work and has strong links with both the Liverpool and Manchester court circuits.

As part of her role at Stephensons, Amy will be providing expert legal assistance to parents and guardians in care proceedings.

Amy obtained her Law Society Children Panel Accreditation last year and is now one of seven solicitors in the Stephensons family department who have achieved this accreditation – one of the largest of any North West firm.

Commenting on the appointment, Victoria Gethin, partner and head of the family department at Stephensons said: “Amy is a superb lawyer with a wealth of experience in often complex family matters.

“With an excellent reputation across both Liverpool and Manchester, Amy’s appointment underlines the strength and depth of talent within the Stephensons team and the expertise we are able to provide our clients across the country.

“Despite the challenges of 2020, Stephensons continues to see very strong demand for its family law services. Amy’s appointment comes just weeks after two further solicitors joined the department.”

Social Republic Celebrates Storming Start to 2021

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Manchester-based, global social media agency, Social Republic, is celebrating a storming start to the New Year, with two new client wins.

The Black Mask Company and medino have both joined the agency’s portfolio following extensive pitching processes.

Founded by former world champion boxer, David Haye, The Black Mask Company provides premium, reusable face masks. Social Republic will work alongside its internal teams to lead and manage its paid promotions across Facebook and Instagram.

The agency will also support medino, an online pharmaceutical site that provides a wide variety of products from medication to self-care through paid content on Instagram and Facebook.

Nicole Macdermott, COO of The Black Mask Company founder said: “Social Republic delivered an extensive and well-researched proposal that conveyed their expertise, sector knowledge and creative abilities.

“We are looking forward to working with the team to further promote The Black Mask Company as the leading provider of high-quality face masks.”

Rob Illidge, CEO of Social Republic added: “It’s a fantastic start to the New Year. We are delighted to welcome two incredibly ambitious brands, and look forward to utilsing paid social strategies to drive sales.

“Our flourishing client portfolio shows that, despite the current economic uncertainty, brands understand the importance of social media campaigns and are looking for new and innovative ways to reach target audiences.

“The continued growth of our business is testament to the hard work of everyone at the agency.”

Social Republic has established itself as a leading global agency, having developed a client base in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

Price Slater Gawne announces newly qualified solicitor

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Altrincham based law firm; Price Slater Gawne are proud to announce that following the successful completion of her training contract, Jade Price has today been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors.

Jade joined the firm in 2015 as a Paralegal in the firm’s Clinical Negligence team, dealing with new enquiries and assisting clients through the initial stages of their claim. In 2015, Jade commenced her Graduate Diploma in Law at Manchester University, alongside her role at the firm, before going on to complete her MSc in Law, Business and Management the following year. During this time, Jade gained a wealth of practical experience in serious injury and clinical negligence claims.

In 2018, Jade became a Trainee Solicitor at Price Slater Gawne, gaining broader experience in the firm’s Family department and then the Court of Protection departments. Jade will now specialise in Court of Protection, assisting Head of Court of Protection, Tom Young in working with clients who lack capacity to manage their property and financial affairs.

Jade Price, Solicitor at Price Slater Gawne commented:

“I am delighted to have completed my training contract and be appointed as a Solicitor within the Price Slater Gawne Court of Protection department. Having joined the firm in 2015, I have had the opportunity to grow with the firm and am delighted to be part of the ongoing success and development moving forward.

I look forward to continuing to assist our Court of Protection clients in my new role as Solicitor with the ongoing the management of their financial affairs”.

Chris Gawne, Director at Price Slater Gawne commented:

“We are thrilled to appoint Jade as a Solicitor within our team. During the last 5 years, Jade has shown commitment and tenacity to both her studies and to her role at Price Slater Gawne. She has gained experience in a range of practice areas and is well placed to assist clients with their legal requirements. Jade is an asset to the Court of Protection team and is recognised by her peers and clients alike for the high standard of service and commitment she delivers”.

Investors appoint Regional Property Solutions to manage South Manchester properties

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Regional Property Solutions has been appointed by private investors to manage on their behalf four commercial properties South Manchester.

In Hale, 195 Ashley Road, is let to the popular Vikings Blinds and Hardware Store. The four storey building including basement comprises 1,927 sq ft. 213 Ashley Road, comprising 3,072 sq ft on ground and two upper floors, is let as to estate agents Thornley Groves.

89 High Street Cheadle, a ground floor shop of 766 sq ft, is let to fishmongers ‘Sea It Fresh’. Next door, 89A comprising 1,526 sq ft on ground and first floor is let to hairdressers GF trading as ‘Natural Reaction’ who occupy the ground floor shop unit and sublet the first floor to a dentist.

Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions, said: “We are looking forward to actively managing these buildings and providing a full management service to the investors.

Claritas awards management promotions

Claritas Tax are pleased to announce two new management level promotions in their Birmingham office, with Adam Keates being promoted to Senior Manager and Faith Ross being made Manager, both with effect from 1 February 2021.

Adam has been with the firm since joining as Assistant Manager in 2017. Adam specialises in Private Client work and has consistently impressed with his excellent client handling skills and technical knowledge, topped with an excellent First Tier Tribunal win for the firm on a PPR claim against a sizeable capital gains tax liability.

Faith was Claritas’ first ever graduate trainee who has been with the firm ever since, and her knowledge and enthusiasm have propelled her to a first well-deserved management role. Faith is an integral part of Claritas’ Innovation Reliefs team, a key area of growth for the firm during 2020.

Iain Wright, partner in Claritas’ Birmingham office said “Despite the challenges of 2020, we think it is important for our staff to recognise that hard work earns rewards, no matter what the world can throw at us. Adam and Faith stand as evidence of our merit-based progression system and serve as inspiration to our newer graduates just starting their career journey with the firm.”

Matt Hodgson, partner in Claritas’ Manchester office added “These promotions are in two of our fastest growing service lines. We are proud of our reputation for submitting evidence-based and well-substantiated Research and Development claims, owing to our professional approach and technical expertise applied to an ever-growing client base. Our Private Client team is also adding immense value to our core M&A business stream, making Claritas one of the leading full-service pure tax consultancies in the country.”

Sony Music UK appoint Manchester Agency Doodledo

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Doodledo have won a competitive pitch to deliver a series of animated music videos for Magic Star – Sony Music UK’s children’s entertainment label. The short-form animated music series will be called Wonderpop and launches at the beginning of 2021 on most streaming platforms.

“It’s a great client for us to win, and the project is going to be a lot of fun to get involved with. I have 3 kids of my own and trust me, they can be a tough crowd! So we’re looking forward to producing content that kids can engage with, and parents will find themselves involuntarily humming to in the supermarket!” said Doodledo Founder, James Torry.

The series will debut with tracks such as Burpin’ Bob the Surfin’ Frog, and Donkey Disco. It promises to be a fun, family friendly hit with a plethora of new characters set to be unveiled as the series continues into the year.

And it seems the creativity and ideas that the Doodledo animation team brought to the pitch are what swung it in the agency’s favour after a competitive pitch process.

“We had 12 initial tracks and were looking for a partner to bring them alive. Doodledo demonstrated how much they could bring to the project, and it left us with no doubt that they were the ideal partner to launch with. The creative was strong, the humour and attention to detail, and they’ve taken the tracks and made them their own. It’s a genuine partnership and we’re happy to have them on board.” said Karen D’Arcangelo from Sony Music Entertainment.

SEASHELL STARTS WORK ON £50M NEW SCHOOL AND CAMPUS PROJECT

Contractors started work today (1st February 2021) on the project to build a new school, redevelop the existing college, create a new site entrance and reception building, build a new four-court sports hall, gym and pavilion, new training facilities, community engagement and administration facilities and a new assessment and early years centre.

The start of the project, which has been years in the planning and will take more than five years to complete, was welcomed by Seashell Chief Executive and Principal, Jolanta McCall, who described the day as ‘truly momentous for all of the Seashell community’.

She said: “We have worked incredibly hard to get Project Transformation off the ground and I am delighted to see work start today. This is more than a building project: It represents a bright future for children and young people with complex learning disabilities and I am looking forward to the exciting milestones ahead of us.

“Today sees the start of the work on our new school and this is very much the beginning. We will continue to innovate and fundraise and deliver the very best for all our students and residents as we develop the facilities for the future.”

The first phase of the construction project will see a new school developed which is expected to open in autumn 2022, and a new site entrance and reception building, again expected to open in autumn 2022.

Riot & Rebel web agency launch website of iconic star of modern cricket, Ben Stokes.

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Manchester based web design studio, Riot & Rebel launch new website for England Cricket star, Ben Stokes OBE.

Riot & Rebel were appointed by Phoenix Management Group: A sports management company specialising in Cricket,who represent Stokes.

Alex Dixon, o-founder of Riot and Rebel, said:
“We’ve achieved significant growth in the past 18 months and this has been such a good opportunity for us. It was a pleasure to work with such a prestigious personal brand and exciting sports personality. Working alongside Ian Atkin from Phoenix Management Group was a truly collaborative process as we both shared the same vision for the new website and together we were able to achieve that.”

Ian Atkin – Phoenix management group said:
“Alex and Louise at Riot & Rebel, have created a website for Ben that surpasses the brief we gave them.”

“We thought long and hard about the look of Ben’s new official website. Our vision focussed on both Ben, the twenty-first-century international cricket star and Ben, the brand representative. We also wanted Ben’s website to engage directly with the new breed of global cricket fan across all devices. On all counts, Riot & Rebel have delivered.”

“Ben was involved in all stages of development together with other key stakeholders, as expected, our conversations generated fresh thinking. Riot & Rebel showed patience and flare to integrate the ideas generated through these discussions without compromising the vision we all shared.”

Manchester Central announces podcast spin-off series to shine a spotlight on the industry.

Last year, individuals and businesses across the UK, including Manchester Central, had to quickly learn to adapt to a new COVID-19 world and the array of restrictions that followed.

The ‘Central Chat’ spin-off series will give a voice to event professionals and local Manchester companies who have shifted focus as a result of this ‘new normal’.

 

Each episode will put the spotlight on one specific guest’s story and experience, sharing their insights and learnings over the last 10 months.

 

Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, said:

 

“Almost one year on since the first lockdown, the appetite for accessible, interesting, and unique online content is bigger than we’ve ever seen it, so we felt the time was right to bring back Central Chat in this new format as we get stuck into 2021 and all it brings.

 

The podcast primarily focuses on the event industry, and as we know, events are all about people. With that in mind, we want to develop the channel to tell new stories about how this global pandemic has affected, inspired, and changed the events industry and the people and businesses within it.

 

Manchester Central is calling for event professionals across the UK to get in touch if they’re interested in being featured on the podcast.

 

If you have an interesting story to tell about how you or your business have shifted focus or if you have any views on hot topics in the event industry at the moment then get in touch with podcast host, Samantha Pike-Devlin on info@manchestercentral.co.uk.

 

To listen to the podcast trailer now, please visit http://centralchat.buzzsprout.com/.