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New managing director as OHS Group unveils future growth plans

OHS Group is preparing for future growth with the appointment of Nick Bye as its new managing director.

Nick – formerly group commercial director with the market-leading integrated safety solutions consultancy – takes over from Andy Fowler who will remain involved as an advisor to the business and will, in the short term, continue to oversee the business’s ever-growing asbestos division.

Aaron Dodd will move into the position of group compliance director after being with the company for three years, playing a pivotal role in the winning and retention of market critical accreditations. Gareth Cooper will also return to the firm as head of operations (Asbestos).

Full asset compliance solution

The Manchester-based firm operates throughout the UK and in the last six months has doubled its workforce.

Its team offers a full asset compliance solution including asbestos management, water services, security and reactive facilities management to a broad range of customer sizes and sectors including property management, local government, hospitality, retail and education.

New recruits

In order to support its continued growth, OHS Group has also appointed Steven Lahire as principal consultant for compliance services in Scotland, Michael Cowan as a legionella risk assessor, Shannon Griffiths as business development manager for London and the South, and Lisa Batley as financial controller.

Nick said: “I’m proud to take on the role of group managing director and build on the great work Andy has already done, as well as developing what is an historical market leading asset compliance legacy.

“We’ve already grown the team significantly to support what has been exponential growth in the last nine months. With more senior appointments over the coming weeks, new systems being onboarded, and large national contracts to mobilise over the next quarter, we’ve got very busy, but exciting times ahead at OHS Group.”

OHS has offices in Manchester, Leeds, London and Glasgow, serving the whole of the UK.

Where Can I Play Live Dealer Games and Online Slots from Pragmatic Play?

Pragmatic Play is a multi-award-winning iGaming software provider and game development studio that has arguably made many of the world’s most loved online casino games.

The company has crafted over 180 slot machine games online that are feature-rich, as well as over 60 state-of-the-art live dealer games. Let’s dive straight in to discover which online casino currently has a huge selection of Pragmatic Play’s most popular games.

Where can I play online casino games from Pragmatic Play?

If you’ve heard about Pragmatic Play’s online slot machines or live dealer games and you fancy giving them a go, one of the best online casinos you can turn to in 2023 is the official 32red website.

You will have access to a comprehensive range of more than 200 games from Pragmatic Play as soon as your new account has been activated. Just don’t forget to claim your guaranteed 32red sign up offer.

The UK Gambling Commission fully licenses this world-class casino site, and it’s managed by one of the iGaming industry’s most trusted names. It has over 1,500 games from numerous market-leading software providers, one of which is Pragmatic Play.

They also have live dealer games from OnAir Entertainment and Evolution Gaming and ‘regular’ computer-generated games (e.g., slots, instant win games, table & card games, video poker games, and slingo) from various other providers, such as NetEnt, Big Time Gaming, Blueprint Gaming, Thunderkick, Games Global (e.g., Fortune Factory Studios, All41 Studios, Stormcraft Studios, Triple Edge Studios, and JFWT Studios), and many others.

All of the games at this trusted casino site can be enjoyed from smartphones, laptops, desktop computers and tablets, provided you are 18 or above.

What are the best online slots from Pragmatic Play?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Pragmatic Play has developed a wide range of online slot machines to suit all types of players.

For example, you can find many Wild West-themed slots, Leprechaun-themed slots, Greek Mythology-themed slots, and Fishing-themed slots with lots of exciting in-play features and bonus rounds.

Some of their most iconic titles you may like to try before any others are the following popular online slots from Pragmatic Play:

Madame Destiny Megaways
Peaky Blinders (1 and 2)
John Hunter and the Mayan Gods
The Hand of Midas
Big Bass Bonanza
Emerald King: Rainbow Road
Sweet Bonanza
Mysterious Egypt
Fishin’ Reels
Great Rhino Megaways

If you enjoy playing any of these famous slots, then you may also like to try Gates of Olympus, Big Bass Splash, Starlight Princess, Wild Wild Riches: Luck of the Irish Megaways, Big Bass Hold & Spinner, Spin & Score Megaways, The Dog House Multihold, and John Hunter and the Book of Tut Respin.

What are the latest online slots from Pragmatic Play that are worth checking out in 2023?

Some of the very latest Pragmatic Play slots that are new in 2023 are Racing Joker, John Hunter and the Book of Tut Megaways, Jane Hunter and the Mask of Montezuma, Rocket Blast Megaways, Big Bass Gold & Spinner Megaways, Pub Kings, Power of Merlin Megaways and Wisdom of Athena.

If that’s not enough to keep you going, try Big Bass Amazon Xtreme, Floating Dragon – Dragon Boat  Festival: Hold & Spin, Wild Celebrity Bus Megaways, Gods of Giza, Wild West Duels Megaways, and Cowboy Coins, to name just a few.

What about their live dealer games?

If you fancy playing something other than online slots from Pragmatic Play and want to heighten your online casino experience, remember to try some of these hit titles in Pragmatic Play’s innovative live dealer casino.

Examples include Live One Blackjack, Live Sweet Bonanza Candyland, Live PowerUp Roulette, Live Mega Wheel, Live Dragon Tiger, and Live Mega Sic Bo. You also have Snakes & Ladders Live, Live Vegas Ball Bonanza, Live Boom City, and Live Baccarat.

Don’t forget that the live dealer games are only accessible in the real money mode, but their online slots can be accessed in the real money AND free-play mode.

IN4 Group generates over £14m of social impact in UK

An award-winning technology group has delivered £14.3 million of economic and social  impact in 2023.

The feat by IN4 Group – headquartered in Salford’s MediaCity – demonstrates the importance of balancing commercial business success with social responsibility.

The group has experienced rapid growth of 1000 per cent in revenue from half a million pounds in 2020.

Its profitability also soared to great heights, with a remarkable 2000% increase attributed to its strategic expansion encompassing regions in the North West, the Midlands, and internationally.

According to the Social Impact Report – produced by Social Value Business in partnership with the Social Value Quality Mark CIC (SVQM) – for every £1 invested in the Group’s programmes, there is a social return on investment (SROI) of £5.42 with a total of £14,271,197 generated on behalf of its stakeholders.

Incredible social impact

This is a significant increase of more than three times the value of social impact compared to the previous year of £4.6 million.

The value IN4 offers is broken down into five key areas: employment and volunteering (£7,358,076), education and skills (£3,734,552), social and community (£2,179,341), health and wellbeing (£875,069), and economic added value (£124,157).

This social impact has been created through Skills City, one of the country’s largest digital Skills Bootcamps operations, and CyberFirst North West, which is an initiative delivered on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.

Showcasing diversity

Of the total participants across all activities in 2022-2023, 80 per cent were female and 65 per cent were from ethnic minorities, showcasing the diversity in backgrounds of the individuals who have been supported with access to the tech sector.

Figures from the report also revealed:

  • Skills City’s Skills Bootcamps generated £12.7 million of social impact in 2023 and out of the 623 interns, 60 per cent secured new tech jobs.
  • There has been an investment of over £600,000 and a contribution of more than 2,200 hours dedicated to the CyberFirst North West programme from across the public and private sector, including its Apex partners: IBM, Northrop Grumman, KPMG UK, QinetiQ, Roke, and BT.
  • CyberFirst North West achieved £1.57 million of social impact in less than 12 months, establishing 13 local schools and colleges from Lancashire and Greater Manchester as among the best in the UK for cyber and STEM education.

Highly skilled local talent

IN4 has created a unique innovation blueprint that unlocks the potential of highly skilled local talent through technology, delivering sustainable prosperity in communities. It has designed and established several programmes to empower people, particularly young girls, and women, and those from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities in launching successful tech careers.

The group has successfully secured several government contracts worth over £3.5m through its Skills City operation, enabling more than 600 people to access skills and career development opportunities every year.

Profit with a purpose

IN4 also operates innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology in MediaCity, where it recently launched the Manchester Esports Academy (MEA), a first-of-its-kind, junior professional esports education and skills programme for young people aged 8-16 in Greater Manchester.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, said: “We established IN4 Group with a mission that was profit with a purpose. Uniquely operating two balance sheets, one commercial and one social, equally successful and operating in unison.

“Four years into this journey, we are well on track with this mission. Sharing this success with our clients, partners, and stakeholders, and achieving over £14 million in social impact further drives our ambition to continue changing lives for the better through technology.”

Significant social value

Richard Dickins, MD Social Value Business, said: “We congratulate IN4 Group on the significant social value they are driving through Skills City and CyberFirst North West. These programmes are outstanding examples of how the tech industry can support young and underrepresented people into digital careers.

“IN4 Group shows a consistent passion and commitment to driving prosperity at a community level. It has been a pleasure to map and measure the impact.

The Social Impact Report can be viewed here.

New director appointed to Manchester baby-tech firm

Entrepreneur and investor Luke Pilfold-Thomas has joined the board of directors at Manchester baby-tech firm, Aibytech.

Aibytech is dedicated to transforming the world of baby technology through the development of state-of-the-art, innovative products that enhance the lives of parents, carers and children.

The announcement follows Aibytech’s recent investment round completion, which saw £1million secured.

Experienced in technology delivery, commercial strategy, and investor relations, Luke has already played a critical role in Aibytech’s recent funding journey and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the board across web/mobile applications, information security and digital strategy.

Setting the standard

Luke (pictured) said: “In a market that is stagnating from a lack of innovation, Aibytech is setting the standard when it comes to digitisation in the infant and baby sector.

“As a tech entrepreneur, and new dad, I saw huge potential in Aibytech’s product roadmap and vision and am therefore delighted to be joining the Board at what is a crucial time in the firm’s growth journey.”

In preparation for a major launch in 2024, Luke will help drive the governance and commercialisation of Aibytech’s product portfolio, as well as providing counsel across the technical and digital aspects of the business, including mobile app, user journey, analytics, data and security.

Perfect person

Stephen Senior, Aibytech founder, commented: “As well as sharing my entrepreneurial spirit, Luke’s unique commercial and digital background made him the perfect person to help us create and deliver the strategic vision and plan for Aibytech, especially the innovation we’re trying to bring to the baby and infant market.

“Thanks to our recent investment round, we’re already well underway with our innovative product roadmap, and with Luke’s business and technical experience now bolstering our bSyepoard, I’m hugely excited to enter 2024 stronger than ever, and with a suite of products that parents will love.”

Baby-tech products

Aibytech’s range of baby-tech products is designed to provide convenience, safety, and seamless integration into the modern parenting journey. Its Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera technology is seamlessly integrated into each of its products, providing parents or carers with live updates on their child’s development and needs.

Alongside an app, Aibytech’s current product range includes the Cyber Stroller – the world’s first multi-terrain stroller, playpen, cot, baby bouncer, playmat, stroller and car seat.

Salary freezes and restructures rife amongst the North West mid-market, as high rates bite

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New research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Business Outlook Tracker finds that rising interest rates and high costs have pushed many North West businesses to review their spending, freeze pay increases and restructure their operations, in a bid to manage their finances.

The survey of 101 North Western mid-sized businesses finds that 51% have already frozen salary increases, with a further 35% planning to do so. Almost half (47%) have also frozen workforce bonuses. 

The research finds that spending on people costs has been reined across most areas, with 42% also having reduced their headcount and many businesses freezing recruitment (38%).  

Mid-market restructuring operations  

As well as tightening costs for people, many businesses in the North West have had to make changes to their operations in a bid to manage costs. Almost all (94%) have either already restructured their operations or have plans to do so. The research shows that spending is being closely monitored within the market, with over half (51%) having reviewed their non-essential spending and a further 34% planning to do so. 

North Western businesses are looking for solutions in a bid to improve performance amid a tightening of spending. Over half (53%) have invested in productivity, efficiency and automation and a further 41% have plans to explore options in this area.  

Chris Petts, Restructuring Partner, Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “While inflation is, slowly, starting to fall, it’s clear that firms are remaining prudent and closely monitoring their spending across all areas from wages to recruitment and operations. Ensuring they keep a close eye on their financing position and rein in unnecessary spending where possible will help many to remain in a robust position despite the cost pressures they may be facing. 

“We have also seen an increase in optimism about business future revenue growth expectations, which suggests that many are confident that the actions they’re taking now, or have planned, are sufficient to work through this period. Particularly as we have seen slight real wage growth for the first time in over a year which, when combined with the fall in energy costs and usage over the summer, means that consumers will have more disposable income to spend.” 

Lending under pressure 

Over three quarters (81%) of the North West businesses surveyed anticipate that they will need to raise additional funds over the next year. Of these, 63% say that the current terms agreed with their lender are under pressure, whilst almost a quarter (22%) of all respondents said that accessing finance has become more challenging over the last 12 months.   

Consequently, an increasing number of mid-market borrowers find themselves in need of further capital but unable to achieve the necessary funding or terms with their existing bank lenders. Instruments such as Sustainability Linked Loans (SLL), which offer more favourable terms tied to performance against agreed ESG goals, are increasingly popular with the North West mid-market. 61% of respondents already have an SLL in place, and 66% said they will consider one at their next debt raise or re-finance.  

Carl Williams, Managing Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the North West, said: “The combined effect of increasing borrowing costs and wider economic pressure on businesses means that the high street banks are finding it more difficult to lend to mid-sized businesses. This is particularly true for companies in sectors that are more challenged including manufacturing, hospitality, retail, construction and real estate. This poses a challenge for businesses needing to extend their existing borrowing arrangements or raise new capital when they no longer fit what their traditional lenders are looking for. 

“However, the business finance market in the North West and wider UK is undergoing constant evolution with a wide range of lenders, including challenger banks, asset-based lenders and private lenders, now actively looking to help businesses which the high street banks no longer feel able to support. This creates all important options to access capital for mid-sized organisations and much needed flexibility when it is most needed.” 

New Oldham partnership creates inclusive community support system

Two Oldham organisations have joined forces in a transformative strategic partnership to help create an inclusive community.

Upturn Social Enterprise – a pioneering group dedicated to fostering social impact and community development – is thrilled to announce its new collaboration with Springboard Project, a vital component of The New Bridge Multi Academy Trust.

Together they aim to create supportive environments for individuals with diverse abilities and backgrounds in Oldham, through innovative initiatives and social engagement.

Springboard Project

The Springboard Project works with young people aged 14 – 19 who have had unsuccessful experiences of education in the past and who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (and EHCP).

Every young person who attends the ‘Project’ gets access to the high-quality careers advice and guidance ensuring that the young people who attend the project leave with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to grow into the best versions of themselves possible.

The organisation has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality education and support services to individuals with special educational needs and disabilities.

Their dedication to inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging is evident in their work, making them an ideal partner for Upturn Social Enterprise.

Making a difference

Maria Williams, co-founder of Upturn, said: “As part of this partnership, we will be supporting young people across Oldham, providing them with skills, knowledge and careers advice and guidance which will include vital work experience, employment and life skills.

“Upturn Enterprise is determined and committed to making a difference and changing life’s young people’s lives of Oldham for the better. This partnership is the perfect demonstration of how we want to work with other local employers to create pathways to deliver our goals.”

Marginalised communities

Upturn Social Enterprise has been at the forefront of empowering marginalised communities by providing them with tools, resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Andy Howard, executive head (SEMH), New Bridge Group MAT says: “This initiative will ensure that every young person who attends Springboard Project will have the best chance possible to gain a real understanding of future career opportunities & by partnering with Upturn, we are championing local knowledge and local opportunities, helping to keep Oldham young people in local employment.

“We also believe that we cannot support our young people in isolation, and so always look for innovative ways to support our wider community, the young people’s families. This can be through offering a friendly ear / support to the adults around our students through to real, practical support via our ‘Project Pantry’, a one-stop option for families struggling with the cost of living crisis.”

The Project is part of the New Bridge Group, a specialist MAT focused on supporting young people across Oldham, Tameside, Rochdale and Stockport with additional needs. Through the MAT, and partnerships with wider external agencies, it supports young people up to the age of 25, ensuring they have the best possible outcomes and move successfully into adulthood.

Creative agency Unite and Create wins Spotify contract

Creative agency Unite and Create has added Spotify to its growing client roster.

The fast-growing outfit will make dynamic video content for the audio-streaming giant throughout 2023.

Unite and Create will leverage its expertise in creative production, animation and storytelling to deliver a series of videos which resonate with Spotify audiences.

Its previous projects included video pieces for high-profile Spotify projects including Nike and Cannes Lions in 2022.

Record growth

Last month the agency, founded just three years ago by Dan Laurence and Chris Hobson, reported revenues of £1.5 million, following record growth of 300 per cent year on year.

The agency specialises in producing bespoke animation projects and events for an expanding client list that includes Amazon, Sonos, Audi and the BBC.

Professionalism

Tye Comer, senior manager at Spotify said: “From the initial kick-off meetings to the delivery of the final assets, the Unite and Create team proved to be excellent and ideal partners for the projects.

“I was continually impressed by the team’s professionalism, creativity, attention to detail and the speed at which they were able to turn around the edits.”

Chris Hobson, founding director at Unite and Create said: “We couldn’t be more excited to add the world’s most popular audio streaming service to our growing client roster.

“As a platform, Spotify has transformed the way we access and consume content and Unite and Create are ideally placed to support the platform’s growing emphasis on creating engaging video content to enhance the audio experience.

“We’re looking forward to building on the successful campaigns we’ve already implemented to deliver high-quality, dynamic pieces of video content which captivates audiences across the globe.”

Beyond Traditional Diplomas: EdgeCoin’s Potential

Discover how EdgeCoin is reshaping education beyond traditional diplomas. As demand for flexible, relevant credentials grows, this article explores EdgeCoin’s potential to revolutionize learning. Dive into the future of decentralized, skill-based education. EdgeCoin reimagines educational credentials; similarly, Bitcode Method revolutionizes how we approach online crypto trading.

EdgeCoin: Revolutionizing Education

In a rapidly evolving world, traditional education systems are facing mounting challenges. The rigidity of diploma-based credentialing often falls short in meeting the diverse needs of learners and employers alike. This is where EdgeCoin steps in – a groundbreaking blockchain-based credentialing system poised to transform education as we know it.

EdgeCoin operates on the principles of blockchain technology, which ensures transparency, security, and decentralization. Gone are the days when a single institution held the monopoly on validating educational achievements. With EdgeCoin, a distributed network of nodes verifies and records every milestone, creating an unalterable digital record of an individual’s skills and accomplishments.

One of the key advantages of EdgeCoin is its ability to facilitate lifelong learning. Traditional diplomas often become outdated in the face of rapidly changing industries. EdgeCoin allows learners to continually acquire new skills and micro-credentials, enabling them to stay relevant in an ever-evolving job market.

EdgeCoin’s micro-credentialing approach revolutionizes how skills are acquired and recognized. Instead of confining learners to predefined curricula, EdgeCoin allows them to pursue specific skills that align with their interests and career goals. This shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a personalized learning experience ensures that education is directly relevant to the demands of industries, enhancing employability.

Employers are increasingly recognizing the limitations of relying solely on traditional diplomas as indicators of an individual’s abilities. EdgeCoin introduces a new era of hiring based on skills and competencies. Recruiters can now access an applicant’s verified EdgeCoin profile, gaining insight into their practical capabilities. This results in a more efficient and accurate recruitment process, reducing the gap between education and employment.

EdgeCoin transcends geographical boundaries, making education accessible to a global audience. As the world becomes more interconnected, the need for universally recognized credentials grows. EdgeCoin addresses this by providing a standardized platform for skills validation, enabling individuals from different parts of the world to showcase their expertise on a global scale.

Advantages of EdgeCoin

One of the most significant advantages of EdgeCoin is its capacity to support lifelong learning. Unlike traditional diplomas that mark the end of a formal educational journey, EdgeCoin enables individuals to continuously update and enhance their skills. This fluidity is crucial in a rapidly changing job landscape, where new technologies and industries demand continuous upskilling and reskilling.

EdgeCoin’s micro-credentialing approach is a game-changer for education. Traditional diplomas often fail to capture the diverse skill sets individuals possess, leading to a gap between what learners offer and what employers seek. With EdgeCoin, skills are broken down into specific, verifiable units. This precision not only reflects an individual’s true capabilities but also allows them to showcase a range of competencies that might otherwise go unnoticed in a traditional educational framework.

As industries evolve at an unprecedented pace, the demand for relevant and up-to-date skills intensifies. EdgeCoin addresses this challenge by enabling learners to acquire skills directly aligned with industry needs. Instead of following rigid curricula designed years in advance, learners can identify emerging trends and skill requirements and pursue targeted micro-credentials.

For employers, EdgeCoin offers a streamlined and efficient hiring process. Traditional resumes and diplomas often fall short in conveying an applicant’s practical skills and abilities. EdgeCoin provides a comprehensive and verified profile of an individual’s competencies, allowing recruiters to assess candidates more accurately.

The traditional hiring process can be costly and time-consuming, often involving multiple rounds of interviews and assessments. EdgeCoin’s transparent and verifiable skill profiles reduce the need for extensive vetting procedures. Recruiters can trust the accuracy of the credentials presented, resulting in reduced recruitment costs. This financial efficiency benefits both employers and job seekers, creating a win-win scenario for the hiring process.

EdgeCoin’s digital nature eliminates geographical barriers to education. Learners from around the world can access and showcase their skills on a global platform. This inclusivity expands opportunities for individuals who might not have access to traditional educational pathways. EdgeCoin empowers learners to participate in the global economy, contributing their skills to industries and projects regardless of their physical location.

EdgeCoin’s emphasis on individual skills and competencies encourages entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Learners can develop specialized skills that cater to niche markets and emerging industries. This fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to create unique pathways that align with their passions and market demands.

Conclusion

In a world hungry for adaptable education, EdgeCoin emerges as a beacon of innovation. By challenging conventions, it paves the way for personalized, skill-centric learning. Stay tuned as EdgeCoin transforms the education landscape, heralding a new era of possibilities.

Table Game Showdown: Blackjack, Poker, or Roulette

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With all of the casino games available, there are some more popular than others – three of the most popular games are Blackjack, Poker, and Roulette.

They all bring something different to the world of casino gaming, with three unique gaming experiences.

Whether choosing to play them in land-based form or online Blackjack, Poker or Roulette, let’s take a look at the fundamentals of each game.

Blackjack

Otherwise known as 21, the object is simple – achieve a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it (going ‘bust’).

You’ll be dealt cards throughout the game and you’ll have various options to ‘hit’, ‘stand’, ‘double down’ or ‘split pairs’.

By getting to know the odds of busting and how significant the dealer’s face-up card is, you can have an even greater game of Blackjack.

Although, it’s important to remember that this will not determine success – Blackjack is purely a game of chance! So, how close will you get to 21?

Poker

Unlike Blackjack, Poker is played against other players rather than the dealer and the goal is to form the strongest hand or bluff your opponents into folding.

It’s a game of layers where you have to factor in many things other than the cards. It’s useful to read body language to try and spot someone who could be bluffing.

Within the game, you’ll have options to ‘fold’, ‘raise’ or go ‘all-in’, and knowing when to do so will become easier once you play.

And just like Blackjack, Poker is a game of chance, so bluffing your way through the game won’t necessarily mean you’ll become a champion!

Roulette

Unlike the other two games, Roulette is all about the wheel and the anticipation of finding out where the ball will land.

Out of the three games, it’s the simplest to play, as the game solely relies on you betting on a part of the wheel and waiting to see whether your prediction becomes true.

You can bet on various things including whether the ball will land on a red or black section of the wheel, or you can bet more specifically on a particular number.

Whatever you decide to do, the game’s appeal lies in its unpredictable nature of never knowing where the ball will end up.

Will you be stepping up to a Roulette table and watching it as it spins?

It’s time to step up to the tables

With just three of the most popular table games to choose from, they will suit a variety of different gaming tastes.

If you like basic math, Blackjack might be for you, mixing the element of chance with making wise decisions during each round.

If you think you can tell when someone’s lying, then Poker might be for you.

And if you want the simplest gameplay possible, along with pure unpredictability, then Roulette is your game.

Mani bangs the drums for his fundraising cabaret evening

Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield of The Stone Roses is hosting a special event to raise cash for a charity close to his heart.

The cabaret and auction evening takes place on Thursday, September 14 at The Edwardian Radisson, on Peter Street, Manchester.

Curated by music legend Mani, his wife Imelda and their team, the event promises an evening of excellent entertainment featuring music, poetry, comedy, and cartoons, plus a DJ set from Mani himself!

All proceeds from the cabaret and auction will go to Maggie’s charity, which has supported Imelda and Mani during Imelda’s cancer treatment.

Live auction

There will also be the opportunity to bid on several auction lots donated by bands, footballers, actors, venues and promoters, as well as the chance to win some fantastic raffle prizes.

Hosted by broadcast, writer and presenter Terry Christian, the event will also feature a live auction hosted by Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers that will run simultaneously online in the room to make it accessible to people all over the world. Adam is a familiar face on TV, appearing as an expert on Bargain Hunt, Cash in the Attic, Flog it! and Dickinson’s Real Deal.  

Maggie’s charity

Imelda said: “Maggie’s charity has supported us from the start, with counselling and using resources to help explain to our children the enormity of cancer and its effects on the whole family. It’s a continuing battle for me, and I’ll be using their services more in the future.”

Free cancer support

Maggie’s has more than 25 years of experience providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK. Built within the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming and run by expert staff who help people live well with cancer.

The first centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996. Maggie’s now has 24 centres in the UK and a growing international network.

Maggie’s Manchester centre head and clinical psychologist Robin Muir said: “We are so grateful that Mani and Imelda have chosen to organise this event to raise funds for Maggie’s.

“It sounds like it will be a spectacular evening and, as we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations, will help us to help many more people with cancer from across the Manchester region. As Imelda knows we provide free vital psychological, practical and emotional support to help people at what is possibly the hardest time of their lives – I can’t thank them enough.”

Fantastic donations

Imelda and Mani have received lots of fantastic donations to support the event, including a Stone Roses’ lemon’ front bass drum head used by Reni at their legendary gigs at Heaton Park, which the band has signed.

Renowned artist Peter Savile’s original cassette artwork for Joy Division’s seminal Unknown Pleasures album is also under the hammer along with Zak and Ringo Star’s signed snare drum head.

Stone Roses drummer, Reni’s signed drumsticks and David Beckham’s signed boots he wore for the last match of his career on 18th May 2013 for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) can also be won, along with a Platinum disc of The Jam’s Snap album, plus several signed football shirts. Anyone can bid for these items online.

Plenty of comedy

The cabaret will include spoken word and indie hip-hop artist Antony Szmierek. There’ll be plenty of comedy throughout the evening from: Cold Feet & The Fast Show star John Thomson, a clairvoyant, medium and psychic best known for his appearances on Peter Kay’s award-winning Phoenix Nights Clinton Baptiste; the ‘Godfather of Comedy on the Manchester circuit’ Smug Roberts.

There will also be live music from Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler and Oscar Harrison, who will perform an acoustic set.

Mod-influenced singer/guitarist Kevin Iverson will also be playing some tunes, as well as Mary Pearce, whose powerful soulful vocals can be heard backing many music legends, including Lionel Ritchie, Chaka Khan, Courtney Pine, Mica Paris, Beverley Knight, Donna Summer, Roy Ayres and Primal Scream.

During the evening, cartoonist Tony Husband will open up his Cartoon Confessional Box, where people will ‘confess their sins in exchange for a cartoon.

Tickets available now

Tickets will be sold per table with 10 people on each table. The ticket price will include a welcome drink, a three-course meal, and table wine for each guest. Once guests are seated and ready to dine, they will be entertained throughout the evening with music, poetry and comedy. There will be a break for the raffle and auction.

Tickets for the event are on sale now: imeldaandmanifundraiser.com