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From homelessness to construction job within a year

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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02/10/2020

From homelessness to construction job within a year

A formerly homeless man has secured a full-time job and apprenticeship in Salford thanks to a work placement with The Casey Group (Casey).

22-year-old Dylan McKellar, originally from Leeds, was offered work experience at construction firm Casey as part of the support provided by homelessness charity Emmaus Salford. Dylan impressed during his two-week placement and staff at Casey decided to offer him a full-time job and apprenticeship.

Dylan said: “The work is very hands on, there’s lots to learn and I’m really enjoying it. Since I did the work placement, other things have fallen into place and this has made my mental health much better – I’m buzzing!”

The Rochdale-based construction company has been working on the regeneration of Fitzwarren Court for housing association Salix Homes. Local charity Emmaus Salford, based next to Fitzwarren Court, helps formerly homeless people by providing a stable home, meaningful work and individual support for as long as they need it.

Before joining Emmaus, Dylan had previously been sleeping rough and sofa surfing with friends. Prior to becoming homeless, he had completed an NVQ in plumbing but had little work experience, which made finding a job difficult.

Eileen Mckay Crowe, Support Worker at Emmaus Salford said: “I mentioned to Tony Doran, Casey’s Senior Site Manager, that I was looking for some work experience for Dylan to help him gain some much-needed experience and build his confidence up.”

Tony and site manager George O’Neill agreed to help and within a week was able to offer Dylan weekly work experience, first as a labourer but then ad hoc plumbing opportunities.

Eileen added: “We are over the moon and so grateful to Casey, especially Tony and George. They have been amazing and have ensured Dylan is having a positive experience and learning good work practice and site health and safety. We really appreciate the opportunity for Dylan to gain a rewarding experience and re-enter the world of work.”

Paul Mooney, Asset Management Service Director at Salix Homes said: “We have worked with Casey on several projects over the years, including the regeneration of Albion Towers and our Poet’s estate. They have been working on Fitzwarren Court since 2018 and we choose them time and time again for their great work and commitment to improving the communities they work in.

“The main value at Casey is ‘improving lives’, which is what they’ve managed to do for Dylan by offering him valuable hands on experience. We’ve had a number of young people hone their skills at Fitzwarren Court through Casey’s apprenticeships and traineeship, Build Salford. We’re glad to have played a part in Dylan’s first steps towards a new career.”

To learn more and support Emmaus Salford, visit https://emmaus.org.uk/salford/

Social Republic Commissioned By U.S Manufacturing Giant

Creative

Sam Whitear

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01/10/2020

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Social Republic Commissioned By U.S Manufacturing Giant

Manchester-based global social media agency Social Republic, has been appointed by Custom Fireplaces, a bespoke manufacturing business based in the United States.

Custom Fireplaces, owned by eight figure business Materials Marketing, produces a wide collection of world-class, natural stone fireplace mantels and surrounds, having opened its first doors in 1965.

It will work with Social Republic to create and implement social-first content that expresses the brand’s DNA across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Houzz, to help develop brand-consumer relationships.

Social Republic will also manage the brand’s paid and influencer campaigns to increase reach with new audiences and improve e-commerce sales.

Jim Fanning of Custom Fireplaces commented: “As we continue to increase and develop as a business, we are aware that our social media offering also needs to improve in order to meet the new demands.

“Our team reached out to Social Republic with the request of putting forward a strategy that will help to strengthen our social media presence and in-turn our e-commerce performance.

“We were impressed with the team’s approach to our brief, their thought process and knowledge of our industry. It’s good to be working with an agency that has its finger on the pulse of social media trends, alongside accreditations from the platforms themselves.

CEO of Social Republic, Rob Illidge added: “It’s an honour for us to begin working with Custom Fireplaces. We are looking forward to raising awareness of the brand in key U.S states, and revolutionising their social media activity.

“This new client win is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Social Republic, and further enhances our position as leading social media experts in the United States.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

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

Paid Advertising agency Vagabond Digital wins big with Mazuma Mobile contract

Creative

Sam Whitear

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01/10/2020

0

Paid Advertising agency Vagabond Digital wins big with Mazuma Mobile contract

The Manchester based agency has been awarded a long-term contract with the UK’s largest mobile phone and laptop recycling company, based in Morecambe.

Following a successful trial period, Vagabond Digital will be working on a number of exciting campaigns for Mazuma Mobile providing strategic input to their PPC and paid social activity as the company moves into a period of high growth.

Craig Smith, CEO of Mazuma Mobile commented on the appointment:

“We’ve been extremely impressed with the team at Vagabond. Their specialist PPC and paid social knowledge, attention to detail and communication are second to none and we’re excited to build a lasting partnership with them.”
Tom-James Lee, Founder of Vagabond added:

“It’s been a pleasure working with the talented team at Mazuma and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to build on the success we’ve already accomplished this year. We have lots of ideas in the pipeline and we’re confident we’ll help propel the growth of Mazuma.”

Manchester tech firm SRO Solutions delivers IT package to support UK’s polar science programme

Tech

Sam Whitear

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01/10/2020

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Manchester tech firm SRO Solutions delivers IT package to support UK’s polar science programme

Software consultancy SRO Solutions is working on a project to replace British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) current asset management system, and help improve the processing and sharing of data between the organisation’s UK headquarters and polar research stations.

The Manchester-based technology firm was tasked with migrating all of BAS’ existing data from its current AMOS asset management system to IBM’s Maximo platform. In addition, SRO has created a number of bespoke applications to handle data covering cargo and freight movements, internal documents, and crew and course planning.

BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica, and each season sends around 300-plus research and support staff to the continent. It operates three research stations in the Antarctic and two on Subantarctic South Georgia, and one in the Arctic on behalf of NERC. Other assets include the RRS James Clark Ross, a fleet of aircraft and specialist vehicles, plus the eagerly awaited new polar ship for Great Britain, RRS Sir David Attenborough.

Ashish Patel, SRO Project Delivery Manager, said the new system will allow data recorded at all of BAS’ remote stations, as well as on board the ships, to be made available across the organisation’s entire network.

He said: “Being based in the Antarctic, BAS’ sites are in incredibly remote locations, yet we are enabling them to get as close to live data as possible. Our unique data replication engine works in tandem with Maximo and is specifically designed to tackle issues associated with replicating information over low bandwidth, high latency networks. As soon as there is some network available, the data gets replicated, providing a like-for-like copy once the process is complete. As a result, BAS’ remote research stations will obtain the same quality of service that a connected site receives.”

As well as overseeing the migration of BAS’ existing data to Maximo, SRO was tasked with creating a number of applications to support the handling of new data. A cargo management solution is under development for BAS Logistics that involves building new custom applications to record packing notes, packing cases, packing lists and manifests for all cargo and freight going to Antarctica.

Crew and course planning functionality was developed in the system to create crew records, track crew leave and movements, store certificates and appraisal reports, and hold job roles with a pre-defined list of training courses required for that role. A custom application was created to provide a list of courses, with the ability to schedule training and book people onto courses, plus a Gantt view and a report function to track progress. SRO also created a document distribution solution to allow BAS to manage and control policy and procedure documents within its various research stations, ships and aircrafts.

Jonathan Ritchie, Senior Consultant at SRO Solutions, added: “All these applications are linked to the implementation of Maximo. That is really the key project because once BAS’ data has been fully migrated they can start using it as their maintenance system. It has required a lot of effort to get to this point but we are close to signing off.

“Training has posed a challenge because it is not realistic to get everyone over from Antarctica, teach them to use the new system and get them back out there – there has to be an overlap. Pre-COVID, our consultants spent a lot of time at BAS’ headquarters in Cambridge going through the system and leading workshops. We have also been in Merseyside training engineers who will be working aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough on how to use Maximo.”

The IBM Maximo platform has been live for a number of months now and is considered operationally ready for the RRS Sir David Attenborough sea trails in the coming months.

New programme launched to help start-ups enhance their e-commerce offer

Business support

Sam Whitear

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01/10/2020

0

New programme launched to help start-ups enhance their e-commerce offer

ENTREPRENEURS and start-ups looking to take their businesses online can get help to launch and grow an online business from their mobile, laptop or tablet thanks to a new programme from GC Business Growth Hub.

Business on the Go is fully funded for eligible businesses that have either not yet launched or are in the early years of trading and want to get to grips with the challenges and opportunities of e-commerce.

There are limited places still available with a deadline of 5 October for businesses to register their interest at businessgrowthhub.com/business-on-the-go.

The programme will be delivered by GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and will take businesses through a number of interactive webinars and tailored one-to-one business support.

Offering practical advice and business fundamentals, Business on the Go will ensure participants consider the technical aspects needed to successfully launch and grow an online business.

A series of workshops will be delivered fully online in accordance with social distancing guidelines and will be supported with electronic resources, covering the following topics:

Workshop 1: Log on to launch

Company structure
Setting up a website
Costing and finance
How to buy and sell overseas

Workshop 2: The apps to stop mishaps

The best apps to save time and work more efficiently
Social media and marketing
Time management tools

Workshop 3: Safety net

Cyber Security – Staying safe on-line
GDPR legal requirements
Regulations

Workshop 4: Search Engine Marketing

The Basics – an introduction to SEO
How to engage across all digital marketing channels
Paid search (Pay per click)
Analytics

The programme will also include ‘fireside chats’ with successful founders, where participants can hear their real-life experiences, understand their journeys and the challenges they have overcome as well as having the chance to ask questions about what they’ve learned and getting their tips for growing a successful online business.

Hilary Centeleghe, Growth and Start-up Lead, GC Business Growth Hub, said: “Even during challenging times like these, there are still entrepreneurs and start-ups out there taking their first steps towards growth. Business on the Go is here to give them the tools to achieve that, whether they’re working from a laptop, a tablet or even their mobile.

“So, if you’re still deciding how to make your online business idea a reality or want to grow your business by adding e-commerce to your offer, Business on the Go will guide you to the next level.”

For more information and to register your interest in the programme ahead of the deadline of 5 October, visit businessgrowthhub.com/business-on-the-go.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.

Amafest goes online for 2020 event

Creative

Sam Whitear

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01/10/2020

0

Digitl – the Manchester based eCommerce and marketplace agency – has joined forces with Online Seller UK to stage the fourth Amafest conference which will be taking place on Thursday 8th October. The event will give valuable insights and tips for any person or business who is already trading on – or thinking of selling on – Amazon. Due to the current situation, the organisers have decided to make this year’s event entirely digital.

A broad range of speakers have been confirmed including Matt Anderson, Marketplace Amp; Timo Bock, dragonflip.com; Duncan Barraclough, Onlinestar.co.uk; and Chris Mole, molzi.com.

Topics will include: how to build an unbeatable online brand on Amazon; how to accurately target your consumer using digital signal processing; how to maximise sales on Amazon with the right PPC strategy; how to comply your product with European Product Safety Legislation; and how to turn Amazon data into sales.

There will also be various panel discussions debating issues including the use of private white labels and how to become an Amazon success story which will feature several leading entrepreneurs. The full programme is detailed in the notes to editor* below.

Virtual attendees will be able to network with their peers and meet new suppliers who will be on hand to share their hints, tips and insights.

Darren Ratcliffe – founder of Digitl – said: “We all know that 2020 has seen a massive surge in online shopping at the trend is only going to get stronger – especially as we are all facing another six months of restrictions, lockdowns and uncertainties.

Darren added: We have carefully curated this year’s Amafest so we deliver practical advice that will add real commercial value to those who attend. We want to help sellers to learn and then use that knowledge to grow their businesses.”

Chapel Wharf buzzing to be named as the first location for Manchester’s 50 Windows of Creativity project

Property

Sam Whitear

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01/10/2020

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Chapel Wharf buzzing to be named as the first location for Manchester’s 50 Windows of Creativity project

Dandara Living’s Chapel Wharf development has been announced as one of the first locations for this year’s 50 Windows of Creativity – a new art trail showcasing the work of the city’s artists and makers.

Organisers, Wild in Art, the team behind 2018’s Bee in the City event, will transform one of the windows at the Chapel Wharf apartment development into a creative display and will be one of 50 windows and spaces, across Manchester taking part in the event this Autumn.

The displays will feature multiple art forms from fine art and photography to mosaics and murals, all curated by well-known and emerging artists and collectives and all with a connection to Greater Manchester.

Wild in Art has teamed up with Manchester City Council to launch the project and Dandara Living will join Autotrader as one of the event’s key partners, with other businesses also stepping forward to support the project.

Vicky Robinson, City Operations Manager at Chapel Wharf, said: “Supporting the communities we work within is very important to us at Dandara Living and this project not only celebrates Manchester’s creativity, it highlights the integral role that arts and culture plays in the heart of city life.

“We are incredibly excited to be involved, not just as an event partner but also by having our development form part of the creative trail. This is a really exciting project and we can’t wait to see more local businesses and creatives get involved and make this a truly landmark event.”

Each display will be available to buy from the artists involved, supporting the city’s creative sector, with select pieces to be auctioned off and proceeds going to the artists that created them and to The Lord Mayor of Manchester Charity Appeal Trust – We Love MCR Charity registered charity number 1066972).

Artists and makers taking part include: Welcome Trust prize winner Benji Reid, Manchester born mixed media landscape artist Sarah Connell and contemporary creative studio Lazerian.

Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art said, “We are so pleased to have the backing of Dandara Living as one of our main event partners for 50 Windows of Creativity. This project will transform the city’s windows and spaces into an innovative art gallery and we look forward to working with them to develop the display at Chapel Wharf.”

Datacentreplus launch interactive Agency Tram Map 2020

Sam Whitear

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30/09/2020

0

Datacentreplus launch interactive Agency Tram Map 2020

We are very excited to launch our 2020 Interactive Manchester Agency Tram Map.

The Interactive Agency Tram Map builds upon the 2019 version, providing an indication of how many digital agency specialists we have across Greater Manchester and this will continue to grow as Manchester attracts the best of e-commerce, digital and media across the North.

This year we decided to make the latest version interactive and ultimately more engaging, user-friendly and easily accessible to view each individual agency with a direct link to their website. In addition, we have also introduced an ‘About Us’ section, where a short bio has been provided outlining what each agency does or specialises in.

Our aim is to provide everyone with a central destination for advice and support, as part of a unique agency-focused server hosting package. With one central stop in your city, we can support your agency and client needs, allowing you to focus on making your business even more attractive.

We are keen to add every agency in Manchester so if you think we have missed you out, please do contact us.

If you would like any further information about the Interactive Agency Tram Map, would like to discuss your position, or would like to be involved, please contact us directly and we’d be happy to help – 0161 464 6101.

You can find out more on the Datacentreplus Manchester Agency Tram Map here

Clough & Willis reports upturn in demand for its Contentious Probate services

Growth

Sam Whitear

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29/09/2020

0

Clough & Willis reports upturn in demand for its Contentious Probate services

Bury and Bolton law firm Clough & Willis has seen, and predicts it will continue to see, a growing demand for its Contentious Probate services. The firm has reported a rise of about 25% in new enquiries over the past three months compared to the same period last year.

A contentious probate or disputed Will is a dispute involving inheritance or the validity of a Will. They usually stem from someone feeling a Will didn’t leave them what they felt they deserved or were promised, or they may have concerns regarding the way in which a Will was made.

Reasons given to the firm have mainly centred around Wills being rushed, badly drafted by inexperienced solicitors or non-legally binding documents which the deceased believed constituted as an official Will. Other grounds for litigation have included undue influence, lack of knowledge and approval, and a belief that Wills were fraudulent or forged.

Grahame Henry – senior associate and dispute resolution solicitor – said: “This trend is concerning as it shows many people are accessing bad advice or don’t understand the process of making a Will. The result for those left behind can be devastating – both financially and emotionally. It’s essential we all understand how important making a Will is and that it should be carefully thought out and then drafted in conjunction with a highly reputable solicitor.

Grahame added: The past few years have seen a rise in non-specialist lawyers moving into the Will drafting sector, so going for the cheapest option can have serious ramifications. We’d implore that clients do their due diligence to ensure a Will is legally valid and outlines their true wishes.”

Polaris Media wins five new maritime and engineering clients

Awards

Sam Whitear

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29/09/2020

0

Polaris Media wins five new maritime and engineering clients

Didsbury based Polaris, a maritime and engineering specialist, has been appointed by leading flag state the Isle of Man Ship Registry, part of the Red Ensign Group, together with Manchester based tech firm SRO Solutions which delivers asset management systems to the maritime sector including IBM’s Maximo software. In addition, Polaris has signed new deals with fast growing Liverpool-based maritime tech training company Tapiit Live and award-winning Cheshire engineering company Hydraulics Online, which exports to 130 countries. Polaris has also just delivered a new brand and website for Belgium-based trade association the Light Electric Vehicle Association-EU www.leva-eu.com

Polaris managing director Ben Pinnington said the company is delighted to welcome the new clients and will be offering a range of marketing services including media relations, social media, website build, annual report writing, business development and marketing strategy.

“It is brilliant to welcome a collection of innovative companies at the sharp end of the huge changes going through the maritime and engineering sectors in digitisation and decarbonisation,” he said. “These are prime growth areas for the future and exactly the type of international businesses we want to work with and the media wants to write about. We are passionate about maritime and engineering and look forward to opening our contacts book for these new clients.”

Ben said Polaris is seeing an uptick in work as businesses search out ways to raise awareness as trade fairs are postponed and travel restricted.

“Businesses still want profile locally, nationally and internationally,” he said. “Rethinking marketing strategy, publicity in regional, national and international trade press, social media, enewsletters and film are just some solutions to raising profile, winning business and creating opportunities at home and overseas.”

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