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GC Business Finance provides over £7.8m to support North West SMEs during lockdown

Investment

Sam Whitear

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29/09/2020

GC Business Finance provides over £7.8m to support North West SMEs during lockdown

Specialist social impact lender GC Business Finance has been at the heart of supporting the North West’s SME community during lockdown, providing over £7.8m of funding to over 300 of the region’s companies since March.

Since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, GCBF has responded to unprecedented demand for support from the North West market, following nearly 3,000 applications from SMEs across the region.

GCBF has provided nearly £3.1m in funding backed by the Governments Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CBILS). Alongside this, the firm has used its flexible Start-Up Loans product to support companies across the region, with more than £3m being provided since March. GC Business Finance continues to utilise the Rosebud Fund, which it manages on behalf of Lancashire County Council, to provide a further £0.84m to businesses in the county as well as supported businesses across the North West to raise over £0.6m in investment round closes through the beginning of lockdown to date.

Given the significant impact of COVID-19 on revenues, businesses in Digital and Creative sector have been the largest recipient of funding from GC Business Finance, securing more than £1.2m from GCBF since the beginning of the crisis. Behind this, Food and Drink (£0.84m), Manufacturing (£0.56m), and construction (£0.49m) all demonstrated considerable appetite for funding.

GCBF is specifically geared to support businesses that have been unable to access traditional lending streams, enabling businesses to respond to and withstand interruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. In order to evolve the SME market and access to funding, GCBF has designed a digital solution to enable quicker, simpler and easier access to loans.

GC Business Finance continues to work with North West SMEs to provide a range of financial support products as well as wrap around business support services through the wider Growth Company. From its headquarters in Manchester, the firm offers loans from £500 to £300,000 across a variety of funds, including CBILS, as well as equity investment from £25,000 – £2m through their specialist service GC Angels.

Chris Hutchison, head of lending at GC Business Finance, said: “During this challenging time, it was crucial that North West entrepreneurs had access to the financial support they require, both to stabilise in the short term and position their business for future growth. Helping local businesses is something we have built our business on, and we are proud to have been able to support so many SMEs in recent months as well as look forward to continuing to support these businesses going forwards as CBILs comes to a close.

“We recognise, however, that the job is not done. With the banks’ appetite for lending beginning to dip, owners need to know the options that they have at their disposal. We remain open for business and look forward to working closely with more of the region’s ambitious entrepreneurs in the coming months.”

FAMILY FIRMS FASHIONABLE COLLABORATION

Sam Whitear

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29/09/2020

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Manchester-based family businesses, Williams Group and Private White V.C., have come together to celebrate British luxury around the launch of two new Land Rovers.

The vehicles were unveiled at Williams Manchester at TraffordCity retail centre where customers got the first glimpse at the eagerly anticipated New Defender 90 and New Defender Hard Top 110 from the iconic Land Rover brand.

To mark the occasion, high end menswear brand, Private White V.C., took over a Land Rover and wrapped it in this season’s graphics to promote its Autumn / Winter fashion range. CEO James Eden took the vehicle on a tour of his favourite hidden gems around the city and shared a peak at his favourite locations on his social media channels. The car enthusiast workedwith his creative team to celebrate the partnership with a unique installation at Williams Manchester at TraffordCity.

Iconic pieces from this season’s Private White V.C. collection were styled with a range of vintage Action Men, mannequins and displays of key garments from the Private White archive.

Guy Adams, Managing Director of Williams, says, “As a family business with heritage of over 100 years in Manchester, we have built a solid reputation as the go-to retailer for luxury vehicles. We have much in common with Private White V.C. who hold true to their family values and put real emphasis on creating garments infused with passion and made to the highest quality here in Manchester. It’s the perfect partnership for the Defender range where the emphasis is on combining robust and hard-wearing materials with incredible design to create an amazing driving experience.”

Adds James Eden, “My great grandfather, Private Jack White, set up this family business back in 1932 and we have been handcrafting garments using local suppliers and fabrics ever since. Our focus is on utilitarian luxury – all proudly Made in Manchester – and our collaboration with Williams Land Rover Manchester underlines the synergy of our brands reflecting functionality, durability, premium features and the finest in British craftsmanship.”

The event celebrates the first anniversary of Williams Land Rover alongside BMW, Jaguar and MINI retail centres at the prestigious location adjacent to the Trafford Centre at 20 Barton Dock Road, Trafford City, Manchester M41 7GF.

Datacentreplus launch interactive Agency Tram Map 2020

Transport

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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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

Leading North West childcare operator, MiChild Group, selects MadeByShape for brand overhaul

Digital

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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Following a competitive pitch, Manchester digital agency, MadeByShape has secured a major contract with full service childcare provider, MiChild Group. Appointed to deliver a complete brand overhaul, MadeByShape’s design team will create a new brand identity, tone of voice, and brand positioning as well as designing, developing and hosting an exciting new website for the nursery chain.

Currently owning and operating 13 high quality childcare nurseries across the North West, MiChild is one of the largest operators in the region, offering over 700 childcare places.
Adam Sage, CEO, MiChild Group, commented: “After seeing a number of pitches from a variety of agencies, we were impressed by MadeByShape’s professional approach and the speed with which Andy and the team responded. It was very clear from the outset that they implicitly understood our vision for the brand and were able to translate our ideas into a tangible and exciting new concept.
“We are delighted to be working with MadeByShape and cannot wait to see our MiChild brand develop and grow over the coming weeks and months.”
Once the new branding is in place, MiChild intends to work with the MadeByShape team on Search Engine Optimisation, to further enhance awareness of its chain of nurseries.
Andy Golpys, co-founder and Director, MadeByShape added: “Having worked with leading national and international clients on their brand presence, we were in a really strong position to understand and interpret MiChild’s brief, with knowledge and creativity. Thankfully, this effort was rewarded with the win and we are thrilled to be working with Adam and the team at MiChild on this exciting phase of their development.”

MadeByShape was founded in 2010 by Andy Golpys and Jason Mayo and has become a recognised leader in the creative and digital industry, including eCommerce and organic search engine optimisation.

Its 10-strong team have won awards for their innovative approach to online experiences, and work with businesses of all sizes and across the world, from start-ups to global organisations such as NHS, L’Occitane and 20th Century Fox.

RECOM CREATES NEW SENIOR ROLES AND MOVES HQ AS GROWTH ACCELERATES

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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RECOM CREATES NEW SENIOR ROLES AND MOVES HQ AS GROWTH ACCELERATES

A fast-growing construction project management specialist has created three senior roles and moved to new headquarters as it positions for its next phase of expansion.

Recom Solutions has recruited former British Army officer James Holmes as head of operations and Mike Kelly as head of its passive fire division, and has promoted Jordan Stent to head of construction.

The consultancy, founded in 2015 by directors Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, has relocated from Vanguard House at Salford Quays to bigger premises in Trafford Park to accommodate its growing team.
It has taken space at The Schoolhouse on Second Avenue on a three-year lease with Urban Splash.

Recom undertakes construction project management and main contracting work across a range of sectors, including healthcare, education, retail and leisure, commercial and residential.

It also provides consultancy services to assist in the delivery of projects. These services include design, risk, quality, health and safety and sustainability alongside passive fire.

Recom is the main contractor for a new £5m Hindu Temple in Oldham, where work recently got under way. Other Recom clients include Barry’s Bootcamp, Timpson, Pot Kettle Black, Urban Village Bars, KAMPUS, Multiply, the University of Manchester and the NHS.

The company’s team has increased to 20 with its latest appointments.
James was a construction manager at Lend Lease before spending nine years as an officer in the Royal Engineers.

Mike has joined Recom from the University of Manchester and has extensive experience in facilities management.
He will work with the NHS and other public and private sector clients to drive further expansion for Recom in passive fire protection.

Jordan, who joined Recom three years ago, will in his new role manage the construction team and take responsibility for delivery, quality, and health and safety.

Jason said: “Creating an experienced senior leadership team enables us to move on to the next stage of our expansion strategy.

“James, Mike and Jordan are highly-experienced professionals who will work with the directors to support and develop our talented team and ensure continued growth across the business.

“They each have extensive experience in the development of people and construction, and of creating environments in which people want to work.

“With a strong pipeline of contracts and places on several national frameworks for construction and consultancy, we are well-positioned for further strong growth as we compete with national and global businesses in a variety of sectors.

“We are continuing to recruit for a number of positions, including project managers and surveyors, as we build our team in line with the increasing demand for our services that we are seeing.”

Football partnership helping Salford’s most vulnerable

CSR

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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Football partnership helping Salford’s most vulnerable

A partnership between local charities Foundation 92 and Emmaus Salford is using football to unlock a better future for Salford residents, vulnerable families and formerly homeless people.

This summer, the partnership has provided weekly 92 Shield football sessions to formerly homeless people to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing. Foundation 92 has also supported Emmaus Salford’s Lucie’s Pantry by delivering 500 free food parcels to local households and run a Family Resource project to help promote healthy eating.

Dylan McKellar is one of the formerly homeless people supported by Emmaus Salford who has taken part in the 92 Shield programme delivered by Foundation 92. He has since secured full-time employment and is now looking move in to his own flat.

Dylan said: “A few of the lads from Emmaus who were into football joined the sessions with Foundation 92. We trained, played 5-a-side football matches together and it was good fun. The football sessions were also good for my confidence as it got me talking a bit more.”

Foundation 92 is an independent charity that was set up by the Class of 92, owners of Salford City Football Club, to use football as a tool to affect change in Salford and beyond. The 92 Shield is one of a number of programmes to support homeless and vulnerable adults from across the city region with the long-term aim of getting people into employment and housing.

Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92, said: “Foundation 92 is committed to providing enriching and inclusive engagement opportunities, which helps the whole community to thrive and achieve their potential. Through collaboration with Emmaus, Foundation 92 is proud to be able to deliver a free weekly football session which not only provides service users with the opportunity to have fun, get fit and healthy and learn new skills, but also provides people with a sense of belonging and achievement, which helps them improve their confidence and self-worth.”

Emmaus Salford supports 22 formerly homeless people by providing a stable home, meaningful work and individual support for as long as they need it. Emmaus operates three charity stores in the city as well as Lucie’s Pantry social supermarket and a new School Uniform Hub.

Rachel Richardson, Community Director at Emmaus Salford, said: “Much of our work is focussed on giving opportunities to formerly homeless people whilst offering essential products and services to housed individuals and families in need. This summer, with the fantastic support of Foundation 92, we have been able to further enrich the lives of our residents and expand the support offered by Lucie’s Pantry.”

To learn more about Emmaus Salford and give your support, visit https://emmaus.org.uk/salford/
For the latest updates and opportunities from Foundation 92, visit https://twitter.com/Foundation92

Bolton Accountancy Firm Nominated For Prestigious National Award

Awards

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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Bolton Accountancy Firm Nominated For Prestigious National Award

Bolton-based Gorilla Accounting have made the shortlist for Best Contractor Accountancy Over 2,500 Clients at the Contracting Awards 2020.

The national awards, which are held in association with ContractorUK and FreeAgent, are highly sought after across the entire accounting industry as they recognise the top contractor suppliers across the UK.

This is the second time Gorilla Accounting, who are part of the Seneca Group, have been nominated for the award, after a nomination in the same category last year.

Speaking of making the shortlist, Director at Gorilla Accounting, Daniel Fallows, said: “We’re really proud to make the shortlist once again for such a renowned industry award, it just goes to show how consistent our work has been over the last few years.

“We’ve placed great emphasis on continually investing in the latest technology to ensure we are best placed to service all of our customers to the highest standards. Despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented to us, we have managed to navigate this period confidently and continued to provide a high-quality service to our clients.”

After applying for the awards, applicants’ submissions were scrutinised by an expert judging panel of six of the brightest minds in the UK contractor accountancy sector.

Gorilla Accounting is one of five businesses that made the final shortlist, and a winner will be announced at a virtual awards event on the 4th November 2020.

Airswift accelerates digital transformation with appointment of new IT Director

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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Airswift accelerates digital transformation with appointment of new IT Director

Airswift, the global workforce solutions provider for the energy, process and infrastructure sectors, has appointed Neil Manfred as its new IT Director to lead the firm’s digital transformation strategy.
Neil brings over 20 years of experience in global IT infrastructure and project management, having successfully run several technology procurement and system integration programs during his career. Based in the Manchester office, Neil will lead driving Airswift’s global digital strategy forward, planning how best to deploy technological solutions and utilise data to optimise business functions, as well as enhance the value provided to clients.

Kyle McClure, CFO of Airswift said: “We’re very excited to have Neil join our team and use his vast experience in IT operations to help us apply data and information management to our everyday business activities. Technology will be at the forefront of our operations, bettering our analysis and understanding of the world of work to provide a more optimal client and candidate experience.”

This appointment comes as part of Airswift’s ongoing efforts and investments into the digital transformation and diversification of its business. With a presence in more than 60 countries worldwide, effective technology has long been crucial to the company’s success, a point emphasised by recent events.

“The impact of COVID-19 on working practices has only underlined the importance of our digital strategy as we see the future of work evolve through technology. Airswift’s commitment to change, and our mission to empower employees, clients and contractors though technology are more applicable in this rapidly altering climate than ever before.” – adds Manfred.

Manchester-Based Nettl launches the Nettl Academy Scholarship

Apprenticeship

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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Manchester-Based Nettl launches the Nettl Academy Scholarship

Manchester-based Nettl, who run web, sign and print studios in the UK, is offering 100 scholarships to support designers across Greater Manchester who are looking to transition from traditional design work to digital.

In response to the crisis facing the industry, Nettl has launched the ‘Nettl Academy Scholarship’ – a financial support grant and development programme which is open to applicants with design skills who have been made redundant in the sector.

All courses are delivered online, with a mixture of live sessions and recorded content. The programme is worth up to £2,000 in fees, which will be paid for six months on your behalf with no commitment to stay beyond this timeframe.

Chris Lowe, Director of Nettl said, “This is a new initiative to help individuals who have been affected by the pandemic. If you’ve got design skills and you’ve been made redundant or are struggling freelancing, we’ll help you get back on your feet again at our online training and development centre.

“It is our hope that this initiative will help kickstart a fresh wave of entrepreneurs who can look ahead. And maybe even go on to set up their own design businesses in the months and years to come. For others it will provide a great opportunity to build transferable skills and knowledge to help further their career in the future and make them more employable.”

In order to apply, applicants must be 18 years old (there is no upper age limit), legally resident in UK, Ireland, France, Belgium of the Netherlands. Ideally, they will already have gained graphic design or illustration skills and be able to use and own software such as Photoshop and InDesign. They can’t be currently employed in the design sector, nor can they be running an existing design business, but they can be working in temporary or part-time employment in an unrelated field.

Payments Fintech Total Processing launches internationally following a £5 million investment from BOOST&Co.

Investment

Sam Whitear

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24/09/2020

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Payments Fintech Total Processing launches internationally following a £5 million investment from BOOST&Co.

Payments Fintech Total Processing has received a £5 million investment from BOOST&Co; an alternative lender, specialising in supporting high-growth SMEs.

A testament to their triple-digit growth over the last 12 months; having seen more than a 244% rise in revenue, the Manchester-based company was fortunate enough to expand their team throughout the coronavirus lockdown, whilst continuing to provide end-to-end services to business owners adapting to the ever-changing landscape.

Quickly growing out of their UK headquarters, Total Processing’s Board of Directors moved to accelerate their roadmap for helping merchants across the globe by securing new offices in the UK, Dubai and Frankfurt.

Speaking of the investment, CEO Cameron Lee said, “We’re delighted to have secured funding to accelerate our growth across domestic and international markets. The growth is pretty crazy, more people are buying online and that’s led to a demand for our services.

Ecommerce is prevailing over bricks-and-mortar retail, people are concentrating on how much they are paying in fees so it’s been easier to win clients over on cost, and Zoom has allowed us to have meetings that we wouldn’t have got in person that has led to a decent amount of new business

We plan to scale the business significantly over the next 12 months, providing over 30 additional jobs to the UK during a time of volatility across all sectors.”

The team at BOOST have been great from start to finish and have really taken the time to understand our business model and disruptive proposition.

Advancing against fintech competitors Stripe and Mollie, BOOST&Co’s investment also facilitates an anticipated expansion of resources for Total Processing’s enterprise-level clients. Through the funding, Total processing has been able to scale up their resources in order to assist larger brands with the delivery of custom payment processing and gateway solutions, across e-commerce and instore channels worldwide.

Total Processing’s move into the UAE and Frankfurt is the first of many. Ryan Sorby, principal at BOOST&Co, endorsed further plans to expand into the MENA and European markets stating, “Total Processing has a proven business model and as the business continues to scale, it still looks likely to deliver the triple-digit growth it has seen year-on-year, which is incredibly impressive; the momentum is almost tangible.”

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