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LOVELL TOGETHER JV SUBMITS PLANNING FOR ITS FIRST REGENERATION PROJECT

Property

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

LOVELL TOGETHER JV SUBMITS PLANNING FOR ITS FIRST REGENERATION PROJECT

LOVELL TOGETHER, a brand-new joint venture between leading national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships and Together Housing Group, has just submitted a planning application for the first phase of its forward-thinking regeneration development.

Located in Pendleton, Salford, the development is set to be one of the largest strategic residential regeneration projects in Greater Manchester. With a planned start on site date of early 2021, Lovell Together has designed and will deliver 127 two, three- and four-bedroom properties; 17 of which will be affordable homes for social rent. This phase is part of a wider masterplan, which benefits from outline planning for more 1,000 homes within the Pendleton area.

The current phase of the development will include a mixture of mews and semi-detached modern, energy efficient properties, which are considerably higher than current building regulation standards through enhanced fabric thermal improvements. Furthermore, a number of the homes meet lifetime homes internal space standards and more than 20% of the affordable homes are designed to wheelchair accessible requirements to meet local demand.

The scheme centres on a high-quality public realm throughout the heart of the development and several innovative features such as a cycle street linking into wider Salford cycle routes, rain gardens – planted areas on the main street to help with natural drainage – and adjacent allotments.

Lee Sale, regional managing director at Lovell Partnerships North West, said: “A key milestone has been achieved with the planning submission for our first Lovell Together development and we cannot wait to get started on delivering such a great project.

“The scheme will not only provide much needed affordable housing but also rejuvenate the local area in line with the council’s vision. There are some great features on this site that will instil real pride in the area and improve desirability.

“We really wanted this development to cater for everyone so Lovell Together has worked closely with Salford City Council to align with local housing needs, including wheelchair accessible homes and properties for social rent.”

Kevin Ruth, deputy chief executive at Together Housing, said: “It’s an exciting project and a progression from the earlier work Together has undertaken in Pendleton. We are really pleased with the design and mix to be developed through the Lovell Together partnership.”

Lovell Together is due to start working on the detailed development of the wider masterplan for the site, with the remainder of homes due to be delivered across multiple phases by 2030.

The Pendleton project will be delivered by the Lovell Together joint venture, which launched last month and is due to deliver 3,000 new homes in the next five years. The JV vehicle will create much needed quality developments, form new communities and meet housing delivery targets across not only the North West but also the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and Humberside.

CBRE APPOINTED ON CENTENARY HOUSE MANCHESTER

Property

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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CBRE APPOINTED ON CENTENARY HOUSE MANCHESTER

CBRE’s Manchester office agency team has been appointed by Blacksand to market the Centenary House office building on the edge of MediaCityUK, Manchester. More than 44,600 sq ft of Grade A office space over two floors will be available to let from October 2020.

The HQ-style building is prominently positioned fronting Centenary Way, Trafford Park and is close to the regional road network, within 1 mile of J2 of the M602 motorway. In the four-storey, high spec office development both the 2nd floor (22,313 sq ft) and the 3rd floor (22,337 sq ft) are available for occupation from October 2020. Following an intensive reception and common area upgrade, both of these floors are undergoing a thorough refurbishment back to a traditional CAT A standard. The building also offers secure undercroft car parking.

Centenary House offers very high-quality office space with great access to public transport and the motorway with a substantial parking ratio to support any business.

Jonathan Cook, Associate Director, CBRE Manchester commented:

“We are delighted to be instructed on this central Salford landmark building which is within easy reach of Salford Quays, the Trafford Centre, MediaCityUK and the Lowry outlet mall, with access to a number of retail and leisure outlets at West One Retail park, as well as a range of amenities on the doorstep. It is an exemplary choice for working professionals and businesses looking for a well-connected workspace in Manchester.”

Yumi Nutrition’s Chewable Supplements Land in US airport Stores

International

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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Yumi Nutrition’s Chewable Supplements Land in US airport Stores

Leading provider of chewable supplements, Yumi Nutrition, has launched two of its products in seven US airports after securing a partnership with airport hospitality group OTG.

The Yumi Gut Health and Sleep gummies are now available to buy at Philadelphia International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Newark Liberty International, George Bush Intercontinental, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International and LaGuardia airports where OTG operates retail stores.

The two supplements can be purchased from OTG’s CIBO Express Gourmet market located in each of the seven airports. Yumi’s Gut Health supplement, priced at $17, is a strawberry yoghurt flavour chewable probiotic which improves digestion, reduces bloating and strengthens your immune system. The Sleep gummies, priced at $16, come in strawberry flavour and help to control sleeping patterns for a better and higher quality sleep.

The agreement with OTG is Yumi Nutrition’s latest venture into the US market having already secured retail distribution deals with Urban Outfitters and GNC. This, alongside a partnership with Holland & Barrett in the UK, has helped the company to a fourfold turnover increase year-on-year.

Sebastien Vanderlinden, CEO at Yumi Nutrition said: “We’re delighted to be working with OTG and to have our products stocked in airports across the US in what is an exciting step for the business as we continue our expansion.

“We’ve seen huge demand for chewable vitamins and supplements over the last couple of years as consumers become increasingly health-conscious but desire an easier and more enjoyable route to health and wellbeing benefits than traditional pills and capsules.”

Annamarie McConnell, Director of non-food retail at OTG, said: “OTG is focussed on providing a first-class customer experience in the airport environment and we’re thrilled to be stocking Yumi’s chewable supplements. The products will be a great fit for our CIBO Express Gourmet Market and will appeal to many travellers, helping to ensure they feel their best during their journey and beyond.”

New hire for digital agency Fablr

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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Northern digital agency Fablr has seen considerable growth in 2020, working with a number of high profile clients across mobile development, web development, design and digital marketing. To support their expanding business, Fablr are excited to announce the addition of talented digital product designer Aly Sébastien to the team.

Aly joins Fablr after six years at Cheshire-based digital agency, Venn Digital, where she worked on a range of high profile projects across recruitment, FMCG, manufacturing, and technology.

Geoff Bretherick, creative director at Fablr, said: “We are excited to welcome Aly to the Fablr family. This year, we’ve seen substantial growth in our workload and our service offering, so we’re extremely pleased to be in the position to bring in another talented senior designer who is passionate about user-centric design.

“Aly has a great understanding of digital product development and a laser sharp commercial focus. She is extremely creative and has an excellent knowledge of wider digital strategy, so she is a perfect fit for our team.”

Aly will be working closely with the Fablr team across design, front-end development, UX, UI and ecommerce implementation.

She said: “The opportunity to work with a very talented and experienced team was what attracted me to join Fablr. Being able to solve business goals across many different sectors and platforms was a real driving force in this decision.

“Fablr believes in delivering a competitive advantage with their digital products, services, and marketing. They take pride in the services they offer and go the extra mile to make sure they meet and exceed client expectations. These values are aligned with my own standards and goals, and it has been a pleasure to come on board.”

Fablr, which has offices in Leeds and Manchester, has recently launched websites for consumer food brands and manufacturers Ye Olde Oak, Struik Foods and Sonnen Bassermann. The team also works with arts organisations, such as East Street Arts and CuratorSpace, as well as professional service providers such as the Proco Group.

Last chance for Greater Manchester creative industry businesses to benefit from Creative Scale-Up programme

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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Last chance for Greater Manchester creative industry businesses to benefit from Creative Scale-Up programme

THE Growth Company is looking for creative industry businesses in Greater Manchester who are ready to take the next big step in their growth journey to join the final cohort of its highly successful Creative Scale-up Programme.

There are a limited number of places left and creative SMEs need to apply before 25 Septemberfor the chance to learn all the tools needed to scale up, access investment and grow their business, as well as recover from the impact of Covid-19.

With a vibrant community of more than 8,500 creative industry businesses, generating £1.4 billion of economic growth annually, Greater Manchester boasts one of the country’s leading creative industry clusters outside of London. However, a report by Oxford Economics has projected that the sector will be hit twice as hard as the wider economy in 2020, with a projected GVA shortfall of £29 billion.

More than 250 creative industry businesses applied to the programme following its launch in January and 40 businesses – including The People’s History Museum, CTConsults and Global Grooves – have taken part since the programme, with hugely encouraging results.

Some participants have reported growth of more than 50% while there have been new investments and funding accessed as well as the forming of useful new relationships and increased business opportunities.

Alex Saint, Managing Director, CTConsults said that the programme had proven to be crucial: “We joined the Creative Scale Up Programme ahead of the COVID-19 crisis with plans for ambitious growth and big thinking. Things changed – but John Moore and his colleagues across the programme have been instrumental in helping me steer the business through the crisis.

“There has been a mix of specialist advice, key information and 1-2-1 mentoring. John has played the part of critical friend brilliantly and as a result we are still here – looking ahead, ready to get back to a growth mindset and that is in no small part to the programme. I highly recommend it.”

Sarah Miguel, Head of Business Development – People’s History Museum, added: “The Creative Scale-up Programme has been helping embed a spirit of cultural entrepreneurship at People’s History Museum to support recovery.

“The training programme has equipped us with the strategic pillars needed while planning for growth. Sector expert knowledge from the training providers has connected us with like-minded creative business and help us strengthen our resilience.”

The programme is delivered by GC Business Growth Hub and is fully funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, aimed at businesses from sectors including: advertising & marketing; architecture; arts & culture; craft; createch; design; fashion; gaming; music; publishing; TV & film and AR/VR.

All modules are delivered virtually, in line with social distancing guidelines, and is aimed to help creative industry businesses to tackle gaps in investment and growth in the sector, while empowering them to realise their full growth potential, providing the training and tools necessary to take them to the next level.

Sarah Novotny, Digital, Creative and Tech Sector Business Support Lead, GC Business Growth Hub said: “This has been a challenging year for creative industry businesses in our region, but I’m delighted by the results we’ve seen so far for those who have taken part in Creative Scale-Up.

“There has never been a better time for SMEs to work on their business plan for the future and build resilience. We are urging them to sign up so they can stabilise their business, recover and get back to growing.

“There may well be more difficult times ahead, which is why it’s so crucial that businesses in this sector are equipped to access the funding and plan the strategies that will help them survive and thrive as the whole region seeks to Build Back Better.”

Eligible businesses in the creative industries in Greater Manchester can still sign up for the few remaining places by 25 September at www.businessgrowthhub.com/creative-scale-up-programme.

Manchester’s first Hybrid exhibition announces an exciting line-up of key speakers from across the globe.

Hospitality

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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Manchester’s first Hybrid exhibition announces an exciting line-up of key speakers from across the globe.

UVM EXPO 2020, the annual pioneering hybrid exhibition and conference for the events industry, has announced an inspiring programme of speakers ahead of October 1st, when it is set to be held virtually and physically, in Manchester.

The UVM Expo 2020 organisers have now released their official event programme, featuring keynote speaker Martin Fullard, editor of Conference News.

Other speakers are set to include: Kerrin MacPhie from Visit Britain, Event Blogger Juliet Tripp, Mike Kershaw, Co-Founder of Concerto Group and Paula Kelsey; Managing Director of Cloud 9 Event Management and Chair of AIEA (Association of Independent Event Agencies). There will also be a range of international perspectives from the likes of Ursula Winterbauer; Head of German Convention Bureau, and Mónica Sánchez-Núñez from the Spanish Tourist Board.

Hosted by Swapcard virtual event providers, the event encompasses a full day of networking, speaker sessions, presentations, panel discussions and video. There will also be the chance to schedule a one-to-one appointment with live and virtual exhibitors and to get involved in the day’s engagement session – alongside plentiful chances to network.

A session on the Future of Events will look at the challenges and opportunities the industry faces in the months ahead; another panel will consider the impact of technology on events, while another will examine how we can build confidence in the industry whilst safeguarding against the backdrop of coronavirus. It will assess how venues can ensure safety, and the implications for insurance and other costs.

This unmissable showcase for hybrid events will bring together UK-wide and international industry experts, with confirmed partners set to include PA Life, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Gusto Restaurant, Captive North, Clear Agency and Venue Seekers among others.

Hotel partners include Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Regency Manchester, Kimpton Clocktower and Hotel Football. Representatives of Manchester’s top venues and industry suppliers will also be there, showcasing world-beating technology.

Delegates can join for the whole day or dip in & out of sessions at this thought-provoking Unique Venues of Manchester (UVM) event, either in-person at Chamber Space, central Manchester, or alternatively virtually, between 9.30am and 4.30pm (either is free for events planners).

Keynote speaker Martin Fullard added:

“It has never been more important for the events industry to work together. Competition is something of a footnote these days, and I am delighted to see the industry come together in so many different ways. Events like this are critical for our future.

This event is another example of what we do best: bringing together communities. I am confident the industry will find the content useful as we ready ourselves for the reopening of events. Much has changed and it is vital everyone stays up to date with the latest guidance and trends. I’m delighted to be presenting a keynote for Unique Venues of Manchester, and know that they will put on a great hybrid show.”

Brought to you by Unique Venues of Manchester and a number of partners, UVM EXPO 2020 will be a conference and exhibition style event, combining both live and virtual experiences, in what promises to be an unmissable showcase for hybrid events, as it aims to attract MICE professionals from the city region, around the UK and beyond.

Free for event planners to attend physically or virtually, UVM EXPO 2020 takes place on Thursday 1st October between 9.30am and 4.30pm in Manchester’s Chamber Space, comprising 16 meeting spaces on Deansgate in the heart of the city.

Visit http://uvmexpo.co.uk/ to register your place and view the full programme.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2020 North West finalists announced

Awards

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2020 North West finalists announced

EY has announced its EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Northern finalists today, with four businesses from the North West making the shortlist.

This year’s finalists highlight the vibrant diversity of the North’s entrepreneurial landscape, with companies from sectors including retail, hospitality, construction and social care represented across the region.

The North West finalists are:

· Jamil Mawji and Faisal Lalani, Co-Founder and Director of National Care Group Limited, a leading provider of care and support services to vulnerable adults throughout the UK. Based in Lancashire.

· Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Cottages, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent holiday cottage rental agencies. Headquartered in Chester.

· Paul Baker, Founder of St Pierre Groupe, an international market leader in European bakery products. Based in Manchester.

· Richard Barlow, Founder and CEO of wejo Limited, which collects, processes, analyses and licenses connected vehicle data into insights. Based in Chester.

Victoria Price, Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year leader in the North, said: “It’s fantastic to see another group of finalists from the North. This year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme recognises the achievements of six of some of the best businesses from across the North West and Yorkshire, all helping to grow the North’s economy.

“Entrepreneurs are facing one of the most challenging environments’ we’ve seen and so I continue to be impressed by their relentless determination and resilience in an uncertain climate. The calibre of all our Northern applicants has been truly inspiring. While some of our finalists have had to navigate a very turbulent year, some have been able to seize unexpected opportunities to accelerate growth.”

Marked against six criteria by an independent Northern judging panel in July, the shortlist celebrates business leaders who showcase real entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering ambition in solving tomorrow’s challenges. Similar events were also held in Scotland, the Midlands and South West, and London and the South East.

The regional finalists make up the 25 UK business finalists that will progress to the UK judging and final, vying for the title ‘EY UK Entrepreneur Of The Year’. The overall winner will then represent the UK at the ‘EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year’ in summer 2021, a forum which attracts the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.

Last year’s Northern finalist, Steve Jackson OBE DL of Recycling Lives, went on to be crowned EY Entrepreneur Of the Year™ 2019 Overall Winner, the Preston-based founder also took home the ‘Societal Impact’ category award for the positive contribution the business made to the wider community.

North judging panel
· The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 Northern judging panel was chaired by Clare Roberts, CEO of Kids Planet and Kids Allowed, who was joined by:
o Imran Hakim, CEO of Hakim Group
o Martin Wardhaugh, Group CEO of Arran Isle
o Neil Inskip, Director of BGF
o Simon Wilkinson, CEO of Mobica

Full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 North finalists:

· James Parker, Owner and CEO of Gym King, which specialises in ath-leisure wear available in over 1,000 stores worldwide. Based in West Yorkshire.

· Jamil Mawji and Faisal Lalani, Co-Founder and Director of National Care Group Limited, a leading provider of care and support services to vulnerable adults throughout the UK. Based in Lancashire.

· Steve Parkin, CEO of Moores Furniture Group, a leading manufacturer and installer of kitchen and bathroom furniture in the UK. Based in Wetherby.

· Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Cottages, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent holiday cottage rental agencies. Headquartered in Chester.

· Paul Baker, Founder of St Pierre Groupe, an international market leader in European bakery products. Based in Manchester.

· Richard Barlow, Founder and CEO of wejo Limited, which collects, processes, analyses and licenses connected vehicle data into insights. Based in Chester.

Sponsors
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year’s national headline sponsor is global wealth management firm LGT Vestra.

Updated Northern Gateway plans for Collyhurst taken out for consultation with local people

Property

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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Updated Northern Gateway plans for Collyhurst taken out for consultation with local people

A further round of consultation has begun with local people, businesses and groups on the Northern Gateway proposals for Collyhurst before final plans for the first phase of new housing development in the neighbourhood are drawn up.

Residents are invited to give their feedback on updated and more developed proposals following an earlier round of consultation in February this year.

The ambition will be to provide around 270 new homes split across two neighbourhoods – Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst. This phase of development will also include 130 council homes for social rent.

Through previous consultation on the plans, local people have expressed a preference for a mix of new homes, including accessible housing, family-friendly and age-friendly designs, alongside attractive residential streets, with a focus on safety and security. And this phase of engagement will provide more detailed information about the different types of homes that will be available – from apartments to houses.

Proposals for Collyhurst Village also include a new park and as part of the consultation, local people are asked to consider what should be included within this space.

The majority of the land required for the first phase of development is ready to build new homes on. The wider proposals for the area – including the new park – could require the demolition of up to 28 existing homes. Residents who are affected by the plans have already been contacted and they will be supported to move into the new homes.

However, no existing homes will be demolished in Collyhurst until the new replacement homes have been built, which will ensure existing residents can move seamlessly into the new properties without moving out of the area.

In line with Covid-19 public health regulations, this phase of consultation will take an innovative approach to ensure Collyhurst residents can safely view the proposals and participate in the consultation process in a number of ways – including a virtual exhibition.

Final proposals that will form the planning application for the first phase of development within Collyhurst will be presented to the local community later this year ahead of planning submission.

The consultation will close on Friday 16 October.

BGF announces six-month exits success in the North West

Investment

Sam Whitear

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18/09/2020

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BGF announces six-month exits success in the North West

BGF’s North West team is celebrating a strong run of investment activity after completing three exits and two multimillion-pound deals over the last six months.
Last month, BGF successfully exited a subsidiary of Hobs Group when e-discovery business, Anexsys was acquired by US PE-backed Xact Data Discovery (XDD). BGF invested in Liverpool-headquartered Hobs Group back in 2014. Anexsys revenues grew by 250 per cent in this period, with EBITDA rising from zero to £2.5 million at the point of sale.

This deal follows BGF’s exit from vehicle manufacturer Woodall Nicholson in April, which generated a 2.5x return. BGF backed the business in 2016 with funding supporting the business’ product development and acquisition strategy. Woodall Nicholson grew three-fold in four years and during this time the business made four acquisitions, which accelerated international expansion and broadened its market reach.

BGF also exited web hosting company, Miss Group in February 2020. Revenues rose from £8 million to £25 million in the 18-month investment period with EBITDA of £11 million at the time of exit. The deal delivered an IRR of more than 100 per cent for BGF.

Neil Inskip, head of BGF’s North West team, said: “This trio of exits demonstrates the strength and flexibility of BGF’s model. We backed three North West businesses at different stages of their evolution and from a range of sectors. We have facilitated several acquisitions, built out well-rounded management teams and expanded internationally. All three companies have proven to be fantastic investments, delivering excellent returns for all shareholders.

“The average investment hold period was 3.5 years, and ranged from 18 months to nearly six years, facilitated by our investment model. Our flexibility has also allowed us to retain an investment in two of these businesses, providing future upside potential.”

BGF has also announced two new investments in the region as it continues to support the economy in uncertain times. Lead generation technology company, ROI received £3 million to accelerate its UK and European expansion. Miss Group CEO, Mattias Kaneteg and Non-Executive Chair, Phil Male both join the ROI board.

A Wilderness Way (AWW), a provider of specialist residential childcare and crisis intervention services, also secured backing from BGF. Fiona Lowry was appointed as Non-Executive Chair, having founded and sold several successful businesses in the healthcare sector, including The Good Care Group, a former BGF portfolio company.

Neil Inskip added:“Our recent investments clearly show the long-term value creation and the strength of the network we’re building with the appointment of two non-executive chairs from businesses we’ve already had successful exits from.

“The past six months have been a testing time for most entrepreneurs, but we have seen impressive resilience and reinvention from the businesses we work with. It has also been a time for entrepreneurs to take stock of their long-term goals. Our combination of flexible capital and access to experienced Non-Executive Directors through our Talent Network means we’re perfectly placed to support the ambitious business leaders driving the growth economy – even against the most challenging backdrop.”

Leisure Guard Security: Your full-service security provider

Sam Whitear

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15/09/2020

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