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Alliance Manchester Business School supports students on national STEM programme

Education

Sam Whitear

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29/06/2020

Alliance Manchester Business School supports students on national STEM programme

The Nuffield Future Researchers programme is a national initiative from the Nuffield Foundation that provides more than 1,000 students across the UK with the chance to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians as they take their next steps towards their careers. Its aim is to give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to gain skills and confidence in science and research.

Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the first business schools to support the programme and will provide a six-week virtual placement for two students from The Blue Coat School in Oldham. The placements will give students first-hand experience of working on a data science research project, and students will be provided with one-to-one guidance and support throughout the placement by their supervisor and PhD mentor.

One placement will involve working on the largest open dataset about Covid-19 and analysing more than 500,000 records to better understand the relationship between different variables, such as gender, age and location, and the patients’ condition. Whereas the second placement, which focuses on the use of wearable sensor technologies to analyse performance gestures in music, will look at the emerging role of machine learning in modern music composition.

Dr Richard Allmendinger, business engagement lead at Alliance Manchester Business School, said: “The Nuffield Future Researchers programme is a brilliant initiative focused on providing tangible support to those students that are interested in pursuing a STEM career, but understandably would like a taster of what’s to come before committing to study a particular subject at university.

“Despite the programme having to take place virtually this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re really looking forward to welcoming our two placement students and have a couple of very interesting projects for them to get involved with. They’ll play an integral role as they help our research team to work on two cutting-edge, but very different, briefs and I’m really looking forward to welcoming them to the school.”

Sarah Fenton, North West Regional Coordinator at Nuffield Future Researchers, added: “The projects Richard and his team are working on at Alliance Manchester Business School are fascinating and will provide a real insight into the world of research for this year’s students. We’re thrilled to be working with the business school as we expand our programme beyond a traditional STEM enrichment scheme to include quantitative social science projects, and are looking forward to working together as we evolve the partnership to enrich young people’s education and support more students from low socio-economic backgrounds.”

The programme, which is supported by organisations including the British Science Association, BP-Business in the Community and UKRI, is proven to have a positive impact on participants’ access to STEM higher education courses. In 2019 an independent evaluation of the programme found that almost a third of students (32%) enrolled in a STEM course in a Russell Group university and many reported the placement had enhanced their motivation and confidence, as well as helping them to improve transferable skills such as presenting, writing and time management.

Funding deal enables Manchester developer to buck trend with new residential scheme

Property

Sam Whitear

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29/06/2020

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Funding deal enables Manchester developer to buck trend with new residential scheme

North West bespoke property developer Northern Property Consortium (NPC) has agreed a deal with Yorkshire-based SME funding specialist One Stop Business Finance to push forward with its third new housing development this year valued at £750,000.

The development of two bespoke four-bedroom new homes in a highly sought-after location near Hyde, Greater Manchester marks an important next stage in the growth of NPC, which was founded last year by experienced construction manager Rick Parker. It is a project that enables NPC to expand its property portfolio at a time when construction across the UK remains heavily subdued following the coronavirus pandemic.

The acquisition of the Godley Brook Lane Site and its development has been made possible through funding provided by One Stop Business Finance, who have supported NPC on its previous two developments. Because of the way they operate, they have been able to continue providing much-needed finance to SMEs across the UK throughout the Covid-19 crisis, despite many lenders dramatically scaling back the availability of funding.

One Stop Business Finance’s experience and understanding of the rapidly changing circumstances that affect property development ensured it could adapt quickly to NPC’s requirements and help bring the deal to completion despite a sudden tightening in lending conditions by many of the larger lenders.

Director of NPC, Rick Parker said: “We’re thrilled to get the ball rolling on this development which is in a superb location that’s attracting a lot of interest locally. Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the housing market is still very active and there is still a pressing need to create high quality new homes, particularly in highly sought-after locations like our latest site in Godley.

“It’s no secret that businesses have found it more difficult to access property development funding since the coronavirus pandemic hit. That’s why having One Stop Business Finance as our funding partner makes such a big difference, giving us confidence and certainty that any funding needs we have can be met quickly and professionally.”

Andrew Mackenzie, MD of One Stop Business Finance added: “We’re delighted to have been able to support NPC on its latest development during a difficult time for the construction sector. As Rick knows well, having funding available at the stages when it is needed, with the flexibility to adapt quickly when circumstances change, is so vital in successful property development. That’s why our ability to broker deals with numerous finance providers and from our own lending book is so beneficial and why we continue to work with so many developers like NPC.”

East Yorkshire based One Stop Business Finance provides secured loans from its own funding and through its network of finance providers for SME clients who are able to offer security for their debts. The company differs from mainstream banks by working to find tailored solutions for an SME’s particular circumstances, taking clients through a process to identify the most suitable and cost effective options and ensuring that responsible lending is at the heart of what they do.

Ask Real Estate gains planning approval for new Staycity aparthotel in Manchester city centre

Property

Sam Whitear

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29/06/2020

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Ask Real Estate gains planning approval for new Staycity aparthotel in Manchester city centre

Plans have been approved for a brand new 310-bed aparthotel on Deansgate, following the submission of a detailed proposal by Ask Real Estate in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The 21-storey hotel, operated by Dublin-based Staycity, will occupy 325-327 Deansgate – playing a key role in the continued regeneration of the southern area of the city centre .

The plans also outline the intention to open up two of the archways within the nearby Castlefield Viaduct, bringing new, flexible spaces for business to the area.
The Deansgate pub, which sits within the development site, will be retained and will remain operational throughout the project.

John Hughes, managing director at Ask Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to be able to bring forward these plans and help to meet the projected demand for city centre apart-hotel space.

“The scheme looks impressive, and will add to the compelling architectural mix already found within the area – the landmark Beetham Tower, the modern skyscrapers of Deansgate Square, and the character and heritage of Castlefield Basin and Deansgate’s older buildings.

“As a team, our priority is to respect the special interest of the heritage assets within both of those areas.
“We look forward to progressing plans and seeing this pocket of the city centre continue to regenerate.”
Simon Walford, UK director of development at Staycity, added: “It’s an exciting time for the brand here in Manchester, as we further expand our portfolio – this property, which will be positioned in a strategic location on one of the city’s most important streets, will be our fourth scheme in the city centre.
“The approval of our Deansgate site marks another step forward in achieving our target to expand to 15,000 apartments by 2024, which we remain firmly on track for.

“Our collaborative, community-focused approach to accommodation is in keeping with what Manchester stands for – we’re proud to be expanding our presence in this great city and look forward to working with the Ask team.”
Mike Mellor, head of commercial at TfGM commented “There has been a significant amount of investment from both the public and private sector into the area around the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop over recent years, which has transformed the area.
“The development of 325 Deansgate marks the next step in the area’s regeneration story and we hope this will be one of many such developments around our transport hubs helping to further embed the shift to sustainable travel throughout Greater Manchester”
The Staycity aparthotel will contain 264 studios and 64 one-bed rooms, bringing the total number of keys to 310. The aparthotel will also boast a gym and laundrette on site for resident use.

The site lies immediately adjacent to the adopted Great Northern Manchester Central and Castlefield Quay Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) area, which seeks to drive the transformation of an extensive area of the city centre that has been underutilised for a number of years.

Ask Real Estate also developed out the nearby First Street neighbourhood, which is home to a large variety of commercial space and some of Manchester’s most high-profile leisure destinations – including WOOD Manchester, Indian Tiffin Room, INNSIDE and global arts destination HOME.

Manchester Digital and GMCA launch Tech Community Task Force

Business support

Sam Whitear

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29/06/2020

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Manchester Digital and GMCA launch Tech Community Task Force

Greater Manchester’s Tech Community Task Force has been launched today by Manchester Digital, supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) – with individuals and organisations across the GM digital technology sector encouraged to sign up and pledge their support to communities and groups across the region that have been most impacted by Coronavirus.

The Task Force will pair pledges with local not for profit groups, education bodies and charities that have been impacted in some way by the current pandemic. These include: The Greater Manchester Technology Fund, Bridge GM, Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Tech for Good Live, RECLAIM, Code Your Future and Mustard Tree, amongst others.

Having consulted with members, furloughed employees and the wider regional ecosystem around what support they need currently, Manchester Digital concluded that the Task Force was one of the most proactive ways it could help.

Available assistance will range from support for communities and groups that need to build their digital skills and donated tech equipment for organisations in need, right through to access to support groups, mentoring initiatives and CV reviews for people that find themselves out of work.

The scheme will prioritise supporting the Greater Manchester boroughs, communities and organisations that are sometimes overlooked and need the most support. Those interested can see the opportunities available and pledge their support here.

Katie Gallagher, managing director of Manchester Digital said: “COVID-19 has seen the tech industry play a critical role in keeping people connected, allowing education to continue remotely and people to work from home. However, it’s also highlighted the digital divide in certain areas and has increased social isolation in some cases for those without access to important devices or the skills to operate these devices.

“The Tech Community Task Force is bringing together the tech sector in Greater Manchester and asking them to support charities and not for profit groups that have felt the impact of the pandemic. It’s our call to all individuals and businesses within the tech industry, bringing different elements of the community together to pledge support, help us build the sector back up effectively, and create digital equality across the region.

“We’re asking everyone in our community to pledge support in any way they can, whether that’s in time, business resource, training, equipment, advice, or mentoring. Those not sure what to pledge can take a look at the list online for some of the things we’re looking for. We’ll be matching pledges with people and community initiatives across the region that really need some extra help right now.”

Councillor Sean Fielding, GMCA Employment, Skills and Digital Lead, added:“Over the last few months our businesses and services have had to transform digitally at a rate never seen before and our people have had to rapidly adapt. Digital transformation plans due to be delivered in years have had to happen over a few weeks! Gaps in digital skills and knowledge have unsurprisingly been exposed further but it’s fantastic to see the industry come together in this way to share resource, skills and knowledge and address these gaps.”

Manchester Digital has remained committed to supporting the region’s digital and tech ecosystem since the crisis began through a number of initiatives, including free support for businesses, lobbying Government for better support for small businesses and freelancers, and offering free memberships.

To find out more about how you can access your free membership, visitwww.manchesterdigital.co.uk

Chase de Vere increases turnover, profitability and client satisfaction

Finance

Sam Whitear

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26/06/2020

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Chase de Vere increases turnover, profitability and client satisfaction

Chase de Vere, the national firm of Independent Financial Advisers with offices in Manchester (Salford Quays) and Preston, has announced its best ever financial results. The Company has reported increased turnover, profitability and client satisfaction in its Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2019.

Chase de Vere reported a profit of £13.08 million before tax in 2019 (£10.62 million in 2018), its sixth consecutive year of profitability. Company turnover increased from £68.48 million to £72.49 million.

As well as KPIs related to financial performance, the Company invests heavily to ensure the highest degree of client satisfaction. This is reflected in a Net Promoter Score of 57.8 (50.8 in 2018).

This focus on client service has been evident as the country went into lockdown in March 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus. The Company’s robust business continuity plan meant that all Chase de Vere employees were quickly and effectively set up to work from home as the Company put its sole focus on the wellbeing of its clients and its employees.

Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Chase de Vere, said:

“2019 was another great year of progress for Chase de Vere. We have increased profits, developed and formed new affinity relationships, particularly related to the Medical and Dental professions, and have improved the satisfaction scores from our clients.

“I am particularly pleased with the contribution made by the employees who joined us from Medical Money Management, which we acquired in October 2017, and am delighted that we acquired Ferguson Oliver, an Independent Financial Advice firm based in Angus, in October 2019. We are actively looking for other like-minded adviser firms to join us; firms that are focused on providing exceptional client service and are committed to offering truly independent financial advice.

“The Coronavirus has overshadowed businesses in 2020 and we have revised our forecasts accordingly. During this time our sole focus has been on the welfare of our employees and speaking with our clients. Our financial strength, and our supportive parent company, means that we remain in good shape and we have, for example, not furloughed any of our employees. I am incredibly proud of how well our employees have adapted to remote working and how they have continued to provide an exceptional service to our clients throughout these challenging times.”

Northcoders reports upturn in demand for its DevAccelerator apprenticeship programme over the past three months

Business support

Sam Whitear

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26/06/2020

0

Northcoders reports upturn in demand for its DevAccelerator apprenticeship programme over the past three months

Northcoders – the Manchester based coding school – has seen a sharp upturn in the last three-months of firms across the region accessing its DevAccelerator programme. DevAccelerator is designed to fast-track individuals with a foundation development skill set so that they have the attributes of those in professional level roles within 12-months and, most importantly, it can be paid for using the Apprenticeship Levy.

Northcoders designed the programme to combine the best bits of the Apprenticeship Framework with its DevLabs course in order to create a better way of using the Apprenticeship Levy pot. If employers don’t have a levy, they can share the cost with the government. This is called ‘co-investment’ and means the company pays 5% and the government will pay the rest.

Northcoders has cited a number of key reasons for the surge in demand, including firms wanting to accelerate the development of new hires and upskill current employees in order to make them as technically proficient in web development as possible to aid their growth post-Covid-19.

Josh Gray – Head of Partnerships at Northcoders – said: “The last few months has been a challenging period for many businesses. However, it has also been a time of reflection which has made organisations take a step back and assess what skills they need in-house to ensure they come out of the pandemic in as strong a position as possible. DevAccelerator gives firms the opportunity to tailor training specifically to the needs of their organisation and culture whilst maximising financial support via the Apprenticeship Levy.

Josh added: “A lot of businesses don’t understand what apprenticeship funding is available via the Levy, whether they pay into it or not, so they are missing out on the chance to grow their in-house capabilities. Accessing this funding, and using it in the right way, could be a game-changer as it can deliver structured training that provides the progression and roadmap to attract and retain the best and brightest junior developers whilst freeing up senior developers’ time from training and mentoring. It also doesn’t impact on their balance sheet which is a key consideration in the current climate, whilst furloughed staff can still take part in training at no additional cost to them or the business.”

Junior engineers who take the DevAccelerator programme receive mentorship by expert tutors with industry experience, achieve career progression without having to move companies and have their achievements recognised with a professional certification.

On Thursday 2nd July, Northcoders is staging a free webinar for any firm interested in fast tracking their junior developers to confident mid-level developers via the Apprenticeship Levy. It will be led by Josh Gray – Head of Partnerships at Northcoders; Michaela Reaney – Client Services Director at The Opportunity Group; and Jonny Rathbone – Head of Curriculum at Northcoders. Further information can be found here.
Since its inaugural course in 2015, Northcoders has helped over 500 people switch careers into tech, with average starting salaries of £25,000. As well as the Manchester campus, Northcoders also has a site at tech hub Platform in Leeds.

Over the past 18-months, it has been selected as one of the country’s brightest tech stars in Creative England’s CE50 list and was named Business of the Year at the 15th Annual Chamber Business Awards. It has also launched scholarship schemes and a deferred payment programme aimed at women and gender minorities, as well as those who identify as BAME or LGBTQ+, have a disability or have had limited access to education, to help address diversity in tech. The firm also relocated its Manchester campus to a new 10,000 sq. ft space at Manchester Technology Centre on Oxford Road.

HURST deal hints at bright future for Manchester’s office market

Sam Whitear

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26/06/2020

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HURST deal hints at bright future for Manchester’s office market

Sponsored Content: Offices.co.uk

A recently agreed deal with major accounting and business services firm HURST, which will see them take co-working office space on the third floor of 125 Deansgate, is a sign of greater things to come for Manchester, as the city is poised to grow as a hub for ‘northshoring’ in the near future.

“The big post-Covid trend is the move North, to regional cities which provide cheaper office space and the opportunity to tap into specialist jobs markets – Manchester is set to benefit greatly from this trend”, explains Jonathan Ratcliffe from Office Space Agency Offices.co.uk Manchester

HURST are just one of many large, London-centric organisations to have made partial or total moves to the north of England in recent years: joining the BBC; ITV Granada; Channel 4; London law firm Freshfields and global e-commerce giant Amazon in large northern cities.

Lower rents, bigger spaces

Spurred by lower rents for superior office space in more central locations, as well as less reliance on London offices for doing business thanks to remote working, Manchester is seen as an ideal destination for large corporations looking for better value real estate due to its excellent transport links and homegrown skills base.

While other northern cities such as Leeds and Liverpool are also succeeding in attracting new corporate tenants, Manchester is perfectly placed as a destination thanks to its extremely diverse and range of office space in and around the city centre. As a result of sustained investment in facilities, Manchester can boast an excellent variety of Grade A office space that can suit any type of large corporate business, from high specification serviced office space to less traditional co-working venues. As well as the quality and variety of the facilities, large corporates can benefit from access to city centre locations and transport links that would be prohibitively expensive in the capital at a fraction of the cost, as well as links with world-class educational institutions right on the doorstep.

Bye bye London

Named for the offshoring trend in the 1980s and 1990s that saw corporations move facilities to developing markets like China and Singapore in search of better value, ‘northshoring’ promises to bring a welcome boost to Manchester too, in the form of better job opportunities and higher salaries for local workers.

A direct result of this is trickle down investment in local facilities for the benefit of incoming workers and locals, such as the well-known development of the Salford Quays area, which has seen many thriving restaurants and bars come to the area following the establishment of Media City. Similarly, tertiary services in the local area such as legal and financial businesses all the way to taxi companies and office supply firms benefit from the increased investment in local services that large corporates bring.

“As a Northern business we are very excited by the northshoring trend, its ability to add new jobs, income and other economic benefits are huge – we hope to welcome more London clients to Manchester soon”, concludes Jonathan Ratcliffe from Offices.co.uk.

Exporters from the North West secure £42 million in overseas sales with UK Government-backed Financing

International

Sam Whitear

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26/06/2020

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Exporters from the North West secure £42 million in overseas sales with UK Government-backed Financing

UK Export Finance’s (UKEF) annual report and accounts, published this week, reveal its support for exporters from the North West resulted in £42 million worth of overseas sales.

One company supported by UKEF in the last year is Cheshire based TALL Group which provide secure paper products such as educational certificates, cheques and ballot papers. The company used UKEF’s export insurance policy to cover a £330,000 export deal to supply two million high-school diplomas to Kenya.

Bill Lamb, Group Finance Director at TALL Group, said, “This support from UKEF was absolutely critical. It gave us the confidence to be able to proceed and build our relationship with a new client. We have just received a further contract from the Kenyan National Examination Council, meaning that that one insurance policy from UKEF could enable a great deal more future business.”

UKEF’s latest results reveal it has provided £4.4 billion in support for UK exports over the last year, supporting trade with 69 countries.

There was a sharp increase in companies in UK supply chains benefiting from UKEF support due a significant proportion of UKEF business going to industries with strong UK supply chains, with nearly £2 billion for the construction sector and over £500 million for manufacturers.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss, said:

“This has been another outstanding year for UK Export Finance, helping businesses in every part of the UK win export contracts.

“Supporting international trade will be crucial as the UK looks to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. UK Export Finance is already playing a critical role at the centre of the government’s plan to power an export-led recovery and its offer is more important than ever for UK exporters.”

Local exporters who want to know more about UKEF’s support are encouraged to contact their local Export Finance Manager Kevin Ledwith on customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk or visit https://www.great.gov.uk/trade-finance/.

Therme Manchester Remains on Track for 2023 Opening

Investment

Sam Whitear

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26/06/2020

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Therme Manchester Remains on Track for 2023 Opening

Global wellbeing organisation, Therme Group, has confirmed that plans are still in place to begin construction of the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, next year.

Set to open in 2023, the c. £250 million project will combine hundreds of water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology to create a unique experience never before seen in the UK.

The large scale of the resort will play a significant role in the social and economic development of the region, will create hundreds of jobs and build social cohesion with an experience that is inclusive, accessible and, most important, affordable to all.

Therme Manchester will meet the growing social need for ‘staycations’ with a perfect tropical environment. This includes a large family area with water slides, a wave pool, indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, exotic palm tree, relaxation areas and dozens of other fun, relaxing and healthy activities.

A dedicated adults’ area will have warm-water lagoons among spectacular botanical gardens, swim-up bars, therapeutic mineral pools and beautifully designed steam rooms and saunas. Daily programming will include water-based fitness classes, and beautiful gardens will surround the area, creating spaces for yoga, Pilates and other activities.

All Therme Group resorts use state-of-the-art plant-based filtration to purify the environment, so guests are always breathing the freshest air and swimming in the cleanest ozone-treated water. The technology-driven group meets the highest hygiene and safety standards for both guests and staff alike. It is also constantly developing new approaches and working with public authorities to meet future health & wellbeing needs. This ensures long-term commercial viability and secures Therme Manchester’s role as an essential piece of public and social infrastructure.

Richard Land, Chief Development Officer of Therme Group UK commented: “Therme Group is based on a belief that wellbeing should be accessible for all. The events of 2020 have shone a light on the necessity of this mission, especially for those in cities. Therme Manchester will redefine city wellbeing, enhancing mental and physical health through an experience based in water and nature. Therme Manchester will offer a unique holiday at home, that acts as a catalyst for healthy lifestyles.”

Therme Manchester is the latest development in Therme Group’s global development programme, to create the most advanced wellbeing resorts in cities around the world. It is the first of a number of new generation projects in development by Therme Group, including other UK locations, mainland Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific.

Apadmi expand office for post-lockdown future

Property

Sam Whitear

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26/06/2020

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Apadmi expand office for post-lockdown future

Leading mobile technology agency Apadmi has signed the lease for another floor at Anchorage, Salford Quays, to ensure that all team members can work safely when they return to the office, whilst maintaining space for planned growth.

The team is now over 150 strong, with 30 more joining since the start of the year. Developing their workplace to allow for continued collaboration alongside staff well-being, became a priority as soon as the impact of COVID-19 was clear.

Garry Partington, Apadmi’s CEO, explained: “This year’s brought a change that no one saw coming. Although we’ve always championed flexible and remote working opportunities, we’ve never had to do it for the entire company at once. We were all working from home for a couple of weeks before lockdown.”

“I’m so proud of the way that the whole team quickly adapted, but now is the time to plan for the future. Whilst we’re still actively encouraging the team to stay at home for now, we want to make sure we’re ready for the next phase. Our team like to work together, so it’s important we find a way to do it safely.”

Apadmi have already kicked off the fit-out this month, designing the additional 4,500 sq ft of space to complement their 9th floor office in the same building that opened in February 2020.

“The additional new space will give us more room to safely and comfortably return to our new home at Anchorage, but also capacity to welcome new team members, as we continue to grow.”

Apadmi have doubled in size in the last eighteen months, recently hiring Jasper van de Luijtgaarden as Head of Mergers and Acquisitions and Andrew Smith as New Business Development Director.

With some exciting big client wins soon to be announced when their products launch in the very near future, they’re set to move into the next stage of their strategic growth journey.

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