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Stockport based company, Three Sixty, donates funds to support charitable community projects

CSR

Sam Whitear

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03/06/2020

Stockport based company, Three Sixty, donates funds to support charitable community projects

Stockport-based construction and property management company, Three Sixty, has donated £273k from 2019/20 surplus’ to Foundations Stockport, a charitable community benefit society.
Foundations Stockport works closely with the people of Stockport to help transform lives of people in the community via projects including:

• A network of social supermarkets called Your Local Pantry which helps tackle food poverty and social isolation

• Proving accommodation and intensive support to people who are homeless, to get them back on their feet

• Furniture recycling, collecting good quality furniture and gifting it to households in need to make their house into a home

This donation has already helped make a positive impact during the current Covid-19 crisis by contributing funding to Your Local Pantry, a food membership scheme run by Foundations Stockport. Members of the Pantry pay a £3.50 weekly fee to access food worth approximately £15 to £20. During March and April the Pantries were visited 719 times and the team delivered 1,600 food parcels to Stockport residents who couldn’t leave their home.

Founded in 2016, Three Sixty has worked on many construction projects across Greater Manchester. Their current projects include the Offerton master plan project for Stockport Council’s stock of housing in Offerton.

David Wright, Chair of the Board of Three Sixty said: “We were very proud to be able to make this donation. Every Three Sixty colleague has worked hard to make the business a success, knowing that everything we do is for the community. 40% of our staff live in Stockport with many more living in Greater Manchester and they know people who use the services of Foundations Stockport.

We’re pleased that we have established ourselves as a ‘profit for purpose’ company which is unique for the construction and property management sector. As we extend our services, we hope to increase our donations in future years.”

Roger Phillips, Chair of the Board of Foundations Stockport said: “We’re delighted that Three Sixty have made a substantial donation which will help the community. It’s a challenging time for everyone in the charitable sector and this support from local businesses is a great example of how Greater Manchester companies and individuals are pulling together to overcome this.

The donation will help our workers to continue to deliver essential services and support the people of Stockport.”

Leeds-based OHS expands into Greater Manchester to kick-start major growth

Business support

Sam Whitear

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03/06/2020

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Leeds-based OHS expands into Greater Manchester to kick-start major growth

A health and safety compliance specialist has completed a management restructure as part of plans to expand into Greater Manchester, create jobs and build a £5m business in five years.

Manchester entrepreneur Andy Fowler has taken an equity stake in Leeds-based OHS and will head up the management team alongside two other directors.

The move will provide the launchpad for expansion at the firm, which currently has an annual turnover of around £400,000. The plan is to recruit more staff in the coming months and grow revenues to £5m in five years by bolt-on acquisitions and winning work with schools, local authorities and building contractors.

The management team also wants to broaden its range of services to existing clients. Plans are in place to increase the provision of Legionella inspections and additional fire risk assessments.

OHS is well known in Yorkshire but wants to expand its geographical footprint in other parts of the country. The North West is particularly attractive to the company, which is currently seeking a base in the Greater Manchester area.

Andy Fowler, managing director of OHS, said: “We want to strengthen our presence across the North of England and we are well placed to do that. Greater Manchester and the wider North West has a vibrant built environment sector which needs the services that we provide and will be vital to the UK’s economic recovery after COVID-19.

“I’m delighted to be part of an ambitious, forward-looking management team with exciting growth plans. We’re investing in software platforms to streamline processes and further improve our data capture capability, and we’re opening a new lab which will enable us to analyse asbestos samples from buildings.

“We’ll still retain our site in Yorkshire as we have a loyal client base there, but we believe that the time is right to tap into the potential of other areas of the UK. This will allow us to create jobs as the company grows.”

OHS provides advice on all aspects of health, safety and environmental compliance, such as fire safety, occupational health and asbestos management – with a major focus on the latter.

Manchester charities scoop share of £1million fund

Awards

Sam Whitear

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03/06/2020

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Manchester charities scoop share of £1million fund

Seven charities based in Manchester have received donations of £1,000 each as part of the Movement for Good awards.

The awards, set up by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, will see a total of £1million given to charities across the UK this summer. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 awards of £1,000 available for donation.

Federation of Jewish Services, Manchester Victoria Baths Trust, LGBT Foundation LTD, Giant’s Seat Scout Campsite and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Manchester and Salford Branch are amongst the local charities set to benefit from the money, following overwhelming public support in the county.

More than 1,540 kind-hearted residents voted for a total of 190 charities across the region.

In total, an amazing 253,879 people around the UK supported the Movement for Good awards, with over 13,695 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes. The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.

Thanking supporters in Manchester, Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards and would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause. It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need in their region at what is an incredibly testing time for many, and from looking at the nomination data locally, community organisations seem to hold a particularly fond place in the hearts of residents.

“Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

For more information about the Movement for Good awards and for a full list of the winning charities, visit: www.ecclesiastical.com/movementforgood

Later this summer, a further ten charities will also be chosen by a panel of judges to receive £50,000 from Ecclesiastical to be put towards the advancement of education, skills, arts, culture and heritage, as well as citizenship or community development.

From 15 June, charities are invited to apply for the substantial grant with applications being assessed against four key areas; impact and effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and care and compassion.

The successful charities will be announced from Monday 21 September 2020.

Pixel Kicks launches new site for StormForce

Digital

Sam Whitear

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03/06/2020

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Pixel Kicks launches new site for StormForce

Pixel Kicks, the Manchester based full-service digital agency, has created and launched a brand new website for StormForce which manufactures specialist and high performance pre-built gaming desktop PCs which are coveted by a young and tech-savvy audience.

The core aims of the project were to design and develop a modern and responsive e-commerce website with a user friendly CMS along with a first-class mobile user experience that would all drive its Google rankings.

Careful attention was also paid to ensure that key partners such as Microsoft and AMD were featured heavily throughout the site.

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – said: “StormForce is an iconic brand in the gaming world so its online presence needed to reflect that status and reputation. The new 100% mobile-friendly site with its advanced search functionality and modern and vibrant user interface is now a true reflection of what it’s about.”

ReSolve welcomes Anup Shah

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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03/06/2020

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ReSolve is delighted to welcome Anup Shah, who joins us to further develop our special situations and M&A business advisory services in Manchester and the North West.

A Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Anup has over thirty years’ experience and a particular interest and specialism in maximising value from complex, critical and non-standard business situations, problems and transactions.

During over twenty five years at Deloitte Anup formed and became Partner in Charge of Special Situations M&A, where he created a proposition to fill the gap between traditional M&A and restructuring services. He led the Deloitte advisory team on over 100 complex transactions across a wide spectrum of sectors, situations and clients including HMV, Waterford Wedgewood, ATP O&G, Carter & Carter and MWB plc.

More recently Anup has acted for LDC (sale of Antler Luggage), BGF and privately owned companies in healthcare, real estate and logistics where key areas of challenge, conflict or complexity needed to be overcome to enable a successful outcome.

In total Anup has completed over 200 deals and helped to save or prolong around 33,000 jobs.

Anup commented: “I am looking forward to introducing ReSolve’s advisory and investment solutions to a wider range of companies in Manchester and the North West. I am keen to join the ReSolve family as I respect their business ethos and entrepreneurial attitude, and their absolute focus on doing the right thing for all their clients.“

Cameron Gunn, ReSolve Senior Partner said: “We are delighted that Anup has chosen to join ReSolve. His experience and understanding of complex non-standard business situations will be invaluable. We are particularly pleased to strengthen our offer in Manchester and the North West and are very much looking forward to working with Anup and growing the business further still.”

SME manufacturers tap into tech talent with Made Smarter

Manufacturing

Sam Whitear

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03/06/2020

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SME manufacturers tap into tech talent with Made Smarter

An SME manufacturer, supported by Made Smarter, is tapping into digital talent to help put technology at the heart of their growth plans.

With many internships and placements being delayed or cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak¹, Made Smarter – a national movement helping SME manufacturers in the North West to adopt digital technologies – is bucking the trend by offering undergraduates, master’s and PhD students, and graduates from UK universities a golden opportunity to gain valuable hands-on practical experience, a taste of a potential career path, and a foot in the door of a forward-thinking company or industry.

Fabricon Design, an Ashton-Under-Lyne-based business which uses advanced manufacturing methods to produce innovative plastics, aluminium and steel component designs, was matched to Luke Hickson, a master’s postgraduate studying Industrial Digitalisation at Manchester Metropolitan University.

After impressing on projects using CAD design and 3D printing, he secured a permanent job as design and development engineer.

Mark Bushdyhan, managing director of Fabricon Design, said: “Luke is an incredibly fast learner, who takes direction well and can act on his own initiative. His suggestions have proven invaluable and we are incredibly thankful for all his help as part of the Fabricon team. He is a great addition to our business.”

Luke Hickson, a master’s postgraduate studying Industrial Digitalisation at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), secured a job as design and development engineer following a successful internship at Fabricon Design, an Ashton-Under-Lyne-based business which uses advanced manufacturing methods to produce innovative plastics, aluminium and steel component designs.

Luke, 22, said: “Ever since I was young, I’ve had ambitions to become an engineer. This was my first experience of an actual manufacturing facility and was just what I hoped it would be.

“The placement was focussed on CAD design, 3D printing and product development.

“Fabricon gave me the freedom to learn and apply my design skills, while taking me through the ropes of learning all the functions of their operation.

“I have been able to incorporate some of my experiences as proof points in my academic work, and ultimately secure a job.”

Interns are working on live projects across the North West which are having a real effect on the business’s long-term success.

Projects range from implementing new hardware or software to developing a digital road map and strategy to support their digital transformation.

SME manufacturers are benefiting from the fresh insight of a digital native to help them adopt technological tools that result in a raft of benefits, including increased revenue growth, reduced production time, and produce the data and insight for new product and market development.

Meanwhile, interns are benefitting from paid work experience, valuable hands-on practical work experience, a taste of a potential career path, and a foot in the door of a forward-thinking company or industry. A number have even secured permanent jobs.

Made Smarter, the industry-led, government-backed national movement, has a wealth of students and graduates ready to take up the 480-hour internships which can be carried out through full-time or part-time options.

Donna Edwards, programme director for Made Smarter, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many talented students and post-graduates helping to realise the technology ambitions of many of the region’s SME manufacturers.

“It’s a win-win for the interns and manufacturers. Students and graduates gain industry knowledge, transferable skills and real-life experience, while being paid the national living wage, and businesses can benefit from a fully funded digital native to help them to understand how new technology can transform production.

“Internships and work placements are a vital tool for students making that transition from university to employment.

“The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of opportunities, and a lot of uncertainty as to what will be available in the future.

“Made Smarter has been successful in linking digital technology interns to manufacturers all over the North West and I would encourage undergraduates in their second and third year, postgraduates at any stage of their course and recent graduates from any UK university to register their interest.”

MANCHESTER CYBER TECH FIRM APPOINTS GLOBAL SPORTS AMBASSADORS Mike Tindall MBE & Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE

Digital

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03/06/2020

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MANCHESTER CYBER TECH FIRM APPOINTS GLOBAL SPORTS AMBASSADORS Mike Tindall MBE & Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE

Former England Rugby Captain and 2003 World Cup Winner Mike Tindall MBE and his wife the former World Champion and 2012 Olympic Silver medalist Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE have today announced that they are to join the British cyber security technology company VST EnterprisesTM (VSTE) as its global sporting ambassadors.

The announcement will see both Mike and Zara appointed to the British tech company with its ground breaking VCode® and VPlatform® technology. As ambassadors, the couple will represent the British technology company across the UK sports sectors in rugby, horse racing, equestrian, golf and luxury lifestyle brands.

The Manchester based cyber security company which was founded by Louis-James Davis has also developed a unique digital health passport – V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM – which has been designed for professional athletes and sports teams to use as part of “Project Restart” in getting all sports back to professional competition in the UK and globally .

The VCode® and VPlatform® technology has being hailed as the cyber security’s version of ‘human DNA’. The technology has a number of applications and uses across rugby, golf, horse racing and equestrian pursuits from health passports to ticketing, identity provisioning and authentication. The technology’s innovative capability in the horse racing and equestrian world are vast and include the use of VCode® in bloodstock sales, digital horse passports to provide a unique authentication of ownership, previous owners, blood lines, vaccinations and veterinary records. In the rugby, football and golf world the technology can be used for ticketing and event purposes, security, health passports for players and fans, content delivery and sponsor /brand activation.

Commenting on their appointment; VSTETM CEO Louis-James Davis said:
“We are honoured to have both Mike and Zara onboard to represent British cyber technology here at VST EnterprisesTM to the sports world. Together they are the perfect ambassadors to represent us at the highest levels in sport at a global level.
Mike’s success as a world class rugby player, former England Captain, World Cup winner, and Zara’s winning attitude as a former World Champion and 2012 Olympic silver medalist represent the very best of British sportsmanship. They are the perfect ambassadors to represent VST EnterprisesTM globally as we go through this exciting phase in our growth.”

VSTETM also recently announced along with its partner RED STRIKE – the International sports marketing and rights holder founded by former Manchester United FC International MD Mike Farnan – that it was in discussions to kickstart the £24 Billion UK sports economy back into professional competition games by using its V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM

The partnership has been engaged at the very highest level with sports governing bodies and regulatory bodies across football, rugby, Formula 1, Formula E cricket, tennis, snooker and horse racing. Using V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM along with approved COVID testing kits, VSTE and REDSTRIKE believe it holds they key to get all UK sport resuming their sporting fixtures and events.

The technology and use of a V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM in UK sport and in particular the Premier League has also been given the public backing and seal of approval of former Sports Minister Richard Caborn. Caborn believes that the technology would play a crucial role in getting UK sports back to professional competition and televised in a phased comeback. As Sports Minister in 2005 he played a crucial role in securing London to host the 2012 Olympic Games and is one of the longest serving and most respected Sports Ministers.

Former England Captain and 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall MBE said;
“I am delighted to be joining VST EnterprisesTM as a global sports ambassador and to represent this groundbreaking cyber security technology developed by Louis-James and his team. The potential applications of VCode® across so many UK sports are immense.

I was also impressed to learn of how the VCode® technology can be used across so many applications across all sports from ticketing and merchandise to brand experiences and content delivery. The work that VSTE are doing with health passports to help get UK sports teams back into professional competition is also a great idea. I think everyone from across the sporting world would be delighted if this technology could help get sports teams back to their respective competition leagues and complete their seasons.

Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE, former World Champion and 2012 Olympic Silver medalist said;
“I think the potential of this technology is really interesting and has so many uses across the horse racing and equestrian worlds from horse passports and bloodstock sales to tickets for the horse racing season. We have the opportunity with VCode® to help make many aspects of our industry more efficient and this groundbreaking cyber technology could really have a positive impact. I look forward to working with the team on its introduction and where we can really make a difference. ”
VSTETM is currently using its VCode® cyber security technology to work with the UNITED NATIONS as part of their SDG Collaboratory (Sustainable Development Goals) program – to provide a wide range of unique identifiers and technology services to 9 Billion people by 2030.

BUSINESS DONATE TABLET PCs TO DIDSBURY HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO STUDY ONLINE DURING COVID-19

CSR

Sam Whitear

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02/06/2020

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BUSINESS DONATE TABLET PCs TO DIDSBURY HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO STUDY ONLINE DURING COVID-19

St Pierre Groupe, an international leader in the bakery industry, with its UK head office in Didsbury, has donated tablet PCs to Didsbury High School for some of its pupils during the current pandemic.

The newly built school, part of the Laurus Trust, opened its doors in September 2019. It has continued teaching remotely during lockdown and has maintained daily contact with all pupils. Much of this work and communication is online

Head of Didsbury High School, Dr David Woolley said: “At the outset it became apparent that not all pupils had access to a PC or Wifi to be able to do their work. Some children had issues with trying to share technology in order to get work done, meaning they were not getting to do their work until late at night, which obviously is not beneficial.

“We’d like to thank St Pierre Groupe who kindly donated the new tablets which has really made a difference to five pupils and their families. The simple fact they can continue with school work effectively is a major benefit to their education.”

Chris McLaughlin, Commerical Director at St Pierre Groupe said: “St Pierre Groupe sells the St Pierre, Baker Street and Paul Hollywood brands in the UK. We recently relocated our UK head office to The Towers Business Park in Didsbury. We were keen to get involved with and support the local community, then lockdown came.

“Like the majority of businesses, we had to mobilise office teams to work from home. This has been relatively straight forward, thanks to technology. We were made aware things weren’t quite so straightforward for all the pupils at Didsbury High School, so we were more than happy to donate tablet PCs to some of the pupils, so they can continue with their vital school work whilst they are not attending school.

MAJOR SALFORD QUAYS BUILD-TO-RENT SCHEME LAUNCHES VIRTUAL ALL ACCESS TOUR AND VIDEO VIEWINGS

Property

Sam Whitear

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02/06/2020

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MAJOR SALFORD QUAYS BUILD-TO-RENT SCHEME LAUNCHES VIRTUAL ALL ACCESS TOUR AND VIDEO VIEWINGS

Moorfield Group’s Duet superenting scheme, one of the newest build-to-rent developments to join the MediaCityUK skyline, has developed an all areas fly-through video to illustrate its facilities and offer virtual viewings for prospective residents during lockdown.

The video released by Duet showcases one of Greater Manchester’s newest build-to-rent developments, a premium complex of 270 apartments, which spans across two 15-storey buildings and is situated on the picturesque waterfront of Salford Quays.

The development is releasing the video content and hosting virtual apartment viewings to replace traditional property viewings for those looking to find new accommodation in MediaCityUK.

The fly-through content delivers a virtual tour of the building and its facilities including the reception area, communal spaces that are exclusive to residents, as well as exploring its one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

As a build-to-rent residence, the apartments together with the Duet service offering have been designed specifically to provide renters with a better quality private rental experience – including a calendar of resident-only social events and pet-friendly accommodation.

Residents enjoy impressive facilities designed to deliver both convenience and a community feel, including a free on-site gym and fitness centre, 24-hour concierge, communal podium garden with waterfront views and a complimentary co-working space and residents’ lounge with a free coffee bar.

Dougie Orton-Wade, general manager at Duet Salford Quays says: “In order to support our property offerings and continue helping prospective residents find a new apartment that caters to their specific needs, despite the challenges of the lockdown, we’ve launched a fly-through video tour of our award-winning development.

“The virtual viewings provide clear visuals of the space, layout and also high-quality finish of the development, as well as the additional facilities that are exclusively available here at Duet.

“It’s a great solution for anyone considering moving to MediaCityUK and becoming a part of Duet’s vivacious community, meaning those who are hoping to find their next home can conduct viewings and make plans without leaving their home.”

Duet’s modern apartments are available as furnished or unfurnished, offering a variety of layouts with inbuilt appliances and the offer of premium furniture packages.

The build-to-rent development was delivered by Moorfield managed funds, working with developer, Glenbrook Property, and is professionally managed by specialist rental operator, Allsop.

Duet is Moorfield’s third ground-up BTR development following The Trilogy on Ellesmere Street, which opened in April 2019 and is now fully occupied and The Forge in Newcastle, which opened in September 2018.

Didsbury Gin sets sights on US expansion following NPIF investment

Investment

Sam Whitear

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02/06/2020

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Didsbury Gin sets sights on US expansion following NPIF investment

Dubbed ‘one of the most exciting new British gin brands’, Manchester-based Didsbury Gin has announced plans to expand into US markets as a result of £420,000 investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Launched in 2017 by gin lovers Liam Manton and Mark Smallwood, Didsbury Gin, which also made a successful pitch on Dragon’s Den in January 2019, boasts a range of six different flavoured gins.

The business received £100,000 investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance in 2019 and £320,000 in early 2020 to fulfil its retained orders with major stores and bars, including Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Wetherspoons. It also set out ambitions plans to take on more staff, grow its client base in the UK, expand overseas and bring new products to market.

Since the investment, Didsbury Gin has launched two new products and secured contracts with popular supermarket chains Aldi and Co-Op, as well as with several additional multi-site bar chains around the UK. It also doubled annual its turnover to £1.5million in 2019.

Liam and Mark have used the NPIF capital to grow the team with four full time members of staff and recruited several consultants. It is also funding the production for a large supermarket deal due to be announced in the coming months.

Currently based in a co-working space, Didsbury Gin is actively seeking new premises in Manchester to accommodate that growth and allow for future expansion.

The company is now in talks with distributors in America and is continuing to expand its product range with new partners to be announced in the coming months.

Liam Manton, Co-Founder of Didsbury Gin, said: “The NPIF investment came at a pivotal time for us – we had ambitious growth plans but needed more cash up front to make it happen. The funding has helped us to surpass all expectations and secure a number of significant new contracts with leading outlets, as well as bring new people on board and create new product flavours.

“To build on that momentum, we are now looking to take this success overseas and expand into wider European and US markets initially, with a long-term plan to extend that to Canada and Australia in the coming years.”

Grant Peggie, Director at the British Business Bank, said: “The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund continues to provide vital funding to support innovative businesses in the North. This investment demonstrates how funding can make a real and measurable difference to businesses like Didsbury Gin, whether that is through market expansion, team growth or bringing new products to market. We would encourage other businesses across the North to consider whether NPIF finance could support their growth plans as it has done for Didsbury Gin.”

Elaine Yarwood, Investment Director at FW Capital said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with the team at Didsbury Gin at this exciting time in their growth, and to see them go from strength to strength. The rounds of funding we provided have enabled them to expand their product range and reach new markets. We look forward to seeing them continue their journey and to help with their future growth plans.”

Since the Covid-19 crisis hit, Didsbury Gin has halted its gin production to manufacture hand sanitisers for Greater Manchester Police.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union, using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

For more information about Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, please visit www.npif.co.uk.

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