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Manchester tech company sign lease on new Salford Quays penthouse office

Sam Whitear

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09/12/2019

Manchester tech company sign lease on new Salford Quays penthouse office

The UK’s leading mobile agency Apadmi celebrates ten years of growth by signing an 11-year lease of the penthouse office space in the recently refurbished Anchorage.

The Manchester-based agency has exchanged contracts with Canmoor and is already moving ahead with a stunning re-fit that will turn the 12,500 sq ft floor into its new HQ.

Garry Partington, Apadmi’s CEO, commented: “We’ve doubled in size over the last two years, and our ways of working have demanded more collaboration space, better Tech Labs, and more room for UX Labs. We looked hard for a new home that matches our ambition for the next ten years and supports our continual innovation. The top floor of the Anchorage is the ideal blank canvas for us – the location, space and views are amazing – we can create the perfect workspace that blends tech and creativity.”

Apadmi’s new top floor office has views in every direction across Manchester, Salford and Media City, and is currently undergoing a major fit out which will complete early next year. The whole team will move in by March.

Ian Murray, director at Canmoor, said: “Our aim throughout the refurbishment of Anchorage has been to reposition the scheme so that it is attractive to forward thinking, digital and creative businesses so we are delighted to be welcoming Apadmi.

“Our in-house project team has taken a hands-on approach with Apadmi to help with its fit out which, once complete, will enable its team to work flexibly in a fully refurbished, modern work-space.

Apadmi’s growth has been driven by new work for clients including Co-op, Argos and SailGP – a mobile solution which won ‘Most Innovative Campaign’ earlier this month at the Effective Mobile Marketing Awards. And there’s more to announce.

“We’ve got three big, new clients that we can’t shout about just yet”, added Partington. “Which is why we’re adding even more new faces to Apadmi and creating a place where digital talent can thrive.”

“After 10 years of growth and success, moving to a new HQ is a real milestone – a symbol for all staff of just how far we’ve come and ideal base for the next stage of our journey.”

Ian Murray agreed: “This letting matches our ambitions for Anchorage and is a testament to the quality of the space we have on offer, coupled with our well-connected location which is ideal for tech-driven businesses such as this.”

The wider Anchorage estate is currently undergoing a substantial £8 million refurbishment, with the ground floor transformation of Anchorage 2 now complete. Co-working and breakout space is now available in the atrium, alongside a wellbeing and exercise studio and a café.

Former colleagues join forces to launch a new kind of strategy consultancy

Blog

Sam Whitear

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09/12/2019

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Former colleagues join forces to launch a new kind of strategy consultancy

Claire Rigby and Martin Carr have joined forces to launch boardroom consulting; a new kind of strategy consultancy to help build and develop organisations, places and brands that are ever more relevant and relatable to stakeholders and audiences.

The consultancy works with leaders to help them achieve clarity on what they are calling the fundamentals of organisational identity; helping them to think differently – and clearly – about who they are, what they do and why that matters. And they do this by recognising the new expectations of stakeholders and audiences, and with an approach to strategy and planning that puts both purpose and participation at its heart.

This new approach has been born out of many years of senior experience. The pair worked together until 2016 as chief executive and strategy director of a brand consulting firm and Claire has been a governor of Manchester Metropolitan University and marketing strategy lead at BBC North, whilst Martin was formerly a director of the Design Business Association and is currently chairman of People’s History Museum. Prior to forming boardroom they both worked as independent consultants with organisations such as The Medical Research Council, National Football Museum, Northcoders, Discover England, Marketing Manchester and University of Derby.

Partner, Claire Rigby said: “boardroom operates at the intersection of brand, audience and organisational strategy to help leaders plan for and succeed at change. We help to identify and define the fundamentals of identity that underpin future strategy; unlocking new opportunities, successfully engaging stakeholders and audiences and driving growth.”

Carr added: “we’ve increasingly recognized – and demonstrated – the need for clarity on an organization’s ‘identity’ to be firmly on the boardroom agenda. We believe that the new ways in which organisations engage with and relate to their audiences demand that this clarity is now front, centre and fundamental. And having launched boardroom consulting we’re gratified by the growing recognition and appetite for this point of view as well as for our input and ideas”

Chorlton’s Rick Medcraft appointed at Downtown

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2019

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Chorlton’s Rick Medcraft appointed at Downtown

Altrincham-based McGoff Group has appointed Rick Medcraft from Chorlton as operations manager for Downtown, its Manhattan-style residential development on Woden Street on the Manchester and Salford border.

In his new role, Rick will be responsible for all aspects of property management at the prestigious 374-bed waterside apartment scheme, and the efficient and compliant letting of properties.

He forms an integral part of Downtown Asset Management; a new lettings, property and building management service, recently established by the McGoff Group, that is based on site at Downtown and dedicated to the needs of the many investors and owner occupiers who have purchased apartments at the development.

Well qualified for his new challenge, Rick was previously regional lettings manger for a well known high street estate agent and was responsible for running a number of letting and property management departments.

He is delighted to join Downtown Asset Management and would like to position the company as a prime alternative to traditional lettings agents, both for clients with portfolios of properties to rent and for developers looking for a market-leading agency to handle the sales, lettings and property management of new developments.

Commenting on his appointment, Rick said: “The McGoff Group is a fast growing and innovative construction and property business and I am delighted to join the Downtown team starting a new lettings and management operation from scratch. I’m looking forward to supporting and helping our purchasers and providing them with the very best value return on their investments.”

Rick is 33 years old and married with a one-year-old daughter. He currently resides in Chorlton, but has lived in many towns across south Manchester including Didsbury and Cheadle. When not working, he enjoys socialising with friends and playing five-a-side football.

Located on the banks of the River Irwell, offering beautiful views and easy access to the cities of both Manchester and Salford, Downtown is a Manhattan-style development of 374 stylish apartments with high end facilities and hotel-style services including a lobby with 24 hour concierge, gymnasium, spa, media room, postal room, dry and chilled storage, private dining and business centre along with landscaped grounds and communal roof terraces.

Tameside-based Bardsley Construction appointed by Tameside College to deliver £11m construction skills centre

Blog

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2019

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Tameside-based Bardsley Construction appointed by Tameside College to deliver £11m construction skills centre

Tameside College has awarded the contract to build its £11m construction skills centre in Ashton-under-Lyne to Greater Manchester-based Bardsley Construction.

The Construction Centre will house a wide range of courses under one roof to meet the educational and training demands of the ever-growing construction sector.

With completion due in December 2020, the centre will include state of the art and next generation tools and equipment, individual learning bays, and specialist learning spaces to train the next generation of plumbers, bricklayers, painters, electricians and joiners.

The two-storey development is the next phase of ‘Vision Tameside’, the college’s transformation of its entire estate which already features Clarendon Sixth Form College, the Advanced Technologies Centre, TCFE and Tameside One.

Tameside College has worked alongside Tameside Council, under the banner of Vision Tameside, to regenerate the borough by providing school leavers with the best further education learning environment in the north-west of England.

Jackie Moores, principal, Tameside College said: “We are delighted that Bardsley Construction, as a local employer, will build our new construction centre. This building is an important addition to Tameside College for the people of Tameside.

“As the number one college in Greater Manchester for school leavers and apprentices we need first class facilities for our learners, employers and staff. We are confident that Bardsley Construction will meet the high specifications required to meet the expectations of students and employers.”

Ged Rooney, pre-construction director at family-owned Bardsley Construction, said: “Bardsley has a long-standing and proud reputation for training and developing the skills of people in the construction sector via initiatives such as Give Construction a Try and our valued appointment to deliver this outstanding centre for Tameside College underlines that ongoing commitment.”

The Construction Skills Centre has been designed by Manchester-based architects 10 Architect. Other members of the College’s project team include Fusion Project Management, Arcadis, Waterman Building Services and Scott Hughes Design.

Daresbury-based NGPod wins final of Venturefest North West’s Innovation Showcase Competition

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2019

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Daresbury-based NGPod wins final of Venturefest North West’s Innovation Showcase Competition

A diagnostic device designed to ensure the safe placement of medical feeding tubes by NGPod Global has won over a tough panel – beating the competition of 11 other strong pitches – in the final of the Innovation Showcase Competition at Venturefest North West 2019.

The independent panel, which comprised business specialists from Bruntwood Works, Catax, Dehns, Graphene Innovation Engineering Centre, Made Smarter, Manchester Metropolitan University, NatWest and the University of Salford, awarded NGPod Global with a business support package worth nearly £10,000.

A second winner at the prestigious competition final – Dicey Tech– received the Audience Award chosen by delegates at the event, which attracted a record attendance of 1,150 to Manchester Central, and will receive a similar business development support package.

Cameron Thorpe, Head of Marketing and Communications at NGPod Global, said: “It means a lot for our organisation to win the Innovation Showcase at Venturefest North West. The overall competition was extremely high with lots of innovative businesses pitching to the panel today, so it feels very special to win.

“The recognition from winning this award will help us to achieve further investment for our business and help us to scale-up our manufacturing. Thanks to all the team who got behind my pitch and have worked on the product for the business because without them, none of this would be possible.”

Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager at NatWest, Venturefest North West’s headline sponsor for 2019, said: “Congratulations to NGPod Global, who met some fierce competition today and delivered an incredible pitch that had the full attention of the panel. They should be very proud, as should all of today’s finalists.

“While the competition demonstrates how tough it can be for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, Venturefest is fundamentally about boosting collaboration across our North West ecosystem and I think the encouragement shown across the board today speaks volumes. It’s been a pleasure to sponsor Venturefest, a unique event where everybody involved has had chance to develop their business ideas and hopefully take new opportunities forward as a result.”

NGPod also took away the Production Innovation Award at the Innovation Showcase Competition Final. Other winners included Dream Agility (Digital Innovation Award), Alison Handling Services (Most Innovative Established Business), and Dicey Tech who also won the Service Innovation Award. These businesses will also receive business support packages.

The annual competition received entries from more than 120 start-ups, and small and medium-sized businesses from across the region, and was one of the centrepieces of a ground-breaking Venturefest North West, which took place today (Wednesday 20 November) at Manchester Central.

Former BBC Dragons Den judge Jenny Campbell, Founder & CEO of YourCash Europe delivered a keynote speech at Venturefest North West which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Jenny’s speech covered her extensive business career, how she has both challenged and been challenged by her leadership roles in the banking sector, and her time on the Dragons Den panel.

Earlier in the day, Founder & Managing Director of US-based Elevate Capital, Nitin Rai, discussed his background and the importance of investing in businesses led by women and minority ethnic groups. A speech was also delivered by Nine Lives Media Founder Cat Lewis about her business journey in broadcast television.

Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth at organisers GC Business Growth Hub, said: “Huge congratulations to overall winner NGPod Global, Audience Winner Dicey Tech, and all of today’s winners and finalists. This has been the most successful Venturefest North West yet, and it’s been fantastic to see the breadth of business innovation from across our region.

“The point of Venturefest North West is to encourage fresh thinking and collaboration – and with 50-plus speakers and panellists, more than 80 business exhibiting, and 1,150 entrepreneurs coming together under one roof it has really captured the imagination of the business community.”

Registrations for Venturefest North West 2020 are now open at: venturefestnorhwest.com/2020.
The full Innovation Showcase Competition finalists were:

Alison Handling – The UK’s largest independent stockist of new and used recyclable plastic storage boxes, trays, totes, pallets, pallet boxes and more, based in Kirkham, near Preston.

AI Rehab – Based in Lytham St. Annes, they produce patented apps and devices for patients having hip and knee surgery; encouraging effective rehabilitation behavioural change through gamification and the implementation of Artificial Intelligence algorithms.

Artemis Analytical Ltd. – A start-up company based in Manchester that is developing a quantum-based technology for enhancing the sensitivity of mass spectrometry by more than a factor of 1000. This is currently being used to develop a table top device for carbon dating.

Clever Cogs – Based in Salford, Clever Cogs develop unique immersive mobile Learning Experiences for teachers and pupils that are fun, productive alternatives to school trips.

Dicey Tech – A Manchester edtech company that enables young generations to become technology creators by using 3D-printing to teach secondary-school students tech, enterprise skills, and careers insight.

Dream Agility – A Ramsbottom-based tech company developing the latest in Visual AI and Machine Learning, retailers such as Samsung to grow sales.

Eco-Mist Biotechnics – A Cumbrian business that has developed a range of exclusive, highly effective healthcare and hygiene products that eradicate 99.9999% of pathogens in rooms and vehicles, yet are harmless to humans, animals and the environment.

Neptune Solutions – A Failsworth organisation that designs innovative, modular, adjustable and environmentally friendly fluid management systems for flood management and water retention.

NGPod Global – From its base in Manchester Science Park, the business provides innovative solutions to the patient safety issues surrounding nasogastric (NG) tube placement.

Rhythm Digital – Based in Manchester, Rhythm Digital make Piing, a web product which gets crowds playing, shouting and interacting by joining big screen arcade games, using their phones as controllers.

Seven Bro7hers – A brewery in Salford which has gone on to become one of the most popular craft beer breweries in the UK.

Wattl – A new video platform established in Manchester which blends user-generated videos with professional content from broadcasters and brands.

Venturefest North West is run by GC Business Growth Hub, in partnership with Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub, Cumbria Growth Hub, Liverpool City Region’s Local Growth Hub, and Boost – Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.

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

WORKFLO SOLUTIONS EXPANDS OVER THE BORDER BY OPENING GREATER MANCHESTER HUB

Featured Businesses

Sam Whitear

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12/11/2019

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WORKFLO SOLUTIONS EXPANDS OVER THE BORDER BY OPENING GREATER MANCHESTER HUB

Workflo Solutions, one of the UK’s fastest growing outsourced managed services providers which has its headquarters in Livingston near Edinburgh, has opened its first facility outside Scotland.

The company is extending its reach south of the border by developing a new hub in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, as part of a national roll-out plan for its range of outsourced business support service technologies including IT Support, print and documentation management.

Workflo’s new regional headquarters will start with a core staff of sales, account management and service engineering, headed by Regional Territory Sales Manager Alan O’Connor. Further appointments across sales, account management, customer service support and field engineering are expected to more than double the size of the team by early next year.

The company, established in 2007, is renowned as one of Scotland’s fastest growing IT businesses and recently announced an expansion into the north east of Scotland by opening a facility in Aberdeen. It has quickly turned its attention to the Manchester area, joining a number of leading technology companies inspired by the potential and ambition of Manchester’s role as the heartbeat of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, as Michael Field, managing director of Workflo Solutions explains;

“I am thrilled to announce our expansion into Greater Manchester, It’s a really exciting time for Workflo Solutions as the business continues its exponential growth and builds on its home-grown success. Having a foothold in the Manchester area has been on our radar for some time. The area is pulsating with a vibrancy that underpins a genuine ambition and ‘can-do’ attitude which we need to be part of. This is a very dynamic region of the UK.

For Alan and his team, this first phase will be about building operational excellence, listening and reacting to customer demand which will allow us to respond to their needs across the range of managed print services, Cloud and IT support, sales and installation and bespoke document management services we offer.”

Alan O’Connor, who as Regional Territory Sales Manager, will oversee the development of the Saddleworth operation, has spent 10 years working across the managed print supply business.

He comments;

“Workflo Solutions is looking to extend the company’s foothold in the UK by building on our reputation across the M62 corridor and beyond. Manchester is a natural hub for us in this region because of the easy motorway access for both Leeds, Liverpool and beyond.

Our portfolio of clients extends across Schools, Colleges, SME’s, Corporate and the NHS. They can be assured of us providing them with the most complete sales and after-sales available. Furthermore, we aim to make a big impact with some early wins to heighten our profile with a dynamic marketing strategy.”

Workflo Solution’s new office is located at Upper Mill, Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.

Social Republic Chosen For Ohcul Jobs Social Media Campaigns

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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11/11/2019

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Social Republic Chosen For Ohcul Jobs Social Media Campaigns

Bias free recruitment site, Ohcul Jobs, has chosen Social Republic to deliver its social media campaigns.

The social media agency, based in Manchester, will focus on promoting the site’s unique ‘Hidden Application’ feature across Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

Ohcul Jobs was created to allow candidates to conceal any information that may give away their race, background, gender, age or physical ability, ensuring only information relevant to the position – such as experience, skills, training and education – are visible to employers.

CEO at Social Republic, Rob Illidge, commented:

“It’s an honour for us to be working on social strategy and planning for Ohcul Jobs.

We are looking forward to working alongside a company that also promotes equality, diversity and universal quality of opportunity.”

Omar Javaid, founder of Ohcul Jobs added:

“Social media is a key marketing focus and immediately turned to Social Republic.

Having seen the results of their campaigns during our time on the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator programme, they were our first choice.

Our aim is to utilise Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to engage with users that feel they want a fair route to interview.”

Social Republic has established itself as a leading agency for recruitment agencies, having established a client base in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

A study by experts based at the Centre for Social Investigation at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, found applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds had to send 80% more applications to get a positive response from an employer than a white person of British origin.

Rosebud fund makes two senior appointments

Sam Whitear

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11/11/2019

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Rosebud fund makes two senior appointments

GC Business Finance has made two senior appointments to manage the £11.25m Rosebud fund created by Lancashire County Developments Ltd, with Matthew Robinson joining as Fund Manager and Jonathan Nelson taking the role of Senior Loan Account Manager.

As Fund Manager, Matthew will be managing an existing portfolio of around 30 companies based in Lancashire. As well as business development, he will be overseeing funds on a strategic level and reporting this to Lancashire County Developments Ltd, providing updates on how investee businesses are performing. Matthew’s previous roles include business development at Bibby Financial Services and relationship management at RBS.

Jonathan Nelson’s role will be similar to the Fund Manager – overseeing funds and supporting investee businesses. His background includes over 20 years-experience as a relationship manager for RBS in Lancashire, while more recently working with Access to Finance as a finance specialist, identifying and supporting businesses that were seeking funding.

GC Business Finance was appointed by Lancashire County Developments Ltd to the £11.25m Rosebud Fund in July 2019. The aim of the fund is to create 150 jobs per year across 12 local authority areas in Lancashire, with the fund providing finance solutions ranging from £10,000 to £300,000. The fund will be invested in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, digital and creative, and professional services.

GC Business Finance was established in 2002, providing alternative finance options for growing businesses that have been unable to obtain funding through a mainstream lender.

Chris Hutchinson, Head of Lending at GC Business Finance said: “We are excited to be welcoming both Jonathan and Matthew on board to manage the Rosebud fund and are confident that they will deliver the funding to support business growth across Lancashire, aided by their combined 50 years of experience in the banking sector.

“The Rosebud fund aims to make a positive difference to the county – helping SMEs in their growth, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. We look forward to seeing Rosebud’s investments and the effect that this will have throughout Lancashire.”

Amin Vepari, Business Finance & Scale Up Lead at Lancashire County Council, said: “The Rosebud fund plays a key role in boosting the Lancashire economy with a strong focus on creating high calibre employment by supporting the growth ambitions of some of our most innovative businesses. Both Jonathan and Matt have significant experience of working in the business finance arena and understand the unique challenges that businesses face when it comes to finding accessible and appropriate investment.

“This will enable them to provide the funding that will unlock Lancashire’s business growth potential, and I look forward to working with them closely over the coming months.”

NORTH WEST MANUFACTURERS TO PROFIT FROM SUPPORT OF GLOBAL BRANDS

Sam Whitear

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11/11/2019

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NORTH WEST MANUFACTURERS TO PROFIT FROM SUPPORT OF GLOBAL BRANDS

Following the announcement by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) that investment designed to help generate thousands of local jobs, has topped £600 million since the funds launched, manufacturers in the North West are set to profit from a new innovative programme, IN4.0 ACCESS.

The accelerator is supported by global businesses including BAE Systems, Vodafone, Amazon Web Services and NatWest.

According to figures from Accenture, Industry 4.0, hailed as the 4th industrial revolution, could boost the UK economy by £350billion by 2030. In the North West, new research released by Make UK and BDO LLP suggest the manufacturing sector was worth £28.5billion over the past year – and that figure would be accelerated by upskilling employees and implementing Industry 4.0 techniques.

The new programme has been running in Lancashire and Manchester for the past month, where 40 future leaders from local businesses including Hyde Aero Products, Poppies Europe and Kaman, form part of the first cohort.

IN4.0 ACCESS delivers a groundbreaking disruptive innovation accelerator programme, aimed at supporting pioneering manufacturers, helping to develop their businesses through digital and technological transformation and allowing them to scale and succeed at pace.

Paul Mellor, a delegate on the programme and Technical Director at Hyde Aero Products, said; “I’ve joined the course because I want to fully understand the Industry 4.0 concept so we can inform our business strategy. I want to roadmap our IN4.0 strategy in line with the very best industry experts.

“We plan to introduce new skills into the business, via training and upskilling our existing people, as well as drawing in new talent to the business.”

Commenting on the programme, IN4.0 Group CEO, Mo Isap, said; “This is a unique accelerator programme delivered to manufacturers across the North West. Through our partners in large, innovative businesses and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) we are helping manufacturers understand the opportunities that digital transformation brings.

“More importantly our programme empowers future leaders, with the skills to drive businesses forward. The vision is for IN4.0 Group to become global leaders and pioneers in Industry 4.0, and to future proof jobs for our emerging talent, so they’re equipped to thrive and succeed in every region of the UK.

“We’ve already started in Manchester and Lancashire and we plan to expand into regions across the country, establishing the ACCESS programme, working collaboratively with partners to bring new opportunities to each region.”

IN4.0 ACCESS launched in September 2019 and is already training delegates from 40 companies in Lancashire and Manchester. The programme can be funded through the Degree Apprenticeship Levy and enables companies to up-skill their technical staff to UCLan Postgraduate Diploma Engineering Competence Level and MSc Engineering (Design & Development) level. It is a joint venture between IN4.0 Group and the University of Central Lancashire, supported by industry change experts and business owners.

The IN4.0 Group also runs IN4.0 TALENT, bridging the gap between industry and education. The TALENT team match highly skilled technology postgraduates with employers in the manufacturing and engineering industry, seeking digital and IN4.0 know-how. They’ve quickly created exciting new opportunities for both employers and students, growing a digital workforce that is fit for the future.

For more information on the course, including eligibility criteria or TALENT, visit www.in40.co.uk

FORMER POLICE SUPERINTENDANT NADEEM BUTT LEADS RAFT OF SENIOR APPOINTMENTS AT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST URBANBUBBLE

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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11/11/2019

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FORMER POLICE SUPERINTENDANT NADEEM BUTT LEADS RAFT OF SENIOR APPOINTMENTS AT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST URBANBUBBLE

Former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) superintendent Nadeem Butt has joined residential property management specialist urbanbubble as Head of Build To Rent (BtR) Operations.

Nadeem is one of six new senior appointments made by urbanbubble, as it continues to grow its presence around the UK.

The Manchester-based business celebrates its 10th anniversary by expanding from its North West origins thanks to a partnership with institutional investor Legal & General to manage Legal & General’s BtR residential schemes in Manchester, Salford, Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and London.

Nadeem was a manager at Bradford-based student accommodation provider Malik Halls Ltd following numerous senior roles in the police service including being a superintendent at GMP headquarters, force liaison head for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, Fire and Rescue and Peer Review Lead at the College of Policing in London.

Joining Nadeem at urbanbubble are:

Gavin Carson as general manager of Spring Wharf, Bath;

Leo Glass, general manager, Blackhorse Mills, Walthamstow, London;

Samantha Richardson as general manager of West Tower, Deansgate Square, Manchester;

Sofie Haig-Smith as general manager of Anco & Co, Ancoats, Manchester;

and Rebecca Whitehead, general manager, The Whitmore Collection, Birmingham.

Steve Austin has also been promoted internally to general manager at the LOCAL Blackfriars scheme developed by Salboy in Salford.

Gavin was recruited from a role as regional business development manager (South West) with Liberty Living and previously held two senior operations roles at Unite Students.

Leo Glass joined from being head of operations at Fusion Students and Samantha Richardson was formerly head of relationship management at Get Living, Stratford, where she was responsible for more than 1,000 homes for rent on the site of the former London Olympics athletes’ village.

Sofie Haig-Smith arrived at urbanbubble from her role as general manager, Sir Charles Groves for Liberty Living, Manchester, while Rebecca Whitehead was previously property manager at Mainstay Group.

They join a workforce of about 180, a headcount forecast by urbanbubble to increase to around 300 by Q3 2020 to accommodate the growth of the business.

Michael Howard, founder and managing director of urbanbubble, said: “Nadeem, Leo, Gavin, Samantha, Sofie and Rebecca bring with them a wealth of experience in property management and other sectors such as Nadeem’s time at GMP and will prove to be invaluable additions to the urbanbubble team at an exciting time as we grow our business outside of our North West heartland. We’re a values-led business and that runs through everything we do, especially when recruiting new colleagues to deliver our vision of making our cities better places to live.”

Based at Sevendale House in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, urbanbubble recently expanded its property management activities outside the North West by securing further nationwide BtR schemes with Legal & General.

Following the success of the partnership’s inaugural BtR scheme at multi-award winning The Slate Yard in Salford, urbanbubble secured the management of Legal & General’s latest BtR scheme at West Tower, Deansgate Square, Manchester and others in Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and London.

In a separate partnership with a leading property investor, urbanbubble manages Anco & Co in Ancoats, Manchester on behalf of DTZ Investors.

The firm also manages residential schemes in Manchester and Liverpool for developers Salboy, Elliot Group, PAG, Capital and Centric and Mulbury.

With a sector-leading focus on customer care and service, urbanbubble has a total of more than 8,000 residential units under management across 80 UK sites – including 4,500 units in Manchester – and forecasts that figure to rise to more than 15,000 by 2021.

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