Leading IT Managed Service Provider (MSP), Network ROI, has established a base in the North West to better serve its 90 existing clients in the region, including the North West Air Ambulance Service, as well as future clients.

The office in Newton-le-Willows, will act as a base for five of Network ROI’s certified engineers, with scope to significantly increase the headcount.

With headquarters in Edinburgh, Network ROI offers a comprehensive MSP offering, including IT Support, Consultancy, Projects & Installations, Cloud Computing, Connectivity, Telephony and IT Security, giving organisations the digital tools, security and infrastructure they need to grow. Network ROI provides support for organisations from 50 people to over 4000, from single sites to 350+ locations across the UK and beyond.

The firm, founded in 2003, takes an innovative approach to operationsand was the first UK MSP to be employee owned. As the company has grown, it has established its reputation and track record for excellent, cost effective services, recognised by a global ranking as the number one MSP provider in Scotland and top ten in the UK.

Adam Johnson, Managing Director, Network ROI, said: “I’m delighted to be establishing a base in the North West of England, since I have strong personal links to the region and the company already has an established client base here.

“The Newton-le-Willows office will allow us to continue our positive growth throughout the UK and to help clients empower their business by making life with technology easier.

“We’ve had an excellent 12 months, increasing our employee numbers, by winning new clients and extending the scope of work we do for existing clients. I look forward to continuing this success, since our new base in the North West will help us better serve our existing clients and introduce new organisations to ourexcellent services.”

A Lancashire-based specialist in the collection and treatment of hazardous waste has expanded with the acquisition of Greater Manchester business Mercury Recycling.

Following the takeover by Mulberry Waste Holdings, Mercury will continue to operate as normal from its base in Trafford Park. The terms of the deal are undisclosed.

Mercury recycles hazardous waste including products containing mercury, such as batteries, fluorescent light tubes and gas meters. It turns over £2.5m and has 34 staff.

Mulberry, which was founded in 1993 by managing director Hassan Isaji, has its headquarters and main treatment facilities in Leyland.

The £12m-turnover group, which has 59 staff, also has collection sites in Manchester, Liverpool, Ormskirk, Newcastle upon Tyne and Uddingston, near Glasgow.

Mulberry specialises in the collection, disposal and treatment of chemicals, oil, solvents, laboratory waste and other hazardous items. It has a fleet of 30 vehicles which operate from the West Midlands to as far north as Dundee.

Clients include manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, universities and research establishments.

Large quantities of the waste it treats are exported to be converted into energy in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

The Mulberry Waste Holdings group of companies also includes a vehicle repair and maintenance business and a logistics business.

Mr Isaji said the acquisition enables Mulberry to expand its expertise and capacity in growth areas of the hazardous waste treatment sector.

“Mercury is a well-known and established brand and we will look to grow the business,” he said.

“We have handled the same type of materials for some time but have not had the
in-house expertise to dispose of them, and Mercury now gives us that capability.

“We are excited about the prospects for the business and the opportunities this deal brings to the wider group by adding to our range of services.”

Ian Dawson and Lauren Roberts of HURST Corporate Finance advised the shareholders of privately-owned Mercury.

Ian said: “The deal represents a great outcome for all. Mercury is a great business with a reputation for providing a high-quality service. It has lots of synergies with Mulberry and should thrive under new ownership.”

Manchester commercial law firm Kuits, represented by partner Kirsti Pinnell and solicitor Kate Gledhill, provided legal advice.

Kirsti said: “Kuits was pleased to provide bespoke legal and commercial expertise to support Mercury in this transaction.

“It opens up new avenues for the business to expand and presents opportunities to benefit from the strong infrastructure and networks Mulberry has in place.”

Dreaming of a career in snow business? Well look no further, as Chill Factor^e is opening its doors, and white carpet, to 121 new recruits with a variety of new roles both on and off the snow. 

The UK’s longest indoor snow slope, Chill Factor^e, promises to be the coolest place to work in the North West this winter – literally! A number of new job opportunities within the attraction, including festive positions such as Santa’s Helpers, have today been announced. 

Successful Snow Experience Team Members will need to brave the -4˚ temperatures to make sure the snow is crisp, fresh and ski-ready. This guest-facing position puts recruits at the heart of Chill Factor^e to ensure guests have an experience to remember on its famous snow. 

Any applicants who are qualified instructors could dust off their ski boots and put their snow experience to the test as a Snowsports Instructor. These roles include teaching kids and adults of all ages to ski and snowboard on the longest indoor snow slope in the UK – now that is funemployment!   

Guest Experience Team Member and Supervisor roles are also up for grabs. These key roles are in charge of making sure the guest’s day runs smoothly, making sure all guests are booked in for on-snow activities and, most importantly, ensuring their experience is far from chilling. 

For all fans of the festive season, Chill Factor^e is also on the hunt for some Santa’s Helpers to spread seasonal cheer. It’ll certainly be a white Christmas for successful candidates, as they’ll be spending the build-up to Christmas at the North (West) Pole.

Any job applicants who haven’t skied or snowboarded before can still apply to be Santa’s Helpers, Snow Experience and Guest Experience team members as they’ll simply need to be committed to providing guests of all ages with a day out to remember.

CEO, Morwenna Angove said: “The run up to Christmas is one of the most popular times of year at Chill Factor^e, not only is it the start of the ski season, but we are the only place in the North West to offer real snow, meaning we can truly promise families a white Christmas. 

“We love to bring the magic of Christmas to life here and our team play a huge role in this, especially our Santa’s Helpers who greet guests in our snow grotto.”

Edie Marsh, age 25 from Manchester, said: “Not only is Chill Factor^e.  the coolest place to work, but employment can also continue beyond the winter season. I started as a Santa’s Helper in 2015 and was offered a position on the Guest Services team after Christmas. I’ve since been promoted to Guest Experience Supervisor and then to Snowsports Assistant Manager in May this year. Joining the team at Christmas is a great chance to embark on a new and highly rewarding career.” 

Chill Factor^e will be bringing 121 jobs to the local area. Roles include: Guest Experience Team Members, Guest Experience Supervisors, Snow Experience Duty Manager, Snow Experience Team Members, Snowsports Instructors, and Santa’s Helpers. 

To apply for one of the vacancies at Chill Factor^e this Christmas please visit: https://www.chillfactore.com/jobs/our-recruitment-process/