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Moorepay investing £100 million in Greater Manchester economy

Property

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21/11/2018

Moorepay investing £100 million in Greater Manchester economy

Moorepay, the leader in SME payroll & HR solutions, has announced it is investing over £100 million in the local economy with the opening of a new hub in Lowry Mill, Salford, Greater Manchester.

The decision shows Moorepay’s commitment to the region and local talent, following its acquisition earlier in the year. The level of investment also demonstrates confidence in the area as the ideal place for business growth.

Moorepay’s investment in the Greater Manchester economy over the next ten years includes; £90m on people costs, training & development across 180 employee, £1.2m investment into the Apprenticeship Scheme with 27 graduates already hired in the summer of 2018 and a further commitment of £4.5m over the next nine year and £5m in property, facilities management and utilities, with a strong focus on local purchasing and suppliers.

Alistair Blaxill, CEO at Moorepay, said: “At Moorepay, we strongly believe in regional investment. This includes our office, graduate and apprenticeship scheme, and our commitment to regional suppliers and local customers, all of which is aligned with the HM Government Northern Powerhouse Strategy.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new phase of growth for us as a company.”

The new Northern Hub was officially opened by Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, who said: “We are proud to have another great business in Moorepay who buy into the vision we have of the area. It is about building partnerships and creating jobs where people can learn new skills and have opportunities to progress in their careers. Salford is a great, vibrant city that’s really going places, investments like this show the business community is recognizing that, and seeing our city as the perfect place for ambitious businesses to prosper.”

Work commences on £4m Wigan health centre

Blog

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2018

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Work commences on £4m Wigan health centre

Eric Wright Health and Care, working in partnership with Wigan Council and Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), has commenced the construction of a new £4million health centre in Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Situated on the site of the former town hall, Eric Wright Health and Care acquired the site from the Council in 2015 and successfully achieved planning in 2017. Eric Wright Construction has been appointed as main contractor to deliver the scheme, which sits adjacent to St. Oswald’s Primary School.

The scheme is a show case of the Healthier Wigan initiative that looks to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents and will support the regeneration of Ashton in Makerfield. On Friday 9th November an official sod cutting ceremony took place with local representatives from St Oswald’s Primary School, whose students prepared some art work that will decorate the site hoarding. The partnership will continue to work with the school throughout the construction process.

When complete, the 1,100 square metre building will comprise two GP practices, medical centre and Bryne Street Practice on the first floor, with the ground floor used for community services, including the integrated health and social care teams. There is also an area on the ground floor meeting/community area that has been designed so it can be used out of hours by local community groups.

Additional features include an ambulance standby point which has been included to provide a location where crews can rest between calls. Solar Panels have also been installed which improve the building’s sustainability credentials and make the project more cost-effective.

As part of Eric Wright’s commitment to the scheme, the company has committed funding for the creation of additional infrastructure including a new pedestrian crossing, Community Alley gates on Council Avenue, improved pedestrian access to St Oswald’s Primary School on Council Avenue, improvements to the car park on Millingford Grove and a travel plan that will help guide patients and staff the best way to access the health centre.

Wayne Ashton, Head of Strategic Planning at Eric Wright Health and Care, commented: “Over the course of our involvement in the project, we have worked closely with the Council, the NHS, the school and the local community, to create a building which is integrated into its surroundings. When finished, the centre will provide the community with exceptional facilities to support their health and wellbeing. With work already underway, we are working towards a completion date of summer next year.”

Dr Tim Dalton, Local GP and Chair of NHS Wigan Borough CCG, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring a new health centre to local residents in Ashton. This is a major step forward in the quality of the health facilities in the area and I look forward to seeing the building work progress over the coming months.”

SystemPioneer moves through the gears with University support

Education

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2018

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SystemPioneer moves through the gears with University support

A young business owner has hailed the value of businesses and universities working together after launching his first product following collaboration with a University of Manchester Masters student.

21-year-old Gary Cheetham founded SystemPioneer, which creates innovative content management systems and websites for a range of businesses, in 2016.

With this wealth of experience behind them, Gary and his team of software developers have now created a website of their own, MotorbikeValuations.com, which aims to help its users to accurately predict the price of second-hand motorcycles they may be looking to sell or buy.

Gary needed specialist support to help bring the website to market, as it would rely on machine learning – a field of artificial intelligence that uses data and statistical techniques to ‘learn’ and improve performance around a task – to ensure the site’s price predictions were accurate. Therefore, he sought support from GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company.

Karen Dudley, an innovation advisor at the Hub, introduced Gary to the Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester. This led to a six-month collaboration with University student Anna Komodromou to create the algorithm that would allow the website to accurately predict the prices of motorcycles. Anna, who was able to use the research as part of her dissertation, was working towards an MSc in Business Analytics and was put forward by her tutors because of her expertise in the area.

Gary said: “Being able to access the expertise and knowledge of someone of Anna’s calibre goes to show that Manchester is a great place to do business – and somewhere where a world-class university can work with a small local business on a real-world business problem, and together create the technology that powers MotorbikeValuations.

“Now we have finally perfected our algorithm thanks to the help of the university, the sky’s the limit. No other company in this industry has a system like this.”

Anna said: “It was good to be given a chance to apply what I have learned at Manchester Business School as part of my dissertation and create a useful algorithm for a real company. It was very challenging for me to work and find an algorithm for accurately forecasting the price of used vehicles. The help of Gary and, of course, the guidance of my lecturers was invaluable in completing this innovative project.”

Karen Dudley of GC Business Growth Hub, added: “This is the start of an ongoing relationship between Gary and the University. As an organisation that continually innovates, keeping ahead of competitors by harnessing academic input into future projects will be key to business growth and maintaining a competitive advantage.”

New Care appoints Dawn Collett

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2018

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Manchester-based care home business, New Care, has promoted Dawn Collett, a former registered nurse, to the role of Commissioning Director. In recognition of her achievements, Dawn, who has worked for the company for more six years, has also been appointed to the Board.

Since joining New Care in 2012, Dawn has forged formidable relationships with industry bodies, such as local NHS Trusts, stakeholders as well as residents and their relatives.

In her new role Dawn will continue to build these invaluable relationships, helping and guiding individuals when they are vulnerable, emotive and often at a loss as to what to do. She is also tasked with imparting her knowledge regarding funding for elderly, utilising her expertise to support and advise those looking for a care home.

With five ‘new generation’ care facilities fully operational currently across the North West and Midlands, plus a sixth care home in Formby scheduled to open early 2019 and a further four in Cheshire to follow suit, Dawn’s experience plays an integral part in New Care’s ambitious growth plans.

Commenting on her promotion, Dawn says: “I am thrilled to have been promoted to Commissioning Director and join the New Care board. The company has an inspiring ethos, is innovative in its approach to the provision of care and commands excellence in all areas, from care delivery and resident experiences to hospitality, dining and interior design.”

“It has been a pleasure to work for New Care over the last six and a half years and looking forward, with the company continuing to expand rapidly, I’m excited to be part of this growth and New Care’s fantastic future.”

Dominic Kay, Chairman at New Care, adds: “Dawn has proved to be invaluable since she joined New Care over six years ago. Promoting her to Commissioning Director and inviting her to join the Board is quite simply recognition of her excellence. She is a much valued member of the team and a true asset to the company.”

Homeless charity launches Salford house clearance service

CSR

Sam Whitear

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21/11/2018

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Homeless charity launches Salford house clearance service

Pendleton based charity Emmaus Salford has launched an affordable house clearance service where all the proceeds are used to support people who have experienced homelessness.

Emmaus Salford now offers three levels of house clearance service – a free cherry-pick collection, a partial clearance or a full clear and clean service. The charity aims to re-use much of what it collects, saving items from landfill whilst raising money to sustain the Emmaus Salford community home.

Robbo Francis, one of the community members who lives and works at Emmaus Salford, said: “I think the house clearances will be a great way for us to widen our appeal and engage with new Emmaus Salford supporters. It will keep us busy and you never know what items you might find when you do a house clearance.”

Emmaus Salford supports formerly homeless people by providing a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it. The charity runs three shops across Salford, taking in and selling donated and refurbished furniture, household goods, bric-a-brac, clothes and vintage pieces.

Simon Locke, Community Director at Emmaus Salford, said: “Our Salford house clearance service is a natural extension to what our current social enterprises offer. With everything we receive, Emmaus Salford reuses, recycles or disposes ethically, using the proceeds generated to support our charity.”

“If you need a house, garage, workshop, office or warehouse cleared or stripped out then give us a call for a cost-effective quote. At Emmaus Salford we pride ourselves on doing a great job for a great price.”

Pop-Up bar stays upright

Property

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2018

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The Libero Pop-Up bar opened for the world cup and proved so successful that it will remain popped-up selling its popular Craft Ales at Kings Court, Altrincham.

The concept of the bar was originally conceived by two friends and football fans to combine their love of the game with craft beer, taking inspiration from the cosy living-room style bars of Europe.

Paul Rooney, partner, originally from Altrincham, said: “We wanted the bar to be somewhere everyone could feel comfortable enjoying a good beer while watching the football but we’re really pleased that people are also coming down to listen to a favourite record and have a glass of wine or a gin in our secluded courtyard setting”.

Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions, who initially let the niche space on behalf of the landlord Wizard Trading (Europe) Ltd, said: “It’s great that this six week concept pop-op was so popular and we are delighted to have extended its occupation ready for the festive season and the New Year. Kings Court, off Railway Street proved to be the ideal location in the town centre”.

University of Manchester spin-out Gelmetix raises £1.2m to develop back pain treatment

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2018

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University of Manchester spin-out Gelmetix raises £1.2m to develop back pain treatment

University of Manchester spin-out Gelmetix Ltd has raised £1.2 million in funding to help develop non-surgical treatment for chronic lower back pain.

The company, which was founded on the back of discoveries made at the University, has had a primary focus on the development of a revolutionary, non-surgical, gel-based treatment for chronic lower back over the past 15 years.

Gelmetix secured the funding on crowdfunding website SyndicateRoom and has created a non-invasive injectable microgel as a cost-effective alternative to surgery.

Gelmetix CEO Dr Philippe Jenny said the high-tech gel can be delivered via a non-invasive procedure into the gaps left by degenerating discs to help restore functionality and relieve lower back pain.

Despite innovation-related technical hurdles, the gel has now been fully validated for human application and a unique manufacturing process has been designed to produce the gel to scale with all the required quality and regulatory assurance.

The company has obtained a Medical Device Manufacturer ISO certification and is currently in discussion with the MHRA and the FDA.

Whilst the company’s initial product for the spine is anticipated to enter first-in-man clinical trials in the first quarter of 2019, a second product is being developed to address pain and loss of mobility in osteoarthritic small joints.

Additionally, at the end of July 2018, Gelmetix entered into an agreement with a Portuguese company to further develop a third gel, which is intended to contribute to the repair of cartilage damages in the knee joint. This unique gel adheres to the cartilage and helps cells to repair the deficit.

Dr Philippe Jenny, commented: “The signing of this Agreement is a great step forward as it provides the company with a portfolio of minimally invasive solutions. These fill a gap in the continuum of care and will treat numerous patients suffering from pain in the joints or back due to the most common incapacitating diseases: joint and back degeneration and osteoarthritis.”

Professor Tony Freemont, Director of MMPathIC (Manchester Molecular Pathology Innovation Centre), an MRC/EPSRC Molecular Pathology node funded with £2.9M to translate novel medical technology discoveries into use within the NHS, and Founder and Board Member of Gelexir, has hailed the treatment’s potential significance for back pain and OA sufferers.

He said: “It has taken nearly 15 years of basic research and translational development to reach this point. It is so exciting to see this completely novel approach to treatment pass through all the regulatory processes and reach a point where we can evaluate it in patients with debilitating back pain, for whom there is no other hope for pain relief. The development of this product, and the work of MMPathIC are just two ways in which The University of Manchester is working towards improving patient lives through research.”

Peel L&P reveals new look for iconic MediaCityUK building

Property

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2018

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Peel L&P reveals new look for iconic MediaCityUK building

One of MediaCityUK’s most photographed office buildings, ‘The Victoria’, is undergoing a major refurb and has repositioned itself simply as ‘The Vic’, to reflect a more modern, flexible and people-focussed design ethos.

Investing in a £9m transformation of the 115,000 sq ft building and its external spaces, Peel Land & Property (Peel L&P) is pitching The Vic as one of the most desirable and ‘chilled-out’ waterside office locations in Greater Manchester.

With a focus on health, wellbeing and mindfulness, The Vic has been redesigned to appeal to the needs of the modern occupier looking for spaces to serve a range of working styles.

Designed around themes of collaboration, creativity, relaxation and healthy living, The Vic will offer areas for exercise, socialising and lush green outdoor spaces to promote calm and quiet contemplation, all against the backdrop of a tranquil waterside setting. Newly-added on-site amenities include a bike store, locker and shower scheme, an enhanced ‘Bean’ café and dedicated spaces for Yoga and Pilates.

Tim Taylor, leasing manager for Peel L&P, said: “The Vic is a complete rethink of one our largest and most prominent buildings in MediaCityUK. The well-documented evidence that workspaces need to serve the ever-changing attitudes of the modern occupier inspired us to evolve the proposition for the building to one that is more relaxed and fluid in its design. We also wanted people to connect more with the calming influence of natural landscaping and water.

“We’ve included little touches like outdoor breakfast bars on the waterside terrace meaning you will be able to grab a coffee from Bean and work in the fresh air, connected to the WiFi, whilst overlooking a lush, green, waterside setting. There’s not a lot of places in Greater Manchester where you can do that so we’re excited about our plans and we think it will prove popular with businesses who care about the wellbeing of their staff.”

Using the latest research and stats on wellbeing, which reveal that people who can see a green environment from their workspace are healthier and more productive, Peel L&P has transformed and repositioned The Vic to support the ultimate healthy work-life balance.

Tim added: “More health and wellbeing initiatives are planned for the next phases of The Vic and will be revealed as we get closer to the launch in March 2019. This is just one of the developments in the pipeline for an ever-growing and evolving MediaCityUK portfolio.”

Mistoria Group purchases Student Haus

Property

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2018

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Mistoria Group, owners of Mistoria Estate Agents, North West specialists in residential and student property sales and lettings, has purchased Student Haus, the Salford based lettings and estate agency who have approximately 150 properties under management across the whole of Manchester and Salford.

The acquisition of the business is part of Mistoria’s continuing growth strategy and follows on from the launch of their third estate agency office in Bolton and the acquisition of Pick My Pad announced earlier this year. All Student Haus staff will continue in the new business and the brand will continue to trade under its own name. They currently manage properties for more than 100 landlords covering city centre locations based around the main universities in Manchester and Salford.

Mish Liyanage, Managing Director of The Mistoria Group comments: “We are delighted to take over the management of Student Haus, including properties, landlords and tenants and to consolidate our position in Salford. Dilan and Edouard have done a great job with Student Digz / Haus over the last 5 years in Salford by building Student Haus into a very a successful business.

“I am glad that they both chose Mistoria to sell their business so that they can both pursue their academic interest. I fervently believe there is a market for both Mistoria and Student Haus brands hence we will continue to trade under both brands in Salford with Hannah Goodman heading the Student Haus division. Over the next few next few months we will be implementing best practices in both businesses that will benefit both our tenants and landlords.”

Commenting on the sale Dilan Omari-Clark, said: “We started the company when we were 23 years old after graduating from University. The past 5 years have been a great adventure and we are proud of what we have achieved.

“It felt like the right time to sell and we are now ready to take on the next challenge. We are pleased that Mistoria have taken on our staff and we wish Mistoria all the best for the future.”

Three new hires for LSH’s Manchester team

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2018

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Three new hires for LSH’s Manchester team

Lambert Smith Hampton has made three new hires to its planning and development consultancy team in Manchester, welcoming Phil Crowther back to the business as associate director of planning and development and appointing two new town planners.

Phil Crowther re-joins Lambert Smith Hampton after 18 months gaining client-side experience as a land-buyer with Story Homes and Churchill Retirement Living.

During his previous tenure at Lambert Smith Hampton, Phil worked as a surveyor specialising in development viability and residential land agency for both public and private sector clients. Phil will now lead the residential land agency team, focusing on all residential land transactions.

Phil Crowther, associate director of planning and development for Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “Returning to LSH gives me the opportunity to utilise my experience working for developers to help expand our residential land agency business across multiple sectors. I’m re-joining at an exciting time for the business as we target the opportunities generated by the strengthening residential market in the North West and surrounding regions.”

Poppy Hilton joins Lambert Smith Hampton as a chartered town planner from Lichfields’ Manchester office, having gained her MRTPI accreditation in December 2017.

Poppy spent three years with Lichfields following her graduation from the University of Manchester. Poppy has worked on a variety of projects across the North West, promoting sites as part of the preparation of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, and securing planning permission for residential development at Kings Hill, Bromborough. Poppy is captain of a property netball team and a mentor for undergraduates at her former university.

Andrew Corrin, formerly of WSP joins Lambert Smith Hampton as a graduate town planner. Andrew graduated from the University of Glasgow in September 2017 with a Masters of City & Regional Planning.

Simon Turner, Lambert Smith Hampton’s regional head of planning and development consultancy said: “These new appointments demonstrate just how important planning expertise is to LSH’s strategic offer to clients and reflects the continued and sustainable growth in the North West property market. Phil, in particular, will be instrumental in growing the planning and development consultancy’s portfolio and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to the business.”

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