Manchester-based technology firm, UKFast, has launched a brand new, state-of the-art 500-seater auditorium and events space, creating a new platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration within the Manchester business community.

The facility includes a 100 sq. ft. digital screen, full-spec AV and media suite, bar and networking area, breakout spaces and free parking. Users also have the option of support from the UKFast events and media teams.

The recently completed auditorium is situated within the 40,000 sq. ft. extension to UKFast Campus near Manchester Science Park, which the firm expanded into last year.

UKFast has already hosted a number of community events in the space, including a free cinema club for local children in need of a helping hand and the inaugural UKFast Community and Education Awards, but the space opens to the public in January, with bookings being taken now.

UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones said: “Despite the huge advances in digital communication, there’s still a real demand from the business community for high-quality, well-designed spaces to get together face to face, to meet and to collaborate. Sometimes there’s just no substitute for building relationships in person.

“UKFast Campus has a long history of hosting business and networking events, and providing a hub for the local technology community to work together. It’s incredibly exciting to open up new opportunities for our clients, the tech industry and the wider community.

“We were inspired by our original auditorium that was built in the first stage of the development of UKFast Campus. That space had an average of four events a week, so we knew there was a need for it, but we’ve outgrown it and require something truly world class that enables people to run high-quality events without the exorbitant costs.

“We’ve never charged for our event space in the past, so if customers or charitable organisations have a real need to do something worthwhile then we will always back them.”

Bury-based JD has brought together an unparalleled line-up of global talent as part of its biggest ever Christmas campaign.

With a social media reach of well over 85 million, it includes boxing icon, Anthony Joshua, Manchester United superstar, Jesse Lingard and US artist and actor, Jaden Smith. They’re joined by TV and radio host Maya Jama, global music artists Anne Marie and Ella Eyre, grime star Bugzy Malone and singer/presenter HRVY.

The campaign will air in the UK, France, Holland, Spain, Italy and Ireland and will also be screened in cinemas in Malaysia and Singapore. Campaign imagery will feature in JD stores and on outdoor media across 13 countries.

It will be supported across both JD’s and many of the stars’ social media platforms. Images from the campaign and the ad itself will appear on JD’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which passed a million followers this week.

Group Marketing Director, Stephen White, says: “We chose the line-up because they are aspirational and influential to our audience and provide a huge reach across social media platforms. The campaign and the icons who appear in it echo JD’s global market leading position.”