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The Diane Modahl Sports Foundation named as official charity partner of Salford 10K

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06/09/2018

The Diane Modahl Sports Foundation named as official charity partner of Salford 10K

The Diane Modahl Sports Foundation has been announced as an official charity partner of the UKFast City of Salford 10k 2018.

Taking place on the 9th September, the 10-kilometre race will see thousands of runners of all abilities take to the streets around MediaCityUK to raise funds for personal causes, run their very first 10k or try to take on their personal best. At least 20 runners will be taking part on behalf of the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF).

Co-founded by four-time Olympian and Gold, Silver and Bronze Commonwealth Games medallist Diane Modahl, DMSF works with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the North West, to help them make the most of their abilities in sport, education and employability.

This kind of work places DMSF at the heart of the local community, especially in the city of Manchester, which is ranked England’s fourth most deprived Local Authority and second most deprived in terms of income deprivation. where the majority of their work takes place.

In 2017, runners for DMSF raised £400, and they are attempting to smash that target this year. Fundraising on the day will help the charity provide return transport for young people who are taking part in the Blackpool Track & Field Open Meeting. It is events like the Salford 10k that allow DMSF teams to compete against others, many for the first time, and to experience competition outside of Manchester.

Notable team captains leading the way for the DMSF on 9th September include Tunde Okewale, a criminal barrister from Doughty Street Chambers, the same Chambers of renowned human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney – and Tom Queally, the jockey best known for being the leading jockey of (unbeaten and highest-rated horse in the World at the time) Frankel, and leading jockey of the late Sir Henry Cecil.

CEO and co-founder of the DMSF, Diane Modahl, commented on the charity’s appointment: “We are delighted to have been named as an official charity partner for the 2018 UKFast Salford 10K. Two of the Foundation’s greatest passions are sport and fundraising, making this the perfect partnership! Events such as these play a strong role in our fundraising efforts but they also raise awareness of the work that we do to raise the aspirations of young people and give them the chance to succeed.”

Art gallery signs exclusive publishing deal

Blog

Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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Art gallery signs exclusive publishing deal

Greater Manchester art gallery Atelier Rose and Gray has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Stephen Chambers, the internationally renowned artist and Royal Academician, to create a large scale limited edition silkscreen called ‘Oceania’ that will be launched later this month at the Contemporary Istanbul art fair.

This is the first time a North West gallery has secured this kind of publishing deal with such a high profile artist.

The limited edition work, which is a six panel silkscreen in a series of Perspex boxes, is taken from Chambers’ critically acclaimed and large scale work, ‘The Big Country’, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 2012. Just twelve will be produced and sold to collectors around the world.

Stephen Chambers studied at Winchester School of Art and then at St Martin’s School of Art. He graduated with a Masters from Chelsea School of Art in 1983. Chambers has won many scholarships and awards, including a Rome Scholarship, a Fellowship at Winchester School of Art, and a Mark Rothko Memorial Trust Travelling Award. Besides his painting and printmaking, Chambers has also collaborated on three dance projects with the Royal Ballet.

His most recent major project was The Court of Redonda, a large portrait series shown first in Venice during the 2017 Biennale, and subsequently at The Heong Gallery at Downing College, Cambridge. His work is held in many major collections including Deutsche Bank London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, Clifford Chance London and the Government Art Collection.

Chris Brooks, owner and curator at Atelier Rose and Gray, commented: “Stephen is one of the UK’s leading artists so we are delighted to be publishing this work with him. It’s also a real coup for a North West gallery which we are incredibly proud of.”

Stephen Chambers added: “I have worked with Chris for sometime so was delighted to collaborate with him on this project.”

IoD Seeks New Manchester Chair

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Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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A vacancy has arisen for a prominent Manchester business person to undertake one of the city’s highest ranking, extra-curricular roles.

The Institute of Directors North West, which is headquartered in the city centre, is looking to Manchester’s business community to find the perfect candidate to become its new branch Chair. With its incumbent, Paul Battye’s tenure drawing to a close in November, the organisation is asking candidates with senior leadership experience to come forward and express interest in the opportunity.

The IoD is encouraging applications from individuals who will be a strong advocate for IoD North West and who can continue to build and grow an active committee in Manchester. Working alongside the regional team to support a growing membership base of business leaders, the candidate will be passionate about helping Manchester to thrive, connecting people from across sectors, and helping members to be the very best leaders they can be.

Speaking about his role to date and the opportunities that it has brought, Battye, said: “As Chair of the IoD’s Manchester branch, I have thoroughly enjoyed promoting the organisation within the regional business community, and representing Manchester business across the North West and nationally within the IoD.

“As well as working with my colleagues on the Manchester committee to enhance the member experience through high quality, regular events, my tenure has provided me with the invaluable opportunity to connect with policy and decision makers, to ensure that as an organisation, we can offer the right support to our members.”

The IoD’s regional director Claire Ebrey, added: “We thank Paul for his contribution to the Manchester branch over the past three years. As a pioneering organisation, we are excited to be offering this unique opportunity to a new Chair and finding someone dynamic and inspirational who can fly the flag for Manchester’s business issues in the future.”

Retail veterans joins Savills

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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International real estate advisor Savills has expanded its retail team with the appointment of directors Stephen Proudley and Jonathan Netley, who will be based at the firm’s Manchester office.

Both Proudley and Netley join from Lambert Smith Hampton, where they held senior roles in the retail and leisure team since the firm’s acquisition of Tushingham Moore in 2015. They were previously two of five equity partners at Tushingham Moore, with Proudley having joined in 1997 and Netley in 1994.

As head of North West transactional agency at Lambert Smith Hampton, Proudley advised national retailers such as Primark and Next on the acquisition of flagship stores and international developer Vastint on the purchase of the former Tetley Brewery site in Leeds, paving the way for a major mixed-use regeneration. Netley’s UK-wide experience encompasses retailer, developer and landlord advisory across shopping centres, high streets, retail and leisure parks.

Their appointment follows that of Andy Hall, who joined Savills out of town retail team based in Manchester in June 2018. The firm has continued to grow and strengthen its network of retail experts based across the UK’s key regional markets with numerous senior hires over the last 12 months, including directors Stuart Moncur, Isla Monteith and John Menzies in Scotland and associate Russell McGill in Manchester.

Sean Gillies, head of UK retail at Savills, comments: “Stephen and Jonathan are nationally recognised in the retail sector for providing trusted, strategic advice to a wide range of retailers, landlords, investors and developers. Their market knowledge, particularly in the North West, is second to none and we are confident their skills and experience will further enhance the best-in-class retail services we provide to clients across the UK. We are delighted to be welcoming them on board.”

James Evans, head of Savills Manchester, adds: “We continue to believe clients benefit greatly from the provision of advice from experts based locally within their markets. The appointment of Stephen and Jonathan to our Manchester retail team follows that of Andy Hall who joined this summer, further emphasising this strategy and our regional strength.”

Football referees will soon be using satellites and virtual reality to put themselves in players boots

Education

Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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Football referees will soon be using satellites and virtual reality to put themselves in players boots

VAR was undoubtedly the big talking point of this year’s World Cup tournament in Russia but the future for the professional game will be much more about virtual reality, according to sports technology experts.

“In four to five-years-time, professional football could be using satellite tracking to create fully immersive VAR for referees, meaning they could become the player at the centre of any chosen incident in a virtual sense,” said Dave Horrocks, a world-renowned sports researcher and senior lecturer in football coaching and analytics at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) in Manchester.

“In effect, it means referees will have the technology to virtually become a goalkeeper and face the corner that’s just happened on the pitch to truly see a particular incident of play from virtually any angle.”

The satellite VR system called Mi Hiepa is already in use for players and is used to assess their actions throughout training, in order to improve their performance on match days.

The tracking system is called Trac Ab and is used at most of the top stadiums around the world by the elite football clubs in the major football leagues.

But Dave, who lectures students at UCFB Etihad Campus in Manchester and is considered one of the leading sports researchers in the UK, says it is already being developed to become the next iteration of the VAR system.

“It will enable the referee to put himself in Neymar’s shoes and know, without any element of doubt, whether he has been kicked or fouled or not. That means the decision he makes will not have any margin for error and will be as accurate as if he had been the player involved in the incident,” Dave said.

Trac Ab and VAR are also already used for player analysis in top level football, but the immediate future will likely see the roll-out of VAR for refereeing decisions throughout elite football leagues around the world.

Dave believes the current VAR system will borrow ideas from the American NFL, where coaches are allowed a set number of challenges to decisions per game, and will likely roll out in the English Premier League and other elite leagues next season.

He said: “The use of VAR during this summer’s World Cup was very much a trial. There will now be a review of the system to assess whether it was a success or not. If it is deemed a success, which I imagine it will be, I’d expect VAR to be rolled out in the Champions League and Europa League first before then going into full-time use in the Premier League, Serie A and other elite leagues the following season.

“I’d expect VAR to be in use in the Premier League by next season or the season after.”

In NFL matches coaches can challenge decisions three times in each half of the game. The bench and the coaches also have a live feed of the game and, within seconds of an in-game incident occurring can see exactly what has happened on their monitor. That means any challenge from the bench is based on more accurate information and images and, in theory, should stop coaches challenging all and any VAR decision frivolously.

In NFL the referee also has to explain their decision, which stops much of the time-consuming debate between the team being penalised and the referee.

Dave added: “I imagine we will see a similar rule change in the Premier League before full adoption of VAR in the professional game. Right now Premier League bosses will likely be debating how VAR can be improved to ensure accuracy of decision-making by the referee but also to ensure as little interference in the course of play as possible.”

Atradius grows from strength to strength in the North West

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Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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Atradius grows from strength to strength in the North West

Trade credit insurer Atradius is better placed than ever to deliver crucial support to North West businesses.

A world leader in trade credit insurance with an established local presence in the north west, Atradius has created a new and larger team to enhance its offering in the region.

Thomas Murphy and Chelcee Witkowski have joined Atradius as business development managers alongside James Armitage and Lisa McMillan as account managers. They join senior business development manager Sally Nolan and account managers Sarah Seddon and Nicola Hinchliff. The team, which is based in Atradius’ Manchester Regional Hub is headed up by Regional Manager Mike Rowan who is already very well known in the region.

The Atradius Northern Region is tasked with growing Atradius’ presence over the year ahead, demonstrating to businesses in the region the value of trade credit insurance and further enhancing relationships with brokers and business partners.

“While we’re part of a multinational company with exceptional worldwide trade expertise, our northern team is based here on the doorstep of north west businesses, tailoring our service to the local market,” comments Mike Rowan. “We’re part of the fabric of the business community and are committed to providing the best possible service.”

The team expansion follows Atradius’ strategic move from Salford Quays to The Chancery, Spring Gardens, in the heart of Manchester’s financial district in 2013. The northern hub services Atradius’ brokers, customers and prospects in the north of England and Scotland.

With experts on the ground around the world and business intelligence on millions of companies worldwide, Atradius supports customers to trade with confidence by protecting them from the risks of non-payment. In addition to its ability to pay out claims, Atradius also provides unrivalled insights and advice on the risks and opportunities of trade making it the perfect partner for businesses.

“Non-payment is the single biggest risk of trade with the ability to effectively cripple a business overnight”, explained Mr Rowan. “Trading with protection, especially in the current climate of economic uncertainty, is essential. At Atradius, our role doesn’t stop there. As the export experts, we partner with businesses from the very beginning of a trade relationship to ensure that risks are mitigated and that viable opportunities are seized.”

Among its armoury, Atradius offers real-time insights and expert analysis on new and existing trade relationships, a suite of free economic, country and sector reports as well as a new digital credit management portal, Atrium, designed to directly and quickly address the everyday needs of customers and brokers. In addition, Atradius has enhanced its support to SMEs with a new streamlined cover option. Simple yet effective, Atradius Modula Freedom offers the protection SMEs need with a format, pricing structure and clear features designed specifically for them.

“Our aim at Atradius is to be the best,” said Mike Rowan. “We have the expertise, knowledge, experience and tools that businesses need, coupled with our renowned quality customer service. We are excited about showing more businesses and brokers in the north west what we have to offer and building upon our presence to be the best service provider in the market.”

£6m coach firm gears for growth with Manchester professionals

Blog

Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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£6m coach firm gears for growth with Manchester professionals

Tyrers, the £6m turnover Lancashire-based coach and travel operator has appointed Manchester-based accountants Alexander Knight & Co as it gears for even more growth following a record year.

R. S. Tyrer & Son was established in 1972 by Bob Tyrer. Bob had been a coach driver for more than 30 years and started his own business at the age of 58, with one vehicle: a Bedford with a Leyland engine on a Plaxton body.

Over the years his fleet expanded to five vehicles before he passed away in November 1992 when family members carried on the business.

Turnover last year grew by 20% compared to the previous year, topping £6m. The management team is confident of more growth as it plans further investment in new vehicles and premises over the next 18 months. The firm now operates more than 80 vehicles.

Clients include Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, NST Educational Tours, as well as local authorities and schools.

Richard Buckle, managing director of Tyrers Coaches, said: “We had a good year last year thanks to growth in the number of new contracts we secured with schools, private companies and growth in the number of UK excursions booked by customers.

“We are delighted to appoint Alexander Knight & Co as our new accountants. They are experienced in acting for other successful coach operators which will stand us in good stead as we plan our next phase of growth.”

Murray Patt, founder of Manchester-based accountants Alexander Knight & Co, said: “Tyrers is an historic family-owned business whose vehicles are instantly recognisable across Lancashire. The business is growing organically and perfectly located to serve Manchester, Bolton, Preston, Wigan, Blackburn.

“The importance of reliable management information cannot be understated as the business seeks to enhance its trading position and make new investments over the next eighteen months. We are delighted to have been appointed by the directors.”

Andy Burnham to delve into Greater Manchester’s Economy at upcoming conference

Blog

Sam Whitear

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06/09/2018

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Andy Burnham to delve into Greater Manchester’s Economy at upcoming conference

Mayor Andy Burnham will face questions and share his opinion on Greater Manchester’s economy at The Lowry Hotel next month.

Speaking at pro-manchester’s Economics Conference, Andy Burnham will be discussing how he believes our region’s economy has evolved in the past year and his predictions for the year ahead.

Now in its fourth year, after the success of last year’s theme, the pro-manchester Economics Conference is solely focusing on the economics of Greater Manchester, with fascinating themes to drive the agenda.

These themes include Brexit, employment, inclusive growth, housing, commercial real estate and much more.

pro-manchester’s chief executive, Dr John Ashcroft said: “I am delighted to have Greater Manchester’s Mayor taking to the stage at our Economics Conference to discuss his opinion on our region’s economy.

“I believe Mayor Andy Burnham will add great value to the topics we will be discussing throughout the day and look forward to hearing his insight.”

urbanbubble expands nationwide as its build to rent partnership with Legal & General strengthens

Blog

Sam Whitear

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05/09/2018

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urbanbubble expands nationwide as its build to rent partnership with Legal & General strengthens

urbanbubble announces that it is expanding its property management activities outside the North West as it secures further nationwide Build to Rent (BTR) schemes with Legal & General.

Following the success of the partnership’s inaugural BTR scheme, multi-award winning The Slate Yard in Salford, Greater Manchester, urbanbubble will now take on the management of Legal & General’s latest BTR schemes in Bath and Birmingham, alongside its newest acquisition in Deansgate, Manchester. With the extension of the partnership, urbanbubble will manage over 1,500 BTR apartments on behalf of Legal & General.

As with The Slate Yard, urbanbubble will be responsible for every aspect of the operational management of the new schemes, providing best customer practice and creating well-run rental communities across the country. urbanbubble will also support Legal & General in underwriting future acquisitions as the company seeks to rapidly expand its BTR portfolio to 6,000 units by the end of 2019.

The expansion of the alliance pre-empts financial results from urbanbubble, which will reveal a 33 per cent rise in revenue from £2.6m to £3.6m in the year ending June 2018.

Driven by urbanbubble’s increasing nationwide reach and growing number of units under management, forecast to almost double from 8,000 to more than 15,000 by 2021, the fast-growing firm, headed by founder and managing director Michael Howard, expects to see revenue rise to £6m in the year ending June 2019, with further growth to £9m in 2020 and to £12.5m in 2021.

In Manchester, urbanbubble expects to be managing some 2,500 residential units by late 2019, while in Liverpool the number of homes under its management is forecast to increase from 1,700 at present to about 4,000 by 2020. In these regions, the business manages schemes on behalf of Legal & General and other blue-chip clients such as English Cities Fund, Salboy, Elliot Group, PAG, Capital and Centric and Mulbury.

Delivering the expansion from urbanbubble’s head office in Sevendale House, Dale Street Manchester, will be a workforce set to double in size from 150 today to around 300 by late 2019.

Key to urbanbubble’s growth is its sector-leading focus on customer care and service, offering an entirely holistic approach, which has seen the Manchester-based business grow into a market leading BTR operator.

Michael Howard, founder and managing director of urbanbubble, said: “Our long-stated ambition to be the greatest residential property manager is being driven by our values-driven ethos of putting our customers at the heart of everything we do.

“urbanbubble’s partnership with Legal & General combines our commitment to the highest quality property management with Legal & General’s unerring focus on long-term management of blue-chip property assets to make our cities and towns better places to live.”

Dan Batterton, BTR Fund Manager at LGIM Real Assets, said: “We are pleased to be extending our partnership with urbanbubble, who are providing best in class management for our residents as we seek to improve standards across the rental market.

“urbanbubble shares our vision of providing homes for each individual rather than a one-size-fits-all flat to rent. This new level of service allowsfor all types of tenants’ needs and gives them choice. This new standard will help make renting an active option for those looking for a new home.”

Shortlist announced for 2018 Manchester Hoteliers’ Association Annual Ball and Awards

Awards

Sam Whitear

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05/09/2018

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Shortlist announced for 2018 Manchester Hoteliers’ Association Annual Ball and Awards

The shortlist has now been announced for the 15^th Manchester Hoteliers’ Association Annual Ball and Awards.

Nine awards will be handed out during an event at The Principal Hotel next month which celebrates Manchester’s dynamic and diverse hospitality offer.

More than 600 people from the region’s industry are expected to attend the evening on Friday, 26 October, with The Greatest Showman being the theme for the event.

New category Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality is one of the awards that will be given out.

In the running are Helen Hipkiss, The Lowry Hotel, Michelle Muirhead, Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre and Paul Burton, Hilton Manchester Deansgate & Airport.

Other awards include Rising Star, which sees Aidan Hull, Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre, Alex Platt, DoubleTree by Hilton-Manchester Piccadilly, Maketa Solcanska, The Lowry Hotel and Videlina Gurgova of Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre all shortlisted.

The Top team award will go to either the Commercial Team, The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, Conference and Banqueting Team, The Principal Hotel or the Hotel Football Team, Hotel Football.

Winners of six other categories, Back of House Customer Service, Bright Idea Award, Front of House Customer Service, Mentor of the Year, Unsung Hero Award and Young Chef of the Year, will also be revealed on the night.

Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA) Chair Adrian Ellis congratulated those shortlisted by judges and praised all entrants from the region’s hospitality and tourism who entered the fiercely contested categories.

“The 15^th MHA Annual Ball and Awards is upon us and we are looking forward to some great people coming together to celebrate the great offer that exists here in Manchester.

“Our aim is to raise in excess of £35,000 for our chosen charities which are Breast Cancer Care, The Christie, Hospitality Action and Mustard Tree.”

He added: “With the theme for the event being The Greatest Showman, we’re also expecting to have a lot of fun, which is important.

“I’m sure all who attend will have a memorable evening and I wish those shortlisted all the very best and would also like to thank everyone who submitted entries in 2018.”

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