Business Manchester | Manchester's Leading Business Online Magazine

Clough & Willis retains Law Society’s quality mark for sixth year running

Blog

-

06/08/2018

Clough & Willis retains Law Society’s quality mark for sixth year running

Bury & Bolton based law Clough & Willis firm has retained its membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, the mark of excellence for the home buying process, for the sixth year running.

Retaining its CQS status marks the firm out as meeting high standards in the residential conveyancing process. The scheme requires practices to undergo an initial strict assessment, compulsory training, self reporting, random audits and annual reviews.

It is open only to members of the Law Society who meet the demanding standards set by the scheme and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association, Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers.

Lorraine Stratton-Webb, partner at Clough & Willis, said: “Our property team is one of the most buoyant and busiest departments in the firm but everything we do is focussed on delivery the best service to our clients. This recognition from the Law Society means a lot to us and reflects our commitment to excellence.”

University start-up company Sleeping Lions Adventures Ltd, creates playscapes, where actions speak louder than words

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

06/08/2018

0

University start-up company Sleeping Lions Adventures Ltd, creates playscapes, where actions speak louder than words

Husband and wife team Russell and Catherine Miller are hoping to change the way children play freely with the launch of playscapes company Sleeping Lions Adventures.

Through the creation of temporary destinations (playscapes) Sleeping Lions Adventures allows children to take charge of the way they play while giving parents peace of mind.

The pair have received significant funds from both an angel investor and The University of Manchester’s Innovation Company, UMI3 Ltd, through the UMIP Innovation Optimiser Programme as they bid to grow their offering.

Co-founders Russell and Catherine, believe children are turning to i-pads for entertainment rather than playing alongside other youngsters in immersive environments that bolster creativity and sociability.

He said: “Our playscapes are like mini theatre sets and are a starting point to an adventure. Our latest indoor playscape is Pirates and Sea Monsters, a giant octopus, shipwreck that children can play in that was recently hired for a wedding in Cheshire.

“The playscapes encourage children’s curiosity, playfulness and sociability while allowing children’s families to have fun elsewhere, just like they did at the wedding.”

Russell, 45, who works at The University of Manchester, and Catherine, founded the idea after having two children of their own.

“Our children are both under the age of four,” said Russell. “Two years ago Catherine and I talked about how we played in fields, dens and in the street when we were younger.

“Sadly, children don’t tend to play like that anymore. There’s a restricted nature to play now and more and more children are using i-pads which we feel is detrimental, particularly when it comes to social interaction.

“Following lots of research we realised that we could create something that could make play possible almost anywhere and that’s what Sleeping Lions Adventures is.”

One of the company’s aims is to make it easier for children to attend weddings. The other is creating mini immersive experiences for use in cafes, car showrooms and other retail environments.

“The average transaction time to buy a car is three hours,” said Russell, “so we are talking to dealerships about the potential of setting up playscapes so parents can focus on the car they might want while children play freely but with a sense of creativity too.

“With weddings, it can often be a case of children not being invited, which can alienate some family members. We are planning to change that.”

He added: “It’s also important to thank UMIP’s Innovation Optimiser team for helping us shape our business idea – they’ve been incredibly supportive.”

Kate Park, Director of Kate Park Events, worked alongside Sleeping Lions Adventures during the recent wedding in Cheshire.

She said: “Inviting children to weddings has just been made a whole lot more fun with Sleeping Lions Adventures. Their playscape made a huge and positive impact on the wedding party. It looked great in the venue and importantly it kept all the children entertained, leaving their parents able to enjoy the celebration.

“Children used to find weddings long and dull, not anymore.”

O2 Appoints Manchester Digital Agency e3creative

Sam Whitear

-

03/08/2018

0

O2 Appoints Manchester Digital Agency e3creative

O2 has appointed Manchester digital agency e3creative this week following a competitive and rigorous tendering process. The leading telecommunications company selected e3creative to drive Pay As You Go sim card distribution and sim card activation across the UK through digital tools and ongoing marketing strategies.

Managing Director of e3creative Jake Welsh said: “ O2 is a brand that we, as an agency, highly respect and are incredibly proud to join hands with. They’re a backbone in the telecom sector and continue to shape how people connect. We look to join hands with brands that want to innovate through great technology and strategic direction, O2 certainly fall into that remit. We will be looking to drive awareness of O2’s products through their Star Trader platform, harnessing higher sim activations and reduce sim waste across the UK.

“ Their sophisticated digital suite acts as an exemplary platform for our strategic teams to amplify and engage new audiences, turning O2 customers into brand ambassadors. ”

e3creative Marketing Director Jessica Bradley said: “ Our plan is to drive the growth of O2 in a tactical way that hasn’t been fully activated before. We will be utilsing core channels to activate the brand. From search, PPC, social media through to CRO, implementing our UX teams to provide research-led strategies to drive better conversions and awareness across the brand.”

e3creative are a digital agency recognised for supporting brands such as Sony, PlayStation and Manchester’s Money Plus Group.

BRUNTWOOD UNVEILS STELLAR JUDGING PANEL FOR TRAFFORD LANDMARK MURAL COMPETITION

Awards

Sam Whitear

-

03/08/2018

0

BRUNTWOOD UNVEILS STELLAR JUDGING PANEL FOR TRAFFORD LANDMARK MURAL COMPETITION

The Director of BBC North will be among leading figures from the fields of art, culture and property who will select the winning mural design to transform Greater Manchester landmark Trafford House as part of a UK-wide competition run by regional property company Bruntwood.

Bruntwood opened entries for the competition earlier this year, to artists from all backgrounds across the UK. Their brief is to create a beautiful 38 metre high mural on the East-facing building, which looks onto the major arterial route of Chester Road and Manchester City Centre. Artists who are not used to working on this scale will be supported through the process.

With days to go until the competition closes on August 12th, Bruntwood has announced the stellar judging panel who will choose which talented artist will put their mark on Manchester.

Packed with Northern cultural heavyweights, the panel will include the BBC’s Director of the North and Director of Children, Alice Webb; the Dean of Manchester School of Art, Penny Macbeth; Ben Barksy, creator of City of Hope festival; Louise Sutherland, Chair of the Pankhurst Trust; and Bruntwood’s Director of Culture Kate Vokes.

The artwork will mark the centenary of the female vote – taking direct inspiration from legendary suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, who was born just metres from the building, close to Old Trafford tram stop and Old Trafford football ground.

Celebrating art and creating spaces which inspire and enliven communities is an important aspect of Bruntwood’s vision, and the resulting mural will be a key addition to Manchester’s growing collection of iconic murals and street art pieces – which bring colour and spirit to everyday spaces.

Kate Vokes, Bruntwood’s Director of Culture, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this brilliant line up of talented judges from various fields who have generously agreed to give up their time to ensure we select the very best talent to adorn this prominent building.

“Bringing colour, life, and character to everyday spaces is an important part of art’s role and our ambition for this piece is that it will bring inspiration to people living in Trafford and brighten the commute of thousands of people who pass by the building every day. We can’t wait to see all the entries and are looking forward to the challenge that will face us as we look to choose between the fantastic concepts that people have created in response to the brief.”

Ben Barksy, Creator of City of Hope Festival, said: “Street art at its most vital is a vehicle for personal and social expression. It provides a voice for the voiceless and draws attention to issues that are otherwise easy to avoid. Just like all art forms, there is a wide range of styles, techniques and subcultures. Not all works are immediately accessible but they should, however, always be honest and from the heart. For this project we’re looking for something to celebrate the life and work of Sylvia Pankhurst. It should be engaging, enrich the surrounding area and be true to the power of the subject matter.

“It’s easy to see street art now as a sanitized product, but its roots are rebellious and throughout history it has been used as a tool to force witness to issues that would otherwise be censored and suppressed by those in power. Street art therefore is an ideal medium to celebrate the work of Sylvia and the wider Suffragette movement. These were strong and single minded women fighting for their voice to be heard in society. The used direct action and civil disobedience where needed to overturn injustice and inequality. The fact the Sylvia was a keen artist provides the perfect link between the two worlds.

“The fact that this project is open to all is a testament to Bruntwood’s passion for helping and nurturing talent. It may well be an established street artist that delivers the winning vision but if it’s someone less experienced or from a different field, then the tools and support will be provided to help them deliver their vision. It’s an opportunity to work at a scale that few could achieve without this support.”

THE SKI’S THE LIMIT FOR SNOW-CAMP YOUNGSTERS

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

03/08/2018

0

THE SKI’S THE LIMIT FOR SNOW-CAMP YOUNGSTERS

Scores of disadvantaged young people hoping to transform their lives have signed up for a snow sports programme which begins this summer. Snow-Camp charity, whose supporters include rower Sir Steve Redgrave, Britain’s most successful skier Chemmy Alcott and Olympic medal-winning snowboarder Jenny Jones, will launch its north west scheme at Chill Factore near the Trafford Centre on Monday August 13. Chemmy and Team GB Winter Olympics star Emily Sarsfield will be among those attending the launch.

Snow-Camp is a national charity which gives young people aged 13-21 the chance to develop their skills and confidence through snow sports. So far, around 150 have signed up for First Tracks, the organisation’s debut programme in the north west, with 200 places up for grabs in total. It is a two-day introduction to skiing and snowboarding and for every hour participants spend on the slopes they will also be taught life skills to help build their confidence and self-esteem. After First Tracks, Snow-Camp North West will offer further training courses leading to instructor qualifications and job opportunities.

The programme is being financially supported by AJ Bell, the Manchester-headquartered investment platform.

Chief executive Andy Bell said: “Snow-Camp’s innovative and entrepreneurial approach of using snow sports to engage young people and help them improve their lives fits perfectly with our own ethos and culture.

“It provides life skills training, nationally-recognised qualifications and work experience to help young people increase their motivation and aspirations, enabling them to gain employment in the snow sports industry and beyond. “We think the programme will be a great asset to the north west where we are based, and we are delighted to support the launch.”

Since its launch in 2003, Snow-Camp has helped thousands of young people through programmes in London, Bristol, the Midlands, Cardiff and Scotland. For the north west programme, Snow-Camp is working with youth projects and youth service providers across the region. Those who have signed up so far have been recruited through projects and groups in Manchester, Salford and Liverpool.

Dan Charlish, founder of Snow-Camp said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch First Tracks in Manchester. Our programmes have turned around the lives of young people in cities across the UK and we are looking forward to reaching more in the north west. “Many of Snow-Camp’s participants are on a negative life path and need support to change their direction. They need someone to believe in them and give them an opportunity. “Snow-Camp enables them to develop their skills and confidence through snow sports, which many are experiencing for the first time in their lives.”

Cowgill Holloway expands Manchester base with new Director of Corporate Finance appointment

Appointments

Sam Whitear

-

02/08/2018

0

Cowgill Holloway expands Manchester base with new Director of Corporate Finance appointment

Cowgill Holloway, one of the North West’s leading accountancy practices, has bolstered its Corporate Finance team with the appointment of director, Sam Davies.

Sam (32) joins from Knight Corporate Finance and will drive Cowgill’s expansion plans as head of the Manchester arm of Cowgill’s Corporate Finance division from its base in XYZ, Spinningfields.

Sam brings with him significant experience working with investors, having recently led deals raising investment in excess of £20m from Northern Venture Managers, Yorkshire Fund Managers, Maven and Lloyds Development Capital. The wider Cowgill Holloway Corporate Finance team has completed in excess £100m of deal value in the last 24 months.

From its head office in Bolton, Cowgill’s is driving forward with ambitious expansion plans and growing corporate finance from Manchester is a key part of the firm’s growth strategy.

Commenting on his appointment Sam said: “Manchester is at the centre of the regional M&A market, with over 30 private equity firms based in the city, so it makes sense for us to grow our existing corporate finance business from here. Developing our team in the heart of the city is an exciting challenge and, with a buoyant market, the time is right to capitalise on this.”

He continues: “Cowgill’s is a well-established and highly respected accountancy practice with a long track record of excellence, and looking to the future, in order to recruit and retain the best talent, we know that we need to build our city centre base further.”

Head of Corporate Finance, Ian Johnson, said: “We are delighted to have recruited Sam who is a real coup for us. He joins a growing team of directors across the business who are instrumental in delivering our growth plans. Sam fits perfectly with our entrepreneurial ethos and there was an obvious synergy between us from our first meeting.”

Cowgill’s has plans for further strategic appointments in the next few months.

Sweco Relocates to Abbey House

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

02/08/2018

0

Swedish engineering consultancy Sweco has opened a new Manchester office after taking 5,582 square feet at Abbey House on Booth Street.

Sweco has agreed a 5-year lease for the fourth floor of the property to provide a city centre base for its 40 strong team. Sweco has consolidated two offices as part of the move, with the majority relocating from their previous base at Manchester Airport.

The transaction was secured by Avison Young on behalf of Booth Street Property Company. Quoting rents at the building are £24.50 per square foot.

Positioned on the corner of Booth Street and Mosley Street, Abbey House has recently undergone a full refurbishment to include new full height windows, newly refurbished reception area to include touchdown meeting rooms, and a new shower facility in the basement. Existing occupiers include Gleeds, Chubb Insurance and Mathys and Squire.

Harry Skinner, Senior Surveyor at Avison Young, said: “As todays occupiers are increasingly looking for more from their office space, Abbey House has been completely repositioned to provide Grade A office space with exceptional facilities. We are pleased to see this investment is already paying dividends with the arrival of Sweco, and with further space under offer we look forward to making further announcements soon.”

Sweco is headquartered in Stockholm and has 14 regional offices throughout the UK, with its head office located in Leeds.

Lambert Smith Hampton is joint letting agent for Abbey House.

Hatch retail competition offers pop-up launch pad to success

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

02/08/2018

0

Hatch retail competition offers pop-up launch pad to success

The chance to realise retail dreams with four weeks of free pop-up space in the soon-to-be -launched next phase of Manchester’s new shopping and dining destination, Hatch is up for grabs in a unique competition.

The winner of the contest will be awarded a 160 sq ft shipping container retail unit for a four-week period at Hatch – an innovative pop-up scheme on Oxford Road, Manchester.

Along with rent-free space at one of Manchester’s most exciting new retail destinations, the competition champion will also win up to £500 towards the fit-out of their new pop-up premises and 12 months free membership with Enterprise Nation, providing access to expert business support to help them take their business to the next level.

The Hatch competition is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a foot on the ladder and the opportunity to take their retail concept to market. The winner will be given the advice and support they need to launch and build their fledgling businesses.

The winning unit will be unveiled at the highly-anticipated launch of Hatch’s next phase of development, which will see the scheme expand to over 30 units and the incorporation of a live music stage and covered courtyard area. Hatch is currently open to enquiries from traders for phase two of its much sought-after retail space.

Entrepreneurs, creators and makers who believe they have what it takes to be the next big thing at Hatch are now being invited to enter the pop-up space competition. The competition entry period will run from the 1st August to the 14th September, with entrants being asked to answer a series of questions online about their business proposition.

The competition is supported by leading property company, Bruntwood, the name behind both Hatch and Manchester’s independent shopping emporium Afflecks.

Shortlisted finalists will be asked to pitch their plans in person to a panel of expert judges including Toby Sproll, Bruntwood’s Head of Retail, Tony Martin, the General Manager of Hatch and Afflecks, Kate Day, Director at Manchester Craft & Design Centre, Lucy Ward, Creative Brand Director at Trouva, the online home for independent boutiques and Emma Jones MBE, Founder of Enterprise Nation.

The overall winner will be announced in September, with their dedicated shipping container being launched along with the next phase of Hatch in late October (subject to planning).

Toby Sproll, Head of Retail, Bruntwood said, “As we have seen with Hatch already, the North West is home to a wealth of entrepreneurs offering fresh and exciting new food, drink and shopping experiences. We want to help support these ventures, which play an important role in our regional economy and bring diversity and dynamism to Manchester’s retail and leisure scene.

“Hatch is a social hub, part of the Circle Square neighbourhood development, and provides a supportive, lively base for businesses with new concepts to take to consumers. The Hatch competition is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious start-up to take its ideas to market, free-of-charge, in a high-profile location, with high footfall and the full backing of our specialist business support network.”

Lucy Ward, Creative Brand Director at Trouva, said: “Getting a new retail concept started is always going to be a big challenge. Hatch’s competition to provide budding entrepreneurs not only space in a prime location, but mentoring and business support, is an amazing chance for Manchester’s brightest rising retail stars to really show off what they can do. We can’t wait to unearth some of the city’s hidden gems and with this incredible opportunity they could become the next big ones to watch.”

Anyone interested in entering the competition and hatching their business should visit www.hatchmcr.com/competition for further information and entry details.

MANCHESTER HOUSING CHARITY CELEBRATE 20 YEARS WITH A NEW HOME OF THEIR OWN

CSR

Sam Whitear

-

02/08/2018

0

MANCHESTER HOUSING CHARITY CELEBRATE 20 YEARS WITH A NEW HOME OF THEIR OWN

Golden Lane Housing Limited has moved its UK HQ into Parkway 4 at Orbit Development’s business park in Manchester just in time to mark two decades of service to the housing charity sector.

Originally set up by the Royal Mencap Society Golden Lane Housing provides specialised housing for people with learning disabilities and currently look after 1800 tenants UK-wide.

The team moved into Parkway in June from Carillion Offices in Chorlton following the collapse of Carillion, having previously re-located there from Westpoint in Trafford in January 2018.

“It’s been a bit of an unsettled six months but we are very happy in our new home,” said Melissa O’Donnell, Head of Operations for the company.

She continued: “Parkway is an excellent space for our staff. It is a perfect location to manage a national team with great transport connections. It’s quality accommodation and provides an attractive and well maintained environment for everyone.

“We are especially pleased with the break out areas for the team with a fantastic café on site and space for people to have a break from their desks and relax at lunchtime.”

Golden Lane Housing works with over 150 local councils and health authorities across the country, partners with 100 support providers in a national network of expertise.

Melissa again: “We provide a person-centred approach for individuals and their families, ensuring they have a home that meets their needs and aspirations. We back that up with a housing and maintenance support service for them – which we have just made into a more specialist repairs offer – and a 24hr helpline.

“We also invest in our staff and were placed at number eight in this year’s Sunday Times Best 100 Not for Profit Organisations to work for. We are very proud of that.”

She said that the Orbit Developments’ team had been very easy to work with. “Having experienced several moves over the last 12 months we found getting into Parkway 4 the most painless. Rhys Owen was extremely helpful in ensuring that the offices met our needs and timescales were honoured. As a result we moved in without a hitch.”

Leasing Director for Orbit Developments, Rhys Owen commented: “We are pleased to welcome Melissa and her team on to the park. Parkway 4 is ideal for their requirements and we were glad to provide an easy solution for their requirements. We wish them every success in the new space.”

Melissa is upbeat about the future for the company. She added: “Golden Lane Housing has been hugely successful in the last 20 years and we want to build on that track record and continue to provide as many high quality homes as we can for some of the most vulnerable people in society.”

Orbit Developments is a leading commercial property owner with over 250 commercial properties across the North West consisting of office, retail and industrial work space.

Manchester property entrepreneur announced as Chair of the RICS North West Regional Board

Sam Whitear

-

02/08/2018

0

Manchester property entrepreneur announced as Chair of the RICS North West Regional Board

Property and development entrepreneur, Stephen Ashworth FRICS Chairman and CEO of Crystal Hurstwood in Manchester – a privately owned investment company – has been appointed as the new Chairman of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) North West Regional Board.

Less than 20% of surveyors in the UK are Fellows of the RICS – a recognition of a surveyor’s significant career achievements and passion for developing the profession across the land, property and construction sectors – and Stephen is one such professional who has achieved the esteemed status for going above and beyond in his role and for the wider profession.

Over the past 20 years Stephen has grown Crystal Hurstwood into a £140 million commercial investment and house building group. Today, the company services over 600 commercial customers occupying a range of office, industrial, leisure and retail property, and continues to build high quality homes.

Keen to help industry talent develop, Stephen has also established a successful graduate scheme in the business which supports student members in achieving chartered status of RICS. He is also a volunteer mentor for surveyors in senior role’s looking to become chartered through the RICS’ senior professional assessment.

Stephen replaces Matthew Fedigan, Director of Domec Professional Services in Liverpool as Chairman of the RICS North West Regional Board. His responsibilities will include leading the committee – comprising of ten chartered surveyors – in delivering a range of objectives and initiatives to set and improve standards across the region’s land, property and construction sectors, and encourage more young and diverse talent in to the industry.

Furthermore, as part of RICS’ 150th anniversary this year, the Board are also responsible for encouraging property firms and professionals in the North West to get behind a campaign – known as Pledge150 – which aims to deliver funds for property industry charity, LandAid to deliver at least 150 bed spaces by December 2018, for young people at risk of homelessness.

With over 30 years’ experience in the property industry (both in the commercial and residential sectors) Stephen has an extensive business network and knowledge across a vast range of areas, from sales and lettings to acquisitions and development, which will prove instrumental in his role as Chairman of the RICS North West Regional Board.

On his appointment, Stephen Ashworth said: “Our region’s land, property and construction sectors continue to face many challenges. But as Chairman of the RICS North West Regional Board, I am looking forward to representing the interests of the region’s property professionals, and together with the knowledge and expertise of our experienced Board members, deliver a range of initiatives that will have a positive impact on our industry and profession, as well as our local communities.

“The Pledge 150 campaign is also an important initiative in helping to combat homelessness, so myself and the committee will work hard to raise as much as possible to go towards this worthwhile cause.”

The Pledge150 campaign is open to all property industry professionals and upcoming Pledge150 fundraisers include an ‘It’s a Knockout’ challenge in Manchester on 14 September, which will see teams battle a series of inflatable assault-course challenges in a bid to be crowned ‘It’s a Knockout Champions.’ An abseil down Chester Cathedral on 14 October is also planned to help raise funds.

About us

Company

Must Read

Subscribe to our newsletter