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Accounting and advisory firm CLB Coopers has expanded its senior team

Blog

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11/04/2018

Accounting and advisory firm CLB Coopers has expanded its senior team

North West accountancy and advisory firm CLB Coopers, which is part of the Baldwins Group, has appointed a new director to its audit and assurance team.

Alex Kelly, who has a wealth of experience in leading and managing services for owner-managed businesses, joins the firm’s Bolton office from Grant Thornton.

The appointment reflects the continued investment in the firm’s Bolton office. Alex joins the existing management team, which includes Mark Worsley, Nick Donohue and Lindsey Shepherd, to focus on delivering CLB Coopers’ continued growth, as well as promoting its specialist offerings to the business community in the local market.

David Travis, Managing Director at CLB Coopers, said: “Alex is an excellent addition to our existing team and I am sure he will quickly become a key driver in the Bolton business community.

“The office’s senior team is now firmly in place for the future and, as well as continuing to work closely with our clients, will support our ongoing growth plans, both locally and across the wider North West region.

“This is an exciting time for the firm. With the possibility of further acquisitions by the Baldwins Group across the region, it will mean we are able to offer even greater opportunities to our clients through access to a range of specialist services and, to our employees, as we add to our teams to meet demand and attract talent of Alex’s calibre and experience.”

Speaking of his appointment, Alex said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the group and the opportunity to use my skills and experience to support the local and regional growth plans was really persuasive.

“I am looking forward to getting to know our clients and supporting them to meet their aspirations.”

Industrial and concrete flooring specialist ABS Brymar expands into new premises

International

Sam Whitear

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11/04/2018

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Industrial and concrete flooring specialist ABS Brymar expands into new premises

The relocation to 15,000 sq ft premises in Chorley, Lancacashire by growing industrial and commercial flooring specialist ABS Brymar Floors was one of four deals brokered by the Manchester office of global real estate advisors Colliers International.

Its purchase of the 14,457 sq ft (1,343 sq metre) unit on Chorley North Industrial Park for an undisclosed sum sees ABS Brymar relocate and expand into bigger premises from Dane Road Industrial Estate, Sale, Cheshire, with Colliers also instructed to dispose of that 10,475 sq ft (973 sq metre) facility of behalf of the business.

The Chorley premises consist of an 8,085 sq ft warehouse, 2,181 sq ft of office space a 4,191 sq ft mezzanine floor on a 1.05-acre site immediately adjacent to Junction 8 of the M61, close to its intersection with the M6 and M65.

The three other deals secured by the specialist industrial and logistics team at the Manchester office of Colliers were:

letting the 16,000 sq ft (1,486 sq metre) refurbished Unit 4 warehouse and new offices on Astley Park Estate, Chaddock Lane, Astley, Manchester on behalf of Astley Park Estates to Excel Trade Frames at 4 per sq ft on a 10-year lease;

on behalf of Millfield Estates (Bolton) Ltd, letting the fully refurbished 6,114 sq ft (568 sq metre) Unit C2 at Longford Trading Estate, Thomas Street, Stretford, Manchester to Consumable Direct Ltd at £24,000 per annum on a short-term lease to complement its adjoining premises;

and sub-letting a 2,751 sq ft (256 sq metre) industrial unit on a 1.68-acre site at Millfield Business Park, Millfield Lane, Haydock Industrial Estate, Haydock, St Helens on behalf of RMD Kwikform to MV Commercials until 31^st March 2019.

Laura Wilbourn, surveyor, industrial and logistics at the Manchester office of Colliers International, said: “The successful completion of these deals reflects a demanding market with clients seeking ever better premises tailored to their specific requirements, so it pays to be patient, persistent, diligent and effective to ensure such transactions get over the line.”

UHY Hacker Young Manchester appoints new Managing Partner

Blog

Sam Whitear

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11/04/2018

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UHY Hacker Young Manchester appoints new Managing Partner

UHY Hacker Young Manchester LLP is delighted to announce that Mark Robertson has been appointed Managing Partner. He takes up the role after 12 years as partner with the Firm.

Robertson will lead a team of 80 staff, along with 12 fellow business partners. His main focus will be the continued growth and development of the Practice along with his ongoing client facing relationships. He takes over from Michael Wasinski, who has retired from the role after almost 40 years of service.

Robertson said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to be appointed as Managing Partner and to assume the trusteeship of this Firm. I am looking forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor, Michael Wasinski.

Over the last 3 years, we have seen our business expand by 50% and we plan to continue this strong growth as a top 20 Practice.

The success of our growth has come from our determination to offer an unrivalled personal, broad based service using the most up to date cloud based and AI applications, combined with our traditional values.

I am delighted to be at the helm during such an exciting time.”

The announcement comes as UHY prepare to expand and renovate their offices in central Manchester as part of their overall growth strategy.

Upon his retirement from the firm, Wasinski said ‘I’m extremely grateful for the support of the partners and staff at UHY. I’d like to thank all our clients for their unwavering loyalty and encouragement over the last 37 years. Having worked with Mark for many years, I`ve no doubt UHY will continue to flourish. I wish him every success as Managing Partner.’

Hospitality is a must for businesses at GRANDSLAM 2018: Simple Minds & The Pretenders

Blog

Sam Whitear

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10/04/2018

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Hospitality is a must for businesses at GRANDSLAM 2018: Simple Minds & The Pretenders

AJ Bell Stadium, Salford is hosting GRANDSLAM 2018, featuring performances from global icons, Simple Minds and The Pretenders, on Friday 10 August 2018, with special guest, KT Tunstall. Their tour marks the first time the bands have performed together since Live Aid in 1985.

Utilising the stadium’s 12,000 capacity, the performances will include a mix of the country’s best-loved records, including Simple Mind’s ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ and The Pretenders’ ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’, as well as new material from the three artists.

The AJ Bell Stadium is a hub for sport, events and celebrations. Home to Rugby Super League’s Salford Red Devils, as well as Aviva Premiership’s Sale Sharks, the stadium is the perfect location to host an array of special business occasions, including milestones; new business wins and staff anniversaries.

The stadium is offering exclusive hospitality packages for those businesses looking to treat employees and/or customers to an evening they won’t forget. Enjoy the City Suite VIP Hospitality Lounge with an exclusive Gold Circle ticket, a delicious three-course meal, welcome drink and all-inclusive drinks package and car park pass, for £175 excl. VAT per person.

For those businesses looking for the ultimate VIP experience, the stadium is also offering its Private Executive Boxes. Watch the concert from your own private balcony with direct access to your seat. Package includes a delicious three-course meal, welcome drink and all-inclusive drinks package and car park pass. Price is £195 excl. VAT per person for groups of 10 guests.

The concert will run from 6pm until 10.30pm. Standing only ticket prices start from £37.50 and can be booked by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grandslam-2018-summer-tour-simple-minds-and-the-pretenders-with-kt-tunstall-salford-tickets-41112103408

Virtual online presence for Macdonald Manchester Hotel

Blog

Sam Whitear

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10/04/2018

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Virtual online presence for Macdonald Manchester Hotel

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has become one of the first hotel and hospitality chains in the UK to make widespread use of the technology that allows guests to explore its hotels prior to booking.

Already seven hotels, including Macdonald Manchester Hotel, can now be explored through 360 degree online tours and by the end of 2018 that figure will have risen to around 20 hotels and resorts in the group’s portfolio.

It can be difficult to fully appreciate the opulence and comfort levels of the bedrooms, bars and restaurants without actually visiting them, but the new tours bring the hotels and resorts vividly to life.

Using high resolution photography and infrared technologies developed initially for the residential real estate industry, guests can now click on the hotel website then walk through the front door, explore the lobby, bars and restaurants, see the full range of bedrooms and even take a stroll in the grounds. It is a real taster of what is on offer and one that delivers not just the layout, but also the ambience.

At Macdonald Manchester Hotel visitors can explore the largest four star hotel in the city, clicking on the on-screen hotspots to discover the Spa with its treatment rooms, relaxation room and gym; see the spacious lounge bar, book a table at the Scottish Steakhouse and drop by reception to the view all styles of rooms, from the recently-refurbished Classic Rooms, the Executive Rooms, the large suites and the popular Double Doubles, which are ideal for families. There is also a video that provides a tour of some of the city’s most iconic locations.

In all the tours the information hotspots that appear on screen allow for direct booking of rooms and restaurant tables, while the inclusion of floorplans gives conference organisers a unique tool for planning seminars, arranging accommodation for guests, locating break-out sessions and hospitality.

Lyn MacDonald, Group Marketing Director for Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, said: “At Macdonald Hotels & Resorts we are embracing this fantastic technology to provide our customers with a more interactive and immersive experience online. By using state of the art photography and filming techniques, we’ve managed to bring Macdonald Manchester Hotel to life, with our 360 degree tours, to provide an excellent taste of what guests will experience when they arrive.”

Keith McMahon of Venue View Virtual Tours, who is working with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts to create the online tours, said: “The benefits, from significantly increased meetings and events business to more direct room bookings, is significant.

“Meeting and event organisers can now instantly see multiple setups and layouts in 3D, as well as being able to explore all rooms in detail without having to visit in person. Independent travellers are also able to view facilities and now have a clear idea about the hotel and bedrooms before arrival.

“The high quality 360 photography and 3D walkthrough gives hotels complete control over their own imagery, meaning customers visit their website to view and book directly rather than going through Online Travel Agents.

“Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is leading the way in using this technology to enhance the guest experience and to facilitate bookings and it is setting a new industry standard.”

Manchester prepares for workspace revolution

Sam Whitear

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10/04/2018

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Manchester prepares for workspace revolution

International creative workspace provider Spaces has announced the opening of a new centre in Manchester.

A workspace created for corporate shakers, burgeoning businesses, freelancers and energetic entrepreneurs, Spaces provides a tailored business community for its members that brings creative minds together in one place.

Set to open in May 2018, the new Spaces will be a light-filled energy efficient workspace, spanning 10 floors of Peter House, Oxford Street. Occupying over 7,940 sq. m. in the heart of the city, its proximity to Manchester Piccadilly Station and cultural attractions like the historic Museum of Science and Industry makes it an ideal location for businesses seeking flexible workspace.

A recent report by the Centre for Cities thinktank ranked Manchester as having the fastest growing population and job creation rate of any other city in the UK. An urban renaissance has seen businesses flooding to Manchester and in need of a base for their operations. With an unforgettably grand entrance hall, and combination of comfortable private offices, light-filled coworking spaces, and hot-desking options, the new Spaces is expertly designed to provide a dynamic, forward-thinking workspace.

Richard Morris, UK CEO of Spaces, says: “Demand for flexible office space is growing rapidly – our research shows that 53% of professionals globally now work remotely for at least half their working week and 30% of corporate real estate portfolios could be flexible workspace by 2030. People are recognising that they are far more productive and successful in a dynamic working environment, while businesses are waking up to the financial and strategic benefits. Spaces is helping to supply this demand and drive a workspace revolution in Britain.

“We are excited to provide a flexible and creative working environment with socialising and networking at its core, in the heart of the dynamic city of Manchester. It’s an environment that enables members to share ideas and build partnerships through a programme of business and leisure events.”

Both entrepreneurs and well-established businesses are recognising the benefits of flexible workspace providing a more creative environment as well as financial and strategic benefits – cutting costs, attracting new talent, enabling fast growth and access to a network of potential business leads and collaboration opportunities.

Stockport business grows by becoming Totally Local Company

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Sam Whitear

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10/04/2018

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Stockport business grows by becoming Totally Local Company

In April Solutions SK will rebrand to become Totally Local Company Limited.

The 800-strong team is already the ‘one-stop’ provider of choice for a range of public and private sector organisations across Greater Manchester, including Stockport MBC. They deliver everything from commercial cleaning and ground maintenance to street lighting, waste management, security, school meals and signage.

Chief executive, Stephen Morris, explains the switch to a new name: “We’ve changed so much over the last few years. The previous brand and name no longer captured who we are, what we do and how we do it. We wanted a brand name that better reflected our personality and the capabilities of our expert crew. A new name which gives us greater scope to grow.

“We’re proud to continue to work for Stockport Council and its associated businesses. We’re also attracting contracts with many commercial organisations. The change in brand and name reflects this growth and will present us with more opportunities to develop our reach in the future.”

Jacqueline Shalks, Customer Relations Engagement Manager with Totally Local Company, explains the inspiration behind the new name.

She said: “We offer so many areas of facility management. We want to be our customer’s one stop shop, so that when they ask us ‘can you do X?’ the answer is always ‘Yes, totally’.

“When you work with somebody local you tend to feel more of a connection. You feel there’s greater understanding of what you need and perhaps a greater element of feeling ‘looked after’. Wherever ‘local’ is to our customers, we want them to know that this approach is key to our culture and client care.”

Market demand fuels IP & creative industries team growth at Shoosmiths Manchester

Sam Whitear

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09/04/2018

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Market demand fuels IP & creative industries team growth at Shoosmiths Manchester

The Intellectual Property & Creative Industries team at Shoosmiths Manchester is on track for a record year, thanks in part to unprecedented demand from the region’s thriving creative and digital sector.

Headed by partner, Laura Harper, Shoosmiths’ IP & Creative experts are set to have doubled the team’s 2016/2017 turnover by the end of this financial year, having advised a broad range of clients including technology companies, games developers, fashion and retail brands, communications and design agencies, arts organisations, television production companies and music businesses. The team also acts for many of the country’s leading consumer and retail brands.

The Manchester team acts for high-profile clients including Game – the UK’s leading games retailer and world-famous toyshop, Hamleys. Shoosmiths is the appointed IP advisor to Manchester headquartered, Whispering Smith Ltd, the international clothing designer, importer, wholesaler and retailer which supplies some of the UK’s leading high street and on-line brands. The team also acts for some of the region’s leading interactive entertainment companies and communications agencies.

This year has seen Shoosmiths IP & creative industries legal prowess recognised at a national level too, with the team being shortlisted for the Law Firm of the Year category in the prestigious Music Week Awards 2018. Laura Harper, partner and Carol Isherwood, associate, will be taking clients to the ceremony to be held in London later this month.

To help support the increased volume of work transacted and provide an enhanced offering to clients, Shoosmiths Manchester has strengthened the team with the appointment of specialist trade mark attorney, Sonia Hill who was previously at Marks & Clerk; and associate Jack Beech, who joins the firm from Weightmans.

Commenting on the team’s success, Laura Harper, said, “From the outset, we have aligned ourselves with Manchester’s vibrant and leading creative industries and digital sector, supporting businesses from start-up to large corporates – that strategy has paid dividends. We’ve been in an excellent position to grow with the sector both regionally and nationally and support the increasing need for quality accessible legal expertise to businesses which are reliant on the intellectual property (IP) which they produce – since the appointment of my partner, Rachel Nicholls, in 2016, Sonia in 2017 and Jack earlier this year we have been able to develop the Intellectual Property skillset further, in particular by strengthening our brand protection capabilities; and we believe that our client service offer is now unrivalled in this sector.

“With our excellent new team members on board, who join a remarkable existing team of lawyers, we look forward to growing the practice further by offering clients an exceptional service.”

Partner promotion at Clough & Willis

Blog

Sam Whitear

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09/04/2018

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Clough & Willis, the Bury & Bolton based law firm, has promoted property lawyer Dominique Oliviero to partner. Her promotion is with immediate effect.

Dominique joined Clough & Willis in 2008 and specialises in land transactions and all aspects of residential conveyancing including; sales and purchases, remortgage work, advising landlords and tenants, sales and purchases at auction and the purchases of freeholds.

Lee Marston – managing partner of Clough & Willis – said: “Dominique is a fantastic lawyer and her promotion is much deserved. She has been an integral part of the firm for the past decade so we are delighted to reward her talent and dedication.”

Lee added: I know that her new role will enable her to strengthen, manage and grow the property department.”

Dominique added: “I have worked at Clough & Willis since the start of my career so becoming a partner is a real milestone and cements my future here. My focus is now on working alongside my colleagues to develop the profile of the Property team both here in the North West and beyond.”

Care company Elder opens new office in the heart of Manchester to help create 500 job opportunities

Blog

Sam Whitear

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09/04/2018

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Care company Elder opens new office in the heart of Manchester to help create 500 job opportunities

Live-in care company Elder opens new regional office in the heart of Manchester with the potential of up to 500 job opportunities in 2018.

In a bid make it easier for regional carers to join their platform, Elder Technologies LTD has opened their second regional office in the heart of Manchester.

With social change at the heart of the company, and seasoned entrepreneurs Tom Brooks and Pete Dowds at the helm, Elder is one of the fastest growing startups in the UK, expanding by 500% in 2017.

Specialising in live-in care and describing themselves as the UK’s first, long-term alternative to the Care Home, Elder has continued to grow their offering nationally, operating in nearly 300 locations across the UK.

Based in the heart of Manchester, the new office has already seen an influx of carers from the region rush to sign up to their platform. And with demand for live-in carers in the region on the rise, the new office is expected to create work for up to 500 carers in the Manchester area in 2018.

Pete Dowds, CEO of Elder technologies, commented: “It’s been really exciting to see Elder grow and develop over the past two years and a push north is an essential component of the next chapter.

With talented carers at the core of our company, it was crucial for us to make ourselves accessible to care professionals all over the country, not just in London.

The new Manchester office is all about opening up carers in the region to the new alternative to the care home, whilst also allowing us to be on the ground and continuing to serve customers in the area to a high standard.”

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