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Local businesswoman shortlisted in first of its kind awards

Awards

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28/02/2018

Local businesswoman shortlisted in first of its kind awards

Managing Director of Standish based McGinty Demack, Karen Richardson, has been shortlisted for the inaugural English Women’s Awards 2018 – North.

Shortlisted in the category of Services to Accounting and Finance, Karen was nominated by people from around the North-West based on her forward-thinking approach.

Held on 19 March at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, the English Women’s Awards – North acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women including female entrepreneurs, civil servants, charity founders amongst other professionals in the North of England, whose hard work, talent and commitment is often under-represented.

The awards also provide an opportunity and platform for women to inspire others, particularly younger women, as each nominee will have their own story to tell and advice to give.

Karen said: “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for the Services to Accounting and Finance award, it means so much that people across the North-West appreciate the work we do at McGinty Demack.

“It would be lovely to win the award, but simply being shortlisted in an immense honour.

“I hope the awards inspire women across the country to get involved in business, it’s tough but also tremendously rewarding.”

360° flood support from UK’s leading flood responder

Blog

Sam Whitear

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28/02/2018

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360° flood support from UK’s leading flood responder

Manchester based Adler & Allan has launched a new 360° flood resilience service, designed to help businesses prepare, protect, respond and recover from flooding. With the UK subject to at least one major flood every year since 1988, and the risk, severity, and frequency of flooding increasing, many more businesses need to consider their flood risk and safeguard their assets – at present, around 260,000 commercial properties are located in flood risk areas.

The first complete flood service of its type in the UK, A&A has developed a suite of complimentary services to offer clear and practical support, before, during and after a flood, including access to the latest innovations in flood data mapping and best in class flood mitigation measures. If flooding is unavoidable, thanks to its nationwide team, A&A can deliver 24/7 emergency response and clean-up, 365 days a year.

Mark Griffths, from Adler & Allan said: “We are excited to launch this new joined-up service. Adler & Allan has been delivering support across the flood resilience space for some time now, helping utility companies protect key infrastructure assets throughout the UK. Our 360° approach means that we can provide a one-stop-shop for organisations looking to protect their sites and assets; an increasing issue as climate change brings ever more unpredictable weather.

“Storm Desmond alone cost the UK £5bn – by being better prepared and protected, our commercial sector at least, can reduce the economic and environmental impact future flooding events have on business continuity.”

Manchester businesses honoured for international excellence at China awards dinner

Sam Whitear

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28/02/2018

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Manchester businesses honoured for international excellence at China awards dinner

Organisations from across the North West have been honoured for their excellence in developing ties with China at the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) 2018 Greater China business awards.

Colloids, a Liverpool-based distributor of concentrates for thermoplastics, scooped the overall Greater China Business Award for its consistent growth in the Chinese market. The firm, which established its own manufacturing facilities in China four years ago, expects to grow its exports to £5.9 million by the end of 2018.

The accolade was one of four presented at the awards dinner, which is now in its 13^th year, hosted at the Lowry events centre in Salford Quays.

Manchester architecture firm AFL Architects was named the Rising Star of 2018. The business, which specialises in sports stadia, is working with Chinese architects as the country experiences a boom in football stadia development. AFL is currently designing a new sports village, including two stadiums and accommodation, in Kunming, Yunnan province.

Meanwhile Intern China, a provider of internships, based in Manchester, won the award for Best Education Links, praised by judges for its excellent business model and demonstrable success – it follows the business being shortlisted as a runner up in the category last year.

The winners each received a business class return flight to China courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

A special award was presented to Gerry Yeung OBE DL. He received The Recognition Award, for his work in supporting commercial, educational, charitable and cultural links between the North West and China.

The Greater China Awards celebrates organisations in North West of England that have made a significant contribution to developing business, innovating or building collaborative partnerships with firms based in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.

The awards are run in conjunction with the Exporting is GREAT campaign, a UK Government initiative to inspire and support firms up and down the country to export.

The evening was hosted by Marian Sudbury, Director, Exports & Investment, Northern Powerhouse, DIT. An afternoon seminar on how to sell to, buy from and partner with Greater China firms was hosted by Paul Stowers, Acting Regional Director for the North West at DIT.

Paul said: “Last year, North West firms exported more than £1.3bn worth of goods to China. The organisations we’ve honoured at the awards dinner are setting an excellent example to other firms in the region, if they can succeed and develop opportunities in China, so can many others!

“The region has better connectivity with China than ever before, bolstered by direct flights via Manchester Airport. But entering foreign markets is not without its challenges, which is why it’s important for firms to seek advice in order to get the best out of doing business in the Far East. We have International Trade Advisers across the North West dedicated to helping firms along the way.”

James Fletcher joins Gallagher to drive growth in Manchester

Blog

Sam Whitear

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28/02/2018

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James Fletcher joins Gallagher to drive growth in Manchester

Gallagher, one of the UK’s largest providers of risk management and commercial insurance solutions, has appointed James Fletcher as Branch Director in Manchester to support its growth agenda and continue expanding client capabilities.

James will lead the 40-strong insurance broking team — which looks after a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from some of the North-West’s largest corporate organisations through to local SME businesses — from their base on New Bailey Street.

James joins Gallagher after 10 years with insurance company QBE Europe, based in Manchester, where he most recently headed up client solutions for the North. For the past three years, this role has seen him dedicated to working closely with the insurer’s top clients in the region in order to deliver the most effective risk transfer solutions by bringing together underwriting, risk management and claims propositions across a number of business lines.

In addition to its 40-strong insurance broking team, Gallagher’s Manchester operation houses specialists in trade credit, employee benefits, wealth management, claims and compliance. Its various branches across the North-West form part of a 50-strong UK networks of branches looking after businesses of all sizes, from SMEs through to large corporate organisations.

James’ appointment sees former branch director Paul Fairhurst take on the broader role of Chairman for the North West, where he will continue working with clients and assist in developing strategic M&A opportunities in the region. Paul also plays an active role in the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce — the largest Chamber in the UK and the current holder of the Chamber of the Year award. Paul is the Local President for Manchester and has held this position since June 2017.

Stephen Penketh, Regional Managing Director for Gallagher in the North West, said: “James is a great hire for Gallagher as we continue to invest in strengthening our capabilities to best meet the needs of customers. We pride ourselves on thoroughly understanding our clients and their industries, providing a local service supported by specialist and global resource to help them grow while minimising their total cost of risk. James’ experience is ideal to lead our expanding team in Manchester.”

James Fletcher said: “I’m incredibly excited to join Gallagher at a time when it has transformed itself through acquisition and integration into a regional broking powerhouse right across the UK. I’m looking forward to getting to know our clients, ensure local businesses know the breadth and depth of what Gallagher has to offer and working with a great team in Manchester to develop and grow this business.”

Chase de Vere announces partnership with The Chartered Institute of Building

Blog

Sam Whitear

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27/02/2018

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Chase de Vere announces partnership with The Chartered Institute of Building

Chase de Vere, the independent financial advisers with offices in Manchester, has announced a partnership with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management.

Chase de Vere will offer independent financial and corporate advice services to CIOB’s 34,000 UK members. They will work with the Institute through writing articles for members, attending CIOB events and involvement in the prestigious Construction Manager of the Year Awards 2018.

The Construction Manager of the Year Awards recognises the very best people working in the industry. Successful nominees are construction managers who deliver exceptional projects that positively impact the people who use their building. Past winners have gone on to build iconic projects such as Canary Wharf, Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia and Hong Kong Airport.

Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Chase de Vere, said: “We are looking forward to working with The Chartered Institute of Building. We have many similarities with them including expertise in our chosen professions and a focus on delivering excellence to our clients.”

Terry Watts, Managing Director, The Chartered Institute of Building, said: “CIOB is delighted that Chase de Vere is partnering with the Construction Manager of the Year awards for 2018. Recognising and rewarding excellence for the wider community is the driving force behind these awards and we are looking forward to working with Chase de Vere.”

Wheatley Plastics prepares for further team growth with investment in structured HR support

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Finance

Sam Whitear

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27/02/2018

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Wheatley Plastics prepares for further team growth with investment in structured HR support

An injection moulding company based in Stockport is preparing to expand its team following a move to larger office premises and an investment in structured HR support.

Wheatley Plastics has partnered with HR and employment law firm, Howarths People and Safety Management, as it prepares to expand its workforce in line with the growth of its plastic injection moulding services following a move to new, 20,000 square foot premises in October 2017.

The firm invested more than £300,000 in the new facility to create a world class manufacturing environment and accommodate growing demand from customers.

Linda Parker, office manager at Wheatley Plastics, said: “As a direct result if strong business growth, we have doubled our workforce since 2012, and we expect the business to continue to grow steadily over the next couple of years.

“To facilitate this expansion, we have invested in a strategic partnership with Howarths to support us with areas such as contracts of employment, staff handbooks and disciplinaries as our workforce continues to grow.”

Gavin Howarth, managing director at Howarths People and Safety Management, added: “Having procedures in place to support with HR and employment law issues is vital for any business, in particular when staff numbers are growing quickly and new challenges arise relating to their employment.

“We are looking forward to working with the team at Wheatley Plastics to help them streamline their HR support and fulfil their ambitious growth targets over the next year and beyond.”

Established for over 50 years, Wheatley Plastics supplies plastic injection moulding services to industries including electronics, medicine, packaging, construction, retail and plumbing.

Tourism brings almost £432m boost to Bolton

Blog

Sam Whitear

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27/02/2018

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Tourism brings almost £432m boost to Bolton

Bolton’s tourism industry generated £431.8m for the town in 2016, according to new figures.

An additional £11.4m flowed into the local economy, a 2.7 per cent increase on the previous year’s figure of £420.4m.

The total number of visitors also increased in 2016, from £6.5m to £6.6m – a 1.3 per cent rise.

The figures have been released by Bolton Council as part of an annual report which outlines tourism performance.

The four day Bolton Food and Drink Festival which attracted more than 260,000 visitors in 2016, the gruelling Ironman UK Triathlon, and the world’s largest Ironkids race are amongst the events fuelling visitor numbers.

The growth is also attributed to popular attractions such as Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive which was in the top ten most visited attractions in Greater Manchester.

The Octagon Theatre, Bolton’s historic halls – Smithills Hall and Hall i’ th’ Wood, and Moorgarth’s £23m transformational refurbishment of the Market Place Shopping Centre have also drawn visitors into the town centre.

Bolton also has a good supply of hotels and bed and breakfasts which attract visitors throughout the year.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Ebrahim Adia, welcomed the figures. He said: “These figures show that Bolton is continuing to attract visitors, with a record number of people choosing to spend time in our town – and spend their money here.

“Bolton has so much to offer, including fantastic events, picturesque countryside and attractions such as Bolton Museum and the Aquarium continue to pull people in.

“The data from 2016 reflects the ongoing appeal of our major events such as Food and Drink Festival and the Ironman UK Triathlon.

“Every year we work hard to attract as many visitors as possible and the top quality events we provide and the attractions and accommodation across Bolton are certainly doing that.

“The retail and leisure offer has also improved in the town centre with investment in the Market Place Shopping Centre, and the rich mix of what Bolton has to offer is drawing visitors.

“Bolton is most definitely open for business. We recently unveiled our £1 billion town centre masterplan which will continue to further regenerate our town centre.”

The data has been compiled using the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM).

Emmaus Salford appeals for new Treasurer

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Sam Whitear

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27/02/2018

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Emmaus Salford appeals for new Treasurer

Homelessness charity Emmaus Salford is appealing for a new Treasurer trustee to join the board.

Emmaus Salford supports formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. The board of trustees play an important role in offering their skills, knowledge and experience to help in the development and governance of the Pendleton based charity.

Hilary Dunn, Chair of Trustees at Emmaus Salford, said: “Our team of Trustees is determined to make an impact supporting people who have previously experienced homelessness. The Treasurer is a vital role within any charity board and we appeal to anyone with suitable skills and experience to join us and help to make a meaningful difference in Salford.”

The Treasurer will need to be a qualified accountant who will provide regular reports to the board, prepare annual budgets and longer-term financial plans, ensure regulatory compliance and advise on relevant tax issues, including VAT and Gift Aid.

Emmaus Salford operates social enterprises at Fitzwarren Street and Seaford Road in Salford, as well as the Emmaus Emporium in Swinton. These shops raise an income to help sustain the charity whilst providing Salford residents with a source of good quality, affordable furniture, household goods, clothes, textiles, books and vintage wares.

The charity is keen to encourage applications from young people (aged 18 and above) and Salford citizens as these groups are under-represented on the Emmaus Salford board at present. Trustees meet as a board 12 times each year but individual trustees may also get involved in other ways, as their time permits.

OnBuy becomes official partner of charity music festival

Blog

Sam Whitear

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26/02/2018

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OnBuy becomes official partner of charity music festival

Manchester-based OnBuy is backing a popular rock festival that is helping to lead the fight against children’s cancer.

Teddy Rocks Festival will take place from May 4 to May 6 at Charisworth Farm, Blandford, Dorset, and is being headlined by chart-topping rock bands Feeder and Ash.

OnBuy, the largest UK-owned online marketplace, is now partnering with Teddy Rocks Festival, providing significant financial and commercial support to help grow the event and make 2018 its biggest fundraising year ever. OnBuy is also working in close partnership with the Newton family, founders of the festival, by providing specialist online, commercial and design support for the event from its in-house team of experts.

All proceeds from Teddy Rocks Festival go to the charity Teddy 20, which provides emotional and financial support to children and young people suffering and undergoing treatment for cancer. The charity was set up in memory of Ted Newton, who died at the age of 10 in 2010 from a rare form of bone cancer after a brave battle with the disease.

The charity has raised more than £250,000 over the years and the Teddy Rocks Festival has been a significant part of that total, raising £167,000 in the past six years. The idea for a music festival was conceived in 2011 when the Newton family organised a gig in the restaurant of The Greyhound pub in Blandford and raised £400. Just a year later, the first Teddy Rocks event was held at The Corn Exchange in Blandford, raising £2,500. The festival has grown every year since – raising over £42,000 in 2016, £76,000 in 2017 and this year organisers are hoping to raise even more money.

Teddy 20 has helped hundreds of children fighting cancer across Dorset and Hampshire. Every year the family and their supporters head to Toys R Us in Poole to do a huge Christmas shop and personally deliver gifts to children at Southampton and Dorchester hospitals. Three years ago the family was able to buy a luxury 39ft static caravan in Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth, to provide much-needed breaks away from the hospital environment for children and their loved ones dealing with cancer.

Ted’s older brother Tom Newton is leading the organisation of the festival and is delighted with the support from OnBuy, which is headquartered nearby in Poole.

Tom, a 29-year-old firefighter from Blandford, said: “Every year we ask businesses for their support by sending out letters across the region.

“Cas from OnBuy got in touch straight away and we had a meeting three days later. As a dad himself, he has a lot of life experience and his passion and enthusiasm for our cause really came across.

“This is a significant partnership with OnBuy and it’s fair to say it means a lot to us. We try to cover every single cost of the event so that every penny raised through ticket sales can go to help children fighting cancer.

“We are incredibly grateful for OnBuy’s support and we hope with their backing we will be able to raise more money than ever.”

He added: “Ted was such a happy little boy and losing him was devastating for our family. Ted was a huge character and incredibly brave, so to be able to keep his name alive through the festival is a real honour. It’s amazing what we have managed to achieve in just a few years and none of it would be possible without our generous and loyal supporters.”

Cas Paton, Managing Director of OnBuy, said: “When I heard about the Newton family and the tragic story of Ted, I just knew I had to help. I was very inspired by what the family has been able to achieve in just a few years to make a real difference to so many people.

“As a dad, this is a cause very close to my heart and, like most people, I have experienced the life-changing impact of cancer on family and friends.

“OnBuy is incredibly proud to be partnering with the festival and going beyond just a financial investment. We’re supporting them with significant commercial advice to help drive revenues for the charity, strategy, merchandise design, manufacture, logistics, and marketing support.

“We hope our support will allow it to grow even bigger and help more children fighting cancer.”

Hotel Gotham Aligns with San Francisco’s Wingtip Club

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Sam Whitear

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26/02/2018

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Hotel Gotham Aligns with San Francisco’s Wingtip Club

Hotel Gotham’s Club Brass, the exclusive VIP lounge on the seventh floor of the award-winning Manchester property, is delighted to announce its partnership with San Francisco’s renowned WingTip, which will see members on both sides of the pond able to enjoy visits to their counterpart, alongside access to ticketed events and exclusive discounts on stays.

Located in the spectacular former home of the Bank of Italy in San Francisco’s Financial District, The Wingtip Club occupies 13,000 square feet over two floors, and boasts an intoxicating blend of social club, private bar, roof deck, and even a boardroom fit for the President himself. Club Brass members will not only be able to enjoy regular visits to the Club, along with access to its many ticketed events available to purchase, but will also benefit from exclusive preferential rates at stateside partners including multiple luxury hotels in the city.

In turn, Wingtip members paying a visit to the UK will be able to unwind and indulge in the surroundings of Club Brass, overlooking King Street in the heart of Manchester, as well as enjoy 10% off accommodation across the Bespoke Hotels portfolio.

“We are absolutely delighted to announce the collaboration between Club Brass and Wingtip”, commented Hotel Gotham’s General Manager, Mario Ovsenjak. “San Francisco and Manchester are both global cities with a pronounced swagger and unique sense of style, so we have no doubt our clientele will enjoy visiting the Bay Area and sampling the fabulous facilities Wingtip has to offer.”

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Club Brass and Hotel Gotham in this way, having admired them from afar as they have turned heads over the past couple of years”, added Dawn Simpson Jones, Director of Partnerships at Wingtip. “We know our members will be every bit as excited as we are to have secured the perfect to spot to unwind on the other side of the Atlantic.”

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