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UKFast retains top workplace in Manchester honour

Cloud hosting firm UKFast is still officially Manchester’s best place to work, after being named ninth best workplace in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For.

The business is renowned for its extraordinary office space, UKFast Campus, on the edge of Manchester’s Science Park which has an onsite gym, steam room, crèche and dedicated training and education space. UKFast’s commitment to training and education both within the business and in the wider community has also gained plaudits for the firm.

CEO Lawrence Jones said: “It’s a no-brainer to invest in your team and create an environment which people love coming to work in.

“Perks and days out are nice to have, but we learned some time ago that to make UKFast a truly great place to work we have to focus on giving people the opportunity to learn and develop. The results of this are clear to see – an engaged and constantly developing team is a happy team.”

The Best Companies data shows that 97% of the UKFast team agreed that they “can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation” while 95% of the team agreed with the statement: “People in my team go out of their way to help me.”

Jones continued: “At UKFast our team see where their role fits in terms of the organisation’s vision and they can see their own personal growth alongside the growth of the business. It’s a hugely exciting time to be part of the UKFast team and that’s reflected in the feedback from our team.”

UKFast employs more than 400 people at its campus offices in Greater Manchester, which have recently doubled in size following the acquisition of the adjacent building.

Businesses in Manchester most innovative in the UK

Businesses in Manchester are leading the way in British innovation, with four times as many Research & Development (R&D) tax relief claims as its closest rival, specialist tax relief firm Catax revealed today.

The northern powerhouse city made 1,140 claims for R&D tax relief in just 12 months, worth £75m, latest figures show.

It was four times the 290 claims made by Edinburgh businesses in second place.

Businesses which spend time and money developing a new product, business process or service could potentially claim tax relief for R&D. In Catax’s experience, the average claim is worth £44,000.

Despite these figures, there is a common misconception that the R&D needs to be successful in order to qualify for this type of relief. However, an incredible 72% of senior business leaders don’t realise this is not the case and that, as long as time and money has been spent, the R&D could qualify.

Meanwhile, there also continues to be a lack of awareness around what qualifies for R&D tax relief in the first place, with many firms wrongly believing they wouldn’t be entitled to claim. Previous research suggests nearly half of businesses (44%) believe that R&D relief is restricted to companies in the science and technology sectors.

Catax CEO, Mark Tighe, commented: “Whilst it is true that more businesses are claiming the R&D tax relief that is rightfully theirs, far too many SMEs still don’t realise that they qualify.

“There needs to be more education among small businesses over what actually counts as R&D. Most don’t realise it’s not just a new scientific formula or a jet engine but a piece of software, an manufacturing process or even a new innovative restaurant dish. 

“The typical £44,000 claim is a significant amount of money and firms need to be asking themselves whether they can afford not to check if they could benefit.’’

Cube3 set to reach new heights with client win

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Manchester-based Cube3, the leading brand, web and campaign agency will be reaching new heights following its latest client win – Merlin Entertainments Blackpool Cluster.

The new brief will see Cube3 create and deliver a digital and creative strategy for The Blackpool Tower’s five iconic attractions including The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and Ballroom including: social, programmatic display and PPC.

Blackpool as a destination has enjoyed renewed interest following the BBC’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing, hosting its annual live show in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom. There is so much more to The Blackpool Tower than just the Ballroom so it’s Management team have enlisted the expertise of Cube3 to raise the profile of all seven attractions and all they have to offer.

Louise Forder, Senior Marketing Manager at Merlin Entertainments Blackpool Cluster said: “The Blackpool Tower is a truly loved national landmark but we really want to take the opportunity to shout about all the seaside town has to offer and raise the profile even further.

“The team at Cube3 really impressed us on their understanding of our brand and what it is we are offering. They truly demonstrated how the team will strategically target various audiences while having fun with the brand. We are excited for this next chapter and seeing how Cube3 can elevate us to the next level.”

After the competitive pitch process, Cube3 will be focusing on generating online bookings,
promoting the attractions and Blackpool as a destination both locally and nationally.

Mark Bailey, managing director at Cube3 said: “Winning this account is a real highlight for us. We have a really strong proven track record at delivering creative strategic campaigns within the leisure industry. With attractions like The Blackpool Tower and The Blackpool Tower Dungeon we know we can do an amazing job and we can’t wait to put the spotlight firmly on these historic
Northern landmarks.”

Riding to success

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Stockport based Bridge Law Solicitors is enjoying an unexpected success, thanks to an idea from solicitor, Sophie Murgatroyd and the launch of its Equine Law Department. As a keen horse rider, Sophie recognised a gap in the market for helping resolve disputes that often arise in the equine community.

Sophie had over nine years litigation experience working in larger Manchester law firms, before she joined Bridge Law Solicitors in August 2017. Sophie has enjoyed her passion for riding throughout her legal career and quickly saw an opportunity to develop a new area of legal practice and “galloped away” with it.

Many horses are kept at livery yards which attract substantial monthly payments. People can often fall behind on payments, so debt recovery can be significant. Also, professional negligence can arise from potential actions of vets, farriers and other professionals working with horses. This has formed the basis of the new Department’s work.

Sophie commented: “I am passionate about all animals, especially horses and so it was an amazing opportunity to incorporate my love for horses into my legal career. I was very surprised with the volume and variety of work this has attracted.

“My typical day now involves drafting sales and livery agreements as well as using my litigation roots to deal with a variety of breach of contract, misrepresentation and professional negligence claims. My specialist knowledge helps the company pursue full recovery of unusual, complex losses arising from stud fees, eventing and so on.”

This unusual area of law has contributed to the firm being nominated for “Innovation firm of the year” at this year’s Manchester Legal Awards.

With the ever-increasing volume of work that this area of law has attracted, Bridge Law Solicitors is now looking to open an additional branch office in Alderley Edge to manage the growing opportunities.

First look at Kellogg’s brand new UK headquarters

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Kellogg’s has opened its doors to its swanky new UK headquarters based in Orange Tower MediaCityUK and it showcases three-floors of ‘work-culture overhaul’.

Relocating from Talbot Road after nearly 30 years of residence, the move provided an opportunity for the cereal giant to look at the functionality of the organisation, developing a design scheme that encourages a huge cultural reset and introduces new ways of working.

Kellogg’s appointed design specialists TSK to fit-out out their 46000 square-foot pad in late 2017, with the view they would create a space that reflects employee’s diverse working style.

Their design teams have considered tools and technologies to help transition the food manufacturer’s changing work culture – considering employee demographic, best practice for flexible working and how to utilise the new open plan office space.

The new headquarters has been developed to reflect the business’s ambition and future ahead, whilst bringing to life its strong heritage and brand.

The three floors in the new workspace have been developed to foster collaboration and creativity with open, flexible spaces to eliminate silo working and bring people together.

The middle floor, has been designed as the public floor, bringing people both internally and externally to the organisation together, this includes dining areas, kitchens, social spaces and a variety of both informal and formal meeting settings.

Andy Burke, director at TSK said: “Kellogg’s wanted a space which would reflect the business’ progressive ambitions for the future, while also representing the rich heritage and brand. We worked in partnership with Kellogg’s to engage employees throughout the process to ensure we were creating a truly people-centred workplace that supports them in the work and enhances the business.

“This has been a fantastic project to be involved with. We’ve turned a blank canvas into a new beginning for Kellogg’s, creating an environment that will fully support the workforce now and in years to come as the business evolves. We’re proud to have worked on such a great space – and on our own doorstep in Media City.”

The cereal giant confirmed the relocation of its 420 UK office employees from its Manchester Old Trafford HQ – where it has resided since the 1990’s – to Orange Tower, MediaCityUK in August.

Kellogg’s UK and Ireland HR director, Sue Platt, said: “It was really important to us when we made the decision to move our headquarters that we used it as an opportunity to reset the culture of the organisation, overhauling how we work to become more agile and collaborative.

“Our organisation has been through a lot of change and will continue to change, today more than 50 per cent of our head count is millennial therefore we needed a space that reflects the generational change in how people work. Kellogg’s is a people business – we needed a headquarters that reflected our culture, that ensured we retain our talent and enabled us to attract the best new talent. The office has moved us into the heart of the MediaCityUK community and enables our employees be inspired by our vibrant surroundings, bringing the outside in to our organisation.

“As we strive to grow to the business we need to be in an innovative environment that inspires great work. Our Old Trafford HQ served us well for nearly three decades, but it’s now time for a new home which better reflects where we are heading as a company.”

Kellogg’s headquarters currently houses people who run the company’s UK and Irish sales and marketing business as well as support functions for its European operations, including those involved in research, food development, marketing, sales, human resources and finance.

 

Beattie launches world’s first voice marketing radio show

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Beattie, which has an office in Manchester, the integrated communications agency, has launched the world’s first radio show that focuses exclusively on voice marketing and voice technology.

Hosted by Adam Christie and Daniela Young, the fortnightly Beattie Voice Show highlights how voice technology is changing the way we live, work and play.

The first episode of the show focuses on how voice is revolutionising Google’s search marketing function and how millions of consumers are already using voice to buy goods, order pizza and check our bank balances.

To coincide with the launch of the radio show, Beattie Communications has published a free guide to voice search and voice marketing.

“More than 20% of all information searches on Google are already conducted by voice,” said Adam, digital studio head at Beattie.

“Believe it or not, consumers are streets ahead of most brands when it comes to using voice for buying goods and controlling their heat and lighting on devices such as Alexa and for searches on their mobile phones.

“Brands need to waken up to the voice revolution. Websites that are not optimised for voice will be struck dumb as consumers migrate from typing to voice commands on their mobile phones and lap tops.”

Daniela, head of voice search at Beattie, added: “Convenience is what’s driving millions of consumers to switch to voice.

“It’s quicker to speak than to type. In other words, it saves time and time is one of our most precious resources.

“It will be the brands that immerse themselves in voice marketing and voice technology today that will dominate tomorrow.”

Erin Associates scoop Agency Central social media award

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Didsbury recruitment firm Erin Associates have been awarded a trophy proclaiming them the champions of Agency Central’s Social Media Recruiter 100 competition.

The award recognises Erin Associates as 2017’s most influential UK recruiter on social media. Agency Central’s Managing Director Kevin Drinkwater traveled to Didsbury to present the trophy to Sian Nolan – Erin Associates’ Resourcing Manager.

Agency Central began running the Social Media Recruiter 100 competition two years ago with the aim of fostering friendly competition between recruiters. The system measures a recruitment agency’s Klout score and ranks it against that of their competitors.

Competition data shows that UK recruitment agencies have become increasingly social over the last two years. This suggests that agencies are discovering the benefits social media can bring to their business.

Erin Associates’ director Shaun O’Donnell put the firm’s social media success down to having a consistent presence across various platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. He had the following advice for other recruiters on social media: “Instead of just posting out jobs, try and get involved in conversations and don’t try to be controversial. It’s all about adding value and giving them a reason to keep following your content.”

Tech Manchester launches new mentoring round for startups

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Tech Manchester is inviting startups to another ‘Meet the Mentor’ event next week, after the phenomenal success of the first edition.

The not-for-profit initiative connects digital startups with entrepreneurs in a mentoring scheme and is hosting a matching event for founders in need of support and guidance on Monday 26th February from 2-8pm.

Tech Manchester has a roster of 90 active mentors including the likes of Darren Ratcliffe, Head of Strategy, Business & Platform Services at ATOS; Dr Antonia Terzi, Head of Aerodynamics at Bentley and Iñigo Antolin, Head of Digital at the British Council.

Patricia Keating, Tech Manchester’s project lead, said: “Our first wave of 48 matches are now well underway and we have seen some great progress in the business and personal development of the mentees.

“Following the success of our first mentor match-up event we continue to receive applications from startups for mentors – and from business people interested in training to become mentors.

“It makes perfect sense to host further training for mentors and to introduce them to startups looking for guidance so soon as possible. There is huge demand out there from founders looking for mentoring.”

The first intake of mentees saw the likes of Reece Douglas’ influencer marketing agency, Brand Endorsement and Don’t Let her Down, a gifting platform developed by business partners Laura Stockton and Amy Pandazis. Both businesses have enjoyed significant benefits from the partnership with Tech Manchester to date.

Tech Manchester is backed by UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones MBE, with Monday’s event to be held at the UKFast Campus.

Jones said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the Tech Manchester team has achieved in such a short space of time.

“To see the energy that’s generated and the results when we bring so many amazing people together only inspires me to push this project even further. I’m looking forward to seeing the success of the next batch of mentors and mentees.”

The event gives startups the opportunity to meet up to five prospective mentors with the skills and knowledge they require – and then to choose the mentor that best meets their mission.

Once mentors are selected, they embark on a six-to-12-month journey during which they will identify and explore goals and objectives.

Keating added: “Harnessing the resources of UKFast such as the video, PR and communications teams, we have raised the profile of a number of the startups and the traction they have gained demonstrates how we can harness UKFast’s influence and reach for the good of others.”

 

New Northern Committee Chair announced for British Council of Offices (BCO)

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Phil Doyle has been appointed as the new chair of the British Council of Offices (BCO) Northern Committee.

Diversity is high on the agenda for the incoming chair as he strives to attract the next generation of property professionals to join the committee.

A founding director of Manchester-based 5plus Architects, Phil has taken over from the former chair Stephen Frood, a partner at Gardiner Theobald in the city.

A committee member for 10 years, in his new role as chair Phil will lead the BCO Northern Committee as it focuses on the BCO Northern Awards, hosting events at iconic new developments across the North of England, showcasing BCO’s in-depth research and building membership.

The Northern Committee represents the interests of all those who occupy, design, build, own or manage offices in towns and cities in the North of England, including Liverpool, Salford, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle. Members include architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions and public agencies.

Phil said: “The BCO’s focus is the dissemination of best practice in office design. We have some outstanding buildings in the region that use the latest design techniques and technology to create the very best office spaces.

“The Northern Awards and National Awards programmes are the pillars by which we showcase and celebrate the very best in office design in the region and across the UK.”

Phil has 30 years’ experience providing strategic architectural advice and direction on complex developments. He has worked on the design and delivery of numerous award-winning projects across a variety of sectors, including Airport City in Manchester, Walker House in Liverpool, Vaux masterplan in Sunderland and St. Peter’s Square in Stockport.

As well as promoting best practice in its awards programmes, which recognise the highest quality developments and sets the standard for excellence in the regional and national office sector, the BCO publishes research to share best practice and improve workplaces across the UK.

Phil added: “BCO is at the forefront of developments in the office sector, identifying and predicting the themes that shape and drive the sector – publishing research, organising tours of the outstanding buildings in our region and providing opportunities for members to network.

“During my time as chair I would like to increase diversity, not only across the different disciplines our members come from but also encouraging more women to join, and to increase the membership of NextGen – a platform for the next generation of professionals to share ideas.

“BCO research is funded through membership fees, so it is important for BCO to grow its membership in the UK and throughout the regions to support further research that is vital to improving the industry.”

The BCO Northern Awards are taking place on 3 May at The Principal Hotel in Manchester, where the best workplaces in the region will be announced.

instantprint’s successful Northern business panel 2018 reveals crucial advice on launching a business successfully

UK online printer instantprint, held a Successful Business Panel this January, involving 4 accomplished business owners. The panel was held to inspire entrepreneurs across the country and to celebrate the success of small business owners.

The panel discussion was filled with fantastic nuggets of knowledge and guidance on launching a business in 2018. Such as, how to pick the right office location and creating a successful business plan. Whilst also tapping into why the business owners involved launched their companies and key lessons they’ve learnt along the way.

As many of the aspiring entrepreneurs see the beginning of the year as the ideal month to launch a business, instantprint have comprised the top tips form their interview with successful CEO’s from across the north to offer the best possible advice.

As part of the business panel, instantprint spoke with Matt Russell, Co-founder of Music Vine, an award-winning music licensing platform based in Leeds.

Matt uncovered his top advice on which step to take first before launching: ‘‘We did our research. You need to prepare yourself as much as possible because the next month will be pivotal. Having a solid grasp on the market you’re entering, your USP and a stage by stage plan, will hold you onto your vision whilst also having milestones to achieve.’’

Co-founder of instantprint, James Kinsella, offers his advice for budding entrepreneurs on launching an enterprise in 2018: “No matter the time of year, there will always be an amount of risk when launching a business. However, this can be managed in today’s information world, so the risk is probably lower than say, thirty years ago. Starting a business certainly is not for everyone but by making informed and researched decisions with yourbusiness, you can control more of the risk.”

For busy entrepreneurs who don’t have the time to read the full content, instantprint created ‘Ten Tips on Launching a Business’, taken from the panel discussion.

  1. Trust your instinct.
  2. Build a brand.
  3. Be meticulous over every aspect of your business.
  4. Do not underestimate the investment your business will require in time and money.
  5. Follow the money – be a need to have.
  6. Don’t try to do it all by yourself.
  7. People – surround yourself with the right people to make your business a success.
  8. Prioritise and qualify prospects and make sure they are actually serious and interested in buying otherwise you will be wasting a lot of time.
  9. Plan ahead.
  10. Don’t lose sight of what makes you unique.

Plus, instantprint have assembled the top five pieces of advice to have arisen from their business panel interview. The “Top Five Start-up Tips From Northern Entrepreneurs” are a combination of comments from the five panellists to create the best advice for budding entrepreneurs.

CEO of Top Screen Media, Achille Traore, another accomplished entrepreneur who participated in the panel. Shared his thoughts on how important it is to be a need in today’s oversaturated markets.

‘‘Ask yourself, are you solving a problem? The worst position when starting a business is to be considered as a niche rather than a need to have. Be THAT need to have.’’