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BizSpace expands its North West portfolio

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21/02/2018

BizSpace expands its North West portfolio

Boosting its North West portfolio of 22 sites, BizSpace, the largest provider of flexible workspace with offices and workshops across the UK, has invested more than £2.5million in the acquisition and refurbishment of a new business centre, providing flexible, affordable workspace in Cheadle.

Situated on Stockport Road, Cheadle Place offers a total of 22,036 square feet of business space and will provide a modern business environment, with a first-rate selection of facilities and services for micro and small businesses in the area.

The £2million refurbishment program has transformed Cheadle Place to include a meeting room for hire, suitable for up to 10 people, and a range of office spaces designed specifically to suit the needs of start-ups and small businesses. The first suites are now available to let. Prior to the business centre’s opening, Pink Limited has already signed up to occupy some of the flexible workspace at Cheadle Place.

BizSpace currently owns Europa Business Park on Bird Hall Lane, Cheadle Heath, and will open the Cheadle Place business centre on Wednesday 7^th March. The ‘Let’s do Bizness’ networking event will enable potential customers to preview the site and network with other like-minded businesses.

Emma Long, Commercial Director at BizSpace, commented: “We’re hugely excited by the launch of Cheadle Place, bringing much-needed flexible workspace to the area for small to medium enterprises. This is our 15^th business centre in the North West, which is testament to our confidence in the region and the growing demand for flexible, high-quality office space.

“Our dedicated on-site business centre manager will ensure that our customers’ day-to-day lives are made as simple as possible, and that BizSpace continues to contribute to the growth of the local working community.”

Catherine Devy, Sales & Marketing Manager at Pink Limited said: “We’re excited to be BizSpace’s first customer at Cheadle Place, having signed to take space before the site’s opening. The most important criteria for us is location and Cheadle Place is ideally situated for both staff and customers, directly off a motorway junction. Following BizSpace’s refurbishment of the property, it looks very impressive and now includes kitchens, breakout areas, meeting rooms, and a warm, welcoming reception area.

“Our visiting customers will appreciate the parking facilities and the prestigious look that we now project. We are feeling very positive about this move.”

The Insights People launch the UK’s first real-time parent research tool

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Sam Whitear

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21/02/2018

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The Insights People launch the UK’s first real-time parent research tool

Manchester-based market research and insights agency The Insights People has launched the UK’s most comprehensive and dynamic real time research tool to help brands find out what parents think.

Set up as part of a joint venture with consumer marketing and brand engagement specialists FanFinders, Parents Insights gives companies direct access to flash trends and key data to enhance their knowledge about their target audiences’ attitudes, behaviours and consumption.

Being hailed as the number one tool in the UK for market intelligence about parents, more than 6,000 UK mums and dads will be surveyed each year, with the results compiled into four, insight-led quarterly reports centred on expecting parents, and parents with new-born babies, babies and toddlers.

By subscribing to Parents Insights, brands and agencies are able to access and interrogate real time data via the Parents Insights portal.

Nick Richardson is CEO of The Insight People, which recently announced it has secured a six figure investment to roll out its insight platforms. He said: “Parents Insights is the most comprehensive and dynamic form of market intelligence there is for brands focused on parents and families in the UK.

“With Parents Insights, we’re about talking delivering UK-first capabilities that offer brands untapped access to data that can help shape their marketing, licencing, content and product development investments. Many major global and UK brands are already waking up to the opportunities this offers them, and we’re excited to be collaborating with them.”

FanFinders operates the fastest growing parenting club in the UK, Your Baby Club, and brings to the table access to its two million members.

Between them, FanFinders and The Insight People already work with the likes of Amazon, DC Thomson, Egmont, Finsbury Foods, Penguin Random House, Sainsbury’s, SuperAwesome and Tesco.

Alec Dobbie, FanFinders CEO, added: “There is no doubt that in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, up to date and tailored insights can be the difference between success and failure.

“At FanFinders our unique method enables clients to generate specific insights, but the development of the Parents Insights tool gives clients access to comprehensive data across the entire parenting spectrum.

“The development of the portal is already anticipated by clients as the missing piece they need, with many excited to try out the clever tool via the free 5-day trial.”

DigitalBridge appoints KBB senior product manager to growing team

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Sam Whitear

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20/02/2018

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DigitalBridge appoints KBB senior product manager to growing team

Award-winning Manchester tech business, DigitalBridge, has appointed Lee Spooner as senior product manager, ahead of a period of expansion.

Lee will oversee the company’s development of industry-leading space planning and room visualisation tools for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms (KBB) market. These have a specific focus on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

He brings to the role over 18 years’ experience in the industry, spending a decade as a designer before moving on to a position as CAD development specialist at B&Q. Most recently, he was digital lead at Kingfisher – the largest home improvement retailer in Europe – where he headed up the design and development of KBB planning and visualisation tools. Kingfisher counts brands such as B&Q, Screwfix and Castorama in its portfolio.

The appointment comes as DigitalBridge looks to transition into a period of exciting growth over the next 12 months. The company, which is headquartered at Manchester Science Park, currently counts a team of 25, and is growing fast.

Lee commented: “I got to know the DigitalBridge team over 12 months before joining and was impressed by both their product and their way of doing business. I am particularly excited by the opportunity as it’s a smart company solving real customer problems, rather than a tech outfit looking for problems to solve. I’m really looking forward to be part of such a friendly team.”

David Levine, CEO of DigitalBridge, said: “Lee’s wealth of relevant experience is going to help kick-start an exciting phase in DigitalBridge’s journey as we continue to disrupt the KBB planning and visualisation space. Lee has had an exceptional career at the forefront of this industry and we’re delighted to have him on board to power us into our next phase of growth.”

Northcoders & ThoughtWorks offer four scholarships to help women learn to code

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Sam Whitear

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20/02/2018

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Northcoders & ThoughtWorks offer four scholarships to help women learn to code

Manchester headquartered Northcoders – the coding bootcamp for the North – has received funding for four scholarships from global technology consultancy ThoughtWorks that aims to encourage more women to pursue a career in tech. Each scholarship for the full time 12-week coding course is valued at £6,000 plus an extra £2,000 bursary is available to help with living costs.

According to research by Manchester Digital – the independent trade association for digital business in the North West of England – just 19% of the tech roles in the North West are held by women. These scholarships are a step in addressing the underrepresentation of women in the sector.

Northcoders recently expanded into Federation House. It offers courses that are designed to help satisfy the increasing demand for developers across various industries and sectors in the North of England.

The courses aim to give graduates the opportunity to learn coding to an industry-standard level and to ensure they have skills, initiative and attitude well beyond what is usually expected for an entry-level software developer.

To date, seven cohorts – with a total of 129 students – have graduated. The business employs 19 full-time members of staff. Northcoders offers an industry-led curriculum, which is constantly in review against its hiring partners’ needs. Hiring partners include ThoughtWorks, Barclays, Apadmi and MoneySupermarket.

James Brooke – co-founder of Northcoders – said: “ThoughtWorks probably don’t even know this – but we have an internal standard that should guarantee that any of our graduates who want to work there should be reach their technical standards for entry. There is such a synergy between us, and especially between our values. I am over the moon that four people who otherwise wouldn’t have had such a stellar future ahead do so because of ThoughtWorks’ generosity and belief in us”

Nikki Jones – Graduate Experience Lead at ThoughtWorks – added: “As a business we recognise the huge underrepresentation of women in tech. These scholarships are a clear and practical way of empowering aspiring female technologists from all backgrounds by supporting their learning and development.”

Northern Business Exhibition prepares for Manchester return with Dragon’s Den’s Hillary Devey set to headline

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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20/02/2018

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Northern Business Exhibition prepares for Manchester return with Dragon’s Den’s Hillary Devey set to headline

With a brand new home to house the event and a wealth of industry leading speakers including Dragon’s Den star Hillary Devey set to host, the Northern Business Exhibition prepares for its busiest year to date.

Two days packed full of business advice and insights for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SME’s the Northern Business Exhibition is all about supporting new businesses as they grow as well as a great place to network.

Taking place on the 18 & 19 April between 10am – 4pm, this free event will take place in the heart of Manchester at Manchester Central attracting in excess of 7,000 visitors.

Focused on providing quality advice there are over 80 seminars & workshops delivered by some of businesses’ finest speakers including a Q&A with Hillary Devey CBE, author Ben Kench speaking about how to make a success of your business in 2018, Rachel Elnaugh another Dragon’s Den star and co-creator of Source TV, marketer Michael Carlin CEO of Zymplify, Carl Reader the start up coach, best selling author Steve Hackney, Gary Townley from the Intellectual Property Office, CEO and founder of Global Social Media Marketing agency Social Chain Steve Bartlett to name a few.

Visitors can also book in for free 1-2-1 advice and support on all elements of business from sales to marketing, branding to finance with 20-minute appointments with experts in their field.

There are also over 100 exhibitors at the show each offering different business solutions from office space to accountancy, legal advice to social media marketing.

Hilary Devey CBE said: “Often the thing we need help with the most in business is identifying our weaknesses and finding solutions to take us on to the next level, that’s what this event is all about – providing advice, inspiration, motivation and a chance to network. In a thriving start up market, it’ll help you find ways for your business stand out and ultimately increase your bottom line.”

Ceri Rogers, Northern Business Exhibition spokesperson said: “This event is all about helping businesses, start ups and entrepreneurs develop and grow, from great workshops and seminars to one on one support, if you’re looking to take your business to the next level, this event is perfect for you.”

Visualsoft creates new head of onboarding role

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Sam Whitear

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20/02/2018

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Visualsoft creates new head of onboarding role

Manchester-based e-commerce and digital agency, Visualsoft, has appointed Chris Fletcher as head of onboarding – a brand new role for the business.

In his new position, Chris will take responsibility for overseeing the process by which new clients are brought on board to Visualsoft’s e-commerce platform, including website build and ongoing projects, training and partnerships. He will also be working closely with Visualsoft’s business development consultants to ensure that all clients receive the best possible service and are fully satisfied at every stage of the process.

Chris previously spent two years as channel development manager at Visualsoft, where he created a new division within the company to help clients grow their business on marketplaces such as eBay. He later took over responsibility for managing all partner relationships, ensuring that the Visualsoft offering is completely up to date with the latest functionality offered by the likes of Sagepay and Amazon.

Prior to joining Visualsoft, Chris counts over 12 years’ experience working as an e-commerce manager for a number of large UK retailers including Berghaus and Barker & Stonehouse.

Headquartered in Teesside, with bases in Newcastle and Manchester, Visualsoft has a growing team of over 200 staff who specialise in the design, build, support and marketing of online stores for retailers across the UK.

Chris commented: “My experience in managing multiple websites for leading brands on the Visualsoft roster means I know exactly what’s required for a successful online business to flourish. I have previously overseen huge projects for the business, so am well-positioned to offer genuinely valuable support and guidance to our projects team. I’m very much looking forward to getting started.”

Dean Benson, CEO of Visualsoft, said: “Chris has a proven track record of providing unique and effective e-commerce solutions for our clients, and this has proven key to his success at Visualsoft over the past two years. He has a great work ethic, strong digital expertise and an excellent client-driven approach. This will be increasingly important as we look to expand the business, ensuring that all new clients receive the same high level of service. I am confident that this new position is one in which he will thrive.”

FS Legal invests in Altrincham office building to facilitate company expansion

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Sam Whitear

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20/02/2018

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FS Legal invests in Altrincham office building to facilitate company expansion

FS Legal Solicitors has acquired the freehold of Alpha House, 12 Oxford Road, Altrincham, from a private client of Regional Property Solutions, to relocate its business from 45 The Downs.

A specialist firm of award-winning lawyers, FS Legal advises high net worth individuals and corporate clients in commercial business and private investment.

After winning a raft of new clients during a highly successful 2017 FS Legal believes the investment in a prime piece of real estate in the heart of the town centre will enable further growth.

The 2,200 sq ft space in Alpha House spans the basement, ground and first floor – with the team set to take occupancy in spring following refurbishment.

The Manchester office of FS Legal is led by company partners Kit Sorrell and Julia Norris.

Julia Norris, Partner, FS Legal Solicitors said: “We are really pleased with the acquisition and look forward to moving the team into our new premises later this year.

“The essential ethos of the firm remains as it has from the outset: do right by the clients and do right by the staff – the rest will follow. We have carried this through our real estate strategy and have designed an office space that will concur with facilities to accompany the company’s growing staff count and client base.

“The team has been involved in many significant, multi-million-pound litigation cases and has seen huge growth over recent years as a result. We are looking to build upon this and with our growing client base we’re incredibly excited to continue our expansion into 2018.”

The office refurbishment at FS Legal’s Alpha House is being carried out by Vantage building consultancy and will involve enhancing the existing period features of the building whilst creating a contemporary office environment including bespoke client suites and breakout space.

Paul Wood, Director, Vantage Building Consultancy said: “Altrincham is becoming an ever-more attractive place for businesses. The town has received significant investment in the past year and continues to develop at pace with a variety of amenity at its core.

“The real estate market is an extremely competitive one in the town and we are delighted this deal has come to fruition. The refurbishment will create an office environment that we know fits the team’s ambitions and plans for growth. We are really looking forward to watching the process complete.”

Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions, who acted for the vendor, said: “This was an off-market transaction with a premium paid for this increasingly rare town centre freehold with the bonus of adequate parking”.

Greater Manchester businesses up for the challenge in 2018

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Sam Whitear

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20/02/2018

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Greater Manchester businesses up for the challenge in 2018

The fifth Greater Manchester Business Survey has revealed that a majority of local firms are cautiously optimistic about the 12 months ahead – but many recognise there are still barriers to growth.

The Greater Manchester Business Survey reveals:

Almost half of businesses (45%) expect turnover to increase in the next 12 months, while 40% expect no change
Fewer businesses reported they had increased employment in the last 12 months – but more than nine in 10 (93%) anticipate employee numbers will remain the same or increase in 2018
Nearly a third (30%) see business finance as the top barrier to growth, up from 22% in 2016 – yet just 15% sought investment and funding in 2017
A fifth of GM businesses (20%) reported that they exported (up from 12% in 2014) – however only 5% of GM businesses reported planning to export in the future
Fewer businesses believe a lack of staff or skills was a barrier to growth in 2017 (down to 19% from 30% in 2016) and more respondents said workforce and skills were the main driver of growth (32%)
Four out of five businesses (81%) report no barriers to innovation (up from 71% in 2016), reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the city region

The research, conducted on behalf of the Business Growth Hub, part of the Growth Company, focused on business performance over the last 12 months, and the outlook for the 12 months ahead.

Commenting on the findings, Richard Jeffery, director of business growth, Business Growth Hub, said: “It’s very encouraging that Greater Manchester firms are, on the whole, cautiously optimistic about the future, but it’s also important to address the things that are stopping businesses achieving their full potential. I was interested to see that there’s often a disconnect between the perceived barriers to growth and what companies are doing to overcome them.

“For example, around a third said business finance is the top barrier to growth, yet just 15% sought investment and funding in 2017. And while it is encouraging that 22% of companies would consider seeking finance through a government-backed loan or investment scheme, the type of which the Hub can signpost you to, turning to the bank still remains the first-place businesses think of going to for funding. In contrast very few businesses think that venture capital or angel investment could be an option.

“Across these areas Business Growth Hub and The Growth Company has specialist advisers, mentors and programmes which can help firms overcome these barriers – many of these services are fully funded, meaning there is no cost to the business receiving the support.”

Donna Edwards, Managing Director of Business Support & Business Finance at The Growth Company, said: “This year’s survey is the first completed after the referendum result on Brexit. It is interesting to note the key findings broadly reflect insights and feedback we are getting from a lot of the businesses we work with relating to Brexit. Businesses are becoming more cautious.”

The report was based on the responses of 1,500 companies interviewed in 2017. The sample was designed to reflect the different sizes, types and locations of the 105,000 companies which make up the Greater Manchester economy.

UK city leaders to meet with Michel Barnier in Brussels

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Sam Whitear

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19/02/2018

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UK city leaders to meet with Michel Barnier in Brussels

Distributed on behalf of the core cities

Leaders and Mayors representing the Core Cities UK, the ten UK cities at the heart of the biggest urban areas outside London, are to meet with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier today.

The meeting in Brussels will see Core City politicians discuss how the shared interests of their cities, local communities and businesses can be best met in the lead up to and after Brexit.

Core Cities UK will attend the European Commission Headquarters with the president of the European cities network, EUROCITIES, meaning roughly 200 urban centres will be represented at the meeting.

The Core Cities urban areas are home to 20m people and generate 25% of the UK economy. They are home to more than a quarter of UK businesses, deliver 29% of UK international trade and host 37.5% of UK university students.

They are also the UK’s most significant international centres for trade outside London. It is estimated Core Cities exported over £72 billion in 2016, of which 48% was to the EU, and 52% to non-EU countries.

Cllr Judith Blake, chair of Core Cities UK and Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Negotiating the UK’s exit from the EU is a matter for the UK Government and our meeting with Michel Barnier isn’t to discuss that process.

“Our joint meeting, together with EUROCITIES, is to promote the interests of our local communities, businesses and institutions in future links with other European cities. We already have strong links with these cities which are important for local jobs. We also have a responsibility to make sure the voice of local people is heard.

“Growth from the Core Cities will play a critical role to the success of the UK’s post-Brexit economy. The UK needs to increase its productivity by giving our cities the freedoms they need. If all our cities performed just at the national economic average, it would put an additional £70-£90 billion into the economy every year.

“International evidence suggests that the most productive cities have the most power over spending on local priorities. Our message to the Government is to deliver a domestic reform agenda that allows cities to take back control on issues such as skills and local economic development.”

Cllr Sue Murphy, Manchester City Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “This delegation is not about undermining Brexit. It is about maintaining links and good relations with European partner cities following the UK’s decision to leave the EU. This is vital for future trading – regardless of what the Brexit deal looks like – and we want to ensure we can ensure our relationships remain open and positive, to share ideas and opportunities.”

Through its partnership with EUROCITIES Core Cities will also be urging other European urban areas to highlight to their Governments the importance of a positive relationship between cities.

Core Cities plans to share the outcome of the discussion with ministers and shadow ministers.

Equilibrium supports Bramhall youth centre

CSR

Sam Whitear

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19/02/2018

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Equilibrium supports Bramhall youth centre

The Mill has been awarded a £300 grant after applying to Equilibrium Asset Management’s Cheshire East Community Support Scheme.

The Bramhall-based youth centre relies on donations from individuals and charities to enable it to provide a safe and friendly environment in which young people can meet safely, learn new skills and socialise with their friends.

The Mill was set up in September 2000 for 11 – 18-year-olds as a Millennium Project of Churches Together in Bramhall and Woodford. It offers free weekday drop-in sessions at The Hub, as well as providing music, games, food and drink at its increasingly popular Saturday Night Fever.

Mark Sweeting, Chair of Trustees of the Millennium Youth Bar Trust said: “The grant will go towards the refurbishment or renewal of items of equipment and continue providing this very worthwhile service to the young people of Bramhall.

“The generous donation from Equilibrium will help fund the shortfall and contribute to helping us continue our valuable work. On behalf of The Mill and all its Trustees, may I take this opportunity to thank Equilibrium for their kind contribution.”

Equilibrium Asset Management’s Community Support Scheme awards grants ranging from £100 to £500 to community organisations and charities across the region.

Projects that promote party political activities or religious causes, projects that benefit or involve animals and commercial enterprises are not accepted.

The wealth management company has run the scheme since 2015 and awarded over £11,000 in funds to community groups to date.

Wilmslow-headquartered Equilibrium Asset Management says applications to the first round of this year’s community support scheme can be submitted up until March 25.

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