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No1 Spinningfields leads the way in recycling innovation

Blog

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12/02/2018

No1 Spinningfields leads the way in recycling innovation

Working with ALL+ Management, Carbon Neutral B&M Waste Services have commenced a highly innovative and bespoke waste management strategy at the prestigious, newly built No1 Spinningfields site in Manchester City Centre.

A dedicated recycling area was built into the initial building design with the objective of encouraging the highest level of recycling possible throughout the multi-tenanted and multi-use site.

A marketing package incorporating the No1 Spinningfields branding was compiled to ensure the sleek design continues throughout the building and into the recycling area. Occupier handouts and signage were all incorporated to ensure segregation, increased recycling and diversion from landfill.

To allow ALL+ Management the ability to understand the multi-waste streams of each occupier, and achieve the target KPIs for recycling and sustainability of the building, B&M’s Independent Waste Monitor has been installed as an innovative approach to monitoring waste produced by each occupier on-site.

This bespoke equipment allows each occupier’s cleaning operative to follow the process clearly shown on the computer screen to record each waste stream and weight of such, utilising the weighing scales. It also provides the opportunity to confirm any waste contamination, which can then be addressed in service improvement and occupier meetings. A data download in Excel format is available for the Building Manager to save on a central computer for analysis against KPIs.

Jonty Hughes, Property Manager, said “Working with B&M Waste has been easy as they’ve helped us develop the correct approach from the start. Their attention to detail, fully comprehensive training programme for the cleaning staff and waste operatives, and branded up signage has made a significant impact in rolling this out.”

Wendy Mitchell, National Sales Manager, said “Building a solution into the initial building designs means everything has been thought of and accommodated for, and I can’t praise ALL + enough for being so forward thinking in developing an in-house, recycling-focused waste strategy that ensures the site is prepared for any future legislation – all whilst using the very latest technology available from B&M Waste Services.”

Bromleys raises over £1,350 for the Anthony Seddon Fund

CSR

Sam Whitear

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09/02/2018

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Bromleys raises over £1,350 for the Anthony Seddon Fund

A Tameside charity which supports people with mental health problems has received a cash boost from Bromleys Solicitors.

Staff at the Ashton-under-Lyne law firm chose The Anthony Seddon Fund as its charity of the year for 2017 and raised more than £1,350 to support its activities and projects.

Anthony, who lived in Ashton, took his own life in 2013 at the age of 30 after a 12-year battle with bipolar disorder.

His family set up the charity in his memory to raise money to improve the quality of life of people with mental illness and their relatives, friends and carers.

It also campaigns to increase awareness about the issue, in particular among young people.

Bromleys staff raised a total of £1,353.18 for the charity during 2017 through a variety of activities.

Partner Paul Westwell said: “The Anthony Seddon Fund provides invaluable assistance to people suffering from various forms of mental health issues and we are delighted to have supported this excellent charity.

“It’s right on our doorstep and, although our 12-month commitment has come to an end, we have forged a close friendship and will continue to support them where we can and remain involved with them.”

Anthony’s mum Donna said: “Small charities like ours are in desperate need of core funding and our thanks go to Bromleys for their amazing fundraising efforts.

“We’ve had such fun working with the team and everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.”

Staff at Bromleys have voted Francis House Children’s Hospice as the firm’s charity of the year for 2018.

Francis House supports more than 460 children and young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families from across Greater Manchester.

Emma Rapley of Francis House said: “We are most grateful to Bromleys for making this commitment to our charity and we look forward to working with the team throughout the year.

“We get very little government funding, so we rely on the support of the local community and organisations to ensure that we can continue to provide a free service to the families who need us most.”

Mason Advisory shortlisted in five categories at Management Consultancy Association Awards

Awards

Sam Whitear

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09/02/2018

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Mason Advisory shortlisted in five categories at Management Consultancy Association Awards

MediaCityUK-based Mason Advisory, independent IT consultancy, has been announced as a finalist in five categories at the prestigious Management Consultancy Association (MCA) Awards 2018.

The consultancy has been nominated in the Performance Improvement in the Private Sector (with Rathbone Investment Management) and Best New Consultancy categories, with individual nominations for Performance Improvement Consultant (for Arun Sharma and Jon De’Ath), and Young Consultant of the Year (for Bharat Choragudi).

Steve Watmough, Mason Advisory CEO, says: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in so many categories. This landmark is testament to the outstanding work we have delivered and the high calibre of consultants in our team, who are really driving our business forward and producing quality results and solutions for our clients.

“We know we face tough competition on the night, but for us it’s a real honour to be shortlisted alongside such major industry players. We’ve got exciting growth plans for 2018 and beyond, so this really puts us on the consultancy sector map, as we continue to deliver innovative and transformational IT projects across the UK and abroad.”

The main event in the consultancy industry’s calendar, the MCA Awards are the benchmark for quality within the sector and attract the very best submissions while bringing together key professionals to showcase, celebrate and reward high quality results.

The winners will be decided by an independent panel of judges and announced at the awards ceremony on 26^th April at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, London. In addition, the winning projects, consultancies and individuals will feature in a special awards supplement in The Times in May 2018.

Mason Advisory has offices at MediaCity and in London, and employs over 30 staff, with plans to continue its expansion during 2018. It provides IT consultancy services to match technology know-how with commercial and business sense. Clients include organisations in the financial services, life sciences, retail and FMCG, energy, government, emergency service, and not-for-profit sectors

National roll-out for Broderick’s pioneering vending loyalty app – a UK ‘first’

Blog

Sam Whitear

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08/02/2018

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Broderick’s pioneering new vending loyalty app Pay 4 Vend – a UK first for the sector – is now available to customers throughout the UK following a hugely successful pilot programme.

Created in association with graduates from Manchester Metropolitan University and Italian tech giants COGES, Broderick’s Pay 4 Vend has emerged as a strong customer engagement device, a hassle-free payment tool and a popular loyalty builder. Its big prize promotions have also proved a great incentive for repeat custom at pilot scheme sites.

Broderick’s are already receiving enquiries from facilities teams and company management eager to reap its many rewards, including the convenience and entertainment value that the new loyalty app presents to customers and the business benefits afforded to host companies & snack manufacturers.

As Broderick’s MD John Broderick highlighted, Pay 4 Vend is an asset for everyone involved and is key to the future of vending. “We’ve launched the app as we spotted a real opportunity to leverage the loyalty schemes seen on the high street, with our vending customers. Our latest ‘first’ from Broderick’s raises the bar by delivering a completely fresh and convenient consumer experience in vending services. Payment has never been easier, customers can simply upload credit to the app using a cash card at a convenient time and be ready to pay the hassle-free way when they’re on the move and want to refuel at a vending machine. With 52% of people heading out of the house with no coins in their purse or pocket, this has to be the future of vending.

“However, Pay 4 Vend is far more than just a handy, integrated vending payment system, it’s informative, enjoyable and engaging and a platform for big draw competitions, rewards, discounts, news and promotions from household names and emerging brands. So far, our app pilot scheme has offered an opportunity to win spectacular prizes through the company’s vending services, including the trip of a lifetime to New York and tickets to must-see music events and experience days. Following the national roll-out we now have a full programme of showcase prizes and promotions scheduled throughout the year!”

With more than 10,000 plays of the Pay 4 Vend app video already registered since the pilot launch, consumers clearly love what they see, and these engagement figures are proving that people are keen to join in the fun, get refreshed whilst on the move and be in with a chance to win big prizes and experiences of a lifetime.

Broderick’s Pay 4 Vend is already realising its potential as a go-to resource: it gives back which means loyalty to Broderick’s and ultimately a higher spend as repeat purchases are handsomely rewarded.’’

North West companies shape Manchester Metropolitan’s Business Management Degree

Blog

Sam Whitear

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08/02/2018

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North West companies shape Manchester Metropolitan’s Business Management Degree

Businesses in the North West came together with Manchester Metropolitan’s Business School to inform the development of one of the university’s most popular courses.

Representatives from companies including IBM, Kelloggs, ECOM Recruitment, Hays, Jacobs and BASF shared their views on how the BA (Hons) Business Management degree can help prepare students for a graduate career in business.

The meeting is part of Manchester Metropolitan’s Employer Advisory Group, which sees the university’s Business School working closely with employers to shape its degree programmes while offering placement and employment opportunities for students.

Joshua Steer, Business Consultant at IBM, said: “It’s great that Manchester Metropolitan are actively listening to employers’ observations and shaping their Business Management course around the feedback we provide.

“This will ensure that their graduates are best prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to gain employment within a highly competitive graduate market.”

Former GCHQ Director and renowned mathematician to headline IP EXPO Manchester

Sam Whitear

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08/02/2018

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Former GCHQ Director and renowned mathematician to headline IP EXPO Manchester

IP EXPO, Europe’s number one enterprise IT event series, today announced that Robert Hannigan, former GCHQ Director and the man credited with drawing up the UK’s first Cyber Security Strategy, as this year’s opening keynote speaker. Speaking on day one, Hannigan will be followed by one of the UK’s best known mathematicians Dr Hannah Fry on day 2.

Hannigan, who spent several years as Director of GCHQ, is credited with the development of the UK’s first Cyber Security Strategy and setting up the National Cyber Security Centre. During IP EXPO Manchester, happening 25-26 April 2018, he will be bringing his wealth of experience and insider knowledge of national cyber security to help businesses shape up.

Whilst Hannigan focuses on cyber risk, Dr Hannah Fry will be delving into data and analytics. Fry – who’s probably best known for her work on a range of BBC documentaries and her long running BBC Radio 4 podcast, The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry – will be showcasing her mathematical expertise to illustrate patterns in human behaviour across a wide range of social problems and questions, from shopping and transport to urban crime, riots and terrorism.

“From the smallest start-ups to government departments and the world’s biggest businesses, cyber security is high on the agenda for all organisations right now and has been noted time and again as one of the biggest societal risks for 2018” comments Bradley Maule-ffinch, EMEA Portfolio Director at IP EXPO Event Series. “At the same time technology is moving our world forward at an incredible rate. By focusing on not only the technological measures of cyber security but also human behaviours, our two keynote speakers will provide a far more holistic understanding of modern business risks.”

Maule-ffinch continues: “Across the IP EXPO event series we want to provide attendees with access to world class experts, individuals who are shaping our view and understanding of technology as we know it. We’re delighted to welcome both Robert Hannigan and Dr Hannah Fry to IP EXPO Manchester to share their incredible experience and knowledge in their respective fields with this year’s attendees.”

Along with Hannigan and Fry, IP EXPO Manchester will play host of over 100 inspiring and educational speakers from across the technology spectrum. Attendees will also have access to over 100 exhibitors as part of the free to attend event at Manchester Central.

Manchester businesses urged to compete in BT and Cabinet Office search for small companies with big tech ideas

Blog

Sam Whitear

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07/02/2018

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Manchester businesses urged to compete in BT and Cabinet Office search for small companies with big tech ideas

BT has launched a competition for small and medium businesses in partnership with the Cabinet Office and TechHub to find the latest innovations to boost digital public services, defence and retail.

The partners are on the hunt for local businesses with expertise in machine learning, robotics and artificial intelligence. Focusing on the theme of ‘Augmented Intelligence,’ they want to see ideas that harness both the data processing powers of technology and the expertise of human manpower.

The UK-wide initiative is the latest in a series of BT Infinity Lab competitions, with a £30,000 prize pot up for grabs for three winners. In addition to receiving £10,000, each of the winners will have six months to develop their idea with the support of industry experts and tech gurus from BT. They will also receive membership to TechHub’s global entrepreneur community, workspace and support programme.

To enter, Manchester businesses will need to submit a three minute video explaining why their solution could be the next big tech innovation to help transform public services, retail or defence. Entries close on 12 March 2018. The winners will be announced after a judging event at the iconic BT Tower on the 24 April 2018.

To find out more, visit: www.btplc.com/btinfinitylab/augmentedintelligence or join in the conversation on Twitter: #BTInfinityAwards

Simon Yellowley, regional director of BT’s public sector business in the North of England, said: “It would be great to see an ambitious local business benefit from the incubation on offer for the winners. The BT Infinity Lab competition is an incredible opportunity for Manchester businesses working at the cutting edge of digital innovation to take their big idea to the next level.”

The three categories in this year’s competition focus on the areas of defence, public services and retail. The judges are keen to see innovations that could help provide more insight to the military when planning an operation, humanitarian mission or disaster relief. They would also like to see how robotics could be used to make a retail experience more personalised, or improve a customers’ experience when they contact a public service.

This year’s judges include Simon Bourne, Co-Op chief information officer; General Sir Chris Deverell, Commander, Joint Forces Command Ministry of Defence; Alison Pritchard, chief operating officer for the Government Digital Service; and Elizabeth Varley, founder and chief executive of TechHub, as well as a range of executive public sector, retail and innovation experts from BT.

Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, said: “We want the UK to be the best place to grow a digital business and this partnership will give our dynamic, up-and-coming innovators the opportunity to develop the technology of tomorrow.
“I look forward to seeing these ideas become reality and help improve our public services so everyone can benefit from the technological revolution as we build a Britain fit for the future.”

Colm O’Neill, managing director of BT business and public sector, said: “Last year, our research found that AI (artificial intelligence) had divided the opinions of IT decision makers over whether it would replace or create jobs.

“With that in mind, we launched this year’s Infinity Labs competition with the theme ‘Augmented Intelligence,’ as we believe that there’s still work to do to demonstrate that automated technologies and business processes can play to the strengths of both people and machines.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the entrants to this year’s Infinity Labs competition and to working together on the innovations that we could see transform defence, public sector services and retail businesses in years to come.”

Search for the UK’s Top 100 Businesses Now Open

Awards

Sam Whitear

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07/02/2018

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Search for the UK’s Top 100 Businesses Now Open

Startups 100 Open for Entries

Apply here

Running for its ninth year, the Startups 100 index celebrates privately-owned UK businesses launched on or after 1 January 2015 which demonstrate impressive growth, scalability, innovation and positive economic impact.

Compiled by independent online business resource Startups.co.uk, the index is industry-renowned for uncovering the most innovative and exciting small businesses launched in the UK that often go on to become household brands with Notonthehighstreet.com, Purplebricks and Deliveroo among its alumni.

Businesses ranked in the index have been known to attract new customers and clients, PR coverage, and major investment off the back of their listing.

To be eligible for the Startups 100 2018, businesses must be UK-based, privately owned and must have launched on, or after, January 1 2015.

To enter your business for the Startups 100 2018 click here . The Startups 100 2018 index will be announced on May 21 2018.

Megan Dunsby, projects editor of Startups.co.uk, commented: “Every year we bring together the UK’s most game-changing new businesses and showcase them in
the Startups 100 index; the official ranking of the country’s start-up success stories.
“The Startups 100 reflects the country’s thriving start-up community and we’re calling on businesses from across the country to submit their entry to be in with a chance of gaining unbeatable exposure.

“Last year, we shortlisted start-ups creating everything from sex toys to pot noodles to recruitment consultancies. So, what are you waiting for? Enter the Startups 100 2018 today!”

Apply here

VST Enterprises appoints new Managing Director at Manchester HQ

Blog

Sam Whitear

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07/02/2018

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VST Enterprises appoints new Managing Director at Manchester HQ

Consumer technology and security company, VST Enterprises, has appointed expert sales and channel director, Paul Greaves as its new Managing Director.

Paul boasts a remarkable 25+ years’ experience scaling businesses, including developing and selling his company, Intercell, to United Utilities which went above and beyond projected revenue figures, now at £100bn and rising. Paul brings his expertise to VST Enterprises after being bowled over by the sheer size of the potential for the company.

VST Enterprises’ technology VCode represents the next generation of code scanning technology – an evolutionary step forward from traditional barcodes and QR Codes. VCode is being adopted to combat the supply of counterfeit goods in Hong Kong and China, eliminate the circulation of conflict minerals and currency counterfeiting in Africa, provide a virtual wallet for secure payments across mainland Europe from Armenia, as well as working with the Indian government to eliminate fraud from the benefits system.

Paul will lead the direction and strategy of the company through advances in technologies and strategic partners. To enable the business to live up to its mammoth potential, he will play a vital role in securing future business growth.

Paul joins VST Enterprises alongside his role as CEO of global cloud-based video platform, ZiMovi and will drive the growth of both businesses on a global scale. The two companies currently collaborate on VStreams, which uses VST Enterprises’ scannable technology, VCode®, to allow users to securely access personalised information, no matter where they are, via a smart device. With VStreams, a customer can effortlessly scan the VCode, either as a call to action or by scanning a watermark embedded within the video, taking the user to external content.

Speaking about his new position at VST Enterprises, Paul explained: “A lot of people talk about global opportunities for businesses, but in my 30 years scaling and managing businesses, I’ve never seen anything quite like this. The potential for VST Enterprises is phenomenal.

“I first came to VST Enterprises as a JV Partner and I was thrilled at the potential. In my new role, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with multiple big-name partners and see an even more impressive company than I could have imagined. I’m happy to see that other partners are equally as excited as I am.”

Louis-James Davis, CEO of VST Enterprises, added: “Paul’s experience in this industry is unparalleled. We’re delighted to have him onboard, and his knowledge will prove invaluable to the company as we develop and grow our global footprint. The future is bright for VST Enterprises, and we’re excited that Paul will be an important part of rapid global growth.”

Buffalo 7 starts the year with three new promotions Business Manchester

Blog

Sam Whitear

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07/02/2018

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Buffalo 7 starts the year with three new promotions Business Manchester

Over the past year, due to the agency’s rapid growth, Richard Barnes, Buffalo 7’s Creative Director had to step away from the creative process and take on the position of Managing Director.

It came more than natural for Michelle Sussams, former Head of Creative to be promoted on Monday 15th January to Creative Director.

Michelle joined Buffalo 7 at the beginning of 2016 as a Senior Designer after acquiring twelve years of experience in art directing, graphic design, conceptual, digital, and print work. By the end of 2016, she was made Head of Creative and just over a year later has now assumed the position of Creative Director.

Michelle said: “Becoming Creative Director is an ambition realised. I’ve always been quietly ambitious but I’ve just focused on getting my head down and doing good work. Thankfully the opportunities have followed. As Creative Director, I’ll work on the front line of all our design work, supporting and guiding the studio throughout the entire creative process. It’s up to me to lead the creatives, making sure we’re inspired and striving to the push boundaries of PowerPoint.”

According to The Movement, just 11% of Creative Directors are women and as such, Buffalo 7 are proud to be contributing to shifting this figure in the right direction.

With Michelle taking this new role, it left Buffalo 7 needing another Senior Designer.

After graduating from Shillington design school, Hannah Tyson joined the presentation design specialists in 2014 as their third employee. As well as working tirelessly on behalf of Buffalo 7 clients, Hannah also takes care of all the internal branding. Hannah has now assumed the position of Senior Designer.

A third promotion of the day came from Buffalo 7 Project Management team. More client work lead into doubling the number of Project Managers. It’s become necessary to appoint a head of this department.

It’s pivotal for the agency’s future success that the head of department can manage the team now and as they continue to grow in numbers. After two years with Buffalo 7, Felicity Chivers, became Senior Project Manager.

“My favourite part of my job is the rapport I have and the relationships I have built with our clients. A huge proportion of the work we do is repeat business, and developing these client relationships further is something the project management team will focus on even more now and in the future. I strive to ensure all our projects are delivered on time and budget, and that every client feels a great deal of trust between themselves and their dedicated project manager. I’m looking forward to improving that process in the coming months. ” said Felicity.

Speaking about the three promotions, CEO Lyndon Nicholson commented: “It’s fantastic to be able to fill roles that are so pivotal to our future success from within the existing ranks. All three of the newly promoted individuals have shown exceptional ability, dedication and commitment to what we’re trying to build at Buffalo 7. Furthermore, the fact that the creative, development and project management teams are now all female-led demonstrates that we’re a business free of bias on any grounds other than raw talent.”

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