Business Manchester | Manchester's Leading Business Online Magazine

Deloitte Real Estate announces raft of promotions

Blog

-

23/11/2017

Deloitte Real Estate announces raft of promotions

Deloitte Real Estate’s Northern team has announced a number of promotions across its planning, capital advisory, and valuation teams following a strong year in which the firm has helped deliver multi-million pound projects.

Deloitte’s Manchester planning team has had an exceptional year, and recently announced its delivery of 27 key developments in the city between June 2016 and July 2017 that will deliver a combined 8,388 units. This includes Trinity Island (approved in July 2017) and Owen Street (approved in June 2016) at 67-storeys and 64-storeys respectively.

In recognition of this success, the Manchester office has announced a number of promotions across its real estate teams. Andy Cowan has been promoted to Senior Planner following his work on schemes such as Manchester Life Development Company’s on-going development plans in Ancoats and New Islington. The planning team in Manchester also announced the appointment of Rachel Hopkins, who joins Deloitte Real Estate as a Graduate Planner having completed a Masters in Town and Regional Planning at the University of Sheffield.

In the capital projects advisory team, Chris Lewis has been named Senior Surveyor, and Greg Salisbury has been promoted to Surveyor for their consultancy services as part of the team’s work on a range of transformation projects for both the public and private sector.

In the valuation team, Chris Farnworth has been promoted to Surveyor following his involvement in a variety of projects both nationally and across the North-West.

The Leeds team at Deloitte Real Estate has also announced promotions following a strong year. Pete Gleave has been promoted to Assistant Director after leading on a number of planning applications including the St Albans development by Vita Student, which is set to deliver 376 student apartments in Leeds city centre, and the 14-storey Hampton by Hilton Hotel on Bridge Street.

The planning team has also announced the promotion of Ellen Sanderson-Clark to Senior Planner following her work on key projects throughout Yorkshire and the North West. Ellen also provides planning advice to Land Securities on their ongoing asset management of Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre. Ellen has also worked on the regeneration of Circle Square by Bruntwood and Select Property in Manchester.

Peter Wilkinson, Head of Deloitte Real Estate in the Regions, said: “It has been a brilliant period of activity for Deloitte Real Estate, in which we have helped to deliver some of the most significant schemes in the pipeline across the North.

“Our team’s technical and strategic expertise is unparalleled, and so it is with great pride that we announce these promotions in recognition of our commitment to providing an outstanding service to our clients and the wider region.”

GVA brings to market Prestbury Hotel

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

23/11/2017

0

GVA has been appointed as the sole agents for the sale of The Bridge Hotel in the Cheshire village of Prestbury on behalf of the Joint Administrators of Bridge Hotel (Prestbury) Limited.

The full-service hotel is being offered to the market as a going concern business at a guide asking price of offers in excess of £2.5m.

The hotel is a charming detached period property with an attractive character bar and restaurant, together with a modern rear extension which accommodates the majority of the letting bedrooms and the main function and banqueting facility.

Situated in the popular village of Prestbury, the hotel has 23 en-suite letting bedrooms, a lounge bar, restaurant as well as conference and banqueting facilities for up to 100 guests.

Martin Davis from GVA’s Northern Hotels team said: “This superb hotel is situated in one of the North West’s most desirable and sought after residential locations which provides an ingoing operator with an excellent opportunity to develop trade.”

Joint Administrator Arron Kendall of Moorfields Advisory said: “The Bridge Hotel has been running since 1952 in the heart of Cheshire, but unfortunately fell into financial difficulties earlier this year. The hotel has had a good trading history and would be a good purchase for someone wishing to build on the reputation of the existing hotel.”

Stockport funeral planners Pride Planning are now accepting BitCoin.

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

23/11/2017

0

Stockport funeral planners Pride Planning are now accepting BitCoin.

The move is a first in the funeral industry as Pride Planning looks at ways to innovate for its customers.

BitCoin is a ‘cryptocurrency’ – a form of digital currency that is created and held electronically. Only 21 million will ever be created.

Customers will be offered the option to pay with BitCoin on the payment pagre on the Pride Planning website.

Mike Noblett, CEO at Pride Planning, said: “We are living in a digital age with new digital currencies and ways to pay.

“We want to be innovators in funeral planning and ways to pay – BitCoin is a fast and secure payment method with an ever accelerating value.”

Pride Planning, based in Stockport town centre, recently announced a turnover of £2.6m in their second year and are on track for £6-7m for 2017/18.

It offers a variety of pre-planned funeral packages and payment plans.

Co-owner Adam Deering added: “Planning a funeral can be a particularly difficult time – we aim to take away the stress by assisting every step of the way.

“Pride Planning has a variety of prepaid funeral plans available which vary in price based on requirements and budget.”

Customers also benefit from the Pride Discount Club and can get money-off offers from a number of retailers including Apple, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer.

Sale Sharks Community Trust coach honoured to pick up prestigious national award

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

23/11/2017

0

Sale Sharks Community Trust coach honoured to pick up prestigious national award

A Sale Sharks community coach has won a prestigious national award after going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ to help disadvantaged young people get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment.

Aaron Phelps Naqvi, who has worked with the award-winning Sale Sharks Community Trust since 2015, picked up the HITZ Champion title at the national HITZ Awards on Tuesday in London.

The HITZ Champion award, which is supported by Comic Relief, recognises an individual who has helped a participant overcome their personal barriers.

Aaron, originally from London, was shortlisted along with nominees from Bath Rugby and Worcester Warriors after he helped 46 learners from the HITZ Salford programme complete qualifications and a work placement in the last 12 months.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be given this award,” said Aaron. “It recognises the fantastic work that the whole Trust does right across the North West.

“We’re lucky to work with some truly inspiring young people and it’s really rewarding to see them go on to achieve what we know they are capable of.”

Delivered across Greater Manchester the Sale Sharks Community Trust in partnership with Premiership Rugby, HITZ uses rugby to increase young peoples’ resilience, self-reliance and confidence.

The programme, which has been running for 6 years, is focused on giving participants the skills they need to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment.

Jonny Acheson, Executive Director at the Sale Sharks Community Trust, said: “This award is fantastic recognition for Aaron and the work that he has been doing since 2015.

“He consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for our learners and the proof is in the amazing results that he – and they – have been able to achieve.”

Speaking ahead of the glittering ceremony, held at London’s BT Centre, one of the judges, Lisa Bedding, Sport for Change Grants Manager at Comic Relief, said: “Aaron has clearly gone above and beyond the remit of his job requirements.

“The results he’s achieved for the participants is really impressive, and credit to the hard work he’s put in.”

HITZ learner Odin Quinn, from Rochdale, was also shortlisted for the HITZ Young Ambassador award, the prize awarded to an individual who has grown and changed for the better, and whose positive attitude has made an impact on those involved in and the programme.

Odin was 20 years old when he joined the HITZ programme at Sale Sharks in September 2016 with learning difficulties and a severe lack of confidence.

He was rejected by a local college and felt as though he had no viable options. But since joining the HITZ programme he has gone on to complete a work placement at Moorgate Catering and gained both confidence and new skills.

“Odin is a fantastic example of how, with a little of the right support, young people can turn their lives around,” Jonny added. “We’re really proud of both Odin and Aaron.”

Chill Factor Celebrates 10 years

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

23/11/2017

0

Leading leisure attraction, Chill Factor^e, is this month celebrating its 10^th anniversary with a spectacular ski down on its real snow slope, led by the nation’s favourite ski jump personality, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards.

The longest real snow slope in the UK at 180m, Chill Factor^e has welcomed over 14 million visitors since opening in November 2007 and is home to the only Christmas Grotto on real snow in the country, which sees in excess of 20,000 visitors each year.

Since the destination opened in 2007, the piste basher which grooms the slopes at Chill Factor^e has travelled 4,071 miles – the distance from Manchester to the North Pole! In the last ten years, Chill Factor^e has taught over half a million lessons, sold 1.5 million lift passes and employed over 3,000 people. During that time, 36,400 tonnes of snow has fallen on the real snow slope at Chill Factor^e, an average of 10 tonnes every night!

Over the past decade, Chill Factor^e has welcomed an array of well-known faces, from snow sports stars and Team GB athletes to musicians and soap stars. Amongst those who have graced the slope at Chill Factor^e are Justin Bieber, Colleen Rooney, Ryan Giggs, the Hairy Bikers, Eddie The Eagle, Aimee Fuller, Dave Ryding, Ben Kilner, Katie Ormerod, James Woods and Katie Summerhayes.

But the real heroes; long standing employees who have worked for Chill Factor^e since day one and loyal guests who visited Chill Factor^eon it’s opening day, will join Eddie The Eagle to lead a spectacular ski down on 16^th November. It will comprise of the snow crew, sponsored athletes and instructors from Chill Factor^e, followed by a birthday celebration.

Over the years, Chill Factor^ehas achieved World Record breaking status, including achieving the longest chain of skiers in 2011, the greatest number of people to perform the same trick at a single venue in 2013 and the Greatest Distance Snowboarded Indoor in 24 hours by Richard Millington in 2014, who boarded a total of 46,200 metres – equivalent to skiing down the full height of Mount Everest over five times!

Chill Factor^e’s 10^th year marks the greatest milestone for the destination to date, investing a significant £600,000 in the complete renovation of the Changing Village facilities, installing 900 tonnes of fresh snow on the 180m real snow slope at and offering a completely free calendar of events throughout the summer and half term.

Morwenna Angove, Chief Executive at Chill Factor^e, explains; “As we celebrate our 10^th anniversary, we’d like to thank the wonderful employees and long-standing guests who have enjoyed the journey with us.

“We’re proud to have taught millions of people to ski and snowboard over the last ten years, helping develop the nation’s love of snow sports and making the sport fun and accessible to both beginners and experienced athletes. During our 10-year heritage, we’ve been passionate about nurturing the talent of aspiring young athletes, some of whom have gone on to represent the country.

“It’s our vision to be the leading visitor attraction in the north and we’ve already come a long way in achieving that. We enter our 10^th year following a significant half a million-pound investment and are committed to continuing to deliver a fun filled, memorable day out for families across the UK.”

Amongst the most notable occasions in Chill Factor^e’s heritage was the launch of a Pets’ Grotto which saw visitors bringing their furry companions to meet Santa, the introduction of dog snowboarding lessons and two world’s firsts, a snow zorbing experience and indoor summit challenge corporate offering.

As well as world records and firsts, Chill Factor^e has been involved in the Sportivate programme with Sport England in which it delivered ski and snowboard lessons to 920 children over four years. It also hosted the inter-school games in Manchester, encouraging schools from across the region to compete against each other in snowsports and partnered with the Department of Education programme, Commando Joe’s, to help children realise their full potential.

Chill Factor^e has played host to important snowsports events including the British Indoor SlopeStyle Championship, the first ever FIS European indoor Mogul Championship and British Mogul Championship, the Anglo Welsh British Indoor, the GBR One and Two, as well as the English Ski and Boarder Cross Championship. The leisure destination has also hosted most of the GB Alpine Series, a number of Snowsports England events and held around 18 seeded competitions in the UK every year.

Chill Factore is the North of England Headquarters for Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK), a nationwide charity providing adaptive skiing for individuals with any disability. DSUK have delivered over 8,000 hours of lessons to disabled clients at Chill Factore over the last 10 years.

Earl bird catches the Black Friday bargain in Manchester

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

22/11/2017

0

Earl bird catches the Black Friday bargain in Manchester

New research from leading British retailer, Debenhams, reveals the amount of preparation and planning Manchester shoppers put into making sure they get the item they want on Black Friday.

The survey, which saw 2,000 shoppers across the UK questioned on their plans, found that over a third (31%) of shoppers plan to book the day off work or have already got the day off in order to tackle the Black Friday sales. Nearly half (44%) of men have, or are planning to, book the day off work compared to just a quarter (24%) of women.

When it comes to planning for the ‘big weekend’, one in ten (11%) admitted they started thinking about what they wanted to buy 4-7 days before.

Women are more likely to create a plan of action for the sales – 8% of the women spoken to in the study said that they started to pull together a wish list one to three months before the sales. Men on the other hand prefer to wait until closer to the time – a fifth (21%) left it 1-5 days before, while 4% made a snap decision on the morning.

Around the country, Londoners plan the furthest ahead – they start thinking about what they want up to three months in advance (3%).

It seems that the early bird really does catch the worm when it comes to Black Friday – a quarter (22%) of those interviewed are planning to wake up early to face the sales, setting their alarm for 6.31am.

The majority of shoppers in the region (11%) have given themselves a budget of £101-151 during the Black Friday sales. Across the country, Southampton shoppers have the biggest pot (£351-£400) followed by those in Leeds (£251-£300). More than a tenth (13%) are spending more than last year, while 74% have budgeted the same amount. Men are more likely to have increased their funds (15%) while women have reduced theirs (13%).

The main beneficiaries of the bargains are the people buying them (61%), followed by partners (33%) and children (31%). Men are most likely to shop for themselves (53%) compared to women (50%).

Richard Cristofoli, Managing Director of Beauty and Marketing at Debenhams, said: “Since arriving in the UK four years ago, Black Friday has become a formidable fixture in the country’s shopping calendar. Last year the event was the biggest day of trade in Debenhams’ 239 year history.

Our customers tell us that they love the glamour and excitement that Debenhams offers through including great deals on top beauty brands, exclusive Designer fashions as well as branded electricals and toys in the event.”

Manchester Metropolitan University and Asda launch new retail-focused degree apprenticeship

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

22/11/2017

0

Manchester Metropolitan University and Asda launch new retail-focused degree apprenticeship

Manchester Metropolitan University and Asda have launched a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Retail.

Asda have been a long-term supporter of apprenticeships, with programmes to help young people take the first steps in their careers. Now they are offering colleagues the chance to study for a degree apprenticeship, a bespoke programme designed to build the skills and knowledge for a successful retail management career in Asda.

Participants in the four-year degree apprenticeship programme have the opportunity to complete a full honours degree alongside their role with the retailer.

Commenting on the programme, Alison Lockwood, Apprenticeship Adviser at Asda said: “We are very passionate about apprenticeships and giving our colleagues an opportunity to develop. We have a great relationship with Manchester Met, who have been invaluable in helping us to establish this new programme.”

The new programme is the result of an intensive period of consultation between Asda and University academics and apprenticeship experts. The curriculum covers core areas of management theory such as managing and leading people, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, and operations. Successful apprentices will also have the opportunity to achieve Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, the gold standard for the profession.

Andrew Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Retail Operations said: “We have a long history of collaboration with Industry partners, so we are delighted to be working with Asda on this tailored retail management degree apprenticeship. We’ve had a great first week and are looking forward to working with this group of motivated and ambitious Asda colleagues.”

Manchester Metropolitan University is the UK’s leading provider of management degree apprenticeships, and is part of an elite group of AACSB-accredited global business schools.

According to latest Department for Education statistics from July 2017, 1 in 7 of all Degree Apprentices in the UK study with Manchester Met. More than 600 degree apprentices are enrolled on the university’s Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeships and other programmes, such as the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship and the Laboratory Scientist programme. The university is also playing an important role in the development of new apprenticeship programmes, including a new MBA Degree Apprenticeship, which is set to launch in 2018.

Manchester’s Arro Money Opens Doors on Series A Funding

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

22/11/2017

0

Manchester’s Arro Money Opens Doors on Series A Funding

Manchester-based Arro Money, a fast-growing provider of personal and business accounts, has opened a Series A Financing round to global investors.

Arro Money is the latest member of the North of England’s booming technology sector to seek additional financing to grow via expanded services and marketing efforts. Reports show technology investment in the region reached a total of £208 million in the third quarter of 2017 – more than four times the value of the year before.

Aiming to reach its £1 million target by the end of December 2017, the account provider will use the investment to further develop the Arro Money product, which uniquely targets new to country individuals and entrepreneurs.

Arro Money offers straightforward money management for both personal and business accounts. The proprietary technology improves the way consumers and businesses access financial products by eliminating excessive credit checks and reducing the lengthy set-up times that are all too common at traditional banking institutions, helping to improve accessibility and financial inclusion.

The Oxford Road locals are already operating with an active user base that is growing month-on-month, as the organisation continues to exceed its customer acquisition targets. To date, Arro Money has been totally self-funding and is 100 per cent debt free.

Arro Money is in stark contrast to other businesses in this rapidly expanding sector, many of which have rushed to market and burned through vast levels of early-stage funding. Arro Money, on the other hand, has worked to create a sustainable, considered product with a long-term vision – supported by a mix of proprietary technology and key partnerships with industry stalwarts.

Speaking about the Series A Financing, Muhammad Asim, Director and industry expert at Arro Money, explained: “The technology scene in the North is growing rapidly, with investments increasing by nearly 50 per cent between Q2 and Q3, so it’s an exciting time to launch our Series A Financing. We’re proud to do our bit to make Manchester a major hub of technological innovation.

“With this round of funding, we’re hoping to be able to invest further in our products so we can bring them to an even wider audience, and ensure we are playing our role to eliminate the issue of financial exclusion once and for all.”

The current Series A Financing is the first round of funding that Arro Money is scheduled to open over the next 12 months. In total, the business is aiming to generate £10 million of investment by the end of 2018.

Kidscan names VST Enterprises’ founder as one of its new charity ambassadors and member of the Fundraising Board

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

22/11/2017

0

Kidscan names VST Enterprises’ founder as one of its new charity ambassadors and member of the Fundraising Board

Children’s cancer research charity, Kidscan, is launching its Fundraising Board with the appointment of Louis-James Davis, entrepreneur and CEO of cybersecurity firm, VST Enterprises, who will also become one of Kidscan’s new Ambassadors.

Louis-James will join the new Fundraising Board of the charity, joining other leading entrepreneurs and business professionals, developing fundraising initiatives and also helping to develop acceptance of cashless donations. He will take an active role in Kidscan charity events and fund-raising initiatives, helping raise Kidscan’s public profile and reach.The appointment comes as charities and fundraisers are faced with many diverse challenges, such as maintaining and growing donations, along with their supporter base. At a time when declining use of cash is changing the way the sector raises funds and interacts with supporters, charities must embrace new and innovative technology to continue to raise vital funds. A recent national study found 40% of adults who regularly donate money to charity collectors say they are giving £14 less each than they did last year, as they are carrying less cash in their pockets.

Kidscan invited Louis-James Davis to join its Fundraising Board following his work with the Institute of Fundraising, as well as for the pioneering work his company is developing on new ways to engage with donors through its VCode® technology.

VST Enterprises’ technology for charities, VDonate®, enables quick, easy, secure donations that are convenient for a growing proportion of the public who no longer carry cash. These donations are made possible via a secure, scannable code, which takes users through to a range of donation options and charity information, and provides donors with notifications on how the money is being spent, along with any new initiatives in the future.

Martin Keelagher, Chair of Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research, comments: “After knowing Louis-James for several years, we welcome him to the newly formed Fundraising Board and as an ambassador for the charity, bringing his unique experience and expertise in cashless donations and business development to the Board. Louis-James’ enthusiasm and passion for the research which we support through Kidscan, will also be vital in helping us raise our profile on a national and international stage, so we can continue to fund ground-breaking research, which has the potential to benefit children across the globe suffering from cancer.”

Speaking about his appointment to the Kidscan Fundraising Board and appointment as ambassador, Louis-James commented: “As a father, and knowing friends who have suffered from cancer, it is hugely important to me personally to help in the fight against a truly awful illness.

“Kidscan is an amazing charity that has huge potential to make a vast impact on the lives of children suffering with cancer across globe. The charity receives no statutory funding, relying entirely on the generous contributions of voluntary fundraisers, so I’m particularly happy to bring our technology and my expertise to Kidscan to help it meet the modern fundraising challenges of an increasingly cashless society. I’m also pleased to be in a position to financially support Kidscan and believe that the business community should use their resources to support charities such as Kidscan wherever possible.”

Founded in 2002, Kidscan is dedicated to funding research into new and improved treatments for children with cancer. 1 in 500 children in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer before they are 14 years old, but through ground-breaking research, Kidscan strives to give every child with cancer the treatment they need to not only survive, but thrive.

£67,000 raised at Annual Brainwave Ball hosted by Lord and Lady Fellowes

Blog

Sam Whitear

-

22/11/2017

0

£67,000 raised at Annual Brainwave Ball hosted by Lord and Lady Fellowes

Downton Abbey creator, Lord Fellowes, along with his wife, Lady Fellowes, welcomed hundreds of guests to this year’s “glamorous” themed Brainwave Oscars Ball held once again at the Mere Golf and Spa Hotel in Knutsford. An amazing evening of dinner and dancing has meant that this year’s event has raised £67,000.

Lord and Lady Fellowes are both Patrons of Brainwave which supports children with disabilities and additional needs in the North West and across the UK.

The Auction and raffle items from the Oscars themed night helped to achieve a grand total of £67,000 which will go directly to enable the specialist team at Brainwave to deliver life changing therapy to children with additional needs and disabilities.

North West Community Manager, Joanne Freeman said “We are thrilled to have raised a record amount of money at this year’s ball and we are overwhelmed at the support we have received. A fantastic night was had by all who attended and great efforts were made to fully embrace the Oscars theme.”

Brainwave’s Chief Executive, Phil Edge said “I cannot thank everyone enough who was involved in making this year’s ball such a huge success and my special thanks go to our Patrons, Lord and Lady Fellowes. Our support services work tirelessly to help children with achieving greater independence and enable them to reach their individual potential. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support we have received and look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s ball.”

The event took place at Mere Golf and Spa hotel was sponsored by LCM Wealth Management with support from Birchwood Shopping Centre and Hale & Didsbury Salutions Publishing.

About us

Company

Must Read

Subscribe to our newsletter