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Manchester MPS business M2 opens doors to new 10,959 sq ft HQ at Trafford Park

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21/11/2017

Manchester MPS business M2 opens doors to new 10,959 sq ft HQ at Trafford Park

M2, Europe’s leading independent Managed Print Services (MPS) business, has officially opened the doors to its new, state-of-the-art 10,959 sq ft headquarters at Trafford Park.

The Manchester born national MPS specialist announced a new 10-year lease at Brightgate House in August following three years of record organic growth since its acquisition in 2014 by SCC, Europe’s largest independent IT services company.

On Tuesday (21 November), M2 played host to current and future customers, MPS analysts, suppliers and colleagues. The event involved a Technology Showcase with HP, Ricoh, Canon and Nuance demoing the latest technology and workflow solutions, and M2 showcasing their innovative new Digital Transformation and Print Security Services. The new HQ was then formally opened by Sir Peter Rigby, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rigby Group PLC, the parent company of SCC.

M2 has been headquartered in Manchester for more than 20 years and finding a new base in the city was a priority, complementing the network of M2 offices in London, Bracknell, Bristol, Wakefield and Glasgow, and SCC’s 16 UK and 40 global offices .

M2 CEO, John Taylor comments: “Today’s event is a celebration of M2’s continued development and commitment to reinvesting in people, in capability, and in a suite of new Value Propositions that are driving forward a new MPS landscape. It’s been fantastic to host key partners and showcase to our valued customers the type of technology and solutions we can provide – and all from our new HQ in Manchester, M2’s home for 20+ years.”

M2, recognised by industry analysts for demonstrating best practice in MPS and Document Services, also has an operational centre at Millington Road, taking its total commitment in Trafford to 34K sq ft, and its total number of employees has increased by 56% since January 2014, underpinning M2’s ongoing investment in people.

M2 is currently leading the charge to redefine the MPS paradigm with the launch of three innovative propositions designed to deliver new business values and meet the needs of the ‘as-a- service’ economy: Digital Transformation, Security, and Print Simplicity. M2’s new e-commerce platform, Print Simplicity, has revolutionised the way print services are purchased and delivered, opening up a subscription offer to new audiences.

Lecturers close in Bolton is fully let

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Sam Whitear

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21/11/2017

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GVA has let the last remaining unit 5,419 sq ft at Lecturers Close Industrial Estate in Bolton to Volkswagen Inchape.

The car manufacturer will be opening a regional parts centre at popular scheme close to Bolton town centre.

The rental achieved was £5.50psf and has been taken on 10-year lease with a break at year five.

Ruth Leighton of GVA said: “The estate has proven to be very successful.

“We have pushed the rents significantly and this is a reflection of a significant lack of good quality well located stock versus an increase in demand.

“Lecturers Close Industrial Estate serves a wide variety of occupiers including national trade counters. The take up of vacant space within the estate over the last six months is circa 35,000 sq ft combining four units.”

Canine contact centre reaches 1 millionth call on dog & bone

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Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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Canine contact centre reaches 1 millionth call on dog & bone

The Contact Centre for Dogs Trust, based at Dogs Trust Manchester in Denton, has taken its one millionth call with almost 200,000 of those conversations being about how to adopt a homeless hound.

Since opening in September 2014, the 55 strong contact centre team has answered on average 1,000 calls every day and responds to around 2,600 e-mails every month for the charity, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity.

Paul Roelake, Dogs Trust Contact Centre Manager, says: “The Contact Centre was opened to take the pressure off the reception staff at our 21 rehoming centres across the UK and Ireland. The team being here means the rehoming centre staff can concentrate on helping even more dog lovers find the dog of their dreams.”

Most calls to the Contact Centre are from people wanting to discuss adopting a particular dog from the charity, which cares for around 15,000 dogs every year, and the second most frequent call is from people needing to hand over their dog. Other enquiries include dog-lovers wanting to volunteer for the charity, wanting to make a donation or providing staff with an update about a dog they adopted from one of the rehoming centres.

Nicola Hughes has worked at the Contact Centre since it opened and has answered 35,483 calls, totalling more than 3,100 hours of doggie conversations.

Nicola says: “You never know what the day is going to hold. One minute you can be talking to someone who is really excited as they want to adopt from us and the next call can be from someone who for reasons beyond their control have to look into handing their dog over.

“It can be very emotional but it’s wonderful to be part of a team that is entirely focused on making sure dogs find their forever homes. We are also lucky enough to often have a four-legged friend with us in the Contact Centre which is brilliant. If you need a reminder of why we do our job, they are right there.”

GoSimple Software appoints new collaborative team of creative businesses

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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GoSimple Software appoints new collaborative team of creative businesses

Oldham-based company GoSimple Software has appointed a team of four creative firms to take the lead on a 12 month marketing campaign.

Following the firm’s work with Manchester copywriting agency Making You Content over the last year, director Kelly Gilmour-Grassam has now brought trusted partners BizWizUK, Tecmark and Bloomin’ Creative on board.

The collaborative project will see the four creative companies leading GoSimple Software’s content, social media, SEO and PR efforts.

Tracy Eastham, head of partnerships at GoSimple, said: “There are so many talented agencies out there, and we are sure we have chosen some of the best to work alongside us. The combination of all their unique skills and talent will help aid the growth of our flagship product SimpleTax over the next 12 months.”

GoSimple’s mobile app, SimpleTax, was the first HMRC-recognised app when it was launched earlier this year. The mobile and web app aims to give users a quick and easy way to calculate and submit self-assessment tax returns. The app offers a tailored experience for each user, making personalised recommendations on tax savings users qualify for.

Kelly Gilmour-Grassam said: “We’re thrilled to be working with GoSimple Software for another year, this time alongside our recommended partners for SEO, PR and social media. Their work, alongside our content services, will ensure we can deliver a fully integrated marketing strategy for SimpleTax over the coming year. We can’t wait to get started.”

Standish firm to increase its team due to exceptional growth

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Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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Standish firm to increase its team due to exceptional growth

As a result of internal promotions and increased demands for its services, Standish based Accountancy firm, McGinty Demack, is expanding its team.

Following successful completion of her AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 at Wigan & Leigh College, former trainee Alice O’Hanlon has been promoted to a full-time role within the growing business.

McGinty Demack moved to Standish in 2013. Now headed by Karen Richardson, they have introduced a new approach to delivering accountancy services. The employees are fundamental to the service and the revitalised training programme has resulted in several enthusiastic trainees joining the practice, to support its experienced and long serving.

Due to Alice’s progress and increasing demand for accountancy services, McGinty Demack is now recruiting for both a new trainee and a part-time role to help with accounts preparation.

Karen Richardson, MD, McGinty Demack said: “The business is going through a phase of exceptional growth and as a result, we’re expanding our team, Alice has really impressed us at McGinty Demack and now we’re looking for new individuals to join us, as demand for our services increases.”

Alice, who is continuing her studies at Wigan College once a week, as part of her continual development, added: “During my time at McGinty Demack, I have gained a lot of knowledge about preparing accounts, which was enhanced by the theory I learnt from my AAT Level 2 course.

“Now I have progressed to Level 3 and the work I am doing here definitely helps me to understand my college work even more. If you want a career in accountancy, McGinty Demack offers a wonderful opportunity to learn, while also benefiting from the experience of real life accounting situations.”

Winners announced at the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards

Awards

Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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Winners announced at the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards

Senior figures in the UK’s travel industry just gathered for the announcement of the winners of the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards. The ceremony, which celebrated the enormous contribution that women make to the multi-billion-pound industry, took place at East Wintergarden, located between the iconic towers of Canary Wharf in London.

From leaders significantly increasing staff productivity through rigorous business remodelling, to an entrepreneur providing the ultimate spa experience for clients undergoing cancer treatment, through to apprentices generating record sales through social media platforms – the winners were women excelling at all stages of their career journeys. They were selected by a judging panel comprising some of the travel industry’s most discerning senior figures including Rachel O’Reilly, Head of Communications, Kuoni and Jo Rzymowska, Vice President & Managing Director, UK and Ireland & Asia at Celebrity Cruises.

Over the past 18 years, everywoman has celebrated the achievements of exceptional women working in technology, retail, entrepreneurship and transport & logistics. This year, it launched the everywoman in Travel Awards to recognise the plethora of female talent in the industry, highlight the growing need for more women in senior positions, particularly as the sector faces unprecedented challenges in light of Brexit, and encourage more women into the industry to ensure a strong pipeline of future talent.

According to research released by C&M Travel Recruitment this year*, women working within the travel industry are still earning less than their male counterparts, despite there being more women working in the sector, and they represent just 15.8% of all board members**. This is why everywoman is dedicated to promoting the immense value female talent is contributing to the businesses they own, the businesses they work for and the wider travel industry.

Karen Morris, Global Operations Director for Travel Counsellors from Manchester, won the Above & Beyond Award, sponsored by The Travel Network Group, awarded to a woman at any stage of her career that has truly gone above and beyond her role to help drive the organisation’s success.

Karen secured her first role in the travel industry at aged 16. She is now driving how Travel Counsellors supports health and wellbeing, reflecting her passion for supporting the people around her. She oversees 1,700 individual Travel Counsellors across seven countries and personally managed the fallout from the 2004 Tsunami and the Iceland ash cloud incident in 2010.

Karen Gill MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments: “As we celebrate our 18-year anniversary, everywoman is immensely proud to have launched the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards. We have been overwhelmed by the strength of the entries we received and congratulate the very deserving winners. We believe that these women represent a true reflection of the breadth of female talent across the travel industry and at all stages of the career journey. The applications we received for the programme’s first year have already proven the dedication and tenacity that women in this industry possess. We look forward to unveiling more success stories in the years to come.”

Gary Lewis, CEO, The Travel Network Group, said: “The Travel Network Group is delighted to be a key sponsor of the everywoman Travel Awards. A large number of our 930-strong membership is made up of inspirational and entrepreneurial females and our business is largely driven by the leadership of strong individuals, many of whom are women. As a group we strive to operate a working environment that is equal for all, regardless of gender, race or religion and one that promotes equal opportunities for all to flourish. The everywoman Travel Awards is a great platform on which to showcase the amazing female talent we have in our industry, and as the leading travel membership group in the UK, we are proud to be a part of it.”

Love thy neighbour launches Manchester site

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Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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Love thy neighbour launches Manchester site

A health conscious food destination will be hitting Manchester next month.

Love Thy Neighbour, the stylish Ibiza-cum-LA style restaurant will open on Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, in the former Palate site in December, just in time for the January detox.

The 40-cover restaurant will expand to a further extra 15 with the addition of outdoor seating when the Spring hits.

With a ‘flexitarian’ style menu, customers can expect both vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and even food for meat lovers, all carefully designed with Love Thy Neighbours’ Food and Beverage Director – Matthew Cox, alongside in-house nutritionist Ally Griffin.

Creative Director, Andy Duckworth will be working alongside the team over November to create the holiday-style interior, with the signature Love Thy Neighbour neon signage, living walls, white washed flooring and tattoo designed plywood which will adorn the walls around the restaurant.

Famous for both its healthy chickpea pancake brunch menu and its wholesome Buddah Bowls, the evening menu features an array of both good and naughty foods – such as falafel and chicken wings alongside a cocktail menu with a health inspired twist. Charcoal activated ‘Black Daiquri’s’ and Turmeric Latte’s sit next to fresh pressed juices and smoothies, all focusing on making customers ‘feel good’.

Andy said: “We may have started life in Liverpool but we have always loved our neighbours in Manchester. I actually lived in Chorlton for a long time and always knew I wanted to do something here – Manchester has a great energy about it.”

A favourite with bloggers and high level influencers alike in their founding home of Bold Street Liverpool, the Love Thy Neighbour team are also a favourite of street artists, yogi’s and mindfulness trainers, who regularly use the space for innovative events and pop-up markets. Their famous slogans ‘Eat What You Love’ and Avocado Is Bae’ have been pictured by thousands since the brand started just last year.

“Love Thy Neighbour really fits with the work professionals health conscious mindset – those who love the gym, the yoga girls and want to look after themselves, but at the weekend, they want to let their inner anarchist go and come and enjoy small plates with some delicious cocktails, vegan wines and beers and some great music,” added Andy.

“We want to transport our customers back to the places they love to go on holiday like Ibiza, LA and beyond and we are thrilled to be bringing our concept to a new audience. We can’t wait to open.”

This is the second Love Thy Neighbour site to open, with plans for a Chester site in early 2018. The independent group, stems from the growing Know Collection with CEO, Steven Hesketh recently being awarded in Manchester as one of the 42 under 42 business people to watch at the recent Insider Publication Awards.

City centre hat-trick from Recom

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Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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Construction project management company Recom Solutions is celebrating a hat-trick of contracts with up-and-coming independent retail and leisure operators in Manchester city centre.

Recom has completed the fit-out of a new Kettlebell Kitchen healthy fast-food venue at the First Street development, and has begun work on a bar and barber’s shop in the city’s Northern Quarter.

Kettlebell is a fast-growing chain of restaurants and takeaways offering fresh and natural foods. Founded by Carley Jones, Kettlebell also offers a range of sauces, clothing and supplements.

Recom, which is based at Salford Quays, is helping Kettlebell with an ambitious expansion programme which will see it open further sites across the north west over the next 12 months.

In the Northern Quarter, Recom is spearheading work on a new venue on Tib Street for Urban Village Bars.

The site will be the chain’s third bar and its largest to date, offering live music on most nights. It is due to open in time for the busy Christmas and New Year trading period.

Recom is managing the refurbishment, which includes structural alterations to create an open bar area, an outdoor drinking area and new toilets.

Meanwhile Recom is managing the design, procurement and construction works for a new Ross Parlane Barbershop on Newton Street.

The shop, in a grade II listed building, will be Ross Parlane’s second in the Northern Quarter and is due to open in December.

Recom director Jason McKnight (pictured) said: “As a recently-established and fast-growing company ourselves, we are delighted to be helping these thriving young businesses to reach their potential.

“They are creating jobs and are adding to the retail and leisure mix of Manchester, which is good news for the city as a whole.

“Independent retail and leisure operators form a critical part of our own growth strategy and we have developed a model that supports them on their own expansion journeys.

“They are busy operating and managing their existing businesses and, by providing a complete construction and fit-out management service, we take away the hassle for them, enabling them to focus on what they do best.

“Recom is committed to supporting clients in their expansion, by ensuring we fully understand their needs and are able to manage tight turnarounds for their new developments.”

Chinese tourists are set to deliver a major boost to the region’s retailers in the build-up to Christmas

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Sam Whitear

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20/11/2017

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Chinese tourists are set to deliver a major boost to the region’s retailers in the build-up to Christmas

Tills will be ringing across the North West, with more than twenty-two thousand Far East visitors due to jet in on direct flights from both Beijing and Hong Kong during December.

Retailers say they are bracing themselves for their highest sales volumes from Chinese tourists, who are also attracted to the North by high profile Premier League fixtures (including the Manchester derby) and the Christmas Markets.

And in preparation, stores have been training staff in Mandarin and creating special sales promotions.

Clara Kwan and Jeff Tong, 36, arrived at Manchester Airport on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong this week. The couple are visiting the UK on their honeymoon and said that thanks to a direct service, they have decided to spend four days in the North West before heading to London

During that time, they will take in a Liverpool fixture, as well as visiting the region’s designer stores.

Clara said: “We are here on honeymoon and because there is a direct flight, we decided to do three or four days in Manchester, before going on to London. It means we can go to a Liverpool game and, of course, do plenty of shopping in the North West.”

From 1^st December Cathay Pacific will be increase its direct service to Hong Kong to a daily flight. During the winter months Hainan Airlines operate a three-a-week service direct to Beijing, which goes daily during the summer months.

The anticipated boost comes after a pioneering report revealed that the Far East connections are delivering a significant economic reward, or ‘China Dividend’, to the Northern Powerhouse.

The study, on the Beijing route’s one year of service, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken into the economic and social impact of a brand new direct, long haul route between two countries. It has revealed that the Manchester-Beijing air route has driven a significant increase in exports, inward investment, and international student numbers into the North.

Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said: “The new Beijing route from Manchester is the perfect demonstration of how direct long-haul flights bring significant benefits to the whole of the North by connecting it directly to the world economy.

“The China Dividend report revealed that the new route has delivered a huge boost to the visitor economy in the North, with thousands of visitors arriving into Manchester Airport every month.

“We know the region has an array of excellent retail centres, coupled with world class sporting and cultural attractions, and they are certainly proving popular with the Chinese passengers travelling on our two direct services.”

At Manchester Airport, staff have also been trained in Mandarin as part of the airport’s onsite education academy. Since 2015 201 people have taken the course, which trains in Mandarin plus Chinese etiquette and culture. This year alone 47 course participants have found employment within the airport.

Chinese passengers take advantage of the Travelex VAT refund service available at Manchester Airport. Travelex estimates that it has completed 12,500 VAT transactions in the period between January – October 2017 at Manchester Airport.

Graham Brady, MP, said: “This route has stimulated huge demand for travel between China and the UK and in doing so has delivered a wide range of benefits to the Northern economy, including significantly increasing exports, inward investment and tourism.

“The scale of impact clearly illustrates just how beneficial having strong links with high growth markets can be and why Government should be doing everything it can to further improve connectivity between the North and the world.”

Winners announced at the inaugural everywoman in Travel Awards

Awards

Sam Whitear

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17/11/2017

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