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Oldham finance company invests in employee engagement programme to aid business growth

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16/10/2017

Oldham finance company invests in employee engagement programme to aid business growth

A leading business finance company based in Oldham has invested in a six month employee engagement programme designed to support its growth into 2018.

PMD business finance has partnered with HR and employment law specialist Howarths People and Safety Management, based in West Yorkshire, to implement a new performance management process that will act as a catalyst for career progression and employee development within the business.

As part of the programme, PMD will focus on reviewing levels of employee engagement and seek to drive individual and team performance through focused staff development plans.

Peter Dobson, managing director at PMD, commented:

“As a business that currently employs 20 people and counting, we realise the importance of protecting and strengthening our company values and business objectives as the company grows.

“Our team plays a huge part in delivering those values and objectives, and our work with Howarths will ensure that every employee understands where they sit within the company structure, how they can contribute to the future development of the company, and how they will help to drive the overall success of PMD.”

Tracey Hopkins, operations and fianance director at Howarths, added:

“We are delighted to be working with the team at PMD. The board of directors is keen to ensure that the culture, business standards and high levels of service that the company has become renowned for continue to prosper as the business grows.

“Our work around staff engagement, open lines of communication and effective performance management will be key to ensuring PMD continues to build a team of dedicated, high performing individuals.”

Established in 2010 by Peter Dobson, PMD offers a range of business finance products including Hire Purchase, fixed term leasing and asset finance. The company has grown significantly over the last seven years and now lends over £75million each tear to businesses across the UK.

Mr Dobson concluded:

“Having worked with Howarths for our employment law requirements for a while now, I am confident that this latest project with them will deliver tangible business benefits and help fuel our business growth into the next financial year.”

New eCommerce platform ‘Print Simplicity’ set to revolutionise printer purchase with service delivery for SMBs

Blog

Sam Whitear

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13/10/2017

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New eCommerce platform ‘Print Simplicity’ set to revolutionise printer purchase with service delivery for SMBs

M2, Europe’s leading independent Managed Print Services (MPS) provider, is set to revolutionise the way SMBs purchase and deliver print services with the launch of its first-to- market eCommerce website, ‘Print Simplicity’, offering transparency, flexibility and cost efficiency.

For the first time, SMB users can search for and buy printer hardware, based on their specific document needs, as well as bespoke services to their exact requirements, all online, with delivery in a matter of days.

The intelligent platform works by asking a set of questions to determine the business print requirements, with a simple user journey devised by M2’s expert team. It offers a range of devices, and the unique ability to configure associated services, including 4/6-hour response times, technical support, and automatic next-day toner delivery, and complete the agreement online by providing an electronic signature.

This marks the first time that SMBs can truly benefit from the substantial cost-savings of MPS, via a platform designed to de-mystify managed services for small and medium sized offices that have typically self-served in the past.

John Taylor, Chief Executive of M2, said: “What Print Simplicity does is truly unique. This proposition cuts out the entire sales process, saving SMBs weeks’ worth of valuable time and enabling them to benefit from world class MPS at the touch of a button.

“M2 has always had its customers at heart – and that helped us recognise that buyer behaviour is changing at a quicker rate than the wider MPS industry is currently delivering. This product rectifies that and provides SMBs cost-effective MPS, under a flexible contract, underpinned by M2’s renowned excellent customer service.”

M2 is offering its eCommerce platform to IT resellers, office suppliers and managed office providers, with HP and Office Depot the first to launch white label versions of the website.

M2 customer Global Design Innovation Ltd was one of the first to use Print Simplicity. Gianni Brooke, Director, said: “It was so easy to order my device online, it only took me a few minutes! And great to know that I’ve got a full service package so I can be confident my device will always be operational. I couldn’t find this deal anywhere else for a business like mine.”

Last month, M2 and parent company SCC was named ‘HP Partner of the Year’ at HP’s HP Reinvent: World Partner Forum in Chicago. SCC and M2 won in the category of UK&I HP Growth Partner of the Year, underpinning HP’s view of SCC as a visionary, world class partner with a progressive MPS strategy through its specialist MPS business, M2.

Micheael’s Façade design details released

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Sam Whitear

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13/10/2017

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Micheael’s Façade design details released

The St Michael’s Partnership has today released images of the new design to the development’s façade. Over the past month Hodder + Partners have been refining the design of the façade which were displayed at the latest public consultation on the 23^rd August. Whilst the external design of the scheme has been enhanced, the massing remains unchanged.

The developed design sees the vertical mullions sculptured to give an extra level of depth resulting in more animated elevations. This feature, combined with the anodised bronze of the mullions and the lozenge shape of the building, will result in different reflections and colours of light bouncing off the building.

This new design has also been incorporated into the podium and office element thus providing greater animation at street level. The crown of the building has also been redesigned to provide a more dynamic finish.

Stephen Hodder of Hodder + Partners stated: “I was encouraged by the outcome of the public consultations but welcomed a pause to re-evaluate the details of the elevations. I feel the outcome is a more dynamic expression, one that not only adds vibrancy to the tower, but also presents a stronger engagement with the adjoining streets.’

Love Energy Savings launches new corporate services division, offering full utility management solutions

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Energy

Sam Whitear

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13/10/2017

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Love Energy Savings launches new corporate services division, offering full utility management solutions

Love Energy Savings, one of Britain’s biggest business energy comparison and switching services, has launched a new corporate services division offering ‘total transparency for customers’.

The new full utility management service, which forms part of its highly-successful growth strategy, sees the business extending its award-winning service into the industrial and commercial sector to support bigger businesses and major energy users. This new corporate service will be badged as ‘Love Energy Solutions’.

Love Energy Savings, voted the UK’s Super Consultancy in the 2017 TELCAs, is offering total transparency in a market overshadowed by complaints from big businesses about opaque deals and hidden commissions.

Originally focusing on energy procurement and enabling customers to find the best deal for their business electricity and gas, the appointment of Adrian and new Senior Relationship Manager Shirley Isherwood sees the business now offering customers a full utility management solution. This includes procurement, metering and compliance.

Adrian has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the energy sector, spanning over 20 years, working for one of the ‘big six’ energy suppliers and previously for a local authority. With a degree in civil engineering and construction management, Adrian has the expertise and capability to advise on every aspect of power strategy, from energy procurement for businesses to on-site power plant feasibility and design.

“Energy managers at larger businesses want full transparency. And that’s exactly what we’re offering” said new Head of Corporate Adrian Cieslake.

“Love Energy Savings has built a fantastic reputation in the SME sector for their honourable approach. Offering best value and exceptional customer service they boast an industry-leading customer retention rate of almost 90 per cent. It’s these proven qualities, which we know will appeal to companies in the industrial and commercial (I&C) sector through the Love Energy Solutions platform.”

Shirley also has over 20 years’ experience within the energy and financial services sectors, with a focus on compliance and business development. Her new role is to proactively manage relationships with existing clients and suppliers alongside developing and building strong relationships with large corporate clients.

Shirley explained, “There is a clear need for more openness within the energy broking sector. The current lack of clarity on commissions has justifiably caused mistrust amongst consumers, this has resulted in some companies avoiding energy consultants altogether.

“We want to re-build trust, through honest and open communication. If people trust you, they will do business with you.”

Phil Foster, Managing Director of Love Energy Savings, said: “We have built our reputation on communicating clearly with customers and offering fair pricing as standard.

“We deliver on what we promise and customers can count on us year on year, as a result, 86 per cent of our customers continue to use Love Energy Savings’ service year after year.

“As part of this strategy, we are delighted to welcome Adrian and Shirley to the team, as we extend our award-winning customer service into the industrial and commercial sector, servicing larger businesses.

“They both have substantial experience and strong track records in the corporate energy sector and we know they’ll do a brilliant job.”

He added, “With our new Love Energy Solutions offering, we will be working with businesses to further understand their challenges, needs and goals to provide bespoke Utility Management Plans tailored to each customer. We believe this is crucial to building long-term relationships with Energy Managers across the UK.”

This latest update follows a remarkable period of success for the multi-award-winning company, which recently became one of the UK’s fastest-rising stars in the highly-respected Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 list.

Since it was formed in 2007, Love Energy Savings has grown to become the most trusted business energy price comparison specialist in the UK, with over three thousand customers rating their service five-stars on Trustpilot.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe to stop off in Manchester as they attempt record-breaking signings across five cities in 24 hours

Blog

Sam Whitear

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11/10/2017

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Michael Ball and Alfie Boe to stop off in Manchester as they attempt record-breaking signings across five cities in 24 hours

Two of the nation’s favorite voices, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are setting themselves the ultimate challenge… to break a world record in celebration of their new album ‘Together Again’, out on October 27th.

As thousands of fans across the UK queue to get their hands on a copy, Ball and Boe will race to 5 hmv stores across the UK to sign as many albums as they can in 24 hours! The race against the clock will begin in Alfie’s hometown of Blackpool before they hit hmv stores in Sheffield, Manchester and Nottingham.

The pair will race across the finish line by flying into the capital in a ‘Ball and Boe’ helicopter, where they will complete their last signing in hmv’s flagship store on Oxford Street.

Their first album ‘Together’ was the biggest selling album released in 2016 and reached the covetedChristmas Number One spot that year. The album has reached double-platinum status, with over 600,000 copies sold in the UK. So in Ball and Boe style, the pair are back to achieve another tremendous record.

Of the record attempt, Michael and Alfie say, “We are ecstatic (and slightly nervous) to be taking on a new challenge, especially one that allows us to meet fans all over the country! What better way to celebrate the new album?”

If Ball and Boe are successful in reaching all five hmv cities within 24 hours, they will claim the record number of public appearances by a musical group. The record is currently held by Irish boy band Westlife, who visited five cities in 36 hours in 2002.

Access for fans will be granted on a first come first served basis with a purchase of ‘Together Again’ from hmv Blackpool, Manchester, Meadowhall, Nottingham or 363 Oxford Street on the day of the event. As time will be of the essence, they will need to limit the amount of time they spend at each store, therefore they will meet as many fans as they can in the time available

Emotional film fuels The Chennai 6 families’ fight for justice

Blog

Sam Whitear

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11/10/2017

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Emotional film fuels The Chennai 6 families’ fight for justice

Manchester’s Standby Productions, was commissioned to produce an emotional video campaign to defend a terrible miscarriage of justice. The filmmaker worked with Whittaker & Co, Human Rights at Sea, Global Maritime Recruitment Solutions (GMRS) and Jordan Wylie to produce a hard-hitting film supporting the plight of six ex-Forces personnel wrongly imprisoned in India. These men have become known as the Chennai 6.

The emotive film focuses on the horrendous impact this ongoing judicial catastrophe is having on the men themselves and on their families back in the UK. Despite the obvious calamity of this unthinkable situation, the families have been struggling to get the attention the subject deserves in the media; the video campaign is a joint effort to change this.

Simon Owen, Managing Director at Standby Productions, comments: “When we were approached to be involved in the Chennai 6 project, my first instinct was that video was a real opportunity to help six families raise the profile of the brutal struggle faced by their loved ones. My second thought was that, with such a sensitive and important subject matter, we had an immense responsibility to get this right.

To do justice to the pain faced by those involved on a daily basis, we needed to keep true to the rawness and helplessness the families feel. Our approach was to let the stories of the victims to speak for themselves, giving space for them to appeal almost one-to-one with the audience, a unique benefit of film in this type of scenario. Hopefully our work achieved the goal and will now help drive home the severity of the injustice taking place.”

Jordan Wylie, Ambassador for the Chennai 6 Campaign added: ‘‘Video content is one of the best ways to spread an important message very quickly, especially given how important and influential social media is in the digital era. We wanted a video that told the story of 6 innocent men and their 29 colleagues, it was important that we highlighted how this miscarriage of justice has affected their families including partners and children. The Standby Productions team have done an incredible job of producing a powerful and highly emotive short film and it has helped the #Chennai6 campaign continue the momentum in fight for justice.’’

The project, which was filmed in Manchester, directly features three of the families and has support from various high profile MPs and already made it into National news channels, including the BBC and ITV. It was also shown at London International Shipping Week, a 5-day event featuring over 160 functions for leaders across all sectors of the international shipping industry.

Yvonne MacHugh (fiancée of Billy Irving), Lisa Dunn (sister of Nick Dunn) and Joanne Thomlinson (sister of John Armstrong) are currently petitioning the U.K. Government to free the six British veterans held in jail.

Standish accountants to organise Alzheimer’s Society memory walk

Blog

Sam Whitear

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11/10/2017

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Standish accountants to organise Alzheimer’s Society memory walk

As part of Standish based McGinty Demack’s aim to inspire, challenge, and support selected local community initiatives, the Certified Accountants are organising an Alzheimer’s memory walk, as part of the UK wide event.

The Memory walk is a three mile walk around the stunning Worthington Lakes on 15 October, starting at 1pm. Everyone is invited to join in and help raise badly needed funds.

“McGinty Demack is proud to be supporting such a worthy cause” said Karen Richardson, MD, McGinty Demack. “Through our initiative to inspire, challenge and support, we want to give back something to the local community where we and many of our customers are based. We aim to help wherever we can.”

More than 520,000 people in the UK suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, which causes the build-up of proteins in the brain, leading to the eventual loss of nerve cells and brain tissue.

In 2016/17, fundraisers like McGinty Demack helped raise nearly £100 million for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Influx of student sees Manchester Airports passenger numbers rise

Blog

Sam Whitear

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11/10/2017

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Influx of student sees Manchester Airports passenger numbers rise

An influx of students arrived into Manchester Airport during September ahead of the start of the new term at universities across the North of England.

Thousands of international students arrived from around the globe, boosting passenger numbers at the UK’s third largest airport.

Students arrived from the Far East, Middle East, USA and all over Europe to some of the 25 universities inside the airport’s catchment area. Representatives from 18 different institutions were on hand to welcome students to the UK, including the universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield, York, Liverpool, UCLAN, Bolton, Manchester and Bangor.

Following the summer peak period, lots of passengers also took advantage of cheaper prices to make the most of the last of the Mediterranean sun.

More than 2.8m people travelled through the airport’s three terminals in September. It sees the airport’s annual rolling total reach 27.6m people, a year-on-year increase of 11%.

Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said: “One of the key selling points of the Northern Powerhouse is the fact there are so many universities providing world class education and research.

“Giving international students quick and easy access to the towns and cities they have chosen for their studies is an example of Manchester Airport playing its role as the UK’s global gateway in the North.

“It was great to play host to so many different universities from across the patch during the past month and to welcome thousands of international students to the North for the first time.”

September saw an increase in aircraft movements by 6%, with more than 19,800 take offs and landings. Cargo also increased last month with 10,688 tonnes carried, an increase of 9%, which sees the annual tonnage rise to 123,600.

MAG’s other airports also performed well last month, especially London Stansted which had its busiest ever summer season.

Senior appointments revealed at Manchester’s dual-branded Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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11/10/2017

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Senior appointments revealed at Manchester’s dual-branded Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites

Experienced hoteliers Andrea Baron and Samantha Byrne have joined the first dual-branded hotel under one roof in the north of England.

Boasting 328-rooms the dual-branded Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites – known as a ‘double pack’ concept – will open to the public early next year.

Andrea has become Sales Manager of the first Staybridge Suites to open in Manchester – after joining from The Lowry Hotel.

And Samantha has landed the Crowne Plaza Sales Manager role after leaving the Holiday Inn near Piccadilly train station.

The 19-storey building sits on Manchester’s bustling Oxford Road Corridor – with Crowne Plaza guests set to occupy the first 11-storeys and longer term Staybridge customers the upper eight floors.

Andrew Fletcher, General Manager of the dual-branded hotel, described Andrea and Samantha as crucial hires.

“Samantha was heavily involved in the opening of Holiday Inn and has worked at The Malmaison, Hilton Manchester Deansgate and the National Football Museum, while Andrea boasts experience in serviced apartments too, having been part of the SACO Piccadilly ApartHotel team,” said Andrew.

“We feel they are the perfect fit for each brand and are delighted that they have come on board during what is a truly exciting period as we continue to near our opening date.”

The dual-branded double pack concept isn’t something that has been offered to people staying in Manchester before.

While the Crowne Plaza will contain 212-rooms, a 120-cover upscale restaurant, seven meeting rooms catering for over 200 delegates and a gym. Staybridge will have 116-rooms directly above it and offer a warm, social and home-like environment through a mix of studio and one-bedroom suites.

The dual-branded hotel is located on The Oxford Road Corridor, an innovation district running south from Manchester city centre that is home to 70,000 students and a workforce of 60,000 people.

It sits opposite The Royal Northern College of Music hotel and forms part of the University of Manchester’s Campus Masterplan, which includes the wider redevelopment of Alliance Manchester Business School.

Both brands are part of the IHG portfolio.

Staybridge Suites Sales Manager Andrea said: “The double pack concept is truly unique to Manchester and I’m already enjoying being part of a growing team.

“I have worked in sales for 16 years, have both hotel and extended stay experience which is quite unusual and have previously worked with my now Director of Sales and Marketing Melanie Thompson.”

She added: “There is so much opportunity to do new business on The Oxford Road Corridor and I believe we can carve a niche for ourselves and capitalise on the growth of the city and the Corridor.”

Samantha, Sales Manager Crowne Plaza, said: “Having opened the Holiday Inn in Manchester city centre not too long ago, another brand that is part of the IHG portfolio, I know just how brilliant it is to be heavily involved at this stage of the process.

“Crowne Plaza is my primary focus, but I’m also excited to work alongside Andrea and learn about the extended stay offering, market and industry.

“The next few months are going to be hard work but also enjoyable, ahead of opening early next year.”

COMPLACENCY THE KILLER FACTOR IN WORKING AT HEIGHT, WARNS GTR. MANCHESTER SPECIALIST

Blog

Sam Whitear

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10/10/2017

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COMPLACENCY THE KILLER FACTOR IN WORKING AT HEIGHT, WARNS GTR. MANCHESTER SPECIALIST

Lack of awareness and complacency are the main causes of serious accidents and fatalities for employees working at height, a Greater Manchester training specialist has warned.

Bolton-based Develop Training Limited (DTL) made the comments after supermarket Iceland was fined £2.5 million for an incident when a contractor fell to his death.

The victim was replacing air conditioning filters in the warehouse of a Rotherham store when he plunged three metres from a platform through a suspended ceiling. Investigators found there were no barriers, restricted working space and several tripping hazards including cabling, and that there had been no risk assessment.

Steve Braund, marketing manager at DTL, said: “This is the latest in an all-too-frequent series of cases where people have been killed or injured because of inadequate precautions.”

DTL has identified lack of awareness and complacency as major contributing factors in many of the cases.

“Common themes crop up time and time again, fragile roofs and skylights in particular, and employers using contractors without effectively checking the contractor will themselves use safe systems of work,” said Mr Braund. “Almost every week there is a report of a death or serious injury of people working at height. Poor assessment of risk, and inadequate control measures, continue to lead to hundreds of shattered lives.”

DTL has produced a handy pocket guide to raise awareness of the factors managers, employees and contractors should consider before commencing working at height.

The free-to-download guide is available at http://resources.developtraining.co.uk/working-at-height-guide

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