4.5 C
Manchester
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 73

Bluewater Secures New 3-Year Contract with The R&A to Provide Sustainable Hydration Solutions for The Open and AIG Women’s Open

0

Bluewater, a renowned leader in sustainable water and beverage solutions, has signed a new three-year contract with The R&A, golf’s governing body, to supply event hydration solutions and stainless steel refillable water bottles for The Open and AIG Women’s Open. The agreement, valid from 2023 to 2025, solidifies Bluewater‘s commitment to providing innovative and environmentally friendly water stations at both prestigious championships.

“We are thrilled to once again collaborate with The R&A to offer sustainable hydration solutions at two of the world’s most prestigious and forward-thinking sporting events,” said Bluewater CEO Bengt Rittri. “Our water stations and planet-friendly bottles eliminate the need for single-use containers, and we take immense pride in providing this service to The R&A, as well as all the players, fans, staff, and volunteers attending the championships.”

The water stations installed by Bluewater will be accessible to all golfers, on-site personnel, and the tens of thousands of fans at The Open and AIG Women’s Open, ensuring a convenient and eco-conscious way to stay hydrated throughout the events. Additionally, Bluewater will produce a range of bespoke stainless steel refillable water bottles for players, caddies, and VIP Hospitality Guests, while also offering them for retail merchandise sale as unique event souvenirs with a strong environmental message. Bluewater’s premium ‘Player’s Edition’ bottles feature a double-walled insulated construction, keeping drinking water cold and refreshing throughout the day.

The Open Water Project, launched by The R&A and Bluewater at The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019, made The Open one of the first major sporting events to completely eliminate single-use plastic water bottles. This unique initiative, proudly supported by Mastercard, an Official Patron of The Open since 2021, has been using the platform to raise awareness and funding for global reforestation efforts through the Priceless Planet Coalition. Sustainability and innovation continue to drive the success of this initiative.

Mr. Rittri, one of Sweden’s leading environmental entrepreneurs, praised The R&A for their foresight and creativity in implementing such a bold and future-proofed solution at these prestigious international events. He emphasised that the partnership between Bluewater and The R&A exemplifies championing change and environmental responsibility, ensuring athletes have access to healthy drinking water free of toxic chemicals and microplastics throughout each championship event.

Bluewater’s ecosystem of hydration solutions for global events and venues includes their indoor dispenser, which combines point-of-consumption water purification technology with high-visibility communications and functionality. These dispensers use multi-stage water purification, including Bluewater’s patented SuperiorOsmosis™ Reverse Osmosis process, which removes up to 99.7% of impurities from water. This process ensures locally created, chilled, and delicious drinking water, eliminating the need for high-carbon manufacture and shipment of pre-filled single-use containers. Bluewater’s range of refillable vessels, made from non-leaching materials like stainless steel and borosilicate glass, complements the dispensers and is fully customisable to suit various needs.

With this new contract, Bluewater and The R&A continue to lead by example, promoting sustainability across the sports industry and championing positive change, one water refill and reusable bottle at a time.

Laser Club Partners with Charity PCOS Relief to Offer FREE Laser Hair Removal for PCOS Sufferers!

0

The Laser Club, in collaboration with UK registered charity PCOS Relief, is proud to announce a special offer of 2 x FREE face laser sessions for females officially diagnosed with PCOS and/or endometriosis. With no strings attached, this initiative aims to support women dealing with the challenges posed by PCOS, which affects nearly 12% of women and can lead to various symptoms, including excess hair growth.

Excess facial hair can significantly impact confidence and result in ingrown hairs and irritation, not to mention unwanted hair in other areas such as the chest, groin, and back. Laser Hair Removal has proven to be a transformative solution, targeting the hair follicles and eliminating unwanted hair, irritation, and skin issues caused by excess hair growth.

The Laser Club takes pride in being able to offer this assistance, recognizing that obtaining PCOS treatment on the NHS can be a lengthy and challenging process. With limited treatment options available, many women have struggled to find effective solutions for their condition.

To ensure exceptional results, The Laser Club employs the world’s most potent hair removal machine – The Primelase HR by Cocoon Medical. Their service is virtually pain-free and remarkably fast, with sessions as quick as 5 minutes for legs. It’s recommended to space sessions 6-8 weeks apart, and a minimum of 6 sessions is advised, though some individuals may require additional or ongoing maintenance sessions.

Founded by Carley & Ciara Jones, The Laser Club is a female-founded business with sites in Manchester, Leeds, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire. Their exceptional growth has led them to expand internationally, with their first international site set to be revealed soon.

Carley expressed her enthusiasm for helping women dealing with PCOS, saying, “We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to assist other women who may be struggling with PCOS. We want to raise awareness that there are better alternatives to traditional hair removal methods, and you no longer need to suffer in silence – we are here to help. There is no limit to the number of free sessions we are willing to provide for this cause.”

Specializing in Laser Hair Removal, The Laser Club has garnered a reputation for delivering incredible results and receiving glowing reviews from their satisfied customers.

For more information or to book a free consultation and patch test, visit www.laserclub.co.uk. Take this opportunity to discover the life-changing benefits of Laser Hair Removal and regain your confidence today!

Medicash Acquires One Derby Square in Multi-Million Pound Deal

Liverpool-based health insurer, Medicash, has successfully acquired One Derby Square, formerly known as Pearl Assurance House, in a deal worth £12 million. This strategic investment is a significant milestone for Medicash as it reinforces its presence in the city where it was established back in 1871.

The property in question is a five-story, 70,161 square feet mixed-use building, ideally located in one of the most attractive and bustling areas of Liverpool city centre. Situated opposite Liverpool One and amidst the vibrant Castle Street restaurant scene, it offers an excellent location for various ground floor retail and leisure units. Some of the current tenants include Tesco Express, Pavers, Pret a Manger, and the French bistro, Bouchon.

The remaining four floors of the building are occupied by 14 different tenants, including Exchange Chambers and Medicash, which has been situated in the building for the past 12 years.

Sue Weir, Chief Executive of Medicash, expressed her excitement about the acquisition, highlighting that it represents a significant development for the company’s growth strategy. One Derby Square presents a tremendous opportunity for Medicash to expand its services, generate new income streams, and better serve its existing and future customers for many years to come. She emphasised that Medicash remains committed to its mission of improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and organisations, and this acquisition reflects that dedication. The company is looking forward to providing a healthy and sustainable workplace for all its tenants.

The deal was facilitated by Worthington Owen, with Medicash purchasing the shares of Palace Capital (Liverpool) Limited, a special purpose vehicle that owned One Derby Square and was part of the Palace Capital Group. Following the acquisition, the company has been renamed as One Derby Square Limited and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Medicash.

Mark Worthington, Director at Worthington Owen, praised the investment as it not only allows Medicash to grow as a business but also promises a stable income stream in the years ahead. He mentioned that after evaluating various opportunities in the market, One Derby Square stood out as the best building for Medicash, and they were delighted to assist in brokering the deal.

During the procurement process, HB&O, DSG, and Hill Dickinson acted as advisors, while Mason Owen and Hamlins represented Palace Capital. Additionally, CBRE will continue to serve as the building manager for One Derby Square and all its tenants.

The Influence of Manchester’s Cultural Scene on its Business Environment

0

Manchester, known to many as the beating heart of Northern England, is a city teeming with history, diversity, and cultural vibrancy. Its origins can be traced back to the Roman era, but it was during the Industrial Revolution that Manchester truly came into its own, becoming the world’s leading textile manufacturing hub.

In recent decades, Manchester has transitioned from an industrial powerhouse to a city renowned for its thriving cultural scene. This cultural renaissance has shaped its unique identity and reputation, attracting tourists, artists, and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Such a diverse and vibrant cultural environment inevitably influences the business environment.

Manchester’s Music Scene: A Symphony of Economic Impact

The city’s music scene, an iconic aspect of Manchester’s culture, has contributed significantly to its business environment. Manchester has given birth to numerous internationally acclaimed bands and musicians—from The Smiths and Oasis to Joy Division and The Stone Roses.

These music icons not only put Manchester on the global map but also stimulate the local economy. Concerts attract tourists, create jobs, and generate revenue for local businesses. Further, the popularity of these bands has led to the creation of many music-related ventures, including record stores, music venues, and recording studios. This booming industry contributes substantially to Manchester’s overall economy and fosters a thriving environment for businesses within the creative industries.

The Impact of Manchester’s Artistic Innovations

Manchester’s cultural scene isn’t just about music. It also boasts an impressive array of visual and performing arts venues. From the Lowry, housing the largest collection of LS Lowry’s work, to the Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth, these institutions create a vibrant artistic community that significantly influences the business sphere.

Manchester’s art scene attracts tourism, but it also nurtures innovation and creativity—traits highly valued in the modern business world. Businesses thrive in environments that encourage creativity, as it can lead to unique ideas and solutions. Plus, many companies now view artistic engagement as a valuable part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, sponsoring local art events or even commissioning works for their offices.

Cultural Diversity: Manchester’s Powerhouse of Inclusivity

One cannot overlook Manchester’s cultural diversity when discussing its cultural scene. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, reflected in its wide array of international restaurants, diverse festivals, and multilingual communities.

This diversity positively impacts the business environment, as it results in a broad range of ideas, perspectives, and skills in the workforce. Businesses can cater to a wider audience, enabling them to develop and expand in unique directions. Additionally, companies in Manchester can tap into a multicultural talent pool, fostering innovation and increasing competitiveness.

Manchester United: More than Just a Football Club

No discussion about Manchester’s cultural impact would be complete without talking about the role of football, particularly the influence of the internationally renowned Manchester United Football Club. Far beyond just being a sports team, Manchester United has become a cultural phenomenon, helping to shape Manchester’s identity on the global stage.

This celebrated football club has played a vital role in influencing Manchester’s local economy. Their matches regularly attract thousands of spectators from around the world, generating considerable revenue for local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Moreover, the club’s brand has been used to promote other Manchester-based businesses internationally, thus enhancing the city’s profile and its appeal to investors.

The club’s influence is also apparent in its community engagement programs. These initiatives not only bolster the club’s image but also contribute to the social fabric of the city, demonstrating the mutual benefits that can arise when culture and business intersect.

Manchester’s Thriving Media Industry

Another key player in Manchester’s cultural scene is the booming media industry, dominated by MediaCityUK. This waterfront hub for digital creativity, learning, and innovation is home to major broadcasting corporations like BBC and ITV, along with a host of smaller, innovative tech firms.

MediaCityUK has transformed Manchester into one of the leading digital and creative cities in Europe. This hub has generated thousands of jobs and attracted talent from around the globe, significantly influencing the business landscape.

Not only does it boost the local economy, but it also fosters innovation and creativity, further underlining Manchester’s status as a vibrant, forward-thinking city. The presence of major media companies has also elevated Manchester’s status on the international stage. The city’s media output is consumed worldwide, broadcasting the vibrancy and diversity of Manchester’s culture to global audiences. This international exposure can attract foreign direct investment, contributing to the growth and diversity of the city’s economy.

Festivals and Events: A Celebration of Manchester’s Culture

Finally, Manchester’s rich calendar of festivals and events contributes significantly to the city’s cultural scene. From the Manchester International Festival to the Pride Parade and the Caribbean Carnival, these events showcase the city’s cultural diversity and artistic vitality.

These festivals attract tourists and stimulate the local economy, but they also create business opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Many small businesses and startups have been built around these events, capitalizing on the influx of visitors to the city. This entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to the dynamic relationship between culture and business in Manchester.

Final Thoughts

In essence, Manchester’s rich cultural scene has proven to be a significant influence on its business environment. The vibrancy and diversity found in this Northern city have created a fertile ground for economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity. The interplay between culture and business is complex and multifaceted, but in the case of Manchester, it’s clear that the city’s cultural vibrancy has positively shaped its business landscape.

For students asking themselves, “How can culture influence business, and why should I consider this when I write my essay for me?” — let’s dive deeper into the unique relationship between culture and business in Manchester.

So, next time you’re asked to write an essay about the influence of culture on business, consider Manchester—a prime example of how a thriving cultural scene can drive business success and economic growth. Whether it’s the city’s iconic music scene, its flourishing art institutions, or its cultural diversity, the impact is palpable and continues to shape Manchester into a dynamic, thriving business hub.

Elevating Your Business Pitch: Why Presentation Coaching is Vital for Entrepreneurs

0

Learning how to put together a presentation helps an individual to become a better public speaker, to gain confidence in themselves, learn how to be analytical and precise in their approach, persuasive and charming, to the point, and an honest, trustworthy person with integrity.

A good presentation company can come into your place of work and teach your leaders and your employees the importance of great presentation skills. These skills are an essential part of every business, no matter what sector or industry you work in

Why are presentation skills important in business?

There are many different areas of business life where you can benefit from brushing up on your presentation skills and public speaking capabilities. Over time you’ll need to wow an audience when giving them your sales pitch, you might need to motivate employees with a speech or speak confidently in the boardroom to fellow directors and investors. You always want to get your message across clearly, and you want to make a lasting impression on whoever you are speaking to. This is where training can come into play and make a big difference to your success.

There are a few reasons why you need to develop your presentation skills:

Become a strong leader

A business that has multiple people in key roles with strong presentation skills is more likely to become a leader in their industry and attract partners, investors, and potential customers as a result. By teaching presentation skills to your staff, you are improving the entire organisation and helping your business to reach long-term targets and goals.

Make a great first impression

If you are delivering a presentation to prospective clients, potential investors, and suppliers, or even talking to new employees during induction, you’ll never get another chance to make a good first impression. Whether rightly or wrongly, most people make a judgment on you within a few seconds, so if you are presenting to a new person, make sure you are on form, that you are clear and articulate, precise, warm, and entertaining. This first time meeting someone will lay the foundation of your future relationship with them, good and bad.

Build trust

You need mutual trust to conduct good business. This is true with clients, suppliers, and staff. Good presentation skills help to build trust levels with those you communicate with and have a direct impact on how you and your business are perceived.

Clarity of communication

It is important that you are understood at every stage of your journey as an entrepreneur, especially when you are putting together a sales pitch. Misunderstandings can cause stress, resentment, missed deadlines, and lead to poor performance. It can mean that your potential client or supplier has unclear expectations of what you can deliver and when leading to a breakdown in trust. Communication is vital to your success, and presentation companies can train you to be better communicators.

Increase sales

By delivering a sales pitch that is exciting and engaging, you are more likely to resonate with the prospective clients hearing you speak and increase the number of potential leads in the process. Improving your presentation skills is necessary to increase leads, which in turn leads to higher numbers of sales, which is what your business wants at the end of the day. Shortening lead times and attracting a higher-value client profile and investor type will all help to maximise the potential of your company.

Learn how to sell yourself

Appearing confident, even if it doesn’t come naturally to you, is key to thriving as an entrepreneur and a growing business. Learning how to sell not only your products and services but yourself, helps you to make genuine connections with those you are pitching to. This helps to build long-lasting relationships that matter.

How to win a sales pitch

When it comes to a sales pitch in itself, this requires a slight tweak to how you would present at a conference or in a boardroom, and how you would speak to your employees in a motivational sense. Here are some tips on how to win a sales pitch utilising the skills and training of a presentation company:

  • Always research thoroughly – you need to consider the person (or people) you are pitching to and research around them. What will they want to hear? What will reach them best? This all matters to help you win a sales pitch.
  • Be relevant – how can you provide them with the key solution they are looking for? This is where the research pays off, as you can point to their struggles and provide them with the solutions that you can offer.
  • Keep your brand in mind – your brand matters, especially if this is your first interaction with the person you are pitching to. The way you present will have an impact on their perception of you and your brand.
  • Be professional – whether you are pitching in person or virtually, ensure that there are professional documents and promotional materials to back you up, as this boosts the professionalism of the whole pitch.

For any entrepreneur or business owner, you know that there is a long way to go to achieve your dreams. The journey will have its ups and downs, so you need to ensure that you put in place the strong foundations and building blocks that give you the best chance of success. One of the areas in which you can improve is your presentation skills. Hiring the services of a professional presentation company helps you to improve how you speak in public, how you plan and implement a pitch for new customers, new suppliers, and how you engage with your own employees and can have a massive impact on the entire shape and form of your company as it grows. It might only seem like a small thing now, but learning how to put together stellar presentations could be the key to unlocking the potential of your business venture.

UK Electrical Contracting Firm Urges Businesses to Embrace Responsibility and Lead the Way to Net Zero

In the face of escalating climate change concerns, QUEST Electrical, a prominent electrical contracting company in the UK, is calling upon businesses to acknowledge their responsibility and take the reins in the journey towards a Net Zero future. By championing sustainable practices and adopting state-of-the-art net zero solutions, businesses can wield significant influence in combatting climate change while securing a greener and more resilient tomorrow for all.

Net Zero: A Global Obligation: Net Zero, defined as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to near-zero levels, is no longer a mere environmental buzzword; it stands as a global obligation to safeguard a habitable planet for future generations. The unequivocal scientific evidence underscores the need to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avert the most severe impacts of climate change. As the Earth’s temperature continues to surge, taking immediate action becomes paramount.

A Pivotal Milestone for Net Zero: Aligning with the Paris Agreement’s objectives necessitates a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. This entails transitioning to cleaner, sustainable energy sources and embracing innovative technologies to significantly curtail carbon emissions. As the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, the energy sector holds the key to driving transformative change. Replacing polluting coal, gas, and oil-fired power with renewable energy sources like solar and wind is essential in meeting these targets.

Prominent Businesses Advocate Strong Leadership: The quest towards Net Zero cannot be a solitary endeavour; it mandates a collective effort from governments, industries, and businesses. A recent joint letter signed by over 100 prominent companies, including Tesco, BT, Centrica, SSE, M&S, Unilever, and Amazon, underscores the necessity for bold and unwavering leadership from the UK government to ensure the nation’s net zero goals are achieved. These corporate behemoths are poised to invest significantly in green initiatives, but they demand wholehearted support and guidance from policymakers.

QUEST Electrical: A Vanguard in Net Zero Strategies: As a forward-thinking electrical contracting company, QUEST Electrical has emerged as a trailblazer in providing tailor-made net zero strategies for businesses throughout the UK. With a proven track record in implementing sustainable solutions, such as solar installations, LED lighting systems, voltage optimisation, power factor correction, and EV charging solutions, QUEST Electrical empowers businesses to diminish their carbon footprint and embrace a greener future.

Andrew Wood, Managing Director at QUEST Electrical, affirmed, “We staunchly believe that businesses play a pivotal role in driving the transition towards a net-zero world. Through our comprehensive net zero strategies, we are committed to supporting businesses in adopting sustainable practices and acknowledging their environmental responsibilities. Together, we can forge a sustainable path towards a cleaner and more resilient future for all.”

Join the Net Zero Movement Today: QUEST Electrical extends a resounding call to businesses of all sizes and industries to join the Net Zero movement. By taking responsibility and implementing sustainable practices, we can collectively make a tangible difference in safeguarding our planet for future generations. Together, let us pave the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

Empowering Independence and Freedom with Mobility Scooters

0

For individuals grappling with mobility challenges, regaining independence and the ability to move freely is paramount to leading an active and gratifying life. In recent times, mobility scooters have emerged as a sought-after solution, offering a plethora of benefits that significantly enrich the lives of those relying on them.

Enhanced Access to Various Terrains

The primary merit of mobility scooters lies in their remarkable capacity to enhance accessibility. These purpose-built devices navigate diverse terrains with ease, seamlessly gliding through pavements, malls, parks, and public spaces. A mobility scooter empowers individuals to navigate their surroundings effortlessly, granting access to places that were once strenuous or entirely out of reach.

Catalysts for Independence

Mobility scooters act as powerful catalysts for independence, bestowing individuals with the autonomy to conduct daily activities and errands without relying on external assistance. This newfound sense of independence not only boosts self-esteem but also contributes to overall well-being.

Promoting a Positive Mental and Physical Outlook

Living with mobility restrictions can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. Embracing the aid of a mobility scooter not only motivates individuals but also provides regular movement and exercise, benefiting both the body and mind.

Unleashing the Freedom to Explore

A mobility scooter grants individuals the liberty to explore their surroundings with gusto. Whether it’s strolling through parks, visiting museums, or partaking in community events, individuals can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and experience all that their communities have to offer. By facilitating active participation in social gatherings and recreational activities, mobility scooters foster inclusivity and combat feelings of isolation.

Tailored to Individual Needs

The beauty of mobility scooters lies in their versatility and adaptability. With a wide range of models and configurations available, individuals can select a scooter that perfectly aligns with their specific requirements. From compact scooters designed for maneuvering in tight spaces to larger models catering to higher weight capacities, options abound. Additionally, accessories like baskets, holders, and ergonomic seating can be incorporated to amplify comfort and convenience.

Ease of Operation and Maintenance

The operation of mobility scooters is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal training or physical effort. Intuitive controls make them accessible to individuals of varying abilities. Maintenance is also straightforward, with routine checks and battery charging being the primary requirements. This simplicity ensures that individuals can focus on enjoying their newfound independence rather than being preoccupied with technicalities.

In conclusion, mobility scooters have revolutionised the lives of individuals with limited mobility, empowering them with newfound independence and the freedom to move. The numerous advantages offered by these devices, including enhanced accessibility, independence, improved mental and physical well-being, the liberty to explore, customisation options, and ease of operation and maintenance, all contribute to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. By embracing mobility scooters, individuals can reclaim control over their daily activities, engage with their communities, and revel in a life of greater independence and enjoyment.

Evaluating the Merits and Drawbacks of Bridging Loans for Aspiring Homebuyers

Acquiring a novel residence often presents a formidable financial challenge, especially concerning funding. Conventional mortgages, while reliable, may entail lengthy processing times, and on occasion, the urgency to secure your dream property demands immediate liquidity. Herein lies the role of bridging loans, serving as a transient remedy, adeptly bridging the gap between a new property purchase and the sale of an existing one. In this discourse, we delve into an intricate analysis of the virtues and shortcomings of bridging loans, empowering you to ascertain their suitability to your unique circumstances.

Pros of Bridging Loans: Celerity in Fund Procurement:

The foremost advantage of bridging loans resides in their capacity to expedite fund acquisition. Conventional mortgage proceedings can prove time-consuming, engendering potential delays in your quest for a new home.

Versatile Repayment Alternatives:

Bridging loans proffer commendable flexibility concerning repayment. Notably, they often adhere to an interest-only structure, facilitating reduced monthly payments whilst awaiting the fruition of your current property sale. Such alleviation of financial encumbrance may prove invaluable during the transitional phase.

Exemption from Property Chain Entanglements:

Embedded within a property chain, even a single transaction’s mishap may precipitate a cascading impact upon others involved. Bridging loans offer an emancipation from these interconnected links, rendering your offer far more alluring to sellers by precluding the perils of a failed sale due to chain-related predicaments.

Cons of Bridging Loans: Elevated Interest Rates:

Given their intended short-term nature, bridging loans are accompanied by comparatively higher interest rates, an essential aspect that lenders adopt to mitigate risk.

Supplementary Levies and Expenses:

Incidental costs encompass an assortment of fees, such as arrangement, legal, and valuation charges, which borrowers must contend with in the context of bridging loans.

Restricted Eligibility Criteria:

Typically, mortgage loans are accessible to individuals boasting substantial equity in existing assets. Nonetheless, certain borrowers, like owners of a few properties or first-time homebuyers, might encounter challenges qualifying for bridging loans due to the imposition of minimum down payment requirements. This criterion-based constraint may curtail the availability of such loans to specific demographics.

Bridging loans wield the potential to become an invaluable asset for aspiring homebuyers seeking expeditious financial remedies. Their merits encompass swift access to funds, seamless transitions, and repayment flexibility. However, prudent consideration of higher interest rates, supplementary fees, plausible financial risks, and eligibility prerequisites is paramount, allowing for an informed assessment tailored to individual circumstances.

BRITS GO BARBIE BONKERS

Brits have been picking up paint brushes and transforming their homes into Barbie-esque pink-topias – in a home makeover trend sparked by Greta Gerwig’s new film.

According to latest data from home and garden retailer wilko, sales of pink paint have surged by 53% over the past month, coinciding with the much-anticipated release of the new Barbie movie.

The film, which was released on Friday, features Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the bleach blonde Barbie and Ken duo who get a shock when they leave Barbie Land for the real world and discover the perils of living among humans.

The comedy-fantasy Hollywood creation, much like its popular dolls and countless animated films, is characterised by its trademark bright pink colour tone.

The endless chatter around the long-awaited remake of the childhood classic, complete with its star-studded cast, has seen the world go Barbie – and pink – mad in recent months.

The media has been illuminated with the trademark Barbie colour, with endless snaps of glam celebrities wearing fuchsia gowns at international premieres and brilliant pink billboards advertising the film.

This has clearly taken root in Brits’ home décor choices, causing a huge 211% spike in searches for ‘Barbie’ on the wilko website over the past two weeks.

One specific paint – Candy Cane Matt Emulsion – has been deemed the perfect shade of Barbie pink and has been flying off the shelves, causing a 103% sales surge on wilko.com in the lead up to the release of the blockbuster movie.

Nik Fowden, Senior Buyer at wilko, said: “Barbie-mania has definitely taken hold of lots of wilko customers and influenced one of our favourite home makeover trends to date – the all-pink look – causing this boom in searches for and sales of pink items and paint.

“We’re really pleased to see customers daring to break away from everyday home décor and creating their own vibrant Barbie Land space – who doesn’t love a bit of pink to brighten a room!

“wilko has everything from paint, furniture, furnishings and décor in Barbie-esque pink to help create your dream Barbie-inspired home look.”

To shop wilko’s full decorating and DIY range, visit: https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/decorating-diy/c/464

Amazon seeks to super charge the growth of small businesses in Greater Manchester with the launch of a unique accelerator programme

  • Exciting new programme launching in Greater Manchester will take local businesses behind the scenes at Amazon.
  • It will provide local businesses with insights and support on technology adoption and innovation to boost their productivity.
  • Initiative welcomed by Small Business Minister, Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board, Bolton Council Leader, and MPs for Bolton North East, and Wythenshawe and Sale East

Amazon is taking small businesses in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas inside their state-of-the-art robotics fulfilment centre in Bolton to show first-hand how they innovate.

The Amazon Innovation Accelerator, launching this week, draws together expertise from Amazon, Amazon Web Services, The Growth Company and Made Smarter. Together they will deliver a series of free workshops and mentoring sessions to kick start growth in the businesses involved, and productivity in the region.

The initiative provides a unique opportunity for small businesses to see in person how Amazon embraces new technologies and applies innovation to scale up. The fulfilment centre is emblematic of how Amazon streamlines processes, improves safety, and increases efficiency with robotic automation taking over certain duties, allowing employees to focus on more rewarding and engaging work.

The adoption of robotics across Amazon’s operations has created new roles within the company to support this technology, which tangibly demonstrates the positive impact it can have for employees and for the workplace.

Against this backdrop of a collaborative, automated environment with humans and robots, the workshops will feature expert insights and practical advice from Amazon’s own team on a range of topics that are instrumental to boosting business’ growth and productivity prospects including technology adoption, leadership, and management, all of which are central towards boosting business’ growth and productivity prospects.

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “This programme is a fantastic example of industry working to support small businesses and local communities.

“This scheme, on top of over £48 million in government backed Start Up Loans issued so far to local businesses, will scale up SMEs in Greater Manchester, supporting jobs and growth in the region.”

Neil Travis, Regional Operations Director at Amazon said: “Amazon has been serving customers in the UK for 25 years and we know how important it is to maintain a start-up mentality and find new ways to innovate.

“The success of small businesses is vital to Amazon, and we want to use the expertise of our teams in Greater Manchester to be a catalyst for growth and productivity for more local businesses and have a positive impact on jobs and the community.”

Greater Manchester was chosen as the launch location due to the strong existing business community in the area and to utilise Amazon’s significant investment and footprint in the region. Amazon has supported small businesses in the UK for the last 25 years and in Greater Manchester there are almost 7,000 small businesses selling on Amazon, generating just under £200 million of export sales in 2022.

The programme will be run in collaboration with Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, who help local manufacturing small businesses to understand and overcome operational challenges through digital technologies, offering localised advice and support, digital transformation workshops and roadmaps, leadership development and funding support for technology adoption projects

Participants of the initiative will also be supported during the programme by individually tailored mentoring with Amazon site leads across the UK, helping them to pinpoint and address specific challenges they are facing.

Later in the year the programme will launch in the West Midlands with the potential for further expansion across the UK where Amazon sites are based to inspire and empower even more businesses.

These local businesses provide vital services and jobs for the communities where they are based, and they are an important part of Amazon, with independent sellers making up more than 60% of sales worldwide, most of which are small and medium-sized businesses.

One of the programme’s objectives is to provide a practical vision of how businesses can scale through digitisation, innovation and strategic planning. By sharing insights with local businesses, the programme seeks to increase local opportunities for growth, which is essential to addressing the low levels of productivity that the UK economy has experienced in recent decades.

Following the programme’s launch in Greater Manchester, it will expand to the West Midlands later in the year.

Ruth Hailwood, Organisation Development Specialist at Made Smarter, said: “We are delighted to build on a collaboration with Amazon that began with support for our Digital Champions, to share best practice on use of technology and their insights around culture of innovation with small businesses.

“We have seen the impact this has had on our manufacturing small business clients, seeing how big business do things and learning how to use these tools in a small business environment.”

Lou Cordwell OBE, Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), said: “For Greater Manchester’s economy to become more productive, we need to find ways to support innovation within businesses of all sizes.

“More innovation among small businesses can unlock better productivity, which in turn gives us increased wages, higher growth and good-quality jobs.

“Amazon’s Innovation Accelerator programme offers small businesses in our city-region invaluable insights into the technologies and strategies deployed by one of the world’s largest companies. It’s also another fantastic example of collaboration across big business, SMEs and business support organisations in Greater Manchester.”

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Bolton is lucky to have a strong and diverse manufacturing sector ranging from small businesses to major international firms.

“This new programme will help build on our success, allowing these smaller local businesses to exchange ideas and learn from an industry leader in innovation.

“As Digital City-Region portfolio lead at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, I want to see businesses across our area embrace new ideas in order to drive productivity, boost growth, and create more skilled jobs.”

Mark Logan MP, Member of Parliament for Bolton North East said: “Championing our small businesses in Bolton North East is central to so much of my work. That is why I support the Amazon Innovation Accelerator scheme.

“Amazon’s plan to provide free workshops and mentoring sessions to our local businesses will be vital to help improve their reach.

“I know through speaking with Bolton businesses that they want to compete across the country and internationally. And with Amazon’s training and guidance, I look forward to seeing our local business thrive in a competitive marketplace.”

Mike Kane MP, Wythenshawe and Sale East said: “In Wythenshawe and Sale East Amazon’s investment into jobs and skills has been really good for the constituency.

“Seeing Amazon build upon these efforts by supporting small businesses through the launch of their Innovation Accelerator programme, and in partnership with Made Smarter and the Growth Company. I look forward to seeing how local businesses benefit from the programme.”