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Select event in Manchester highlights home care business opportunities

Helen Greaney
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Select event in Manchester highlights home care business opportunities

Increasing numbers of people are recognising the huge opportunities of the social care
sector.

Now a team from Walfinch home care is offering ambitious investors the chance to
discover more about it and explore the various ways to get into it, at The Founders Table, a
select event at Manchester’s Soho House club.

“The social care sector shows high current and future demand for its services in the
Manchester area and across the country,” said Amrit Dhaliwal, founder and CEO of home
care franchise Walfinch.

Amrit, who was recently profiled in the Sunday Times business pages, answered our
questions about why investors are queuing up to obtain inside information and advice about
entering the home care business.

BM: What’s so attractive about home care?

Amrit Dhaliwal: “The demand for care is huge and growing. Nearly half of home care
providers cannot meet current demand, according to the Homecare Association, and the
National Audit Office predicts that 57 per cent more adults aged 65 and over in England
alone will require care in 2038 compared to 2018.

“More people are recognising the potential, especially for private social care services, which
is why over 300 people applied for just 15 places at our previous Founders Table event.

“I realised the opportunities in social care in my 20s, after becoming a home care franchisee,
and went on to found my own care franchise, Walfinch.  From small beginnings I have built a
multi-million pound company in 12 years. The Founders Table reveals everything I wish I’d
known before I started.”

BM: What’s the best way to get into home care?

AD: “There are two main routes: you can set up independently or invest in a franchise. At
The Founders Table event we explain both, so you can make an informed choice. Setting up
on your own looks as though it delivers the most freedom, but you may find yourself learning
about it the hard way. The franchise route, which I followed, means you can launch and grow
faster. Care is a highly-regulated sector, and franchisees benefit from the franchisor’s
experience, which helps them avoid the potential pitfalls.”

BM: What kind of people thrive in home care?

AD: “Home care entrepreneurs combine business savvy with a genuine desire to improve
the lives of people in their local communities, and they appreciate the double rewards of
thriving financially while making a positive difference to society.

“They don’t need care sector experience, but management skills help as they run teams of
carers. I swapped into home care after building two successful hospitality businesses, and
over 50% of our nationwide network of franchise owners swapped in from other sectors.
They include people from marketing, accountancy, banking and more. All of them were
looking to start sustainable and ethical businesses.”

BM: What are the potential earnings?

AD: “The Founders Table offers a face-to-face chance to meet franchisees who have built
£1m+ turnover businesses (we have several), and to discuss how they started and grew
their businesses and what it takes to succeed.

“We also offer the chance to benefit from free information and advice from business
development specialists about both franchising and the care business. It’s about education and insights from the sector, and not about selling. Home care is not for everyone, and the aim of The Founders Table is to enable you to decide for yourself whether or not it’s right for you. We believe that well-informed people who choose for themselves to enter the sector are more likely to succeed.”

The Founders Table is on July 4 at the Soho House, Manchester. To apply for an invitation, direct message: Amrit Dhaliwal on LinkedIn.

Contractors must prioritise safety before entering occupied properties, warns Timberwise chief

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Contractors must prioritise safety before entering occupied properties, warns Timberwise chief

Property care expert says better planning is essential to protect homeowners, vulnerable residents and the wider public during specialist treatment work

A leading UK property care company is urging contractors to rethink how they prepare for work inside occupied homes, warning that many projects begin without enough consideration for the people who remain on site. According to Timberwise Managing Director George Edwards, effective safety starts well before technicians arrive, not once work is already underway.

One of the UK’s largest family-run property care specialists, Timberwise believes the risks associated with damp proofing, timber preservation and fungal decay treatments are frequently underestimated when homes and businesses remain occupied.

“The mistake most contractors make is thinking about safety once they are already inside,” said Edwards. “By then, you are already behind. In occupied properties, we are working around people’s lives, which means the planning has to happen before anything comes off the van.”

Unlike traditional construction sites, occupied properties require a different mindset. Residents continue their daily routines, employees remain at work, and many people nearby may be completely unaware of the hazards involved.

Edwards says safe working practices should include detailed route planning, dust and debris containment, securing ladders and access equipment after each working day, and ensuring clients fully understand what work will take place before drilling or treatment begins.

“The client should know before drilling starts, not when it does,” he said. “Whoever is living in that property should not be worse off for the fact that we were there.”

Protecting vulnerable occupants

Edwards believes discovering that a vulnerable resident is present should immediately change how a contractor approaches the work.

“The first time you walk into a property and realise there is someone vulnerable living there, it changes how you think about everything,” he said. “It might be an elderly resident who has not mentioned it, a child you did not expect to be home, someone with a health condition that was not on the survey notes. Whatever it is, the standard approach may not be enough, and you have to be honest with yourself about that quickly.”

He added that pets also require careful consideration, as they may unintentionally enter treatment areas or create additional risks for technicians if access is not properly controlled.

Responsibility beyond the property

Edwards also argues that contractors should consider anyone who could be affected by their work, including neighbours and passers-by.

“Most people do not think about the person walking past on the pavement outside,” he said. “They are not the client, they have not asked for anything, and they have no idea what is happening inside that property. But if a technician is moving chemicals between a van and a front door, or debris has been left on a communal floor, that person is just as exposed to the risk as anyone inside.”

“The client trusted us to solve a problem in their home. The person on the pavement outside did not get a say in any of it. We owe them the same standard.”

Timberwise delivers specialist damp proofing, timber preservation and structural waterproofing services across the UK. Full guidance on safe working in occupied properties is available on the company’s website.

New audit findings reveal growing allergy awareness gap across UK hospitality sector

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New audit findings reveal growing allergy awareness gap across UK hospitality sector

MANCHESTER, UK. June 25, 2026 – Fresh audit data from Safe to Trade is drawing attention to a growing gap between allergen management policies and how they are carried out in everyday hospitality settings. The organisation says this disconnect is creating avoidable risks for customers with food allergies, particularly when businesses are operating under pressure.

The findings are part of the latest Safe to Trade Data insights. While allergen management is not among the most common areas of non-conformance identified during audits, it continues to be one of the most significant in terms of potential consumer harm. Since January 2023, Safe to Trade has recorded 765 allergen-related non-conformances, averaging 19 each month.

The data indicates that risks are most likely to occur when allergen procedures are not followed consistently during day-to-day operations, especially at busy service times. Rather than deliberate breaches, the issues are typically linked to inconsistent training, varying procedures and the practical challenges of maintaining accuracy in fast-moving hospitality environments.

Audit findings identified recurring problems with allergen information, including missing or incomplete records, information that is not reviewed regularly, increased instances of poor customer signposting over the past six months, a lack of detail such as identifying the specific type of nut or gluten-containing ingredient, and occasions where incorrect information has been provided to customers.

The most serious findings involved allergens being present in food without being declared, creating an immediate and potentially life-threatening risk for consumers. Audits also continued to identify cross-contamination risks caused by shared equipment, ineffective cleaning practices and insufficient separation between allergen-containing and allergen-free foods.

Around 2.4 million adults in the UK are living with a clinically confirmed food allergy, making accurate allergen information an increasingly important factor in where consumers choose to dine.

The audit data also highlights broader operational issues, including dependence on manual processes and inconsistent staff training. These challenges become more pronounced during busy periods when the likelihood of mistakes increases.

Although allergen management is covered by legislation, it is not directly reflected within the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Safe to Trade says this creates a potential gap in how food safety risks are prioritised across the hospitality sector. Allergen management therefore remains a key element of the Safe to Trade audit framework.

The findings reinforce the importance of making allergen management part of everyday operations through well-defined procedures, regular staff training and ongoing checks to ensure standards are maintained.

Alec Kyriakides, Independent Food Safety Consultant and Chair of the Safe to Trade Technical Standards Committee, said: “The data shows that allergen management is not the most frequent area of non-conformance, but it is consistently one of the most critical in terms of potential consumer impact. The recurring issues centre around the availability, accuracy and specificity of allergen information, alongside the control of cross-contamination.

“In many cases, allergen categories are identified, but the specific allergen is not, which creates a significant gap in the information being provided to consumers. These findings underline the importance of precision, consistency and regular review.”

For more information, visit the Safe to Trade website here: https://safetotrade.com/

ENDS

Potatoes revealed as an unexpected summer budget booster, says Albert Bartlett expert

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Potatoes revealed as an unexpected summer budget booster, says Albert Bartlett expert

EAST SUSSEX, UK, June 25, 2026 – With temperatures climbing across the UK once again, households are being encouraged to look at one everyday kitchen staple as a simple way to cut spending during the warmer months. Experts say potatoes can help families reduce food waste and stretch grocery budgets throughout the summer.

The humble potato is a seasonal multitasker that can help lower food bills, enhance picnics, support beauty hacks and even soothe sunburn. The key, according to experts, is making sure spuds are stored correctly.

Rather than following traditional advice to keep potatoes in a dark cupboard, current scientific recommendations suggest storing them in the fridge. Research shows this can extend freshness by up to three times, helping households reduce waste. Despite this, around 80% of consumers remain unaware of the updated guidance*.

Hot weather causes fresh produce to spoil more quickly, and the average family throws away around 30% more food during summer than in winter. By keeping potatoes refrigerated, households could save approximately £25 over the course of the season.

Consumers are also advised to ensure fridges are operating between 3°C and 5°C, which is considered the ideal range for maintaining freshness and limiting bacterial growth. Many household fridges are believed to be set roughly two degrees warmer than recommended.

Molly Borys, from the UK’s number one fresh potato brand Albert Bartlett, said: “The potato isn’t just a wonder food, it’s the answer to plenty of summer’s dilemmas. Store it right and you’ve got an instant helper on hand to get you through the hottest days.

“It’s vital that shoppers know about the new expert storage advice so they can prolong the life of their potatoes and save money and food wastage.”

Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle MBE added: “When household budgets are under pressure, consumers often assume saving money means making big sacrifices. In reality, some of the most effective savings come from getting more value out of the everyday essentials already in our homes.

“Potatoes are one of the UK’s most affordable and versatile foods, yet millions are still thrown away unnecessarily. A simple change in how we store and use them can help families waste less, spend less and make their food budgets work harder during the summer months.”

Albert Bartlett has also highlighted several non-food uses for potatoes. Experts say they can help soothe sunburn, brighten under-eye areas, shine shoes and stop glasses or goggles from misting up.

Potatoes can also be frozen and used as cooling packs for lunchboxes. In the garden, they can be used to support root cuttings and encourage plant growth.

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Australian Entrepreneur James Sackl Says Time Is More Valuable Than Saving Dollars

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Australian Entrepreneur James Sackl Says Time Is More Valuable Than Saving Dollars

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, June 25, 2026 – Melbourne technology entrepreneur James Sackl has released a new essay challenging the long-standing belief that careful saving is the primary path to financial success. Published this week on his website, the article argues that individuals should focus less on cutting expenses and more on increasing the value of their time and earning capacity.

Sackl, who founded Singapore-based Wallace Biotechnologies and Terraform Technologies, regularly publishes essays and commentary through his Golden Age platform.

In the essay, “Don’t Save Money,” Sackl questions the conventional advice many Australians receive from an early age.

“Everyone gets the same line drummed into them young,” Sackl writes. “Spend less than you bring in, tuck a bit away every week, and you’ll be comfortable one day. Sure. Your mum and dad would approve. It’s also the slowest road to anywhere I know of.”

According to Sackl, there is a practical limit to how much a person can save, while earning potential can continue to expand. He argues that meaningful financial progress comes from creating value and setting a clear price on one’s time rather than focusing exclusively on reducing expenses.

Drawing on his own experience, Sackl recalls launching a business at age twenty-one by selling advertising placements door to door in Melbourne for a website that had not yet been built. The effort generated $21,000 in pre-sales before development even began. Later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he created an all-in-one rapid antigen testing pen that achieved $130 million in sales.

“Saving has a floor. You trim, then trim more, and one day there’s nothing left to trim. Earning has no ceiling,” Sackl says in the essay. “All the money that ever made a real difference to me came out of the hours I spent earning, not a cent of it out of the hours I spent doing without.”

The philosophy behind his companies

Sackl says the same thinking influences the way he structures his current businesses.

Wallace Biotechnologies is focused on extending both human health span and environmental wellbeing through long-term biotechnology initiatives. Terraform Technologies is developing energy and resource infrastructure designed to leverage fusion energy, particularly solar energy, to produce resources at scale and at lower cost.

Both organisations have been designed around long-term resource creation rather than short-term performance metrics. Sackl believes the same principle applies to personal productivity and how individuals allocate their time.

“Squeeze forty dollars off some bill and you’ve burned a clear hour doing it,” Sackl writes. “The forty you’d have made back by Friday anyway. The clear hour you don’t get back till you’ve slept.”

BNKer Announces London Expansion

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BNKer Announces London Expansion
Manchester-based BNKer announces its expansion into London, bringing its pioneering in-building self-storage solution to some of the capital’s most high-density residential developments.
MANCHESTER, UK. June 25th, 2026 – After building early momentum across Manchester’s apartment scene, pioneering residential storage company BNKer is now expanding its partnerships across the UK and into the capital’s most popular residential areas, including Westminster, Tower Bridge and Battersea.
Still in its first year of operation, BNKer has quickly gained traction with landlords and property operators looking to unlock value from unused building space while improving apartment living for residents.
Originally launched to serve apartment developments across Manchester’s fastest-growing living hotspots, the company’s fully managed, on-site storage model is now being adopted in new developments beyond the North West, signalling growing demand for the concept across the London residential property sector.
BNKer installs and manages secure storage units within existing residential buildings, typically using underutilised areas such as basements, cycle stores, car-parking areas and unused storage rooms. The company handles installation, marketing, contracts, payments, maintenance, insurance and customer service, while landlords receive a share of recurring storage revenue with no upfront or ongoing costs.

Just as BNKer’s revolutionary storage solution is fast becoming popular amongst landlords, residents are equally quick to see the value. On-site storage makes apartment living easier to manage, providing secure space for belongings without cluttering the home or requiring travel to external storage facilities.

This is particularly relevant in London, where apartments are typically smaller than those found in many other UK cities and population density continues to increase. As more people stay for longer in the capital’s high-density developments, demand for practical, accessible storage space within residential buildings is only growing.

For developers and operators, on-site storage offers a practical way to enhance the resident experience without requiring major structural changes or long-term capital investment, turning underused building areas into a valuable amenity for residents while generating an additional revenue stream for landlords.

BNKer’s Founder, David Fricker, comments on this critical expansion. He said: “London is arguably one of the most space-constrained apartment markets in the UK, so bringing BNKer into the capital is a hugely exciting step for us.

“This expansion will give us the opportunity to introduce our concept into some of the country’s most influential residential developments, where the need for practical storage solutions is felt by so many residents. We can’t wait to see how this next phase develops and what the move means for BNKer’s future.”

With partnerships continuing to form across the UK and installations now expanding into the capital, BNKer is quickly establishing itself as a new layer of infrastructure within residential property – one created not by building more space, but by using existing space better.

How investment casting supports long-term industrial performance introduction

Helen Greaney
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How investment casting supports long-term industrial performance introduction

Long-term industrial performance depends heavily on the quality, reliability, and consistency of the components used within manufacturing and operational systems.

Across industries, including aerospace, energy, industrial engineering, and heavy equipment manufacturing, components must maintain performance under demanding operating conditions while supporting efficiency and reducing operational disruption.

This is why investment casting continues to play an important role in modern manufacturing. Through advanced production expertise and precision manufacturing capabilities, Texmo Blank supports industrial operations by producing investment-cast components that improve durability, consistency, and long-term performance.

Investment casting allows manufacturers to create highly accurate components with controlled material properties and reliable dimensional consistency. These characteristics contribute directly to stronger operational outcomes and improved lifecycle performance.

Supporting Reliability Across Extended Operating Periods

Industrial environments frequently expose components to prolonged mechanical loads, changing temperatures, and continuous operational demands.

Long-term performance requires components capable of maintaining structural stability without excessive wear or premature degradation.

Investment casting supports these requirements by enabling:
● Improved dimensional consistency
● Stable material performance
● Reduced internal defects
● Greater operational reliability

These characteristics help create more dependable industrial systems.

Improving Durability Through Controlled Manufacturing

Durability is closely linked to manufacturing quality.

Investment casting uses carefully controlled production conditions to support more uniform internal structures and stronger component integrity.

Reducing manufacturing variability helps components maintain performance over extended service life and supports more predictable operational outcomes.

Supporting Operational Efficiency

Reliable components contribute directly to efficiency improvements. When components perform consistently, businesses often experience:
● Reduced maintenance requirements
● Lower operational disruption
● Improved production continuity
● Better asset utilisation

These advantages support stronger long-term industrial performance.

Enabling More Efficient Lifecycle Management

Long-term component performance influences more than immediate production
output. Durable components help organisations reduce replacement frequency and
improve long-term planning.

This contributes to stronger lifecycle cost management and improved operational resilience.

Conclusion

Investment casting supports long-term industrial performance by improving durability, consistency, and reliability across demanding operating environments.

Through precision manufacturing and advanced production expertise, Texmo Blank continues to support industrial businesses with investment-cast components designed for sustained performance and operational efficiency.

How hospitality businesses in Manchester are adapting to modern day challenges 

Helen Greaney
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How hospitality businesses in Manchester are adapting to modern day challenges 

The hospitality industry has always been a fierce one. But in the age of social media, inflated prices, and high demand, running a facility has never been more difficult. However, there are plenty of things hospitality businesses across Manchester are doing to adapt and overcome these challenges. Let’s explore. 

Common Challenges Within the Hospitality Sector 

Here are some of the most common challenges the hospitality industry is facing in 2026. 

Expensive Running Costs 

The cost of living crisis has affected businesses as much as it has individuals. The price of rent, bills, produce, staff, and catering supplies in Manchester has all dramatically increased and it has made it difficult for some businesses to stay afloat. 

Increased Competition 

It’s never been easier to find a restaurant or bar. One quick search online and you can see every nearby venue. This means hospitality businesses need to understand exactly what their target customers are looking for and do more to stand out in the area. 

High Turnover Rates 

Turnover rates are famously high in the hospitality industry. From long unsociable hours to dealing with demanding customers, keeping employees happy enough to stay can be hard work. And since high turnover rates can be costly and disruptive, it does have a huge impact on businesses within the sector. 

How Successful Hospitality Businesses Have Adapted

Increasing Efficiency 

Consumer demand is higher than ever. Maintaining efficient operations is critical to ensure customers are served quickly and efficiently. And it’s not just about customer satisfaction there and then. With social media and endless review sites, a customer having a poor experience can be detrimental to a business’s online reputation, which is everything nowadays. 

Prioritising Staff Satisfaction 

Keeping staff on board is crucial for creating a cohesive, experienced team that can get jobs done quickly, efficiently, and to a high standard. 

Many businesses are implementing strategies that improve employee wellbeing and satisfaction, to reduce turnover rates and build a better working environment, which in turn, is creating a better experience for customers. 

New Marketing Strategies 

Advertising is crucial, especially when it comes to attracting local visitors. Focusing on things like local SEO, reputation building, and obtaining reviews are helping businesses attract more visitors and grow a presence online to increase footfall.  

The Future of The Hospitality Industry in Manchester is Still Positive 

Manchester-based hospitality businesses are faced with numerous challenges. But by focusing on efficiency, staff satisfaction, and solid marketing strategies, many are still thriving.

Teesside’s Petite Agency Goes Global with Major European Contract Win

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Teesside’s Petite Agency Goes Global with Major European Contract Win
TEESSIDE, UK. June 23rd, 2026 – Petite Agency, one of the fastest-growing social media businesses in the North East, has secured its first major European contract, a milestone that marks a significant step in the agency’s international growth.
The partnership will see Petite support marketing activity across Germany, Sweden and the Benelux region for global scaffolding and access solutions leader AT-PAC.
The appointment follows a successful period supporting AT-PAC’s UK operations over the past year, where Petite worked closely with the business on social media strategy, content creation and brand positioning.
Earlier this year, the Petite team travelled to Sweden to deliver a large-scale content project, capturing one of Europe’s most significant temporary weather protection structures. The project not only marked the agency’s first international shoot, but also demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality, technically-led content on a global stage.
This work played a key role in securing the extended contract, which will now see Petite support AT-PAC’s marketing activity across multiple European territories.
Founded by social media and personal brand specialist Sophia Gowland in 2020, Petite Agency has grown from a solo operation to a team of eight, doubling in size over the last year alongside significant turnover growth. The agency has recently relocated to a larger office to support its continued expansion.

Petite’s roots are in social-first B2B marketing, with recognised expertise across construction, property and professional services, while continuing to work across a wider mix of sectors.

Sophia Gowland, Founder and Director of Petite Agency, said: “This is a big milestone for us as an agency, but it’s come off the back of a lot of consistent hard work and growth over the last few years.

“We’ve focused on building Petite into a team known for commercially-led, strategic work in specialist sectors, and that’s what’s opened the door to opportunities like this.
“A big part of this has been the trust AT-PAC has placed in us, particularly in giving us the opportunity to step into international work and deliver at that level.

“It’s a really exciting step for us and a clear indication of where Petite is heading.”

The AT-PAC contract reflects the agency’s ‘small name, big ideas’ philosophy, proving that a lean, specialist team can deliver at a level typically associated with much larger agencies.
As Petite Agency continues to strengthen its presence across European markets, the agency has set its sights on achieving £1m+ turnover, a milestone that would mark a significant step change from where the business started just six years ago.

To support this growth, Petite plans to continue recruiting and expanding its team in the coming months, building on existing client relationships while working with ambitious businesses looking to strengthen their visibility and position in competitive markets across the UK and internationally.

CRDOne Recognised as Bedfordshire’s High Growth Business of the Year

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CRDOne Recognised as Bedfordshire’s High Growth Business of the Year

Bedford-based digital marketing agency CRDOne has secured the High Growth Business of the Year title at the 2026 SME Bedfordshire Business Awards after achieving significant expansion in staff numbers, client acquisition and business performance over the past 12 months.

The company was also shortlisted in the Business of the Year category for organisations with fewer than 50 employees. The awards ceremony took place on 18 June 2026 at The Marquee in Bedford.

Established in 2021, CRDOne has increased its workforce from three to seven employees in the last year. At the same time, the agency has grown its portfolio to more than 30 clients across the UK, driven by demand for its straightforward and performance-focused digital marketing and web design services.

These results mirror the success CRDOne continues to generate for clients. Recently, the agency helped a local ecommerce company boost website traffic and revenue by 45% year on year, contributing to almost £1 million in online sales. It has also played a key role in the growth of Cambridgeshire retailer Gadget GoGo, helping the business establish itself as a serious competitor in the technology recycling sector. The agency has additionally completed projects for major automotive brands including Renault, Citroën and Genesis.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our team,” said Carl Darnell, founder of CRDOne. “We are proud to fly the flag for Bedfordshire businesses, but our clients deserve the recognition. Much of our growth has come from long-standing partnerships, and that loyalty means everything to us.”

Earlier this year, CRDOne supported a business networking event at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, attended by more than 50 independent business owners. Carl Darnell was invited to speak and shared practical marketing advice designed to help businesses improve their online growth strategies.

The High Growth Business of the Year award acknowledges CRDOne’s achievements in revenue growth, team development, client retention and support for the local business community.

“Our focus remains exactly the same,” Carl added. “We help business owners understand marketing in a clear and practical way so they can make informed decisions. We look forward to continuing that work and delivering strong results for our clients.”

CRDOne has earned a reputation for transparent digital marketing, honest communication and measurable business outcomes. The agency continues to support ambitious organisations across Bedfordshire and throughout the UK.

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