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Absurd kicks off 2018 with Non-Exec hire

Sam Whitear
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Absurd, the Manchester based digital studio, has kicked off 2018 with the appointment of a Non-Executive Director, Rob Noble.

Rob Noble was Founder and CEO of Great Fridays prior to its acquisition by EPAM Systems in October 2014, where he held the role of Vice President until June of 2017.

Since its launch last year by co-founders Oli Taylor, Sam Gooch and Oliver Bailey, Absurd has grown rapidly. Having been colleagues at some of the UK’s leading agencies during the past eight years, the three made the decision to combine their respective skill sets – design, technology and client services – to create Absurd, focusing on delivering outstanding service and differentiating itself via the use of service design to create compelling customer experiences.

Noble joins Absurd as strategic advisor to the Board – as a founder of Great Fridays, a core service design agency, his knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the business as it continues to grow. Great Fridays, while headquartered in Manchester, serviced a global client base, with offices in San Francisco, New York and London and counted the likes of MasterCard, Vodafone, PayPal and McLaren among its clients. With the Absurd team delivering predominantly international briefs, his experience in building a global agency along with his proven service design background will be invaluable.

The past six months have seen Absurd build an impressive client base that includes the likes of WALO, one of the largest privately owned companies in Switzerland, and Electrical Safety First, for which the consultancy handles a complete digital brief comprising content strategy and creation through to its website. December also saw Absurd appointed by Brother Europe on a pan-European brief, with the consultancy now handling a number of projects.

Noble said: “The vision Oli, Sam and Oliver have for Absurd very much aligns with the experiences I had building my own companies. The loyalty, authenticity and courage they possess will serve them very well and I’m looking forward to using my 20 years’ experience to support Absurd as the business grows.”

Oli Taylor, co-founder of Absurd, said: “2017 was an incredible first year – we’ve brought on board a host of great clients with really forward-thinking briefs that have challenged the team and allowed us to deliver excellent solutions. One of the things that differentiates Absurd is the integration of service design within our offer – over the past year we’ve had massive success through the continual enhancement of our client’s products and services and we will be working closely with Rob in the coming months to integrate service design further within our core services.”

 

£400k investment in Sea Life Manchester & Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Further to significant work and the development of an entirely new area, a visually compelling 360 degree experience ‘The Lair of the Giant Crab’ will be unveiled at Sea Life Manchester.

The breath-taking attraction will see two new unearthly sea creatures introduced to the centre – a giant Japanese Spider Crab, which can grow to up to 18 feet from claw to claw, and a Giant Pacific Octopus, nicknamed the ‘Einstein of the Ocean’ owing to its highly intelligent brain powers.

It is the first time either creature has been available to see in the North West and will see visitors invited to learn about what it means to survive in the extraordinary underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. The new additions join over 5,000 creatures at Sea Life Manchester.

Additionally, Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester visitors will be treated to an all-new interactive experience, ‘Space Mission’.

The intergalactic adventure will provide aspiring space stars with the opportunity to build their own Lego® rockets and explore weird and wonderful alien landscapes, before taking command at Lego’s mission control base and blasting a shuttle into space. 

The feature replaces ‘City Builder’ which will remain on display until the end of February.

The two new features, due to launch ahead of the Easter break, are the latest in a string of developments at the family-friendly attractions and sees over £400k invested.

Speaking on the announcement Jenn McDonough, General Manager Manchester Cluster, Merlin Entertainments, said: “Sea Life Manchester and Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester are two of our leading attractions and have been inspiring, exciting and educating families for over seven years.

“We’re committed to delivering new experiences for both first-time visitors and returning guests and promise the features will bring something incredible to the North West.”

RSM named most active North West M&A advisers for the second year

Sam Whitear
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Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, with bases in Manchester and Preston, has been named the most active M&A financial advisers in the North West in 2017– maintaining the top spot for a second year running.

In total, RSM’s corporate finance team in the North West has helped to close 25 deals in 2017 including the sales of MESM to VWR, Boweld Truck Bodies, further consolidation in the veterinary sector and several cash out transactions.

RSM also took the second-place ranking in the national league table which is the firm’s highest position to date. In total, RSM advised on 145 deals in 2017, a 10 per cent rise on the previous year.

In the UK regions, RSM was also recognised as the most active adviser in the South East and the firm clinched the third spot in Scotland and in the Midlands where it climbed from fourth place last year.

According to the Experian report, the level of merger and acquisition activity in the North West held up well in 2017. In total, there were 753 transactions recorded during the year, representing a 13.8 per cent decrease in volume but a record deal value at £19.6bn which equals a 41 per cent increase on 2016.

Ian Latham, RSM’s Head of Corporate Finance in the North West, said: “Despite the perceived uncertainty, which may have impacted transaction volumes, our deal activity has remained strong in 2017. Focussed advice, an understanding of market sectors, and well-presented businesses can unlock transactions. Investors continue to chase down deals for quality businesses and we’re seeing good valuations – highlighting the strength of the market for the right businesses.”

Sale Sharks and CorpAcq team up on new programme to tackle youth unemployment

Sam Whitear
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The Sale Sharks Community Trust has joined forces with leading investment group CorpAcq to launch a new community programme designed to help tackle some of the problems faced by young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The ground-breaking Advantage Project, run by the charitable arm of Sale Sharks and funded by Altrincham-based CorpAcq, is designed to support young people aged between 16 and 18 years old get into work or education.

Initially launched in Wythenshawe, in Manchester, it is hoped the programme will eventually work with young people right across Greater Manchester and the North West.

CorpAcq agreed to support Advantage because founder – and Sale Sharks co-owner – Simon Orange, CEO David Martin and Director Jon Dorsett grew up in Wythenshawe and were eager to support the regeneration of the area.

Jonny Acheson, the Executive Director of the Sale Sharks Community Trust, said: “We’re very excited to launch the Advantage programme, which we hope will make a real difference for hundreds of young people in Wythenshawe and beyond.

“Mainstream education doesn’t work for all young people and by offering this alternative learning solution, we can show that previously disengaged young people can go on to achieve qualifications and progress to employment.

“The support of CorpAcq has been essential in setting up this new programme and, together, we are hoping to make a real difference in the Wythenshawe community.”

The programme was launched with a bang as Simon, the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester Eddy Newman and Sale Sharks’ Neil Briggs took part in a panel discussion at the Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, in Wythenshawe.

The young participants on programme presented to the guests about their experiences in mainstream education, how the Advantage Project has helped them and about their future career plans.

Aspects of the programme that were highlighted by the young people included the life skills sessions, increased staff-to-learner ratio, and opportunities to do work placements and sports sessions.

This was followed by a Q&A with the panel, during which they shared their experiences of overcoming challenges in both education and their professional lives.

CorpAcq founder Simon Orange, along with a number of the firm’s board, grew up in Wythenshawe – and now he wants to make a difference in the area.

“I’m incredibly passionate about supporting Wythenshawe as much as I possibly can and this is a great opportunity for CorpAcq to team up with Sale Sharks to make a real and lasting impact on young people’s lives,” he said.

“I know from first-hand experience that growing up here brings with it certain challenges and I’m very grateful that I’m lucky enough to be able to give back and do my bit to help these brilliant young people.

“Having seen the enthusiasm and passion of the Trust coaches first hand – as well as the commitment of the young people – I have every confidence Advantage will be a huge success.”

Sale Sharks Chief Executive Jon Dorsett added: “Supporting our communities across Greater Manchester is something everyone at the club is genuinely passionate about.

“It’s a crucial part of our plans as a club and to make it an essential part of the north west communities that make us who we are.”

The sessions in Wythenshawe will all be run out of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s (WCHG), Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, on Portway.

WCHG Executive Director of Housing, Jacque Allen, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sale Sharks and CorpAcq to the Lifestyle Centre. The Advantage programme is a brilliant initiative and we think it will really benefit many of the young people in the Wythenshawe area.

“It’s also great to see a local company like CorpAcq, with such strong links to this community, working so hard to support the area and the work we are doing.”

£1.7M surgery expansion is just what the doctor ordered

Sam Whitear
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A doctors’ surgery in north Manchester is expanding the services it offers to patients following a major extension and refurbishment scheme.

The project has seen The Avenue Medical Centre on Victoria Avenue, Blackley, double in size.

A two-storey extension has been built which links the surgery to a branch of Cohens Chemist. The extension houses 11 new consulting rooms, a new reception and pram storage area, waiting rooms, offices and archive facilities.

The existing surgery has been refurbished as part of the scheme.

Dr Wendy Kitching, who led the project and has become senior GP partner at The Avenue following the recent retirement of Dr Denise Hennessy, said: “We are pleased to officially open our expanded and fully-refurbished premises and extend our thanks to our patients and neighbours for their patience during the work.

“In particular we would like to thank Cohens Chemist next door, without whose support this project would never have been possible.

“This project means we are able to provide a better environment for patients and staff, while also allowing for the future development and growth of the practice.

“We now have full disabled access to all areas and have been able to extend the services offered on the site to include ultrasound scans. We hope to add further services in the future.”

The six-partner practice has seven doctors, nursing staff and a healthcare team who care for more than 10,000 patients on its register. It is also a centre for GP training.

The revamped medical centre was officially opened by retired surgery partners Dr Liam McGrogan and Dr Geoff Sheppard at a ceremony attended by staff, GPs and practice managers from other surgeries, community services colleagues including district nurses and Macmillan nurses, and representatives from main contractor MC Construction and Cohens Chemist.

David Lowe, managing director of Salford-based MC Construction, said: “We are delighted to have delivered this worthy project. Communication with all stakeholders was key to successful completion, as the surgery and the pharmacy were operational throughout the duration of the works.

“The result is a facility which enhances the provision of primary healthcare in north Manchester.”

DigitalBridge appoints new COO to bolster growing management team

Sam Whitear
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Award winning Manchester tech business, DigitalBridge, has announced the appointment of James Lewis as chief operations officer, as the company seeks to expand its global reach.

As part of his role, James will take on responsibility for day-to-day business functions, including recruitment, marketing and positioning the business for scalable growth across the globe.

James has a strong technical background, including a degree in Computer Science and almost twenty years’ experience in software development. He began his career as a developer before moving towards product management and joined DigitalBridge two years ago as head of product. Having excelled within the team, helping to define a strategy and roadmap for future operations, he has been progressed to this new role.

The appointment comes as DigitalBridge looks to transition into a period of exciting growth over the next 12 months. The company, which is headquartered in Manchester Science Park, specialises in developing space planning tools for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms market.

James commented: “I was fortunate enough to join the company during its formative years, which has allowed me to play a key role in driving the DigitalBridge strategy from the very beginning. I’m looking forward to being part of the team as we develop and grow the company in the coming years.”

David Levine, CEO of DigitalBridge, said: “This position is an obvious extension of James’s previous role as head of product and he has proven himself as an important asset over the years. His user-centric focus, desire to constantly learn and ability to see strategic impact of decisions will prove invaluable as we look to build the business internationally in future.”

EcoRenew Group snaps up Mazuma Mobile in multi-million pound deal

Sam Whitear
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The Corporate Finance and Tax teams at North West accountancy and advisory firm, CLB Coopers, part of the Baldwins Group, have supported mobile remanufacturing company, EcoRenew Group, which has a base in Lancashire, in its multi-million pound acquisition of Mazuma Mobile as part of its global expansion plans.

The acquisition of Mazuma Mobile, one of the UK’s largest and most well-known B2C mobile phone take-back providers, comes just a few weeks after EcoRenew’s successful acquisition of Lancaster-based data protection specialist, ICT Reverse, making the group the first true end-to-end solution, from a single company, within the IT and telecoms market.

Headed up by CEO, Mark Chambers, EcoRenew Group was founded in 2016 in Hong Kong as a mobile refurbishment specialist and has since witnessed exponential global growth, with operations now located in Morecambe, London, Dallas, Tokyo, Manila and Dubai. Its annual turnover for 2018 is projected to be in excess of £220 million; it has over 1,000 employees and serves more than 1 million customers every year.

The group is pursuing a multi-million expansion strategy as it builds a fleet of bases within Europe to complement its growing product and service portfolio. Its current services include data protection, asset recovery, consumer trading, repair, financial services and remanufacture solutions to its clients.

Demonstrating an ability to cater to both corporate and consumer demand, Mark and the team have carefully selected trusted and well-established brands to add to the group’s already impressive portfolio. The acquisitions of Mazuma Mobile and ICT Reverse in November last year are estimated to boost the turnover of the group’s UK arm to £33 million.

Speaking of the group’s growth plans, Mark said: “We are recruiting some of the industry’s most experienced leaders and forward-thinking minds to develop unrivalled creativity, knowledge and innovation in the sector. The team has an unparalleled industry experience and we are guided by that vision, which is something very unique.

“The intention is to grow the brand globally with a series of co-ordinated acquisitions per year and there will be further exciting announcements early in 2018.

“We’ll invest heavily in these solutions and have plans to super-charge the roll-out through our existing global presence and infrastructure along the ‘belt and road’ in the UAE, Europe, China, South East Asia and the US.”

John Lam, co-founder of Mazuma Mobile, commented: “Our announcement with EcoRenew is another solid step in our journey to further cement our position as market leader in the UK handset recycler market. This partnership will help us deliver an even stronger proposition to our customers with the impressive set up at EcoRenew and will also provide us with opportunities to expand to other parts of the world. It’s the launch of a new and exciting chapter for Mazuma Mobile.”

EcoRenew Group was supported throughout the acquisition by the Corporate Finance and Tax teams at CLB Coopers. Senior Director, Rob Richardson headed up the transaction with the support of fellow Senior Director, Tony Whiteway, Director, Ryan Wear and Senior Manager, Jenny Pape from the firm’s Lancaster team.

Speaking of the transaction, Rob said: “We were obviously delighted to support Mark and the team throughout another successful transaction, and with more in the pipeline, this looks set to be a very exciting year for the group and its sector. Mark and the team have ambitious plans for the future and as well as leading the transactions, we are also working closely with them to focus on their wider strategy, to ensure the group is positioned to continue its impressive global growth.”

MHA donates £140,000 to Hospitality Action

Sam Whitear
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Manchester Hoteliers’ Association has donated almost £140,000 to Hospitality Action from its annual ball over seven years.

The sums raised led to Hospitality Action spending £85,000 in the North West in 2017, resulting in people like waitress Vikki Taylor receiving much needed support.

Vikki left her role in a busy restaurant in Manchester, where she’d worked for two decades, to care for her mum who was dying of cancer.

Shortly after Vikki’s mum died, both Vikki and her sister underwent mastectomies at the same time after finding lumps in their own breast.

Charity Hospitality Action supported 106 people in need in the North West last year.

Dawn Holding, Northern Regional Co-ordinator for Hospitality Action, said: “Sadly the past 12 months have been incredibly tough for Vikki and her sister.

“Unable to return to work and borrowing money from her friends and family to keep up with her bills Vikki contacted Hospitality Action for help. We gave Vikki a crisis grant to help with her general living costs as she faces more surgery and the long road to recovery.

“Thanks to MHA we have been able to support Vikki and many others who sadly go through very tough times.”

Dawn added: “Last year was also the charity’s 180th birthday and we raised a record £1.8m.

“We are hugely grateful to be one of the nominated charities for the MHA Ball and have been partnered with them for seven years.

“Receiving almost £140,000 from the MHA Ball over the past seven years goes a long way to supporting our work which is fantastic.

“We have also received funds raised via the MHA Football Tournament, last year held at Manchester City’s Etihad training campus.

“Last year we supported 106 people in the North West spending £85,937, which is the most we have ever spent in the region.

“This shows there is a real need for our support and hence the reason the MHA is such an important factor in our fundraising.”

Adrian Ellis, Chair of MHA, said the association will continue to work with Hospitality Action throughout 2018.

“The 2017 MHA Ball saw us surpass our target and raise £32,000 for four excellent charities, which included Hospitality Action.

“We are very much looking forward to further collaboration during the course of 2018 as we do what we can to support the industry’s charity and the people who are very much in need of the fantastic help they provide to our sector.”

Clough & Willis confirms Lee Marston as new managing partner

Sam Whitear
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Clough & Willis, the Bury & Bolton based law firm, has confirmed that Shefali Talukdar – its managing partner of 15 years – is retiring and that  Lee Marston, who is currently head of the Family team, will take over on 1st April 2018.

Shefali and Lee – along with the wider partnership – have been working closely over the past couple of months to ensure there is a smooth transfer of both leadership duties and client relationships. In his new position, Lee will manage the firm’s day-to-day operations, drive its strategic growth and continue to develop its people and working practices.

Lee became a partner in 2001 and has headed up the Family team since 2000. He is a Resolution Accredited Specialist in the financial side of divorce and children disputes and was a founding member of the Family Law Panel. Lee acts for a cross section of clients and has a particular expertise in acting for the owners of large businesses.

Shefali said: “I joined Clough & Willis in 1991 and became managing partner 15 years ago. To say the firm is in my blood is an understatement so deciding to step down and retire has been an incredibly hard decision. However, I know the business will be in the very best of hands as Lee and all the other partners are determined to build on the foundations that we have created together over the past couple of decades.”

Shefali was made a Deputy District Judge in 2015 and she will continue to sit as a judge once she retires.

Lee Marston commented: “Shefali’s departure is a big moment in Clough & Willis’ history and heralds a new era for the firm. Since she became managing partner, the business has grown year-on-year, we have launched new divisions and opened new offices. Her passion, drive and talent have helped determine where we are today and we can’t thank her enough.”

Lee added: On a more personal note, Shefali has been an inspirational colleague and a constant part of my working life for over 20 years so I will miss her. But I – along with everyone at Clough & Willis – wish her a very happy retirement.”

Icon Industrial in driving seat as plans get green light

Sam Whitear
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Plans to build a petrol filling station, convenience store and drive-thru restaurant at a major warehouse and logistics development in Manchester have been given the green light.

Construction of the proposed development by Icon Industrial at their flagship scheme – Icon Manchester Airport – could begin this month (January 2018).

The BP filling station, M&S Simply Food convenience store and drive-through Costa Coffee will provide an important ancillary facility for existing and future occupiers of the £100 million employment park.

Icon Manchester Airport is a build to suit logistics/warehouse development with outline planning consent for circa 1 million sq ft, capable of delivering units from 100,000 sq ft to 700,000 sq ft on the 45-acre, fully serviced site. The development was formally launched to the market in October and is the first investment made by the new joint venture.

Icon Industrial is a joint venture formed by Stoford Developments and TPG Real Estate.

Angus Huntley, development manager at Stoford Developments, said: “We are very pleased to have achieved planning consent for the petrol filling station and associated facilities from Manchester City Council.

“This development will provide important onsite amenities at Icon Manchester Airport, which is a landmark development for the North West and also for Icon Industrial. It presents potential occupiers with an excellent opportunity to have a unit built to their specific requirements in a first-class location at the very heart of the Northern Powerhouse. Having this amenity on site can only make the development even more attractive to occupiers.”

He added: “The connectivity it offers future occupiers makes it a hugely significant site in what is already a rapidly expanding logistics area at Icon Manchester Airport.”

The site provides excellent connectivity with Junction 6 of the M56 motorway immediately accessible, as well as Manchester Airport and the Greater Manchester region. Air and rail connections at the World Freight Terminal are also nearby. The area is established as a prime North West logistics site, which has major occupiers including Amazon, Fedex, UPS and DHL.

Icon Manchester Airport has a gross development value of around £100 million and sits within the Manchester Enterprise Zone which enables occupiers to benefit from a business rates discount up to £275,000 over five years, super fast broadband, fast track delivery via a streamlined planning process, and enhanced capital allowances. Icon Industrial acquired the brownfield site from Airport City Manchester Joint Venture in July 2017.

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