Almost exactly two years since President Xi Jinping visited the North and announced the UK’s first direct flight to China outside of London, research released today reveals that the connection is delivering a significant economic reward, or ‘China Dividend’, to the Northern Powerhouse.

The study by the economic consultancy Steer Davies Gleeve is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken into the economic and social impact of a brand new direct, long haul route between two countries. It has revealed that in its first year of operation the Manchester-Beijing air route, operated by Hainan Airlines, has driven a significant increase in exports, inward investment, and international student numbers into the North.

In addition, the direct flights have delivered a substantial increase in the number of inbound tourists to the North, with many lured by the region’s natural and historic attractions, luxury shopping sites and Premier League football teams.

Already worth hundreds of millions of pounds a year to the North, this “China Dividend” is predicted by researchers to grow substantially in the years ahead as the profile of the region increases further in Asia and as civic and business ties between the North and China are strengthened further.

The report, called ‘The China Dividend: One Year On’, is being launched as a Ministerial delegation from the UK Government heads to Shanghai to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Northern Powerhouse.

Led by Trade Minister Baroness Fairhead and Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry, the group will meet with prospective investors and trading partners at the China International Industry Fair, where the impact study will also be presented.

The report found that in its first year of operation, the Hainan Airlines route delivered the following benefits:

Passenger numbers

• The route has carried 90,000 passengers between Manchester and Beijing, 15% higher than anticipated and delivering an increase in frequency that has seen the service fly daily between the two cities.

• The total number of passengers travelling from Manchester Airport’s catchment area to Beijing (either directly or indirectly in both directions) has risen by 20,415 (+38% uplift) to 74,055 since the introduction of the route. This means the opening of the direct route has stimulated an estimated 28,838 net additional passengers travelling directly between Manchester and Beijing.

Exports

• The value of goods exported by businesses across the North from Manchester Airport to China has increased by 265% to nearly £200m every month.

FDI

• The pipeline of inward investment projects is increasing. Inquiries from China to Manchester property and investment agents have doubled, with the current pipeline potentially capable of creating 850 new jobs in the City Region; a similar picture is likely in the other cities of the North.

• Department for International Trade data demonstrates that the Northern Powerhouse is experiencing a marked uplift in inward investment projects (a 24% increase in 2015/16 over the previous year), and in 2016 accounted for 25% of total UK exports to China (£12.7bn for the UK as a whole, £3.1bn for the Northern Powerhouse).

• There has been a 54% increase in Chinese investments in property in Manchester in 2016, compared to a year earlier.

Students

• The number of Chinese students enrolling at the University of Manchester is double the rate of other universities in the UK.

Tourism

• Since the beginning of the route, Chinese tourists contribution to the region’s visitor economy has doubled to £138.68m p.a, with a further contribution of £626m anticipated over the next five years

• Chinese tour operators such as Nanhu are now incorporating Northern cities and attractions as a core component of their UK leisure tour programme.

Based on the range and scale of benefits realised in just 12 months, the report recommends that securing further direct links to China and other key growth markets should sit at the heart of strategies to drive Northern prosperity and rebalance the UK economy.

The report goes on to conclude that its findings strengthen the case for large-scale investment in infrastructure projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail, which would dramatically improve journey times between the North’s major towns and cities and Manchester Airport, and in turn help attract new long haul air services.

Another key finding of the study is that the Manchester-Beijing route is increasingly being viewed as not just an entry point to the North for the Chinese visitors, but the country as a whole, indicating Manchester Airport could have a critical role to play in strengthening the UK-China relationship in years to come, especially as other airports are at full capacity. 

Jake Berry MP, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, said: “In just one year the Hainan route has brought such significant rewards to the Northern Powerhouse that I feel there is a real appetite in exploring launching airline routes from Manchester to other regions in China.

“As we head to Shanghai we will look to build on the flourishing commercial relationship that the UK and China have established, bringing with us Northern businesses which demonstrate the strengths and opportunities in the region.”

Lord Jim O’Neill, the economist who coined the BRICs phrase to describe the high growth markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China and a driving force behind work to reinvigorate the Northern economy, has written the foreword for the report.

He said: “This is the first time that anyone has been able to pin-point so accurately the benefits of long haul connectivity between two countries and this fascinating report shows that the upside is far wider than one may think.

“It helps to boost skills and knowledge and strengthen civic ties, as well as grow the economy in more obvious ways, such as through export volumes, inward investment and tourism.

“China remains a bigger economy than the other BRIC nations in aggregate and even at a growth rate of six to seven per cent, it will create the equivalent of another India before the decade is out.

“At the earliest opportunity further direct connectivity is needed in order for the UK to realise its ambition of China becoming one of its top three trading partners, This report makes clear why that is the case and should be essential reading for policy makers.

“There is an opportunity immediately before us to do something about this. In particular, we need to make sure that all the key road and rail links function seamlessly to connect the airport to the key centres of population density around the rest of the North.”

Sun Dali, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China for the North of England, said:

“The direct flight between Manchester and Beijing started at the right time and continues to increase and develop cooperation between the North of England and China. The direct route is a perfect example of the ‘One Belt One Road’ and Northern Powerhouse policies interconnecting.

“After one year of this flight, we have seen continued growth in trade and communication between China and the North of the UK and I hope that inter-communication between the UK and China continues to encourage more cooperation between China and the North of England, and hope that more Chinese people come here to set up businesses, study, travel, and have first-hand experiences in this unique and charming part of the world.”

Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group and Chair of the Manchester China Forum, said: “This is the clearest evidence yet of how important international connectivity is to the growth ambitions of the North and UK as a whole.

“Manchester Airport is committed to playing an active role in creating a vibrant and globally competitive Northern Powerhouse.

“We are demonstrating that through our £1bn investment to transform the airport, which will help attract more long haul services like the Hainan Airlines route to Beijing.

“One of the more important findings in this report is the significant amount of demand this route has stimulated for travel both to and from the UK and coupled with the right support from Government further direct long haul routes between the Northern Powerhouse and the world will ensure that the region can reach its full potential.”

Ryan Zhang, UK General Manager for Hainan Airlines, said: “We have been extremely pleased with the Manchester-Beijing route, which has been one of the most successful we have launched in recent years.

“It has massively surpassed our predictions and expectations, which prompted us to making it daily over the summer months.

“Manchester has proved to be an extremely popular destination for our Chinese customers, whether they be students, business travellers or people visiting friends and family based in the North of England or wider UK.

“We look forward to continuing to grow the route out of Manchester in the coming years and are delighted it has had such a positive impact on the region.” 

Rhys Whalley, Executive Director of the Manchester China Forum, said: “Securing a direct air route was a top priority for the Forum when it launched back in 2013 and this study represented a unique opportunity to demonstrate exactly why that was the case by capturing the wide range of social and economic benefits brought about by by direct connectivity.

“The scale of impact in the first year alone clearly illustrates just how significant having strong links with high growth markets can be and why Government should be throwing its weight behind further improving connectivity between the North and China.”

The study comes on the back of a separate study produced for Transport for the North’s International Connectivity Commission, which concluded that enhanced direct access to markets like China was vital if the North was to achieve “transformational” growth in the years ahead.

John Cridland, Chair of Transport for the North, said:“The Independent International Connectivity Commission highlighted key opportunities to ensure the North is connected on the global stage, making it easier for businesses to access international markets. The Manchester-Beijing route, which supports collaboration between the China ‘One Belt, One Road project and the Northern Powerhouse, is a fantastic example of the economic value of direct access to markets and the North’s ability to sustain such links.”

Blacks Business Brokers has appointed fellow Bury business Alpha Public Relations to raise its profile and launch a number of new brands it has in the pipeline.

Alpha Public Relations, whose principal consultant is the respected former business journalist and financial services marketer Stuart Anderson, will provide strategic communications and marketing consultancy to Blacks Business Brokers. It will also provide a full press office service, managing relationships with journalists and building awareness of the company’s activities and successes.

Whenever appropriate, Blacks Business Brokers will also use Alpha Public Relations to help market any businesses it has been instructed to sell that might be of interest to the local or business press.

Chris Rowlands, managing director of Blacks Business Brokers, said, “We have a huge amount going on here at Blacks that we want to tell people about, and we also have some really exciting developments in the pipeline.

“Before we came across Alpha Public Relations we had already spoken to a number of public relations agencies about helping us to raise our profile but had decided not to proceed with any of them. When we met Stuart we were really impressed by his approach, his pedigree and his understanding not only of the media but also the ‘real world’ of business in which we operate.

“I am looking forward to working together on a whole range of projects that will increase awareness of the Blacks Business Brokers brand and boost our position as market leaders and the business transfer agents of choice for proprietors who are serious about selling for the maximum value with the minimum of fuss.”

Stuart Anderson, managing director of Alpha Public Relations, said, “Blacks are a growing business with an exciting pipeline of projects and, generally, a lot of activity taking place that I believe people will be genuinely interested to hear about.

“Over the coming months they are going to become much more widely known and understood at both a regional and national level, which is no more than they deserve. Blacks are a truly exciting business at an exciting stage in their development and I couldn’t be more pleased to be involved.”

Thousands of people flocked to Manchester city centre for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, marking the start of the festive season in the UK’s Christmas capital.

The Manchester Christmas Light Switch-on, in association with Key 103, has become the beginning of Christmas for generations of Manchester people, and this year was no exception.

The city centre squares became Britain’s biggest pop venue for the night as thousands of people watched the spectacular show live in Albert Square and via live web streams beamed across the globe.

International star Sigala became the first DJ to headline the Christmas Lights Switch-on and his thumping set got the crowd moving and shaking in Albert Square.

Pixie Lott showed her pop star credentials as one of the biggest acts of the last decade, wowing the crowd with her incredible voice and stage show.

Up and coming boy band YES LAD showed why they are tipped to be the next big thing, bringing talent and attitude in equal measure.

The stars of the Manchester’s stage shows ELF: The Musical at the Lowry, Shrek at the Palace Theatre, and Guys and Dolls playing at the Exchange Theatre, gave the crowds something to dance about, previewing their huge productions that will be playing throughout the festive season.

Opening the show was the cast of Little Women – who will take their show to the award winning Hope Mill Theatre – and the incredible moves of the Dancehouse Academy showing of the amazing moves of Street Dance.

Key 103’s breakfast hosts Mike Toolan and Matt Haslam compered the show with help of Corrie’s Brooke Vincent!

The event concluded with a 10 minute fireworks spectacular.

Manchester’s biggest red resident – the iconic Giant Santa – was also turned on for the first time. Follow him on twitter @McrSanta for his individual

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester Christmas spokesperson, said: “Tonight’s show was a remarkable start to Christmas in Manchester and it’s no wonder we remain Santa’s favourite city.

“All of the acts wowed the huge crowds and it was surely one of the best shows we’ve ever had. From the headliners Sigala and Pixie to the stars of Manchester’s stage shows, every single one was world class.

“As always a huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us tonight, the atmosphere was incredible. One for the history books.”

Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for schools, culture and leisure, said: “But of course this is only the beginning as Manchester will be transformed next week when the world-famous, award-winning Christmas Markets return next Friday!”

Manchester’s award winning Christmas Markets will open officially to the public next week on Friday, 10 November spreading across 10 sites in the city centre with more than 300 stalls.

Stay up to date and join the conversation with #MCRCHRISTMAS

www.manchester.gov.uk/christmasmarkets

Twelve hospitality students have begun working with twelve high-profile general managers of Manchester hotels, as part of a pioneering pilot scheme.

Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA) and Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) are behind the mentorship programme which launched at the Business School in the city this week.

Bosses of hotels including The Principal, INNSIDE Manchester and The Lowry are taking part in the scheme which runs until April 2018.

Talented final year BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management students have met their mentors and will press on with the programme.

MHA Chair Adrian Ellis and Amanda White, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management at Manchester Met, are behind the initiative which they say has been designed to attract students to careers in the hotel industry – but more importantly retain talent.

The programme will include four face-to face meetings over the course of the year in addition to regular online communication, job shadowing and opportunities to attend training events, management meetings and other networking opportunities.

Adrian, who is also the General Manager of The Lowry Hotel, said it won’t just be students that benefit from the scheme.

Talking in front of the mentors and mentees at Manchester Met Business School he said: “I remember being a student and later meeting some of my old classmates at a reunion – only to find out that 65 per cent of them had gone into other industries.

“After talking with Amanda extensively over recent months we believe this problem still exists.

“Students like yourselves are the future of our industry and we think this is a spectacular opportunity to finish your course, gain experience and create a pathway into a fantastic career.”

He added: “I’m sure each of your experiences with General Managers will be different to the next person, but that’s great, as you’ll get out of it what you put into it.

“There will be plenty of support on offer to the students and opportunities to experience life in some of the best hotels in our great region.

“As General Managers we are always faced with recruitment challenges so this is an exciting opportunity for us too.”

Manchester Met’s Amanda White also addressed the room, describing the pilot scheme as a ‘chance to build lifelong networks’.

“Our overriding aim is to encourage mentees through their final year of studies and into employment,” she said.

“We have been very keen to get this off the ground and are delighted that our wonderful final year students have met and also stared to work with great mentors.”

Amanda added: “I’ve no doubt how committed the students are to this. They will drive this forward and learn invaluable skills that they will carry forward throughout their careers in what is a wonderful sector.”

Mentors and mentees

Samanta Dubois and Mathieu Batut (Novotel Manchester Centre)

Vivien Dagnall and Tina Namee (INNSIDE Manchester by Melia)

Emily Morrison and Jane O’Mahony (Arora Hotel Manchester)

Serena Hayes and Matt Townley (The Principal Manchester)

Sophie Dixon and Gary Johnson (The Mere Resort Knutsford)

Cristina Vaduva and Michael Sheldon (Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport)

Tiffany Marshall and Huseyin Bozkurt (The Stock Exchange Manchester)

Sara Mahjoubnia and Barbara Womack-Simms (Pendulum Hotel)

Catarina de Pina Joana and Bob Fairweather (Crowne Plaza Manchester Shudehill)

Rosemary Troop and Stephen Miles (Radisson Edwardian)

Kenny Smith and Adrian Ellis (The Lowry Hotel)

Ellen Rylance and Mario Ovsenjak (Hotel Gotham)

Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery are delivering an exciting new look and dining experience for all who visit its Swinton restaurant; The Red Lion.

Located on Chorley Road the remodelled Red Lion, formerly a Crown Carvery, opened to guests on Friday 27^th October after a two week closure period. Following a significant investment in the restaurant, 11 new jobs have been created for the local area, with employees ready to serve guests their favourite breakfast right through to dinner.

The Red Lion will now offer guests something for all the family from 100% fresh dough pizzas, juicy burgers and comforting slow roasted carvery meats with all the trimmings. The new restaurant will also offer pub classics, such as hand battered fish and steak and ale pie.

Speaking about the conversion general manager, Amy Wilson, said: “We’re excited about the new changes and are looking forward to welcoming the people of Swinton to come and see what Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery is all about!

“The restaurant has been given a fantastic new look and a menu that has something for everyone. When you eat with us you can put on the plate exactly what you want, creating your meal, your choice, your way.

“We’re a real part of the local community and are looking to support local charities, projects and host a variety of events and activities that everyone can enjoy. When you next pop in to savour a good meal, or spend quality time with family and friends, be sure to ask us about what’s coming up!”

For information about the Red Lion or Stonehouse Pizza & carvery please visit www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk/nationalsearch/northwest/theredlionswinton or call 0161 728 9051.

Learners from Sale Sharks Community Trust’s Advantage programme got an invaluable insight into the corporate world when they were invited to the Manchester office of the club’s principal partner, UKFast.

The young people, all aged between 16 and 18 and currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), spent the day under the guidance of UKFast’s Director of Training and Education, Aaron Saxton.

The group learned all about the unique working environment created by UKFast founder Lawrence Jones, where the employees are at the heart of organisation.

And they heard all about the range of apprenticeships available and the emphasis the firm places on supporting young talent and upskilling its own staff.

Carl Fairhurst, the Advantage Wythenshawe Programme Manager, said: “It was a real eye opener for our learners to see the unique workplace environment that UKFast has created.

“Giving our learners this type of experience will really help open up new opportunities for them. It’s one of the main reasons that the Advantage programme really benefits young people, and helps to give them a real advantage in looking for a job or apprenticeship.”

The visit was part of the employability element of the Advantage programme, which is supported by a number of the club’s partners, and provides 16-18-year-olds who were previously unemployed and not in education with a chance to gain qualifications and work experience placements.

The programme, which is supported by Altrincham-based corporate acquisitions experts CorpAcq, runs out the Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, in Wythenshawe.

The visit was the first in a series of events organised through the partnership with UKFast, with the learners planning to return to the campus in Hulme, Manchester, in the next few weeks to begin work on their own website and to start to develop their own entrepreneurial skills.

Jason, one of the Wythenshawe learners, added, “I loved visiting UKFast today and was really surprised by their offices and the way that they look after their staff. I would love to try and get an apprenticeship somewhere like that, and can’t wait to go back for our next visit.”

Aaron Saxton, UKFast’s Director of Training and Education, said: “We’re very proud of our association with Sale Sharks and we were delighted to welcome the learners from Advantage to our campus for the day.

“The Advantage programme is making a huge difference in the lives of so many young people and as a business that prides itself on developing young talent, anything we can do to play a part in that is fantastic.

“Giving young people the opportunity to experience a working environment like this could be so valuable in shaping their future careers.”
For more details about the range of work carried out by the Sale Sharks Community Trust, visit www.Salesharks.com/community.