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Lean coaching programme to support Manchester manufacturers

Helen Greaney
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Lean coaching programme to support Manchester manufacturers

A Manchester manufacturing training and leadership organisation has launched a new education and coaching programme for businesses to improve productivity, reduce waste and achieve faster growth.

The Manufacturers Network is delivering the Advanced Lean Coach Programme in a new partnership with People Centred Excellence, whose coaching team has worked with international names such as Toyota, Siemens, Black & Decker, Pilkington Glass and Morrisons.

Pioneered by Toyota in Japan, Lean manufacturing focuses on helping businesses to drive continuous process improvement and reduce waste. It increases market competitiveness with sustainable improvements in productivity, delivery, quality and safety.

The programme is designed for senior manufacturing managers and continuous improvement (CI) leaders.  It is aligned with the Lean Competency System (LCS) created by Cardiff University’s Lean Enterprise Research Centre.  That system is the leading, academically recognised Lean qualification worldwide.

The programme is underpinned by an initial four-day training course, including a manufacturing case study site visit, to deepen understanding of advanced Lean tools, principles and techniques.  The learning can then be applied to the redesign of manufacturing business processes, work streams and end-to-end organisational change.

The second stage of the training is about putting that knowledge into practice with support from expert coaches.  This will include a ‘real time’ project in the workplace to demonstrate the application of learning in a practical context, show delivery performance improvement and achieve significant return on investment.

Vanessa Stanek, principal practitioner and head of education at the Manufacturers Network said: “The new programme is an important collaboration that aims to provide delegates with access to best-in-class industry expertise.  It provides a valuable combination of training and coaching support to increase the knowledge and capability of manufacturing professionals.

“The course will enable participants to drive and sustain the implementation of Lean and continuous improvement principles across their own organisations, their business processes and supply chains.  It will benefit their business in terms of waste reduction and offering better value to their customer base.”

Delegates will gain the skills to lead improvement projects and train and coach colleagues to adopt a similar mindset.  And they will have the opportunity to put theory into practice by delivering a strategic improvement project of their own to benefit their employer.

Graham Canning, Lean coach at People Centred Excellence said: “The core philosophy of Lean is to open up new ways of growing your business through shared learning, from being more responsive to customer needs through to using less energy and materials.

“There are a host of benefits accruing from this programme for both participants and the manufacturing firms they represent.  It will give them the tools to drive strategic change in their organisations, apply technical knowledge and leadership, and link improvement projects to the delivery of business objectives.”

The inaugural programme will cater for up to 10 delegates and is scheduled for delivery on November 6-7 and December 11-12, 2024.  It is aimed at all types of manufacturing businesses, including automotive, food and drink, construction, printing, healthcare, aerospace, rail infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, packaging, ceramics and plastics.

Pictured: Vanessa Stanek with Stuart Mitton, a leading Lean coach from People Centred Excellence

Manchester’s ‘FAM24’ trip showcases collaborative success

Helen Greaney
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Manchester’s ‘FAM24’ trip showcases collaborative success

Victoria Warehouse, in partnership with other leading venues, suppliers, and partners from across the city, has hosted a dynamic familiarisation trip,branded FAM24.

It brought together 50 creative event agents from London and around the UK, with the aim of showcasing Manchester’s strength as a premier destination for events while celebrating partnership along the way.

The trip was the result of meticulous planning, headed by the Victoria Warehouse team along with some of Manchester’s most respected venues, Manchester Central, Factory International’s Aviva Studios, Depot Mayfield, and ABC Buildings.

The journey began with a warm Mancunian welcome at Manchester Piccadilly, followed by a tour and lunch at Manchester Central.

Marketing Manchester supported by hosting a session for delegates, highlighting the top reasons why Manchester is the ultimate playground for event planners.

After settling into the hotel partners – The Reach at Piccadilly and Hyatt Regency – the next stop was exploring the versatile ABC Buildings, complete with DJ in the dome, drinks and canapes.

Next, a surprise standout for the delegates was a boat cruise from Castlefield to Victoria Warehouse. After a tour of the venue, everyone was welcomed into Victoria Warehouse’s newest event space, The Tobacco Stores.

The space was dressed and lit to perfection by Sterling Event Group, Options Greathire, and Verdure Floral. Guests indulged in an impressive four-course dinner, accompanied by entertainment from Elements girl band, who got the crowd to their feet following dinner.

Day two began with breakfast at the hotels, before diving into the immersive ‘Sweet Dreams’ exhibition at Aviva Studios.

The group then toured the legendary ‘Theatre of Dreams’, Manchester United’s Old Trafford. FAM24 wrapped up at Depot Mayfield, a former railway station turned buzzing arts and events hub, with drinks at Freight Island—a perfect finale to an action-packed itinerary.

These two days were a brilliant display of Manchester’s event and hospitality scene. The city’s rich legacy of sport, culture, music, and community spirit truly shone, proving once again that Manchester is a top cultural and creative hotspot that definitely deserves the spotlight.

Freya Glenn, sales manager at Victoria Warehouse said: “Our sales team worked incredibly hard to bring this idea to life, and the feedback from the agents has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve managed to exceed expectations, and it’s clear that the strong partnerships we’ve built with our neighbouring venues and suppliers were key to the success of this trip. I’m confident that all of us will see a return on investment, and we’re excited to see the opportunities that will arise from the connections made during these two days.”

Hard Rock Cafe’s charity art challenge triumphs with musical icons 

Helen Greaney
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Hard Rock Cafe’s charity art challenge triumphs with musical icons 

A fantastic portrait of Johnny Marr came out on top in Hard Rock Cafe Manchester’s Art Challenge.

The creative charity competition was raising cash for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, set up in Freddie Mercury’s memory to fight HIV/AIDS worldwide.

​Five artists gathered at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester on Freddie Mercury’s birthday (September 5) for a chance to showcase their artistic skills and win the prize of a £250 Hard Rock Cafe restaurant voucher and a Mercury Phoenix Trust ‘Freddie Mercury merchandise bundle’.

​All five artists were tasked with bringing to life a ‘Manchester Musical Icon’, which resulted in portraits of musical legends such as Guy Garvey, Johnny Marr, Morrissey, Liam and Noel Gallagher and Lisa Stansfield.

Ultimately it was Caz Latham’s acrylic portrait of the Smith’s guitarist that caught the eyes of the esteemed judging panel, praised especially for its “vibrant use of colour”.

​The five paintings will be on display in Salford’s Mossroom Bookshop until September 30, where a QR code can be scanned to make bids on the paintings as they’re auctioned off for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

IMG 4659 The judging panel was made up of experts and enthusiasts from Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester Confidential, who came together to decide on the top three places.

​David Adamson from Manchester Confidential added: “It always surprises me the kind of things artists can do, both amateurs and professionals. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the personality of each piece of artwork come to life, and it’s a real pleasure to see people painting what they love.”

​Aneta Jarzmik, general manager at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, said: “We are thrilled to see new faces behind easels as well as returning ones from last year’s challenge. It goes without saying that all artists did an excellent job at capturing the heart and soul of the musicians through an array of different media and styles, and we enjoyed watching them being brought to life throughout the day.”

To make your bid, visit Mossroom Bookshop in Salford, The Quays, M50 3AH, and scan the QR code of the painting you wish to bid to.

North West sees marked improvement in skills, according to PwC

Helen Greaney
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North West sees marked improvement in skills, according to PwC

Preston is the highest ranking city in the North West, when it comes to the public’s assessment of 12 economic measures.

The annual Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index rates 51 of the UK’s largest cities, plus the London boroughs as a whole. Preston makes 15th place and only scores lower than the UK average on three out of the twelve indicators – health, safety and high streets.

The measures include jobs, health, income, safety and skills, work-life balance, housing, travel-to-work times, income equality, high street shops, environment and business startups.

Warrington & Wigan ranks at 28th in the index, followed by Liverpool (34th) and Manchester (46th).

Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and Warrington & Wigan have all out performed their previous performance on skills, compared to data from 2019-21.

Rankings out-perform the UK average

Across the North West, the rankings out-performed the UK average for work-life balance, and are either above or in line with the UK average for house price to earnings, transport and income distribution.

Looking at economic growth, the North West is in line with the UK average, and is expected to grow by 1.1% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025, making it the fifth fastest growing region out of 12 in the UK next year.

Adam Waller, market senior partner for PwC Manchester, said: “I’m really pleased to see the North West performing so well in relation to skills, as this will be key to creating opportunities and prosperity.

“The region is working hard to ensure that our people have knowledge and experience that’s fit for the future, and with programmes to support this, such as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Skills Bootcamps, and the work the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been doing on their economic strategy, cities across the North West are well placed to continue this work.

“It’s also great to see some positive predictions in terms of economic growth. Sectors such as transportation, professional services and STEM industries are all expected to see high growth, and with a large number of companies in these areas calling the North West home, I hope that we’ll continue to see progress over the next few years.”

The highest priority for those living in the region is income. While this is consistent with the national picture, individuals in the region see this as an even greater priority than the rest of the UK on average. Jobs, health and new businesses are also top priorities.

Across the UK

Plymouth is the highest performing city in the index, with Bristol rising to second place and Southampton remaining in third place. These cities scored particularly highly across income distribution, work-life balance, jobs and skills.

Cities across the South West region lead the latest index but this region’s cities score less well on new businesses and house price-to-earnings relative to the rest of the UK.

Raising prosperity and opportunity

PwC’s research shows that the public are most focused on issues impacting their financial wellbeing, with measures such as income, jobs, and housing seeing the biggest increase in importance to the public.

This shift in priorities has impacted cities’ performances, with the historically strong performing cities of Oxford and Milton Keynes seeing the most significant declines in scores, performing less well on income distribution, housing and high streets & shops.

Image credit: Dave0

Five ways to improve the look of your garden

News Desk
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Five ways to improve the look of your garden

A garden is the main source of pride for many homeowners. Your garden provides a natural space to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Maintaining the perfect garden can be very challenging, especially with a busy schedule and the demands of life. If you are looking to improve your green space without having to overwhelm yourself with work, read on to find out five ways to improve the look of your garden.

1. Invest in artificial grass

One of the most effective ways to improve the look of your garden is to install artificial grass. Grass lawns need regular maintenance such as mowing, watering and dealing with unwanted patches or weeds.

On the other hand, artificial grass is a very low maintenance option which barely needs any work done on it throughout the year.

Artificial grass is designed to look and feel like real grass and it is available in different patterns and sizes. The best part about artificial grass is that it’s durable and holds up really well in harsh weather conditions. By choosing artificial grass you will have an easy to clean garden with a tidy look without the constant hassle of keeping up with lawn care.

2. Garden lighting

Adding lighting to your garden can completely change the look of your outdoor space. Having lights in your garden doesn’t only improve the look and aesthetic of your garden but also makes the space much more functional after dark.

String lights are a fantastic option for creating a comfortable atmosphere, especially when hosting outdoor functions and gatherings. The other upside to having garden lighting is that it can better highlight the other features of your garden, including flower beds, decking and while doing this the lighting is enhancing the safety of your garden.

3. Add colour with flowers & plants

Nothing completes the look of a garden like flowers and plants. You should consider planting a wide variety of plants and flowers depending on what time they bloom throughout the year to ensure continuous colour in your outdoor space.

If you are in need of a quick colour addition in your garden you should consider adding hanging baskets and container plants to your garden. Flowers such as roses or herbs like lavender will immediately enhance your garden’s charm.

4. Install a water feature

Water features can serve as a crucial point in any garden, adding an element of calm and class. Whether it is a small pond or a water fountain, the sound of water brings a relaxing ambience to your outdoor space. Water features are available in a mixture of different styles and styles, making it really easy to find one to fit your garden’s requirements.

5. Create defined spaces

Making sure you define different areas in your garden will make your outdoor space feel more organised. You can have a relaxed seating area, a flower bed for colour or even a play area for children. How about stone borders, pathways and raised beds to separate and highlight these features?

Conclusion

By making strategic and thoughtful choices such as, installing artificial grass, incorporating lighting, planting vibrant flowers, adding a water feature, and defining spaces, you can improve the look of your garden in no time. No matter your style these five tips can help your further enhance the look of your garden!

Family pay tribute to woman found dead in Bury

Helen Greaney
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Family pay tribute to woman found dead in Bury

The family of a woman who was found dead at a property in Bury have paid tribute to her.

Barbara Nomakhosi (35) was discovered with multiple injuries and police were called to  the address at 10.30pm on Friday night.

It is believed she had died earlier that evening.

A spokesperson for her family said: “Barbara was a caring and hard-working person. She was so thoughtful and always checking up on her family and friends. Barbara loved her family and enjoyed working as a carer. We loved Barbara so much and life will not be the same without her.”

Specialist officers are continuing to support her family as work continues into the circumstances of her death

Officers identified a suspect following her death, and believe that he subsequently died in a fatal collision between a HGV and a pedestrian on the M65 Eastbound at approximately 9pm that same evening.

The man, in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other suspects are being sought in connection with Barbara’s death and there is no wider risk to the public.

Extensive enquiries are still ongoing as officers work through the full circumstances of both the incidents, with both GMP and Lancashire officers progressing the investigation.

Detective chief inspector Mark Davis, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I know just how much Barbara’s family will miss her and I hope that the memories of her can provide comfort as they begin to come to terms with this heart-breaking loss.

“This is a complex investigation which is very much ongoing and we remain in contact with colleagues in Lancashire as they progress their own investigation into the circumstances of the fatal collision.

“We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this tragic incident and I want to reassure residents that there is no wider threat to the community. We will continue to support Barbara’s family and will be doing everything we can to help them through this process.”

If anyone has any information that they think would be helpful, please get in touch with officers. You can contact us via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 4106 of 06/09/24. Anyone with footage of the fatal collision can contact Lancashire Police quoting log 1512 of September 6.

Lack of accommodation threatens women’s safety in Manchester says new data

Helen Greaney
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Lack of accommodation threatens women’s safety in Manchester says new data

New research from the University of Manchester has highlighted a critical issue regarding women’s safety in the city: the insufficient availability of women-only temporary accommodation.

In a recent article by Policy@Manchester, Isis Barei-Guyot, Dr. Alison Briggs, and Dr. Elizabeth Ackerley discuss their findings on the safety of women, including trans women, facing homelessness. They assert that women’s safety needs are being neglected in the current crisis-driven housing system, noting that women often feel unsafe in mixed-gender temporary shelters.

They continue: “Women can be placed into accommodation with men who have criminal records, such as domestic violence perpetrators and sex offenders, creating significant risks to safety. This includes women who have experienced gender-based violence, and experiences in temporary accommodation have been described as re-traumatising.”

As a consequence of the overwhelming demand for housing in Manchester, the authors explain that there is a focus on moving women on from refuges and other forms of temporary accommodation.

But they add: “It is critical that women are moved into accommodation that is appropriate for their needs.  A lack of social housing results in women being pushed into the unaffordable and unregulated private rented sector, including women with complex needs for whom independent tenancies are not always suitable.”

Barei-Guyot, Briggs and Ackerley set out a series of policy recommendations from their report designed to strengthen women’s safety.

First, they advocate the development of frameworks for temporary accommodation with a minimum number of places ring fenced as gender specific places. They write: “Support services should be prioritised – local authorities and supported community interest groups should be provided with the facilities and provision needed to ensure that they can offer face to face support for women at risk of homelessness.”

Second, they endorse the view of Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy who, during her tenure as Shadow Housing Secretary, commissioned a report which called for local rents to be reviewed and rent caps in private rented sector considered.  The academics argue: “The new government should now consider how this can be implemented and bring in new legislation to implement rent caps.”

Third, they call for the formulation of “trauma-informed policies and guidance on appropriate housing for women fleeing domestic abuse” by local authorities with involvement from the community and voluntary sector.  Their article continues: “Practical steps that policymakers can take to ensure that these policies are developed in a way that listens to the voices of women are to establish working groups, policy forums and hold public consultations.”

And fourth, given the need for many women to access multiple services to support their safety at one time, they recommend that local authorities should place greater emphasis on increased collaboration between local services through multi-agency working.  They warn: “‘One size fits all approaches’ can fail to meet the requirements of women who may have complex and diverse needs.”

Sri Lanka punish poor England to close in on victory in Third Test

Jon Fisher
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Sri Lanka punish poor England to close in on victory in Third Test

England’s hopes of ending the summer with a 100 per cent record in Test matches was hanging by a thread with Sri Lanka closing in on victory at The Oval.

The tourists ended day three of the third Test on 94 for one, needing another 125 runs to chase down their victory target of 219, with bad light again bringing a premature close.

Sri Lanka started the day at 211 for five in their first innings but failed to make much more headway as England’s bowlers polished off the tail for the concession of just 52 runs.

The two overnight batters – Dhanajaya da Silva and Kamindu Mendis – departed swiftly having made 69 and 64 respectively with the lower order offering little resistance.

That gave England a first-innings lead of 62 and a position of strength. However, Sri Lanka wrestled back the momentum aided by another woeful batting display from the home side.

Only Jamie Smith, who continued his excellent summer, emerged with any credit with a superb 67 from 50 balls to push the score to 156 all out.

Dan Lawrence was the next-best scorer with a frantic 35 as England’s all-out attacking approach was undone by some excellent bowling from Sri Lanka for whom Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando shone.

Kumara ended with figures of four for 21 and Fernando three for 40.

With changeable conditions and intermittent cloud cover, England would have fancied their chances of making inroads before the close. But they looked uncharacteristically toothless.

Chris Woakes snared the only wicket with a smart caught and bowled to get rid of Dimuth Karunaratne for eight but fellow opener Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis played faultless cricket to carry the tourists through to the end of play with no further losses.

The pair played in attacking fashion, punishing anything full or wide with debutant Josh Hull frequently straying with his line and length. Nissanka was 53 not out when the light closed in with Mendis unbeaten on 30.

If England do lose it will be their only blemish of the summer after beating the West Indies 3-0 and holding a 2-0 lead over the Sri Lankans coming into the Oval Test.

Moeen Ali: England all-rounder retires from international cricket

Ben Miller
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Moeen Ali: England all-rounder retires from international cricket

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has retired from international cricket, saying his decision is “about being real to myself”.

Ali was part of the white-ball squads that won the 50-over World Cup in England in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022.

“I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series,” Ali told former England captain Nasser Hussain, speaking to Mail Sport.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me.

“It felt the time was right. I’ve done my part. I could hold on and try to play for England again, but I know in reality I won’t.

“Even retiring, I don’t feel it’s because I’m not good enough – I still feel I can play.”

Moeen Ali stats

Ali’s achievements include the fastest T20 half-century for England, struck off 16 balls against South Africa in 2022.

An England debutant in 2014, he played 68 Tests, 138 one-day internationals and 92 T20 matches at international level.

He retired from Test cricket in 2021 but came out of retirement in 2023 for England’s draw in the home Ashes series against Australia.

“I’m very proud,” said Ali. “When you first play for England, you don’t know how many games you’re going to play. So to play nearly 300…

“My first few years were all about Test cricket. Once Morgs (Eoin Morgan) took over the one-day stuff, that was more fun.

“But Test cricket was the proper cricket. Winning the Ashes and two World Cups was great, but from an individual point of view it was my hat-trick against South Africa at the Oval to win us the [third Test in 2017].”

Sloppy England allow Sri Lanka back into third test

Jon Fisher
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Sloppy England allow Sri Lanka back into third test

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis frustrated England and played Sri Lanka back into the third and final Test at the Oval today.

The hosts appeared to have overcome a shambolic end to their own innings, which ended on 325 all out after one stage being in total command at 261 for three, when they had Sri Lanka on the ropes at 93 for five.

But Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya and rising star Mendis combined to great effect as the tourists closed on 211 for five with bad light bringing a premature close at The Oval.

Dhananjaya was unbeaten on 64 with Mendis 54 not out.

The early suspension of play would have come as a relief for England’s stand-in skipper Ollie Pope who had to turn to spin in a bid to keep the teams on the field. All it achieved was to enable Dhananjaya and Mendis to put on an unbroken partnership of 118 for the sixth wicket.

For Mendis, it maintained his fine form after a century at Old Trafford and a well-made 74 at Lord’s.

Only Olly Stone bowled with any real conviction, claiming two for 28, although Shoaib Bashir was unlucky not to claim the wicket of Dhananjaya when debutant Josh Hull let a simple catch at mid-on slip through his fingers.

Stone also accounted for Dimuth Karunaratne with a sharp piece of fielding that produced a run out while Hull and Chris Woakes – who, somewhat farcically, had to bowl four balls of off-spin in his fourth over due to the light – each took a wicket.

Earlier, England had carelessly let their dominance slip with a series of poor shots as Sri Lanka attempted to make up for a poor day with the ball on Friday.

Resuming on 221 for three, Pope rode his luck to make 154 but it was a catalogue of nonsense at the other end as England’s middle and lower order threw away their wickets with reckless abandon.

Harry Brook was particularly culpable, displaying contempt for Sri Lanka’s tactics of bowling wide of off stump before thrashing a Milan Rathnayake delivery to Mendis having made a frantic 19.

Jamie Smith, Woakes, Gus Atkinson – a centurion at Lord’s, Hull and Bashir all came and went quickly with Stone making 15 not out.

Rathnayake claimed three for 56 and was arguably the pick of the bowlers.

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