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More than 1.7 million overdue invoices in the North West this summer, new research shows

Helen Greaney
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More than 1.7 million overdue invoices in the North West this summer, new research shows

North West firms had over 1.7 million overdue invoices on their books this summer, according to new research from R3.

The UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body’s analysis of data provided by Creditsafe, shows North West businesses had 1,745,091 overdue invoices on their books over the summer months – with 566,558 in June, 583,133 in July and 595,400 in August.

Overdue invoice numbers in the North West increased by 5.2% in summer 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, when 1,658,792 overdue invoices were recorded. This was the fifth largest yearly rise by percentage of all the UK’s regions and nations, surpassed only by the West Midlands (45.8% rise), Scotland (29%), Greater London (9%), and the South West (8.6%).

Fran Henshaw (pictured) chair of R3 in the North West, said: “While the rise in overdue invoices in the North West has been more modest compared to other regions, it remains a warning sign of the financial strain many businesses in the region are still facing. Costs are continuing to rise, albeit at a slower pace, and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to pass on these extra costs to customers or to cut back in other ways.

“As a result, businesses are experiencing tighter margins and cash flow challenges, making it harder to keep up to date with the payments they owe.”

More than 169,300 North West businesses reported that they had invoices which had gone past their payment date on their books this summer – with 55,946 in June, 56,418 in July and 56,985 in August. This is 4.7% higher than the same period in 2023 (161,723) and was the third largest yearly increase of all the UK’s regions and nations.

Fran, who is head of Corporate Recovery and Insolvency at Beever and Struthers, continues: “The number of companies failing to pay bills on time has steadily increased since the beginning of the year and this is creating a growing financial pressure for businesses across the North West.

“Without a consistent improvement in payment practices or cash flow, many companies may find it increasingly difficult to manage their debt and maintain operations, and we could see more and more businesses turning to a formal insolvency solution as a result.

“I would urge business owners and directors that are struggling to manage their cash flow to seek advice as soon as they can. Taking that first step can be hard, but by having the conversation early, you will have more time and more options available to you than if you’d waited for the problem to get worse.”

Man jailed for threatening to kill MP and attack NHS workers

Helen Greaney
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Man jailed for threatening to kill MP and attack NHS workers

A man has been jailed after sending threatening emails to an MP and telling a 999 call operator he planned to attack NHS workers.

Ryan Breheny (48) of Old Hall Street, Wigan, was jailed for three years and three months for threats to kill at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday.

On June 3, Breheny called 999, where he threatened to kill hospital workers, and claimed he had been “offered an AK47”.

Breheny also sent emails, containing threats to kill, to MP Lisa Nandy’s office.

When police officers arrived at Breheny’s home, he came to the door armed with a crossbow. He was then arrested and a search of his home unveiled air rifles, crossbow bolts and a machete.

He plead guilty to the offences during a subsequent court appearance.

Detective constable Cupitt, from GMP’s Wigan CID, said: “Breheny’s threats were shocking and disturbing, causing distress to those involved. We will not hesitate to act where people make these sort of threats and will seek to secure the appropriate charges.

“We work closely with elected officials to ensure they can carry out their work without the fear of individuals who would cause them harm, and will always do our best to protect them and our communities.”

Two stores set to open first stores outside London at Manchester Arndale

Helen Greaney
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Two stores set to open first stores outside London at Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale continues to see strong interest from retailers as two new stores sign up for leases.

South Korean beauty store PURESEOUL will occupy a 1,662 sq ft space after signing for a 10-year term. Meanwhile award-winning mattress company Emma Sleep has signed a 5-year lease for a 1,789 sq ft space.

Beginning life as an online store in the summer of 2019, PURESEOUL has grown to selling thousands of beauty and skincare products from some of South Korea’s leading make-up brands. The retailer has recently moved from being purely online to opening stores in London and Oxford, but this latest letting will be PURESEOUL’s first physical store outside South East England.

Also starting as an online business, Emma specialises in expertly created mattresses which are aimed to improve sleep quality, through intensive research and testing. Now one of the UK’s best-selling mattress brands, Emma opened its first Emma Sleep showroom in Stratford, London to allow customers to book a personal product consultation and explore its range of mattresses.

This will also be Emma’s first UK store outside of London and Manchester shoppers will be able to discover their exclusive Select range which is only available in physical stores.

The arrival of these two new retailers follows a series of lease renewals and regears at Manchester Arndale. Popular brands including Costa Coffee, Ann Summers, New Look, Swarovski, and Kiko Milano have all signed new lease agreements reaffirming their commitment to the centre.

This latest run of leasing activity caps a very busy first half of the year for Manchester Arndale with several new brands coming to the centre. These include Space NK, Kuoni, B&M, and HOP Vietnamese who all opened their first stores at Manchester Arndale.

Meanwhile, growing brands Trailberg and Represent both selected the centre for their first physical UK stores. These new arrivals have taken Manchester Arndale to near full occupancy and with footfall and sales consistently rising the centre is continuing to attract interest from brands looking to introduce their offering to Manchester shoppers.

Scott Linard, portfolio manager for M&G Real Estate, said: “It is great to see two more fast-growing brands select Manchester Arndale as their first locations outside London.

“Our wide catchment of visitors allows these brands to have access to a diverse mix of shoppers who are always keen to try our new and exciting brands who offer a different type of shopping experience. Alongside these two new arrivals we are pleased to see some of our most popular brands recommit their futures to the centre as it is proof of the confidence they have in Manchester Arndale.”

XplorerGroup Expands with Acquisition of Kall Kwik, Leading UK Design and Print Brand

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XplorerGroup Expands with Acquisition of Kall Kwik, Leading UK Design and Print Brand

XplorerGroup, a growing franchise operator, has acquired Kall Kwik, a well-known design and print specialist, from The Bardon Group.

With this acquisition, Kall Kwik joins XplorerGroup’s expanding line-up of brands, which also includes ComputerXplorers, a global leader in children’s computing education; ActiveXplorers, a new children’s multi-sport education franchise; and the innovative lead management platform, Discover My Franchise.

Kall Kwik, founded in 1979, has long held the position as the UK’s leading provider of print, design, and various other business services to local communities.

Stuart Harley, CEO of XplorerGroup, shared his enthusiasm for the brand: “Kall Kwik is a popular, established brand in the world of print and digital and has already proved itself adept at adapting to changing community and business requirements by expanding its offering from printing services to a one-stop design, print and online solution for businesses.”

“We believe Kall Kwik has an exciting future at XplorerGroup, where we can use our knowledge of technology and digital combined with our franchising experience to continue the brand’s success and really bring to fruition its huge potential in the digital space.”

Nigel Toplis, Managing Director of The Bardon Group and Non-Executive Chairman of Kall Kwik, commented: “Kall Kwik is an iconic brand with 45 years of history, success and numerous awards. It is a brand to be proud of.”

“I have always said that we are only ever custodians of great brands and to ensure we develop and grow we need to continually infuse the system with new ideas, younger blood and a contemporary mentality.”

“XplorerGroup’s acquisition of Kall Kwik will bring all these and will open new and exciting opportunities for our centre owners and for new owners to be recruited.”

Toplis, who has been involved with Kall Kwik for 30 years, will remain in the role of Non-Executive Chairman for the next five years.

XplorerGroup, founded in 2023, is quickly gaining traction in the franchising world, thanks to its innovative approach and commitment to sustainable success, creativity, and agility in an ever-changing business environment.

To learn more about XplorerGroup and its latest acquisition, visit www.xplorergroup.org.

Oleksandr Usyk: Zelensky intervenes over Fury opponent’s airport incident

Ben Miller
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Oleksandr Usyk: Zelensky intervenes over Fury opponent’s airport incident

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has intervened to end an incident in which Oleksandr Usyk was detained at Krakow Airport while the heavyweight boxing champion was on his way to begin his preparations for his rematch with Tyson Fury.

Zelensky said he had spoken to Usyk and instructed Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs Andrii Sybiha and minister of internal affairs Ihor Klymenko to “immediately look into all the details”, adding that he was “disappointed” by the “attitude towards our citizen and champion”.

According to an ESPN source, Usyk was stopped in his attempt to board a fight to Valencia for his training camp because the 37-year-old and his trainer, Sergey Lapin, were deemed not fit to travel.

Zelensky: Usyk ‘released’

The outlet said it had been told that Usyk had explained both were fine to fly and said they were exhausted from a journey from Kyiv including a 557-mile drive, adding that officials had taken action “between the language barrier and Usyk being adamant that they were not impaired in any way”.

Usyk’s wife, Katheryna, was accompanying the duo and said “nothing criminal” had happened while sharing a social media video showing Usyk being led away in handcuffs on the jet bridge.

“Now everything is fine,” added Zelensky. “Our champion has been released and he is no longer being detained.”

Usyk, who beat Fury by decision in May to become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2002, described a “misunderstanding” taking place.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A POST SHARED BY USYK. THE CAT. OLEKSANDR (@USYKAA)

Usyk Instagram update

“It was quickly resolved,” Usyk said on social media. “Thanks to all who got concerned. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support.

“And respect to Polish police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia.”

2012 Olympic Games gold medalist Usyk is a national hero in Ukraine and has won all 22 of his professional fights.

The southpaw is expected to be at Wembley Stadium to watch two of the boxers he has beaten, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, fight on Saturday.

Joshua lost to Usyk on points in 2021 and 2022. Dubois suffered a ninth-round stoppage against him in Poland in 2023.

Manchester police officers travel to America for problem-solving accolade

Helen Greaney
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Manchester police officers travel to America for problem-solving accolade

A team from Greater Manchester Police travelled all the way to America to pick up a prestigious award for problem solving.

The Operation Vulcan team won the Herman Goldstein Award which celebrates the very best examples of problem-solving policing from across the globe.

The staff were up against some excellent nominations, but their multi-agency initiative targeting the illegal counterfeit trade and associated criminality in Cheetham Hill prevailed, put them on the world map.

Since launching in November 2022, the dedicated team of officers, combined with support from a wide range of partners, have been able to:

  • Shut down 216 counterfeit shops.
  • Seize over 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit clothes which have been repurposed and donated to charities.
  • Seize tens of thousands of unsafe toys and illicit vapes taken off our streets.
  • Made 238 arrests.
  • Execute 117 warrants.
  • Recover almost 3 million illegal prescription drugs.
  • Seize over £500,000 which will be reinvested back into Greater Manchester communities.
  • Reduce violent crime by 62%.

Detective superintendent Neil Blackwood, who leads the operation said: “It was a privilege to attend The Herman Goldstein Awards ceremony and highlight the excellent multi-agency work that has been done in Cheetham Hill over the last two years. The results would not have been possible without each and every police officer, police staff, partner, and community member who have given their all to this operation to create a real change in the area.

“Operation Vulcan is about much more than just enforcement. We’ve endeavoured to build back a sense of unity in the area, and we continue to work with the community and our partners to improve the lives of residents who were once impacted by serious crime.

“One of the key ways we have done this is by ensuring the money we seize from criminals is put back into community projects, and we’ve been able to invest in the local primary school and several community initiatives.

“To date, we’ve also re-purposed over 1,000 tonnes of seized counterfeit items, turning items such as hats, t-shirts and gloves into new items for charity organisations to share with those who need it the most.”

Square Gardens welcomes residents as first phase completes

Helen Greaney
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Square Gardens welcomes residents as first phase completes

The first residents of Europe’s largest co-living development have moved in as phase one of Square Gardens completes. 

The £400 million development, located within the bustling First Street neighbourhood in Manchester, offers a mix of accommodation options and fantastic amenity spaces.  

This week marked the official opening of Acer Tower (phase one), which offers renters a choice of shared 3-5 bed co-living apartments, studios and one-bedroom apartments.  

With community at its core, Square Gardens will offer more than 1,700 homes across Acer Tower and The Fernley (opening spring 2025). It has been designed to help bring people together, to connect and share experiences. 

On-site facilities include a state-of-the-art gym and wellness centre, social lounges, co-working spaces and the largest private outdoor gardens and terraces in the city centre.   

Within their rental package, residents have access to super-fast Wi-Fi, a 24/7 onsite management team and extensive shared amenities and services, while all utility bills are also included.  

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the development will be given BREEAM Excellent rating, an EPC Energy Rating A, plus air source heat pumps will provide hot water.  

With construction having started in January 2022, Square Gardens has been created using a vertically integrated approach, with development, construction and ongoing management all being delivered by Downing. 

And, following the first phase launch, Downing is looking forward to bringing the next part of Square Gardens to life early next year.  

Bay Downing, investment director at Downing, said: “With Square Gardens, we wanted to bring something new to city centre living. 

“We know that, when choosing where to create a home, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Residents’ needs depend on a whole range of factors, from their occupation and their daily schedule, through to how and where they like to socialise. 

“This new development encompasses these needs with the offering of co-living spaces, individual studios or apartments, with the additional option of community-centred activities and amenities.  

“We firmly believe that Square Gardens will fill a major gap in the rental market within the city centre, ensuring residents have a breadth of choice while, crucially, being able to tailor options to their lifestyles.  

“We’re excited to be launching the first phase and looking forward to welcoming our new residents and ensuring they settle into their brand-new homes.” 

 

Dave Antrobus Sees AI Shaping the Future of UK Learning: Educational Transformation Ahead

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Dave Antrobus Sees AI Shaping the Future of UK Learning: Educational Transformation Ahead

Dave Antrobus is at the forefront of AI innovation in the UK, with a keen focus on how artificial intelligence is transforming the education landscape. As technology director and co-founder of Inc & Co, he leads initiatives to integrate AI into educational frameworks, making learning more accessible and efficient for students across the nation. This push for AI in education could revolutionise how students learn and institutions teach, setting new standards in the sector.

AI’s potential to change the future of UK learning is immense, especially with experts like Antrobus driving these advancements. From personalising student experiences to optimising administrative processes, artificial intelligence offers solutions that cater to both learners and educators. As the educational field evolves, embracing AI technologies may not only enhance educational quality but also prepare students better for a digitally-driven job market.

Moreover, the ethical considerations in utilising AI in learning are central to Antrobus’s vision. By advocating for responsible AI practices, he ensures that technology upholds societal values while maximising its benefits. This approach hints at a balanced future where innovation and ethics go hand in hand, promising a brighter future for UK education.

The Role of AI in Education Transformation

AI is reshaping the education landscape by enhancing accessibility, customizing learning experiences, and providing predictive insights. Innovations in technology are driving significant shifts in how students learn and how educators teach.

Expanding Access Through AI Tools

AI tools have the potential to break down barriers in education by providing learners with accessibility that is unprecedented. AI-driven platforms are enabling people who may have been traditionally underserved by the education system to receive high-quality instruction.

With features such as real-time translation, students from different language backgrounds can participate more fully in classrooms. Additionally, speech-to-text applications assist students with auditory processing challenges, facilitating better comprehension and interaction. AI provides resources that help bridge the gap for students with varying needs.

Transforming the Learning Experience with Generative AI

Generative AI is changing how information is delivered and absorbed in classrooms by personalising content. It offers tailored lesson plans that adapt to the learning pace and style of individual students. These AI systems craft questions and simulate real-world scenarios, enriching the educational experience.

By generating vivid examples and interactive elements, this technology encourages critical thinking and creativity among students. It empowers teachers to focus on more nuanced aspects of instruction, while AI handles repetitive tasks. Thus, generative AI enhances the quality and engagement level of education.

Predictive Analytics and Customised Learning Pathways

Predictive analytics are being used to anticipate educational outcomes and tailor learning paths for students. By analysing data such as past performance and engagement levels, educators can better understand each student’s needs. This leads to more customised curricula that align with individual learning objectives.

Predictive models help identify at-risk students early on, enabling timely interventions. Schools can now use AI for continuous monitoring and adjustments, ensuring that educational methodologies are effective. As a result, students receive a learning experience that is both supportive and challenging, aligning with their unique abilities and goals.

Ethical AI and Data Privacy in UK Learning Environments

Incorporating artificial intelligence in UK learning settings necessitates a balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations. Ensuring data privacy, accountability, and fairness, while complying with regulations like GDPR, is essential in making AI beneficial to education.

Promoting Fairness and Accountability in AI Development

AI systems in education must be developed with fairness as a central focus. Fairness implies that AI tools should provide equal opportunities to all students, regardless of background. It is crucial to be transparent about how AI makes decisions affecting learners.

Accountability is equally important. Teachers and developers need clear guidelines on who is responsible if AI tools fail or discriminate. Establishing a framework for how AI decisions are documented can enhance trust in AI-enabled educational tools.

Data Security and Compliance with GDPR

Data collected from students regarding their learning patterns and progress must be securely stored and processed in compliance with GDPR regulations. This ensures data privacy rights are upheld, preventing unauthorised access and misuse of personal information.

Educational institutions should implement comprehensive data security measures. Encryption, access controls, and regular audits are vital to safeguarding sensitive information. Keeping robust security infrastructure helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of student data.

Mitigating Bias and Ensuring Ethical AI

Bias in AI can lead to unintended discrimination in educational settings, affecting outcomes for students. It is essential to identify and mitigate bias in AI algorithms to promote fair treatment. Rigorous testing and validation processes are necessary to ensure AI models operate equitably.

Adopting ethical guidelines in AI development ensures that AI decisions align with educational goals, maintaining equality among learners. Ethical AI frameworks guide developers to consider the broader societal implications of AI tools in education, addressing potential ethical issues responsibly.

Quartet celebrate 120 years at Cadishead business

Helen Greaney
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Quartet celebrate 120 years at Cadishead business

Four colleagues at a specialist waste processing site in Greater Manchester are celebrating long service totalling more than a century.

Phil Manley, Ian James, Michelle Barlow and Darren Litherland have worked at CSG’s Cadishead site on Liverpool Road for a combined 120 years.

They took time away from their desks recently to toast their own personal milestones – Phil and Ian with 40 years of service each, and Michelle and Darren 20 years each.

Neil Richards, managing director of CSG, said: “A huge congratulations to these four valued members of the Cadishead team. It was an honour to present them with gifts as a thank you for such impressive periods of service.

“We believe in building lasting relationships with our employees. Our average duration of tenure is currently 6.45 years, significantly longer than the UK national average of 2.4 years. We have numerous people across the 650-strong workforce who have been with us for more than a decade.

“This loyalty is a huge benefit to the business as we continue our growth and progress. Their dedication is truly appreciated and valued.”

CSG, which is celebrating 90 years in business in 2024, has grown to become one of the country’s leading waste management specialists, offering a full range of disposal services for both householders and businesses.

The Cadishead site deals with hazardous waste, processing difficult waste streams and chemicals from across the country.

Ian and Phil started working there just two weeks apart in 1984.

Ian (66) debuted as a supervisor on the company’s new drum bay before progressing to sales co-ordinator.  Today he is the contracts manager, liaising with and overseeing the contractors CSG works alongside.

He said: “I never thought I’d be here for 40 years but it’s been a wonderful company to work for. The controls, health and safety and procedures have come on leaps and bounds and it’s great to see the business flourishing.”

Phil (70) was the only chemist at Cadishead when he started in 1984. Today he is technical manager and has witnessed sweeping changes in the industry.

He said: “When I started around 95% of all hazardous waste was sent to landfill. Ultimately they were just holes in the ground and it was environmentally damaging.

“Things started to change in the 90s as CSG focussed on waste processing. It was always difficult to compete with landfill but we consistently developed new processes and the rewards followed.

“CSG has been a fantastic company to work for. The management of the company of the last 20 years has been incredible and we are in a very strong position.”

Office manager Michelle (42) started at CSG in 2004 after a chance visit to the Job Centre. She recently took on additional responsibilities, including looking after contractors at a new depot.

Darren (47) has been working as a chemist at CSG for two decades. His main responsibility is to check chemicals when they arrive at Cadishead to ensure they are what was expected.

Pictured (from left): Michelle Barlow, Ian James, Phil Manley and Darren Litherland  

INTO University Partnerships Reports High Satisfaction Among International Students in UK Pathway Centres

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INTO University Partnerships Reports High Satisfaction Among International Students in UK Pathway Centres

The 2024 Annual Student Experience Survey by INTO University Partnerships has demonstrated that most international students enrolled at their UK pathway centres are highly satisfied with the level of support and services provided.

According to the findings, 91% of surveyed students are either ‘satisfied’ or ‘highly satisfied’ with the support services available at their centres, operated in partnership with UK universities. Additionally, 95% of students expressed satisfaction with their campus environment, and 93% with the safety on campus.

Moreover, 87% of students reported satisfaction with the overall teaching and learning experience.

The survey involved 1,580 international students from INTO’s nine centres across the UK, representing countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. Participants were enrolled in Foundation, Diploma, and Graduate Diploma programmes.

Mary Wade, INTO University Partnerships’ Executive Vice President for UK Education said: “The Student Experience Survey results underscore the high level of dedication and compassion from all of our UK centres in helping international students feel fully supported as they begin and progress through their study abroad journey.

“These results affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and enriching environment that enables students from around the world to thrive.”

In the survey, international students highly rated the support provided at their centre, which encompasses a range of different services. IT support, student services, personal welfare and wellbeing support, and visa advice all secured scores of 92%. The remaining categories included services such as social activities and clubs, advice on progression options, and facilities for religious worship – all of which were rated at 90% or above.

One student at INTO Queen’s University Belfast said: “The personal staff of INTO have always been nice and very supportive. I personally love that, it has always made me feel comfortable.”

Liam O’Hagan, Centre Director said: “It is fantastic to receive such an exceptionally high rating and positive feedback from our students, reflecting on their experience at INTO Queen’s University Belfast. It is imperative that every student feels nurtured and supported as they make the transition to their academic journey in the UK.
“INTO Queen’s is committed to providing the highest standard of support for students’ academic and personal wellbeing which has been recognized as an area of best practice for the Centre by both the British Council and QAA. I take immense pride in seeing our students go from strength to strength as they progress throughout their studies and knowing how much the staff at INTO Queen’s do to support them on their journey.”

Findings also demonstrate a positive response towards living satisfaction. The university campus environment scored 95%, closely followed by feeling safe and secure – 93%. Students also scored their local area and forming social bonds with students both from their own and other countries at 90% or higher.

When asked about their experience of studying and living in London so far, a student from INTO City University, London, said: “Living in London has been an extraordinary experience filled with endless opportunities for exploration and creativity. The vibrant energy of the city, coupled with its rich cultural tapestry, has made every day a new adventure.”

Students reported particularly high learning satisfaction for their class sizes, which earned an approval rate of 95%. Meanwhile, teachers’ ability to communicate in English that is easy to understand obtained 94%, diversity of classes – 93%, and help with improving English Language skills – 91%.

Additionally, the learning facilities were rated favorably with the online learning environment, library facilities, and quality of laboratories all securing scores of 92%.

One student from INTO City University, London, said: “I can confidently say it has been an enriching journey. From the outset, I found myself immersed in a stimulating academic environment that fostered both personal and intellectual growth.”

Another student from INTO London World Education Centre reflecting on their learning experience said: “Not only did I make lifelong friends here, I was also able to work with people of different backgrounds and futures which helped me to stay motivated throughout my course.”

INTO University Partnerships connects talented students worldwide with leading universities in the UK, US and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.
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