Business Manchester

Joe Fraser Gymnastics Club Arrives in Lichfield, Powered by LoveAdmin’s Tech

Sport

News Desk

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07/04/2025

Joe Fraser Gymnastics Club Arrives in Lichfield, Powered by LoveAdmin’s Tech

Olympic gymnast Joe Fraser is launching an exciting new gymnastics club in Lichfield, supported by technology partner LoveAdmin. The Joe Fraser Gymnastics Club is already drawing attention, with young athletes eager to join. Thanks to LoveAdmin’s smart booking and admin tools, the club promises a streamlined and engaging experience for both gymnasts and their families.

As one of Team GB’s most celebrated gymnasts, Fraser is no stranger to success. While still competing at the highest level, he’s now taking bold steps into club development, helping shape the future of the sport from the grassroots up.

With his new club, Fraser hopes to build a welcoming and inspiring space where children of all levels can grow – whether they’re discovering gymnastics for the first time or aiming to compete at a high level.

“I’m passionate about making gymnastics accessible to everyone, and I want to create a space where young athletes can develop their skills, confidence, and love for the sport,” said Fraser. “The partnership with LoveAdmin has helped to make this happen, with their input and advice we’re able to provide a first-class experience from day one, with easy access to online booking and an efficient way for parents to stay connected with their child’s progress.”

Guided by his own journey, Fraser’s coaching philosophy blends elite-level discipline with fun, encouragement, and long-term growth. The club aims to instil resilience and confidence in young gymnasts, while also fostering a lifelong love of movement.

LoveAdmin’s platform is designed to take the pressure off coaches and parents alike. With features that manage sign-ups, payments, attendance, and updates in one place, the partnership means the club can run smoothly behind the scenes while delivering exceptional coaching on the floor.

“This partnership is a perfect match,” said LoveAdmin CEO Dave Evans, “Joe Fraser’s dedication to gymnastics excellence aligns with our commitment to helping clubs grow and succeed. By providing the technology to support his vision, we’re excited to play a part in shaping the future of gymnastics.”

Evans added, “At LoveAdmin, we have always been focused on helping gymnastics clubs thrive. This partnership with Joe Fraser is a fantastic opportunity to support his vision of passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of gymnasts. By providing the technology that simplifies club management, we’re enabling more time to be spent on developing young athletes and fostering a love for gymnastics.”

The arrival of the Joe Fraser Gymnastics Club is a boost for the Lichfield community and for gymnastics in the region. With accessible classes and progression routes in place, it opens the door for children of all abilities to be part of something special.

Parents will also benefit from the club’s integrated system, which provides clarity and convenience at every step – from registration and payment to receiving real-time updates on their child’s progress.

With Joe Fraser’s championship pedigree and LoveAdmin’s tech expertise, this new club is set to become a leading centre for gymnastics in the West Midlands – nurturing talent and creating a lasting impact on young lives.

To learn more or register, visit https://joefrasergymnastics.co.uk. For more about LoveAdmin’s tools, head to Loveadmin.com.

Bolton police uncover more than 200 cannabis plants

Crime

Helen Greaney

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04/04/2025

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Bolton police uncover more than 200 cannabis plants

Police in Bolton uncovered a cannabis farm after a tip-off this morning.

A warrant was carried out at Blackshaw House, Thornbank North, at 8.30am.

Inside, 220 plants found were found and a man arrested. He remains in custody for questioning having been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis, abstract electricity and Illegally entering the UK.

The plants will now be sent off for analysis, while an issue with the electricity supply was also resolved.

Inspector Keiron Maddocks, from GMP’s Bolton South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We take any information or intelligence submitted by the public seriously – it plays an important role in our investigations and we will act on it where appropriate.

“Please, let us know if you have any concerns about drug activity in your local area – anybody who has any information or concerns regarding ongoing crime within their community should contact GMP on 101 or via the reporting tools on our website, or by calling Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

Last month, Greater Manchester Police seized over 700 cannabis plants worth an estimated street value of £500,000 during targeted operations.

People’s History Museum introduces its re-launched venue hire offer

Helen Greaney

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04/04/2025

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People’s History Museum introduces its re-launched venue hire offer

People’s History Museum (PHM) has relaunched its venue hire offer, comprising the
very best of both its heritage and contemporary multi-use spaces.

The transformation has been made possible thanks to an Adapt to Thrive resilience grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling the national museum of democracy to invest in ways that will secure its future so that it can continue to preserve and share stories of change that empower people to make a difference.

One of Manchester’s leading cultural attractions, PHM occupies a building that echoes the city’s industrial past, with a contemporary extension simultaneously a reminder that
this is a future facing organisation.

With venue hire identified as a key way to increase the income generation needed to support the museum’s core work, it has been at the forefront of the investments Adapt to Thrive has made possible.

This began with the appointment of a new commercial team to work alongside PHM’s
development officer, Sarah Vince; Chrissy Hurst joining as commercial manager and
Samantha Cain as events sales & booking officer. Sarah’s considerable experience of
both the museum sector and People’s History Museum is complemented by Chrissy’s
commercial and brand expertise and Samantha’s events background.

The team’s first step has been the creation of the new Riverside Room. Overlooking
the River Irwell, floor to ceiling windows mean this is a light-filled space and its own
outdoor terrace enables guests to make the most of the surroundings.

It’s a contemporary, flexible and informal setting that is located next to the museum’s in-house café and adds a completely new dynamic to PHM’s venue hire offer.

PHM’s heritage spaces have also been completely refreshed, with new décor, furniture,
signage and artwork reproduced from items in the museum collection. Situated in the
Grade II listed Edwardian part of the museum they have all of the sought after features
of an industrial heritage location.

They occupy what was once known as the Pump House; a grand landmark that was designed by Manchester’s first City Architect, Henry Price (1867-1944). The Engine Hall is the largest of the spaces, where a vaulted glass roof magnifies the scale and the red and terracotta brick, metalwork and original Pilkington tiles exude an industrial feel.

From art fairs to awards ceremonies; brand launches to fashion pop-ups, it is a space that has huge creative potential. It is accompanied by the Coal Store, which is recognisable for its distinct red brickwork, double height ceiling and original metal joists.

The Engine Hall (pictured above) has the capacity to cater for large conferences and large-scale events (for up to 120) the more intimate Coal Store is ideal for workshops or meetings.

Technology has also been a part of the investment with state of the art Conference Screens, mounted on motorised stands, in both the Riverside Room and Coal Store.

The screens are fully interactive with touch screen, whiteboard and draw features, complete with motion tracking cameras for hybrid presentations and screen mirroring capabilities. Riverside Room has its own inbuilt speaker system that can be used for everything from presentations to playlists. These additions enhance further investments that have been made to the museum over the last twelve months to make it more accessible with LED entrance screens, new toilets, hearing loops and the installation of a new seating area.

Aine Graven, head of development at People’s History Museum, said: “Manchester’s industrial past, its activist roots and its championing of a better future for all live and breathe within the walls of People’s History Museum.

“We are celebrating that in our venue hire spaces, with the stories that the galleries and collections tell inspiring all that we do and a team that is dedicated to every detail of the experiences that they help to deliver.

“Our venue hire clients will not only benefit from the joy that these beautiful spaces will
bring to their event, launch or special occasion, but know that they are supporting an
organisation that puts social justice at its heart. By enabling PHM to thrive we will help
our community to thrive.”

Chrissy Hurst, commercial manager at People’s History Museum, said: “We are
really ambitious for what can be achieved at People’s History Museum, setting our sights
on becoming Manchester’s premier ethical events space. By increasing our own self-
generated income we’ll also be contributing to the city’s cultural economy, with the
events that are staged at the museum bringing new visitors and opening up new
opportunities.”

For further information about People’s History Museum’s venue hire offer visit
www.phm.org.uk/venue-hire/. You can view the Venue Hire Brochure here and the
Weddings Brochure here.

Manchester prepares to mark VE Day

Blog

Helen Greaney

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04/04/2025

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Celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day are set to take place throughout Manchester.

On May 8, 80 years will have passed since the Second World War came to an end in the European theatre.

At the time millions across the continent took to the streets in jubilation to celebrate the end of the conflict, a conflict which had destroyed huge swathes of the continent and claimed tens of millions of lives.

As we approach this anniversary Manchester will join others around the globe paying tribute to the courage, determination and sacrifices made throughout the conflict.

Alongside a range of national celebrations taking place, Mancunians are invited to organise and take part in local events to mark VE Day 80.

One common sight amongst the revellers back in 1945 was the street party. People came out in force in their community to share the collective joy that the war was over. Now, 80 years on we are encouraging people to get the bunting out, bake a Victoria sponge and celebrate with a street party of their own.

During the bank holiday on Monday, May 5, the usual £159 fee for a street closure will be waived, with a dedicated web page set up to manage people’s applications. These applications will need to be made by 5pm on April 12 to ensure enough time is given to process them.

Civic events will also be taking place, with a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor welcoming veterans and dignitaries to the central library, as well as an evensong at Manchester Cathedral, following by a celebratory ringing of the bells.

A social media campaign will also be running, encouraging people to get involved in the celebrations. Whether that is creating pieces of art to hang in their windows, to making bunting to encouraging schools to take part in the VE Day 80 festivities, there will be a lot on offer for people in Manchester to show their appreciation.

Anniversary events for the commemoration of VJ Day are also planned to take place later this summer.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day provides us a valuable opportunity to remember and reflect on the immense sacrifices which were made to ensure that tyranny in Europe was ultimately defeated.

“As the decades go on and the Second World War moves further from living memory it makes it more important than ever that younger generations learn the lessons of history and keep alive the spirit of those who served our country.

“I am immensely proud to lead the council during such a meaningful occasion and I would invite all Mancunians to join me in celebration of VE Day 80 this May.”

Man jailed for campaign of abuse

News

Helen Greaney

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04/04/2025

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A man has been jailed for a campaign of physical and sexual abuse.

Ryan Schofield (34) of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years at Bolton Crown Court yesterday.

He had pleaded guilty to making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

The court heard how Schofield (pictured) went online and befriended his victim, used controlling behaviour and engaged in horrific physical and sexual abuse.

Schofield was originally arrested for being in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, but officers found evidence on his phone of him abusing his victim.

Between March and October 2022, Schofield subjected his victim to several incidents of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, rape and false imprisonment.

Detective constable Chris Doran, of Tameside Challenger Team, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case. I cannot begin to imagine her pain and suffering but hope she finds solace in the sentence this monster was handed today.

“Greater Manchester Police take domestic violence and sexual offences very seriously and I would like to highlight this case as an example of this. If you are a victim of domestic or sexual offences you will be heard.

“Today’s sentencing is testament to our investigation team in providing the good work bringing Schofield to justice.”

Sharks announce Ashton on Mersey School partnership

Sport

Helen Greaney

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04/04/2025

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Sharks announce Ashton on Mersey School partnership

Sale Sharks have announced an exciting new partnership with Ashton on Mersey School’s Sixth Form, aimed at giving students the unique opportunity to pursue a professional rugby career while continuing their academic studies.

Under the new collaboration, students enrolled in A-Level or BTEC programmes at the Sale-based school will benefit from elite-level rugby coaching and support provided by the Sharks Academy.

The initiative will offer a comprehensive programme, including strength and conditioning training, player development, and academic guidance, ensuring a well-rounded experience both on and off the pitch.

In a major boost to the school’s sporting ambitions, Ashton on Mersey’s Sixth Form will also compete in the prestigious national ACE (Achieving Career Excellence) league – a competition reserved for top sixth form colleges affiliated with Gallagher Premiership clubs.

This marks Sale Sharks’ second ACE partnership, following the successful launch of their programme with Myerscough College near Preston in 2016.

Recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, Ashton on Mersey’s Sixth Form is already renowned for combining academic excellence with elite sports training. The new partnership further cements the school’s reputation as a leading destination for aspiring athletes

This new arrangement is designed to ensure that young players in Cheshire and South Manchester have access to high-quality coaching from a young age, even if they don’t attend a traditional rugby-playing school.

The collaboration will also provide students with access to Sharks’ elite rugby environment, offering unique insights and experiences to support their academic and sporting development progression.

Sharks’ Academy manager Fergus Mulchrone said: “We have fantastic relationships with schools and grassroots clubs right across our region and so many of our first team players have come through our pathways to become established Premiership and international players.

“We have so much talent in our region and this partnership with Ashton on Mersey is all about making sure that every young person who wants to play rugby and pursue a career in the sport has the opportunity to do so.

“We know there are barriers for some young people and collaborations like this, and the Trafford Schools programme, are designed to remove those obstacles and support every young person to follow their dreams alongside excelling in their academic work.

“I’m confident that we’ll see young players come through this programme to wear a Sharks shirt in the future.”

Ashton on Mersey School headteacher Lee McConaghie said: “Our school is renowned for providing a first-class education for elite athletes.

“This partnership will enable talented rugby players to secure the best possible outcomes at a sixth form which has a culture that is both academically aspirational and highly supportive of all its young people.”

To express an interest and to apply for a place at Ashton on Mersey Sixth Form in partnership with Sale Sharks visit: Admissions & Enrolment – Ashton on Mersey School

SYSPRO Research Reveals Strategic ERP Benefits for Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors

News Desk

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04/04/2025

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SYSPRO Research Reveals Strategic ERP Benefits for Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors

SYSPRO has unveiled new insights designed to help executives at mid-sized businesses better understand the advantages of integrating an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

For organisations in the manufacturing and distribution space, leveraging technology is vital to stimulate growth and embed a culture of data-led decision-making across the value chain.

“In today’s digital age, effective data management, security, and storage have become critical for any significant twenty-first-century business. And yet, many manufacturers and distributors are struggling with legacy systems that fail to support their long-term growth aspirations,” says Nick McGrane, Managing Director of NexSys, A SYSPRO Company.

The findings were introduced during a recent webinar hosted by SYSPRO, which showcased their new e-book: A Guide to Successful ERP System Implementation. Compiled with research specialists Frost & Sullivan, the guide offers actionable advice on where to invest, how to avoid common implementation challenges, and which best practices deliver sustained business value. It also features 10 key questions that help businesses determine whether ERP can unlock their next phase of growth.

Digital transformation is no longer optional

Manufacturing and distribution businesses rely heavily on large volumes of data. To remain competitive in the digital era, effective data governance and real-time access to information are more crucial than ever.

As businesses scale, many realise that outdated, manually linked systems become major roadblocks to efficiency. Disconnected tools often result in duplicated effort, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. Transitioning to digital platforms enables firms to optimise operations and position themselves for sustained success.

Tailored for leaders of mid-sized companies, SYSPRO’s latest report acts as a roadmap, helping organisations make informed investment choices and implement ERP solutions that drive long-term return on investment.

Integrated digital systems enable smarter business decisions

Operating without integrated systems can significantly hamper performance. Employees and managers may spend countless hours gathering data required to analyse profitability, identify patterns, and make timely strategic decisions.

On average, the companies surveyed allocated roughly 3% of their annual operational budgets to ERP implementation. Importantly, nearly half indicated plans to double their technology investment over the next five years — a trend signalling strong confidence in the value of digital transformation.

“As manufacturers and distributors expand their operations, the complexity of their processes tends to increase, placing additional strain on both systems and personnel. This shift in expenditure underscores the growing recognition of technology as a critical driver of efficiency and competitiveness in the manufacturing and distribution sectors,” says McGrane.

The e-book can be downloaded free of charge here: https://za.syspro.com/ebook/a-guide-to-successful-erp-system-implementation-insights-and-best-practices/

Enviro Waste Management Reveals New Brand Identity with Commercial-Only Focus

Environment

News Desk

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04/04/2025

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Enviro Waste Management has announced a comprehensive rebrand to solidify its position as a dedicated provider of commercial waste services. Having previously offered solutions across domestic and construction sectors, the company has now pivoted to focus exclusively on supporting businesses with their waste management needs.

The brand refresh includes a fully redesigned website with enhanced usability, and a more contemporary tone of voice across digital platforms. Physical rebranding will follow in stages, including updated uniforms, lorry livery, and branded waste sacks. This repositioning coincides with service expansion — notably the introduction of bins and sacks collections, launched last year, which now includes overnight options to accommodate businesses operating round the clock. Waste is not only collected but also sorted, recycled, or responsibly disposed of at the company’s dedicated facility.

“Our core values have always been about helping businesses operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental footprint,” said Eli Kushmaro, CEO and Founder of Enviro Waste Management. “While our brand is built on reliability and robust customer support, with this rebrand, we’re not only sharpening our focus on commercial waste but also expanding our service portfolio to truly become the ultimate partner for businesses.”

The company’s refreshed logo features a prominent blue design with a distinctive brown ‘I’ at its centre — a deliberate nod to placing customers at the heart of operations. Stepping away from the industry-standard green, Enviro Waste Management’s new palette uses brown to represent stability and dependability, and blue to reinforce its professionalism.

This branding overhaul, grounded in extensive market analysis and a solid track record of customer service, signals a forward-looking approach that balances modernisation with the core values that have long defined the company.

For more information about the rebrand, please visit https://envirowastemanagement.com/ or contact Allysin Pinto, Marketing Lead, at [email protected].

Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

Homes & Interiors

News Desk

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04/04/2025

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Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

A new digital service in Manchester is offering residents affordable access to tools and specialist equipment, eliminating the need for ownership.

Tooltap Manchester, a locally founded venture, has introduced an online rental platform offering cleaning equipment including carpet cleaner hire and pressure washer hire in Manchester, with additional items expected to be added in coming months.

“Our research showed that the average power tool is used for less than 13 hours throughout its lifetime, while items like carpet cleaners are typically used just twice yearly,” explains a company representative. “This presented an opportunity to create a more efficient solution for Manchester residents.”

As household expenses continue to climb, the platform offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing infrequently used tools, making quality equipment more accessible to Manchester households.

Inspired by successful sharing economy models across the UK, Tooltap aims to meet the specific needs of local communities, underlining its commitment to Greater Manchester residents.

Rather than using deposit-based systems, Tooltap has implemented digital ID checks, ensuring a seamless experience. The platform also offers delivery throughout Manchester, a collection location in Salford, and guarantees sanitisation of all items between uses. Flexible hire periods cater to various types of home projects.

Environmentally, the initiative promotes reduced consumption by reusing items across multiple users. “Each tool shared means one less item manufactured and eventually discarded,” notes the company representative. “We’re building a more sustainable approach to accessing the equipment people need only when they need it.”

The company also has plans to broaden its offering based on user demand, potentially incorporating garden tools, cooking appliances, and additional DIY gear. “We’re taking a data-driven approach to scaling, focusing on categories where sharing makes the most economic and practical sense for Manchester residents,” the representative added.

The service is currently available to Greater Manchester residents through the company’s website.

Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Blog

Helen Greaney

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03/04/2025

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Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Manchester is placing itself in prime position to become the home of a new national facility that will be central to the UK’s ambition to be a leader in hydrogen innovation.

Hydrogen is one of a handful of new, low carbon solutions that will be critical for the UK’s transition to net zero.

In the UK’s Hydrogen Strategy, the government has outlined a path to delivering decarbonisation and economic benefits from hydrogen that it says will require rapid and significant scale up over coming years.

The proposed Hydrogen Technology Electrolysis and Cell Hub (HYTECH) in Manchester will bring together world leading academics and experts with extensive labs and facilities at a scale that does not currently exist in the UK.

The project will be led by Manchester Metropolitan University in partnership with the University of Manchester, The Royce Institute, University of Salford, National Physical Laboratories together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Amer Gaffar, director of the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Met, said: “The experience of many years of successful hydrogen research and development projects makes Greater Manchester an ideal place to host a national hub of this type.

“Our combined experience, knowledge, technical expertise and delivery programmes has enabled us to launch this new regional vision which is addressing a critical national need to develop clean electrochemical hydrogen-based technologies in the UK.

“Our ambition is local but built around the global hydrogen market opportunity, supporting swathes of UK and international industry and can be integral to the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in hydrogen innovation.”

The vision for the creation of HYTECH was launched at an event, hosted yesterday at Manchester Met, celebrating the successes of the Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster (GMEHC) programme, which is led by the University in partnership with the University of Manchester, The Royce Institute and National Physical Laboratories.

An ambition to position Greater Manchester as a powerhouse of hydrogen, which now also includes the University of Salford, was announced at the event to demonstrate the collective strength in the region’s hydrogen research and innovation.

Launched in 2023, GMEHC has already enabled industrial businesses alongside Small Medium Enterprises to access the research, expertise and facilities to develop and adopt clean, efficient electrochemical hydrogen technologies.

Professor Nigel Brandon OBE FREng FRS, dean of Engineering at Imperial College London and chair of the GMEHC programme, said: “The new HYTECH facility will help connect key research in the region with research, testing and development centres across the UK, supporting both large and small manufacturers, and bringing both regional and national benefit.”

The establishment of HYTECH will consolidate Greater Manchester’s place as the home of hydrogen innovation, with the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park already in development which will include the largest liquid air energy storage scheme in Europe and one of the largest battery storage schemes in the UK.

Work will now progress to secure the investment needed to develop HYTECH as the region leads the way in building a sustainable, self-reliant hydrogen ecosystem for the UK’s clean energy future.