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Epic challenge to pull a Bee Network bus returns to tackle homelessness

Helen Greaney
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Epic challenge to pull a Bee Network bus returns to tackle homelessness

People are being encouraged to step up and pull one of Manchester’s Bee Network buses as an epic charity challenge returns to the city.

The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is throwing its second Bus Pull event where teams are being tasked to raise money to tackle homelessness across the city region.

Aiming to be bigger and better than the inaugural event last year, teams of five will be taking on the mega feat of pulling the equivalent of two elephants along a gruelling 30 meter course in the hope of raising vital funds for the charity.

With the showdown taking place at Manchester Central on August 22, participants will be eyeing to smash the record time of 1 minute, 12 seconds set by Resource Solutions and the £18,000 that was raised by the 26 competing teams.

This year hopes to bring a party atmosphere to the event, with eats and beats for everyone involved, with spectators encouraged to come down and cheer people on.

The charity, having supported numerous schemes such as its flagship A Bed Every Night, has made considerable inroads to tackling homelessness across GM since 2019 and is looking to build on the success of last year’s event to raise vital funds for the cause.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, CEO of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: “We’ve seen record levels of people in temporary accommodation, and we have over 78,000 households facing homelessness in the country. We really need your support to help move the dial on this issue, and this event is a great way to do that.”

We Are Footprint, a current ambassador for the charity, is the lead sponsor for this year’s event and will be eyeing up Resource Solutions’ record time.

The event is supported by the Transport for Greater Manchester as well as First and Stagecoach who will be supplying the buses on the day.

With various sponsorship opportunities still up for grabs, businesses are being encouraged to get in touch with the team directly at [email protected].

To sign your team up, visit: https://tinyurl.com/buspull2024.

 

Williamson steps down as New Zealand captain following T20 World Cup exit

Mitch Fretton
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Williamson steps down as New Zealand captain following T20 World Cup exit

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has stepped down from his role following the nation’s early T20 World Cup exit.

The 33-year-old has also opted out of a national contract for the 2024-25 season.

Read our other sports news stories:
T20 World Cup: West Indies v England – preview
Murray to play for GB at the Paris Olympics
Scotland v Switzerland: Betting preview

It marks the end of an era for New Zealand who made the final in the 2021 edition of the tournament and the semi-finals in the three editions before that.

Williamson will continue to play in all three cricket formats for New Zealand, but has taken up a contract outside of the country.

He said: “Pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.

“Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished.

“My life outside cricket has changed however — spending more time with my family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me.”

Williamson will likely be heading to a T20 franchise league and is taking more of a backseat role as New Zealand start their preparations for the 2026 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.

Williamson’s decision to opt out of a national contract will not hurt his future chances for selection for the Black Caps, according to CEO Scott Weenink.

He said: “We’re happy to make an exception for our greatest ever batter — especially as he remains so committed to the team.

“This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Black Caps — both now and in the years to come.”

Plugable launches community EV charger sharing pilot in North West

Helen Greaney
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Plugable launches community EV charger sharing pilot in North West

 Plugable, a community-driven technology platform, launches its EV charger sharing pilot today in the North West.

The scheme follows a successful launch in Ireland and aims to make EV charging more reliable and affordable for EV drivers without private home chargers.

Plugable allows EV drivers to book affordable and reliable charging slots at local hosts’ homes, or destination chargers at private business, offering a reliable and convenient alternative to complement public charging infrastructure.

Despite a 30% increase in public EV charging stations in the UK, the majority of the 60,000 public charge points are concentrated in South East England, creating regional disparities.

In contrast, an estimated 700,000 private charge points across the country remain largely untapped. Plugable is making this extensive network more accessible, helping more people during the switch to electric vehicles.

Maebh Reynolds, founder and CEO of Plugable, said “Plugable is on a mission to provide access to the UK’s largest EV charging network by 2025, making charging accessible for everyone, everywhere. Our peer-to-peer network is coming to the UK to allow hosts to maximise the utilisation of their home chargers, earning passive income and supporting the wider EV community. By democratising access to EV charging, we aim to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.”

Through the Plugable app, users can find nearby EV chargers, book a convenient time slot, and enjoy lower rates compared to public chargers. Hosts set their own prices and availability, enabling them to earn passive income from their home charger when it’s not in use.

To participate in the trial, users in Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington, Wigan and Bolton are invited to download the free Plugable app and follow the instructions to take part. Pilot participants will then be asked to provide feedback via a survey to influence future improvements for the Plugable community.

The Night Store Introduces ‘Island Girl’ Spring/Summer Nightwear Collection

News Desk
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The Night Store Introduces ‘Island Girl’ Spring/Summer Nightwear Collection

The Night Store, a luxury nightwear brand celebrated for its striking designs and viral bestsellers, is excited to announce the launch of its Spring/Summer collection, ‘Island Girl’. The collection is now available for purchase.

Inspired by the spirit of adventure and a tropical theme, ‘Island Girl’ brings the pristine beauty of white sands and golden beaches to your nightwear collection. Set against the backdrop of a stunning private luxury island in Bali, the collection features 18 exquisite pieces, crafted from lightweight, premium fabrics, including organic cotton.

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The collection embodies the brand’s signature boldness, offering vibrant prints and chic styles that epitomise summer elegance. From effortlessly comfortable pyjama sets to elegant robes, each piece promises a touch of luxury, inviting wearers to dream of island escapes.

To celebrate this new collection, The Night Store is collaborating with a curated group of celebrities and influencers who will share their exclusive experiences of ‘Island Girl’ on social media and beyond. Look out for captivating images that highlight the effortless charm of this island-inspired nightwear and follow the buzz around the launch.

“We wanted to capture the freedom and adventure of a tropical escape in this collection,” says Charlotte, Director of The Night Store. “Each piece is designed to be both visually stunning and incredibly comfortable, bringing the essence of island living into your home.”

‘Island Girl’ is more than just nightwear; it’s a celebration of summer living, offering versatile styles perfect for lounging, sleeping, or pairing with daytime essentials for an effortless holiday look.

Explore the exclusive ‘Island Girl’ collection now available at The Night Store. Visit their website and follow them on social media for an inside look at this stunning new line.

Download all visual content, including product images, campaign shots, and videos here: Campaign Visuals

Cannabis farm with £5m street value uncovered in Stockport

Helen Greaney
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Cannabis farm with £5m street value uncovered in Stockport

Police in Stockport have discovered a huge cannabis farm in a large unoccupied building in the town centre, with a street value worth around £5 million.

At around 10am on Thursday, June 13, the electricity board alerted officers to the ‘possible grow’ on Lower Hillgate.

The area was assessed and made safe, before a total of 3,325 plants were seized on Friday and Saturday.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Inspector Amreek Singh said: “This is a great find for our neighbourhood team who are committed to tackling the supply and distribution of illegal products throughout the town.

“Cannabis farms on this scale can be linked to serious and organised crime gangs, and the drugs they sell have a significant adverse impact on our communities. It drives violence and can lead to vulnerable people being exploited, as well as leading to numerous problems such  as addiction and health issues. Our work has ensured that thousands of cannabis plants will not be hitting the streets.

“If you have any information about drugs supply in your area, please do get in touch with your local officers. You can also contact police on 101, via gmp.police.uk, or via Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

 

Kate Tinsley awarded OBE for outstanding services to construction

Helen Greaney
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Kate Tinsley awarded OBE for outstanding services to construction

MKM CEO Kate Tinsley has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding services to the construction sector and her commitment to promoting diversity within the industry.

More than 1,000 innovators were recognised in HM The King’s Birthday 2024 Honours list, which was published by the Cabinet Office on Friday.

Kate’s professional journey has been marked by a series of notable achievements and dedication to advancing the construction sector.

Starting her career as an accountant with PwC and Deloitte, Kate progressed through various high-profile roles, including finance and operations director of the Specialist Division at BSS Group, finance director and managing director and ultimately CEO of Buildbase in 2015.

After seven years at the Grafton Group, Kate made the leap back across the trade counter into manufacturing, when she joined Ibstock Plc. As divisional managing director at Ibstock, Kate oversaw a litany of milestones for the business, including a significant rebrand and raft of new product launches, culminating in her appointment to the Plc Board, before taking the decision to re-join the merchant sector when she accepted the position of CEO with MKM.

Joining MKM in 2020, Kate brought her extensive experience to the independent builders’ merchant which has offices across Greater Manchester.

Under her four-year stewardship, MKM has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme, growing to 129 branches nationwide. Her innovative approach and strategic vision have been instrumental in cementing MKM’s position as a leader in the industry.

Outside of work, Kate is a lifelong Notts County fan and has devoted significant time to promoting grassroots football, coaching various teams and contributing to the sport’s development. In 2017, Kate’s dedication to football was recognised with her appointment as a senior independent director on the board of the Football Association (FA), where she continues to drive positive change at the highest levels of English football.

She said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised alongside so many brilliant individuals. For me, this award doesn’t just reflect my personal efforts, but the efforts of countless others. The power of teamwork has been a constant theme in my career, and I’ve seen first-hand how the collective efforts of a team can achieve far more than the individual. I’m deeply passionate about what I do, and this recognition fuels my commitment to continue striving for excellence in the construction industry and promoting diversity more widely.”

David Kilburn, co-founder of MKM, said: “Kate is a strong advocate of developing and continuing MKM’s unique business model. She is a proven operator with a high-class reputation, and her leadership has been a major asset to our business, I’m delighted she has been recognised on a national level.”

 

Five arrests made following assault in Wythenshawe

Helen Greaney
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Five arrests made following assault in Wythenshawe

Five suspects have been arrested in connection with a serious assault in Wythenshawe, that happened on Friday morning.

Emergency services responded to a call from a shopworker, who reported that a 52-year-old man from the local area had entered the shop on Altrincham Road in Baguley, with serious head injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Detectives are investigating the incident, to understand how the man came to be injured.

Enquiries have established that the attack took place inside an address on Crowhurst Walk, less than half a mile away. It is believed this took place between 10.30am and 11am. This scene remains in place.

Five men – aged 69, 58, 54, 40, 39 – from Wythenshawe and Openshaw, have been arrested on suspicion of assault, intending to cause grievous bodily harm.

Three men remain in custody, two have been released with no further action.

Detective superintendent Helen Critchley said: “I hope the public is reassured by the pace at which our investigation is moving. We believe this was a targeted attack with no wider threat to the community.

“This man remains in a serious condition and specialist officers are supporting his family at this difficult time. My thoughts remain with them as he fights for his life.

“Whilst we are making good process working through lines of enquiries, our work is far from over. I appeal to members of the public who might know something about this incident to please come forward.

“I am appealing for people that were around Butcher Lane and Altrincham Road around in the morning of Friday, June 14 and may have witnessed something or have dashcam or doorbell footage to contact police on 101, quoting log number 1622 of 14/06/2024.

“Information can also be shared using our LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

New search underway in Stuart Everett murder investigation

Helen Greaney
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New search underway in Stuart Everett murder investigation

Police began a new detailed search on Friday, as part of the investigation into the murder of Stuart Everett. (pictured)

Some of Stuart’s remains were found wrapped in plastic on wetlands at Kersal Dale on April 4. Further remains were found at other locations and two men are charged with the 67-year-old’s murder.

The area currently being searched is part of Worsley Woods – the Roe Green Loopline starting at the junction of Worsley Road with Greenleach Lane.

Officers are on patrol to provide support to those in the local area whilst keeping disruption to a minimum, but access is limited due to methodical searches being conducted.

Further searches will be conducted in the same way over the coming weeks.

Detective chief inspector Rachel Smith said: “We are thankful that you understand the immense amount of work that is going into this from the whole force.

“We remain committed, dedicated and focused on our task and this is another example of our ongoing work to do that, by being diligent and respectful towards Stuart and his loved ones who continue to try to process the tragic and upsetting circumstances.

“As we have done from the start, we will keep you updated on our progress, as we all have personally been affected by this case, but in the meantime would like to ask for your further support in this over the weekend by trying to avoid the area where possible.”

Significant milestones celebrated by Altrincham’s MLP Law

Helen Greaney
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Significant milestones celebrated by Altrincham’s MLP Law

Altrincham’s award-winning MLP Law is celebrating two significant milestones – its 35th anniversary and 10 years under the ownership of managing partner Stephen Attree.

As the only law firm to be a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter to date, MLP Law is leading the way under Stephen (pictured), who acquired the firm in 2014.

With a determination to transform the direction of MLP Law and its operations, Stephen has achieved a great deal, notably developing a team of legal experts and creating a “law firm with a genuine difference”.

During the last decade, Stephen has grown the business significantly, opening an office in Lymm in 2017 following the acquisition of WH Lill & Co offices in Leeds and Manchester followed in 2021 and 2022 respectively, with the ultimate aim of becoming the leading provider of legal services in the North West.

In the last year, the firm has handled 1,718 client matters. Profits are up and continue to increase year on year, with MLP Law reporting a turnover of £2m in 2022 and £2.3m in 2023. This year the forecast turnover is £2.5m.

The firm’s team has also grown, with more than 30 professionals now employed servicing the core areas of the business and delivering the firm’s ethos of enhancing the client journey by investing in the client’s experience.

Stephen said: “I grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit, investing my savings in shares as a teenager and maintaining an interest in business alongside law.  When I was presented with the opportunity to acquire MLP Law I seized the chance to merge my legal expertise with my passion for business ownership.

“I had clear plans for the direction of the firm and wanted to implement a fresh approach to practising law, with clients at the forefront.  For me, it has always been about the client; how best I serve them and not just the law, but by always doing the right thing, both delivering results and exceeding expectations.

“We will continue to work on reducing carbon emissions, with the ultimate aim of achieving net zero.  Further growth is in the pipeline too, from enhancing the marketing team and expanding the corporate, commercial and real estate teams to internal development with organic progression a real focus.  And of course we want to continue to attract new clients, establishing long-standing working relationships with them.”

Manchester pays tributes for Armed Forces Week 2024

Helen Greaney
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Manchester pays tributes for Armed Forces Week 2024
Manchester will pay tribute to hundreds who have fearlessly served as part of the country’s Armed Forces.
Armed Forces Week 2024 (June 24-29) will see Manchester show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces Community, including currently serving troops, families, reservists, veterans and cadets.

To mark the start of Armed Forces Week, the Armed Forces Flag will be raised at Manchester Central Library on Monday, June 24, at 10.30am.

The Armed Forces Day 2024 commemoration will take place on Saturday, June 29, 11am – 4pm in St Peter’s Square. Formal celebrations begin from 11.30am with a military parade and poignant performances from the Lancashire Artillery Band.

Throughout the day, this free public event for visitors of all ages will feature live music also welcome face-painting for youngsters and an Army Light Gun will be on display.

In another celebratory nod, specially selected information stalls will be in attendance such as Archive+/Libraries and the Veterans Museums that will give visitors a look book into the history of life in the Armed Forces.

Lord mayor Paul Andrews, the lord-lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins and councillor Tommy Judge, lead member for the Armed Forces, will be attending.

Councillor Andrews, said: “Commemorating Armed Forces Week and Day is a chance to remember the selfless and heroic sacrifices of thousands of service men and women in our community. We have a rich history of recognising the efforts of the Armed Forces in Manchester and this day is only a continuation in acknowledging their feats both past and present.

“As Lord Mayor of Manchester, I am honoured to be a part of celebrations this year and be able to demonstrate through a week of commemorations how thankful we are for their tireless service. Please show your support by joining us in St. Peter’s Square.”
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