| 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.” |
Manchester pays tributes for Armed Forces Week 2024
Bruntwood SciTech gets go ahead for £6M transformation
Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – has had £6 million plans for its historic 117-119 Portland Street building approved by Manchester City Council.
The Grade II listed building is set to become the gateway into Manchester’s innovation district – the Oxford Road Corridor.
It is hoped that the project will encourage innovation-led businesses to access to talent from both Manchester universities, research opportunities, finance and mentorship, as well as collaboration opportunities with start-ups, scale-ups and global businesses.
The new workspace will be a central hub for collaboration, wellness and events, creating a vibrant social community for businesses in the building and joins its collection of converted Victorian warehouse spaces at 113-115 Portland Street, 127 Portland Street and Oxford Place.
The 35,000 sq ft 117-119 Portland Street will be refurbished into a multi-let workspace, providing a mixture of offices for up to 80 people. Nine fully-fitted workspaces will be created, including a kitchen, meeting room and breakout areas, allowing new customers to move straight in once the works are complete, which is anticipated to be in Spring 2025.
Many original features, such as exposed bricks and beams, will be retained. Dating back to 1886, the building was formerly home to merchants Schill Seebohm & Co, who sold Manchester-made textiles and used it as a warehouse to showcase, sell and ship their goods.
State-of-the-art shared facilities and amenities will also be incorporated into the new-look 117-119 Portland Street as part of reimagining the ground and lower ground floors, including breakout spaces and lounge areas, an on-site gym, boutique gym-quality shower and changing facilities, and an auditorium for events.
To support the building to be net zero in operation in common areas the building will be fully electrified, with heating and cooling provided through new air conditioning and a new air source heat pump. Additionally, new LED lighting will be installed throughout, along with secondary glazing to minimise heat loss.
Richard Roper, associate director – asset management for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Receiving planning approval for 117-119 Portland Street marks the next exciting phase in our plans to enhance and improve our workspaces across Manchester city centre, where we already have major new developments underway at both our campus locations and other city centre innovation hubs.
“This cornerstone of the city has been lacking investment into creating workspaces that galvanise collaboration, creativity and ingenuity and offer like-minded communities to connect with, so we hope to deliver that at 117 Portland Street.”
These plans, alongside work commencing to redevelop nearby King’s House and Pall Mall, mark Bruntwood SciTech’s latest commitment to Manchester since it announced a further £500 million of funding in October 2023 to support the growth of the science, technology and innovation sectors, and welcomed Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) to the joint venture.
Murray to play for GB at the Paris Olympics
Two-time gold medallist Andy Murray will compete for Great Britain at the 2024 Olympics after being named in the squad this morning.
Murray cast doubt on his participation in Paris earlier this week by suggesting he would not go to the Games to compete in the singles only given his recent poor form on the clay.
Check out our other sports stories here:
India v Canada washed out
Austria v France betting preview
But the 37-year-old, who gets a singles nomination as a past champion and grand slam winner, was included alongside Jack Draper, Cam Norrie and Dan Evans.
Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England said: “It’s a huge privilege to once again announce our tennis players for Team GB. The calibre of the team gets stronger with every Games, and it is great to see a mix of returning and first time Olympians.
“Two-time Olympic champion Andy Murray was our flag bearer in Rio, and he continues to lead by example through his commitment to the Olympic Games and Team GB in what will be his fifth Olympics.”
Katie Boulter will play in the women’s singles by virtue of her world ranking but Emma Raducanu has opted not to compete, despite being offered a nomination by the International Tennis Federation.
“I have had various conversations with Emma over the last couple of weeks and a slightly longer period where it’s very clear how much being part of a British team at an Olympics would mean to her,” said Iain Bates, head of GB’s Olympic tennis team.
“I think she feels this isn’t going to be the right timing for her for this summer.
“She’s hopefully got many Olympics ahead of her. I’m very comfortable with the decision that she’s made.”
Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski will represent GB in the men’s doubles at Roland Garros.
T20 World Cup 2024: India v Canada washed out
India’s final group game at the T20 World Cup, against Canada this afternoon, was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The prospects of a match were bleak beforehand with the first two games scheduled for Lauderhill called off due to inclement weather and this game suffered the same fate.
The outfield was deemed too wet due to the deluge of rain in Florida this week.
The decision was perhaps made easier by the fact the qualifying positions in Group A had already been decided with India and surprise package the United States guaranteed of a place in the Super Eight.
Canada, Pakistan and Ireland will all go home following the conclusion of the pool stage.
India and Canada share a point each in Florida as match ends without a ball bowled.#T20WORLDCUP | #INDVCAN PIC.TWITTER.COM/ZG51ZARXFP
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) JUNE 15, 2024
Supermarket sweep: 20,000 counterfeit cigarettes seized
| More than 20,000 counterfeit cigarettes were seized following a swoop by Manchester City Council Trading Standards. |
| Officers inspected Gorton Supermarket & Gorton Butcher Ltd, in Wellington Street, East Manchester, following suspicion that illicit tobacco was being sold on the premises.
Tobacco detection dog officers sniffed out illegal products which were subsequently seized. In total, 20,478 cigarettes and 3.6kg of hand rolling tobacco, were found. Items were hidden throughout the shop including inside boxes as well as plastic bags. Other items confiscated included a 500g tub of skin-whitening cream which contained a banned ingredient, as well as three counterfeit designer fragrances. Brand representatives provided witness evidence confirming the tobacco items and fragrances were fake, and that the cream was not permitted to be sold. The company’s director Ahmed Rashid (43) of Rostherne Avenue, Old Trafford, attended Manchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, and pleaded guilty to 13 offences relating to Trademarks and tobacco on behalf of the company, and to four tobacco offences as a director. Magistrates ordered the company to pay a fine of £10,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and court costs of £1,867. Rashid was also sentenced to 100 hours of community service, as well as being ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114. Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, said: “The scale of this prosecution shows how important our work is when it comes to cracking down in illicit tobacco. This isn’t a few packets here or there, we are talking about thousands of products on sale, harming our communities. “Illicit tobacco is a serious issue. Its sale creates a barrier to people trying to quit the habit, as well as making it easier for younger people to start smoking. As well as being illegal it is a serious public health concern, which is why actions like these are so important. “We hope the size of this fine sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the continued sale of these products, and that criminals who supply them will ultimately pay the price.” |
Bespoke named Best Place to Work by The Sunday Times
Digital marketing agency Bespoke has been named by the Sunday Times as one of the Best Places to Work in the UK for 2024.
The nationwide workplace survey, published by The Sunday Times, honours and celebrates Britain’s top employers – which number over 500 organisations across industries and sizes – and acknowledges the best workplaces for women, LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers, and wellbeing.
In compiling the list, The Sunday Times partnered with employee-experience platform WorkL to deliver fresh insights into what makes a Best Place to Work.
The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards survey uses 26 questions from WorkL’s employee engagement survey, developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace.
To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organisation must score well across WorkL’s six-step framework encompassing: Reward and Recognition; Instilling Pride; Information Sharing; Empowerment; Wellbeing; Job Satisfaction.
Bespoke, which has been delivering web design in Manchester for more than 20 years, was recognised in the survey’s Small Organisation category.
The report accompanying the listing said: “This digital agency puts a development programme in place for staff, with a three-year plan for those seeking a role in the company. Plans are review annually and extended once colleagues have been with the agency for two years. The 12 employees work a 50-50 hybrid week – with a budget provided to kit out home offices – while the whole team has lunch together twice a week.”
Bespoke co-founder and CEO Steve Brennan said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team, or more overjoyed for us all, to have been listed on The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.
“It’s such an incredible accolade for the culture we have built here over the years. We fully recognise that it’s our people who make us what we are, and we are dedicated to providing them with the happiest working environment, which is something that everybody pitches in with, so the entire team can rightfully be extremely proud to have their efforts be recognised in this way.”
Chris Longcroft, EVP publisher, The Times and The Sunday Times, said: “All organisations are only as good as the people they employ and retain. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards recognise companies that are innovating to create an engaged and fulfilling working environment for all and in so doing they are creating the best possible platform for business success. To be named on The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list is a true recognition of excellence and I congratulate those organisations who made the grade this year.”
Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for this year’s winners of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work, powered by WorkL. Many Congratulations to you all. We’ve been absolutely blown away by just how many brilliant companies entered the awards in the hopes of being recognised, so it’s a real achievement to have made the list. WorkL are proud to power these awards and support organisations in retaining and recruiting the very best employees.”
Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, said: “It is my pleasure to introduce the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. These include a huge range of businesses and not-for-profits, from innovative start-ups with a handful of employees to big multinational corporations staffed by thousands. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 span all industry sectors and are located throughout the UK.
“Uniting them is the commitment to make their organisation a better place to work for everyone, and there is no limit to the creative lengths they go to to engage employees. Why have a job just anywhere when you could be carving out a career at a Sunday Times Best Place to Work?”
For more information go to www.bespokedigital.agency.
Family pay tribute to man killed in Bolton
A man was stabbed last Friday evening in Bolton, has died.
Michael McCann (pictured) passed away from the injuries he sustained at Back Bradford Street, two days later.
One man has been charged with murder, another man has been charged with assisting an offender, and a woman has been charged with obstructing police.
Another 50-year-old man has since been released on bail after being arrested initially on suspicion of assault, whilst detectives investigate.
Michael’s family said: “Our family will miss our brother’s smile as it showed what true happiness looked like.
“Michael’s sole purpose in life was the needs for his family. He will now miss out on being the brother and uncle that he wanted to be.
“We will always cherish the time we had together and the memories that we have all individually shared together. Although we had hoped for more than we have already, they will never be taken for granted.”
Michael’s cousin added: “As a family we are in total shock and deeply devastated by this terrible news. Micky was like my younger brother and our three children loved their Uncle Micky.
“We can’t believe we will never get to see his cheeky smile again. We will all miss you so much. We love you Micky.”
Witnesses
Detective chief inspector Nicola McCulloch said: “Our investigation is progressing, having charged three people in relation to this incident.
“We are still appealing for members of the public with information to come forward and assist our investigation.
“Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, of has CCTV, dash cam or Ring doorbell footage is asked to call 101, quoting incident 3001 of 07/06/2024.
“Information can be submitted on our Major Incident Public Portal – photos and videos can be uploaded via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24S64-PO1 Our Major Incident Team can also be contacted on 0161 856 2492.
“Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Lioness Keira Walsh honoured with Rochdale mural
A huge mural celebrating England footballer Keira Walsh has been unveiled in her hometown of Rochdale.
The striking image of Keira about to kick the ball and celebrating a goal in her England kit has been painted onto the R-Kix Performance Centre on Smith Street, opposite Marks and Spencer.
It’s an appropriate location for the eye catching art as the recently opened R-Kix provides football pitches, coaching, fitness and other sporting facilities in the town centre.
The mural has been installed by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with her agency Rept Sports and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA).
Renowned Manchester based street artist Katie Scott created the mural during the last week, with photos shared on social media soon after completion already racking up over 100,000 views and heaps of positive comments.
Katie said: “People have all been very welcoming, stopping for a chat as the work progressed. It’s nice the know people of all ages are enjoying it and I’m very pleased to have played a part in celebrating Keira’s story and hopefully inspiring the next generation of young girls.”
Keira Walsh, who helped guide her team to Euro 2022 glory and joined European giants Barcelona was named official player of the match in the historic Euro 2022 final. Since that move she has won La Liga, the Supercopa, the Champions League – and lifted the first women’s Finalissima trophy with England.
Raised in Rochdale and a former pupil at Healey Primary School, Keira first played football with her dad on a field opposite her house on Syke Common, later joining Pearson Juniors in her hometown before being signed by Blackburn Rovers and later Manchester City.
She has won numerous honours for club and country, including multiple Champions Leagues, English and Spanish league titles, the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2022 and is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of her generation. She was granted the freedom of the borough of Rochdale in 2022 and was until recently the most expensive female footballer in the world.
The mural was funded by the council’s Rochdale North Township Committee, supported by Rochdale’s Cultural Development Fund.
Eloise Singer and Lucy Liu Donate 50 Copies of ‘The Pirate Queen’ to Educational Institutions to Inspire Future Leaders
Executive Producers Eloise Singer and Lucy Liu have announced a donation of 50 copies of the acclaimed VR experience, “The Pirate Queen“, to educational institutions worldwide. Each recipient school and university will receive a free copy of the immersive experience and a limited edition poster signed by Singer and Liu.
This initiative aims to ignite the imaginations of future leaders by offering them an insight into the captivating historical narrative of Cheng Shih, a legendary pirate who defied convention to become one of history’s most revered female leaders.
Cheng Shih, who took command of her husband’s fleet and became the most powerful pirate of all time, commanding 70,000 men during the lead-up to the Opium Wars, is a historical figure of immense significance. Her story of defiance and leadership serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of women throughout history.
“The Pirate Queen,” directed by Singer and starring Liu, offers a compelling and historical portrayal of Cheng Shih. The immersive experience has received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and educational value, making it a valuable resource for academic institutions.
Eloise Singer said: “We believe in the power of storytelling to educate and inspire. By donating these copies, we hope to provide students with a unique learning experience that combines history, culture, and cutting-edge technology.”
“The Pirate Queen” has garnered critical acclaim, with Fandomwire stating, “Singer Studios debut title, The Pirate Queen, is the exact kind of immersive history that makes VR so special.” Android Central also noted, “VR experiences like The Pirate Queen are the future of education,” highlighting its educational value and engaging storytelling.
The interactive experience has also been honoured with multiple awards, including the Tribeca Storyscapes Award in 2023 and The Raindance Discovery Award in 2021. Supported by Meta, BFI, and Epic, “The Pirate Queen” is poised to revolutionise education through immersive media.
Lucy Liu said: “Being able to immerse yourself in an experience is the best way to learn anything.”
Eloise Singer added: “The Pirate Queen’s historical accuracy extends to objects, place names, locations, language, and historical context, making it a powerful educational tool.”
Nicholas Sutrich from Android Central emphasised the importance of virtual reality storytelling in education and praised “The Pirate Queen” for its immersive narrative, stating: “Experiencing history from a first person perspective makes all the difference.”
Over the last five years, Singer Studios has worked closely with academics, researchers, and sensitivity checkers to create historically accurate environments and a narrative inspired by real events. Lead writer and narrative designer, Chinese-German writer Maja Bodenstein, extensively researched Cheng Shih’s life to craft a narrative that is as close to authentic as possible. Driven to accurately portray 19th-century China, research included a detailed study of British-China relations of the era, providing an immersive and educational experience.
Audiences are invited to step into the boots of Cheng Shih to explore moonlit cabins, row through perilous waters, and scale the sides of ships to outsmart adversaries and be crowned the leader of the fleet before daybreak, discovering the forgotten story of Cheng Shih along the way.
The VR experience is just the beginning of an expansive franchise for “The Pirate Queen”. Created by Singer Studios and executive produced by Singer and Liu, the franchise will extend into an animated film and live-action TV series, as well as a visually stunning graphic novel, poised to captivate audiences worldwide.
Join Singer Studios on their exciting journey with The Pirate Queen and other projects by visiting their website at www.singerstudios.co.uk. Keep up to date with all the latest news, behind the scenes content and more by following them on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Who Would Triumph in the Euros if Forest Size Determined the Winner?
With the Euros just around the corner, Timbersource analysed the forestland of the participating nations to determine who would come out ‘top of the tree.’ Unfortunately for England, despite making it out of the group stage, they are knocked out by Germany in the round of 16!
To determine the tournament winner, Timbersource gathered data from Worldometer and the individual statistics hubs of each nation, compiling a table that shows the different groups and their respective forest sizes. From this data, Timbersource analysed the potential matchups, mapping out the winners, runners-up, and ‘best third place teams’ to create the bracket.
This year’s ‘group of death’ was Group D, which included strong teams like France, Austria, and Poland. Despite being the second-largest team in terms of forest size, France only managed to secure second place due to the nature of the draw.
The bracket and routes to the final were based on the official UEFA Euros bracket, and then cross-referenced with the forestland data to find the ultimate winner: Spain. Spain was followed closely by France, with Turkey taking third place.
Which country has the most forestland globally?
Spain tops the table with over 18 million hectares of forestland, a strength that led them to victory in the tournament. However, one significant country was absent.
Russia leads with over 800 million hectares, but due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, they have been banned from participation.
Throughout the tournament, Timbersource will update the bracket to see how the actual Euros compare to the Forestland Euros. Hopefully, England will progress further than the round of 16!
Forestry’s Many Benefits
Forests are often underappreciated, yet they silently offer a wealth of benefits to our planet and our lives.
Some forestry benefits include:
- Helping to mitigate climate change by removing a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen.
- Providing timber resources used in construction, furniture, musical instruments, and more. Timber is also used for sporting equipment, such as in the Olympics!
The full dataset used in the research can be found here.
