London
Lancashire
Cheshire
1.2 C
Manchester
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Home Blog Page 150

Hamilton admits concerns over new Formula 1 rules

Alex Hoad
-
0
Hamilton admits concerns over new Formula 1 rules

Lewis Hamilton admits he is concerned that Formula 1’s new rules might not go far enough.

The sports governing body the FIA has unveiled plans for cars to be made smaller, lighter, nimbler and more environmentally friendly from the 2026 season.

Cars will be 30kg lighter, 10cm narrower and have engines powered by sustainable fuels and combining electric and internal combustion power.

Hamilton has long called for cars to be made lighter but told BBC Sport he is worried the changes do not go far enough and might still leave the cars feeling sluggish.

He said: “It’s only 30kg so it’s going in the right direction but they’re still heavy.

“I have spoken to some drivers who have driven it on the simulator (although) I haven’t. They said it’s pretty slow so we will see if it’s the right direction or not.

“But in terms of sustainability, particularly on the power-unit side, that’s a really bold step and it’s going in the right direction.

“We have just got to make sure the cars are efficient, fast and a step forwards and actually racing is improved.”

The FIA described the concept at the heart of the 2026 rules as cars being more “nimble.”

New aerodynamic technology will help optimise the engines with front and rear wings that open on the straights to reduce drag and increase speed, but then close to increase downforce for cornering performance.

The current DRS (drag reduction system) aid for overtaking will be replaced by a power-boost system to help cars move past vehicles in their way.

With F1 having pledged to go net-zero carbon by 2030, the new hybrid engines will see three times more electric power utilised to bring the balance closer to 50-50 with internal combustion and have led to Audi and Ford choosing to join the sport while Honda has overturned its decision to leave F1.

There will be six engine manufacturers from 2026 with Ford linking up with Red Bull Powertrains along with Honda, Audi, Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The key features of the 2026 regulations are advanced, sustainable technology and safety.

“Our aim, together with F1, was to produce a car that was right for the future of the sport’s elite category. We believe we have achieved that goal.”

There have been concerns the new rules might lead to the sport becoming less competitive at a time when the field has begun to close.

McLaren’s Lando Norris told BBC Sport: “There is going to be another change just as the sport gets exciting again,” Norris said. “I guess there are reasons for it but I don’t want it to go the opposite way. Especially with how complicated it is.

“You could have massive gaps and then people are going to say it’s boring again. Right now it is as exciting as it has been for a very long time.”

T20 World Cup 2024: USA stun Pakistan to make cricket history

Alex Hoad
-
0
T20 World Cup 2024: USA stun Pakistan to make cricket history

The USA pulled off one of the biggest shocks in cricket history as they beat Pakistan in a super over in Dallas on Thursday night.

Playing in their first World Cup, the hosts were well on course to secure the win earlier in their reply when they needed just 56 runs from the final seven overs, with nine wickets in hand, to overhaul Pakistan’s modest 159-7.

However the momentum shifted and a dramatic finale ensued as Nitish Kumar cracked four off the final ball of the USA reply to tie the scores on 159 and force the tie-breaker.

Mohammad Amir sent down three wides as the hosts nation scored 18 off the super over, leaving the 2009 winners needing to score 19 off left-arm paceman Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India under-19 player who now works in Silicon Valley.

Netravalkar held his nerve after collecting 2-18 from his four overs earlier and Kumar came to the fore again as he took a fine catch at long-off to dismiss the dangerous Iftikhar Ahmed with 14 runs needed from four deliveries.

Seven were needed from the final ball for a Pakistan win but Shadab Khan was only able to scramble a single leaving the USA winners by five runs in the super over and leaving Group A wide-open.

US skipper Monank Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision which paid dividends as the visitors were reduced to 26-3 late in the fifth over with Steven Taylor taking a superb slip catch to oust Mohammad Rizwan for just nine.

Skipper Babar Azam steadied the ship with 44 at just better than a run a ball and shared a stand of 72 in eight overs with Shadab Khan, who smashed three sixes in his 40 off 25 balls to help guide his side to their total of 159-7.

The USA only played their first ever international match in 2019 and had only chased 160 twice before, however Monank and Taylor made 36 for the opening wicket and then the captain added 68 with Andries Gous.

Gous was bowled by Haris Rauf for 35 off 26 balls before Monank fell toAmir in the next over for 50 off 38 balls which featured seven fours and a six.

Pakistan regained the initiative but Aaron Jones kept the hosts in the hunt, needing 21 from the final two overs and 15 off the last for victory.

The game looked up with 12 required off the final three balls for victory but Jones clubbed a full-toss from Haris Rauf for six and then scrambled a single off the penultimate ball before Nitish lofted the final ball over mid-off to the ropes to level the scores and tee-up the super over.

Four in ten North West children live in relative poverty, new data shows

Helen Greaney
-
0
Four in ten North West children live in relative poverty, new data shows

New research reveals that 37 per cent of all children in the North West are living in relative poverty, after the cost of housing is considered.

The data was carried out by Loughborough University for the End Child Poverty Coalition, to provide new information on child poverty across North West England.

Of the 73 constituencies in this region, almost all have a child poverty rate of 25 per cent or more.

The group says that child poverty should be a key general election issue for families across the region.

The five new general election constituencies with the highest levels of child poverty in the North West are:

  1. Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton (53.5%)
  2. Manchester Rusholme (53%)
  3. Blackburn (52%)
  4. Oldham East and Saddleworth (51.6%)
  5. Manchester Central (51.3%)

These are followed by Blackley and Middleton South, Bolton North East, Bolton South and Walkden, Rochdale and Hyndburn.

This demonstrates that the overall child poverty figure for the region hides much higher child poverty figures for some areas.

Graham Whitham, CEO at Greater Manchester Poverty Action said: “The new data really illustrates the appalling levels of poverty we are seeing in the North West.

“Nearly four in ten children are now living in poverty across the region – with this figure rising to one in two in the worst-hit constituencies. For many this means being excluded from activities like school trips and days out, not having clothes that fit them, going to school hungry, and in some cases sharing a bed or sleeping on the floor.

“No child should go without the things they need to be healthy and happy. We urgently need to see a commitment to develop a national mission to end poverty, backed by a
clear anti-poverty strategy with real policy change.

“Whichever party forms the next government must commit to ending the cruel two-child limit policy – which forces parents into unimaginable choices, denies families the support they need from our social security system, and limits the potential of thousands of children and young people across our country.”

A single mum from Stretford supported by Greater Manchester Poverty Action has been struggling with the cost-of-living for the past few years. Her money problems began after the birth of her daughter, who is now eight years old and showing signs of autism.

She said: “You have to sacrifice a lot. You always have to say, ‘oh, I’ll have to get that next month’. Because by the time I’ve paid all my bills, I’ve literally got nothing left. It makes me feel rubbish. I don’t have a nice place to live to call home, I don’t like anyone coming round because I feel embarrassed.”

Warrington recruiter funds specialist care in colleague’s memory

Helen Greaney
-
0
Warrington recruiter funds specialist care in colleague’s memory

Warrington’s Gi Group have used pedal power to raise cash for a cause close to their hearts.

The whole team of the HR and recruitment specialists got on static bikes in a cycle-a-thon in memory of Sara O’Brien, a beloved colleague who passed away in January.

For every mile cycled, the team donated £5 to Willow Burn Hospice in County Durham which provided Sara, who worked at Gi Group’s sister company TackTMI and was based in County Durham, and her family with vital support and care.

Through their efforts, the team raised enough money to fund a nurse’s care for 49 hours at the hospice.

Cindy Gunn, group head of people at Gi Group said: “When we were planning which charity to support at our conference we spoke to Sara’s family and they chose Willow Burn Hospice as the beneficiary, because Sara’s husband Tom said its “an amazing place full of fantastic people.

“Here at Gi Group, we don’t tend to have one specific charity we support but rather a collection of worthy causes that mean a great deal to our team. We feel it’s really important to play our part for a number of important charities, doing what we can to support the change they create.”

Recent research has found that, on average, hospices have increased the number of new or regained donors on their books by 59.8 per cent each year but have lost 59.6 per cent of existing givers, resulting in a constant state of stagnation.

Cindy added: “The annual awards ceremony gave us the perfect opportunity to get teams from across the country together to cycle for charity success. We had bikes at our London, Coventry, Chesterfield and Leicester branches, plus many donation buckets.

“We will also be auctioning the static bikes within the Gi Group team to raise further funds for the Hospice, ensuring we have one last push to get as many donations as possible.”

Rachel Quince, deputy chief executive at Willow Burn Hospice, said: “It’s a common misconception that hospices are fully funded by the NHS. Our hospice receives 44% of its funding from this source but for every £1 we spend, we need to raise 56p via community fundraising, retail, donations and grants.

“The money that Gi Group raised, will fund a full-time palliative care nurse at Willow Burn for one week this year. We can’t thank Gi Group enough for their kindness and generosity.”

Arrests made in connection with cannabis importation plot

Helen Greaney
-
0
Arrests made in connection with cannabis importation plot

Six people aged between 20 and 24 were arrested yesterday on suspicion of importing cannabis.

Earlier this year, Greater Manchester Police launched a proactive operation to tackle a suspected criminal network responsible for drug importation and distribution.

So far, 675.5 kilograms of cannabis have been seized during the operation and Border Force officials have intercepted several parcels. Each package is estimated to be worth just over £5 million wholesale price.

Seizure of £474,000 cash has also been made.

Many roles have been played during the conspiracy including orchestrating the importation of the drugs, selling the drugs to customers across the UK and allowing criminals access to  home addresses so that shipments can be sent there.

Detective inspector Claire Rawcliffe said: “We know that organised criminal networks will seek to exploit infrastructure like the postal or fast parcel system to bring their illegal commodities into the UK undetected, but we are working closely and collaboratively with a variety of partners and colleagues to stop them.

“The cost and damage to lives that drugs cause our communities is incalculable, and by working with colleagues at Border Force, we’ve been able to prevent sizable quantities of drugs infiltrating our street and causing further harm and exploitation.”

And she’s off: New challenge for Manchester City Council chief executive

Helen Greaney
-
0
And she’s off: New challenge for Manchester City Council chief executive

Manchester City Council chief executive Joanne Roney CBE is to return to her native Birmingham to take up the newly-created post of managing director of its council.

She has been chief executive of Manchester City Council since April 2017 when she became the first woman to serve as the council’s top officer.

During her time as chief executive, Children’s Services – which had been classed as inadequate by Ofsted back in 2014 – were transformed to the extent that by 2022 they were rated ‘Good.’ The council’s determination to put children and young people at the heart of its services was recognised in 2022 when it was accepted onto UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities and Communities programme.

Adult care services were also improved, with an increased focus on early help and prevention.

Joanne also presided over the council’s response to two very different crises – the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack and the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Joanne has also served as its lead officer on Skills, Education and Work for Greater Manchester.

Joanne was named MJ (Municipal Journal) Chief Executive of the Year in 2022.

She said: “I’ve loved my time in Manchester. It’s a wonderful city and I’m proud of what – together with colleagues, partners and the city’s political leadership – we’ve been able to achieve here. Whoever follows me as chief executive is inheriting an incredible role alongside a talented and dedicated leadership team.

“I might be an adopted Mancunian, and proud of it, but I’m a native Brummie and this was the only role which could have tempted me away. I began my career as an apprentice at Birmingham City Council at the age of 16 so the prospect of concluding it there as managing director, and helping the place where I grew up and my family still live rise to its current challenges, was a compelling one.”

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Being chief executive of Manchester City Council is one of the best, arguably the best, jobs in local government. You get to be at the heart of our globally-recognised, growing city shaping how services are delivered and how our people and businesses can share in inclusive success.

“But I understand the emotional pull the Birmingham job has for Joanne and we wish her every success in her new role as she moves back home. We thank her for her service and her contribution to the city over the last seven years.

“As she would be the first to say, everything we do here is a team effort and she will leave behind a strong and talented management team with a clear vision of where the city is going, its strengths to be built upon and celebrated and the long-term challenges which we are addressing. It is, as ever, an exciting time in Manchester.”

The process of recruiting a new chief executive will start imminently.

£50,000 social enterprise grant up for grabs

Helen Greaney
-
0
£50,000 social enterprise grant up for grabs

Social entrepreneurs in Manchester are urged to enter a new funding competition, culminating in a glamorous pitching event.

Designed to drive positive social change, Ignite is being launched by the Bolton-based Ford Family Foundation and is supported by leading UK universities.

The overall winner will receive a £20,000 impact accelerator grant to scale up their transformative enterprise, with a further £30,000 being shared between the other four finalists.

University students and recent graduates need to enter their existing social enterprise by July 19, to be in with a chance of securing not only the funding but expert mentoring and valuable networking opportunities.

Each business will need to provide a 1500-word written application or six slide pitch deck, a five minute video pitch and financial projections for the next 12 months.

The shortlist of five will be announced in August ahead of a final pitching and celebration event on the evening of October 3, overseen by industry expert judges.

Ford Family Foundation and Ignite founder, Tony Ford, said: “We want to hear from ambitious social entrepreneurs on a mission to make a lasting difference with their emerging business. These rising stars may still be at university or will have graduated in the last three years and will be keen to showcase how their social enterprise has the potential to solve existing problems and improve lives.”

Durham University’s senior enterprise manager, Marek Tokarski, said: “Ignite represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Durham University and the Ford Family Foundation, equipping students with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to transform their innovative ideas into impactful social enterprises. We’re proud to be the first university to get behind this transformative pitching competition, with the process alone providing a rewarding experience for those taking part.”

TransPennine Express manager to run Great North Run for mental health charity

Helen Greaney
-
0
TransPennine Express manager to run Great North Run for mental health charity

A TransPennine Express (TPE) conductor manager is running the world’s largest half-marathon in celebration of a former colleague and her father – and to raise money for a mental health charity. 

Lucy Kilby from Manchester, is running the Great North Run, a 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields for much-loved TPE colleague Dominic Johns.

Dominic, known as Dom, was a driver manager based at Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street, who died in March 2023.

She is also running to celebrate her late dad, Michael – and aims to raise funds for Andy’s Man Club. The men’s suicide prevention charity offers free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.  It aims to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Lucy said: “I wanted to do the run to celebrate two great guys and raise some money for a charity that is close to my heart. Both had the most infectious smiles and never knew the impact they had on everyone they met.”

TPE is a supporter of Andy’s Man Club – with the train operator unveiling a specially wrapped train dedicated to the charity last year. The Class 185 train is visible throughout the north, encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

Lucy added: “We need to remove stigma around mental health and Andy’s Man Club do this so well, their work really resonates with me and is something I talk about a lot with my colleagues.

“I am honoured to be running for Andy’s Man Club – it’s the perfect charity for me to support.”

The Great North Run takes place on September 8. Lucy’s fundraising page can be found here

Manchester Camerata and Cloudwater Brewery to launch new beer at public party

Helen Greaney
-
0
Manchester Camerata and Cloudwater Brewery to launch new beer at public party

Manchester Camerata is celebrating its new 2024/25 season with a public party for all on Friday, June 21.

The group is joining forces with Cloudwater Brewery for the very first time to launch their unique collaborative brew – “Support Your Local Orchestra”.

United in their mutual love for innovation, community and music, and their equally relentless pursuit of elevating quality – both Manchester Camerata and Cloudwater make the perfect team, coming together to create a unique beer.

Cloudwater and Manchester Camerata invite members of the public to grab their free entry tickets to this exciting season and beer launch at Cloudwater Brewery in Piccadilly, for an evening of music, mirth and of course beer.

Manchester Camerata CEO Bob Riley will also launch the orchestra’s equally exciting and tasty 24/25 season. The evening will feature performances from a Camerata ensemble, as well as from their latest cohort of Camerata 360° Ruth Sutton Fellows.

Each can of “Support Your Local Orchestra” will be adorned with images of Manchester Camerata musicians mid-performance. Accompanying text will explain the reason behind this exciting new collaboration – born out of the shared desire to spread the word that orchestras are a vital part of our cultural heritage, providing entertainment and community support to countless people nationwide.

Following this joint launch in June, cans will be available to purchase at around 200 bars, shops, pubs and venues across the UK.

Clara Marshall Cawley, head of artistic planning at Manchester Camerata said: “This project was born out of a conversation with Cloudwater after its director Paul Jones, attended our Music for 18 Musicians and Space Afrika show. They are a fantastic brewery at the forefront of the UK’s craft beer scene. Their openness and willingness to collaborate with other forward-thinking organisations across Manchester is incredible and we are thankful for the opportunity to work with them on this project.

“Manchester Camerata believes that everybody’s lives should be elevated and enhanced by exceptional music. Shining a light on what we do, both on and off the stage, on the back of a beer can to a national audience, is such wonderful and super exciting opportunity for us.”

Cloudwater CEO Paul Jones said: “Manchester Camerata is a phenomenal organisation, relentlessly pushing forward what it means to be modern world class orchestra. Cloudwater has always been a culturally aware and active organisation, supporting many organisations across the cultural sector. Collaborating with one of the City’s finest ensembles is a total dream.”

Three men jailed for murder of teenager Callum Riley

Helen Greaney
-
0
Three men jailed for murder of teenager Callum Riley

Three men have been sentenced for the murder of 17-year-old Callum Riley.

Tony Adams (35) of Minshull New Road, Crewe (pictured centre) and Dale Heywood (26) of Windermere Road, Middleton (pictured left) were both convicted of murder and section 18 assault, as well as possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. They were each jailed for life, with a minimum 24-years tariff.

Niall Conaghan (18) of Minshull New Road, Crewe (pictured right) was convicted of the same charges and jailed for eight years.

In September 2022, Callum was found unresponsive in a garden on Atholl Drive with a deep stab wound to his leg. His friend was also found seriously injured with a stab wound to his stomach but survived after receiving emergency medical treatment.

A murder investigation was launched and a blood trail led police to Tony Adams’ house on Atholl Drive.

It became apparent that the two victims had been stabbed in the doorway of the house. Adams had been seeking to recover a drug debt from Callum for a number of months.

In early 2022, Adams and four other men had forced their way into Callum’s house where he lived with his mother and brother. Callum was not home at the time, but the five men threatened his family in an attempt to intimidate him and enforce the debt.

Matters came to a head on September 16, 2022 when Adams made threats to another of Callum’s friends after allegedly hearing rumours the friend was going to ‘grass’ about the location of his stash of drugs.

Following this, Adams gathered a group of men and went to Callum’s house where they smashed the front windows with a baseball bat. Callum was not at home at the time, although his mother, who is suffering from a serious illness, discovered the damage.

Callum was told of the damage and went to Adams’ house with a friend to confront him about the damage he had caused.

Adams, Dale Heywood and Niall Conaghan had armed themselves with weapons including a baseball bat and a knife, and were lying in wait for the pair, launching an attack within seconds of them entering his garden.

The pair managed to run from the address and were chased up Atholl Drive. Callum only made it a short distance before succumbing to his injuries. He was found unresponsive later that morning in a garden by members of the public.

Adams initially claimed to police that he had acted in self-defence. However, he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and murder.

Heywood was reported missing by his father after the incident but was quickly located in Burnley by police on September 18, 2022 and arrested on suspicion of murder. During his arrest, he said: “I am really, really, really, really sorry. I didn’t mean for it to happen. It was self-defence; it was self-defence.”

In addition to the trio of sentencings, a 35-year-old female was convicted of assisting an offender and has received a sentence of nine months suspended for 18 months.

Earlier, at a separate hearing at Manchester Crown Court in April, three other men were sentenced for their involvement. A 25-year-old man pleaded guilty to affray and was sentenced to a community order. Two men aged 20 and 21 pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon and were both sentenced to detention for a period of 6 months, suspended for 12 months.

Detective inspector Louise Edwards said: “I want to be clear that this was not a case of self-defence. Tony Adams set in motion a chain of violent events where he planned and welcomed a confrontation with a teenager.

“Adams, Dale Heywood and Niall Conaghan were armed with weapons including a knife and a baseball bat in the expectation of violence they had planned for and hoped would start.

“They created a situation in which Callum would come to Atholl Drive, armed themselves and opened the door rather than calling the police.

“Those violent actions have devastated so many lives. The family and friends of Callum have had to face the loss of a loved one in such terrible circumstances.

“My thoughts are with them today and whilst the sentences imposed can never undo what has been done, I hope it will bring them some form of closure.

“I would like to thank the investigation team for their hard work during this complex investigation and the prosecution team in building the strongest possible case.”

Detective sergeant Adam Hitchen said: “Tony Adams, Dale Heywood and Niall Conaghan robbed a teenager of his life and future when they committed this senseless and violent crime over a £180 cannabis debt.

“Callum did not deserve to die and there are no justifications for their actions. I would like to thank Callum’s family for their courage and dignity throughout this investigation. I would also like to pay tribute to the witnesses who have assisted Greater Manchester Police in our investigation.

“This case is another example of the tragic consequences of knife crime and I would like to use this case to issue an appeal against carrying knives. Had weapons not been used that night, we might not be here today. Knives can have terrible, fatal consequences – for victims and offenders – and I urge you to think very carefully about the risks and not carry knives.”

To report a knife crime call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

1...149150151...1,055Page 150 of 1,055
About us

Business Manchester is the leading Manchester Business magazine covering all the important Business stories in the Manchester area.

Company

Terms and Conditions

Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.

© 2026 BusinessManchester.co.uk | All Rights Reserved.