Business Manchester

RICH App Introduced to Prevent Research Misconduct and Protect Intellectual Property

Technology

News Desk

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26/02/2025

RICH App Introduced to Prevent Research Misconduct and Protect Intellectual Property

A London-based deep tech startup has launched a cutting-edge solution designed to protect intellectual property in research and industry.

Each year, numerous cases of research misconduct remain unresolved. To tackle this growing issue, a London-based startup has developed Research Integrity Chain (RICH), the first scientific blockchain application dedicated to securing and monetising research intellectual property. This innovation addresses a key challenge in academic integrity.

According to the National Science Foundation’s Office of Inspector General and the Office of Research Integrity, an average of 280 cases of research misconduct were documented each year between 2020 and 2024. However, only around 87 cases were closed annually.

Arthur M. Michalek’s research estimates that institutions spend approximately $525,000 per research misconduct investigation. Using this figure, the 433 cases reported as closed by ORI and NSF over five years translate to an estimated annual institutional expenditure of $45 million on misconduct cases.

The financial burden extends even further. Estimates based on NSF data and additional sources suggest that total losses from research misconduct in the US could reach $29.0 billion by 2025. This includes losses caused by fabrication, plagiarism, and data manipulation, representing about 3% in direct losses and 7% in indirect losses from the $1 trillion research market.

Dmytro Shestakov, CEO and co-founder of RICH, says “We have a clear answer to this challenge. We prevent forgery and ensure integrity of researchers’ IP rights for every single piece of data they work with”. “The data is further tokenized and can be proved by immutable, traceable and verifiable research records.”

“Think of it as a researcher’s tool where everyone can view what’s written, but no one can remove or change earlier entries without everyone knowing or agreeing on,” adds Dr. Balaji Panchapakesan, Fulbright Research Scholar, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, Sloan Fellow in Leadership and Strategy at London Business School, Faculty Research Achievement Award winner at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Advising and Mentoring Award winner at University of Louisville, and National Science Foundation CAREER Award winner.

The next iteration of the RICH application will integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. “We have launched and right now providing research copyright protection to individual researchers and research teams” Dmytro emphasizes. “In another word, we offer an additional layer of security without disrupting established processes for the price of 2 cups of coffee and that’s just the beginning”.

RICH’s technical advantage lies in its application of blockchain technology to create what is essentially an immutable digital ledger for research. The platform tokenizes research data and creates verifiable timestamps for each step of the research process, from initial hypothesis to final publication. Their answer attends to four important research community needs:

1. Protecting unpublished intellectual property

2. Secure data authenticity verification

3. Safe collaboration in research

4. Prospect for research monetization

The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Against the backdrop of problems associated with research misconduct, there is a growing problem with the untraceable use of AI in critical areas of our life such as medicine, politics, elections, etc. While the unchecked use of AI in medicine is a huge problem of unknown magnitude whose consequences we have yet to explore, the processes involved in the cognitive-behavioural manipulation of people using major internet platforms and social media are already having obvious disastrous consequences.

In a recent letter, European affairs ministers want the European Commission to use its powers under the Digital Services Act to protect the integrity of European elections from foreign interference and manipulation of information. In their pledge, they cite growing threats of destructive foreign interference in elections by Russia and China, which threaten their stability and sovereignty.

The described phenomena need to be regulated by the EU AI Act: first regulation on artificial intelligence, The Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act and should formally ensure transparency and traceability of the described processes.

The RICH provides a relevant but technical ready-to-use solution for academic and any other institutions struggling with research integrity problems. The platform tackles the “perimeter problem” — the difficulty of safeguarding research at the pre-publication stage when information must be distributed but its usage cannot be regulated. What’s more, RICH gives to their users the necessary transparency at every stage with the ability to trace the lifecycle of content from its creation to official release, protecting intellectual property rights.

“RICH enables something previously impossible in academia – proving research authenticity and ownership in real-time,” said Balaji. “This could fundamentally change how researchers protect their work.”

With research showing that questionable research practices affect between 10% and 50% of researchers, RICH’s launch marks a significant step forward in protecting scholarly integrity in the digital age.

For a free trial visit: https://researchintegritychain.com/

Family pay tribute to girl who died following Manchester collision

Crime

Helen Greaney

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24/02/2025

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Family pay tribute to girl who died following Manchester collision

The family of a little girl who died following a collision in Manchester at the weekend, have paid tribute to her.

Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano (3) from Burnley, died following the road traffic collision.

Emergency services responded to reports of a collision involving a tram and a van in the city centre at around 10am on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

The van collided with the tram, which forced the van onto the pavement where it collided with Lulu (pictured) – a pedestrian. She was taken to hospital and passed away from her injuries.

The driver of the van fled the scene but officers have today (Monday) arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.

Lulu’s parents, who were visiting Manchester for the weekend, said: “Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl. She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.

“Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our only child, our whole world. We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.

“The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”

Detective sergeant Andrew Page said: “The family are being supported by specialist officers and have requested that the public and press respect their privacy at this time.

“We have arrested a suspect and have brought him into custody.

“This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the case to come forward to get in touch with us. Please contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25.

“Alternatively, details can be shared on our LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Former Olympian joins the race to end homelessness in Greater Manchester

Community

Helen Greaney

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24/02/2025

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Former Olympian joins the race to end homelessness in Greater Manchester

An Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist is the latest star to throw their weight behind ending homelessness as the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity newest ambassador.

Manchester born and bred Diane Edwards (nee Modahl) aims to bring her passion for community and resilience to her new role to amplify the charity’s work of ending homelessness across the city region.

Co-founder of the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (now Stride UK), the athlete wants to champion sport and bring it to the forefront of her role.

“Using sport more generally as a tool for us to drive our message is definitely going to be a big focus for me in the coming months and also bringing others on board that can help us get closer to answering that question,” she said.

“You don’t need to be a medal winning athlete, but by simply feeling a sense of belonging around a shared purpose can have a huge positive effect on people. Sport tells a story of resilience, triumph and overcoming adversity. The ability to feel that you’re connected to something, it has the power of being able to tell those stories.

“Sport can also be a powerful tool for fundraising. If you think of sport organisations like The Manchester United Foundation or City in the Community, and the many others across the region; you have a ready-made audience who love sport, and they understand the opportunity to break down those misconceptions of homelessness and raise vital funds.”

Diane’s journey with the charity started in its infancy. She helped form the foundations of its governance, ensuring the right structures were in place to support the mayor’s ambition to end rough sleeping. Now, as an ambassador, her focus shifts to putting a spotlight on the charity’s achievements and encouraging more people to support the cause.

“As an ambassador, my role is very much about shining a light on the great work the team are doing by promoting and reinforcing those key ambitions. Mostly it’s about helping the charity achieve their aims,” said Diane.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist Olympic medallist’s drive to support vulnerable communities stems from her upbringing, where church and sport played a crucial role in shaping her values.

“It was always a given. Where we can, we should naturally support others – that’s how we were raised. So, when I had the opportunity to help the charity, it was a natural thing for me to do.

“Homelessness affects all of us. You can’t unsee another human being suffering in the freezing cold and trying to understand what we can do to help is really driving me.

“There is a certain stereotype when it comes to homelessness and a misconception that it ‘won’t happen to someone like me’ but we are all just one street or one road away from it. It can happen through a multitude of reasons, from a relationship breakdown, loss of job, a divorce, it could be any number of reasons why.”

The charity is gearing up for its annual gala dinner, featuring a star-studded line up of guests and talent from Greater Manchester, including the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham.

Held at New Century, March 27, the gala is the charity’s headline fundraiser to support its flagship A Bed Every Night scheme.

Only a handful of tickets remain: https://www.gmmayorscharity.org.uk/events/gala-dinner-2025

The charity’s flagship ‘A Bed Every Night’ campaign has helped tackle homelessness across the region ever since its peak in 2017. Since 2020 it’s helped nearly 6,000 people, with 2,910 people supported in the last year alone. Since the launch of A Bed Every Night, it has helped reduce rough sleeping by 45% in the city-region.

How to avoid arachnids in UK peak season

Pets & Animals

News Desk

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24/02/2025

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How to avoid arachnids in UK peak season

The UK is in peak Spring spider season – and motorists have been warned to declutter their cars to prevent an unwanted arachnid infestation.

Many adult spiders enter a hibernation-like state over winter, taking shelter in dark outdoor spaces to ride-out the cold weather.

But when spring arrives and temperatures begin to increase, these spiders become much more active, emerging from their hiding places in search of food.

Spring spiders will also head inside to avoid the rain.

Graham Conway, managing director at vehicle leasing company Select Car Leasing, says homeowners will have probably noticed increased numbers of spiders in their homes in recent days – and the arachnids will be foraging in cars and vans, too.

He said: “There are around 650 different species of spider in the UK, with just a handful that are actually capable of delivering an unpleasant bite to a human.

“But despite that fact, around 21 per cent of Brits say they have a genuine phobia of spiders.

“If you’re likely to become dangerously distracted in your car upon spotting an eight-legged creature while driving, it’s wise to take steps to stop them entering your vehicle in the first place.

“The most obvious place to start is decluttering your vehicle’s interior, thereby removing any food sources for spiders. Pick up those crisp packets, bin the sandwich wrappers and vacuum the interior.

“Try not to give spiders a place to hide, either, which means removing any unnecessary items from the cabin. You should also clean your car’s air vents regularly as this is another spider hiding hotspot.”

Select Car Leasing says there are other ways to stop spiders from running rampant in vehicles. Here are their top five additional pieces of advice:

Make a scent spray

You can create your own scent spray using ingredients that are said to repel spiders. Vinegar, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil and cedarwood are all readily available. Fill a bottle with a mix of the scent and some water, then spray in the areas you want to keep spider free.

Check windows and boot seals

Perished rubber seals around windows and boots might be a potential vehicle entry point for spiders. Make sure your windows are fully rolled-up, too, as even the smallest gap is enough to invite spiders inside.

Lemons and oranges

Many spiders detest the smell of citrus fruit such as lemons, oranges or limes. Try rubbing some lemon or orange peel around your window and door frames and leave the peel in the car overnight.

Remove existing webs

Take away a spider’s opportunity to catch prey and feed and you might motivate them to move to a different location – i.e. one that’s not your car! Remove webs from roof racks, too.

Try not to panic

Spiders are almost universally completely harmless. If you encounter one while driving, stay calm and pull over if you need to. If a spider encounter leads to a complete head loss behind the wheel, you could end up with a prosecution for careless driving – which means a fine of up to £2,500, nine points on your licence and even worse if anyone is injured as a result.

Just Stop Oil protestors found guilty after airport disruption plans

News

Helen Greaney

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24/02/2025

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Just Stop Oil protestors found guilty after airport disruption plans

Just Stop Oil protestors who planned to glue themselves to the taxiway at Manchester Airport, have been found guilty of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.

Indigo Rumbelow, Leanorah Ward, Margaret Reid and Daniel Knorr were all found guilty following a trial at Minshull Crown Court, on Friday. Noah Crane was found not guilty.

On Monday, August 5, 2024, officers from Greater Manchester Police, supported by detectives from its Serious Crime Division arrested four people near Manchester Airport, and one man in Birmingham.

The four offenders were arrested as they walked along South Park Road in Gatley, as they made their way to Manchester Airport.

They were equipped with heavy duty bolt cutters, angle grinders, glue, sand, Just Stop Oil high visibility vests and a leaflet containing instructions to follow when interacting with police.

Ward was also found in possession of a handwritten note which detailed the motive of the group; to enter the airfield of Manchester Airport and to then contact the police to alert them of their activity.

They were planning to enter the airfield and stick themselves to the taxiway using the glue and sand, with one main goal; to disrupt airport activity and gain media attention. In Ward’s interview, she stated that she regretted that their attempts were unsuccessful due to being caught by the police.

Following their arrest, a search of a rental property they were staying at in Gatley was searched and officers recovered several items from the bin including a provisional driving license of Knorr and a camera harness.

Superintendent Helen Caldbeck said: “We have been working closely with Manchester Airport colleagues and police forces across the country, sharing intelligence, with the common goal to prevent these disruptive and targeted attacks on our airports.

“We have a duty of care of care to the public, and whilst we must always protect the right to protest, it’s crucial that we carefully balance that right against the right of the general public to go about their lives without being subject to unacceptable disruption.

“This group had gone to significant trouble and expense in the preparation of the intended action that morning. If they had gained access to the airfield, not only would they have placed themselves in extreme danger, but they would have caused untold disruption to travellers and holiday makers.

“Anyone who disrupts the safety and security of an airport can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly, and following a meticulous investigation, we welcome these verdicts today.”

Rad Taylor, director of Aerodrome Operations at Manchester Airport, said: “The safety and security of our passengers is always our number one concern. What these individuals were planning would not only have caused significant disruption for tens of thousands of passengers, but also a significant safety risk. The potential consequences of that do not bear thinking about.

“That is why it is pleasing to see the processes that are in place to detect and intercept plans of these nature worked to good effect. We will continue to work closely with the police and other partners to make sure public safety is protected at all times.”

Natalie Mackenzie, district crown prosecutor for CPS North West said: “This was a planned and targeted attack against one of the country’s busiest airports which could have caused significant disruption. Just stop oil protesters were stopped by police on their way to Manchester Airport.

“When they were searched, police found details of their plans to target the airport, banners, various tools and glue, which had they reached their destination, may have enabled them to glue themselves or others to the taxiways of Manchester Airport.

“Their plan displayed a clear disregard for members of the public using the airport at the height of summer.

“The right to protest is important but it must be balanced against the rights of other citizens to go about their daily business.”

Understanding the Importance of Number Plate Regulations in the UK

Lifestyle and Wellbeing

News Desk

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24/02/2025

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Understanding the Importance of Number Plate Regulations in the UK

Number plates are a vital part of vehicle identification in the UK, playing a significant role in ensuring road safety, law enforcement, and maintaining order in the vehicle registration system. As a vehicle owner, it is essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding number plates, as failure to comply with them can lead to fines, penalties, or even legal issues. The rules governing the design, display, and usage of number plates in the UK are quite specific and are set out by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

The UK has strict rules in place that govern the design and display of number plates. These regulations are intended to ensure that number plates are easily readable and recognizable, both for law enforcement and the general public. There are specific guidelines that all number plates must adhere to:

Font and Size: Number plates must be made using a specific font that complies with the British Standard for vehicle registration plates. The characters must be a particular size and typeface, which is designed for visibility and clarity. The most commonly used font is the “Charles Wright” font, which is clear, legible, and easily recognizable from a distance. The characters on the plate must be 79mm high, with a stroke width of 50mm, and there should be a space of 33mm between each character.
Colour Scheme: Standard UK number plates have a specific colour scheme: white for the front plate and yellow for the rear plate. The background of the plate must be reflective to ensure visibility in low light conditions. The characters must be black to create a sharp contrast with the background, making the plate easy to read in any lighting.
Registration Mark: The number plate must include a unique registration mark that identifies the vehicle. The registration mark consists of two parts: the first part, which indicates the area where the vehicle was first registered, and the second part, which includes the vehicle’s unique number.
British Standard and Manufacturer’s Mark: All UK number plates must display a small symbol, known as the “BS AU 145d mark,” indicating that the plate is compliant with the British Standard. Additionally, number plates must include a manufacturer’s name or code to verify that they were produced by an approved supplier. This ensures that the number plates meet the legal requirements for quality and reflectivity.
National Flags and Suffixes: Number plates may also display a national flag, such as the Union Jack, to indicate the country of registration. Drivers can also choose to include a suffix on the plate, which is typically the country of origin (e.g., GB for Great Britain). However, this must be positioned according to the specific regulations, and no other symbols or logos are allowed.

Private Number Plates: What You Need to Know

In the UK, private or personalized number plates are very popular. A private number plate allows a vehicle owner to have a unique combination of letters and numbers, often reflecting their initials, name, or other personal identifiers. While private number plates can be a fun way to make a car stand out, there are certain rules that must be followed:

Complying with DVLA Regulations: Even though private number plates are customized, they still need to comply with all the general regulations set out by the DVLA. This includes the font, size, and layout. Additionally, private plates cannot be used to mislead other road users into thinking the vehicle is younger or older than it actually is. For instance, using a plate that appears to be from a newer registration period when the vehicle is actually older is illegal.
Number Plate Transfer: If you decide to sell or transfer your private number plate to another vehicle, you must follow a specific procedure. This involves applying to the DVLA for a retention certificate or transferring the plate directly to another vehicle. Services like Regplates can assist with this process, ensuring that the transfer is done legally and that all the required paperwork is completed.
Securing a Private Plate: If you’re considering purchasing a private number plate, you can either buy one directly from the DVLA or through private dealers. However, it’s important to make sure the plate you purchase adheres to all legal requirements. Using a trusted supplier ensures that your new plate is compliant and won’t result in fines or other penalties.

Common Number Plate Offences and Penalties

Failure to comply with the number plate regulations can lead to significant consequences. Some common offences related to number plates include:

Illegible Plates: If your number plate is not clear or readable due to dirt, damage, or incorrect font, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. It’s important to keep your plates clean and in good condition to avoid any issues with law enforcement.
Using Fake Plates: Using a number plate that does not match the vehicle’s registration or using fake plates to avoid identification is a serious offence. Offenders can face heavy fines, penalty points on their driving license, and even a criminal record in some cases.
Incorrect Display of Plates: Displaying the number plate incorrectly, such as using an incorrect font, size, or character spacing, can result in a fine of up to £1,000. It’s essential to ensure that your number plates comply with the legal guidelines.
Displaying a Plate Not Assigned to Your Vehicle: If you are found displaying a number plate that is not assigned to your vehicle, such as a plate from a different car or a plate that has not been properly transferred, you could face fines and legal consequences. Always ensure that the number plate on your vehicle matches its registration and is in accordance with the DVLA’s rules.

How to Stay Compliant with Number Plate Regulations

To ensure that your vehicle is fully compliant with number plate regulations, follow these simple tips:

Check Your Number Plates Regularly: Regularly inspect your number plates to ensure they are clean, legible, and in good condition. Replace any plates that are damaged or worn.
Use Approved Suppliers: When buying a new number plate, make sure to use a registered supplier who adheres to DVLA guidelines. This ensures that your new plates meet all the required legal standards.
Avoid Modifications: While it’s tempting to personalize your plates, make sure any modifications you make are within the boundaries of the law. For instance, don’t change the font, size, or character spacing in a way that makes the plate illegible.
Seek Professional Help for Plate Transfers: If you wish to transfer or sell a private number plate, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a professional service like Regplates. They can help ensure that all the paperwork is completed correctly and that the process is carried out legally.

Uniti – The Open Gateway API Platform Designed for Revenue Growth

Business

News Desk

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24/02/2025

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Uniti – The Open Gateway API Platform Designed for Revenue Growth

Uniti is revolutionising the Open Gateway landscape for mobile network operators, transforming network APIs into immediate revenue. This advanced monetisation platform eliminates uncertainty, providing a fully operational solution that drives sales from day one. No delays, no complexity—just instant, scalable revenue generation.

Unlike conventional API platforms that require operators to handle sales independently, Uniti is built with a singular focus: revenue from the outset, backed by expert go-to-market support.

Monetise APIs in Minutes – No Coding Required

Uniti makes API monetisation effortless, removing the need for coding, specialist teams, or complex integration processes. With a five-minute setup, operators can start generating revenue straight away.

By connecting through their existing infrastructure, operators can begin monetising APIs within minutes.

Unlocking the Full Value of Network Intelligence

Mobile operators possess highly valuable assets—customer data and network intelligence—yet leveraging them effectively has been a persistent challenge. Uniti solves this by managing both the technical and commercial aspects, ensuring APIs are not just deployed but actively generating revenue.

“Other platforms give operators the tools and say, ‘Now go sell it.’ We start from revenue and provide everything needed to go to market successfully,” said Gautam Hazari, Chief Technology Officer.

“With Uniti, operators don’t just get an API platform – they get a fully managed monetisation engine and the go-to-market experience that’s our core business.”

Built for Speed, Powered by Results

Zero Development Costs – Uniti is ready to deploy with no need for in-house API expertise.
Proven Success – Already live with three operators and expanding.
CAMARA-Certified APIs – Ensuring seamless, industry-standard integration.
Ultra-Low Latency – Delivering the high-performance API experiences enterprises demand.
Revenue-First Approach – More than just API exposure; Uniti includes a built-in commercial strategy.

Shaping the Future of Operator-Led Monetisation

Uniti is not just an API platform—it represents a fundamental shift in business strategy. By streamlining API connectivity and monetisation, Uniti enables operators to transition effortlessly from traditional telecom providers to technology-driven businesses.

Move from ‘How?’ to ‘Right now’.

For further information, visit www.sekura.id/uniti, email [email protected], or contact Matt Cooper, Head of Global Marketing.

Preparing warehouses for extreme weather: A comprehensive guide

Business

News Desk

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21/02/2025

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Preparing warehouses for extreme weather: A comprehensive guide

Weather in the UK has always been unpredictable, but in recent years it is fair to say that it is becoming even more so. This means that it is important to prepare for all types of conditions, all year round.

If your warehouse is unprepared for extreme weather, it could mean having to close, contributing to a loss of valuable business – a prospect that no company wants to face.

Read on as we look at how to prepare your warehouse against extreme weather including storms, floods and heavy snow.

What is extreme weather?

Extreme weather refers to any bad, or frequent, weather event that can cause a major disruption. In the UK we have been seeing an increase in extreme weather as global temperatures are on the rise as a result of climate change.

For the last few summers, the temperatures have reached extremes in the UK. However, this is not the only extreme weather that we need to contend with. Over the last few decades, rains have continuously become heavier. When it rains it is wetter and it rains for longer than we’re used to and this can cause flooding which can have a devastating effect on any business.

With these heavy rains, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of storms with strong winds, downpours of rain and plenty of thunder and lightning. It doesn’t stop there either. In the winter we have been experiencing significant amounts of ice and snow and this is something that as a country we are ill-prepared for. Even the smallest snowfall can cause hazardous driving conditions and can impact the loading bay and other parts of your warehouse.

Conduct a risk assessment

The first step that you should take to prepare your warehouse for extreme weather conditions is to conduct a risk assessment. This will help you to identify any potential weather-related hazards and vulnerabilities that may exist and that are specific to your location and buildings.

Risk assessments might include any flood-prone areas or that may cause issues in strong winds. It is also important to evaluate the potential impact that these hazards may have on your warehouse and your employees in practical senses.

Develop an emergency response plan

Once you have been able to identify any potential risks you need to develop an emergency response plan tailored to the needs of your warehouse. This plan should outline any procedures that you might need for evacuation or shelter as well as emergency communications in the event of severe weather. It is a good idea to designate roles and responsibilities to key employees. Plus, ensure that all employees are trained to understand how to respond to emergency protocols.

Your emergency response plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to account for any changing conditions within the warehouse. It’s a good idea to check whether there have been any changes in key employees and adapt to any lessons you might have learned from previous events.

Regular maintenance

You must carry out regular maintenance on your buildings to ensure that they are not damaged. This includes checking the roof for any loose panels that could come off during heavy winds. You should also ensure that your guttering is clear in case of flooding and even that your door seals are undamaged. That way, in the event of a particularly cold spell, the temperature in your buildings will not drop too low.

Having a robust plan in place and checking it regularly will help you to ensure that your warehouse is prepared for any extreme weather. Ensure that your staff are trained and up to date when it comes to dealing with extreme weather in your warehouses. More importantly, keep monitoring weather conditions to ensure you are fully aware when extreme weather is headed your way.

Manchester’s Raju Sauces announces new distribution with Ocado.com

Helen Greaney

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21/02/2025

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Manchester’s Raju Sauces announces new distribution with Ocado.com

Helping redefine global flavours, Manchester-made Raju Sauces hosted an event with culinary experts and food lovers, as the company announced its listing with Ocado.com.

Celebrating diversity through food, the event in Manchester’s Spinningfields was led by award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Raju Sauces, Zee Ahmed, who was joined by food industry experts to discuss how global influences are changing the way we eat and the way we think about food.

In a survey conducted on behalf of Raju Sauces, nearly seven in 10 people (67%) described their taste as global and inspired by diverse flavours from different cultures. Discussing this, the panel included leading nutritionist Sarah Osborne and Steph Buttery, founder of Japanese-inspired soft drinks brand, Chu Lo.

Zee Ahmed, founder of Raju Sauces said: “Raju is more than just a brand, it’s a catalyst for change. Whilst food and culture have always been intrinsically linked, our thinking around cultural perceptions and misconceptions, especially related to ethnicity and authenticity, have not always moved with the times. This panel was a platform for such debate and we want to thank all our panellists and guests.

“We’re very excited for more people than ever before to sample our products, thanks to our new partnership with Ocado.com, where you can buy the full range of Raju Sauces.”

Drawing on South Asian inspiration, Raju creates unique sauces that elevate everyday dishes with new and exciting flavours including Hot Lime Pickle, Sweet Chilli Mango and Tangy BBQ Tamarind.

The partnership with Ocado.com marks a major milestone for the company, which was founded just a year ago and already has a loyal fan base, including the support of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. To celebrate, Raju is releasing a series of new recipes showcasing different ways to use the sauces.

Meri La Bella, oils, vinegars and sauces buying manager at Ocado Retail said: “We’re delighted to be the first major supermarket to stock Raju Sauces and are really excited to be introducing Raju’s range of flavours. “

Manchester Digital Campus and city centre park get planning approval

Helen Greaney

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21/02/2025

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Manchester Digital Campus and city centre park get planning approval

A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats.

Manchester Digital Campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning committee approved the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) scheme yesterday.

The campus will bring together a number of civil service departments with a focus around digital skills and create employment opportunities and economic benefits in the region.

The state-of-the-art campus will bolster Manchester’s digital and tech sector, driving economic growth.

New city centre park

Alongside the new campus, the new park will improve access to quality green space in Manchester city centre, creating a connection to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and through to Ancoats and New Islington.

The park space has been designed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE following public consultation.

A central lawn and plaza will create a green buffer to Great Ancoats Street, with various tiered gardens navigating the different level changes across the site, alongside play areas, paths and tranquil areas to escape the noise of the city. The park has been designed to make sure that it is fully accessible.

The site will accommodate new walking and cycling routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus.

Delighted

Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the GPA, said: “We are delighted with the decision and are grateful for the support of the many stakeholders in Manchester. The GPA team is proud to be working on this exciting project in support of the Government’s growth mission.”

The GPA exchanged contracts to acquire five-and-a-half acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from the city council in May last year with a view to constructing a state-of-the-art digital campus.

Both the agency and Manchester City Council have been working together on the plans for Ancoats, culminating in a parallel proposal for the digital campus and an adjacent public park.

The council and the GPA held a joint consultation around emerging plans for the former retail site in August and September last year, inviting local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to help guide proposals to create the new government digital campus – delivered by the GPA – and a new city centre park space, delivered by the council.

Council leader Bev Craig said: “Gaining planning approval for both the GPA’s digital campus and the latest city centre park is the launchpad for the transformation of this site.

“Our ambition has long been to bring the former retail park back into active use and working in partnership with the GPA we are delivering a quality, low carbon development that will bring 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester in the coming years.

“The new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths. We have fostered one of the fastest growing tech and digital communities in the UK, with a growing international reputation. The transformation of this brownfield site supports our ongoing growth in the sector, which translates into quality employment and development opportunities for our residents.

“The new park is a welcome addition to our city centre green spaces and a reimagining of the former retail site that has for many years acted only as a barrier to the community behind – and an eyesore in one of the most exciting parts of our city.”