London
Lancashire
Cheshire
10.7 C
Manchester
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 19

Four people fined for flytipping in Bury

Helen Greaney
-
0
Four people fined for flytipping in Bury

Four people have been fined for dumping their waste on the streets of Bury.

Fixed penalty notices of £400 were served on three of them for offences of fly-tipping at Wash Lane, Bury; Hurst Street, Bury; and Rainsough Brow, Prestwich (pictured).

A fourth person was fined £75 for littering at Haslam Street, Bury.

More than 200 fines have been issued for littering and fly-tipping across Bury in the last three years, and more than 20 people have been prosecuted in court.

Councillor Alan Quinn said: “Fly-tipping is a crime, and offenders know exactly what they are doing. That’s why we will take action against these people who choose to blight our borough.”

Fly-tipping is illegally dumped rubbish on a road, pavement, or open space. It can come from a household or a business, and the amount of dumped rubbish can range from one bag to a large lorry load.

To report fly-tipping, visit www.bury.gov.uk/flytipping

Is a Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro a Better Buy Than Apple’s iPhone 16E?

News Desk
-
0
Is a Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro a Better Buy Than Apple’s iPhone 16E?

Apple’s latest iPhone 16E has launched at £599, offering a budget-friendly alternative within its lineup. However, for a similar price, buyers could instead choose a certified refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, available from £565 on sites like BackMarket—a decision that might provide greater value.

While the iPhone 16E is designed as an entry-level phone, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro delivers superior performance, featuring an A17 Pro chip, a triple-lens camera system, and a flagship-level experience.

Sam Wilson, Founder of Gadget GoGo, notes: “Many assume buying new is always best, but a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro can offer more power, better features, and even cost less.”

Beyond cost-effectiveness, choosing refurbished technology also supports environmental sustainability. The world faces an ever-growing e-waste crisis, with 62 million tonnes produced in 2022, an 82% rise since 2010. By 2030, this number is set to reach 82 million tonnes, with smartphones playing a major role in this issue.

Wilson further comments: “Every refurbished iPhone sold is one less device wasted and a step toward tackling e-waste. Extending a phone’s lifespan isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s a smarter choice for the planet.”

Thanks to strict refurbishment processes, certified pre-owned iPhones deliver high-end performance while offering a more sustainable alternative to buying new.

For those seeking premium features at a lower cost, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro may be the best choice.

Halal-Certified Cat Food to Launch in the UK for the First Time

News Desk
-
0
Halal-Certified Cat Food to Launch in the UK for the First Time

Pet owners across the UK will soon have access to the nation’s first HMC halal-certified premium cat food. Hurayra HALAL Pet Food is set to introduce its dry cat food range in May, with a wet food selection to follow later in the year, marking a milestone in the UK pet industry.

Founded by Yorkshire entrepreneur Aihtsham Rashid, Hurayra Pet Food is leading the way in ethical and halal-certified pet nutrition. Aihtsham stated: “As a cat owner myself, I was frustrated by the lack of high-quality, ethically produced, halal-certified pet food. I knew there had to be another solution, so I set myself the challenge of becoming the first UK-based halal-certified premium pet food manufacturer. Now, after two years of hard work and overcoming significant industry challenges, Hurayra is ready to redefine pet nutrition.”

Working closely with veterinarians and pet nutrition experts, Hurayra’s cat food is made from ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients. It contains no grain, wheat, or soybean fillers, ensuring both nutritional excellence and strict adherence to halal standards. Additionally, the packaging is made from recyclable materials, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainability while keeping its products both premium and affordable.

Aihtsham adds: “Pet owners can now provide their cats with a nutritious and ethically sound diet without compromise.”

Customers will have the convenience of purchasing directly from the Hurayra website, where they can enter details such as their cat’s weight to receive a personalised feeding plan tailored to their pet’s needs.

Aihtsham is no stranger to innovation. When a Muslim community in Stornoway, Scotland, sought to establish the island’s first mosque, he “dropped everything” to support the project. His dedication resulted in the first mosque in the Outer Hebrides, a historic achievement that gained worldwide attention. Now, with Hurayra Pet Food, he is once again challenging norms—this time in the pet food market. His vision is to create a brand that upholds quality, integrity, and ethical values, offering a trusted option for conscientious pet owners.

Hurayra’s dry cat food will be available exclusively through the company’s website, www.hurayrapetfoods.com, starting in May. Registrations are now open for customers eager to be among the first in the UK to try this pioneering product, with options for both one-off purchases and subscription-based deliveries.

Manchester man jailed for violent assault on former partner

Helen Greaney
-
0
Manchester man jailed for violent assault on former partner

A Manchester man has been jailed for violently assaulting a former partner at a hotel in the early hours of New Years Day.

Antonio Francitti (63) of Bowdon, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to 26 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard how Francitti had been in a relationship with the woman between 2021 and 2024, but she had made several attempts to separate from him in the 12 months prior to his attack.

Francitti (pictured) was desperate for the victim not to leave him and manipulated her by buying her expensive items, following her and accessing her mobile phone activity to the extent where the victim resorted to speaking in code when messaging her own family.

Officers then attended the scene to speak to the victim, who disclosed that she felt obliged to join Francitti for several nights in London over the New Year period.

Returning to their hotel in the early hours on January 1, Francitti became violent, grabbing her around the neck with considerable force and used his other hand to cover her mouth and nose, causing bruising and swelling. Due to the pressure on her neck, she fell unconscious.

She also recalled being on the floor of her hotel room at some point during her semi-conscious state and being dragging her backwards face down, causing severe carpet burns and further facial bruising and swelling.

Upon regaining consciousness, the victim immediately wanted to return home, but Francitti refused to let her out of the hotel room, expressing concern that questions may be asked regarding how she sustained her injuries.

Eventually returning to Cheshire that day, the victim disclosed to her family the circumstances of what had occurred and officers were subsequently called. The victim was initially hesitant of reporting the incident to police, through fear of repercussion.

The victim showed police her injuries, which included two chipped teeth, bruising and swelling to both eyes, forehead and cheeks, and an injury to her left ear where her earring had been pulled out.

Inspector Matt Chapman said: “No one should have to endure the kind of violent behaviour that Francitti subjected his victim to. His violent rage left his victim scared of coming forward and disclosing what he had done to her through fear of repercussion, even as going so far as to create a narrative to cover for his actions.

“Despite this, thanks to the bravery of the victim and the evidence gathered during our investigation, Francitti will now be held accountable for his actions.

“The process of coming forward and disclosing to your family and police the abuse you have endured can be incredibly difficult and upsetting. I would extend my thanks and commend her bravery and courage in recounting everything that had occurred over that 48-hour period that helped us secure a conviction against man who made her life a misery for well over a year.”

ICC Champions Trophy – Afghanistan v South Africa: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

Cian Cheesbrough
-
0
ICC Champions Trophy – Afghanistan v South Africa: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

The state of play

Afghanistan embark on their first ever ICC Champions Trophy campaign as they take on South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

The two sides go into the tournament in contrasting form, with Afghanistan beating Zimbabwe away from home in their most recent ODI series.

Hasmatullah Shahidi’s side has won their last four ODI series going into the tournament which also includes a 2-1 victory against South Africa.

South Africa’s pre-tournament preparation has been less successful after failing to win a single match in the recent tri-series held in Pakistan which saw them miss out on the final. Before that, they were whitewashed 3-0 by Pakistan at home.

Afghan captain Shahidi believes that previous win will give his side some invaluable confidence heading into the opener at the National Bank Stadium

“Between 2019 and now there’s too much difference and just recently we beat them [South Africa] in Sharjah – 2-1 – so we have that confidence with us and we are not under pressure anyway,” Shahidi said at his press conference on Thursday.

“Because right now we are focusing what we can do in this tournament and I believe that our team is more ready for this tournament and we are focusing on our own team. There is no pressure on us.”

A blow for Afghanistan sees spin whizzkidd Ghazanfar ruled out due to injury. Still, they boast plenty of spin in depth in the form of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi and Nangeylia Kharote

The Blue Tigers are also expected to have the support of the crowd in Karachi with many Afghanistanians residing in the area.

“First of all, about people here – there are a lot of Afghans,” Shahidi added.

“They live here in Karachi and in Pakistan and also a lot of Pashtun people, I think, they support us. So yeah, yesterday there was a lot of crowds shouting for us [during training] and it feels good and it give us confidence that we have supporters here and about our performance.”

And while it is their first appearance at the ICC Champions Trophy, Shahidi insists they will not just be going to make up the numbers.

“We are doing very good and, in this tournament, we are here to compete here and our aim is to win the final,” Shahidi said.

“We are not here just to participate here in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event and at the same time because we played a lot of quality cricket from last two years and it’s a good chance for us because the boys are very experienced and these conditions are also suitable for us.

“So we have a good chance and let’s start it from tomorrow and hopefully we start with the win and we go with the same momentum throughout the tournament.”

Despite not winning a single ODI since October and currently being on a six-match losing streak in the format, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma insists his side go into the tournament in high spirits.

“It’s for us as a group to connect strongly again and to remind ourselves about how we want to play,” Bavuma, who led South Africa to the World Cup semi-finals in 2023, said.

“That confidence and knowing comes from how we have performed as a group. These guys have all known each other for the past four or five years.

“There’s no baggage coming into this tournament, we are looking forward to playing our best cricket.”

Expected line-ups

Afghanistan:  Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi

How to Watch

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Friday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

Prediction

Afghanistan come into the tournament in better form and perhaps with more familiarity amongst their squad, with South Africa’s group barely playing alongside each other in the last few years.

The Blue Tigers are many people’s dark horses to go far in the tournament and they could put one foot in the next stage here, which we are expecting them to do.

Afghanistan to win

Rochdale man jailed after drug dealing during Covid

Helen Greaney
-
0
Rochdale man jailed after drug dealing during Covid

A Rochdale man has been jailed for five years and three months for his role in an Organised Crime Group (OCG) involved in the large-scale drug supply.

Kane Worthington (34) of Boarshaw Road, Rochdale, played a significant role in the distribution of drugs, acting as the middleman between suppliers and customers.

He will serve 63 months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and 36 months concurrently for conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

At the forefront of this investigation is the use of encrypted mobile phones, which falls under Operation Venetic, the UK’s response to disrupt the encrypted communication system used by organised criminal networks.

The technology behind these devices previously made it impossible for police to obtain any data or evidence from the devices.

Unfortunately for Worthington, the disruption of Encro chat allowed officers to access the encrypted data which has ultimately resulted in his conviction.

Content on the encrypted phone revealed messages from Worthington, who was using the alias ‘loftyrocket’, was messaging suppliers and customers across Manchester, arranging drop offs and pickups of cannabis and cocaine, prices and how much money he owed to one supplier.

The court heard how between March 26, 2020 and May 23, 2020, Worthington was in conversation with 25 different handles during that period.

It is thought that the street value of the 4kg of cocaine and 16lbs of cannabis would have yielded a return of close to £500,000.

Detective inspector Richard Castley said: “Worthington not only dealt drugs but showed utter contempt for public safety during a national pandemic, continuing his criminal enterprise while law-abiding abiding citizens made sacrifices to protect the NHS.

“This sentence sends a clear message to criminals who think they can operate outside of the law. Our teams will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt drug supply chains and bring offenders to justice.

“Though some work into drug investigations can’t always be seen – there is a lot going on behind the scenes. We will always listen to our communities’ concerns and any information or issues that are fed to us can sometimes hugely assist our on-going investigations.”

Anyone with information or concerns should report to police online at www.gmp.police.uk or via 101.

Belfast Writer Launches Second Edition of The Irish Bucket List

News Desk
-
0
Belfast Writer Launches Second Edition of The Irish Bucket List

New Insights and Destinations Highlighted in Updated Travel Guide

Belfast-born author and travel entrepreneur Stevie Haughey has announced the release of the second edition of The Irish Bucket List: 101 Places to See in Ireland Before You Die. This updated guidebook showcases the most stunning attractions and hidden gems across Ireland.

Originally published in 2017, the first edition quickly became a favourite among travel enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective on Ireland’s most breathtaking locations.

After years of further exploration, Haughey has refreshed the book, adding new destinations, untold stories, and expert insights, providing readers with an even richer travel experience.

Haughey’s journey of rediscovery began at 19 when he moved from Belfast to study in England. Living abroad sparked a newfound appreciation for his homeland’s beauty.

“Living away from home made me realise just how special Ireland is,” says Haughey. “People spoke about it with such admiration, and yet I had barely scratched the surface of what was on my own doorstep. That realisation changed everything.”

Inspired to explore his native land more thoroughly, Haughey set out on a mission to uncover Ireland’s best-kept secrets. This personal quest eventually grew into Ireland Before You Die, now one of Ireland’s largest independent travel platforms, followed by over 700,000 people.

Following the success of Ireland Before You Die, Haughey published the first edition of The Irish Bucket List, which became an Amazon bestseller in the Irish travel category. With many new experiences gained, he felt the time was right for an update.

“Ireland has evolved, and so has this book,” Haughey explains. “The new edition is bigger, more detailed, and packed with fresh insights. From world-famous landmarks to off-the-beaten-track gems, this guide is designed to help travellers experience Ireland in the most authentic way possible.”

For Haughey, The Irish Bucket List is more than just a travel guide – it’s a celebration of Ireland’s culture, landscapes, and heritage.

“This book is for anyone who has ever felt a connection to Ireland,” he adds. “Whether you were born here, have Irish roots, or simply dream of visiting, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most incredible adventures are closer than we think.”

The second edition is now available for pre-order, with copies shipping from 27th February 2025 – just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. It can be purchased on Amazon and via shop.irelandbeforeyoudie.com.

ICC Champions Trophy – India v Bangladesh: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

Jon Fisher
-
0
ICC Champions Trophy – India v Bangladesh: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

The State of Play

Tournament favourites India get their ICC Champions Trophy campaign up and running tomorrow when they take on Bangladesh in Dubai.

Pakistan is staging its first ICC event in 29 years with seven of the eight teams based in the main host country. The exception is India whose government refused to allow its cricket team to travel to Pakistan as political tensions continue to simmer.

And while that is a disappointment for cricket fans in Pakistan, it’s a bonus for those in the United Arab Emirates as arguably the best ODI team in the world get set to play all their tournament matches in Dubai.

It is also potentially not a bad thing for India’s chances of success.

They won’t have to play in a country where India are always the arch enemy and can instead enjoy the support of the many expats in the Middle East.

The pitches should also play into India’s hands with their spinners set to benefit from the slow turn normally associated with that part of the world.

If the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja get it right, then India may not miss the injured Jasprit Bumrah too much.

Bumrah’s failure to recover from a back injury saw the India selectors alter the dynamic of the squad and bring in Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana with young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal relegated to the reserves list.

Opting for Chakaravarthy as a fifth spinner in the squad rather than paceman Mohammed Siraj has caused a stir but former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik can see the sense in the decision.

He told Cricbuzz: “If you had to go with experience, then yes, Siraj could have been the ideal choice, but I thought Harshit bowled very well against England. What I feel is the Indian camp is very impressed with Harshit Rana. I think Harshit Rana was the debate, but I feel Team India backs him right now more than Siraj.”

The batting line-up is full of quality and veteran stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showed flashes of their best in the recent three-match series against England.

Bangladesh come into the tournament with little warm-up and looking short of the quality required to challenge the likes of India and Australia.

But captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was in bullish mood when asked to assess his team’s chances.

“We are going to the Champions Trophy to become champions,” Shanto said. “All eight teams deserve to be champions in this tournament. They are all quality teams. I believe our team has the ability. No one will feel extra pressure. Everyone genuinely wants [to become champions], and believes in their capabilities. We are working hard and doing our best. I believe we can achieve our goal.”

Team News

India will likely go with three spinners and rely on Hardik Pandya as their third seamer. With Bumrah injured, much will rest on the experienced Mohammed Shami with India hoping he can replicate his brilliant displays at the 2023 World Cup.

Bangladesh are missing senior all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been suspended due to an illegal action, while Litton Das and Tamim Iqbal are also absent.

Paceman Nahid Rana is the man to watch.

Expected line-ups

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami.

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

How to Watch

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Thursday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

Prediction

Although Rana could pose problems for India’s top order, their strength in depth should see them past a tricky first opponent.

Bangladesh should not be underestimated but it’s tough to look past India.

Plans submitted for banqueting hall in Middleton

Helen Greaney
-
0
Plans submitted for banqueting hall in Middleton

Plans have been submitted to reimagine the former Middleton Conservative Club as a banqueting hall and community space.

Architecture Unknown’s plans, on behalf of local business Kohinoor Banqueting Ltd, show the site transformed into a wedding venue and multifunctional community area.

The planning proposal includes internal refurbishments and renovation of the existing heritage façade, as well as a double storey contemporary brick extension.

The proposed transformation will see the disused area at the back of the building adapted into a car park, containing new plants, green swales and a green-wall with the promise to retain existing trees and where possible improve the biodiversity of the site.

In 2022, The Middleton Town Masterplan aimed to bring buildings in the town back to life through creative reuse, enhancing facades and shop fronts. The project was aimed at driving footfall to the area.

The modern and contemporary extension, on 77 Long Street, would takes cues from the existing Middleton Conservative Club and the architecture in the surrounding area.

Daniel Kelso, director from Architecture Unknown, said: “The plans for 77 Long Street are contemporary and fresh, nodding respectfully to the buildings heritage while making it fit for purpose – an exciting building that will service the community for events and celebrations, for many years to come.

“From conception to plans, it has been a collaborative process with the client to ensure we can put forward a beautiful space Middleton town can be proud of. There has been a real focus in maintaining the green space the local community loves, whilst improving access and making the building a go-to destination for events.”

Architecture Unknown is a Manchester-based practice founded by Charlie Butterwick and Daniel Kelso.

77 Long Street falls under the Middleton Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal, a list of buildings of local importance.

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council will make the ultimate decision on the plans.

Defibrillators to be fitted on 50 TransPennine Express trains

Helen Greaney
-
0
Defibrillators to be fitted on 50 TransPennine Express trains

Life-saving defibrillators are being installed across a fleet of TransPennine Express (TPE) trains over the next two months.

The train operator has started work to install the life-saving units on all 51 of its 185 trains by the end of March.

The defibrillators will be fitted by technology company Siemens Mobility on behalf of TPE and can be used by both staff and passengers if someone goes into cardiac arrest.

They will be located in an emergency equipment cupboard in the middle of the train.

Bushra Khan, head of engineering at TransPennine Express, said: “Our defibrillators are a huge benefit to both our customers and the communities we serve.

“This rollout will ensure that people travelling on our services will feel safe and confident that defibrillators are available to help in the event of an emergency, potentially saving lives.”

Every defibrillator has step-by-step, spoken word instructions built-in to it which explain how to use it on someone in an emergency.

Computers inside the defibrillators work to analyse a person’s heart rhythms to find out if an electric shock is needed. Electrodes then automatically deliver the shock if required.

Sambit Banerjee, joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: “The skilled team at our Ardwick Traincare Facility play an important part in Siemens Mobility’s mission to transform rail travel, so it’s great to see the collaborative work with TransPennine Express to install life-saving defibrillators on our Class 185 trains.”

The defibrillators have been purchased from the British Heart Foundation charity which is the  biggest independent funder of heart and circulatory research in the UK.

Defibrillators are already in place on TPE’s Nova 1 trains.

1...181920...1,032Page 19 of 1,032
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.

© 2024 BusinessManchester.co.uk | All Rights Reserved.