Business Manchester

£10,000 fine for company which flouted planning law

Construction

Helen Greaney

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08/03/2025

£10,000 fine for company which flouted planning law

The landlord of a business property in Chorlton has landed a substantial fine after it failed to comply with a planning notice.

In October 2020, Manchester City Council granted planning permission to the operators of Dough House to construct a canopy around the exterior of a building at 93-95 Beech Road.

However, in November of that year, the planning service was made aware that the building work underway did not resemble the specifications set out in the original planning permission application.

In July 21, 2021 the council issued an Enforcement Notice which instructed the landowner – J.B Richardsons (Bakers) Limited, of Marmion Drive, Manchester – to dismantle and remove a canopy and fixed seating area which had been constructed contrary to planning permission.

The notice provided the landowner and operator six months to comply.

Although the canopy was eventually removed by March 1, 2024 this was outside the six-time to comply, by which point legal proceedings had already begun.

At a hearing held before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 6, 2025, J.B Richardsons (Bakers) Limited pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a planning notice.

They were ordered to pay a fine of £10,000, court costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £2,000.

Councillor Gavin White said: “The council has made no secret that we take a zero-tolerance approach to planning breaches.

“The rules around planning are in place for a very good reason, often providing safeguards and reassurance to residents who could otherwise be negatively impacted by rogue developments.

“In this case there was no excuse from the building’s owners for failing to comply with this order, and as a result they have paid the price in court.”

This enforcement action is not connected in any way to the current tenants of this property, Miss Dee’s Evoden Bar & Kitchen.

Cadillac to join Formula 1 grid as 11th team in 2026

Blog

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07/03/2025

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Cadillac to join Formula 1 grid as 11th team in 2026

General Motors (GM) has officially gained approval to join Formula 1 in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the US automotive giant.

The team will compete under the Cadillac brand, following a revised proposal that convinced F1 to greenlight its entry.

This decision follows months of negotiations and comes after an earlier bid involving Andretti Global was rejected. F1 was ultimately persuaded by GM’s stronger long-term commitment, leading to a joint approval from Formula 1 and motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, after thorough sporting, technical, and commercial evaluations.

The newly approved team will operate under TWG, a US-based organisation, in a restructured effort from the original Andretti-linked project. Dan Towriss, owner of Andretti Global, and Mark Walter of TWG are among the key investors.

The team will be headquartered in Silverstone, UK, aligning it with many existing F1 operations.

While former IndyCar and F1 driver Michael Andretti is no longer involved, his father, 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, will serve in an advisory role. Additionally, Graeme Lowdon, formerly with Manor Racing, has been appointed team principal, bringing extensive experience from his tenure in F1 between 2010 and 2016.

F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to F1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport.

“I want to thank GM and TWG for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1.”

Meanwhile, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the approval as “a transformative moment” for the sport.

BREAKING: Cadillac confirmed as 11th team on the 2026 F1 grid#F1 pic.twitter.com/V5eoWfQCYX

— Formula 1 (@F1) MARCH 7, 2025

Key Factors Behind GM’s Approval

The acceptance of GM’s entry was influenced by several major factors that distinguished it from the initial Andretti bid.

These included a long-term commitment to a full works team rather than relying on F1’s existing provisions. A confirmed engine supply agreement with Ferrari, eliminating concerns over compulsory engine allocation. GM’s commitment to developing its own engine for future seasons.

Additionally, a US Department of Justice investigation into F1’s initial rejection of Andretti’s bid was reportedly a factor in GM’s eventual acceptance.

General Motors’ entry aligns with a broader shift in F1’s landscape, driven by new power unit regulations set to debut in 2026.

These changes will increase the hybrid component of engines to approximately 50% (up from the current 20%) while mandating the use of fully sustainable fuels.

These regulations have played a key role in attracting other major manufacturers. Ford is partnering with Red Bull as the team develops its own power unit. Audi has acquired Sauber and will fully rebrand the team starting next year. Honda, initially planning to exit F1, has opted to stay and will become Aston Martin’s official engine supplier in 2026.

Meanwhile, Renault, which has long supplied its own power units, has decided that continued engine production is no longer financially viable. As a result, Alpine will switch to using Mercedes power units from 2025 onwards.

Tribute paid to girl who died in Manchester house fire

News

Helen Greaney

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07/03/2025

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Tribute paid to girl who died in Manchester house fire

A tribute has been paid to a four-year-old girl who lost her life following a house fire in Rusholme.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at a house in Gateshead Close on Sunday, March 2.

Lesma-Rose Wibier (pictured) was pulled from the house but died from her injuries in hospital.

A 44-year-old woman, who police say was known to the child, was arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life, and has since been rearrested on suspicion of murder.

She has been detained under the Mental Health Act and is awaiting more assessments, Greater Manchester Police said.

Lesma-Rose’s family said: “She always had a smile on her face and could put the same on others’.

“She was such a smart and intelligent girl in her own unique ways, and she will be deeply missed by anyone who was blessed to meet her.”

A GMP spokesperson said they were awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination by a Home Office pathologist to determine the cause of Lesma-Rose’s death.

Anyone with any information about the fire is urged to contact police on 101.

Paedophile admits campaign of grooming abuse in Manchester

Crime

Helen Greaney

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07/03/2025

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Paedophile admits campaign of grooming abuse in Manchester

The court had begun to hear evidence of how Oates (44) from Stockport and nicknamed ‘Nails’ due to his long fingernails – groomed the girls and preyed on their vulnerability.

He coerced one of the girls to believe he was her boyfriend when she was just 14. He would subject her to sex work and sell her to other men.

The victim approached police in November 2020 after seeing media coverage of arrests as part of Operation Green Jacket.

She and her friend bravely reported Oates’ abuse. This video evidence was played in court earlier this week before Oates decided to finally admit his crimes.

Detective inspector Eleanor Humphrey’s, senior investigating officer for this case, said: “I am so pleased for both women that they have today finally got some justice all these years after this horrific abuse.

“Christopher Oates is a depraved and manipulative paedophile. The abuse he subjected these two girls to was horrific. He was even prepared to try and deny this throughout a trial and make the victims relive it all over again.

“Thankfully, due to the weight of evidence against him, his crimes have finally caught up with him two decades later. This is all thanks to the brave and compelling testimony from the victims, who now have been spared the experience of being cross-examined in court.”

Assistant chief constable Steph Parker said: “Today is a significant day for GMP and its ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of non-recent child sexual abuse.

“Firstly, I commend the bravery of the victims and the meticulous dedication of the investigation team and support services. Together, long-awaited justice has been secured.

“Operation Green Jacket was set up in 2019 to tackle non-recent child exploitation in Manchester in the 2000s. This result is a clear signal we will investigate and we will bring offenders to justice.

“However, we are clear that this is far from over. This operation has a number of live investigations and, with more than 70 arrests, more days like this will follow.

“Time is no barrier to justice. No matter how long ago the abuse, when you are ready we will listen to you.”

Profit First Hospitality to Launch at NRB 2025, Pioneering Financial Success in Hospitality

Hospitality

News Desk

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07/03/2025

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Profit First Hospitality to Launch at NRB 2025, Pioneering Financial Success in Hospitality

New Learning Platform Designed to Help Hospitality Businesses Thrive

A groundbreaking new learning platform is set to redefine financial success in the hospitality industry as Profit First Hospitality officially launches at the Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) Show on 11th and 12th March 2025.

Created to help hospitality businesses take control of their financial management and increase profitability, this innovative programme is the brainchild of leading industry professionals Kieron Bailey (People on Purpose), Louise Kissack (Spaghetti Group & Liverpool Food Network), and Gareth Evans (Evans & Co Hospitality Accountants).

Profit First Hospitality is founded on the globally renowned Profit First methodology, which challenges traditional financial management by ensuring businesses prioritise profit from the start. By integrating this approach with hospitality-specific strategies and tools, the programme provides a clear framework for business owners to achieve sustainable financial growth.

Bringing together decades of industry expertise, the initiative is led by Gareth Evans, a former chef who transitioned into financial strategy, offering first-hand knowledge of the financial struggles hospitality businesses face. He is joined by Kieron Bailey, a business coach and brand culture expert with experience working with global names like Hard Rock Café and Wagamama to enhance business development and team performance. Completing the team is Louise Kissack, a strategic leader with almost two decades of experience at McDonald’s and Costa Coffee, specialising in brand growth and business strategy.

Most impressively, the programme claims to make any hospitality business profitable in just one week. “This isn’t just another finance course,” said Gareth Evans, founder of Profit First Hospitality.

“My accountancy practice Evans & Co Hospitality Accountants has already helped over sixty independent businesses – from Ma Pubs Group to Cardinal Rule – streamline their financial admin, optimise operations and achieve sustainable growth. Now we’re making these powerful strategies accessible to the wider hospitality industry.”

The programme offers participants tailored Profit First financial strategies specifically designed for hospitality businesses, expert guidance on marketing, menu optimisation, and brand culture to enhance revenue, alongside access to virtual clinics and interactive drop-in sessions with the Profit First Hospitality team. Additionally, participants will benefit from practical tools to simplify financial administration and maximise profitability.

Profit First Hospitality will officially launch at Stand 43 at NRB 2025 in Manchester, where visitors can experience the platform first-hand, meet the expert team, and learn how to take control of their business finances.

Louise Kissack said: “If paying yourself more is always at the bottom of your to-do list, we’ll help you fix that. With over 70 years of combined hospitality experience, we truly understand the unique challenges of this industry, and why now more than ever before businesses need to make profitability their priority.”

Harley Street clinic launches ‘O Concept™’ for sexual wellness

News Desk

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06/03/2025

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Harley Street clinic launches ‘O Concept™’ for sexual wellness

A Harley Street clinic is now offering a ground breaking approach to sexual wellness, designed to enhance intimacy, confidence and overall wellbeing.

TheOConcept.co.uk, founded by Dr Sherif Wakil, boasts a comprehensive suite of treatments and therapies tailored to individual needs, for a broad range of sexual health concerns.

The new approach – recently recognised with a 2024 Global Excellence Award – goes beyond traditional and invasive methods, with a clear focus on holistic wellness and bespoke solutions.

Traditional treatments can alter the hormonal system, affect mood and even require surgery.

But with cutting-edge medical technologies combined with proven therapeutic techniques, Dr Wakil of Dr SW Clinic, says men and women can “experience heightened pleasure”.

Dr Wakil said: “We understand that sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being. Millions of men and women suffer from sexual dysfunction in the UK, deeply affecting their confidence, quality of life, relationships and even their ability to conceive.

“Such an overwhelming and complex issue requires a professional, advanced and carefully-tailored solution, which is exactly what the O Concept offers. It’s designed to provide individuals with the tools and resources they need to reclaim their sexual confidence and experience a more fulfilling intimate life.

“We offer personalised treatment plans, using state-of-the-art technologies including PRP and laser therapy, to stimulate tissue regeneration and enhance sensitivity, as well as integration of therapies to address physical and emotional aspects of sexual health.

“And with expert care provided by our team of medical professionals, clients can be assured of a safe and supportive environment.”

The O Concept addresses a variety of sexual concerns for men and women, including decreased libido, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, difficulty achieving orgasm and painful intercourse.

Specific treatments available include Scrotox (anti-wrinkle treatment for the scrotum), The O-Shot® (Orgasm PRP) and G-Shot® (G-Spot Amplification) as well as labia fillers.

Quick-thinking Bury mum saves van driver’s life

News

Helen Greaney

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05/03/2025

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Quick-thinking Bury mum saves van driver’s life

A quick-thinking Bury mum saved a driver’s life after he ploughed into a tree as he suffered a heart attack at the wheel.

Leanne Richards (39) was walking home after dropping her daughter off at school when she saw a white van had left the road and collided with a tree on Walmersley Road.

Screenshot 20250305 122043

A witness had called an ambulance by the time Leanne arrived but she quickly took control of the situation and, with help from the passenger, dragged 56-year-old logistics driver Mick Symcock out of the front seat.

She than began CPR – training she had only had once when she volunteered at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester.

Leanne, who works as a cleaner, said: “I’d never done CPR before in real life, only on the dummies you get on first aid courses. But there was no time to waste as I was told he’d been unresponsive at the wheel for a few minutes.

“I was just wired with adrenaline but I was chuffed to bits when I found a pulse – and I was really lucky that a retired nurse just happened to walk by and she helped me.

“Everyone should do a CPR course – it’s so important and you never know when you will need to use it. I certainly wasn’t expecting to be saving someone’s life on the school run. Paramedics told me that the intervention saved his life.”

Mick is now making a full recovery, having spent time in intensive care and had stents implanted.

Allison Sadler, who stopped to help, said: “If Leanne hadn’t made the decision to get Mick out of the van, the outcome would have been very different. She had started good CPR already when I came along. As a recently retired nurse I offered help and she gracefully accepted. We worked on Mick as a team until the crew arrived.

“Doing CPR on the cold, muddy grass is quite different to a hospital environment. Leanne had first aid experience and I would encourage everyone to attend a course or watch something online so that they can help if needs be as the moments before a defib are critical.”

Mick’s boss Lee texted Leanne to say: “Without your intervention, I do believe Mick wouldn’t be here now. He’s sat up now in a chair and even started to have a conversation. Things are looking better daily.”

Image: Leanne Richards (right) with her daughter, Molly

Is AI in recruitment smart hiring, or backfiring?

News Desk

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05/03/2025

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Is AI in recruitment smart hiring, or backfiring?

AI is bringing change to recruitment processes around the world, offering unmatched speed, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

From scanning thousands of applications in seconds to predicting the potential long-term success of candidates, AI holds the promise of revolutionising the recruitment space.

However, is this promise too good to be true?

While AI tools can streamline hiring and potentially reduce unconscious bias, they also introduce a number of difficulties. From ethical concerns and legal implications to potential hidden biases, improper and uninformed use of AI tools puts companies at risk of doing more harm than good.

With regulations tightening, the rules around AI-powered recruitment are beginning to form, and companies need to ensure they’re using these tools responsibly.

With this in mind, how can businesses embrace AI whilst ensuring compliance and minimal risks? What are the best practices for fair and transparent AI governance? And, perhaps the key question: Is AI truly revolutionising recruitment or are we heading toward uncertain times, fraught with legal challenges and unintended consequences?

The power of AI in hiring

In the recruitment space, AI’s popularity has largely been driven by its ability to process large volumes of applications in an exceptionally short amount of time. Traditional hiring often requires hours of manual CV reviewing.

Now, AI tools can scan, rank, and shortlist candidates within seconds. The automation of this initial stage means businesses can dramatically speed up hiring decisions, while reducing the risk of missing out on top talent.

Another improvement AI brings is the refinement of candidate matching. Evolving beyond merely scanning CVs for keywords, AI hiring tools now conduct far deeper analyses to select the candidates most likely to succeed in a role. This level of depth helps businesses find the right person for the right job, rather than someone who happens to use the right buzzwords.

Since AI evaluates and selects candidates based on purportedly objective data rather than gut feeling, many believe it can make hiring fairer, but the reality and truth behind this assumption is far more complex. Businesses must understand how AI systems make decisions, and how they can also be unintentionally influenced.

The pitfalls

Despite its many benefits, AI hiring technology can reinforce some of the biases it aims to eliminate. For example, Amazon reportedly discontinued an AI-driven hiring tool after it was found to unintentionally favour male candidates (Reuters, 2018).

Beyond bias, there are concerns around privacy and transparency, adding to the ethical and legal challenges that need careful consideration. Businesses must educate themselves on these areas in order to stay compliant in a rapidly developing legal landscape.

Governments across the globe are tightening AI laws, with recruitment a key focus area. The EU AI Act has classified AI hiring tools as “high-risk,” meaning they will be subject to strict transparency and fairness requirements.

In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has emphasised that AI hiring systems must be explainable, fair, and compliant with data protection laws. Failure to comply in these areas may mean that businesses find themselves facing serious consequences.

What comes next?

Businesses should critically assess their AI hiring tools by asking these important questions: Are these systems designed and tested for bias? Is there a clear understanding of how decisions are made by the AI? And, most importantly, do the AI systems comply with the latest data protection laws?

The future of AI in hiring will likely depend on how well businesses adapt. Companies taking a proactive approach will be better positioned to navigate these new challenges. Conversely, those that take a hands-off approach, assuming AI can handle processes without oversight, risk costly mistakes. The legal and ethical landscape of AI in recruitment is changing at an exceptional rate, and understanding these changes now can help prevent future complications.

The bottom line

In times such as these, education is crucial for successful AI deployment. AI has the potential to transform recruitment for the better, but without proper safeguards, it risks reinforcing existing issues and creating new, additional concerns.

Addressing these issues and more: The DPO Centre’s webinar series, “The Privacy Puzzle”, continues at 2pm on March 18. The upcoming instalment welcomes industry experts in discussions around best practices for using AI in recruitment responsibly, as well as covering the key legal considerations, and strategies for ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

This promises to be an essential discussion for any business looking to harness the power of AI in hiring, whilst avoiding legal and ethical issues. Reserve your space.

Multi-million pound cash injection for vacant brownfield site in Rochdale

Helen Greaney

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05/03/2025

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Multi-million pound cash injection for vacant brownfield site in Rochdale

Long-awaited redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site in Rochdale has moved a step closer, following a £15 million grant from the government’s community regeneration partnership.

The cash injection will support the delivery of new homes and a public park on the former central retail park close to Rochdale train station, which has stood vacant for more than a decade.

The scheme, known as Station Gardens (CGI pictured) will feature more than 200 homes, which will include apartments and houses, and a park for the use of the wider community, as well as a retail unit.

The council will now explore a number of different funding options to deliver the scheme, but the funding boost has given it a much needed jumpstart and contractors are expected to start build out of the site this year.

The cash injection was announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of a wider £20 million funding award for the borough.

Funding will also support a project to breathe new life into empty town centre units by creating local craft workspaces, retail outlets and a youth arts centre to help community engagement.

It will also support the rebuild of one of the buildings on Hopwood Hall College’s Rochdale campus to create an additional floor for Higher Education and Access Students.

The Station Gardens scheme is part of a wider redevelopment of the area around the borough’s main train station, with work to create a new public square and improved public realm in front of the train station set to get under way on site soon.

In addition, 33 new build to rent apartments will be created on the corner of Maclure Road and Station Road, just across the road from the train station, using funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) brownfield land fund. Contractors are expected to start delivering this scheme in late spring.

Councillor Danny Meredith said: “We’re delighted to secure funding for this vital project, which we have been working really hard to get delivered. This scheme will transform an empty brownfield site into much needed new homes, including affordable homes, and a high-quality public park and will bring huge benefits to the wider area.

“Situated just minutes from our newly regenerated Rochdale town centre and the train station, which gives easy access to Manchester, Leeds and the rest of the borough, this is a fantastic site for new homes.”

The project is also part of the borough’s wider rail strategy, which seeks to redevelop brownfield sites around the borough’s five railway stations, with up to 7,000 new homes and new employment sites.

Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, said: “I’m delighted that the government is helping to kickstart the delivery of this worthwhile project to build new homes on this key site close to Rochdale town centre and the Milkstone and Deeplish neighbourhoods. It’s vital that, instead of sitting around vacant, empty sites are put to use supporting the regeneration of our communities and the creation of much needed, high quality homes. I can’t wait to see this project get under way.”

Preservation plans revealed for Ramsbottom’s Peel Tower thanks to grant

Helen Greaney

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05/03/2025

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Preservation plans revealed for Ramsbottom’s Peel Tower thanks to grant

A £57,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will enable a condition survey to be carried out at Ramsbottom’s Peel Tower, with a view to preserving the iconic landmark.

Peel Tower is a Grade 2 Listed Building that has been standing at the top of Holcombe Hill since 1852 and can be seen for many miles around.

It was built after the death of the Bury-born prime minister, and founder of the Metropolitan Police Force, Sir Robert Peel.

It attracts thousands of visitors, locally and from far and wide.

Despite repairs carried in the past, concerns have arisen about the condition of the monument due to water ingress, broken windows, and damaged external mortar.

Councillor Alan Quinn said: “Undertaking a condition survey will help us determine the current physical condition of this important historic monument, and give us a clearer picture of the works needed to preserve it.”

To deliver the Peel Tower project, Bury Council will work alongside Greenmount Village Community and community interest company Proffitts CiC. There will also be opportunities for residents, schools and volunteers to also get involved.

Cllr Quinn added: “We will be working with heritage specialists and specialist surveyors so that they can help us plan and prioritise future repairs, as well as help us ensure that any works are completed in accordance with the tower’s Listed Building status.

“We will also work with ecologists who will conduct wildlife surveys to ensure any roosting bats are safely accommodated and to make recommendations for improving the upland grassed moorland that surrounds the tower.”

Survey work is due to start at the tower in spring 2025.

A representative of Greenmount Village Community commented: “Our group are excited to be part of this project. Peel Monument is a renowned feature within Bury, and we’re thrilled that we can work alongside Bury Council and the heritage specialists to uncover a little more about the tower that we visit so often.

“We’re particularly excited as the project also offers residents, school children and volunteers the chance to get involved in a range of heritage and ecological activities. There will be bat walks, heritage talks, heritage skills workshops, educational research projects, art projects to design new interpretation panels, and even the opportunity to share wildlife and ecology details directly with the survey teams – so lots to look forward to!’’

Volunteers open Peel Tower to the public on certain weekend dates each month. The tower is open if a flag is flying from the top.