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Hosted Desktop UK reports highest staff happiness score in its 16-year history

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Hosted Desktop UK (HDUK) has recorded its highest employee happiness score to date, reflecting the impact of its people-first approach, with satisfaction reaching 87% and eNPS increasing to +75.

Hosted Desktop UK has achieved a new milestone in employee engagement, marking a standout moment in its 16-year growth journey.

Since its early years, HDUK has built a reputation for delivering managed IT, hosted desktop and cyber security services to legal and accountancy firms throughout the UK. Over time, the company has expanded steadily, with its team collectively contributing more than 150 years of service.

Recent employee survey results have highlighted the strength of the company’s workplace culture.

The survey showed that:
• 88% of employees have confidence in management
• 87% report strong levels of wellbeing
• 84% say they enjoy the work they do

Overall employee happiness has increased by 4% since the previous quarter, reaching 87%, while the company’s eNPS has improved by two points to +75.

These figures reflect HDUK’s belief that employees who feel supported, trusted and valued are more likely to perform at their best. In sectors where trust is fundamental, such as legal and accountancy, this culture plays a crucial role in both staff retention and the quality of client service.

HDUK attributes much of its ongoing success to its focus on creating a positive working environment. As the organisation has grown, it has continued to prioritise a culture where employees feel appreciated, listened to and encouraged to contribute.

Debbie Cunliffe, Chief of Staff at HDUK, said: “I so love working here. To really feel appreciated where you spend so much time is a gift in itself.”

The strong survey results come at a time when many UK businesses are focusing on improving retention, wellbeing and workplace performance. For HDUK, the findings reinforce the idea that investing in people delivers tangible business benefits.

A supportive culture can enhance teamwork, strengthen loyalty and ensure a consistent client experience. In industries where service quality and trust are essential, HDUK views these outcomes as closely tied to employee satisfaction.

With continued growth, a committed workforce and a clear emphasis on maintaining a positive culture, HDUK demonstrates that organisational success and employee wellbeing can go hand in hand. The latest results highlight not only internal progress but also the value of building a culture that underpins sustainable long-term growth.

Make the most of your time in Manchester without carrying your bags

Manchester stands out as one of the UK’s most energetic destinations, blending industrial
history with a modern creative scene and a deep-rooted football culture.

Whether you’re in the city for a quick visit or an extended stay, how easily you move around can shape your entire experience.

For many travellers, luggage becomes an unexpected obstacle, especially when arriving before check-in or leaving long after check-out.

Dragging suitcases through crowded streets or into busy attractions can quickly become
exhausting. Instead of enjoying the city, you end up planning your day around your
belongings. Fortunately, there are now simple ways to avoid this and explore Manchester
more comfortably.

Travel lighter, experience more

Today’s travellers tend to favor flexibility, including short trips, spontaneous plans, and
packed itineraries. In this kind of travel style, having somewhere safe to leave your bags is
not just convenient, it is essential.

By using luggage storage in Manchester, you can free up your schedule from the moment
you arrive. Whether you land early in the day or have hours to spare before departure,
storing your bags allows you to explore without interruption.

Another key benefit is accessibility. Storage points are spread throughout the city, often
located inside cafés, shops, and hotels. With dozens of available locations, you are likely to
find one exactly where you need it, whether near a station, a shopping area, or a major
attraction.

A benefit for both visitors and local businesses

Luggage storage solutions do not just improve the visitor experience. They also create
opportunities for local businesses. Shops, cafés, and other venues can use extra space to
offer storage services and generate additional income.

This approach also encourages travelers to engage with places they might otherwise
overlook. Someone dropping off a suitcase may decide to stay for a coffee, explore the
shop, or return later. It creates a natural connection between visitors and local businesses.
Discover the city without limitations

Manchester offers a wide variety of experiences, from cultural landmarks to lively
neighbourhoods. Areas like the Northern Quarter or Spinningfields are far more enjoyable
when you are free to walk, stop, and explore without worrying about your bags.

Without luggage, simple activities become more enjoyable. You can visit a gallery, browse
local stores, or sit down for a relaxed meal without distraction. Even attending events such
as concerts or football matches becomes easier when you do not have to think about bag
restrictions or security checks.

Travel feels different when you are not constantly aware of what you are carrying. You are
more present, more flexible, and more open to unexpected plans.

Safe, simple, and designed for convenience

Security is a top priority when leaving personal belongings behind. Storage providers work
with verified partners and maintain clear safety standards. Many bookings also include
insurance, which adds extra reassurance.

The process itself is quick and straightforward. You can book online, choose a convenient
location, and drop off your bags in minutes. This ease of use is especially valuable for
travellers who want everything to run smoothly.

Explore Manchester on your own terms

Manchester is best enjoyed with the freedom to move at your own pace, whether walking
along canals, discovering hidden spots, or spending more time in places you did not plan to
visit. Without luggage slowing you down, the city becomes easier to navigate and more
enjoyable overall.

From shopping at the Trafford Centre to visiting museums or going out in the evening,
having a flexible storage option allows you to adapt your plans throughout the day.
As travel continues to evolve, practical services like luggage storage are becoming an
essential part of the experience. They reduce stress, improve comfort, and allow you to
focus on enjoying the city.

Manchester continues to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond. With the right
solutions in place, exploring it becomes both simple and rewarding from start to finish.

Multi-page advantage: How brochure and booklet printing can tell your brand’s full story

In an age where digital marketing dominates, it might seem counterintuitive to invest in print materials like brochures and booklets.

However, these multi-page formats hold remarkable potential for brands looking to convey their stories in a nuanced and engaging manner. The depth of information that can be communicated through well-designed print materials provides a tangible experience that digital formats often lack.

This article explores how brochure and booklet printing can effectively tell your brand’s full story, enhancing engagement and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Understanding the Importance of Multi-Page Formats

When considering how to present information about your brand, multi-page formats such as
brochures and booklets offer significant advantages over single-page materials. These formats allow for a more comprehensive exploration of your brand’s offerings, values, and unique selling propositions.

Depth of Content: Multi-page formats enable the inclusion of detailed descriptions, visuals, and customer testimonials, providing a holistic view of what your brand stands for.

Structure and Flow: Unlike single-page flyers, brochures and booklets can be organized into sections or chapters, making it easier for readers to navigate through your content.

Enhanced Engagement: The tactile nature of printed materials invites readers to interact with them physically, creating a more immersive experience compared to scrolling through a website.

With these advantages in mind, it’s crucial to leverage the potential of brochure and booklet printing.

The Benefits of Brochures and Booklets

Investing in high-quality brochures and booklets can yield numerous benefits for your brand,
including:
Brand Recognition: Consistent use of branding elements across multiple pages reinforces identity and makes your brand more recognisable.

Quality Perception: High-quality print materials convey professionalism and attention to detail, positively influencing how potential customers perceive your brand.

Versatile Distribution: Brochures and booklets can be distributed at various touchpoints – trade shows, events, or even direct mail – expanding your reach effectively.

Hello Print specialises in producing vibrant and professionally designed brochures that encapsulate these benefits, ensuring your brand message is delivered powerfully.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

At the heart of effective brochure and booklet printing lies storytelling. A compelling narrative not only captivates readers but also fosters an emotional connection with them. To craft a narrative that resonates:

Identify Your Core Message: Determine the primary takeaways you want your audience to have after reading your material.

Engage with Emotions: Use stories or anecdotes that evoke feelings relevant to your audience’s experiences or aspirations.

Maintain Consistency: Ensure that the tone, language, and visuals align with your overall brand strategy.

By weaving together these elements into a cohesive narrative within your brochures or booklets, you engage readers on a deeper level.

Design Considerations for Effective Communication

The design of your printed materials is just as vital as the content itself. An effective brochure or booklet design should:

Reflect Brand Identity: Utilise colours, fonts, and imagery that are consistent with your brand personality.

Prioritise Readability: Ensure text is legible by choosing appropriate font sizes and contrasts against the background.

Incorporate Visual Hierarchy: Use headings, subheadings, images, and bullet points strategically to guide readers through the material.

Hello Print offers design services tailored to help brands create visually striking brochures that not only attract attention but also communicate messages effectively.

Choosing the Right Printing Partner

Selecting a printing partner is critical for producing high-quality brochures and booklets that reflect your brand accurately. When evaluating potential partners:

Assess Quality Standards: Review samples of their work to ensure they meet your quality
expectations.

Consider Turnaround Times: Understand their production timelines to avoid delays in distribution.

Look for Customisation Options: A good printing partner should offer various paper types, finishes, sizes, and binding options to suit your specific needs.

A reliable partner like Hello Print can provide end-to-end solutions from design to delivery while maintaining high standards.

Case Studies: Success Stories in Brochure and Booklet Printing

Examining successful examples can shed light on how effective brochure and booklet printing has transformed brands’ marketing strategies:

Tech Start-up Launches Product Line: A tech start-up used a beautifully designed booklet detailing each product’s features alongside customer testimonials. This strategy resulted in increased sales inquiries by 30% within weeks of distribution.

Non-Profit Awareness Campaign: A non-profit organisation created informative brochures outlining their mission and recent successes. Targeting local businesses led to a surge in donations by 50%, demonstrating the power of well-crafted print materials in driving engagement.

These case studies highlight how thoughtful design combined with strategic messaging can lead to tangible results.

Conclusion: Telling Your Brand’s Story with Impact

Brochure and booklet printing presents an invaluable opportunity for brands to tell their stories in depth while engaging audiences on multiple levels. By leveraging high-quality materials, crafting compelling narratives, prioritising impactful design, and partnering with experienced printers like Hello Print, you can create print collateral that resonates deeply with your target audience.

As you consider how best to portray your brand’s story through print media, remember that every page turned reveals another facet of who you are as a company—making

University of Manchester study confirms Charge-M8 EV Kube performs on par with traditional concrete foundations

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A new engineering assessment has shown that Charge-M8’s EV Kube modular composite foundation system can endure wind forces equivalent to severe tropical storms, achieving a structural safety factor approaching 2.0. The results have been independently confirmed through both computational modelling and mechanical analysis.

Charge-M8 has released the results of an independent study undertaken in partnership with the University of Manchester School of Engineering. The research confirms that EV Kube delivers structural performance comparable to conventional concrete foundations, while significantly reducing installation complexity, environmental impact and project delays linked to traditional construction methods.

Conducted through the Greater Manchester Growth Hub Innovation Scheme, the study incorporated two key areas of investigation. These included a structural load analysis assessing wind forces, vehicle impacts and soil conditions, alongside a detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation examining how wind interacts with charging infrastructure under different speeds, directions and turbulence levels.

Testing conditions were intentionally rigorous, using a twin-charger configuration that combined an epark Engineering multi-post system with two NexBlue charging units. This configuration created a substantially larger wind-facing surface area than a typical single-charger installation.

The results indicate that EV Kube maintains structural stability under wind conditions equivalent to a severe tropical storm, achieving a safety factor close to 2.0. Stability was consistently demonstrated across all tested wind speeds, angles of approach and turbulence scenarios.

Further analysis confirmed that the system’s resisting moment exceeded overturning forces generated by both wind loading and simulated vehicle impacts. Performance remained reliable across a range of soil types and backfill methods, with all findings independently validated through advanced CFD analysis conducted by the University of Manchester team.

Julian Smith, Managing Director of Charge-M8, said: “The University of Manchester research gave us the independent, rigorous validation we needed to bring EV Kube to market with full confidence. We deliberately chose a challenging test configuration, twin chargers on a multi-post, because we wanted results that reflect the toughest real-world installations. The findings exceeded our expectations and confirm that structural performance, speed of installation, and environmental responsibility don’t have to be a trade-off.”

For contractors and infrastructure providers, the findings are particularly relevant. Conventional concrete foundations typically involve heavy equipment, wet installation processes, long curing periods and considerable disruption to site surfaces.

The study reinforces what is already emerging in practice: EV Kube eliminates many of these challenges without sacrificing structural performance.

Its modular and lightweight design allows for quicker deployment, removing the need for curing time, reducing excavation work, lowering transport demands and enabling easier installation across varied ground conditions. This versatility makes it well suited to locations such as car parks, retail forecourts and wider public infrastructure settings.

Charge-M8 has also confirmed plans for a further phase of testing later this year, involving a full-scale wind tunnel study in a facility capable of accommodating the system. This will complement existing CFD modelling with physical testing, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to rigorous, evidence-based validation.

Unhooked appointed by Tradesman Saver to support growth strategy

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Stockport-based PR agency Unhooked has been appointed to deliver PR for specialist insurance provider Tradesman Saver, which offers tailored cover for tradespeople, sole traders and small businesses across the UK.
Following a competitive tender process, Unhooked was selected to support Tradesman Saver’s ambitious growth plans as the business expands its proposition and strengthens its brand in the market.
Already well-established within the construction sector, Tradesman Saver recently launched four new sub-brands – Electrician Saver, Carpenter Saver, Cleaner Saver and Professional Saver – enabling the business to support a wider range of skilled professionals and small business owners.
The expansion coincides with a refreshed Tradesman Saver brand identity, designed to better reflect the modern, digital-first business it has become and create a stronger, more relatable connection with its customers.
Unhooked will deliver an insight-driven PR campaign focused on data-led storytelling, real life experiences and thought leadership to build awareness, trust and credibility among tradespeople and small business owners. The activity will also support Tradesman Saver’s wider digital marketing strategy by generating high-quality earned media coverage that strengthens SEO and AI search visibility.
Claire Gamble, managing director of Unhooked, said: “Tradesman Saver is a fantastic brand with a strong reputation in the sector and ambitious plans for growth. Construction and the trades sector are core specialisms for Unhooked, and our senior team has decades of experience developing campaigns that engage tradespeople and small business owners.
“This brief plays to our strengths, combining sector insight, strategic thinking and creative storytelling to strengthen the brand’s presence while supporting wider digital marketing objectives. We are looking forward to working closely with the Tradesman Saver team as the business continues to grow.”
Dean Laming, managing director of Tradesman Saver, said: “PR represents an important opportunity for us to scale the brand and reach new audiences, so we’re looking forward to working with Unhooked as we enter the next phase of growth for Tradesman Saver.
“We chose Unhooked because of the team’s strong construction sector credentials, their strategic approach, and the fact that the work will be carried out by senior professionals with solid experience across PR, content and journalism. As we grow, PR will play a key role in increasing our search, AI and LLM visibility and it’s great to work with an agency who can support us with this.”
Founded more than 40 years ago in 1984, Barkdene Limited, trading as Henry Seymour and Co, has a long-standing heritage in providing specialist insurance solutions. Tradesman
Saver, launched 18 years ago as a product of Barkdene, was one of the first providers to offer a fully digital experience, enabling customers to quote, buy and renew policies online.
The business surpassed 10,000 customers in 2019 and has continued to grow rapidly. In 2024, it was acquired by leading broking and underwriting group Jensten, a top 10 UK insurance broker.

Why now is the perfect moment to update your CV

Linda Walmsley, Director of Walmsley Wilkinson Executive and Management Recruitment, shares insights into why maintaining an up-to-date CV is crucial, regardless of whether you are currently exploring new opportunities.

Think about it for a moment: when did you last update your CV?

For many professionals, the answer is “when I last applied for a job.” In today’s fast-paced and opportunity-rich employment environment, that habit is increasingly out of date. A CV should not be something you rush to revise at the last minute; it should be a continually updated reflection of your professional profile, showcasing your achievements while clearly outlining the skills and experience that point towards your future capabilities. In essence, a well-crafted CV gives you a meaningful advantage in the job market.

Careers do not stand still. New experiences, skills, leadership roles and accomplishments are constantly being added. If your CV has remained unchanged for an extended period, it is unlikely to fully represent your current professional standing.

A well-maintained CV ensures that:

  • Your most recent accomplishments are visible
  • Your skills align with your current level of expertise
  • Your professional narrative reflects your future ambitions

Of course, your CV doesn’t exist in isolation. Anyone interested in your CV will almost always look you up online. So, by refreshing your CV you can also align this version with your LinkedIn profile. It’s a great opportunity to update your headline and summary, add recent achievements, projects and skills. Consistency across your CV and LinkedIn strengthens your professional brand and improves your visibility to your existing SLT and external potential employers.

Imagine this scenario: an executive search consultant contacts you about an exciting opportunity. It’s aligned with your experience, offers progression, and sounds compelling.

Now ask yourself, could you confidently send your CV within the hour?

If the answer is no, you’re not alone. Keeping it updated means you can act quickly and present yourself at your best without the stress of last-minute edits.

Importantly, refreshing your CV isn’t just about finding a new role, it’s about understanding your value. Writing your CV acts like a personal performance review. It helps you recognise progress that you may otherwise have overlooked.

In fact, regularly updating your CV can:

  • Boost confidence by reminding you of your achievements
  • Clarify your career direction and future goals
  • Support performance reviews by capturing measurable successes
  • Highlight skill gaps and development opportunities

It’s easy to forget how much you’ve accomplished. Sitting down to document your achievements can be surprisingly motivating. Reviewing your skills and successes can significantly improve confidence and reinforce your sense of progression.

It’s not just a document. It’s a precis of your career to date showcasing your professional worth. Keeping your CV updated ensures you capture achievements while they’re fresh, rather than trying to recall them years later.

Employers expect current, relevant information that reflects your latest skills and experience A well-maintained CV allows you to respond quickly to opportunities and stand out in competitive markets

Whilst we regularly service our cars, review our finances, and set personal goals, many of us neglect one of our most valuable assets, our career. Investing 20 minutes a month can keep it on-point and ready.

So, ask yourself again:

If opportunity knocked tomorrow, would you be ready?

If not, it might be time for a spring clean.

Study shows how organisations can improve SharePoint outcomes and workplace efficiency

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A comprehensive global intranet benchmarking study, reviewing more than 159,000 intranet pages across 28 organisations, has delivered an important message for business leaders: employee reliance on intranets is increasing, but design shortcomings are limiting their impact on productivity and decision-making.

The research found that 93% of employees accessed their intranet over a three-month period. Despite this high engagement, the average session duration was under six minutes, with users viewing only 2.19 pages per visit. This suggests a clear gap between how often intranets are used and how effectively they support users in finding information quickly.

What This Means for Businesses

The findings point to several key opportunities for organisations looking to improve collaboration, reduce operational friction, and unlock better ROI from Microsoft 365:

1. Streamlined Structures Reduce Wasted Time

With employees making an average 3.36 visits per day, unclear navigation or cluttered information directly translates to lost productivity. Many organisations still treat SharePoint as an unstructured document dump, rather than a strategic workspace.

2. Evergreen Content Drives Value

While over half (52%) of intranet pages are news, the study shows that evergreen content—policies, procedures, reference materials—attracts significantly higher engagement, with 67% of content pages visited compared to 41% of news.

This signals a major opportunity for organisations to prioritise structured, high-value content that supports day-to-day work.

3. Governance Issues Are Holding Back Intranets

Inconsistent tagging, unmanaged sprawl, and duplicate content reduce search accuracy and increase compliance risk. These pain points also reduce the effectiveness of new AI tools emerging across Microsoft 365.

4. AI Success Depends on Strong SharePoint Foundations

The study’s AI Readiness Index, with an average score of 51.1 out of 100, shows that many organisations are not yet prepared to leverage Copilot and other AI efficiencies. Poorly structured or outdated content limits what AI can surface, summarise, or accelerate.

“People aren’t disengaged from intranets. They simply don’t have time to fight through bad ones,” said Ian Loman, Sales Director at Adepteq. “The opportunity for organisations is huge: fix structure, governance, and design, and productivity immediately improves.”

Adepteq Responds with Practical Support for Businesses

To help organisations translate these insights into tangible changes, Adepteq has released the SharePoint Business Benefits Guidebook 2026—a practical, free resource that explains how to fix common SharePoint issues, build a purposeful site structure, and modernise digital workplaces for the AI era.

The guide covers:

  • The Top 10 SharePoint Myths affecting adoption
  • How poor configuration silently drives duplication, compliance risk, and hidden cost
  • How to design SharePoint the way people actually use it
  • Improving search and navigation to support AI and Copilot
  • Practical steps to replace spreadsheets and manual workflows
  • How better governance boosts productivity across every department

Drawing on real-world lessons from Adepteq’s work with membership bodies, engineering institutions, and retail organisations, the guide provides immediate actions businesses can take to increase the value of their Microsoft 365 investment.

Adepteq’s Soft Launch of Its New Guide

The SharePoint Business Benefits Guidebook 2026 is available now as a free download, offering leaders and digital workplace teams a clear roadmap for improving their intranet’s effectiveness and preparing their organisation for an AI‑powered future.

Download the guide: https://www.adepteq.com/sharepoint-business-benefits-guidebook/

About Adepteq

Adepteq is a UK-wide Microsoft 365 migration and governance specialist with a strong presence in London and the South East, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Plymouth, and Portsmouth. With over 1,000 successful migrations, Adepteq helps businesses modernise and secure their digital workplaces using SharePoint, Teams, and Microsoft 365.

Contact: Ian Loman
Email:[email protected]
Website:https://www.adepteq.com

Modest rise in household bills expected, but global uncertainty may drive further increases

Household expenses are forecast to increase by around £80 annually from April, considerably less than the £660 rise seen by many consumers last year. Despite this, the reduction in pressure may be temporary, as global instability is already influencing fuel prices, potentially leading to higher costs for energy, food and transport later in 2026.

In response, Money Wellness has launched an enhanced version of its interactive Household Bills Calculator. By entering details such as energy costs, council tax, water charges, broadband, mobile phone bills, TV licence and car tax, users can receive a tailored projection of how their expenses may change over the next year. The tool is designed to help households manage their finances more effectively and prepare for future increases.

The free tool can be accessed here: https://www.moneywellness.com/cost-of-living-calculator

Bill increases this April

Several essential costs are increasing from 1 April, including council tax, water bills and telecoms contracts. But these are partly offset by a fall in the energy price cap, reducing the typical dual-fuel bill to around £1,641 a year.

The main changes include:

  • Council tax: Most councils are increasing bills by around 4.99%, adding roughly £108 a year for a typical Band D household
  • Water bills: Average increase of £33 a year
  • Broadband and mobile: Bills rising by around £42 a year for many customers
  • TV licence: Increasing by £5.50 to £180
  • Car tax: Standard rate rising by £5 to £200
  • Energy: Typical bills falling by around £117, helping offset other increases

Overall, households will see bills rise by around £80 a year on average.

Clouds on the horizon

Money Wellness warns that while April’s increases are relatively modest compared with previous years, rising global tensions could push household costs higher later this year.

Oil prices have already surged following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. This has contributed to a 5p-per-litre increase in petrol prices, adding roughly £2.50 to the cost of filling a typical 50-litre tank.

Sebrina McCullough, external director at Money Wellness, said: “Compared with the huge bill increases households have faced in recent years, this April looks relatively manageable. But the cost-of-living pressure is far from over. Global tensions are already pushing up fuel prices, and that can quickly feed through into energy bills, food and transport costs.

“Many households are still financially fragile, so even relatively small increases can make a real difference. Our Household Bills Calculator helps people see exactly how these changes could affect their budget, allowing them to plan ahead and avoid surprises.”

Manchester launches bold five-year City of Cycling plan

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Manchester City Council, in partnership with Manchester Active, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), British Cycling, Cycling UK and Marketing Manchester, has launched the Manchester City of Cycling Implementation Plan 2026–2031 at the iconic National Cycling Centre.

The new five‑year plan sets out a transformative vision for Manchester as a world‑leading cycling city, one where residents of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can choose cycling as a safe, convenient and accessible everyday option.

The launch follows two years of significant success delivered across the city since Manchester’s landmark designation as European Capital of Cycling in 2024. Over 2024–2025, Manchester and its partners achieved:

  • Manchester being ranked 34th globally in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, recognising the city’s rapid progress and global ambition.
  • Record participation and inclusion, with more than 500 children taking part in free cycling activities during school holidays in 2025 at venues including the National Cycling Centre, Platt Fields Park and Wythenshawe Park.
  • 42 small grants awarded since 2024 to children’s and youth cycling projects, enabling school‑based bike maintenance clubs, inclusive cycling programmes, youth cycling initiatives and engagement with ethnically diverse communities.
  • 21 Cycling UK Big Bike Revival projects delivered in 2025 by 14 community organisations, helping more people to learn to ride, fix their bikes, and join led rides across neighbourhoods.
  • Expansion of inclusive cycling, including weekly sessions for disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions, as well as 809 Manchester participants engaged through Cycling UK’s Inclusive Cycling Experience.
  • Completion of major infrastructure milestones including the Manchester to Chorlton Cycleway, Yellow Brick Road refurbishments, and the new Ashton Canal Bridge, alongside progress on community facilities such as the new Max Trax pump track at Delamere Park in Openshaw.
  • A series of high-profile community events, including Lights Up! 2025, Cycle Fest, Manchester Day cycling activities, and Manchester’s first Black Unity Bike Ride, which won Best Activation Event at the 2025 Walk Ride GM Awards.

These achievements reflect the strength of citywide collaboration and a shared commitment to making cycling a normal, celebrated and accessible part of life in Manchester.

Councillor John Hacking said:  “Manchester’s ambition is clear: to become one of the UK’s leading cycling cities, and this plan turns that ambition into action. The City of Cycling programme has already shown what is possible when communities and partners work together, and now, through strong partnership and a focus on inclusion, we are deepening that impact and making cycling a realistic and enjoyable choice for everyone by opening up opportunities for every resident.”

The City of Cycling Implementation Plan 2026–2031 sets out four strategic themes that will guide investment, programmes and partnership working over the next five years:

  1. Cycling Participation and Community Engagement

Celebrating cycling through events, programmes and neighbourhood activity that bring people together, strengthen local identity and champion inclusion.

  1. Widening Access and Equity

Removing inequalities by ensuring that every resident — regardless of age, background or ability — can access a bike, develop skills, and participate confidently and safely.

  1. Building Sustainable Cycling Infrastructure

Delivering high‑quality, safe, accessible and connected cycling networks that make cycling a practical everyday choice for travel, leisure and recreation.

  1. Promoting Cycling through Communication

Using positive storytelling, aligned marketing and clear resources to inspire more people to cycle, normalise cycling behaviour and empower residents with the information they need.

The plan positions cycling not only as a transport choice, but as a driver of positive change, supporting health and wellbeing, social connection, climate ambitions and thriving local communities.

Why more Manchester businesses are turning to self storage to cut overheads

Commercial property costs in Manchester have risen steadily over the past decade. For SMEs navigating post-pandemic hybrid working, shifting consumer demand, and tighter margins, every square foot of paid space needs to justify its cost.

Increasingly, Manchester businesses are finding that self storage offers a practical and cost-effective way to reduce their commercial footprint without compromising on operational capacity.

This isn’t a trend limited to start-ups or micro-businesses. From established retailers managing seasonal stock to professional services firms dealing with document archiving, the use of self storage as a deliberate business tool is growing across sectors. Here’s why, and how Manchester businesses are making it work.

The overhead problem facing Manchester SMEs

Office and commercial premises in central Manchester now command some of the highest rents outside London. For businesses that don’t need a large footprint for day-to-day operations, but still need to store significant volumes of stock, equipment, or records, paying commercial rates for storage space within their primary premises is an expensive default.

The maths are straightforward. A 25 square foot self storage unit in Manchester typically costs a fraction of equivalent commercial floor space in the city centre. For businesses whose core operations don’t require staff to interact with stored items on a daily basis, off-site storage is simply a more efficient use of budget.

The shift to hybrid working has accelerated this calculation. With fewer staff in the office full-time, many businesses have downsized their premises, but their physical assets haven’t shrunk at the same rate. Self storage fills that gap cleanly.

What Manchester businesses are actually storing

The range of business use cases for self storage is broader than many assume. Common applications among Manchester-based companies include:

  • Retail and e-commerce stock, particularly for seasonal inventory that doesn’t need to occupy expensive retail or warehouse space year-round.
  • Marketing and events materials, display stands, branded merchandise, exhibition equipment, and printed collateral that is used periodically but takes up significant space.
  • Document and archive storage, businesses with legal or compliance obligations to retain physical records can store them securely off-site without dedicating prime office space to filing.
  • Equipment and tools, trades businesses, contractors, and field service companies often find storage units more practical than keeping equipment at a fixed commercial address.
  • Office furniture during transitions, businesses between premises, undergoing refurbishment, or scaling a hybrid setup frequently use storage as a bridge during the transition period.

Flexibility as a business advantage

One of the most significant advantages self storage offers over commercial leases is flexibility. Standard commercial property agreements typically require a minimum term commitment, often two years or more – with break clauses that can be difficult to exercise without financial penalty.

Self storage, by contrast, is typically available on a rolling weekly or monthly basis. For businesses whose storage needs fluctuate with demand cycles, retailers heading into Christmas, event companies managing peak seasons, or any business navigating a period of growth or contraction, this flexibility has real commercial value.

The ability to scale up or down without penalty, and to exit without a lengthy notice period, makes self storage a lower-risk commitment than almost any alternative for managing variable business storage needs.

Security and access considerations

A common concern among businesses considering self storage for the first time is whether their assets will be adequately protected. Modern self storage facilities in Manchester address this directly. Purpose-built units typically offer 24-hour CCTV surveillance, individual unit locks, secure access systems, and climate-controlled options for sensitive items.

Access arrangements are also more practical than many businesses expect. The majority of Manchester storage facilities operate seven days a week, with extended opening hours that accommodate businesses working outside standard Monday to Friday patterns. For companies that need occasional rather than daily access to stored items, this is rarely a constraint in practice.

Providers such as Self Storage Manchester offer business-specific solutions including receipt and dispatch services, on-site office space rental, and archive document storage, making it easier for businesses to integrate off-site storage into their day-to-day operations without logistical friction.

The cost comparison businesses should be making

When evaluating self storage as an overhead reduction strategy, the relevant comparison isn’t just the weekly or monthly storage fee. It’s the full cost of the alternative, which typically means commercial lease costs, business rates, insurance for a larger premises, and the management overhead of maintaining that space.

For many Manchester SMEs, particularly those that have already made the transition to smaller or hybrid premises, self storage represents a significant net saving when all costs are factored in. The break-even point is often reached within the first few months.

For businesses prioritising cost efficiency, Self Storage Manchester provides competitively priced options with no deposit required and no minimum term, reducing the financial commitment needed to get started.

When self storage makes strategic sense

Self storage isn’t the right solution for every business or every situation. It works best where the items being stored don’t need to be accessed daily, where the cost of holding them in primary commercial space is disproportionate, and where flexibility in the storage arrangement has value.

For Manchester businesses currently paying for more commercial space than they actively use, or those managing a transition between premises, the case is particularly strong. The city’s self storage market is well-developed, with a range of facility sizes and service levels that can accommodate everything from a single pallet of stock to a full office clearance.

As commercial property costs continue to put pressure on SME margins, the businesses that manage their physical footprint most efficiently will carry a structural cost advantage over those that don’t. Self storage is one of the more straightforward ways to build that advantage, without the commitment or complexity of a commercial lease renegotiation.

A practical first step

For businesses considering self storage for the first time, the starting point is a straightforward audit: identify what is currently occupying paid commercial space that doesn’t need to be there, cost the alternative, and assess how frequently that material actually needs to be accessed.

In most cases, the financial case is clear within the first hour of analysis. The operational transition is rarely more complex than a single van load and a booking form. For an overhead reduction that can be implemented in days rather than months, few options are as immediately actionable.