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Police appeal following violent disorder at Parklife

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Police are seeking the public’s help in an investigation of violent disorder which occurred at the Parklife music event in Heaton Park last year.

It is believed that a fight occurred on Sunday, June 9, near the Hangar Stage.

Footage of the incident later emerged online and while no serious injuries have been reported, police would like to identify those involved.

Anyone who may have been at the event or has crucial information, is asked to come forward.

Officers are keen to speak to the people pictured, as it’s believed that they can assist with the investigation.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Every year we work closely with event organisers and partners to keep those attending the event safe, and minimise disruption to local communities, and this year will be no different.

“The vast majority of those attending last year’s event had a safe and enjoyable experience, but given the violent nature of this isolated event, it’s important that we do everything possible to identify those involved, and deal with them as firmly as possible.”

If you have any information which could assist the enquiry, contact police on 101 quoting log 1159 of 09/06/2024. Alternatively, to report anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Principal contractor appointed to redevelop historic Manchester recording studio

A derelict site which was famously used as a rehearsing studio by Liam Gallagher, is set to be redeveloped.

Big Red Construction – which forms part of the BR2.0 Group – has been appointed as principal contractor at Brunswick Mill in Manchester – a scheme which will convert the building into 153 new apartments.

The site, which hosted top talent from the music world and even featured in a music video for Gallagher, is being brought back into use by the Arrowsmith Group, which has approval to create a range of 502-1006 sq ft stylish apartments at the historic mill.

Located a stone’s through from Manchester City Centre, Big Red will be restoring the seven-story Grade II listed premises – in line with Heritage England’s requirements – into one-to-three-bedroom apartments.

Phase one of the project will include the specialist removal of materials, loose fittings, large equipment, and the existing windows on the first three floors. The site will include car parking areas, cycle stores and communal landscaped courtyard areas.

Mike Lomas, founder of the BR2.0 Group, said: “Brunswick Mill holds such historical significance for Manchester, and our teams are excited to be taking on this unique residential build for Arrowsmith.

“As we continue to expand our projects across the north, with a particular hotspot for sites in and around Manchester, we’re looking forward to playing a part in bringing the mill back to life.”

Built in c1839-40, Brunswick Mill is also known as one of the first mills in Manchester to be converted to electric power.

The mill has been an important cultural asset for the city. Whilst acting as a backdrop for various films and tv shows, the Mill has more notably acted as a rehearsal and meeting space for Manchester’s musicians, notably Liam Gallagher, who recorded the music video to One of Us at the venue.

Training for Counsellors Introduces Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Clinical Supervision

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Blackburn-based Training for Counsellors, specialists in experiential learning, are now offering a new opportunity for counsellors and psychotherapists to enhance their expertise with the Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Clinical Supervision.

This highly respected programme provides a comprehensive framework for developing ethical and effective clinical supervision practices. It has been awarded Advanced Specialist Training Recognition by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), underscoring its outstanding quality and relevance for professionals in the field.

Scheduled to commence on 10th May 2025, the course will take place at Haydock House in Blackburn and will be led by Samantha Crapnell and Claire Hasting—both experienced clinical supervisors. Their extensive expertise and lived experience bring a rich, practical dimension to the learning environment, ensuring participants benefit from a deeply engaging and relational teaching approach.

This programme is designed for professional counsellors and psychotherapists working across private, public, and voluntary sectors. It aims to refine supervision skills, explore unconscious processes, and nurture the essential qualities required to excel in clinical supervision. By combining theoretical knowledge with experiential learning, the course equips participants with the confidence and skills to support counsellors, psychotherapists, and other helping professionals in a variety of settings.

Participants will engage in monthly cohort-based sessions over 12 months, supplemented by two additional CPD days, and will gain practical experience through supervised practice hours. The course covers two key supervision models, core competencies, ethical frameworks, and unconscious processes within supervisory relationships.

Upon successful completion, graduates will be qualified to practise as Clinical Supervisors in both individual and group settings. The course is structured to recognise and cultivate the inherent qualities needed to develop professional skills, discipline, self-awareness, and a strong theoretical foundation. Participants will also explore two supervision models, understand key competencies, and examine their application in clinical settings. Additionally, the programme provides opportunities to analyse unconscious processes, engage with current research, and critically reflect on their own supervisory practice in a supportive and structured environment.

Many who have undertaken the course describe it as both professionally and personally transformative, valuing the relational and supportive learning experience provided by Training for Counsellors. Graduates are already delivering regular clinical supervision across Lancashire, Manchester, Cumbria, Merseyside, and the South East, supporting a wide range of professionals, including counsellors, psychotherapists, trainee therapists, health and wellbeing practitioners, teachers, head teachers, pastoral staff, and managers working in the helping professions.

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge and expertise, the Advanced Diploma in Clinical Supervision offers a unique opportunity to build confidence and refine essential skills in this critical area of practice.

For further details or to sign up, contact Samantha on 01254 476 704 or email [email protected].

ICC Champions Trophy – Pakistan v New Zealand: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

The State of Play

Pakistan open the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy tomorrow when they take on New Zealand in a momentous moment for cricket in the country.

It is the first ICC tournament staged in Pakistan since the terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009 and there will be huge pressure on local authorities to provide a safe and welcoming environment for seven of the eight participating teams.

India will not be visiting its near neighbour with ongoing political tensions meaning all their games will be staged in Dubai, including their clash with Pakistan on February 23.

Before that, Pakistan have the chance to get the defence of the title they won in 2017 up and running and gain revenge on the Black Caps, who won the recent tri-series that also involved South Africa.

The hosts can still veer from the brilliant to the dreadful and captain Mohammad Rizwan knows consistency is the key in tournament cricket.

He said: “There are ups and downs and certain deficiencies in our side. We are aware we need to bring about certain improvements in our professionalism and consistency.

“We tried to learn from the tri-series, which is why we batted first in the final to work out where our weaknesses lie. We used that series as a training experience. We hope we’ve learned enough to cover for those weaknesses tomorrow.

“Every player is desperate for this title. And we’re doing everything we can to work out how to win. I don’t think any country works as hard as we do.”

New Zealand are canny operators and come into the game as favourites, despite some key absentees.

Spinning all-rounders Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell could be important if the wickets throw up the usual recipe of spin and bounce.

Team News

Pakistan’s main injury concern is Haris Rauf but the paceman is expected to be fit after bowling several overs in the nets in the build up. Rauf sustained a chest injury against New Zealand on February 8 but is set to return to the starting XI.

New Zealand come into the tournament without injured fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears but opener Rachin Ravindra is likely to be fit after not playing since being hit on the head while fielding in the first game of the tri-series. 

Expected line-ups

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke

How to Watch

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Wednesday’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

New Zealand were much too strong for Pakistan in the recent tri-series and it’s hard to see anything changing here.

Add in the fact Pakistan will be under enormous pressure to succeed on home soil under the gaze of an expectant fan base, and it could be a tricky opening day for Rizwan and Co.

The Black Caps are tricky customers and could go deep if their spinners find their range.

We’re going for New Zealand to rain on the Pakistan parade.

Vehicle Safety in Focus as Demand for Auto Parts Surges

With the global automotive parts industry projected to reach $532 billion by 2029, growing vehicle demand and technological advancements are driving rapid change. While innovations such as 3D printing and automation enable faster production, industry experts warn that the authenticity of vehicle components must remain a priority to safeguard both performance and road safety.

Cox Motor Parts, a leading UK distributor of genuine Honda, SEAT, and Volkswagen components, has built a reputation for supplying high-quality OEM parts. Their advanced VIN-based identification system and multi-stage authenticity verification process ensure that drivers receive manufacturer-approved parts that support both performance and safety.

“Honda’s quality assessments show that 80% of competitor brake discs fail to meet Honda’s engineering standards,” states Dan O’Hare, Manager at Cox Motor Parts. “Genuine Honda components are precisely engineered for each model. Using non-genuine alternatives can compromise ABS performance and extend braking distances – a risk no driver should take.”

Although non-OEM parts may initially seem more affordable, they frequently lead to higher long-term costs due to performance issues and increased maintenance needs. These aftermarket alternatives often wear out faster, requiring more frequent replacements, which not only impacts vehicle reliability but also results in more time spent in the garage—causing inconvenience and potential transportation difficulties for drivers.

“We consistently see how genuine parts maximise vehicle performance and safety,” explains O’Hare. “Beyond the immediate performance benefits, customers see longer component life and maintained vehicle warranty coverage, which is important in keeping the total ownership cost down.”

Today’s advanced vehicle systems depend on precisely calibrated components for everything from engine management to emissions control. Non-genuine parts can disrupt efficiency and trigger system warnings, particularly in cars equipped with complex safety and sensor technology. These integrated systems require seamless component communication to function correctly and ensure passenger safety.

When considering the overall cost of vehicle ownership—including diagnostic checks, servicing, and potential mechanical issues—the initial savings from non-genuine components often translate into greater expenses over time. This becomes particularly relevant when factoring in manufacturer warranties, the necessity for specialised diagnostic tools, and the increasing complexity of vehicle electronics requiring precise calibration.

Cox Motor Parts offers a streamlined way for customers to find the right parts through its intuitive online platform. By entering a vehicle registration or VIN number, drivers can easily access genuine Honda, SEAT, and Volkswagen components at competitive prices. The company also provides flexible delivery services, including next-day shipping, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those who prioritise both quality and affordability.

Apex Computing Services Ltd Celebrates a Milestone Year in 2024 and Prepares for Significant Growth in 2025

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Apex Computing Services is delighted to look back on an exceptional 2024, marked by remarkable achievements in business expansion, industry recognition, and service excellence. As we enter 2025, the company is set to build on this success with ambitious plans for further growth and innovation in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.

Key Highlights of 2024

ISO 9001 Certification

Apex Computing Services successfully secured ISO 9001 certification, reaffirming its dedication to delivering top-tier IT services. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring clients receive the highest standards of service.

Strong Financial Growth and New Client Partnerships

2024 was a year of impressive financial performance, with Apex Computing achieving double-digit revenue growth and welcoming more than ten new clients. This success further cements the company’s reputation as a trusted IT solutions provider for businesses throughout Manchester and the North West.

Team Expansion and Strategic Leadership Appointment

To accommodate its ongoing expansion, Apex Computing increased its workforce by 10%, including the key appointment of an Operations Manager. This addition to the leadership team will play a crucial role in enhancing operational structures as the company gears up for accelerated growth in 2025.

Industry Recognition: Two Prestigious Awards

Apex Computing was honored with two major industry awards in 2024:

Mid Enterprise MSP of the Year at the Technology Reseller Awards 2024

  • This award, presented at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, is a testament to our commitment to excellence and achieving our CEO’s goal of industry recognition.
  • Chris Gorman, CEO, stated: “Winning this award validates our dedication and hard work. It motivates us to keep striving for excellence in IT services.”
  • Daniel Shone, Managing Director, added: “It was an honor to accept this award on behalf of our incredible team, whose passion and commitment drive our success.”

Pax8 EMEA Peak Performance – Continuity Award

  • Awarded at the Pax8 Beyond EMEA 2024 conference in Berlin, this accolade acknowledges our excellence in business growth, cloud adoption, and delivering continuity through innovative IT solutions.
  • Chris Gorman remarked: “This award highlights our dedication to innovation and the strength of our partnerships. It’s a proud moment for Apex, and we remain committed to pushing boundaries for our clients.”

Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Accreditation

Apex Computing achieved the esteemed Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Accreditation, signifying our expertise in migrating and managing key infrastructure workloads on Azure. This ensures our clients benefit from:

  • Reliable cloud migration
  • Scalability to meet growing business demands
  • Cost efficiency and optimized IT spending
  • 24/7 certified support

New Service Launch: Managed Email Authentication

To enhance security for our customers, we launched a managed email authentication service, now adopted by over 50% of our clients. This service reinforces cybersecurity measures to protect businesses against phishing and email fraud.

Customer Engagement Through Events & Partnerships

Apex Computing hosted multiple events in collaboration with leading IT vendors, educating businesses on best practices in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. These events provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for our customers.

Successful Trademarking of Apex Computing Services

Securing the trademark for Apex Computing Services further cements our brand identity and market presence, solidifying our reputation as a leading IT services provider.

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Growth and Innovation

Apex Computing is set to build upon our 2024 successes with ambitious plans for 2025:

Recruitment Drive: We plan to expand our team further by hiring five additional staff members to support our growth.
Sustained Growth: Targeting continued double-digit revenue growth.
Branding Milestone: Kicking off the year with a major branding initiative, featuring an advert on Europe’s second-largest digital billboard, The Manchester Screen at Victoria Warehouse.

Innovative IT Solutions: Strengthening our service offerings to enhance client operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation strategies.
Chris Gorman, CEO, encapsulated the company’s vision, stating: “We are proud of our achievements, and our team is critical to this success. We sincerely thank our customers for their continued loyalty. Our aim is to continuously improve our excellent services and look forward to building strong relationships with all of our customers and partners in 2025. We’re an exceptionally strong business with the aim to deliver exemplary levels of service to our customers, making sure they have the IT infrastructure to succeed in their own businesses.”

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Nominations for the Youth Buzz Awards 2025 celebrating Manchester’s talented young people and their achievements, are now open.
The annual event organised by Manchester Youth Council, gives the city an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate its extraordinary young people.

The awards are for Mancunians aged from 11-19 (or up to 25 years old if they have special educational needs or disabilities and/or are carers or care leavers) who help to make a difference in their communities.

They play a part in Manchester’s work with UNICEF UK to put children’s rights into practice and become an internationally recognised Child Friendly City.

Nominations can be made across ten categories:

  • Youth Project of the Year
  • Young Leader of the Year
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Youth Voice or Campaign of the Year
  • Making a Difference Award
  • Young Carer Award
  • Championing Inclusion Award
  • Well-being Award
  • Community Champion Award
  • Outstanding Achievement Award

The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday, May 1.

To nominate a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to the city, complete the Youth Buzz Awards form  by March 9.

Councillor Julie Reid said: “Our ambition is to be a truly child friendly city by putting children and young people at the heart of what we do and we know that there are so many children and young people making a huge difference in their communities, so this is your chance to celebrate their contribution.

“It is so rewarding to watch these young people flourish and grow and carry the skills they gain into their future lives as they continue to contribute to the communities in which they live. If you know someone that deserves this recognition please don’t wait, nominate now, the process is very easy, and it could make a massive difference to a young person’s life.”

Council leader welcomes £1.5 million funding for Collyhurst regeneration

Manchester has been allocated £1.5 million to support the next phase of regeneration in Collyhurst – part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme.

Over the next decade, Victoria North will become a new town with the city where 15,000 new homes will be across 155 hectares of brownfield land between Victoria train station and Queen’s Park in north Manchester.  Seven new and emerging neighbourhoods will be connected by high quality green spaces and the River Irk will be opened up and celebrated for the first time in decades.

Council leader Bev Craig said: “We welcome the news that the new government wants to work with us to help us build more homes and create more jobs for Manchester residents.

“Victoria North represents one of the most ambitious urban regeneration programmes in Europe and will see more than 15,000 homes built in the next decade, along with a range of employment, social, community, cultural and neighbourhood uses. Its delivery will transform 390 acres of brownfield and underutilised land in some of the most deprived wards of Manchester, creating a new town in Manchester, interconnected by quality green spaces which will open up and celebrate the River Irk.

“Already, hundreds of homes have been built as part of the regeneration programme, including 130 new council homes in Collyhurst that will be available to residents very soon, alongside a new community park.

“This £1.5 million government funding will help to unlock a key element of the vision for Collyhurst by supporting the development of a business case for a new Metrolink stop at Sandhills, that will better connect the Collyhurst neighbourhood to the wider city and region, linking our residents to employment and other services and opportunities.”

Duo jailed after fatal attempted car theft in Manchester

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A man and woman who attempted to steal a vehicle in Beswick, leaving a grandad with fatal injuries, have been jailed.

On the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024, Marvin Sutton and Charlene Thomas conspired to steal a Land Rover Discovery belonging to Christopher Hanley.

As Chris was alerted to his car being stolen, he tried to stop Sutton from getting away. Sutton drove dangerously, which caused Chris to be thrown from the bonnet of the car, causing fatal head injuries.

Despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services, Chris died at the scene.

Marvin Sutton (35) of Anthony Close, Manchester, was jailed for ten years and six months. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and theft.

Also sentenced for her role, Charlene Thomas (36) of Moss Lane East pleaded guilty to theft. For this, she was sentenced 21 months. She was also sentenced to three years and three months for robbery for an unrelated offence which occurred in 2022. Her sentences will run consecutively and she will be jailed for five years.

Greater Manchester Police’s major incident team’s investigation found that in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, March 17, 2024, the stolen and abandoned Land Rover was found and it was clear that there were attempts made to set it alight.

Detectives believe that this was orchestrated by Sutton to try and destroy any forensic evidence that could link him to the car. Police recovered the vehicle, and it formed a crucial part of the investigation.

It’s believed that Sutton then stayed at an address nearby, lying low in an attempt to evade police. However, on Sunday evening, Sutton was arrested on suspicion of murder, and despite answering no comment to all questions put to him, he was charged and remanded into custody.

Detective chief inspector Rachel Smith said: “The selfish and irresponsible actions of Sutton and Thomas that day meant a man tragically lost his life trying to defend his own property.

“Today’s sentences reflect the calculated and cruel nature of their crime and whilst no sentence can bring Chris (pictured below) back, I hope this outcome is able to provide some small comfort to all those that knew and loved him.”

christopher hanley blurred scaled e1739522243173

Tribute

Paying tribute, Chris’ family said: ”Chris was a proud grandad, his grandchildren were his whole world, but he was robbed of the chance to watch them grow up and experience their own life milestones.

“He was our rock, he was a supportive, caring, kind and loving man. He had a great sense of humour; he was always poking fun at others and himself. His laugh, and passion for life, was infectious, and he enjoyed walking his dog, Lenny, and supporting his boyhood club, Manchester City.

“He had the biggest heart; he would always go out of his way to help anyone. To know him, and be loved by him, was a privilege. His loss has left us with a huge hole in our lives, and he will never be forgotten.”

Trafford Centre champions homegrown talent for new Asian dining experience

Trafford Centre is unveiling its new restaurant dining development ‘Eastern Garden’, which is dedicated to Mancunian talent.

Responding to consumer demand, Eastern Garden celebrates independent operators with a line-up that includes Nichi, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, Hello Oriental and Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery, as the centre seeks to champion the region’s cuisine.

The new area, was known as Chinatown, is a vibrant and visually stunning dining destination designed to reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary Asian aesthetics.

The four culinary concepts each bring their unique flavours and experiences to offer visitors a taste of Manchester’s eclectic food scene.

Contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist, Nichi, was born in Manchester and opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft restaurant in the centre in late 2024. The restaurant offers a premium, immersive dining experience, specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé. The brand is led by a seasoned team including head chef Kentaro Yanagisawa, from Sexyfish Manchester and Vanessa Mornet from Zuma.

Hello Oriental, which opened its first branch off Oxford Road and founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, offers more than 100 dishes including popular East Asian street food and traditional favourites, ranging from dim sum to noodles to Cantonese roast meats and also includes a full kids’ menu.

Chit ‘n’ Chaat occupies a 2,000 sq ft unit in the centre, its fifth location in the region. Since its inception in 2020, Chit n Chaat has been passionate about delivering authentic, Indian street food.

Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower has its own bakery in Sale, producing bread, cakes and pastries. Opening in the coming weeks, from cruffins to Bakewell tarts, focaccias to homemade granola, diners can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of seasonal items all handmade by a small team of bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Kitty Vaughan, head of F&B and leisure leasing at Pradera Lateral, said: “At Trafford Centre, we are committed to offering our visitors an exciting and diverse food and beverage experience that celebrates our global customers and champions homegrown talent.

“Eastern Garden not only enjoys a wide array of unique and authentic flavours but also represents the vibrant and dynamic culinary scene of Manchester. This initiative is a significant step in our ongoing investment to diversify the exciting culinary offering at Trafford Centre.”