Business Manchester

Thompson Wright Accountants announces retirement of senior director David Wright

Business

Helen Greaney

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28/05/2025

Thompson Wright Accountants announces retirement of senior director David Wright

Thompson Wright Chartered Accountants based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has announced the retirement of senior director David Wright, after more than 40 years of dedicated service.

David Wright (pictured right) joined the practice in 1980 and became a partner in 1983, playing a pivotal role in its growth and transformation.

As senior director, he helped guide the firm’s transformation into a limited company in 2010.

During his leadership, Thompson Wright opened offices in Leek and Hale, broadened its client base, enhanced its service offerings, and established itself as a trusted name in accountancy across the region.

“David’s retirement marks the end of an era for Thompson Wright,” said Richard Thompson, managing director.

“Having worked alongside David, who established the firm with my father, Lawrence Thompson, I’ve witnessed first-hand the enormous contribution he has made to our growth and culture. His strategic insight, commitment to excellence, and unwavering focus on client care have been fundamental to our success. He leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, innovation, and dedication.”

(Pictured from left are directors, Catherine Hancock, Sarah Bowen, Jessica Swinton, Richard Thompson, David Wright, Rachel Buxton, Jeremy Bostock)

A member of Charter Group and more recently Abacus Worldwide, Thompson Wright has thrived under David’s influence—cementing its position as a key player in the accountancy sector locally and nationally, and as one of the UK’s Top 100 accountancy firms. David’s leadership blended professionalism with a strong focus on personal client relationships—values that continue to define the firm’s culture today.

Throughout his tenure, David has been recognised for his mentorship of staff, his support of business growth within the region, and his integral role in building enduring client relationships. His guidance has been pivotal in establishing Thompson Wright as a trusted and respected adviser.

Although stepping back from day-to-day operations, David will remain in an advisory role, offering his invaluable insight and support.

Rachel Buxton, director, said: “David’s guidance and wisdom have played a huge part in shaping our team. We will certainly miss the laughs he brought to our directors’ meetings! We wish him a joyful and relaxing retirement with his family and hopefully he will get plenty of time on the golf course!”

Final call: Don’t miss the last days of Arighi Bianchi’s Spring Sale extravaganza

Helen Greaney

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23/05/2025

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Final call: Don’t miss the last days of Arighi Bianchi’s Spring Sale extravaganza

If you’re upgrading your interiors or finally planning to treat yourself to that new sofa, now’s the moment. The clock is ticking on Arighi Bianchi’s Spring Sale Event – and with offers ending on Sunday, June 1, this is your final chance to bag serious bargains on big-name furniture, stylish accessories, and luxury home essentials.

Even better? It’s a Bank Holiday Weekend – so you’ve got the perfect excuse to make a day of it at the North’s most famous furnishings retail destination and enjoy expert guidance from the Arighi Bianchi home styling team.

Save 25% across all departments, up to 50% on clearance items – plus enjoy an extra £100 off when you spend £1200

With discounts of up to 25% across the store and online, Arighi Bianchi has gone all out for its Spring Sale finale. But there’s more. Customers spending over £1200 can enjoy an extra £100 off, whether shopping in-store in Macclesfield or online from the comfort of home.

There’s also a stunning range of showroom exclusives and final reductions at unbeatable prices, but when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Even its best sellers and ‘new in’ ranges are in the sale!

Love the latest trends or want a timeless home upgrade? You’ll find everything from sleek corner sofas to statement dining tables, dreamy beds, luxury mattresses, and curated accessories designed to bring your home to life just in time for summer.

Final savings can also be found in the Arighi’s flooring, carpets, lighting and blinds & curtains departments.

There are exclusive deals on top brands like Tempur, Vispring, Hypnos and Le Creuset, making this sale an unmissable opportunity to invest in comfort and style.

Looking to elevate your living space outdoors this summer? Arighi Bianchi’s outdoor living collection is packed with stylish garden furniture, luxe tableware, and accessories made for al fresco dining, sunset drinks, and laid-back weekends in the garden. Look no further for the most elegant dining sets, loungers and everything you need to entertain in style.

A brew on the house? Don’t mind if we do. To mark the launch of Arighi Bianchi’s new partnership with cult London coffee brand Grind, customers will receive a free Grind coffee at Caffè AB with every furniture purchase during the final days of the sale. So, whether you’re picking up a designer dining table or a stylish outdoor set, your caffeine fix is on them.

Caffè AB is worth a visit in its own right – a relaxing bistro within the store serving everything from matcha lattes to homemade cakes. Perfect for refuelling mid-shop. PLUS, during the Bank Holiday weekend enjoy a complementary glass of fizz at Caffè AB with any main meal, just quote “fizz” when booking.

Not your average furniture store

Arighi Bianchi isn’t just about shopping – it’s an experience. Set in a stunning heritage building in the heart of Macclesfield, this family-run business has been a beacon for interior lovers for over 170 years. With four floors of design-led inspiration, expert staff on hand, and a reputation for quality that spans generations, it’s no wonder people travel from across the region to shop here.

Add in flexible finance options (including up to 24 months interest-free credit), a dedicated delivery team, and exclusive in-store collections you won’t find elsewhere, and you’ve got every reason to visit before the Spring Sale ends.

Whether you’re furnishing a new space, refreshing a tired room, or simply craving a stylish summer set-up, now’s the time to act. With prices like these – and a fresh coffee thrown in for good measure – Arighi Bianchi’s Spring Sale is the home event of the season.

But remember, the sale ends Sunday, June 1.

Visit Arighi Bianchi on The Silk Road in Macclesfield or shop the full sale online at www.arighibianchi.co.uk.

Grind heads north in exclusive partnership with Arighi Bianchi

Helen Greaney

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22/05/2025

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Grind heads north in exclusive partnership with Arighi Bianchi

Arighi Bianchi, the renowned 170-year-old furniture destination based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, has announced an exciting new partnership with cult London coffee brand Grind.

The collaboration will see Grind coffee served exclusively in-store at Caffè AB, which has been given authorised partner status, marking the first time Grind coffee will be officially served outside of London.

While Grind has partnered with selected retailers to offer its signature pink compostable pods and ground coffee for home and office use, this marks the brand’s first hospitality partnership beyond the capital. To date, Grind coffee has been served in its own branded cafés across London, and at Soho House (opening in Manchester 2025), and it has penned a deal with Gary Neville to open its first cafe outside of London, at No. 1 St Michael’s in Manchester, this summer.

The new partnership brings Grind’s signature ethically sourced, speciality-grade coffee to the heart of Cheshire. And for Arighi Bianchi, this is a carefully considered step in evolving the in-store experience. While the store’s building itself is a local landmark – its ornate Victorian façade and original features have stood the test of time – the retailer isn’t one to stand still. Over the past decade, it’s quietly redefined what a furniture store can be: part gallery, part home, part social space. And now, a destination for truly good coffee.

“This is more than just a new brew on the menu,” said Arighi Bianchi Director Nick Bianchi. “It’s a meeting of two brands with shared values: design-led, ethically conscious, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. It’s about creating connection; culture; conversation.

“Partnering with Grind allows us to extend our ethos of craftsmanship, quality and great design into the café experience. Our customers can now enjoy one of the UK’s most exciting coffee brands as part of their visit to the store, hand-crafted by our experienced baristas.”

Nick added: “Grind understands the importance of experience. Their coffee isn’t just about taste (though it’s exceptional) – it’s about sustainability, creativity and culture. It feels a natural partnership for us.”

Grind is on a mission to change the way we drink coffee for the better, making craft coffee accessible to more people in more places, from their cafés to your kitchen. Since opening in 2011, Grind has grown to include cafés, coffee shops, and a state-of-the-art coffee roastery. You can also find their speciality coffee online through their DTC business, in supermarkets all over the UK, in every Soho House around the world, and up 35,000ft on British Airways flights.

With ethically-sourced coffee from sustainable farms, home-compostable pods, plastic-free packaging, and their own charity, the Better Coffee Foundation®, Grind is a certified B Corp reshaping modern coffee culture with a brand built on sustainability, community, and craft expertise.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Arighi Bianchi on this new chapter,” said Kate Jeffries, head of Grind Pro. “They’ve built something really special in Cheshire – design-led, community-driven, and a little bit iconic. It’s the perfect fit as we expand out of London.”

Barista-made coffee Grind coffee is now available at Caffè AB seven days a week. Arighi Bianchi will also retail Grind home-compostable pods and bean and ground coffee, for customers to enjoy at home.

FREESMO Rolls Out Amazon Voucher Offer for New Customers Ahead of Vape Ban

Business

News Desk

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22/05/2025

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FREESMO Rolls Out Amazon Voucher Offer for New Customers Ahead of Vape Ban

In a bid to encourage more smokers to switch to safer alternatives, FREESMO has unveiled a new customer reward scheme—offering a £20 Amazon voucher to all first-time buyers who spend at least £20 on their initial order.

The offer marks the end of FREESMO’s previous Golden Ticket campaign, which rewarded winners on a weekly basis. Under this new promotion, every first-time customer is guaranteed a reward, not just a lucky few.

“We’ve taken everything our customers loved about the Golden Ticket campaign and made it better,” said Georgi Keckarovski, CEO of FREESMO.
“We’re not just rewarding luck, we’re rewarding action. If you’re ready to switch to a better alternative, we’re ready to help, and that support now comes with a guaranteed reward.”

The initiative coincides with the upcoming UK ban on disposable vapes, due to take effect on 1st June 2025. This change is expected to impact thousands of smokers who rely on disposables as a key part of their smoke-free strategy.

FREESMO is helping customers prepare through a range of resources, including its Smoke-Free Questionnaire—a tailored assessment tool that recommends nicotine products based on a person’s unique profile and usage behaviour.

“Every nicotine user is different. That’s why a one-size-fits-all product recommendation just doesn’t work,” added George Keckarovski.
“Our Smoke-Free Questionnaire ensures that every customer is getting a tailored recommendation so they’re not just buying a product, they’re making a truly informed choice.”

The voucher campaign is available throughout May for all eligible first-time customers. While returning customers aren’t included in the offer, they’ll continue to have access to specialist support, personalised product guidance, and exclusive pricing on smoke-free alternatives like refillable kits and nicotine pouches.

To redeem the offer, new customers must visit freesmo.co.uk, place a first order of £20 or more, and they’ll receive their Amazon voucher within 48 hours.

Gutter cleaning checklist every homeowner in the North West should know

Homes & Interiors

Helen Greaney

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21/05/2025

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Gutter cleaning checklist every homeowner in the North West should know

When it comes to home maintenance in the North West, one task consistently gets
ignored—gutter cleaning. It’s out of sight, out of mind… until something goes wrong.

But if you’re living in places like Bolton, Wigan or Blackpool, where rain is just part of daily life, ignoring your gutters can become a costly mistake.

Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. They collect rain from the roof and direct it safely away from your walls and foundations. But when gutters get clogged with leaves, moss, or debris, water can overflow and cause major structural problems.

So how do you stay ahead of the damage? Here’s your essential North West Gutter Cleaning Checklist:

Check your gutters at least twice a year

You should inspect your gutters at least once in spring and once in autumn—especially if you live near trees. In cities like Manchester, where mature trees line many residential streets, gutters can fill with fallen leaves quickly, particularly in areas like Chorlton, Didsbury, and Withington.

Also watch for moss buildup from older rooftops – a big problem in places like Wigan, Bury, and Rochdale, where period homes are common.

Look for visible overflow or water damage

One of the most obvious signs your gutters need attention? Water spilling over the edges during or after heavy rainfall. You might also see:

Dark streaks on your walls
Moss or plants growing from the gutters
Rotting wooden fascias or peeling paint
Damp spots near the base of your home

These are red flags that your gutters aren’t doing their job. If you’re seeing these signs around your property in Blackpool, Shrewsbury, or Wrexham, it’s time to act.

Avoid DIY if your gutters are high or awkward to access

Sure, you can attempt to clean your gutters yourself—but if your home is more than one storey or has hard-to-reach roof lines, it’s risky business. Climbing ladders without proper safety equipment can lead to accidents, and makeshift tools often don’t get the job done properly.

That’s why professional services like Aaron’s Gutter Cleaning Services are worth the investment. Their team uses high-powered vacuum systems and telescopic cameras to clean gutters safely from the ground—no ladders, no mess, no damage to your roof.

Don’t forget the downpipes

Many homeowners clean their gutter channels but completely forget about the downpipes. A blocked downpipe can cause water to back up and overflow, just like a clogged gutter.

Professional gutter cleaning services inspect and clear downpipes as part of a complete clean—ensuring the entire system is functioning properly.

Book gutter cleaning before winter or after big storms

If you live in Telford, Wigan, or Bolton, where storms and windy weather are common, it’s smart to schedule a clean after heavy weather. Twigs, tiles, and debris often blow into the guttering system, and buildup can happen fast.

It’s also important to clean before winter sets in. Frozen water in clogged gutters expands and can crack the guttering or lead to ice dams—causing water to leak under the roof tiles.

Use a local service that knows the area

Not all gutter cleaning services are the same. A local team that understands the quirks of North West weather and housing stock can offer a better experience.

That’s exactly what you get with Aaron’s Gutter Cleaning Services. They serve homes and businesses throughout:

Bolton
Wigan
Blackpool
Bury
Telford
Wrexham
Shrewsbury
Rochdale
Bolton

Whether you live in a city-centre flat, a Victorian terrace, or a rural cottage, their experienced technicians will tailor their service to your property.

Make it part of your annual maintenance plan

The best way to protect your home from water damage? Consistency. Make gutter cleaning part of your routine maintenance schedule—just like boiler servicing or window cleaning.

Some companies, like Aaron’s, even offer regular service plans, so you never forget. It’s one less thing to worry about—and far cheaper than fixing mouldy walls or a leaking roof.

Final thoughts

Gutter cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. Especially in the North West, where our roofs deal with more rain in a month than some areas get all year, you simply can’t afford to ignore it.

With affordable, ladder-free solutions and expert service from Aaron’s Gutter Cleaning Services, keeping your home dry and protected has never been easier.

So before the next storm hits, take a look up. Your gutters might be telling you it’s time for a clean.

Arklow Wastewater Plant sets new standard for sustainable infrastructure

Construction

News Desk

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20/05/2025

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Arklow Wastewater Plant sets new standard for sustainable infrastructure

The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant – a €139 million project that ends decades of raw sewage discharge into the River Avoca – has officially opened, marking a major environmental milestone for Ireland.

Ayesa, a global leader in engineering and technology, joined Irish Water utility Uisce Éireann, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister James Browne, and local representatives to celebrate this long-awaited achievement.

Strategically located in Ferrybank on Ireland’s east coast, the state-of-the-art facility brings long-overdue environmental protection to the region while unlocking potential for future housing and commercial development in Arklow and its surroundings.

Fully operational since late 2024, the project was delivered six months ahead of schedule and within budget—an exceptional achievement in major infrastructure delivery.

In a striking departure from conventional wastewater facilities, the Arklow plant has captured international attention for its bold design and architectural excellence.

Blending industrial function with sculptural form, the building integrates seamlessly into its coastal setting with a design that is both practical and visually compelling. It was recently awarded the prestigious Downes Medal—the highest honour from the Architectural Association of Ireland, and one rarely granted to utility infrastructure. This recognition positions the plant as a global case study in how essential infrastructure can also enrich the built environment.

“This project has been a decade in the making, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Ayesa (formerly ByrneLooby) team,” said Luke O’Connor, Director of Water, Ayesa Ireland. “Their dedication—from the earliest feasibility studies to project handover—has shaped a facility that is now a global benchmark in wastewater infrastructure.”

Ayesa has played a central role in this nationally significant project for over a decade, supporting Uisce Éireann and its delivery partners from inception to completion. The company’s multidisciplinary expertise spanned early environmental studies, land acquisition, and stakeholder engagement, through to the design of interceptor sewers, a marine outfall, and key infrastructure components, including a 1,000m offshore pipeline, river tunnel beneath the Avoca and high-capacity pumping station.

During construction, Ayesa acted as Employer’s Representative, overseeing delivery and ensuring seamless coordination across all stakeholders. Michael Looby, Director at Ayesa added: Being here on the first day we turned the sod and now to see the plant fully operational—ahead of schedule and already making a difference for the community—is incredibly rewarding. This is more than just infrastructure; it’s a legacy project for Arklow and it’s deeply personal to us.”

Michael Tinsley, Wastewater Senior Portfolio Delivery Manager, Uisce Éireann, said: “The successful delivery of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant marks a major milestone for the community and for Uisce Éireann. Ayesa’s collaborative approach with all stakeholders, and technical expertise were vital to progressing this complex and long-anticipated project.”

Speaking at the event, the Irish Prime Minister, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the project as a key step in Ireland’s environmental and housing ambitions. He said: “The Government recognises the vital role of strategic infrastructure investment in meeting the country’s demand for housing while also protecting and enhancing the environment. That’s why we are committed to working with Uisce Éireann to bring forward essential projects like this plant in Arklow, which is currently capable of supporting a population of 24,000 but holds the potential to expand to 36,000.”

With the plant now fully operational, Arklow is entering a new era—one defined by environmental protection, improved public health, and sustainable growth. More than just a treatment facility, this project stands as a model for how essential infrastructure can create long-lasting social, environmental, and architectural value.

Why Muslims are choosing the Muslim Pro App to perform Badal Hajj

Events

Helen Greaney

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20/05/2025

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Why Muslims are choosing the Muslim Pro App to perform Badal Hajj

Muslims in the United States and United Kingdom increasingly turn to digital solutions for organising religious obligations, including Badal Hajj – a pilgrimage performed on behalf of
someone unable to complete it personally.

The Muslim Pro app, known primarily for prayer times and Quranic resources, has expanded its services to include Badal Hajj arrangements.

Badal Hajj represents an important Islamic practice allowing Muslims to fulfill the pilgrimage obligation for those physically or financially unable to perform it themselves.

Muslim Pro’s Expanision services reflects the company’s broader evolution from a basic utility app to “the digital home for all things Muslim,” according to Nafees Khundker, CEO and group managing director.

“Of course. Slowly when we started… Very quickly actually, from being just a utility app, we started providing additional services,” Khundker explained.

“Anything that we thought the users wanted or the user feedback that we received, we started expanding on those services.”

Addressing geographic and logistical challenges

Muslims in Western countries face particular challenges in fulfilling Hajj obligations. Limited access to reliable agencies, language barriers with Saudi service providers, and complex visa
processes create substantial hurdles.

Muslim Pro initially gained traction in Western countries precisely because it addressed accessibility issues.

“The app was very quickly accepted in the Western world, and we started getting a
lot of downloads and usage from there,” Khundker noted. “That’s where we really grew initially.”

The app now leverages this established Western user base to provide Badal Hajj services specifically tailored to American and British Muslims looking to arrange pilgrimages for elderly parents, deceased relatives, or others unable to perform Hajj themselves.

Trust built through data privacy practices

Following data privacy concerns in 2020, Muslim Pro implemented stringent protections that have strengthened user trust—a critical factor for services involving financial transactions and religious obligations.

“We have a very, very strong process of managing data. Very few people will ever have access to individual data,” Khundker explained. “In terms of working with partners, also, we have changed quite a bit to actually manage this one.”

This enhanced data security has made users more comfortable using the platform for sensitive arrangements like Badal Hajj, which often involve personal information about the beneficiary and substantial financial commitments.

Expanding beyond core functions

The addition of Badal Hajj services aligns with Muslim Pro’s broader strategy of becoming a comprehensive Islamic lifestyle platform.

“Now we have a new vision, is to be the digital home for all things Muslim, which is basically combining faith, technology, and also the whole lifestyle for Muslim,” Khundker explains. “Whatever a Muslim needs in their daily life, we want to be there to provide those services.”

Transparent communication and verification

For Muslims in Western countries, ensuring that Badal Hajj is performed correctly and authentically remains a significant concern. Muslim Pro addresses this through detailed verification processes and transparent communication about each stage of the pilgrimage.

Users receive confirmation when their Badal Hajj delegate receives their information, begins the pilgrimage rituals, and completes the necessary rites. This transparency helps bridge the geographical gap between Western Muslims and the sacred sites in Saudi Arabia.

Accessibility for diverse communities

With the app available in more than 60 languages on the platform today and continuous localisation efforts, Muslim Pro makes Badal Hajj arrangements accessible to diverse Muslim
communities across the US and UK.

This linguistic accessibility proves particularly valuable in multicultural societies where Muslims may speak various languages but share common religious obligations. The platform
standardises and simplifies the process regardless of users’ native languages or cultural backgrounds.

Muslim Pro’s expansion into Badal Hajj services exemplifies how faith-based digital platforms evolve to address specific community needs. By transforming a traditionally complex religious
arrangement into an accessible digital service, the app continues its mission of supporting Muslims worldwide in fulfilling their religious obligations, particularly those in Western countries with limited access to traditional Islamic resources.

Climate guilt isn’t making Brits drive less…It’s the cost of living

Transport

Helen Greaney

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20/05/2025

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Climate guilt isn’t making Brits drive less…It’s the cost of living

New data reveals financial and ethical factors are still shaping the nation’s transport choices – but with more weight on the financial impact.

Private plate supplier Regtransfers suggests that cost of living concerns are a stronger influence than environmental guilt when it comes to reconsidering car use.

Speaking with 1,000 UK drivers, 56.6% of respondents reported they had either actively sought alternatives (12.8%) or occasionally considered other options (43.8%) to private car use – such as cycling, public transport, or car sharing – as a result of rising motoring costs. By contrast, a third (33.8%) said these costs had not influenced their travel choices at all.

This insight comes at a time of ongoing economic strain. Rising fuel prices, inflated insurance premiums and the development of Low Emission Zones have increased the cost of car ownership, with recent polling showing that 73% of drivers are concerned about insurance affordability, and 67% are worried about fuel costs.

When asked whether environmental impact influences how they travel, 66.2% of respondents said they consider it to some degree – though only 7.1% say they “always” do, while a majority of 32.6% said they only “sometimes” factor it in. This suggests that while environmental impact is on people’s minds, it is rarely decisive in shaping transport behaviour.

This data echoes findings from the Environment Journal, which found that while 73% of European travellers prioritise climate impact when planning trips, their actual behaviours often lag behind their expressed values.

Regtransfers data also highlights some notable gender differences, with women twice as likely than men to already rely on alternative transport (8.09% against 4.53%) and to consider environmental impact in their travel decisions. Only 10.43% of women said they “never” consider the environment, compared to 16.42% of men. This 6% difference equates to something in the region of 2.4 million British adults.

Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, said: “Drivers today are being pulled in two directions – on one hand, they’re facing the rising cost of simply getting from A to B, and on the other, there’s growing pressure to make greener choices.

“It’s clear that people are feeling the pinch, but while most of us care about the environment, it’s rising fuel prices and insurance costs that are making us think twice about jumping in the car.

“What’s interesting is that women seem more likely to factor in environmental concerns and to already be using alternatives like public transport. That gap matters – if we want greener travel habits to stick, we need to make the sustainable choice the easy and obvious one for everyone.”

Michael Smith Engineers Expands ULTRAChem® Range with Two New Pump Series from Finish Thompson Inc.

Manufacturing

News Desk

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20/05/2025

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Michael Smith Engineers Expands ULTRAChem® Range with Two New Pump Series from Finish Thompson Inc.

Michael Smith Engineers Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of specialist pumping solutions, is excited to introduce two innovative pump ranges from Finish Thompson Inc. (FTI)—a world-renowned manufacturer of chemical transfer systems.

The newly released UCR and UCP pumps join the existing ULTRAChem® range, delivering magnetically driven, ANSI-compatible performance for industries handling aggressive and corrosive chemicals. These pumps are engineered to maximise uptime and durability in even the most hostile processing environments.

The UCR range is built for extreme resistance to chemical corrosion, featuring a pure ETFE lining, barrier liner, and over-moulded magnets—a configuration tailored for use in demanding sectors such as plating, mining, chemical processing, and metal manufacturing.

In contrast, the UCP range provides a budget-friendly alternative, combining polypropylene and ETFE materials to offer chemical resistance and operational efficiency. It’s ideal for businesses seeking a reliable yet economical pumping solution without compromising on build quality.

“We are delighted to bring the UCR and UCP series to the UK market,” said Jason Downing, Sales Director at Michael Smith Engineers Ltd.

“Our customers in the chemical industry already rely on the ULTRAChem range for its outstanding performance. These new additions offer even greater flexibility, reliability, and value—meeting the diverse and demanding needs of corrosive liquid transfer.”

Renowned for its decades-long experience supporting clients with difficult liquids—from flammable substances to acidic and abrasive fluids—Michael Smith Engineers continues to be the go-to partner for resilient and tailored pump systems across the UK.

For more information on the UCR and UCP pumps or to explore other high-specification solutions, visit: www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk

Global tech fulfilment platform delivers profitable, double-digit revenue growth

Tech

Helen Greaney

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16/05/2025

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Global tech fulfilment platform delivers profitable, double-digit revenue growth

A global tech enabled fulfilment provider has posted record revenues for FY25.

In the year ending March 31, 2025, fulfilmentcrowd – a global fulfilment platform, driven by technology – recorded unaudited total revenues of £21 million, up 20 per cent on 2024.

Figures also show that profitability increased by 83% YoY, and that over nine million items were shipped through the platform across all territories in the last 12 months, an impressive +41% against FY24.

Jon Davies (pictured below), chief financial officer at fulfilmentcrowd said: “The onboarding of omnichannel customers in the year has helped drive an increase in item count whilst retained growth across our existing customers was in excess of 20%.

“Our flexible capacity, international footprint, and high service levels provide customers with the ability to grow their business through our global fulfilment platform. Also, our proprietary technology developments for both customers and warehouse partners help drive retention and efficiency”.

The UK remains the principal trading entity, but non-UK revenue continued to grow in FY25, and accounted for 32% of Group revenue in the year (up from 21% in FY24).

Chief executive Lee Thompson (pictured, main) said: “In FY25 we saw growth in export, including annualisation of new brand wins across EU and USA, and we will continue to invest in sales and marketing activity in these territories going forward.

“A sector focused approach, alongside discipline around our ICP, has delivered record results. Clothing, footwear & accessories grew the most YoY in isolation (+73%), and health, lifestyle and supplements saw the second biggest improvement year on year, at +57%”.

Davies added: “Our unique model has enabled us to drive profitable revenue growth whilst also generating cash and puts us in an enviable position within the market”. fulfilmentcrowd’s strategy for FY26 will include investment across its sales and marketing function to drive an increase in new customer wins for FY26.

Its goal for FY26 is for revenue growth to continue to be in excess of 20 per cent and break £25 million of revenue at an improved profitability. The new financial year has started well with budget achieved in the first month.

Thompson added: “We secured over £5 million of customer wins in FY25 and the annualised impact of these accounts will help drive performance into FY26.

“International capability will also be enhanced with operations starting in new centres in Ireland and Australia, and the team is also executing a well-developed technology roadmap to support customer and partner needs”.

For more information, visit https://www.fulfilmentcrowd.com/