| 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:
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
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.”
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.”
BWS Celebrates 100,000 YouTube Subscribers with Silver Play Button Award
Manchester-based animation and storytelling studio, BWS, has reached a significant milestone, earning YouTube’s coveted Silver Play Button after surpassing 100,000 subscribers.
This achievement highlights the studio’s commitment to producing engaging, high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. BWS’ unique blend of artistry and innovation has helped carve out a distinct niche in the animation industry.
The milestone is a reflection of both the hard work and creativity of the BWS team and the dedicated fans who continue to engage with their content.
BWS’ top-performing videos showcase its ability to craft compelling narratives and push creative boundaries, consistently captivating viewers.
Some of the most popular videos on the channel include:
- A Royal Grand Design | ITV
- Waterloo Road x Warner Bros | Animated Moments
- Channel 4: A Lake District Farm Shop
- Life & Spicy Peppers | Mini-Doc
- Animating Comic Books!
- Lisbon
- Deadpool 3 | Lofi Draw
- Debuchelon’s | Take A Look at Me | Official Music Video
Founder and Chief Animator, Ben Wild, acknowledged the significance of this milestone: “This achievement is a celebration of our incredible team and the loyal community that has supported us. Reaching 100,000 subscribers motivates us to continue producing content that inspires and entertains. We’re excited about the journey ahead and grateful for everyone who’s been part of it.”
With this milestone behind them, BWS is looking ahead to future projects that will further expand its creative reach and engage an even wider audience.
Research-backed initiative to create jobs, build skills and boost innovation
Research and innovation in advanced manufacturing and the development of sustainable materials in Greater Manchester will be accelerated through a new Innovation Centre.
With access to world-class university expertise, research and facilities, businesses in the region will have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge, create job opportunities, build skills, and rapidly innovate sustainable products and services.
This will be made possible by the launch of the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMMIC) at Manchester Metropolitan University.
The centre brings together a range of business support services at the university including additive manufacturing at one the UK’s biggest technology hubs PrintCity, and expertise in surface engineering, green energy, metamaterials, nanotechnology and digitalisation.
It will also be supported by the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met, which is led by a team of experts transforming research into practical solutions for businesses.
AMMIC is open to businesses in the manufacturing and materials sector who are seeking to accelerate their research and innovation activities.
Through a fully funded programme of support, university experts will support businesses in cutting edge research, problem development, market-led innovation and prototyping, while providing access to Manchester Met’s facilities and technology.
Professor Nick Brook, pro-vice chancellor for research at Manchester Met, said: “The launch of AMMIC brings together our global expertise in manufacturing, advanced materials and sustainability, and opens up our fully funded support to the region’s businesses.
“With the government investing heavily in the manufacturing sector, AMMIC will see the University and industry coming together to accelerate the growth in this area through our research strengths to drive this key area of the Greater Manchester economy.”
AMMIC is funded through the GMCA’s Investment Zone programme, which is providing £160 million in public funding over 10 years to support the growth of the advanced materials and manufacturing sector.
At an official launch event, held on Wednesday at Manchester Met, 90 guests from industry and funding bodies across Greater Manchester joined university experts to explore the ways AMMIC will support the region.
Carl Ennis, CEO of Siemens in the UK and Ireland, said: “The UK needs to deploy technology quicker than ever to address challenges like productivity and decarbonisation.
“We can’t afford to lag global peers, especially as the pace of technological innovation accelerates through the adoption of AI, Machine Learning, Big Data and Automation. AMMIC provides a great launchpad for research and innovation to support businesses as they strive to make better use of technology.”
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “Encouraging more innovation is key to growing Greater Manchester’s economy. We are proud to be backing AMMIC through Greater Manchester’s Investment Zone, which is building on our strengths in the advanced materials and manufacturing sector through by funding a wide range of projects.
“Manchester Met is home to some fantastic research and innovation facilities. AMMIC will serve as an important link between these assets and our business community, helping companies in the materials and manufacturing sector develop better products and services.”
AMMIC will see a significant investment in new state of the art equipment for the region as well as a route for businesses to access funding towards research and development projects and PhD programmes.
The part-funded PhD projects will provide high quality, collaborative research aimed towards specific challenge areas, ultimately leading to new skills in industry and academic publications.
Image (from left): Professor Jennie Shorley, professor Peter Kelly and Professor Carl Diver at AMMIC
FoxTech Announces £150,000 Cybersecurity Investment to Safeguard Businesses
A Limited-Time Opportunity to Detect and Address Security Weaknesses This February
To address the growing risks of cyber threats across industries, FoxTech is launching a £150,000 initiative to provide free cybersecurity services to mid-sized businesses this February.
Organisations can utilise these funds to access a range of essential cybersecurity services, including internal and external penetration testing, application vulnerability assessments, and cloud security audits. This initiative aims to help businesses enhance their digital security and protect against emerging cyber risks.
Anthony Green, CTO of cybersecurity consultants FoxTech, works to prevent cyber-attacks, and helps companies who have experienced a security breach:
“With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and persistent, it’s important to continuously review and strengthen cybersecurity defences. By offering this initiative, we aim to provide businesses with a fresh perspective, helping them identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The flexibility to target specific areas – whether it’s cloud security, applications, or infrastructure – ensures the support is as impactful as possible.”
Participants in the initiative will receive:
- Tailored Cybersecurity Support: Businesses can allocate the complimentary funds to areas most relevant to their operations, whether internal/external penetration testing, application testing, or cloud security reviews.
- Expert Guidance: FoxTech’s experienced cybersecurity team specialises in uncovering vulnerabilities others may miss.
Actionable Insights: Comprehensive reports in plain English, offering practical solutions for real-world risks—not just technical findings. - No Cost, No Commitment: A truly free initiative, with no hidden fees or obligations attached.
Cyberattacks are one of the most significant risks faced by businesses of all sizes and sectors. Industries such as financial services, healthcare, and legal are under constant pressure to protect sensitive data and meet regulatory standards.
According to recent studies, mid-sized organisations are particularly vulnerable, often being targeted due to limited resources or reliance on outdated defences.
“In today’s world, no business can afford to leave its cybersecurity to chance,” added Green. “Even if you’re confident in your current setup, a fresh set of eyes can uncover what others miss. Whether it’s securing your cloud, testing applications, or reviewing defences, this initiative offers peace of mind and a chance to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.”
The £150,000 allocation will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses across all sectors are encouraged to secure their complimentary cybersecurity service before the allocation is reached or by the 29th February deadline. Details on how can be found here www.foxtrot-technologies.com/free-pentesting
Eternity Technologies Strengthens India Presence with Vijayawada Production Facility Acquisition
Eternity Technologies is pleased to confirm the acquisition of the Vijayawada production facility previously operated by EnerSys India Batteries Private Limited.
This acquisition is a significant step in the company’s strategy to support India’s rapidly growing economy and the increasing need for sustainable energy solutions in the logistics, power, and energy storage sectors.
India’s logistics industry is seeing record growth, fuelled by the expansion of e-commerce, infrastructure development, and international trade. With businesses moving towards electrification—particularly in forklift trucks and material handling equipment—there is a rising demand for high-quality, environmentally sustainable battery solutions.
Eternity Technologies will invest heavily in modernising the Vijayawada facility, transforming it into a world-class manufacturing hub. These upgrades will improve operational efficiency, integrate cutting-edge technology, and ensure strict adherence to the highest environmental standards. The facility will also play a crucial role in meeting India’s increasing demand for highly reliable stationary batteries used in power stations and energy storage applications.
Mark Stevenson, CEO of Eternity Technologies, commented: “This acquisition is a key step in our global expansion strategy, strengthening our presence in India’s dynamic market. We are committed to providing cutting-edge battery solutions that support the country’s rapid shift towards electrification and sustainable energy. Our investment in the Vijayawada facility will enhance local production capabilities, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of both the logistics and energy sectors with high-quality, safe, and fully recyclable products.”
Eternity Technologies’ expansion into India is part of its wider commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and circular economy principles within the battery industry.
The Rise of DeepSeek: Can China’s AI Startup Outpace OpenAI?
At the close of 2024, a new AI disruptor emerged from China. DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based startup, unveiled its R1 reasoning model, claiming to deliver performance comparable to OpenAI’s and Google’s models—at a fraction of the cost.
A New Approach to AI Development
Unlike its Western counterparts, DeepSeek trained its R1 model using only $5.6 million and 2,048 Nvidia H800 GPUs. This approach challenges the conventional belief that AI progress depends on massive budgets and cutting-edge technology.
Industry Shockwaves and Financial Impact
DeepSeek’s launch had a dramatic effect on global markets. A $1 trillion sell-off in tech stocks followed, with Nvidia’s stock dropping 17%. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s AI assistant app became the most downloaded free app on Apple’s platform in major markets.
Security Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny
As OpenAI, Google, and Meta analyze DeepSeek’s methodology, security concerns over its origins in China have surfaced. US regulators are investigating whether DeepSeek used restricted Nvidia chips, while industry leaders weigh the implications of China’s rapid AI progress.
Despite the controversy, DeepSeek’s rise highlights an industry-wide shift, says industry expert James Disney-May —one that prioritizes efficiency, affordability, and accessibility in AI development.
Manchester digital agency launches new website for leading office design firm
Soap Media, a Manchester and Preston-based digital agency, has successfully designed and launched a new website for Claremont, one of the UK’s leading office design and fit-out firms.
This collaboration builds on an existing relationship in which the agency had previously supported Claremont with SEO improvements and technical fixes.
Claremont has been delivering office interior design and fit-out projects from its Warrington and Bristol offices for more than 40 years. Some of its multi-million-pound projects include Admiral, AQA, and Grant Thornton. The firm was recently awarded the Employer of the Year award at the BCO Next Gen Awards 2024.
Claremont’s brief called for the new website to showcase its enviable and high-profile client roster, bring its signature concept of the Destination Office to life, and lend itself to easy content updates for the in-house marketing team.
Recognising the need for a complete overhaul, the company entrusted Soap Media to create a modern site that aligns with its brand identity and highlights its expertise in creating innovative office spaces.
Despite a tight two-month timeline, Soap Media delivered an advanced WordPress site built on their custom SUDS platform; a proprietary CMS designed for performance and user-friendliness.
The new site incorporates dynamic animations, enhanced optimisation, and an intuitive user experience. With better SEO, improved page speed, and greater editing flexibility, the website now aligns with Claremont’s need for a low-maintenance, long-term solution.
The project also benefitted from Soap’s newly formed motion design team, which crafted visually striking animations to showcase Claremont’s work. As a visual business, Claremont had high expectations, and the animations delivered reflect their creative ethos and attention to detail.
Claremont initially chose to work with Soap Media due to the team’s work ethic, transparency, performance-driven approach, and ability to deliver personalised solutions.
The decision to proceed with the new website project without a formal pitch highlights the strong trust and rapport developed between the two companies.
Emma Calter, marketing operations manager at Claremont Group Interiors said: “At Claremont, we’ve always invested heavily in brilliant photography and video to showcase our work, so the new site needed to really celebrate and maximise those assets, enhancing how we tell our story and connect with clients.
“The Soap team took the time to understand our brand and goals, maximise our material, and capture what makes us unique. Their expertise and attention to detail were second to none, guiding us through the process and ensuring every element was designed with purpose. This website is a testament to the collaboration and hard work between Claremont and Soap, and represents an exciting step forward for us!”
Paige Coulthurst, operations director at Soap Media, said: “Working with Claremont has been a privilege. Their vision for creating inspiring workplaces is revolutionary, and we’re thrilled to have delivered a website that embodies their innovative approach. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this site will have on their business, and we’re excited to continue working with them in 2025 and beyond.”
