The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has joined forces with Employment Hero – a global HR, payroll, and benefits platform – in a concerted effort to bolster SMEs and stimulate economic expansion in the North.

With a combined goal of empowering small businesses in the Greater Manchester area, GMCC, the largest accredited Chamber of Commerce in the UK with over 4,200 members, and Employment Hero, serving 20,000 SMEs and 200,000 employees in the UK, are pooling their resources.

Together, they aim to broaden their range of support services, including payroll management, HR, and recruitment, to fortify the local business landscape.

This strategic partnership underscores a mutual dedication to fostering economic prosperity and highlighting the ingenuity and resilience of Greater Manchester.

A recent report from GMCC highlighted a significant demand for customer-facing roles, such as in care and hospitality. Despite this demand, a staggering 65% of employers said that these positions are ‘hard to fill’. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the care sector, which advertised almost 15,000 vacancies last year alone.

The report also pays homage to the North’s historical role as an industrial powerhouse, with over 100,000 manufacturing jobs available in the Greater Manchester area. 

These industries remain vital to our economy and require substantial support to thrive. Employment Hero’s platform is particularly beneficial for SMEs grappling with complex pay runs or shift scheduling. 

Their talent matching tool, SmartMatch, harnesses the power of AI to match employers with pre-vetted candidates for every role within the business to ensure optimal staffing levels. By consolidating recruitment, onboarding, payroll, and HR processes into a centralised system, SMEs can significantly enhance team efficiency.

Reet Sercombe, head of membership & commercial at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “At the heart of our mission is empowering small businesses across the North, ensuring they have the resources and connections essential for success. Regardless of their industry or scale, every company grapples with HR challenges. Teaming up with Employment Hero bolsters our support system, providing SMEs in Greater Manchester with a robust platform to nurture and expand their teams.”

Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD at Employment Hero, (pictured)  said: “No small business owner wants to spend their time completing admin tasks, but the reality is that dealing with HR issues like recruitment and payroll takes up a lot of time and headspace. SMEs are the real heroes of our economy, making up 99% of all businesses, giving jobs to 70% of the world’s workers, and contributing nearly half of global GDP. Imagine if they could put all their energy into growing their businesses instead of completing paperwork. I’m thrilled to partner with GMCC and believe that together we can boost the local economy and show the world what Greater Manchester has to offer.”

The self-storage industry in the UK is on the verge of achieving an annual revenue milestone of £1 billion, as highlighted by recent data in The Guardian. This surge in the sector’s growth coincides with the escalating costs faced by many UK residents when considering moving or expanding their homes due to the ongoing housing crisis.

The significant expense associated with moving in the UK, averaging around £12,000, has made the option of self-storage an increasingly attractive alternative for cost savings.

Statistical Insights into Industry Growth

The year 2022 showcased the self-storage industry’s robustness and expansion, with a revenue boost of 6.5%, reaching £990 million.

The growing requirement for extra storage has led to both households and businesses across the UK utilising more than 2 million sq ft of storage space, signifying the vital role self-storage plays in the current societal setup.

The industry’s upward trajectory is expected to persist, with forecasts indicating the introduction of over 280 new storage facilities by 2026, translating to growth exceeding 10%.

Factors Fuelling the Industry’s Expansion

The burgeoning demand for self-storage is driven by several critical elements:

The prohibitive costs associated with housing and the scarcity of available residential space have compelled many to opt for alternative storage solutions.

The trend of more students living away from their homes has further fuelled the demand for student storage options.

Tips for a More Affordable Move

To assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of moving and storage with financial efficiency, The Box Co. presents valuable tips in their guide ‘5 Tips for Moving House On A Budget’:

• Declutter Before You Pack: Streamline your belongings and alleviate moving costs by parting with items you no longer require.
• Compare Self-Storage Options: Diligently compare deals to find the perfect balance between location convenience and cost-effectiveness.
• DIY Packing and Moving: Leverage the assistance of friends and relatives for packing and moving chores, bypassing the need for professional services.
• Off-Peak Moving: Aim for quieter moving periods to benefit from reduced pricing.
• Seek Out Free Packing Materials: Take advantage of free boxes and packing supplies available from various sources, alongside household items, to cut down on moving expenses.

Prospects for the UK’s Self-Storage Market

The continued expansion of the self-storage market not only caters to the immediate storage needs of the UK’s residents but also mirrors the broader housing crisis. With the sector poised to cross the £1 billion annual revenue threshold, the outlook for both consumers and self-storage service providers is increasingly optimistic.

In today’s data-driven world, reliable and verifiable information is paramount for  businesses to thrive. Customers are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability, and businesses need to be able to demonstrate the legitimacy of their claims. This is where ID.ProvenData steps in, providing a powerful platform that empowers businesses to leverage the power of data to build trust and credibility.

What is ID.ProvenData?

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How does ID.ProvenData work?

ID.ProvenData utilises a multi-layered approach to data verification, combining advanced technologies with human expertise. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

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Benefits of using ID.ProvenData

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Use cases across industries

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• Finance: Financial institutions can use ID.ProvenData to verify customer information and financial statements, ensuring compliance and mitigating fraud risks.
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• Manufacturing: Manufacturers can verify the authenticity of materials and certifications, upholding quality standards and building brand reputation.

The future of data verification

As the reliance on data continues to grow, solutions like ID.ProvenData will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring data integrity and building trust in the digital age. By providing a secure and reliable platform for data verification, ID.ProvenData empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of the data landscape and unlock the true potential of data-driven decision-making.

In conclusion, ID.ProvenData is a transformative platform that empowers businesses to unlock the power of data by ensuring its accuracy and legitimacy. By fostering trust and transparency, ID.ProvenData paves the way for businesses to thrive in the data-driven future.