| A rogue trader has been brought before the courts for selling a pack of knives to a 13-year-old child.
Younis Cash and Carry, trading as Sha Superstore Limited, has been fined nearly £1,000 for failing to adhere to laws governing the sale of age restricted items, following a test purchase carried out in April 2024. Manchester City Council was made aware of this premises following a complaint in April 2023, that a knife had been sold to an underage person. Written guidance was sent to the store to remind employees what the law was around the sale of knives. On April 8, 2024 a test purchase was carried out where a 13-year-old volunteer went into the shop and bought a pack of knives for £1.49. They were not challenged over their age or asked to provide any form of ID during the sale. Officers intervened, questioning the sales assistant who demonstrated a total lack of knowledge around age-restricted products. The company’s director was interviewed in May 2024, and said that verbal training was given to staff around the sale of age-restricted products, but was not documented. It was also confirmed that no refresher training took place around these laws. He also stated that since the council’s visit, the shop no longer sells knives. On February 6, 2025, the case was heard before Manchester Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing the director pleaded guilty on behalf of Sha Superstore Limited. The company was ordered to pay an £800 fine, a victim surcharge of £320 and costs of £607.80. A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “Laws around the sale of knives are extremely strict for a reason. There is absolutely no excuse to sell a set of knives to a child who is quite clearly underage. “Operations like this show that we as a council are committed to keeping our communities and children safe and we hope this sends a clear message that the sale of restricted products to children will be met with legal action.” |
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Trader fined for illegal sale of knives to child
Police appeal after victim has Rolex watch stolen
In the early hours of Monday, December 30, 2024, two men encouraged their victim to go onto Marron Place where they started talking to him.
They grabbed the victim and started to dance around him. One offender started to undo the victim’s watch whilst the second man tripped the victim to the ground where a struggle ensued.
The offenders stole a Rolex watch valued at £6,000 from the victim’s wrist and ran off in opposite directions.
Police want to speak with the man pictured, to assist them with their investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact officers on 0161 856 3363 quoting the crime number CRI/06A2/0037273/24. Alternatively, details can be shared on www.gmp.police.uk or via Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Former Whitefield library to be converted into health centre
The former Whitefield Library is set to be purchased by NHS Property Services if councillors approve the site disposal plans this month.
If approved, this acquisition will enable NHS partners to work to secure a redevelopment of the ex-library site for health services.
Current NHS plans propose the relocation of services from the existing Uplands site nearby, which will be closed, and the site sold.
Whitefield Library closed in 2017 and was subsequently used as a Covid vaccination centre from October 2020 to September 2022.
The current Uplands Medical Centre is in poor condition. Due to increased costs and the complexity of developing the existing site, it has recently been agreed that it would be more beneficial to use the former library as a permanent relocation option.
Next to the former library is the former Pinfold Day Care Centre, which has been empty since October 2020 and will also be sold.
Once the Uplands Medical Centre has relocated to the former library, the current Uplands site will be sold on the open market.
The plans are recommended for approval when the council’s cabinet meets on February 12.
There will be no immediate changes to patient appointments, how they are booked, or the contact details for the practice.
Plans are being finalised in collaboration with the GP practice to ensure the new facility meets the community’s needs. The aim is to begin construction in summer 2025, with the new building anticipated to be ready by summer 2026.
Eamonn O’Brien, leader of the council, said: “This is really a win-win situation for Whitefield residents. Buildings which have lain empty for years will be brought back into use, and medical services will remain in the town centre in modern, fit-for-purpose premises.”
Will Blandamer, deputy place-based lead, NHS Greater Manchester (Bury), said: “By relocating the Uplands Medical practice to the former library site, we’re creating a modern, accessible space that will better serve patients and staff.
“We want to reassure patients that there will be no immediate changes to services, appointments or how you get in touch with the practice.
“We are committed to keeping patients informed every step of the way and will make sure they receive updates as we move forward with the transition.”
Rochdale Feel Good Festival cancelled for 2025
The popular Feel Good Festival will not go ahead this year, cash-strapped Rochdale Council has announced.
The weekend of entertainment, food and culture which was first staged in 2008 usually takes place in Rochdale town centre, attracting thousands of visitors.
But the event, which saw Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery Winners and Heather Small take to the main stage last year, is not going for good, as it is set to become bi-annual and will take place in 2026.
Now the festival will be alternated with the Feel Good Family Picnic – the free event for families including performances, music, sports, dance, theatre and shows for children of all ages in local parks – which returns this July and August.
Councillor Sue Smith said: “Our new events strategy will see a broader range of events delivered with new additions as well as our established ones.
“We also want to deliver the best experience within our budget and resources, so it isn’t feasible to stage the Feel Good Festival and the Feel Good Family Picnic back to back every summer, but they are both fantastic and very popular events that we very much want to retain, so moving our biggest two events to bi-annual means we can continue to deliver them as well as enhancing our events programme.
“This year, on top of the Feel Good Family Picnic there will be an exciting new urban arts festival, the Street Eat food and drink festival, Ignite Fire Festival and much more to be announced. We have commenced the planning for Rochdale Feel Good Festival in 2026, with tickets going on sale later this year.”
Rowland agrees purchase of 11-acre brownfield site in Chadderton
An 11-acre plot – home of the former South Chadderton School – has been purchased by Rowland.
The site on Butterworth Lane, which borders Rochdale Canal and Whitegate End Primary School, is currently just a field.
But it was once home to South Chadderton School, which hit the headlines in 2007, when a penned diary of abuse suffered by teachers and pupils at the hands of a number of children at the school, was published by a teaching union.
Collective Spirit School moved into the site in 2013 but closed down three years later when it was placed into ‘special measures’ by Ofsted.
Chadderton South School later became Oasis academy, which has since moved to Hollinwood and recently achieved a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.
The new plans for 149 homes comprising two and three-bedroom semis/mews and three and four-bedroom detached properties, will include 60 affordable homes.
The scheme will provide a cycleway and pedestrian links to the Rochdale Canal through a new public open space on site. Planning permission is anticipated to be approved during 2025.
Jonathan Pickthall, land director at Rowland, said: “We are very pleased to have agreed the purchase of another site in Greater Manchester. Chadderton is a desirable location for families and commuters, with easy access to the Metrolink and motorway. Our technical and planning teams have worked hard to design a scheme that unlocks this brownfield site and we are excited about developing a quality canal side development that is sustainable in all aspects”.
Kieran Mclaughlin and Will Atherton of CBRE advised Oldham Council on the land sale.
Asteer Planning is advising Rowland on the planning application and IGE Consulting is providing Geo-environmental engineering advice.
7 Things You Should Know When You Have a UK Business
Thinking about starting a business in the UK? Or maybe you’ve already launched but feel like you’re constantly learning something new. Running a business is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Between tax rules, employment laws, and ever-changing regulations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The good news? Knowing what to expect can save you a lot of stress, money, and sleepless nights. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, here are seven key things every UK business owner should be aware of.
1. HMRC’s Making Tax Digital Initiative
The UK government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative is transforming how businesses handle their tax affairs. Designed to make tax reporting more efficient and accurate, MTD requires businesses to maintain digital records and submit VAT returns through compatible software. If your business is VAT-registered with a turnover exceeding £90,000, compliance is mandatory.
Using accounting software like Xero’s Making Tax Digital program can automate VAT submissions, reduce manual errors, and provide real-time financial insights. Businesses that fail to meet MTD requirements risk fines, which can accumulate quickly.
As HMRC continues expanding the MTD framework to include income tax and corporation tax in the coming years, it’s essential to stay ahead and ensure your financial processes are fully compliant.
2. Choosing the Right Business Structure
The legal structure of your business affects everything from taxation to liability and even your ability to raise funds. In the UK, you have several options, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
A sole trader structure is the simplest and most common choice, ideal for freelancers and small businesses. However, you are personally liable for any business debts. A limited company offers greater protection, as it is legally separate from its owners. However, it involves more administrative work and tax obligations.
A partnership allows multiple individuals to share ownership, with a division of responsibilities and profits, but each partner is personally liable unless a limited liability partnership (LLP) is formed.
3. Employment Laws & Worker Rights
If you plan to hire employees, understanding UK employment laws is crucial to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure a fair workplace. The UK has strict regulations covering wages, working conditions, and employee benefits.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) vary based on age and experience, and failing to meet these can result in severe penalties.
Employers must also provide statutory benefits, including paid holidays, sick leave, and pension contributions under the auto-enrolment scheme. Discrimination laws under the Equality Act 2010 protect employees from unfair treatment based on gender, race, disability, or other protected characteristics.
4. GDPR & Data Protection Compliance
Data protection laws are stricter than ever, and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) applies to any business handling personal data.
Businesses must obtain explicit consent before gathering personal information and ensure transparency about how that data is used. Customers also have the right to request access to their data or ask for it to be deleted. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover.
Using encryption, limiting access, and conducting regular GDPR audits can help, and appointing a Data Protection Officer may be wise for businesses handling large amounts of data.
5. Understanding Business Rates & Taxes
Taxes are an unavoidable part of running a UK business, and understanding your tax obligations is essential to avoid unexpected bills or penalties.
Besides corporation tax, which applies to limited companies at a standard rate of 25%, business owners must also be aware of VAT, business rates, and National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
If your annual turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) and charge it on applicable goods and services. Business rates, which function like council tax for commercial properties, can vary depending on location and property size.
6. Securing Business Funding & Grants
Access to funding can make or break a business, especially in the early stages or during expansion. The UK offers several financing options, from government-backed loans to private investments.
Government-backed Start Up Loans provide up to £25,000 with mentoring support, making them a great option for new businesses. Innovate UK Grants offer non-repayable funding for research-driven companies, while Regional Growth Funds help businesses expand in specific areas.
Beyond traditional financing, alternative funding options such as crowdfunding, angel investors, and venture capital can also help businesses grow.
7. Expanding Internationally
For businesses looking beyond the UK market, understanding international trade regulations is essential. Brexit has changed the landscape, making it more complex to export to the EU.
In the first year after Brexit, UK exports to the EU fell by 15%. This shows just how challenging new customs rules, VAT requirements, and potential tariffs have made trading across borders.
Working with a customs broker or trade consultant can help simplify the process and ensure compliance with international shipping regulations. Platforms like Amazon Global Selling and Shopify Markets make it easier for UK businesses to reach global audiences while handling international VAT requirements automatically.
Running a business in the UK comes with plenty of opportunities, but it also means keeping up with tax rules, employment laws, and data protection regulations like GDPR. Staying informed and using the right tools can help you avoid headaches, stay compliant, and focus on growing your business.
Bank of England cuts interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%
The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, their lowest level since June 2023.
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey held a press conference after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to cut interest rates, while also halving its growth forecast for 2025.
All nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted for a rate cut, while two members Catherine Mann and Swati Dhingra – pushed for a deeper rate cut of 0.5 percentage points to 4.25%, warning that the economy appeared to be slowing more rapidly than anticipated.
Officials cautioned that Rachel Reeves’s record tax hike was increasingly weighing on the economy, which is now expected to narrowly avoid recession.
It is the third cut since August 2024, but the Bank said it will be cautious about making further reductions.
It also issued a warning for the year ahead, slashing its 2025 growth forecast from 1.5% to 0.75% and cautioning that inflation could climb to a new peak of 3.7% by autumn — nearly double the government’s 2% target.
Interest rates affect the mortgage, credit card and savings rates for millions of people.
Mr Bailey said: “It will be welcome news to many that we have been able to cut interest rates again today. We’ll be monitoring the UK economy and global developments very closely and taking a gradual and careful approach to reducing rates further.”
Hamish Martin, partner at LAVA Advisory Partners, said: “The movement of the Bank of England’s base rate typically has an impact on the M&A market, with today’s cut potentially resulting in an uptick in activity. Lower borrowing costs make debt financing more attractive, encouraging both trade buyers and private equity firms to pursue acquisitions that might previously have been out of reach due to higher cost of capital.
“The cut could also have an impact on valuations, as lower rates enhance the present value of future cash flows, making many targets more appealing. However, while this move has the potential to support deal-making, it’s not a fix-all – broader economic conditions, investor confidence, and geopolitical factors will still play a critical role in shaping the market’s momentum over the coming months.”
Muniya Barua, deputy chief executive at BusinessLDN, said: “Another interest rate cut will provide some solace to firms which are struggling to keep on top of the rising cost of doing business.
“With a sizeable employer national insurance hike now only two months away, however, it’s vital that the current spending review delivers the funding needed to match the Chancellor’s warm words on growth last week.”
Caddick gets green light on Ashton Park development
Wigan Council has granted outline approval on Caddick’s Ashton Park development, a 360,000 sqft industrial scheme set to deliver a £46 million boost to the local economy.
Located off Lockett Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, the 19-acre site is situated at the edge of the existing South Lancashire Industrial Estate and offers convenient access to J23, 24 and 25 of the M6, as well as to the wider road network.
The scheme has the ability to deliver one large or multiple smaller units, with a large power supply onsite and a height parameter of up to 18 meters.
Designed for manufacturing and logistics uses, Ashton Park will create approximately 700 well-paid, highly skilled jobs through its creation, including 400 construction roles and a significant number of apprenticeships.
This sustainable development is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification, with plans to include EV charging facilities, a solar-panel ready roof, battery storage areas, and air source heat pumps.
Through the site’s proximity to both the existing transport network and public transport routes, it seeks to encourage sustainable travel to work. The development will also offer shower facilities, drying rooms and cycle storage for those wanting to run or cycle to work.
Tom Park, associate director at Caddick, said: “We are incredibly pleased that Wigan Council has recognised the importance of this site through granting an outline planning consent. With the potential to generate tens of millions of pounds in local investment, Ashton Park is helping to meet the significant demand for sustainable industrial space in the North West.
“The development offers substantial scale and is strategically located within the prime M6 corridor, an area that has been undersupplied for years. This shortage is underscored by the high level of occupier demand we are currently experiencing.”
Last year, Caddick achieved practical completion on the first phase of a 544,000 sqft logistics hub at Farington Park, with the construction arm of the company having been appointed to deliver a fit-out for anchor tenant, Victorian Plumbing.
Ex-Manchester Phoenix ice hockey player jailed for multiple sexual assaults on girls
A former Manchester Phoenix ice hockey player who raped girls and tracked their movements, has been jailed for 41 offences.
Philip Hamer (34) of Birchfield Drive, Worsley, has been sentenced to 28 years, with an extended licence period of eight years, for sexual offences against seven victims between 2010 and 2023.
He pleaded guilty to several charges before a trial in November 2024, where he was found guilty of multiple offences including rape, sexual assault, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual activity with a child.
Hamer, who has also appeared as an extra in TV shows, is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, indefinite restraining orders against the victims, he is barred from working with children, and he will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Many of Hamer’s victims were teenagers at the time they were abused. After one victim came forward, Hamer’s phone was seized which enabled police to trace further victims.
In a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, one victim explained the physical and mental toil the abuse at the hands of Hamer had taken on her.
She said: “Philip Hamer, the man who took away my innocence at such a young age.
“The man who made me feel so ashamed of myself for so many years. The man that made me feel disgusted in myself. The man that made me feel so lonely as I was too afraid to open up to anyone, I couldn’t even speak to my mum, my friends, my family.
“He made me feel fear, distress and trauma no young girl should have to go through. He took away my spark and gave me so much anxiety.
“For years I was too ashamed to look at myself in the mirror, as all I saw was the girl that man lusted over.
“He will never earn my forgiveness for what he did to me. He doesn’t deserve it. But I am no longer going to let him have a hold on my life like he once did.
“I can now continue to succeed in life, knowing I finally have the justice me and the other girls whose lives he impacted deserve.
“This man changed the course of my life, what he did to me impacted on my schooling massively and it isolated me from my friendship group.
“When I should have been enjoying school, growing up having new experiences with friends, I was controlled by that man, making me believe that he would disclose my worst secrets to my friends.”
Detective constable Denise Garde said: “Philip Hamer is a sexual predator. In his police interview, Hamer showed a denial for any wrongdoing in his actions. He did not believe that he was a sexual predator and that his actions caused severe harm and distress to his victims.
“He incited his victims to send him hundreds of pictures and videos over a period of seven years. One victim was in fear that Hamer may disclose the pictures to others or come to their address.
“After seizing his devices, we later found voyeuristic videos and pictures Hamer had taken of people in changing rooms who were not aware they were being filmed.
“It took one brave victim to come forward, speak to our officers and detail their abuse. This opened up the whole case and resulted in us obtaining evidence that Hamer was a prolific sex offender.
“Our commitment to protecting victims of sexual abuse is unwavering. Speaking out about sexual abuse is incredibly difficult, but I ask that those who believe they are going through something similar, report this to us.
“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
New Teesport to Manchester direct rail freight service makes first journey
A new Trans Pennine rail freight link operating between Teesport and Manchester’s Trafford Park has successfully completed its first service.
The new service could see up to 40 heavy vehicle movements removed from the congested Trans Pennine road network for each one-way service, with the aim of helping customers from both the North East and the North West cut carbon emissions and reduce delays.
The five day a week return service is initially being run as a trial, part of a collaboration between Direct Rail Services (DRS) and PD Ports, which operates a dedicated rail freight terminal from the heart of Tees Dock.
The service will directly link Teesport, and the wider North East, with Manchester Trafford Park rail freight terminal for the first time transporting modern high cube containers, offering extra capacity and increased efficiencies for the supply chain.
The service has utilised ultra-low IDA wagons, which allow customers to move high cube containers, measuring 9’6’’ in height compared to standard 8’6’’, over non-gauge enhanced and height-restricted routes across the Pennines for the first time.
Jo Edmenson, PD Ports’ key account manager for rail freight services, said: “Trans Pennine connections for operators looking to move goods across the country have been confined to road freight for many years due to the constraints of the rail network, with height restrictions at stations, bridges and tunnels causing a number of issues.
“There is much anticipation about the Trans Pennine upgrade, which will hopefully remove many of those blockages, but with a completion date of 2030, we felt that was too long to wait when we considered the importance of rail freight as a means of decarbonising the supply chain and removing road movements from congested major routes.
“We’re excited to partner with DRS to offer this new service, direct from the UK’s sixth largest port to the heart of the North West. The route opens up a major new connection between the two regions and offers alternative means of shipping goods into the east coast of the UK and onwards, with the same true for exports.”
Gottfried Eymer, DRS’s managing director for rail, said: “This new trial offers a new route to customers who may not have considered rail before. It is an open access service which will amalgamate different customers to one train, saving time and cost.
“Rail is much more environmentally friendly when compared to road, producing up to 76% fewer CO2 emissions, while each train can remove up to 40 HGVs from the roads, reducing congestion.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for customers new to rail and we’d welcome anyone considering a switch to rail to get in touch.”
