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Arrest made following string of burglaries across Manchester

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A man wanted in connection with a string of burglaries in the Timperley, Partington and Bramhall areas of Manchester has been arrested following a morning raid.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Neighbourhood Tasking Team and the Force Critical Wanted Unit executed an arrest warrant at a Wythenshawe address.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and 24-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and obstructing a police officer. Both remain in custody for questioning.

Following a subsequent search of the property, officers found keys to a Porsche, Jeep and an Audi as well as a Rolex watch alongside a rucksack containing a “burglary kit”, found with molegrips, pliers, tracker, signal jammer and suspected class A drugs.

Chief inspector Gareth Firth said: “We currently have a man in custody being questioned by officers thanks to the swift actions of our officers. Thanks to a great team effort this morning we were able to make these arrests.

“Our investigation currently remains ongoing, and I would encourage anyone who may information or video footage to get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7507 or 101 quoting incident 500-24/10/2023. Alternatively, details can be passed on via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or  Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

Mobile pet clinic hits the streets of Manchester

A man and his van are taking the stress away for pet owners who struggle to get vet appointments.

Experienced vet Luke Ainsworth (pictured) spent £30,000 transforming his Fiat Ducato van into a fully equipped veterinary surgery.

His new offering – My Visit Vet – is bringing a service like no other straight to animal lovers’ doorsteps across Manchester and Cheshire.

Providing 90% of the provisions available at a traditional practices, from consultations and vaccinations to operations and end of life care, My Visit Vet is fully equipped with anaesthesia, x-ray, ultrasound, and lab equipment.

This service is unique because no other mobile vet in Manchester has the capability to offer operations, x-rays, and such extensive services in the same way.

Having worked as a vet since 2005, in the UK and Australia, Luke decided to set up his own mobile vet surgery after observing the demand for home visits. He is helped by experienced nurse Mel Evans and receptionist Amy Lee.

Ideal for busy or less mobile pet owners, as well as pets who find vet visits stressful, My Visit Vet prides itself on an unrushed, personalised service.

Luke said: I’m delighted to be launching My Visit Vet! I’ve been wanting to open a mobile vet clinic for quite a few years, so it feels amazing to finally be making it a reality. I’ve seen first-hand the benefits this type of veterinary care can bring when it comes to reducing stress in patients and providing a more personal service. We put our love for pets and owners right at the heart of everything we do, and I can’t wait to get on the road!”

My Visit Vet has partnered with the out of hours service Vidivet, to give clients free of charge access to the app. This means pet owners can have access to a vet at any time of day or night, when My Visit Vet cannot be there.

Michele Steel appointed first chief executive of Regeneration Brainery

Property expert Michele Steel has been appointed as the first chief executive of Regeneration Brainery – the organisation driven to get more diverse young people into property careers.

Having started out as a graduate planner, Michele has more than 20 years’ property experience having risen to the ranks of director at Deloitte Real Estate, before more recently holding strategic planning director positions at Select Property and Vita Group.

She’ll now ensure the not-for-profit Regeneration Brainery goes from strength to strength, reaching more young people as part of its mission to diversify and break down barriers to the industry.

Originally established in Manchester in 2017, Regeneration Brainery has expanded across the UK and has now reached more than 6,000 young people through a mix of immersive week-long bootcamps for 14-21-year-olds, in-school taster sessions and careers events, and match-making with industry experts.

Spanning the whole range of placemaking disciplines, the award-winning Brainery has secured the involvement of over 500 industry mentors and almost 100 ambassadors, with events spanning 10 cities and towns including London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham and Sheffield.

Beacon for diversity

Michele’s determined to scale up its work to reach even more young people by increasing the number of industry partnerships and acting as a beacon on how diversity can be embraced and achieved.

She said: “So often, talented young people are totally unaware of the variety of roles available to them in regeneration and property. They don’t have connections in the industry and in many cases their awareness of potential careers only scratches the surface.

“When it comes to property, representation matters more than most industries, because we play such a crucial role in the creation of entire communities. It was the year 2000 when I started out in property, and whilst fashions and tech may have changed rapidly, progress on diversity has been much slower.

“I’m proud to be leading Regeneration Brainery into its next chapter. I’m excited to be using a creative yet practical approach to addressing the industry’s diversity challenge.”

Judi Greenwood leaves Regeneration Brainery to focus on her role as program lead for Future of Greater Manchester.

Michele Steel added: “Having been director of strategy at Regeneration Brainery for the last five years, Judi has overseen a huge period of growth and leaves a fantastic legacy for us to build on. We wish Judi all the best with her next phase, developing the next cohort of GM leaders.”

‘Gold Standard’ Financial Adviser 3.0 Conference Set for a Stellar Return in 2024

The Adviser 3.0 conference, a highlight in the financial advising calendar, is scheduled to return on 16th May 2024 at Magazine London. Running from 9am to 10pm, the event is set to be bigger and better than before, featuring keynote speeches from Deborah Meaden and Gino Wickman, along with other high-profile industry speakers.

Promising a day of vibrancy, excellence, and interaction, the 2024 conference will offer attendees an array of inspiring presentations, thought-provoking interviews, state-of-the-art tech demos, and lively discussions.

The speaker lineup includes notables like Abraham Okusanya, CEO of Timeline; Ola Abdul, CEO of Fundment; Heather Hopkins, founder of Next Wealth; and many more, with additional announcements expected soon.

This extended one-day conference will not only feature an exciting agenda but also ample networking opportunities and a vibrant after-party headlined by Heart FM’s Toby Anstis.

Additionally, Adviser 3.0 2024 will run a comprehensive digital programme throughout the year.

Ticket information and details about the digital programme are available at https://adviser3point0.co, with Financial Adviser tickets starting at £395+VAT and Early Bird tickets at £245+VAT.

Abraham Okusanya, CEO of Timeline, spoke about the conference’s unique approach: “There are indeed several good events for Financial Advisers in the UK, but we aim to break away from the conventional mould. We want to offer something fresh, fun and disruptive: something that challenges the norms within an industry ripe for positive transformation. Adviser 3.0 promises an unparalleled experience, as attested by our attendees. It’s a day out of the office that’s genuinely worth it!”

Fundment’s CEO, Ola Abdul, expressed his anticipation: “We cannot wait for this conference. The atmosphere and feedback from last year’s event proves the value financial planners get from Adviser 3.0. It’s an entertaining and inspiring day and having even more time to connect and network into the evening in 2024 will make it even better!”

Dirk Groenwold, Client Care, SA, describes the 2023 event: “Great speakers, subject matter and well organised. World class event. Well worth the 11 hour flight!”

John Bell, Carbon Financial Partners Limited, adds: “Adviser 3.0 is the gold standard we should aim for, more than worth the ticket price (& travels). A tasty blend of optimistic prognostication, authentic challenge with a double shot of the latest and greatest tech; all delivered with a smile by the dynamos of our industry.”

Aleks Sasin, Navigatus, agrees: “One of the best events I have ever attended. Thank you to the Timeline team and all their guests for all the inspiration, motivation and positivity. We are the Change Agents..”

The conference, initiated in 2023 by Abraham Okusanya of Timeline, focuses on bringing innovation and technology to the forefront of financial advising. Following the success of the previous event featuring Baroness Karren Brady & Seth Godin, the 2024 conference is expected to be even more impactful.

2024’s Interior Design Trend: The Rise of Interior Wreaths

The interior design landscape in 2024 will be significantly influenced by interior wreaths, as the trend of integrating natural elements into living spaces gains momentum. Insights from Wreaths.co.uk shed light on making the most of this adaptable home trend.

The inclusion of natural elements in the home, such as interior wreaths, is becoming increasingly popular due to its stress-reducing benefits and the lively touch it adds to interiors. This trend is anticipated to be a highlight in the 2024 interior design sphere. Tom Yates, the Director of TYSR Limited and the brains behind Wreaths.co.uk, shares his thoughts:

“Indoor greenery has the power to delight and soothe. The versatile and unique nature of interior wreaths mean they can work in any space, whether on a wall, an internal door or used as a stunning centrepiece. The variety of styles and colours means they can suit any room. As they last far longer than freshly cut flowers, interior wreaths also deliver excellent value for money.”

An interior wreath’s longevity, lasting more than six weeks with regular care, is one of its key advantages. Spritzing them not only maintains their freshness but also accentuates their natural scent, ideal for an instant mood uplift or to freshen up a space for guests.

The appeal of these wreaths lies in their originality; as each piece is handcrafted, no two wreaths are the same. The extensive choice in foliage and decorations makes them a versatile option for home decor.

Tom Yates of Wreaths.co.uk highlights the popular colour trends for 2024:

“While we can suit a wreath to any room in terms of its colours, there is a notable appetite for lighter greens at the moment, as consumers seek to counterbalance the dreary winter weather, as well as for dark, soothing blue tones. Bright, bold flower colours are also a popular choice year-round, as they offset the grey skies in winter while delivering a delightful spray of colour that adds the perfect finishing touch to any dining table for summer entertaining.”

Wreaths.co.uk also caters to the DIY market, offering kits for crafting personal wreaths at home. These kits come complete with all the essentials needed to create a bespoke wreath.

As per industry forecasts by Industry Growth Insight, the demand for DIY wreath-making kits, ready-made, and artificial wreaths is expected to soar in the coming years. The decorative wreaths market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022, achieving a valuation of £1.2 billion by 2030. Those keen to follow the trend can enjoy a 10% discount on their first order from Wreaths.co.uk.

Visit www.wreaths.co.uk for more details or reach out to [email protected].

Better Business Summit returns to Manchester

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There’s just one week until businesses including Patagonia, Tony’s Chocolonely, Ocean Saver and B Lab  discuss how to take action for a ‘better business’ future in Manchester. 

Following a successful debut in 2023 (pictured), the The Better Business Summit (BBS24) returns, taking place from Wednesday, January 17 – Friday January, 19.

Its aim is to champion discussion on innovative approaches to creating systemic change, through collective action, education and supportwhen it comes to sustainability. 

From leadership and finance, to activism, impact and empowerment, the Better Business Summit 2024 will compromise days full of workshops, panels and keynote speeches that fit into the theme of 2024 – Radical Utopia.

In partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, the event will take place at MMU’s Business School.

More than 300 attendees are expected to gather to hear from 50+ speakers from leading UK sustainability businesses.

The summit will also be the first conference in the world to include a ‘peace room’, whereby throughout the duration, Caroline Wilson, founder of Still Your Mind, will be meditating to bring a peaceful and positive energy to the event.

Outdoor activities

On January 19, guests can choose between two outdoor activities to reconnect with nature and feel motivated to take action after an inspiring time at the summit:

  • A day with Manchester Urban Diggers at Platt Fields Park where people can don their gardening gloves and get close to nature, whether it’s orchard maintenance, willow weaving or seed sowing.
  • Swapping Manchester’s knowledge corridor for the open pastures and wild moorland of the Peak District, delegates can choose to switch off for the day and benefit from the fresh air with a Peak District Hike with Freshwalks 

The Better Business Summit is the brainchild of Hannah Cox, founder of Manchester-based sustainability impact agency betternotstop and The Better Business Network. 

She said: “We wanted to create something special in the North for business leaders who want to make positive change in their lives, their businesses, and the wider world. We had such an overwhelmingly positive response to event last year, that we’re back bigger and better. 

“We’ve doubled the length of the summit and the amount of activity taking place and hope that guests will be able to learn from some of the brightest changemakers in the UK, as well as inspiring each other to take action.  

“Because, for those of us who are truly passionate about sustainable change, action is what’s needed – we’ve heard lots of talk and it’s time to walk the walk. We underestimate how much power and influence we hold as a business community, and we hope that by bringing people together at this year’s summit, we can show them what real change looks like.”  

Tickets for the event are on sale here. 

Wholesale Elegance: Elevating Events with Stylishly Matched Platter Trays

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Event planning is a dynamic and intricate process that transforms visions into memorable experiences. At its core, it is an art of orchestrating various elements seamlessly to create an atmosphere that captivates attendees. From concept to execution, event planners navigate through a myriad of details, including venue selection, thematic design, catering, and entertainment, to craft a cohesive and immersive event. The success of an event hinges on meticulous planning, where timelines are meticulously crafted, and contingencies are considered. A keen understanding of client preferences and a pulse on current trends are essential to curate unique and personalised experiences.

Event planners often collaborate with a diverse array of professionals, from florists and decorators to caterers and audio-visual technicians, ensuring a harmonious synergy of services. Beyond logistics, event planners are adept at managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and troubleshooting unforeseen challenges with finesse. Whether orchestrating corporate conferences, weddings, or social gatherings, these professionals act as maestros, conducting a symphony of details to produce seamless and unforgettable occasions. In the ever-evolving landscape of event planning, creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to exceeding expectations remain paramount, making it a vibrant and rewarding industry that brings dreams to life.

When it comes to event planning, the smallest details matter the most, from the colour scheme and decorations to the music and food. Another aspect that can elevate the look of your event is the serve ware. Using matching platter trays can enhance the overall aesthetic and give your event a cohesive and stylish look

Weddings

Weddings are all about elegant styles and refinements. For such an occasion, you may want to opt for sleek, white or glass platter trays. Crystal clear or pearl white trays could perfectly match your classic white-themed wedding, radiating an aura of purity and celebration. You can adorn these trays with delicate flower garnishes to make them more fitting for the occasion.

Birthday Parties

When hosting a birthday party, especially for children, colourful and fun-themed platter trays work best. You can match the trays with the party’s theme. For instance, for a superhero-themed party, you can use trays with pictures of different superheroes. This would not only make the food more attractive to the kids but would also enhance the overall theme of the party.

Corporate Events

For corporate events, it’s best to stick to minimalist and sophisticated platter trays. You can never go wrong with monochrome or metallic colours. These trays give off a professional look and are perfect for serving finger food and appetisers. You might also consider customising the trays with your company’s logo for an added touch of personalisation.

Baby Showers

For baby showers, opt for platter trays that match the cute and cheery atmosphere of the occasion. Pastel coloured trays or those with playful patterns are highly suitable. You can choose trays with designs that align with the shower’s theme, for example, trays with baby elephants for an elephant-themed shower.

Conclusion

Whether you are hosting a grand wedding or a casual get-together, making use of themed platter trays can greatly enhance the appeal of your event. Yet, while aesthetic is important, don’t overlook the quality of the trays. Make sure to select trays that are not only stylish but also durable and food safe. With the right trays, you can serve in style and make a lasting impression on your guests.

Sancho joins Dortmund on loan

Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on loan until the end of the season.

The England international rejoins Dortmund from whom he moved to United in July 2021 with the Bundesliga club paying a reported £3million to secure his services.

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He failed to make an impact at Old Trafford and a short-term switch back to Signal Iduna Park benefits all parties with Sancho currently ostracised from United’s first-team plans after criticising Erik ten Hag on social media.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kohl said: “Jadon is a difference-maker and I am looking forward to seeing him in back and yellow again soon. He knows this city, Signal Iduna Park, our fans and our club.

“Even though he has not played any competitive games in recent months, we are sure he will quickly settle back in with us, regain top form and his qualities will help us achieve our goals this season.”

Sancho, 23, made 137 appearances for Dortmund in his first spell after joining from Manchester City in 2017, scoring 50 goals and making 64 assists.

He said: “When I went in the dressing room today, it felt like I was coming home.

“I know the club inside out. I was always very close to the fans here and contact with the important people at the club has never broken off.

“I can’t wait to see my team-mates again, get on the pitch, play football with a smile on my face, assist goals, score goals and help the team achieve Champions League qualification.”

Sancho’s issues at United began after he was left out of the match day squad for the game at Arsenal on September 3. Ten Hag said in the immediate aftermath it was due to the player’s performance in training that week.

That evening, Sancho went on social media to say that was “completely untrue” and claimed he’d been a “scapegoat for a long time”.

Tribute paid to “magical” dad found dead in Horwich

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Stephen Leyland (47) (pictured right) was found dead on a footpath near a recycling centre at Station Road, Horwich, at 6.30am on Monday, January 8.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

His daughter, Abbie (pictured left), said: “He was just the most amazing dad and grandad and made the world magical, he’s was always such a strong person in my life!

“He was my best friend and I can’t comprehend that he is not here right now, there was no one closer than me and my dad. My heart is absolutely broken there’s so much I could say about him but right now I’m just lost for words.

“I just hope he’s happy now and at peace, I love him so much.

“I am so heartbroken for Arlie, he really stepped up as a grandad and loved him like his own child, Arlie was always so happy around him and he always made the best efforts with him that I can’t thank him enough for.

“All I can do now is make him proud, stay strong, and live on how he brought me up! The strongest, bravest man that I know I love you dad rest in peace you will never be forgotten in our family.”

Farrell named as Lions coach for Australia tour

Andy Farrell has been confirmed as the head coach of the British & Irish Lions side that will tour Australia next year.

Farrell, who won a Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland in 2023 and guided them to the top of the world rankings, was Lions defensive coach on previous tours to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.

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He takes over from Warren Gatland, and will assume his Lions duties in December 2024 before reverting back to his role with Ireland.

Farrell said: “It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to be named head coach of the British & Irish Lions. I know how special Lions tours are having been involved in the 2013 and 2017 tours, so I am delighted to get the chance to lead the team in 2025.

“There is a wealth of talent across Britain and Ireland, and I am looking forward to building a team that can deliver the ultimate goal of success in Australia. I also want to thank the Irish Rugby Football Union for their support in allowing me to accept this prestigious opportunity.”

Ben Calveley, British and Irish Lions CEO, added: “Andy is without question one of the best coaches in the world and knows what it takes to win a series in Australia given his involvement in the win in 2013. 

“His achievements with Ireland in recent years have been exceptional and his coaching experience at test-match level with Ireland, England and the British & Irish Lions make him an outstanding candidate for this role.

“Andy is an excellent appointment for us and one which we believe will excite players and fans alike. It is clear to see that Andy has built a very strong connection between the Irish team and its fans and we are relishing a similarly strong connection being created with Lions fans in 2025. 

“We firmly believe his appointment puts us in a great position to achieve success on the field and I’m looking forward to working alongside him as we build towards the tour.”