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New ice rink plans afoot for TraffordCity

Helen Greaney
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New ice rink plans afoot for TraffordCity

A new state-of-the-art ice rink, which will convert into multi-use event space, is coming to TraffordCity.

Developers say the three-acre development will be located on the former Soccer Dome site, by the Chill Factore, which was cleared by regeneration specialists Peel Waters last year.

Peel Waters have agreed terms with property investment company ICITIES to develop the venue.

ICITIES has also secured a major pre-let to Planet Ice to bring their award-winning ice-leisure offer to the UK’s preeminent retail and leisure destination.

The TraffordCity ice arena will be Planet Ice’s biggest venue in the UK and their 15th Ice Arena in the UK. 

More details and images of the proposed venue will be released closer to the planning submission, which will also include plans for several varied and inclusive onsite food and drink offerings, including grab & go options, a stylish family dining restaurant and a high-end sports bar.

The ICITIES deal follows on from the recent announcement of Tartan Leisure being brought in by Peel Waters to deliver the first inland surf destination in the North of England which will also be located at TraffordCity.

The new ice-leisure and events destination will further enhance TraffordCity’s expanding portfolio of sport-based leisure and experience offerings, which already includes skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, skydiving as well as being the home of Trafford Golf, which is one of Europe’s premiere golf practice facilities.

The news of the Planet Ice deal starts off an incredibly exciting year for TraffordCity, with Therme Manchester, the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, also set to start on site imminently, further enhancing TraffordCity as the hotspot for inclusive leisure and next generation experiences.

Major project

Nick Payne, director of ICITIES said: “This marks our first major project and our vision to develop best-in-class sports and leisure Stadiums and Arenas in the UK. We already enjoy a strong partnership with Planet Ice, and ice skating will be the cornerstone of many of our projects like this one at TraffordCity.

“This arena will be our showcase and we hope to attract other allied sports and entertainment operators to this project. Where we can, we would like to include facilities that educate and entertain children and the wider communities.

“Across the UK, there is a general lack of first-rate facilities for many event space operators, like virtual reality, Esports, racket sports as well as screening and live entertainment. 

“We are delighted to have signed this groundbreaking deal with Peel Waters within the neighbourhood they have created at TraffordCity which is a perfect mix of sports and leisure. We hope our development we will add to the community and be a significant addition to TraffordCity which is already a world class retail and leisure destination.”

James Whittaker, executive director, at Peel Waters said: “Peel Waters is extremely pleased to have secured another brilliant attraction to TraffordCity. Planet Ice will be a huge success in TraffordCity and together with the existing and proposed diverse mix of offerings, we believe TraffordCity will be the UK’s best retail and leisure destination.

“Alongside boosting the local and visitor economy and attracting investment into the area, we are committed to increasing jobs and opportunities for our local community. Through our long-term vision for TraffordCity, Peel has helped create 17,500 jobs within the destination to date with plans to increase this to 33,000 over the next 20 years.”

Easy access from the M60

Heath Rhodes, COO of Planet Ice said: “We are delighted to announce our commitment to lease a new venue at TraffordCity. Peel Waters wants to attract the best leisure operators to TraffordCity, and we are keen to be working in partnership with them and ICITIES to develop a Planet Ice branded venue at this location.

“With easy access to and from the M60, our customers from Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester are all within close range.

“The venue will be very complementary to our existing facilities in the northwest, in particular Altrincham, where we are often at capacity.”

The estimated build time of the ice-arena and event space will be approximately 12-15 months once the team starts on site.  

New research shows 18 million days lost at work to mental health

Helen Greaney
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New research shows 18 million days lost at work to mental health

New data reveals that 18 million days per year are lost at work to mental health conditions.

Personal injury experts – Claims.co.uk –  looked at the Office for National Statistics’ sickness absence data from 2018 – 2022 to reveal which demographics are most likely to miss work, and identify the most common reasons for doing so.

The results come in just as the nation prepares for Blue Monday (January 15) – a relatively new term which has been used to describe the third Monday in January as ‘the most depressing day of the year’.

Flu season

Every year, the UK workforce loses on average 146.6 million days due to sickness, which equates to approximately 4.5 days per worker – or almost a full working week.

And with snow set for next week, employers will pay particular attention to absences as workers contend with flu season, as well as post-holiday blues and holiday-related illnesses.

The study identified the main reasons workers call in sick – with minor illnesses like coughs and colds proving the main cause. An average of 33 million days is lost per year due to minor illnesses.

Mental health

Data also found that 12% of the working days lost were due to mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety – making this 18 million days per year, on average.

On the other end of the scale, an average of 7.4 million days were lost with workers preferring not to give a reason.

The study also found that workers aged between 50 and 64 lose more days at work than any other age group, with an average of 56.3 million total days lost per year. Per worker, this works out to approximately 6.1 lost days annually.

Interestingly, the 16 to 24 age group have only lost an estimated 10.2 million days per year – which is 65.2% lower than the average. This equals 2.7 days lost per worker each year.

With regards to gender, women were found to call in sick for 2.6% of their working days a year – which is a 49.4% increase compared to men.

Detrimental effects

A spokesperson for claims.co.uk said: “Sick days lost from work can have detrimental effects on both workers and the company. For employees, frequent absences due to illness can result in increased stress and workload upon return, negatively impacting their overall job satisfaction and well-being.

“From the company’s perspective, a reduction in workforce attendance can lead to productivity losses and delayed project timelines. Given the contagious nature of minor illnesses, it’s no wonder they frequently lead to sick leave as they can spread quickly. Many are also left particularly vulnerable when commuting on public transport to work.”

New ‘NeighbourHub’ opens in Bury’s Mill Gate Shopping Centre

Helen Greaney
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New ‘NeighbourHub’ opens in Bury’s Mill Gate Shopping Centre

Local employment services provider Ingeus and Bury Council have launched the ‘Bury NeighbourHub in Mill Gate Shopping Centre.

Mayor of Bury, councillor Sandra Walmsley, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony on Monday.

The new community hub provides a relaxed environment where local people can seek help and advice on issues including housing, employment, money management and health.

Councillor Walmsley said: “It was an honour and a privilege to officially open the new advice centre. I’m sure it will be a great help to many Bury residents who will welcome a central point, open five days a week, where they can get advice on a wide range of employment and skills support.”

Funded by the Community Investment Fund (CIF), the Bury NeighbourHub is a collaborative project between Bury Works, Bury Council and Ingeus, an employment services provider working with residents and employers to help create lasting employment.

The hub is open Monday to Friday with agencies such as Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice, National Careers Service, and local health support services regularly on site so that Bury residents can access a one-stop shop of support.

Ingeus will provide information on the Working Well Work and Health Programme, including the new Pioneer support programme, commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help people on out of work benefits or who are economically inactive secure sustainable employment.

Bury Neighbourhub also provides space for local people from different backgrounds to come together and connect, get involved in community projects, and learn how their skills and ideas can help Bury to become an even better place to live.

Nicola Wood, head of delivery for Ingeus said: “It was fantastic to see so many people attend the launch event. Our mission is to enable better lives and the NeighbourHub provides us with another avenue to support even more people with finding suitable local employment.”

Glowfrog Assists in Transformative Update of Derby Museums’ Pickford’s House

News Desk
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Glowfrog Assists in Transformative Update of Derby Museums’ Pickford’s House

Derby Museums is embarking on a significant transformation of Pickford’s House, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1770, designed by esteemed architect Joseph Pickford. The museum has been a testament to Georgian era life and fashion since 1988.

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and The Wolfson Foundation through the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, the museum is set for a full-scale renovation from spring 2024. The refurbishment will see each room enhanced with new interpretation, displays, and immersive exhibits, aimed at elevating the overall visitor experience and providing new perspectives on the site’s historical significance.

Key to these updates is the contribution from Glowfrog Video Production (www.glowfrogvideo.com), who will be creating a welcome video for the museum pro-bono. This video is designed to engage visitors with the history of the house and cater to disabled guests, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

Matt Middleton, Director at Glowfrog Video Production, expressed his commitment to the project, saying: “Offering our services pro-bono for Pickford’s House aligns with our core values of supporting local community, and I’m particularly excited about this project given that Pickford’s is a site I’ve visited countless times over the last thirty years or so. It will be fantastic to provide a welcome video for all visitors to the museum, offering a deeper insight into its history and local significance.”

Jennifer Cuadrado, Director of Development at Derby Museums, highlighted the importance of these developments: “These updates represent a significant stride in our mission to make history come alive for our diverse audience. These enhancements, including the welcome video offered by Glowfrog, not only preserve the architectural and cultural legacy of Pickford’s House but also align with our broader mission of making history accessible to diverse audiences.”

Laura Phillips, Head of Interpretation and Display at Derby Museums, also noted: “The meticulous curation of each room at Pickford’s House reflects our commitment to preserving and presenting history in an engaging manner. Glowfrog’s offer to create an inclusive experience through the welcome video resonates with our vision of making the museum accessible to all.”

In recognition of their contribution, Derby Museums encourages exploration of Glowfrog Video Production’s services on their website at www.glowfrogvideo.com.

Timeline Triumphs in Fintech with £4 Billion AUM and Growing Adviser Relations

News Desk
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Timeline Triumphs in Fintech with £4 Billion AUM and Growing Adviser Relations

Timeline, a trailblazer in the British fintech landscape catering to independent financial advisers, announces its triumphant entry into 2024 with a staggering £4 billion in client Assets Under Management (AUM). This achievement is underscored by a doubling in both the number of adviser firms partnered with and the AUM since 2023.

Pioneering in Financial Advisory Services

Created six years ago by CEO Abraham Okusanya, Timeline has swiftly risen to prominence in the financial advice sector, which boasts over £1 trillion in client assets. The company arms Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) with innovative technology, enhancing their operational efficiency, client service, and financial success in the UK.

Remarkable Growth and Recognition

Timeline’s growth in 2023 continued to impress, consolidating its status as “the UK’s fastest-growing discretionary fund manager” for the third consecutive year and joining the ranks of the top-10 Model Portfolio Services (MPS) according to Nextwealth. Additionally, Defaqto named Timeline the ‘most recommended MPS by Advisers’ in the same year.

Digital Solutions for IFAs

Timeline’s premier financial planning software offers comprehensive functionalities, including client intake, risk analysis, cashflow projection, and investment strategy. Coupled with Timeline Portfolios, these tools have become highly sought after by IFAs. Timeline’s cohesive package offers UK IFAs a seamless and cost-effective digital experience.

Abraham Okusanya, founder and CEO of Timeline, remarked:

“ I’m truly delighted that our mission has resonated so deeply with financial advisers. Starting the year with over £4 billion of clients assets invested in better, lower cost portfolios, aligned with their goals, is ultimately reflected in the tens of thousands of end clients and their families who are now facing a better financial future.

The UK’s financial advice market represents a staggering £1 trillion in client assets. Everybody in the industry now recognises Timeline as the unstoppable rocket ship on a mission to make financial life and retirement better for millions of people. We aspire to be the Number One provider of technology-powered Model Portfolio Services for IFAs within the next three years.”

The Adviser 3.0 conference, initiated by Timeline in 2023 and featuring industry leaders like Baroness Karren Brady and Seth Godin, will welcome Deborah Meaden in its 2024 edition, gathering numerous advisers in May.

Sports minister Stuart Andrew slams ‘dangerous’ Joey Barton comments

Harry Carr
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Sports minister Stuart Andrew slams ‘dangerous’ Joey Barton comments

Joey Barton’s negative social media posts regarding women working in men’s football are “dangerous” and could lead to abuse, according to sports minister Stuart Andrew.

Former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Barton has courted controversy with a number of comments about female commentators and pundits in recent weeks.

Last week, ITV released a statement to criticise “vindictive remarks” made by Barton towards Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, who were working on live coverage of Crystal Palace’s goalless FA Cup draw with Everton.

Barton compared the pair to serial killers Fred and Rose West on X, formerly known as Twitter, in comments described by the broadcaster as “contemptible and shameful”.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag won’t rule out loan moves at Manchester United
Raducanu and Osaka withdraw from charity match ahead of Australian Open
Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

Barton responded to ITV’s statement with another expletive-laden social media post, describing the broadcaster as “woke”.

On Tuesday, Andrew added his voice to those criticising Barton while appearing at an inquiry into women’s sport by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Asked by Labour MP Julie Elliott if he condemned Barton’s comments, Andrew – who serves as parliamentary under-secretary of state for sport, tourism and civil society – said: “Yes, I would.

“These are comments that open the floodgates for abuse and that’s not acceptable.

“I’m always wary in these situations that these sorts of people want the oxygen and I don’t want to fuel that.

“I want to put on record my thanks for the amazing contribution that women and girls make to football and sport more generally.”

Andrew then added he would speak to social media platforms in order to find ways of countering sexist comments online.

Barton pursued a coaching career following his retirement from playing in 2017, but has been unemployed since being sacked by League One outfit Bristol Rovers last October.

Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

Harry Carr
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Palmer never wanted to leave Manchester City but delighted with Chelsea decision

Cole Palmer says he never wanted to leave Manchester City, but the forward feels vindicated in his choice of club after making an impressive start to life at Chelsea.

Palmer struggled for regular minutes at the Etihad Stadium before making a deadline-day move to Chelsea in September, with 18 of his 25 appearances for the treble winners last season coming from the bench.

He has found game-time much easier to come by in west London, starting 16 times across all competitions this term and recording 15 goal involvements (eight goals, seven assists).

Perhaps the most noteworthy of his eight goals for the Blues to date came against City in November, with Palmer netting a 95th-minute penalty as the teams played out a thrilling 4-4 Premier League draw.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag won’t rule out loan moves at Manchester United
Dalot credits Ratcliffe for bringing ‘new energy’ to Manchester United
Raducanu and Osaka withdraw from charity match ahead of Australian Open

While Palmer says his initial aim for 2023-24 was to find a loan move before returning to City, he is delighted with how his switch to Stamford Bridge has worked out.

“My thing was to never leave City,” Palmer told Sky Sports ahead of Tuesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough.

“That was not my intention. I wanted to go on loan for a year, come back and be ready for the first team. But they said I couldn’t go on loan, either stay or you get sold.

“So then, Chelsea rang me. I said I wanted to go to Chelsea and I’m really happy to be here. I’m very glad I made the decision to come here.

“I wanted to get into the team, play and show what I can do. To get in the team straight away and hit the ground running has surprised me, to be fair.”

Palmer has become a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s new-look Chelsea team, with the Argentine looking to integrate several young recruits after the Blues spent over £1billion on signings in their first three transfer windows under the Todd Boehly regime.

The 21-year-old has been particularly impressed by Pochettino’s man-management skills, saying: “I’ve noticed that he’s the same with everyone… the cooks, the physios, us.

“He asks you questions and he’s genuinely interested. It’s brilliant.”

Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka withdraw from charity match ahead of Australian Open

Harry Carr
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Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka withdraw from charity match ahead of Australian Open

Tuesday’s scheduled charity match between Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka was cancelled after both players withdrew just days before the start of the Australian Open.

Raducanu is set to make her first grand slam appearance in a year after being granted entry into the main draw at the Melbourne Park event, which gets under way on Sunday.

The 2021 US Open champion missed most of 2023 after undergoing wrist and ankle surgeries in May, before returning to the court at the Auckland Classic last week.

She overcame Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in three sets on her return before suffering a 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 defeat to eventual runner-up Elina Svitolina in the second round of the tournament.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag won’t rule out loan moves at Manchester United
Dalot credits Ratcliffe for bringing ‘new energy’ to Manchester United
Emma Raducanu goes back to childhood coach Cavaday ahead of Australian Open

On Tuesday, Raducanu was due to meet Osaka in the first of a series of charity matches taking place at Rod Laver Arena this week, but both players withdrew for what Tennis Australia described as “precautionary reasons”.

The BBC reported that Raducanu opted against participating after experiencing “a little soreness” in the aftermath of a two-hour practice session on Monday.

While Raducanu’s last major appearance came at the 2023 edition of the Australian Open, Osaka has not featured at a grand slam since going out in the first round of the 2022 US Open.

The four-time grand slam champion suffered a second-round exit at the Brisbane International last week, in what represented her first tournament appearance since giving birth to her first child last July.

 

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Over 102 Million Americans Bilingual: What Would a UK Survey Reveal?

News Desk
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Over 102 Million Americans Bilingual: What Would a UK Survey Reveal?

An insightful MSN article recently shed light on the multilingual capabilities of Americans. According to a comprehensive study by Test Prep Insight involving 3,000 participants, an astonishing figure emerges: over 102 million Americans claim to be bilingual. This statistic not only highlights the vast multilingual landscape of the US but also underscores the growing trend of bilingualism in a country often perceived as predominantly English-speaking. 

The survey found that the top 5 multilingual states were Rhode Island, New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and California. The bottom five were Iowa, Idaho, Maine, Delaware, and Alabama. The survey also revealed that 56% of American travelers expect English to be understood abroad. The primary motivations for learning a new language included education (33%), travel (26%), personal interest (23%), and business (18%). Spanish is the most popular language to learn, followed by French, Japanese, Italian, and German.

Interestingly, 40% of Americans wouldn’t date someone who doesn’t speak their language. Lastly, the survey found a split opinion on whether AI advancements might make learning new languages redundant. 

Test Prep Insight’s survey prompted the Business Manchester editorial team to debate how many UK respondents would claim to be bilingual, if a similar survey was carried out in this country. If a similar survey were to be conducted in the UK, it could reveal fascinating insights into the linguistic diversity and preferences of the British population. The UK, with its rich history of global connections and a diverse population, might show a high rate of bilingualism, influenced by factors such as immigration, education, and cultural ties.

In the UK, languages like French, Spanish, German, and Italian have traditionally been taught in schools, but there’s also a growing interest in languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, and Russian, reflecting changing global dynamics. The motivations for Brits to learn new languages could parallel those of the Americans: education, travel, personal interest, and business. However, there could be unique factors at play, such as the UK’s departure from the EU and its implications for language learning and cultural exchange.

TestPrepInsight scaled
Image Credit: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

The impact of technology on language learning and communication is also a pertinent topic. With advancements in AI and machine translation, some might question the necessity of learning new languages. However, the cultural and cognitive benefits of bilingualism, such as improved cognitive flexibility and a deeper understanding of different cultures, cannot be overlooked.

Furthermore, the social aspects of bilingualism, such as its influence on personal relationships and social interactions, would be an interesting dimension to explore in the UK context. The statistic from the American survey about 40% of Americans unwilling to date someone who doesn’t speak their language might find a different expression in the UK, where cultural norms and attitudes towards multilingualism might differ.

Please get in touch with the editorial teams with your thoughts on bilingualism in the UK!

Ten Hag won’t rule out loan moves at Manchester United

Jon Fisher
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Ten Hag won’t rule out loan moves at Manchester United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out dipping into the loan market in the January transfer window.

United progressed through to the fourth round of the FA Cup last night with a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic despite a list of absentees that included injured winger Antony and ill pair Christian Eriksen and forward Amad Diallo.

Read our other Manchester United news stories here:
Dortmund CEO Watzke confirms Sancho talks with Manchester United
Manchester City to visit Tottenham in FA Cup, United could face Eastleigh
Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United: Dalot and Fernandes send Red Devils through

That trio joined the likes of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Mason Mount on the sidelines, leaving United short as they look to maintain their challenge for a Champions League qualifying spot.

Last January, Ten Hag signed Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst on a surprise loan deal and is again considering short-term options to bolster his squad.

He said: “We consider everything, so what is the best interests of the player and what is the best interest of us, for our team and for Manchester United.

“We will see how it progresses during the window.”

United host Tottenham on Sunday, their final game before a two-week winter break, and Ten Hag is hoping to have some of his walking wounded available.

He added: “Yeah. I think there will be some players, I think it’s hopeful that they can be back at the weekend.

“So I’m talking about Christian Eriksen, potentially Luke Shaw. Harry maybe, Mason I think he needs some days or a week more.”

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