Business Manchester

Discover Oldham at Illuminate Night Light 2025

Events

Helen Greaney

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04/02/2025

Discover Oldham at Illuminate Night Light 2025

Oldham’s popular late-night light festival, Illuminate Light Night, returns for its eighth year in February.

The festival invites visitors of all ages to discover Oldham in a whole new light, with this year’s theme, “Illuminating the Everyday.”

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On Saturday, February 22, light art will transform spaces across Oldham town centre from 6 to 9pm, the free event will feature awe-inspiring installations, dazzling performances, and interactive experiences created by acclaimed artists from the UK and beyond.

Highlights of the event include the Illuminate Parade at 6pm, which will wind its way through the town centre, featuring hundreds of vibrant community-made lanterns, illuminated “everyday hero” puppets and giant creations from Global Grooves.

Experience MAPP by artist AlexP, a stunning interactive video-mapping installation that turns everyday surroundings into colourful, dynamic works of art, or marvel at ‘Harmony Hall’ by Illuminos & Oldham Theatre Workshop.

On Sunday, February 23, Northern Roots, will be entertaining from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Find out what a future of tantalizing technology, robots and AI look like and let Global Grooves and intergalactic snail riders Sleepy Pete, Rosemary Ripple and Gastro Flash take you on an illuminated journey into the future at Northern Roots!

‘Into the Future’ will conjure a futuristic, fun and fantastical story, celebrating local artists, community talent and the spirit of Carnival as night falls over the Northern Roots site.

To book lantern workshops and Crypt by candlelight tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/illuminate-light-night-3930033

Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see this incredible popular event back in Oldham town centre, bringing our community together to celebrate in such a special and unique way.

“This free event has become a visitor favourite in our growing calendar of free events, offering something for everyone, no matter their age.

“You can grab a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping before or after the event. It’s a great way to enjoy the day and show love to our town’s amazing eateries and shops.

“And if you haven’t yet visited Northern Roots, this is the perfect opportunity to discover this unique space for yourself.”

Bury Running Festival is back for 2025

Sport

Helen Greaney

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04/02/2025

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The highly anticipated Bury Running Festival is back for 2025.

Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, in partnership with Bury Council and Bury BID, returns to Bury’s sporting calendar on Sunday, September 7, and entries are now officially open for the 10K and Mini and Junior editions.

Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the range of distances, which will see the 10K participants start and finish outside The Rock shopping centre and embark on a route along Tottington and Bury Road before heading onto the Kirklees Trail and looping back into the town centre.

A great event for runners and spectators alike, this scenic route promises to attract huge crowds of supporters as the town centre meets the picturesque countryside.

The Mini and Junior, taking place on the same day, are open to those aged three years plus, offering the perfect opportunity for families and friends to stay active and healthy together. The Bury Mini caters for 3-8 years, while those aged 9-14 years will have the opportunity to take on the 2.5km distance.

With community and charity at the core, participants are encouraged to take part and fundraise for one of the event’s partner charities – Jane Tomlinson Appeal, BackUp North West and Trust House – or for a cause of their own choice.

Marking the second year of their multi-year partnership, title sponsor Bury BID will again work collectively with Run For All and Bury Council to not only motivate and inspire but empower participants of all ages and abilities join in.

2024 marked the inaugural year of the partnership between the three organisations as they came together to celebrate their shared mission to create a more dynamic and prosperous town for both residents and visitors alike, as well as businesses.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, director of Operations at Run For All, said: “We’re delighted to have opened entries for the 2025 Bury Running Festival and have the support of both the council and Bury BID once again.

“The event is always a great way for families and friends of all ages to stay active and healthy together, whilst providing a perfect opportunity to fundraise for so many worthy causes and we expect this year to be no different.”

Nigel Shields, town centre director, said: “We are thrilled to support the Run for All – Bury BID 10K again in 2025. Last year was a wonderful, positive event. This event brings our community together, promotes an active lifestyle and the vibrant spirit and energy of Bury’s residents and showcases the fabulous businesses of Bury town centre to those taking part. It really puts Bury on the map. We’re proud to see so many people participating and want to thank everyone involved in this great event.”

Councillor Tamoor Tariq said: “Thousands of participants, spectators and volunteers unite each year to take part in Bury Running Festival. With fun and fundraising at its core, participants can run for their own reason, but with one goal in common – to make a significant difference to others.

“Last year’s event was yet another fantastic day for our town and our communities. Let’s make 2025 the biggest and best event yet centred around running, fundraising and community spirit. Come on Bury, everyone is welcome to join, let’s do it!”

The Bury Running Festival is supported by Bury Council, The Rock, High 5, Arla Protein, Coopah, Shokz, Up and Running, Gradwell, Marathon Photos Live and BBC Radio Manchester.

Entries are now open. Potential participants should visit: www.runforall.com

£100,000 cash award boosts Manchester Image Archive

News

Helen Greaney

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04/02/2025

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£100,000 cash award boosts Manchester Image Archive

Manchester Libraries local image website has been revamped to offer an expanded and improved collection of historic and contemporary images of its people, streets and buildings.

Thanks to a £100,000 funding award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Manchester Libraries has been able to develop the new Manchester Image Archive and to hire a project manager to oversee it.

Currently hosting more than 90,000 images, the upgraded website features a much larger archive with the additional 12,000 images catalogued by a dedicated team of volunteers and through partnership work with The Museum Platform.

The improved system makes it easier than ever to search and discover images of local landmarks, people, and events.

Some of the new and improved features include advanced search tools and high-quality image downloads and interactive features to allow users to share memories with libraries and to create their own library of images.

Additional features include:

Larger digital images with zoom functionality
An improved and intuitive user interface
Simplified and powerful search tools
Commenting feature to share memories or provide us with new information
Create and share your own galleries of your favourite images
Streamlined licensing functions so you can purchase images with ease
A blog area exploring our collection

Councillor John Hacking said: “We have been developing this new collection since May last year and have partnered with a great team at The Museum Platform to help us build this new resource. We are thrilled to be able to offer a bigger and better website for all to use and thanks to the hard work of the volunteers and the support of the National Lottery funding we have been able to create a resource that will benefit generations to come.”

Police appeal following triple stabbing in city centre

News

Helen Greaney

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04/02/2025

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Police appeal following triple stabbing in city centre

Profit warnings issued by North West listed companies edge up in 2024

Finance

Helen Greaney

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04/02/2025

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Profit warnings issued by North West listed companies edge up in 2024

UK-listed companies in the North West issued more profit warnings last year than in 2023 due to a challenging second half of the year, says EY-Parthenon.

According to its latest Profit Warnings report, listed companies in the region issued a total of 29 profit warnings during 2024, up marginally from the 27 warnings issued in 2023.

The increase came despite a resilient first half of 2024, which saw warnings from North West companies fall by 21% year-on-year compared to the opening six months of 2023.

North West companies operating in the Industrials FTSE super-sector issued the most warnings last year with a total of seven, similar to the national trend. Meanwhile, companies in the region operating in the consumer discretionary and technology FTSE super-sectors issued a total of five warnings each.

Nationally, one in five (19%) UK-listed companies issued a profit warning in 2024, the third highest annual proportion in 25 years, behind only the 2020 pandemic (35%) and the impact of the dot-com bubble burst and 9/11 in 2001 (23%).

EY-Parthenon’s report found that UK-listed companies issued 274 profit warnings last year – including 71 in Q4 – down slightly from the 294 issued during 2023.

The leading factor behind profit warnings in 2024 was contract and order cancellations or delays, cited in 34% of warnings, including 39% in Q4 – the highest quarterly percentage for this reason in more than 15 years. Increasing costs triggered nearly one in five (18%) warnings in the last 12 months.

Sam Woodward (pictured), EY-Parthenon UK&I turnaround and restructuring partner in the North West, said: “After an encouraging and resilient start to 2024, the second half of the year was a more difficult period for companies in the North West, with economic challenges including sticky inflation, high interest rates and geopolitical tensions beginning to have a more significant impact on the region’s business community.

“Companies operating in the Industrials FTSE super-sector issued the region’s highest number of warnings last year, so businesses operating in this area in particular should continue to prioritise scenario planning and stress-testing. However, given the UK economy’s performance is expected to be slightly better in 2025 than last year, forward looking prospects appear to be improving. The North West is also home to a wide range of resilient, innovative businesses, so there are undoubtedly reasons for optimism despite last year’s challenges.”

Nationally, the FTSE sectors with the highest number of profit warnings in 2024 were Industrial Support Services – which encompasses business service providers, industrial suppliers and recruitment companies – with 37 warnings issued, and Software and Computer Services, with 22.

CLOSWAP: The ‘Tinder for Clothes’ App Making Fashion More Sustainable

News Desk

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04/02/2025

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CLOSWAP: The ‘Tinder for Clothes’ App Making Fashion More Sustainable

A new wave of sustainable fashion is sweeping across the UK, thanks to CLOSWAP, an app that makes trading clothes as easy as swiping. Often described as the “Tinder for Clothes,” this innovative platform is transforming wardrobes without the need to spend money.

Imagine a world where instead of purchasing a brand-new outfit, you simply trade for one. That was the vision behind CLOSWAP, created by three university students struggling to afford constant wardrobe upgrades.

What began as an experimental clothes-swapping event on campus, attended by hundreds of students, has grown into a national movement. CLOSWAP is now the UK’s leading peer-to-peer clothing swap platform, making fashion more circular and accessible.

After witnessing the popularity of their first event, the three founders realised their idea had huge potential. Unable to keep up with the costs of new fashion themselves, they decided to launch CLOSWAP as a full-scale business. Today, the app has more than 20,000 users, with plans to expand even further.

“At CLOSWAP, we want the pace, price, and practicality of fast fashion to be matched by swapping,” says co-founder Maria Remy.

“That’s why we host events and built the app. It’s fast, engaging, and free, with the added bonus of building an IRL community. For students like us, it’s not just about fashion—it’s about giving everyone the opportunity to constantly upgrade their wardrobe without spending money, EVER. You already have the currency; it’s in your closet!”

The app is rapidly growing, with in-person swap events set to take place in Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Birmingham. These events, complete with live music and interactive activities, bring the CLOSWAP experience into the real world. Meanwhile, the app’s Karma Points system keeps the swapping process engaging and rewarding.

With the average Brit wearing an item just seven times before discarding it, CLOSWAP aims to rewrite fashion habits by giving clothes a second and third life. By connecting wardrobes across the UK, the platform is proving that sustainable fashion can also be fun and accessible.

Having won the 2024 Mayor of London’s Entrepreneurship Award for Creative Industries, CLOSWAP is now firmly established as a leader in circular fashion. The team, now part of several startup accelerators and recognised as a Resolution Fellow, is preparing for further expansion while raising their seed round under the SEIS advanced assurance scheme.

The app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play. To find out more, click here.

New chief executive Stannard “ambitious” for Manchester

News

Helen Greaney

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03/02/2025

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New chief executive Stannard “ambitious” for Manchester

Manchester City Council’s new chief executive Tom Stannard (pictured) starts his role today.

Tom becomes only the third chief executive in more than 25 years in the city.

He brings with him considerable experience, having served as chief executive in neighbouring Salford City Council for the past four years – overseeing achievements including the transformative regeneration of Salford, an ambitious council housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services – and held a number of senior posts in a long local government career.

Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead chief executive brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.

He joins the council at a pivotal moment as it gears up to bring forward the 2025-2035 Our Manchester Strategy which will guide the city in the decade ahead.

The new vision will aim to build on the achievements of the 2015-2025 plan, delivering economic growth including addressing inequalities through the Making Manchester Fairer action plan and pursuing ambitious housebuilding and zero carbon programmes.

As well as driving forward this long-term strategy, Tom will ensure the council stays focused on providing high quality day-to-day services and supporting clean, green and vibrant neighbourhoods across the city.

Tom will also be the place-based lead for Manchester and its locality health arrangements within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care system.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Tom brings experience, energy and ideas to this important role for the city and will oversee the delivery of our vision for Manchester’s next decade.

“The city is on a positive trajectory, making an impact on the world stage while continuing to improve its neighbourhoods and create opportunities for its residents, and I’m looking forward to working with Tom in the years ahead to take these achievements to the next level.”

Tom Stannard said: “I’m highly ambitious for Manchester and the people who call it home.

“I’ve lived and worked in Greater Manchester for much of my career so I know the area well and have a deep personal commitment to it. But at the same time, there’s always more insight to gain and I’m looking forward to getting to know more of those who make up Team Manchester – from the elected members and council staff to partner organisations, businesses and residents who all have a part to play in the city’s success.

“This is an incredible job in a remarkable city and I’m delighted to be here to get working on behalf of Manchester and its people.”

Major restoration of historic Broadfield Park Slopes moves forward

Construction

Helen Greaney

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03/02/2025

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Major restoration of historic Broadfield Park Slopes moves forward

The transformation of the Grade II listed Broadfield Park Slopes in Rochdale town centre has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of a local contractor to lead the redevelopment.

The Casey Group has been selected to carry out the restoration of the historic slopes (pictured artist’s impression) behind Rochdale Town Hall, situated within the town’s conservation area.

The site, rich in history, features a natural spring that once supplied the Packer Spout fountain, a key element in Rochdale’s industrial development.

As part of the £3 million project, the fountain and its water supply will be reinstated, along with a natural pond further up the slopes. Nearby obelisks will also be repaired, and historic-style lighting will be installed to replicate the original fixtures that once adorned the site.

Pathways across the area will be restored, with the addition of a new accessible route, making Packer Spout fully accessible for the first time. Improved lighting will enhance the space, while a newly created lawn and terraced seating at the base of the slopes will form a natural amphitheatre for events and performances.

Funded by Rochdale Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme also includes a full activity programme to encourage community engagement across all age groups.

An archaeological dig, which unearthed the remains of a wall and drain, thought to date from the 17^th or 18^th century, has already taken place, and monthly ‘ask an archaeologist’ sessions take place at Rochdale Town Hall. Projects are also ongoing with local schoolchildren and the Young Archaeologist’s Club, a national club for 8-16 year-olds who want to get hands on with archaeology.

The Casey Group, based in Regent Street, Rochdale has delivered a number of projects across the North West, including Rochdale’s own Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum in Maclure Road.

Casey will be employing an apprentice as part of the project and creating a number of work placements, which will focus on supporting the long term unemployed. Site tours will also be offered, so residents can get a flavour of what’s happening on site.

Councillor Danny Meredith said: “Nestled between our recently restored Grade I Listed town hall and the Medieval St Chad’s Church, this area is steeped in history. This fantastic, National Lottery supported project, will help us uncover even more of our borough’s rich heritage and allow our residents to share in the proud stories of Rochdale’s past. Following the extensive restoration of Rochdale Town Hall, as well the work to transform Town Hall Square and the area around the cenotaph, this is the last piece of the jigsaw.

“I’m delighted to see a local company like Casey being awarded this contract and can’t wait for the transformation to begin. And even better, there will be a number of opportunities for residents to get involved and get hands on with this fantastic project.”

Graham Lang, operations director at the Casey Group, said: “There’s nothing better than securing a project in your own back yard. Casey love working with our communities, bringing valued spaces and places back into full public use. Green spaces such as Broadfield Slopes undergo so many evolutionary changes and we are privileged to be part of this next chapter.

“Casey’s HQ is under three miles away, so this scheme is particularly significant for our 250 strong team. We look forward to working with the council and their stakeholders, to deliver a high quality, community asset for the people of Rochdale.”

Helen Featherstone, director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said it was fantastic news that the restoration of Broadfield Park Slopes had reached a key milestone.

“We are excited to see the continuation of the heritage-led regeneration of Rochdale, following the revamp of the magnificent town hall, which opened last year. Thanks to National Lottery players, more of the town’s medieval story will be uncovered and this project will ensure that the slopes can be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come,” she said.

Work on site is set to begin in March and is scheduled to complete in Autumn this year. The project is being delivered by RDA on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.

Police uncover large cannabis farm in Bury

News

Helen Greaney

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03/02/2025

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Police uncover large cannabis farm in Bury

Police uncovered a large cannabis farm as they carried out a warrant in Bury.

At around 8am on Friday, officers attended a mill on Milltown Street in Radcliffe.

They had reason to search the mill following the chase of a suspect over the land previously.

The search unveiled 658 plants and six vacuum packed bags ready for distribution into communities.

Inspector Gareth Edwards said: “On this occasion the find boiled down to some luck, but working collaboratively with key resources we have at our disposal alongside Bury Council, Environmental Health, and the fire service through joint agency work we are looking to prevent further offences at the location.

“We are continuing to conduct enquiries to find those responsible with a view to closing the mill until it is deemed safe, as the wider impact this had on the environment in terms of waste is another serious concern.

“Our work to tackle drugs supply is continuing at pace and we only know too well the devastating consequences drugs has within communities of Bury and across Greater Manchester as well as further afield.

“This was a well-planned setup with intelligence showcasing that drugs supply can lead to other serious criminal offences, including modern slavery.”

Anyone with further information about this discovery, is asked to call 101 in confidence quoting incident 462 of 31/01/2025. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Manchester welcomes Year of the Snake this weekend

Events

Helen Greaney

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31/01/2025

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Manchester welcomes Year of the Snake this weekend

Manchester is expected to be even busier than usual this weekend (February 1 and 2) as the city welcomes the Year of the Snake.

A weekend full of activities, including the annual Chinese New Year Dragon Parade on Sunday, is taking place.

Already a sea of colour with trees decked out in traditional red lanterns in celebration of the Lunar New Year, visitors heading into the city centre this weekend are promised a dazzling display of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture.

The weekend’s activities – organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester (FCAM) – will see Manchester’s Chinatown transformed into a festive wonderland with lanterns, music, food, and family-friendly activities.

Anyone planning to come into Manchester and enjoy the activities is advised to use public transport and to travel as light as possible with no big bags, and to consider using back packs or other carriers for babies and toddlers as an alternative to pushchairs.

Visitors should note that the busiest part of the weekend is likely to be from 12 noon to 2pm on Sunday when the Dragon Parade takes place.

People coming in to see the parade should be aware that access into Chinatown may be restricted during this time in order to manage the number of people in the area, and they may be advised to enjoy the parade from elsewhere along the route instead.

Chinatown visitors throughout the weekend will be able to enjoy a host of activities across the two days from 12 noon – 8 pm, including sampling a variety of delicious Chinese delicacies and authentic street food from local vendors.

Mesmerising traditional dance and music performances will also be taking place on both Saturday and Sunday on the main stage in the Chinatown carpark.

Other highlights include performances from the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe at 2.45 pm and 3.45 pm on Sunday, and a DJ playing Cantonese and Mandarin pop songs from 8 pm – 10 pm on Saturday.

FCAM’s famous Night Dragon will also be making appearances in the Chinatown carpark on Saturday at 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm, whilst Sunday will see the spectacular annual Dragon Parade take place, featuring a stunning traditional dragon, acrobatic performances, dancers and drummers.

Starting from the junction of Oxford Street and George Street at 12 noon on Sunday, the Dragon Parade will make its way along Portland Street, into Chinatown, with a final performance on Princess Street.

This year’s festivities will culminate on Sunday evening with the record-breaking Illuminated Dragon which will take to the streets of Chinatown from 6.30 pm, featuring members of the public recruited earlier in the day by organisers to help take part in dancing the dragon.

Away from Chinatown, activities will also be taking place at Central Library throughout the weekend, with an afternoon of arts and crafts on Saturday from 1 – 4 pm and a Hanfu Show featuring traditional Chinese clothing.

On Sunday, the Library will be throwing open its doors for the day to help even more families celebrate the Year of the Snake, with a fun-filled programme of dance and music performances, arts and crafts, face-painting, and much more.

The day will begin with an unmissable Lion Dance outside the Library at 11 am before the Library opens its doors at 11.30 am for a day of activities which finish at 4 pm.

A number of road closures will be in place over the weekend to allow the activities to take place.

Road closures

Chinatown

From 5am Saturday 1 February to 11.59pm Sunday, February 2:

Nicholas Street (George Street to Faulkner Street)
St James Street (Nicolas Street to Princess Street)

From 5am to 11.59pm Sunday, February 2:

Faulkner Street (Princess Street to New York Street)
Reyner Street (Princess Street to Charlotte Street)
St James Street (Princess Street to Charlotte Street)
Charlotte Street (Portland Street to Mosley Street)
George Street (Princess Street to New York Street)
Chain Street (George Street to Faulkner Street)
Back George Street (Dickenson Street to Charlotte Street)
Nicholas Street (Portland Street to Mosley Street)
Pine Street (Chain Street to New York Street)

Parade route

From 10am to 3pm Sunday, February 2:

Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street) soft closure at the junction of Peter Street / Deansgate. Access for residents and businesses only.
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Whitworth Street West)
Portland Street (Chepstow Street to Chorlton Street)
Princess Street (Major Street to Cooper Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Dickinson Street to Princess Street)
Faulkner Street (Princess Street to Novotel Hotel Entrance/ End of Faulkner Street)
Dickinson Street (Back George Street to Portland Street and Portland Street to Linley House/end of Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Hall Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
Soft Closure inbound at Whitworth Street/Princess Street, Whitworth Street/ Sackville Street, and Whitworth Street/Chorlton Street junctions. No through traffic. Access to residents, businesses, and buses only.

Road works are also taking place in the Chester Road roundabout area. Road travel into the city centre will be very busy. Road closure information is also available on the council’s website: manchester.gov.uk/roadclosures