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South Africa v India 2nd T20I: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Sunday’s series opener in this three-match contest was washed out – thwarting both teams as they look to analyse their options ahead of the T20I World Cup next year.

South Africa only have two games now before they name their squad. They will use them to give opportunities to several players hoping to further their claims for a place at the tournament in the West Indies and United States in June.

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India have this series plus one more against Afghanistan in January so time is running out, meaning both camps will hope the rain that threatens this game does not appear.

Cricket South Africa will also be desperate for the game to go ahead for financial reasons with a sell-out crowd expected in Gqeberha.

Team News

Matthew Breetzke will open alongside Reeza Hendricks for the Proteas while Heinrich Klaasen is expected to be preferred over Tristan Stubbs behind the stumps.
Left-arm quick Nandre Burger is likely to get the chance to impress while Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen will play before being rested for the final game in the series.

Suryakumar Yadav will captain India as he did for the recently concluded 4-1 T20I series win over Australia. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not travelled to South Africa for the white-ball series with both men asking to be rested.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi will play having risen to the top of the world rankings for his exploits against Australia.
Shubman Gill is likely to get the nod over Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Expected line-ups

South Africa: Hendricks, Breetzke, Markram (c), Klaasen (wk), Miller, Ferreira, Jansen, Maharaj, Coetzee, Burger, Shamsi

India: Jaiswal, Gill, Iyer, S Yadav (c), R Singh, Sharma (wk), Jadeja, Kumar, Bishnoi, Siraj, A Singh

When and how to watch

The match takes place at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, with a 3pm (UK time) start. It can be viewed on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event with the programme kicking off at 2.30pm.

Prediction

India come into this series on the back of a 4-1 defeat of a fatigued Australia but a trip to South Africa should present a much sterner test. Having spent so long playing in home conditions, it may take India time to acclimatise so expect the Proteas t

Senior managers are drowning with heavy workloads, study reveals

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Accountancy firm Accounts Direct has revealed the top challenges facing UK workers and business owners every day.

Findings reveal more than 40% of managers struggle to balance work-life demands, whilst around one in three employees find heavy workloads and tight deadlines the biggest challenge in their job.

Management is often considered a job role that offers more flexibility than that of a lower-skilled worker, and that in a world where interest rates are still high and unstable, and the cost-of-living crisis is still prevalent, it’s deadlines and workloads which are causing the biggest challenges in people’s jobs and their wellbeing.

Research insights also reveal that 28% of business owners are struggling with insufficient resources, while more than two in ten managers say they would like their company to outsource customer service tasks.

Steven Englander, CEO at Accounts Direct, said: “These statistics highlight the need for businesses to invest not only in their company but also in employees, looking into workplace tactics on how owners and managers can get the best out of their employees while keeping employees happy within their job roles.

“It is evident that employees are having more pressure and tasks loaded on them, as budgets are tight for recruiting new team members. We are seeing a huge drive in some sectors to outsource certain tasks and implement deeper delegation to manage workloads and ensure they’re still enjoying running a business.”

With 1 in 4 C-level execs revealing that they are struggling to manage a diverse and remote team, a normality since Covid times and home working, employers need to adapt to this new way of working through how they allocate tasks and resources.

Remote working has many benefits; it enables businesses to reduce overheads and access a larger talent pool by searching for employees across the UK or even globally.

“Some businesses see increased productivity, and others see a lack of it due to employees being at home and distracted by daily life tasks. To manage a team successfully, you need to be sure you have effective communication tools.”

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 employees and business owners across the UK, serves as a wake-up call to address the challenges in business.

“In this difficult financial time, it’s important to keep the enjoyment alive in your business,” said Steven.

“Our main customer base is business owners, and our goal is to make running a business enjoyable. Whether that’s outsourcing telecoms and bookkeeping or finding brilliant writers or managers. We are business owners, and we know what it’s like doing all the tasks that take time away from running a business that you love.

“Finding brilliant people who can do the work well, with no aggravation for you, can be a great benefit to outsourcing, plus, it can help to take the pressure off during the current climate.”

Bashir called up for England tour of India

Uncapped Shoaib Bashir was one of four spinners named today in the England squad for the five-Test series in India in the new year.

The 20-year-old Somerset bowler has only played six first-class matches but impressed the England hierarchy on the recent Lions training camp in the UAE.

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He was joined in the party by Rehan Ahmed, fellow newcomer Tom Hartley and the returning Jack Leach with England loading the squad with spinners on what are expected to be slow, turning wickets.

Gus Atkinson was the third uncapped member of the squad and forms a pace attack alongside James Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood.

The squad is captained by Ben Stokes who is expected to be fit after undergoing knee surgery following the World Cup.

England’s director of cricket Rob Key is excited at what Bashir can bring to the table.

He told Cricinfo: “I think we focus more on what style of cricket we want to play and what do we think is going to go out there and win.

“It’s about ‘what is someone’s upside?’ It’s very hard, especially for spinners in English cricket, to judge them on their numbers as such. You’re not going to expect your spinner to average 24 with the ball in county cricket, you’re trying to see something else and back their character.

“You want to see how the ball comes out of their hand – you’re going more to the art of selection, rather than the science of selection – and you back that environment that Stokes and [coach Brendon] McCullum have created with all the other players, to get the best out of these people.

“With Stokesy’s captaincy in particular, your bet is often that he’ll be the one who can get something out of these players. You just want to create an environment where you think they can thrive, which is no mean feat when you’re talking about a Test tour of India.”

The first Test gets underway in Hyderabad on January 25.

Bullish Ten Hag confident Manchester United can see off Bayern Munich

Erik ten Hag is confident that if his wildly inconsistent Manchester United side can produce one of their better performances, it will be good enough to see off Bayern Munich tomorrow night.

United have shown their best and worst over the past week – performing well in a 2-1 win against Chelsea last Wednesday night before turning in a dismal display three days later as Bournemouth cruised to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United v Bayern Munich preview
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That inconsistency has already threatened their progress in the Champions League with United having to beat Bayern and hope the other Group A game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray finishes in a draw in order to finish second, though a victory will at least guarantee them a third-place finish and Europa League football.

Ten Hag said: “I never think in negative scenarios. We think positively, we know what we have to do. We have to win to stay in Europe so it’s all about that.

“I will prepare the team with that feeling and the belief that we are able to do it. We have shown in the last few weeks that when we are at our best we can do it.

“We are not consistent, clearly, but we have good performances and, if we have the right spirit, we are able to beat anyone.”

Prior to the Bournemouth debacle, United had shown some decent form with Ten Hag named Premier League Manager of the Month last week.

He added: “The game against Chelsea, and the game against Everton [a 3-0 win], even the game against Galatasaray [a 3-3 draw in Istanbul]…I know this team can perform at really high levels.

“And it’s not like we did it three months ago, we did it last week. If everyone is ready we can do it.

“We have to show them clips from the Chelsea game, how we can play and if we do that, being on the same page and sticking together, we can beat any opponent.”

Ten Hag also called on the Old Trafford crowd to create a hostile atmosphere and roar on the players.

“Old Trafford is not a nice place to come for an opponent,” he said.

“We are aware it starts with us but I have the feeling that we are absolutely together. There’s a very strong bond between the team and the fans even when we have very big setbacks.

“We have to take responsibility, it starts with us to energise them.”

Bayern were thumped 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday and, even though they have already qualified, will arrive in Manchester determined to right the wrongs of that performance.

“When you play against Bayern Munich, you have to play your best,” said Ten Hag.

“They have a very good team with good individuals but Chelsea also have amazing players and we dominated that game. I think we can do it against Bayern as well.”

How to Outsource Dating Site Moderation for a Better Customer Experience

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In today’s online dating world, the role of a dating site moderator is pivotal in ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and thriving environment for users. These professionals take on the responsibility of overseeing interactions, enforcing community guidelines, and maintaining a positive atmosphere. 

Delving into the significance of content moderation in dating sites reveals its crucial role in upholding credibility and safety within these platforms. Continue exploring to uncover further insights into why content moderation holds such paramount importance in the realm of dating sites.

Understanding Content Moderation for Dating Sites

Content moderation is a critical aspect that contributes significantly to a dating site’s credibility and safety. This involves screening user-generated content (UGC), such as images and text, to filter out inappropriate or offensive material. 

Efficient content moderators use advanced tools and human oversight to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. They review and remove fake profiles, explicit imagery, or misleading information, ensuring the platform remains authentic and trustworthy. 

Outsourcing dating site content moderation services to experienced professionals can ensure a consistent and reliable screening process, bolstering user trust and satisfaction.

The Significance of a Chat Moderator for Dating Sites

Chat moderation is a cornerstone of a dating site’s functionality. A skilled dating site chat moderator engages in real-time monitoring of conversations, ensuring they adhere to community standards and guidelines. This involves swift action against inappropriate behavior, abusive language, or harassment. 

By swiftly identifying and addressing such issues, chat moderators ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for users. Outsourcing chat moderation services to specialized agencies or individuals proficient in chat moderation can streamline the process, allowing the dating site’s team to focus on enhancing user experience and expanding the platform’s features.

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction Through Outsourced Moderation for Dating Sites

Outsourcing dating site moderation is a strategic move to enhance customer experience. Here are the steps on how to effectively outsource moderation for a dating site:

  • Assess Your Moderation Needs

Begin by evaluating your dating site’s current moderation requirements. Identify the volume of UGC, chat interactions, and the level of moderation needed. Understand the specific issues or challenges of maintaining a safe and enjoyable platform.

Assessing your moderation needs clarifies the scale and scope of outsourcing required. It helps determine what area needs assistance and provides direction for your outsourcing plan. Understanding your requirements also enables you to find suitable outsourcing partners tailored to your needs.

  • Research and Identify Outsourcing Partners

Conduct thorough research to identify potential outsourcing partners specializing in dating site moderation services. Look for companies or professionals experienced in dating site moderation. Evaluate their expertise, reputation, and track record in handling similar projects.

Researching and selecting the right outsourcing partner is crucial. Opt for partners with a proven track record in understanding the specific nuances and challenges of online dating platforms. Consider their approach to moderation, available tools, and ability to scale with your platform’s growth.

  • Define Clear Expectations and Guidelines

Clearly outline your expectations, guidelines, and moderation policies for the outsourcing partner. Provide comprehensive documentation detailing community standards, acceptable content, and behavioral guidelines. Establish protocols for reporting and handling different types of issues.

Setting clear expectations ensures alignment between your dating site’s values and the outsourced moderation team. Clarity on guidelines and policies helps maintain consistency in moderating user-generated content and interactions. It’s essential to communicate effectively to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a seamless moderation process.

  • Collaborate and Train Moderation Teams

Foster collaboration between your in-house team and the outsourced moderation professionals. Conduct training sessions to familiarize them with your platform, moderation tools, and specific protocols. Encourage open communication channels for ongoing feedback and updates.

Collaboration and training are pivotal for a successful outsourcing partnership. Providing adequate training ensures that outsourced moderators understand the nuances of your platform, facilitating more effective and consistent moderation. Regular communication helps address emerging issues promptly and aligns everyone with evolving moderation strategies.

  • Monitor Performance and Provide Feedback

Implement systems to monitor the performance of the outsourced moderation team. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response time, accuracy, and user satisfaction. Provide constructive feedback regularly to improve efficiency and maintain quality standards.

Continuous monitoring and feedback loops allow for refinement and improvement in the outsourcing process. Analyzing KPIs helps in assessing the effectiveness of the moderation team and providing feedback fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

  • Regularly Review and Adjust Strategies

Review the outsourcing strategy and its impact on your dating site’s customer experience. Assess the effectiveness of moderation efforts, identify areas for improvement, and adapt strategies based on evolving user behavior or industry trends.

Regular reviews and adjustments are essential for staying ahead in the dynamic landscape of online dating. Assessing the impact of outsourced moderation allows you to refine strategies, adopt new technologies, or adjust workflows to ensure a continuously enhanced customer experience.

Elevating User Experience through Effective Dating Site Moderation

Effective dating site moderation services are indispensable for fostering a secure and pleasant user environment. Outsourcing these services to specialized agencies or professionals proficient in dating site moderation can significantly enhance the platform’s functionality. 

By employing skilled moderators equipped with the right tools and strategies, dating sites can offer a superior user experience, thereby bolstering user satisfaction and trust in the platform’s integrity.

The Rise of Business Outsourcing Services

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The concept of outsourcing has gained substantial momentum throughout the years. As organizations aim to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and focus on core competencies, the demand for business outsourcing services is on the rise. 

This guide will delve into the constantly growing field of business process outsourcing (BPO) and how it has transformed the way companies and businesses operate.

The Evolution of Business Process Outsourcing Services

The landscape of BPO has undergone a remarkable evolution in the corporate world. Initially perceived as a means of cost reduction, it has evolved into a strategic imperative for companies looking to secure a competitive advantage.

Today, BPO services encompass a wide spectrum of functions, from essential tasks like customer support and data entry to more specialized operations, such as email support outsourcing

This expansion reflects a recognition of the multifaceted role that outsourcing now plays in enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer experiences, and enabling companies to concentrate on their core tasks. Businesses increasingly rely on outsourcing to stay agile, adaptable, and competitive in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

The Key Players: Business Process Outsourcing Companies

BPO companies have become the cornerstone of a flourishing industry, offering invaluable support to businesses in various aspects. Their role in enhancing operational efficiency, customer support, and facilitating global expansion cannot be overstated. These service providers are essential for businesses of all sizes, offering scalability, expertise, and customized solutions.

In an era where competitiveness is paramount, BPO companies provide the expertise and infrastructure needed to streamline operations and enhance productivity. These entities bring to the table a wealth of specialized expertise and offer the robust infrastructure necessary for businesses to survive and thrive in the face of relentless competition. 

BPO companies serve as strategic partners, assisting businesses in realizing their objectives by managing non-core functions efficiently, allowing the business to focus on its expertise. Their role in the modern business landscape is pivotal, driving growth and enabling companies to thrive in an increasingly globalized market.

Top Outsourced Business Processes

Outsourcing has become a fundamental strategy for many businesses aiming to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. Among several business process outsourcing services, these are the ones usually outsourced:

  • It outsourcing

IT outsourcing involves delegating technological operations, software development, maintenance, cybersecurity, and network management to external service providers.

According to Statista, the global market size of IT outsourcing amounted to approximately $66.5 billion in 2020 and was projected to grow further, reflecting its significance in modern business strategies. Outsourcing IT functions allows companies to access specialized expertise, reduce infrastructure costs, and stay updated with technology trends.

  • Bookkeeping outsourcing

Bookkeeping outsourcing involves entrusting financial record-keeping, accounting tasks, payroll processing, and tax preparation to external accounting firms or professionals.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) frequently outsource bookkeeping to streamline financial operations. Research by Deloitte revealed that 59% of small businesses outsource their accounting functions to gain access to specialized skills and focus on core business activities.

  • Customer service outsourcing

Customer service outsourcing encompasses providing customer support, handling inquiries, resolving complaints, and managing customer interactions through external call centers or service providers. 

Companies often outsource customer service to enhance service quality, achieve round-the-clock support, and manage costs efficiently. A report by Grand View Research estimated the global market size for outsourced customer experience services to reach $110 billion by 2028, indicating the growing trend of businesses opting for external customer service expertise.

Advantages of Outsourcing

  • Cost-efficiency

Outsourcing can significantly reduce labor and infrastructure costs. This is especially beneficial for small businesses with limited resources and budget constraints.

  • 24/7 availability

Outsourced business processes ensure round-the-clock availability to assist customers, addressing their concerns and inquiries at any time of the day or night.

  • Scalability

Business needs fluctuate depending on the season. Outsourcing allows for quick and flexible scaling of services, ensuring that support resources are aligned with demand.

  • Access to specialized expertise

Business process outsourcing service providers have teams of trained professionals with specific expertise, ensuring high-quality and specialized assistance.

  • Focus on core competencies

By outsourcing non-core but essential business processes, companies can redirect their internal resources and energy toward core business functions and strategic goals.

These outsourced business processes offer companies various advantages. However, choosing the right outsourcing partner and effectively managing the outsourcing relationship is also crucial for reaping maximum benefits and maintaining the quality of services provided to customers.

The Transformative Power of Business Process Outsourcing

The practice of outsourcing business processes offers businesses a range of advantages that extend from cost savings to improved customer satisfaction. It is a strategic move that enables companies to maintain professional, round-the-clock support while focusing on their main tasks and achieving operational efficiency. 

Whether you are a small business looking to enhance your customer support capabilities or a larger corporation seeking to optimize your customer service operations, business process outsourcing services can be a valuable addition to your business strategy.

Trolex Ltd gets cost-free solar energy in funding offer from Electron Green

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Stockport’s Trolex Ltd is benefiting from renewable energy thanks to Electron Green’s announcement of funding support for solar schemes.

Funding will allow the safety equipment manufacturing company to install solar panels cost-free on its headquarters, in a push to slash energy bills and move towards its net zero targets.

As a firm with global reach, Trolex has suffered from high energy bills over the last couple of years.

It decided to connect to solar for environmental reasons and to save money, opting for free solar installation and maintenance and paying a fixed rate of 20p/kWh for the electricity with no inflation, effectively getting the system for free after 25 years.

Grand saving

They were previously paying 33p/kWh for electricity, so the cost saving over that time will be almost £200,000. 

Electron Green has launched this funding to support UK businesses at a time when energy bills are escalating – and UK electricity usage is projected to increase by 56% over 2020 to 2036 . 

Mike Hall, facilities site manager at Trolex says: “We are a successful and established safety equipment manufacturing business with over 100 staff at our headquarters in Stockport.

“Our business is incredibly energy intensive and we have consequently seen a huge rise in our energy bills over the last three years. Electron Green’s free solar installation and management package provides us with certainty about long-term, future energy expenditure, so we can invest in strategic planning with greater confidence.

“We are delighted that we will be saving 298 tonnes of carbon over 25 years by switching on renewable energy.  That is equivalent to planting 4,927 trees.  The projected cost savings are also particularly attractive at a time when we – and indeed almost every British business – are facing such challenging conditions.”

Future energy needs

Daniel Green, CEO and founder of Electron Green (pictured), says: “We are delighted to be working with an established company like Trolex which has taken advantage of our funding programme of up to £1 bn to help with installation and management of their future energy needs.

“It is established businesses like Trolex who form the backbone of our manufacturing sector and who are so economically valuable to the UK economy.

“Our model gives UK businesses more control over how they manage and pay for power, and an easy way to have low-cost green solar electricity. Ultimately, net zero targets aren’t going away, and we will continue to see a fall in fossil fuels and increase in demand for cleaner electricity.  Businesses need the confidence that there is capacity to match greater demand, and flexibility about how they can pay for it. We’re here, with our funding programme, to solve this problem.”

 

Best Horse Racing Gift Ideas at Christmas

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If you’re looking for the perfect gift for that horse racing lover this Christmas, then you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of unbeatable gift ideas for you to pick up and claim the spot of best gifter this holiday season.

Horse Racing Syndicates – Racing Club

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This might not have been something you considered before, but why don’t you buy that racing fanatic in your life a share in a real racing horse? Contrary to popular belief, racehorse ownership doesn’t have to be bank-breaking if you buy through a horse racing syndicate.

A syndicate is when a group of people band together to pay for a racing horse collaboratively, keeping costs down but the benefits the same. If you gift someone a syndicate share, they’ll receive updates on their horse, discounts on events, opportunities to meet the horse and even an owner’s badge. And, of course, all owners get a share of any prize winnings.

If we’ve piqued your interest, consider buying your share with the Racing Club syndicate. Shares from racingclub.com start at just £45 and are all fixed-term purchases, meaning no hidden or recurring fees to lump on your recipient. It’s a reliable and friendly group dedicated to uniting horse racing fans, and it could set you up with the perfect gift this Christmas.  

Cheltenham Festival Tickets

Any racing lover worth their salt will be thrilled at the prospect of attending the Cheltenham Festival this coming spring. This is one of the biggest horse racing events in the world, with four days of exciting races that’ll keep you on your toes and give your recipient the experience of a lifetime.

Buying tickets this Christmas is a perfect idea as 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Gold Cup, one of Cheltenham’s foremost races, and it promises to be an extraordinary event. And don’t worry, these tickets don’t cost an arm and a leg, with adult tickets starting at just £50 depending on which day you attend.

Stables Guided Tour

Another gift you might consider for a horse racing lover is a guided tour around a UK racing stable. In an experience like this, attendees get an inside look at how racing horses are cared for, their facilities, front-row seats to the training and even time with the horses themselves. Tours may also provide catering, and you’ll get to ask the trainers plenty of questions. 

For any racing enthusiast, this could be a gift worth its weight in gold. It won’t be a cheap gift, however, with pricing anywhere from £50 to £250, fluctuating with the type of tour, the length, potential catering and, of course, the stable’s prestige. 

Horse Related Gifts 

Even with the options we’ve already provided, what if you don’t have the money to splash on something like that? Like children buying for parents or if you’re on a tight budget. Well, your horse lover will appreciate anything you get that shows you’ve considered and paid attention to the things they love. Consider smaller items with horse themes like artwork, clothing, shaped chocolate or pins, or maybe even merchandise from their favourite racetracks or racing clubs. Even something homemade would go a long way if it shows that you care. 

For the person who loves horses, it can seem like getting them a good gift will leave you high and dry, but something small will be just as good as something elaborate. Think outside of the box this season and find something unique.
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The dressing room is not ‘toxic’ – McTominay says Manchester United players are behind Ten Hag

Scott McTominay admitted the atmosphere in the Manchester United dressing room has at times been “toxic” under previous manager but insisted the entire squad was behind Erik ten Hag.

The conversation around Ten Hag’s position intensified following the dismal 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, a performance all the more baffling given how good United were in beating Chelsea three days earlier.

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That inconsistency has plagued Ten Hag’s side throughout the season and means their Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread going into tomorrow night’s game against Bayern Munich.

The Red Devils must beat the German champions and hope the other Group A game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray finishes in a draw in order to finish second, though a victory will at least guarantee them a third-place finish and Europa League football.

There have been reports Ten Hag doesn’t have the backing of all the players at Old Trafford but McTominay, who has played under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick during his time at the club, says that is categorically untrue.

He said: “It’s the players’ responsibility [to improve results]. We’ve got some big characters in the dressing room and, unlike [under] some of the managers where it has been a little toxic at times, the boys are behind the manager, that’s the be all and end all and that’s the way it will stay.

“People can get carried away with what the players are saying behind closed doors. We just want to do well for the football club.”

Scotland midfielder McTominay accepts United need to find some consistency, however, if they want to achieve their ambitions this season.

“We know the inconsistency we’ve had,” he added, “we’re not naïve to that.

“We have spoken about it as a group with the coaching staff. For us the schedule is relentless but we can’t blame it on that. We have to come together as a group and figure out why we are slightly inconsistent at this moment in time.

“The boys are doing everything they can to contribute and give their best whenever they are on the pitch.”

New Startup Activator launched for Greater Manchester

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A new wide-reaching support programme for early-stage startups and founders across Greater Manchester has been launched.

The Startup Activator has been launched by independent trade body Manchester Digital and the event also saw the release of its new Startup Review, which focuses on recommendations moving forwards.

Katie Gallagher, managing director of Manchester Digital (pictured) said: “This is a pivotal time for startups and founders in this post-pandemic uncertain economy.

“During the Covid pandemic we saw the end of lots of networking and meetups for the startup and tech sector. Not all of these have come back so we could see a gap in the market to create a startup community, with a full programme of independent advice from experts in the field as well as networking events.

“Greater Manchester is a thriving region for the tech industry, but our report found that startups need more joined-up support from the sector, as well as a sense of community.”

Startup Review findings

The prestigious launch at No 1 Circle Square saw Manchester Digital MD Katie Gallagher discuss the findings of the Startup Review.

The report found the Greater Manchester tech region to be strong, with £680m of tech investment raised in 2022 (Beauhurst).

In comparison, the data from Beauhurst showed that other UK tech hubs which raised more were London with £17.7bn and Cambridge with £910m. Other UK tech hubs that raised less than Manchester were Edinburgh with £511m, Bristol with £496m, Leeds with £323m and Liverpool with £99.2m.

Recommendations from the Startup Review include:

  • A stronger sense of community is required
  • There is a need for a neutral place for founders to get advice
  • A clearer oversight of current landscape is required
  • More transparency from university spinout set up
  • More diversity and inclusion within startups
  • Better connections between startup up stages
  • Build on monthly successes to encourage more success
  • Build better connections with European tech hubs

The lunchtime event also saw a panel of tech startup experts discuss the opportunities and challenges of growing and building a startup in Manchester, and what needs to be done further to support them, to grow a stronger culture of entrepreneurship in our region.

Event panellists included: Paul Boardman, director at North West Cyber Security Cluster; Kate Longworth, CEO at Gaia Learning; Rakesh Maharaj, founder at Armsa Academy and Ben Davies, group marketing director at Praetura Ventures.

The Startup Activator programme will bring together expertise from experienced founders, informative sessions, networking events, as well as the chance to work as a community to influence upcoming governmental policy. It will also showcase the wide variety of support that’s available to start ups across the region and highlights the many incubators and accelerators that call the region home.

Manchester Digital has always supported startups within its wide-ranging work to develop the regional tech ecosystem. The not-for-profit trade body develops digital skills, runs events and networking events and influences policy within central government.

The Startup Activator is sponsored by Kao Data, industry-leading data centre provider, which is opening a new £350m Stockport-based data centre.