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London’s Buzz: The Mobile Massage Renaissance

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London’s Buzz: The Mobile Massage Renaissance

Ever heard the saying, “If the mountain won’t come to me, then I must go to the mountain”? Well, London and other bustling UK cities are witnessing a literal translation of this in the realm of relaxation. The traditional model of booking a spa session and navigating city traffic is gradually being overshadowed by the convenience of mobile massages. And the shift? It’s as palpable as the tension in a city-dweller’s shoulders after a long workweek.

Ah, life in the UK’s prime cities. Forever buzzing, forever moving. Residents weave through the dance of deadlines, commutes, and perpetual errands. At the end of such a hectic day, the idea of then traveling to a spa might sound more exhausting than relaxing. This is where the concept of mobile massages comes into play.

No More Spa Hopping, Just Door Knocking

Picture this: you’ve just wrapped up a challenging work-from-home day. You’re lounging in your pyjamas, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand. Then there’s a knock. No, it’s not another Amazon delivery – it’s better. It’s a skilled masseuse, ready to provide a therapeutic experience right there in your living room.

The appeal is unmistakable and platforms like The Massage People have been making the most of this demand for a number of years now. Mobile massages eradicate the need for a commute, saving time and energy. And therapists are seeing the advantages too; a chance to break free from the confines of traditional spas, reducing overheads, and tailoring their schedule.

Their platform is modern-day magic for relaxation seekers, effortlessly connecting them to certified professionals. And it’s not limited to massages; Zen Hut is a virtual door to a realm of rejuvenating treatments, all without stepping a foot outside.

Home Becomes Haven: The Freelance Beauty Revolution

Hold onto your hats, because mobile massages are just the tip of the iceberg. A silent revolution is brewing, with freelance beauty therapists welcoming clients into their own homes. These therapists are shunning the cost and constraints of commercial spaces, opting instead for the comfort of their living spaces. Zen Hut, as an example, is a beacon in this emerging trend.

This home-based approach is as charming as it is cost-effective. Clients feel more at ease in these homely settings, which often fosters a deeper connection with the therapist. It’s like being pampered by a friend. The financial advantages for both therapists and clients are the cherry on top. No crippling rents or overheads mean competitive prices, attracting even more clientele.

Wrapping It Up

The UK’s beauty and wellness industry is shedding its old skin, embracing the dynamic duo of mobile massage services and home-based therapy sessions. This transformation not only spells convenience but also heralds a more personalised, intimate experience for clients.

For industry professionals, adapting to these trends isn’t just a strategy; it’s survival. As for the clients? It’s a win-win, redefining relaxation. The future of pampering in the UK seems set on this new course. And, in the spirit of adapting popular sayings, “If relaxation won’t come to the city dweller, the city dweller will bring relaxation home!”

England defender Greenwood returns to Manchester City to be assessed

Jon Fisher
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England defender Greenwood returns to Manchester City to be assessed

Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood is “alert and well” after sustaining a head injury in England’s 3-2 defeat to Belgium last night.

Greenwood collided with Belgium’s Jassina Blom while contesting a bouncing ball and was given 12 minutes of treatment before being carried off the field on a stretcher.

A City statement this morning confirmed the 30-year-old would now return to Manchester.

It read: “Alex Greenwood will return to the City Football Academy for further medical assessments after sustaining a head injury on international duty.

“The defender was involved in a clash of heads during England’s UEFA Nations League fixture with Belgium on Tuesday evening.

“We can confirm she has been carefully monitored, is alert and well and will return home later today ahead of a review with our medical team.”

Speaking after the game, Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman suggested the player had been concussed but was already on the mend.

Wiegman said: “I haven’t spoken to her yet. I also haven’t spoken to the doctor but I heard she’s walking around.

“Obviously, she has a concussion but it’s good news that she’s walking around and doing fine.”

England’s defeat in Leuven not only jeopardises their Nations League hopes but also those of Team GB, who need the Lionesses to advance to the final to secure them a place at the 2024 Olympics.

Qualification is now out of England’s hands but Wiegman was not panicking.

She said: “That’s life, and so that’s football too. We’re not panicking or anything.

“You could see that we were trying hard, we were trying to find the space and we were trying to have different crosses and play a possession game into the final third, but we just missed the final perfect touch, although we did create chances to score goals.

“It’s very tight and we can only do what we can do. We play at Wembley [against the Netherlands], that’s always very exciting, so we’re looking forward to that.”

New support and advice hub opens for Wythenshawe families

Helen Greaney
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New support and advice hub opens for Wythenshawe families

A brand-new family hub is offering support and advice to families in Wythenshawe.

The Crossacres Family Hub is the latest one-stop-shop to open in the city, following the unveiling of Longsight and Cheetham hubs in the summer.

The hubs provide a range of advice, support, and services, all targeted at parents, children, and young adults.

In Manchester, where more than 136,000 young individuals aged 0-19 thrive, the establishment of family hubs marks a pivotal step in ensuring comprehensive support for the city.

Catering for all

Distinguishing itself from the traditional Sure Start Centres, which predominantly cater to the needs of younger children, these family hubs extend their support from pre-birth through the infant and toddler stages, all the way up to the age of 19, and even up to 25 for young adults requiring special assistance.

The primary objective of these hubs is to offer a holistic spectrum of services, catering to various aspects of family life. 

From addressing critical health concerns such as infant feeding, mental health support, and smoking cessation, to fostering healthier relationships, facilitating school and educational support, and providing guidance on job prospects, skill development, and post-18 pathways, the family hubs strive to become a comprehensive support system for Manchester’s families.

Trailblazer region

Manchester stands proud as one of the 14 trailblazer regions across the nation chosen earlier this year to receive additional government funding through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. 

This strategic move aims to expedite the delivery of these much-needed services, underscoring the city’s commitment to the well-being and development of its youth.

The family hubs represent an integral component of the ambitious five-year action plan, “Making Manchester Fairer.” Designed to confront the pervasive disparities in the city that can often originate early in life, these initiatives aim to address far-reaching issues, including life expectancy discrepancies, employment opportunities, and housing disparities. 

Alleviating pressure

Furthermore, the plan acknowledges the imperative of alleviating the pressures of the cost of living and combating poverty, recognising their profound impact on the overall health and well-being of Manchester’s residents.

Councillor Garry Bridges said: “We’re determined to do everything we can to help our families and make sure they can access support easily from birth through to adulthood.  

“Having all this support in one place through a family hub located in the heart of the local community, that families can go to for in-person advice and additional support when they need it, makes perfect sense and is a win-win for Wythenshawe.

“All the evidence shows that strong, supportive families make for more stable communities and happier individuals, which is exactly what we want for this part of the city and for the whole of Manchester.”

Lending firm Somo achieves highest rating by independent agency

Helen Greaney
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Lending firm Somo achieves highest rating by independent agency

Manchester-based specialist lending firm Somo Bridging has achieved the highest possible rating from 4thWay – an independent ratings agency for the alternative lending market.

The recognition followed a lengthy and robust assessment of people, data and inner workings.

A 4thWay accolade is a key indicator of safety and success. 4thWay helps investors compare the many risks, rewards and aspects of lending.

The lending research agency confirmed that over the past nine years lenders had lost no money they had put into loans, crediting Somo’s bad-debt recovery processes as part of the success.

Head of research at 4thWay, Neil Faulkner said the lengths Somo goes to reduce risks when assessing borrowers, are beyond what he was seeing in bridge lending.

About Somo’s lending processes, 4thWay added they are ‘high quality, professional and appropriate for these kinds of loans’. It continues ‘Its processes centre around looking for a margin of safety in worst-case scenarios and – very important for this kind of lending – a strong and realistic exit strategy for repaying the loan’.

Commenting on Somo’s key people, the 4thWay review reported that ‘Somo has proven itself over many years, and my assessment is that this family business has all of the relevant skills and experience we’d expect to see in property lending and bad-debt recovery. It also has complementary skills, such as relevant legal backgrounds.’

Firms that receive 4thWay’s 3/3 PLUS Rating, as Somo did, are ‘expected to make money through a severe recession and major property crash.’

Somo is currently offering annual returns of up to 13% p.a.

Neil added: “Most online lending platforms either avoid or pull out of our testing due-diligence process, but Somo has opened a level of access that really enables us to assess it with a high level of confidence. The future looks very good for its investors.”

Somo’s founder and CEO, Louis Alexander (pictured) said: “The investment in our people and processes has certainly paid off and we’re delighted 4thWay considers us an ‘exceptional calculated risk-reward balance’.

“We’ve always had confidence in our lending – our track record in terms of interest rates, bad debts and margin of safety is second to none – but I hope investors will be further reassured now we’ve received the highest rating possible from 4thWay. It is testament to the hard work we’ve put in over the years to give our investors the best possible returns while mitigating risk.

“We’ve approved thousands of loans since our inception and working towards safer and more secure investing is always our priority. It’s just one of the reasons why we have zero capital losses to date.”

Somo recently became a patron lender of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), which is the UK’s largest independent trade body for commercial finance brokers.

Manchester-based Elbow Grease® wins best Content Campaign of the Year award

Helen Greaney
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Manchester-based Elbow Grease® wins best Content Campaign of the Year award

Cleaning brand Elbow Grease® outshone the rest at the Clean & Tidy Home Show 2023 when it scooped top spot for the best Content Campaign of the Year for its Power Fizz Action Toilet Tabs.

The campaign saw social media influencers including @cleaningwithlucy, @cleaningwith_beth, @officially_cleen, @mancleany and @hall_at_home receive the Toilet Tabs in magical Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Fizzy boxes, complete with miniature toilet and fizzy sweets to showcase the Toilet Tabs’ fantastic fizzing power and as a tasty post-clean reward.

To tempt the awesome social media influencers into supporting the campaign, it was a focus on magic results with the box of tricks, which also included a magic wand to align the way the toilet brush is handled and, not to mention the attractive, eco-friendly packaging of the toilet tabs, making them eager to bag a bargain and curious to see what lies inside.

Featuring the powerful fizz action of the tabs, Elbow Grease® promised to bring a bit of magic to your toilet – and it delivered!

The no-scrubbing required tabs, which come in a five and ten-tab pack, compete well on economy pricing when compared with products produced in larger plastic container bottles.

The campaign was popular on social media, with influencers and Elbow Grease® lovers alike sharing their love for the brand and its magical fizzing action.

The Power Fizz Action Toilet Tabs were initially available in two fragrances, Lemon Fresh and Berry Blast, but due to customer satisfaction, Elbow Grease® has recently brought out a new scent, Eucalyptus, to add to the range.

The toilet tabs really do make cleaning a breeze. Just drop a tablet in your toilet, leave for 20 minutes and then brush and flush. And if you’re after a deeper clean, leave overnight. Instagram cleaning influencers agree, with Cleaning with Lucy saying that the Power Fizz Action Toilet Tabs: “Leave your toilet smelling fresh and sparkling like new!” And, Cleaning with Beth, agreeing that they’re magical.

The Clean & Tidy Home Show Awards took place during the show on October 15, where marketing director Amanda Lewis, along with team members Hannah Morse, Steve Wynn, Jonathan Williams, and the comical Elbow Grease® mascot ‘Elbow’ took to the stage to accept the trophy.

Amanda thanked all the influencers who took part.

Elbow Grease® Power Fizz Action Toilet Tabs are available in Home Bargains and B&M with a 10-pack, priced £1.99.

To find out more, visit www.elbowgreasecleans.com or @elbowgreaseuk.

Charge-M8 awarded with Trading Standards’ ‘Buy with Confidence’ approval

Helen Greaney
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Charge-M8 awarded with Trading Standards’ ‘Buy with Confidence’ approval

Charge-M8 has been awarded with the coveted “Buy with Confidence” approval by Trading Standards as part of its national accreditation scheme.

The electric car charging specialists are delighted to give their customers peace of mind that they’re working with a business that’s been given the nod by the consumer protection board.

With more than 60 local authorities directly supporting the scheme from Cornwall to Stirling, Buy With Confidence is the only nationally available business approval scheme that’s 100% owned, controlled and run independently by local authority Trading Standards departments.

Full audit

As part of the process Charge-M8 was vetted by Trading Standards officers including a full audit of its systems and policies to ensure compliance with consumer law.

In addition to this all employees were CRB checked, with installation engineers undergoing the advanced CRB check as they visit customers homes in person.

Underpinning the assessment were telephone interviews with Charge-M8 customers, chosen at random by the Trading Standards assessment team.

Proud

Julian Smith, founder and CEO of Charge-M8 (pictured left with Iain Hughes)) said: “We are incredibly proud to receive the Trading Standards recognition as it demonstrates how committed we are as a business to maintaining the highest standards both in terms of our service and customer care.

“Trading Standards is the ultimate arbiter of consumer law in the UK, so we felt this would be an important accreditation to achieve and share with our customers so that they can have confidence when choosing to work with us.

“What’s also impressive is that this is not simply a one-off inspection. Participating companies like Charge-M8 are monitored through continuous customer feedback and other checks on an on-going basis and that’s what makes this scheme so good for the consumer”.

Approved by both the Office For Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and all of the major EV Charging Brands, the Technical Experts at Charge-M8 can help install the perfect EV charging solution.

Attaining Business Expansion Through Established Sales Approaches

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Attaining Business Expansion Through Established Sales Approaches

Business growth is critical to any company’s existence and profitability. It opens new markets, consumers, and income streams while minimizing dependency on a particular market or product. It promotes innovation and competition, causing a business to adapt and remain relevant.

Expansion frequently leads to economies of scale, lowering production costs and improving profitability. It attracts, builds brand awareness, and enhances overall financial stability. Expansion and development are, therefore, critical priorities for businesses of all sizes.

While cutting-edge technologies and creative techniques are essential, it is critical to recognize sales approaches that have continuously demonstrated their effectiveness over the years. In this article, we’ll look at the value of traditional sales approaches in achieving business growth and how these tried-and-true methods may complement new strategies.

Developing Powerful Customer Relationships

Developing trust and loyalty within your current client base is sometimes less expensive than gaining new consumers. This technique not only helps retain consumers but also opens the door to prospects for upselling and cross-selling.

Engaging your consumers with customized communication, outstanding customer service, and persistent follow-up may help you build long-term relationships. Listening to your client’s input, understanding their needs, and adapting your products or services are critical. It not only increases client happiness but also their lifetime value, which may significantly raise your net worth in the long term.

Success Evaluation and Monitoring

Assessing and tracking the effectiveness of your established sales strategies is crucial to drive business expansion. Utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) can provide insightful metrics to gauge the impact of your sales initiatives. Similarly, having a comprehensive view of your company’s financial standing is essential. The Prillionaires net worth calculator can serve as a valuable tool in this regard, offering a holistic view of your company’s financial health, thereby aiding in informed decision-making. Regular examination of your sales statistics and client feedback, coupled with sales analytics, will unveil opportunities for refinement. Embracing a data-driven approach will empower you to make educated decisions, adapt to market fluctuations, and refine your strategies. By diligently monitoring your performance, you can fine-tune your approaches to significantly enhance your business expansion endeavors.

Use of Referral Marketing

Referral marketing is another well-established sales strategy that may help a company grow. Encourage pleased consumers to recommend your products or services to friends, family, or coworkers. Individuals are likelier to believe suggestions from individuals they know, making referrals a very successful method of acquiring new clients.

Implementing a well-structured referral program might encourage your current client base to become brand evangelists. Provide incentives or discounts for successful recommendations and create a smooth referral procedure. This strategy attracts new clients and enhances existing ones’ loyalty.

Mastering the Art of Upselling and Cross-selling

Upselling and cross-selling are methods of increasing revenue from current clients. Upselling involves recommending a more expensive product or service to a previously purchased consumer, whereas cross-selling promotes comparable items or services. Both strategies rely on the trust of the customer. Understanding the requirements and preferences of customers is critical, and data analytics and consumer profiling may assist in identifying chances for these tactics. Implementing these tactics can boost transaction value, corporate growth, and net worth, eventually adding to the company’s overall success.

Geographic Expansion

Geographic expansion is essential for corporate development. If your current market is saturated, expand into other areas or regions. It may expose your products or services to a larger audience and diversify your consumer base.

Before expanding, perform extensive market research to understand the new location’s cultural, economic, and competitive characteristics. Customize your sales and marketing methods to meet the demands of that market. In addition, use technology to simplify processes and efficiently handle logistics. By carefully entering new markets, you may generate new income streams and significantly boost your company’s value.

Conclusion

While innovation and cutting-edge strategies are critical in today’s corporate landscape, tried-and-true sales practices remain essential for business growth. Businesses may enhance their net worth by combining tried-and-true ways with creative ideas, assuring long-term sustainability and success in a competitive environment.

Ten Hag confident struggling Manchester United can turn things around

Jon Fisher
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Ten Hag confident struggling Manchester United can turn things around

Erik ten Hag is confident Manchester United have the “talent and attitude as a collective” to get their season back on track, starting tonight against Newcastle.

United face Eddie Howe’s men in the fourth round of the EFL Cup just three days after a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, a defeat that exposed the weaknesses in Ten Hag’s squad.

The Dutchman enjoyed a strong start to his Old Trafford career but has come under pressure in recent weeks following some poor displays and his position will come under further scrutiny if Jim Ratcliffe takes a 25 per cent stake in the club as expected.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of tonight’s game, Ten Hag remains convinced he and his players can turn things around.

He wrote: “At Manchester United, every game involves high stakes. Every single day, there is pressure on everybody involved with this club, but those demands and standards are a challenge which we must always meet head on.

“While this has not been the start to the season that we had all hoped for, I am certain that we have the talent and attitude as a collective to move in the right direction.

“I believe that it is only a matter of time before we are showing our true selves. It will come, I am certain.”

Ten Hag has not been helped by a lengthy injury list. Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are the two players closest to returning but it is thought tonight will come too soon.

Check out our other stories here:
https://www.businessmanchester.co.uk/category/sport/

Vernon commits to Stockport’s high streets with Hazel Grove branch refurb

Helen Greaney
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Vernon commits to Stockport’s high streets with Hazel Grove branch refurb

Vernon Building Society held a community event to unveil its new £150,000 refurbishment in Hazel Grove.

The event was attended by members, local charity Pure Innovations, Vernon colleagues and its famous mascot, Vernon Bear.

Six weeks of hard draft was carried out by local contractors, Monks Morton Design Interiors, Flexible Office and Sharp. Together they have updated and modernised the entire interior and added new digital screens in the window in order to create a better experience for all.

Vernon’s investment to the London Road branch, which opened in 1979, marks its long-standing commitment to providing face-to-face financial support for its members.

In March, Vernon refurbished its Reddish branch, and it expects to commence the modernisation of the St Petersgate branch in Stockport centre by the end of the year.

Commitment

Steve Fletcher, chief executive at the Vernon, said: “I’m delighted to reopen Vernon’s Hazel Grove branch. It looks fantastic, and I’m sure our members and colleagues will value the changes that we’ve made.

“Vernon opened this branch in Hazel Grove 44 years ago, and we’re just as committed as we were back then to providing customer financial support around mortgages and savings.

“Managing one’s finances today can feel more complicated than ever with so much choice and conflicting information out there. We know our Members value walking into a branch to chat with a qualified person, rather than being put on hold in an overseas call centre. That’s why we’re investing in our branches this year and will continue to do so whilst so many other banks and building societies are closing them down.”

Long-time member

At the opening event, long-time member Mr Winder was asked to cut a ribbon to officially open the newly refurbished branch. He has had a personal account with Vernon since 1997 and a Clubs and Charities account since 2010 for his local allotment association.

He said: “Thirteen years ago I walked down the high street here to find a bank for our Association and no one would have us. Vernon welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve never looked back. They always have time for you.”

Anticipating Insights at the UK’s International Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit

News Desk
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Anticipating Insights at the UK’s International Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit

In advance of the UK’s International Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit, scheduled to be held at the historic Bletchley Park from November 1st to 2nd, 2023, tech entrepreneur, futurist, and author of the techno-thriller novel “Artificial Wisdom,” Thomas R. Weaver, issues a cautionary note. While recognising AI’s potential as humanity’s greatest ally in addressing monumental challenges such as climate change, he warns that without coordinated efforts to address vulnerabilities and establish an ethical framework, AI could become our greatest risk.

Why is the Summit Taking Place Now? Weaver asserts that the timing of the summit is crucial, given the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence. He believes that AI’s growth is no longer linear but exponential. He states, “The evolution of Artificial Intelligence is no longer on a linear growth curve, but an exponential one. We’ve enough evidence now to take AI seriously, and enough time to make changes to the way it is governed.”

Why Bletchley Park? As a local resident and a graduate in Computer Science from the University of Southampton, Weaver appreciates the significance of Bletchley Park. He views it as a symbol of the profound impact that computational technology and collective intelligence can have on shaping human events. For him, it is the ideal backdrop for a summit focusing on AI safety—a global challenge that demands innovation and ethical considerations. Weaver acknowledges that Bletchley Park serves as a poignant reminder that technology can be a game-changer for humanity if handled correctly, but the consequences of mishandling are unimaginable.

Weaver’s Predictions for the UK Summit Weaver anticipates that discussions at the summit will revolve around emerging high-stakes applications of AI, such as autonomous weaponry, superintelligence, and AI in healthcare. Given the historic significance of the venue and the global attention on AI safety, the summit may serve as a launchpad for new international collaborations and treaties aimed at establishing ethical and safety standards. He believes that any announcements regarding international agreements or collaborations will be headline news. Controversial topics like AI’s military applications or the risks of unregulated AI development are likely to receive widespread media coverage, both mainstream and on social platforms.

Five key objectives have been confirmed for the Summit, to be deliberated upon by a panel of global AI experts, academics, politicians, and scientists. One of these objectives focuses on achieving a shared understanding of the risks posed by cutting-edge AI and the necessity for proactive measures.

Weaver underscores the significance of this objective in the current context. He says, “While it’s exhilarating to stand on the cusp of a new frontier in AI, that very edge is a precipice we risk tumbling over if we don’t approach it with caution. As someone who has delved deep into the ethical murk of future technologies through both fiction and entrepreneurship, I can’t stress enough how vital it is that we develop a collective understanding of the risks involved—especially when it comes to employing AI in tackling monumental challenges like climate change. It’s not merely about drafting safety protocols; it’s about questioning the very mandate we give to these technologies.”

As the International Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit unfolds, it promises to provide insights, debates, and potentially groundbreaking initiatives in the field of AI safety, ushering in a new era of ethical considerations and global cooperation.

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