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Makerfield by-election LIVE as Starmer says he WILL support Burnham campaign – updates

Gabriel
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Sir Keir Starmer has said he will be out campaigning to support Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, despite looming speculation of a leadership contest.

The Prime Minister also sought to draw attention to his Government’s record and away from ‘all the other discussions that are going on’ in apparent reference to the leadership speculation that has dogged his premiership since Labour’s local and devolved elections mauling.

Asked whether he would be out supporting Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham’s campaign for the June 18 contest, Sir Keir responded: “Yes, and I’ve said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it’s really important – that’s a straight fight between Labour and Reform.

“It’s about the values that we take into politics, and it’s really important that we all pull together and fight in that by-election, as we will do.”

He added: “I want to be part of that, of course I do, and I want everybody to be part of that, but also by being clear about the steps we’ve taken to stabilise the economy, because all of this that we’ve announced today has only been possible because of the steps we took on the budget, the fact that inflation dropped is because of the steps – that didn’t drop out the sky – that’s because of the decisions the Government took. So, we’ve got a very good story to tell.”

Sir Keir was asked by reporters whether he was frustrated by the focus on Mr Burnham and former health secretary Wes Streeting’s ambitions to oust him. It followed a number of calls from Labour MPs for him to go and a slew of resignations.

He said: “There’s been a lot going on in the last two weeks, but what is important for me to draw out is that actually the last week, in terms of what we’ve delivered, is really significant.”

Casemiro closing in on transfer as Man United star prepares for final game

Gabriel
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Casemiro looks to have made a decision on his next move after bidding farewell to Manchester United supporters last weekend

Casemiro is reportedly eager to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami when his Manchester United contract expires, with sources suggesting a deal with the MLS club is edging closer.

The Brazilian midfielder announced in January that this would be his last campaign at Old Trafford. The 34-year-old, who arrived from Real Madrid in a deal worth £70million including add-ons four years ago, said an emotional farewell to the ground at the weekend during his final home appearance.

He has been strongly linked with a switch to the United States once United’s season wraps up this weekend. According to The Athletic, Casemiro’s first choice is Inter Miami, with the club said to be ‘closing in’ on securing his signature on a free transfer.

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However, the report highlights a significant complication: LA Galaxy currently hold the discovery rights to negotiate with the experienced midfielder and have already submitted several contract proposals to him.

The regulation, which grants clubs priority in signing certain players, exists to stop MLS sides from competing against one another for the same high-profile targets.

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Previous disputes have resulted in clubs paying compensation for discovery rights, though neither LA Galaxy nor Inter Miami currently possess a designated player slot to accommodate Casemiro.

Any agreement to bring the multiple Champions League winner to Miami would need to come in under $2m (£1.48m), unless one of the club’s three designated player spots becomes available. Lionel Messi currently occupies one of those positions at Beckham’s side.

Casemiro may yet take to the pitch once more before his exit when United visit Brighton, but Sunday’s clash against Nottingham Forest marked his final appearance at Old Trafford.

The midfielder posted a heartfelt message on social media after the match, thanking both the club and its supporters, which read: “There are places we pass through in life… and there are places that become part of who we are. Manchester will forever be my home.

“To the city, the club, and every supporter, my sincerest thank you. These past four years have been unforgettable, filled with moments my family and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

“There simply aren’t enough words to describe the happiness and warmth we’ve felt here. Thank you for every cheer, every memory, and for making us feel at home from the very first day. Forever a Red Devil.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Robert Faulkner’s The Mysteries of Rome and Intrigue delivers a thrilling cross-border adventure

Helen Greaney
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Robert Faulkner’s The Mysteries of Rome and Intrigue delivers a thrilling cross-border adventure

Readers are being taken deep into a dangerous world of deception, suspense and international intrigue with the release of Robert Faulkner’s latest thriller, The Mysteries of Rome and Intrigue.

The Mysteries of Rome and Intrigue follows field operative Giorgio, whose plans for rest are abruptly interrupted by a sealed message ordering his immediate return via Athens. What begins as a routine directive quickly escalates into a dangerous pursuit of stolen secret files, drawing Giorgio and his long-time associate Emilio into a web of deception where loyalty is uncertain and survival is never assured.

Set against a richly drawn backdrop of Athens and Rome, the story unfolds through a series of tense encounters, shifting alliances, and quiet moments of reflection that reveal the personal cost of life lived in the shadows. The novel is inspired by Faulker’s years of global travel and professional work across borders.

As powerful enemies close in and hidden motives surface, Giorgio must navigate betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of trust in a world where nothing and no one is as they seem.

As the story moves from Greece to Rome, secrets surface, alliances fracture, and powerful forces close in. Amid hidden desires, manipulation, and escalating danger, Giorgio must navigate a web of lies where one wrong decision could prove fatal. In this world of power and passion, trust is a risk and survival comes at a cost.

Speaking of this latest work, 68-year-old Faulkner said: “The novel opens in Athens with sharp dialogue and immediate tension, immersing readers in the lived reality of seasoned operatives who understand that even friendships have an expiry date.

“Rome becomes the emotional and symbolic heart of the story, where moments of beauty and reflection stand in stark contrast to the dangers faced by those lives lived in shadow.”

Keen readers will observe that poetic elements are woven throughout the book, including a striking concluding poem that echoes the journey, the losses, and the quiet sacrifices made along the way. Themes of loyalty, consequence, and moral ambiguity linger long after the final page.

A cinematic book trailer script reinforces the novel’s atmosphere, tracing the characters’ movements across continents and culminating at Rome’s fountain of love and dreams, where past fears become present reality and separation is inevitable.

This compelling thriller will appeal to readers who enjoy international espionage, political intrigue, espionage fiction, political intrigue, Rome thriller, Athens espionage, global conspiracy, intelligence operatives, high stakes suspense, emotionally complex characters, and stories rooted in real world experience.

The Mysteries of Rome and Intrigue has been published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company. It is now available worldwide through major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones, WHSmith, Blackwell’s, Foyles, Books A Million, Powell’s Books, Indigo and more.

Why Manchester Businesses Are Reassessing How They Transport Staff and Clients

Helen Greaney
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Why Manchester Businesses Are Reassessing How They Transport Staff and Clients

Owning a vehicle fleet once made sense when running costs were stable and compliance demands were relatively unchanged.

In Manchester today, neither holds true. Clean air regulations are tightening, maintenance costs on ageing vehicles continue to climb, and capital locked into depreciating assets is capital that can’t be used elsewhere in the business. Increasingly, organisations across Greater Manchester are reviewing those figures and reaching the same conclusion.

Leasing is no longer the cautious option. For many SMEs, it has become the more rational one.

Why the Traditional Model Is Under Pressure
The upfront cost of purchasing a minibus outright is the visible problem. The less visible ones accumulate over time. Depreciation, compliance updates, maintenance scheduling, and the administrative load of managing all of it internally. No single invoice captures it. The costs arrive in fragments, across quarters, until the total is larger than anyone budgeted for.

Greater Manchester’s transport environment still adds pressure. Organisations running regular routes need to understand how clean air zones operate in nearby cities, especially when vehicles travel beyond Manchester for contracts, events, or client work. Healthcare providers, education operators, and social care organisations are particularly exposed. Their routes are fixed, their vehicles work hard, and their contracts often require accessibility standards that older fleet vehicles cannot meet.

How Leasing Changes the Calculation
Monthly payments replace capital expenditure. One monthly figure covers maintenance, telematics, and roadside support. The repair bill stops being a surprise. It becomes a line item. Compliance responsibility shifts to a specialist provider rather than sitting with an in-house team that is already managing everything else.
Manchester SMEs operating on public sector contracts benefit directly from this structure. Fixed monthly costs align with fixed contract budgets. When a contract ends or service demand shifts, returning or extending a leased vehicle is straightforward. Selling an owned vehicle at the wrong point in its depreciation cycle is not.
Specialist providers now offer electric models alongside conventional ones. Contract terms need to flex around public sector procurement timelines, which rarely run exactly to schedule. For healthcare, education, or community transport operators ready to lease a minibus, that flexibility can matter more than a slightly lower monthly rate if the provider cannot accommodate a delayed contract start.

Regulatory Requirements Worth Understanding
Minibuses under 23 seats generally sit outside the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000, unless the route qualifies as a designated public service. That exemption stops at the tender stage. Manchester public sector contracts specify accessibility requirements regardless of what the law technically demands. Miss that distinction and the bid fails on compliance before anyone reads the price.
Compliance under the Equality Act 2010 is not negotiable. Wheelchair lift equipment triggers LOLER obligations: regular inspection, documented records, trained drivers. These are not administrative preferences. They are legal requirements that show up in audits and insurance renewals. A lease that folds compliance support and LOLER scheduling into the contract removes that burden from whoever is already running everything else.

Selecting the Right Leasing Partner
Not all minibus leasing arrangements are equivalent. The monthly rate is one variable. End-of-term flexibility, included maintenance coverage, driver training provision, and regulatory alignment are the others that determine whether the arrangement actually works for the business using it.

Providers who supply certification for vehicle safety checks, maintain documented inspection schedules, and offer transparent cost structures reduce procurement risk considerably. Those who do not create compliance exposure that surfaces at the worst possible moment, during an audit, a contract renewal, or an insurance claim.

For Manchester organisations, a minibus lease that includes telematics access and real-time diagnostic monitoring adds operational visibility that outright ownership rarely provides without additional investment in fleet management systems.

The Practical Outcome
Manchester’s transport requirements are not getting simpler. Clean air standards will continue to evolve. Accessibility expectations in public sector contracts are rising. The administrative burden of keeping older owned vehicles compliant is increasing at the same time as those vehicles are worth less and costing more to run.

Minibus leasing addresses all of these pressures through a single procurement decision. Modern vehicles. Managed maintenance. Compliance support built into the contract. Capital preserved for the parts of the business that generate revenue rather than absorb it.
For SMEs across Greater Manchester already operating on tight margins and fixed contract budgets, that combination is not a luxury. It is the more sensible way to keep moving.

More families are being drawn into inheritance tax – and planning ahead can have a major impact

Helen Greaney
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More families are being drawn into inheritance tax – and planning ahead can have a major impact

Inheritance tax receipts in the UK have reached record levels, according to the latest figures from HMRC. For financial advisers across the North West, that trend is driving a clear change in both the nature of client conversations and the stage at which they are taking place.

“We’re seeing more families than ever being drawn into inheritance tax liability, many of whom never expected to be,” said Mark Evans, Director at Beaumont Wealth. “With thresholds frozen and property values continuing to climb, even modest estates are at risk. But with the right planning – making use of allowances, trusts, pension strategies, and lifetime gifts – families can take back control and protect their wealth for future generations.”

Why more estates are now affected
The nil-rate band – the threshold below which no inheritance tax is due – has remained at £325,000 since 2009. Over that same period, property values across Greater Manchester and the wider North West have increased considerably. An estate that would have sat comfortably below the threshold a decade and a half ago may now be approaching or exceeding it, particularly when savings and pension assets are factored in alongside property.

For business owners, the picture is often more pronounced. A company with a meaningful valuation, held alongside a family home and accumulated personal assets, can produce an estate well into seven figures. The 40% tax rate that applies above the threshold on assets that do not attract specific reliefs can represent a significant liability for beneficiaries – and one that is worth planning around with time to spare.

The planning tools available
Effective Inheritance Tax Planning UK draws on a range of strategies that, when structured correctly, can substantially reduce or in some cases eliminate an IHT liability. The key tools include:

Business Property Relief: Qualifying business assets may attract up to 100% relief from inheritance tax, meaning they can pass to beneficiaries free of IHT. Eligibility depends on the nature of the business and how the assets have been held, which is why early advice is valuable – there is time to structure things correctly.

Lifetime gifts: Assets gifted to family members begin a seven-year clock. If the donor survives seven years from the date of the gift, it falls entirely outside the estate. Gifts within the seven-year window may still attract a reduced charge depending on timing, and annual gift allowances can be used immediately without starting any clock at all.

Trusts: Placing assets into a trust removes them from the taxable estate while retaining some flexibility over how and when they are distributed to beneficiaries. Trust planning requires careful setup and ongoing administration, but for larger or more complex estates it remains one of the most versatile planning vehicles available.

Pension strategy: Pensions currently sit outside the estate for IHT purposes, making them an important vehicle for passing wealth to the next generation efficiently. Proposed legislative changes may affect this position in the coming years – making professional advice in this area particularly timely for anyone holding a substantial pension who has not recently reviewed their nominations.

Why timing matters so much
The feature that distinguishes IHT planning from most other areas of financial planning is the time dimension. Many of the most effective strategies require years to become fully operational. The seven-year rule means that a gift made today will only sit entirely outside the estate by 2032. Trust structures need time to bed in. Business property relief requires assets to have been held in qualifying form for the relevant period.

Families who start the conversation early find they have considerably more options available. Those who wait until an urgent trigger – a health event, a business sale, a bereavement – may find that some of the most effective tools are no longer available to them, or that there is insufficient time for them to work as intended.

The role of independent advice
Inheritance tax planning sits at the intersection of investment strategy, pension planning, trust law and tax – and effective planning in this area typically requires a professional who can see across all of those disciplines at once. Independent financial advisers, with whole-of-market access and no product provider ties, are well placed to coordinate that kind of holistic planning – working alongside solicitors and accountants to ensure that the legal, tax and financial aspects of an estate plan fit together properly.

For business owners across Manchester and the North West, the starting point is usually a review of the full estate: what is in it, which elements are exposed and at what level, what reliefs might apply, and what planning would be most appropriate given the family’s broader goals. Most independent firms offer that initial conversation at no cost.

HMRC’s inheritance tax figures are on an upward trajectory. For families with meaningful assets, understanding the position – and what can be done – is a conversation well worth having sooner rather than later.

Property Investment Manchester: Why the City Continues to Attract Investors

Helen Greaney
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Property Investment Manchester: Why the City Continues to Attract Investors

Manchester’s property market has spent years building a reputation as one of the UK’s strongest regional investment locations. In 2026, that reputation continues to strengthen.

While wider economic uncertainty has caused hesitation across parts of the UK property sector, Manchester continues to attract both domestic and international investors looking for long-term opportunities. The city’s appeal is no longer based purely on momentum or regeneration headlines. It is increasingly supported by fundamentals that continue to drive housing demand, rental growth and inward investment.

According to research from Savills, Manchester remains one of the UK’s leading investment locations due to its strong rental yields, capital growth potential and ongoing imbalance between housing supply and demand. In key areas, yields are often cited within the 6% to 9% range, significantly higher than many southern markets.

So what continues to make Manchester such an attractive location for property investors?

A City Built Around Economic Growth

One of Manchester’s biggest strengths is the diversity of its economy.

The city has evolved far beyond its industrial roots and now supports thriving sectors including technology, finance, media, science and professional services. Major employers continue to expand within the city, attracted by talent, infrastructure and comparatively lower operating costs than London.

This matters because strong economies create housing demand.

As businesses grow, more professionals relocate to the city. As graduate opportunities increase, more students remain after university. This creates sustained pressure on the rental market, particularly in and around the city centre.

Manchester’s economy is also benefiting from substantial public and private investment. Infrastructure projects, regeneration schemes and commercial development continue to reshape large parts of the city and surrounding boroughs. Investors are increasingly looking beyond Manchester as it exists today and focusing on where it is heading over the next decade.

Rental Demand Continues to Strengthen

Manchester’s rental market remains one of the city’s biggest attractions for investors.

Demand is being driven by a growing population of young professionals, graduates and relocating workers seeking access to employment opportunities and city-centre living. At the same time, supply constraints continue to place pressure on the market.

This imbalance between supply and demand is one reason why rental growth has remained strong in recent years.

The city’s student population also plays a major role. Manchester continues to attract students from across the UK and internationally, many of whom remain in the city after graduation. This graduate retention strengthens long-term rental demand and helps support the wider economy.

For investors considering buy-to-let in Manchester, this creates a market with deep tenant demand across multiple demographics.

Regeneration Is Reshaping the City

Manchester’s transformation is one of the defining stories behind its property market.

Large-scale regeneration projects continue to expand the city centre while improving surrounding districts and transport infrastructure. Areas such as Victoria North, First Street and St John’s are helping reshape the city’s residential and commercial landscape.

This matters because regeneration often drives both demand and perception. As areas improve, businesses move in, amenities expand and residential appeal grows.

Importantly, Manchester’s growth is no longer concentrated solely within the city centre. Demand is increasingly spreading into well-connected surrounding towns and suburban locations as affordability pressures push renters outward.

Locations such as Stockport, Sale and Altrincham continue to benefit from this “hub and spoke” effect, where strong city-centre demand supports growth in nearby commuter markets.

For investors, this creates a broader range of opportunities across Greater Manchester rather than relying on a single central market.

Why Investors Continue to Look North

Compared to London and parts of the South East, Manchester continues to offer a more accessible entry point for investors.

Lower purchase prices relative to rental demand create the potential for stronger yields and more scalable portfolio growth. Investors are often able to acquire multiple assets in Manchester for the cost of a single property in some southern boroughs.

This affordability is one reason why property investment in Manchester continues to attract attention from overseas buyers as well as UK-based investors seeking stronger income performance.

However, affordability alone is not enough. What strengthens Manchester’s position is the combination of relatively accessible pricing with genuine economic growth and sustained demand.

The Role of Students and Graduates

Manchester’s universities play a significant role in supporting the property market.

The city attracts a substantial student population every year, helping create demand for both student accommodation and wider rental housing. However, what separates Manchester from many university cities is the number of graduates who remain after completing their studies.

Strong employment prospects, cultural appeal and a growing technology sector encourage graduates to stay within the city, creating long-term rental demand from young professionals.

This pipeline of talent also benefits businesses, which in turn strengthens the wider economy and supports future housing demand.

The relationship between education, employment and housing is one of the city’s most important long-term investment drivers.

Supply Constraints Are Supporting the Market

While development activity remains high across Manchester, housing demand continues to outpace supply in many areas.

This is particularly visible within the private rental sector, where available stock remains limited despite ongoing construction. As tenants stay in properties for longer and affordability pressures affect home ownership, rental competition remains strong.

At the same time, the quality of housing stock is becoming increasingly important. Modern, energy-efficient developments continue to attract strong tenant interest, particularly among professionals seeking convenience and city-centre accessibility.

This creates opportunities for investors focused on high-quality residential assets in locations aligned with employment and infrastructure growth.

Looking Beyond Short-Term Market Conditions

Like every UK market, Manchester faces challenges.

Construction costs, financing conditions and wider economic uncertainty continue to affect development viability. However, many investors increasingly view these as cyclical pressures rather than long-term structural weaknesses.

Manchester’s long-term fundamentals remain difficult to ignore.

The city continues to attract businesses, investment, students and skilled workers. Infrastructure expansion remains ongoing, and regeneration continues to unlock new residential and commercial areas.

These are the conditions that tend to support long-term property demand.

Final Thoughts

Manchester’s appeal is no longer based on potential alone. It is now one of the UK’s most established regional investment markets.

Strong rental demand, economic growth, large-scale regeneration and a deep graduate talent pool continue to support the city’s property sector in 2026. Combined with relatively accessible pricing compared to London, these fundamentals help explain why investor interest remains so strong.

For those taking a long-term approach, Manchester continues to offer something increasingly valuable in today’s market: a combination of income potential, growth opportunity and structural demand.

 

5 Modern Use Cases for Architectural Woven Wire

Helen Greaney
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5 Modern Use Cases for Architectural Woven Wire

Woven wire has been a staple of industrial manufacturing for decades. But architects and interior designers have increasingly turned to it as a serious design and functional material.

Lightweight, durable, and available in a wide range of weave patterns and metals, it works across new builds and refurbishment projects alike.

Here are five ways it is being used in architecture today.

1. Façade Cladding and Rainscreens

Building façades are under more scrutiny than ever. Architects want materials that perform well and look distinctive from the street. Woven wire mesh panels deliver on both counts.

As a rainscreen cladding material, woven wire sits in front of the building’s weatherproofing layer, allowing air to circulate while protecting the substrate behind. The open weave allows for natural ventilation, reduces solar gain, and gives a building a striking, textured appearance that changes with the light throughout the day.

It is available in stainless steel, brass, bronze, and corten, which means the colour and finish can be tailored to the wider design intent. Corten, for example, develops a warm, rust-like patina over time that suits heritage settings and industrial conversions alike.

Materials Commonly Used for Façade Applications:

  • Stainless steel (high corrosion resistance, clean appearance)
  • Corten steel (self-patinating, suited to industrial aesthetics)
  • Brass and bronze (warmer tones for premium or heritage projects)

2. Interior Partitions and Feature Walls

Open-plan offices, hospitality venues, and high-end residential interiors all face the same challenge: how to divide a space without closing it off. Woven wire mesh is one of the most effective answers to that problem.

Framed mesh panels work well as room dividers, behind reception desks, or as decorative feature walls. The semi-transparent nature of the material lets light pass through, keeping spaces feeling open while still providing a clear visual boundary. In restaurant and hotel settings, this is particularly useful for creating distinct zones within a larger floor plate.

The weave pattern itself also becomes part of the design. Tighter weaves offer a refined, almost fabric-like appearance. Coarser weaves carry a more industrial character. Either way, the material adds texture and depth in a way that solid partitions simply cannot.

3. Balustrades and Stair Infill Panels

Glass has dominated balustrade design for years, but metal woven wire is gaining ground as an alternative that is both practical and visually interesting.

Used as infill panels in balustrades and stair surrounds, woven wire offers good visibility, meets building regulation requirements for infill spacing, and holds up well to the wear and tear of high-traffic environments. It is particularly well suited to commercial staircases, mezzanine floors, and industrial-style interiors.

Please Note: Balustrade infill panels must comply with UK Building Regulations Part K, which specifies maximum openings to prevent climbing or entrapment. Always confirm specification details with your structural engineer.

For those working on construction or fit-out projects, woven wire for architecture is available in fabricated panel form, which simplifies installation and allows for consistent sizing across a project.

4. Ceiling Installations and Acoustic Baffles

Suspended metal mesh ceilings have become a popular choice in commercial interiors, from airports to retail environments to corporate offices. They offer a clean, contemporary look while allowing services such as lighting, sprinklers, and HVAC to remain visible or partially concealed above.

Woven metal mesh is also increasingly being specified as part of acoustic strategies. When combined with absorbent materials behind the mesh layer, it helps manage reverberation in large, hard-surfaced spaces. This makes it a practical choice in restaurants, open-plan workplaces, and public buildings where noise levels can be a real problem.

Did You Know? The angle and density of a woven wire weave affects how much light it reflects or absorbs, which means ceiling mesh can be used to actively shape the perceived brightness of a room.

5. Security Enclosures and Plant Screening

Not all architectural uses of woven wire are purely aesthetic. In commercial and industrial settings, it plays an important functional role in enclosing plant rooms, electrical equipment, and mechanical infrastructure.

Woven wire enclosures are strong, allow for ventilation (which matters around electrical and HVAC equipment), and can be finished to suit their surroundings. In a retail or hospitality context, mechanical plant can be screened without blocking airflow, and without resorting to solid panels that look out of place.

Used externally, the same approach works well for rooftop plant screening, bin stores, and service yard enclosures, where the goal is containment and visual tidiness without compromising airflow.

Reform UK backs Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening as Connectus welcomes momentum

News Desk
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Reform UK backs Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening as Connectus welcomes momentum
Technology and infrastructure powerhouse Connectus has welcomed fresh political backing for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport after Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice publicly supported the project. The company said renewed momentum behind the airport could unlock major economic and connectivity benefits for South Yorkshire and the wider region.

Connectus, which has supported the airport for 17 years, said the backing further strengthens confidence in the long-term future of the site and the wider Gateway East development.

And they described it as another major vote of confidence in one of the region’s most important regeneration projects.

Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see growing political support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

“This is a hugely important project not just for Doncaster, but for the wider region and its future economic growth. The airport has enormous potential to drive investment, create jobs and support businesses across South Yorkshire and beyond.

“At Connectus, we have believed in the long-term future of the airport for many years. Even following its closure, we remained committed to the site, its tenants and its future potential.

“For a company of our size, investing almost £2 million into infrastructure at the airport over the last six years represents a major commitment and a strong statement of confidence in the project.

“The support now being shown from across the political landscape sends a very positive signal to investors, businesses and the wider aviation sector.”

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, who has led on this issue for the party said: “We at Reform are big supporters of more regional aviation to drive jobs growth and prosperity. We have been working hard to ensure Doncaster Airport reopening soonest whilst ensuring taxpayers get the best possible deal together with appropriate scrutiny “

Daniel Fell, CEO of the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, said: “Connectus is a great example of why a reopened airport will be catalytic for South Yorkshire’s economy.  By continuing to invest into the infrastructure on the airport estate, Connectus have got ahead of events and are now well placed to be a key part of DSA’s supply chain and are set to benefit from the uptick in interest and investment in the site.

“As well as being a shining example of how DSA will benefit the region’s indigenous SMEs, I’d also like to commend Connectus’s leadership team for being part of the vanguard of businesses that put their head above the parapet to engage directly with political leaders to make the case for backing the airport and its funding package.  Their role in facilitating a cross-party consensus should be commended and hasn’t gone unnoticed.”
Connectus says the airport project represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in the North of England and believes strong collaboration between local government, infrastructure providers and political stakeholders will be critical to its long-term success.

Disconnected Systems Are Slowing UK SMEs Down, Says N Six Studios

Helen Greaney
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Disconnected Systems Are Slowing UK SMEs Down, Says N Six Studios

Digital solutions provider N Six Studios has warned that many UK businesses are operating with inefficient systems and workflows that create unnecessary complexity, poor lead management and barriers to scale.

The company believes these operational bottlenecks are quietly costing businesses significant revenue through slower response times, reduced customer experience, inconsistent communication, and inefficient internal processes.

“Many businesses believe they have a marketing problem when in reality they have an infrastructure problem,” said a spokesperson from N Six Studios.

“Businesses are generating leads, investing into growth, and scaling revenue, but many are still relying on spreadsheets, fragmented software, manual admin, and disconnected workflows that create operational friction as they grow.”

N Six Studios specialises in bespoke website development, AI automation systems, CRM & HRMS platforms, branding, mobile app development, API integrations, and scalable digital infrastructure designed to help businesses modernise operations and improve efficiency.

The company says there is now a major shift taking place as businesses increasingly adopt AI-enhanced systems to streamline workflows, automate repetitive processes, centralise operations, improve lead management, and enhance customer communication.

A spokesperson added: “As artificial intelligence adoption continues to accelerate globally, businesses are beginning to rethink not only how they market themselves — but how they operate internally.

“We believe companies that modernise their operational infrastructure early will likely gain a long-term advantage over competitors still relying on disconnected manual systems.”

N Six Studios is currently preparing to launch an AI-powered operational platform designed to help businesses automate workflows, centralise systems, improve efficiency, and create scalable operational infrastructure through intelligent automation.

The platform is expected to begin rolling out later this year as part of the company’s wider focus on AI-driven business systems and operational growth infrastructure.

The company claims the future of business growth will not simply be determined by who markets the hardest, but by which businesses build the strongest operational systems underneath them.

Businesses interested in learning more about AI automation systems, digital infrastructure, and operational growth solutions can visit www.nsixstudios.com.

A Life of Transformation: John M Hayes Releases ‘A Quest for Meaning’ Memoir

Helen Greaney
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A Life of Transformation: John M Hayes Releases ‘A Quest for Meaning’ Memoir
The author John M Hayes has published his latest book A Quest for Meaning: A Memoir from Pit to Pulpit; from Business to Philanthropy.

The novel tells the extraordinary, true story of an awkward, thoughtful boy, who was born into the restricted world of a pit community, who turned to religion as his escape into the wider world.

The poor local schools offered no support for the student, and, when his secondary school teacher, recognising his academic potential, got him an offer of a grammar school place, he declined due to lack of understanding.

From Sunday school to youth clubs his talents as a leader and preacher sparkled, and at twenty-one, he left the colliery world to train to be a full-time pastor.

Inner doubts about the depth of this belief soon surfaced. He was tormented for two decades by feelings of academic inferiority and being a clerical imposter. Nevertheless, he persisted with this studies gaining a degree in Divinity.

He married very young to a woman two and a half years older who became a qualified teacher. Throughout his marriage, he doubted his capabilities as a parent and husband.

Once he qualified, despite this religious torment, he was a storming success as an evangelist, significantly increasing his congregations. But disaster struck in his second big church, in the form of a split between traditionalist and modernists.

With his marriage under stress, he fell for Maggie, a married member of his congregation. He lost his chapel and finally his beliefs, and after further years of trying, his first marriage.

Still searching for meaning in his life he tried politics and eventually discovered Humanism. He also founded a successful business and is now an affluent philanthropist able to enjoy the better things in life, along with Maggie, who he tracked down and married many years later.

As a colloquial autobiography, part written from memory and part from diaries, it is a convincing social study of the mores of his mining community, of family life, and of the extraordinary hypocrisy of the church, and of the life of a pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.

The book is an astonishingly frank and detailed account of the man’s struggles with his faith and his journey to faithlessness.

Speaking of A Quest for Meaning: A Memoir from Pit to Pulpit, author John M Hayes said: “This memoir is the most honest account I could give of a life spent searching for meaning—through faith, doubt, love, loss and ultimately self-discovery.

“I hope readers will find in the book not only an insight into a very different world, but also something of their own journey.”

A Quest for Meaning: A Memoir from Pit to Pulpit; from Business to Philanthropy is now available to purchase from major retailers, including Waterstones and Amazon.
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