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Enviro Waste Management Reveals New Brand Identity with Commercial-Only Focus

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Enviro Waste Management Reveals New Brand Identity with Commercial-Only Focus

Enviro Waste Management has announced a comprehensive rebrand to solidify its position as a dedicated provider of commercial waste services. Having previously offered solutions across domestic and construction sectors, the company has now pivoted to focus exclusively on supporting businesses with their waste management needs.

The brand refresh includes a fully redesigned website with enhanced usability, and a more contemporary tone of voice across digital platforms. Physical rebranding will follow in stages, including updated uniforms, lorry livery, and branded waste sacks. This repositioning coincides with service expansion — notably the introduction of bins and sacks collections, launched last year, which now includes overnight options to accommodate businesses operating round the clock. Waste is not only collected but also sorted, recycled, or responsibly disposed of at the company’s dedicated facility.

“Our core values have always been about helping businesses operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental footprint,” said Eli Kushmaro, CEO and Founder of Enviro Waste Management. “While our brand is built on reliability and robust customer support, with this rebrand, we’re not only sharpening our focus on commercial waste but also expanding our service portfolio to truly become the ultimate partner for businesses.”

The company’s refreshed logo features a prominent blue design with a distinctive brown ‘I’ at its centre — a deliberate nod to placing customers at the heart of operations. Stepping away from the industry-standard green, Enviro Waste Management’s new palette uses brown to represent stability and dependability, and blue to reinforce its professionalism.

This branding overhaul, grounded in extensive market analysis and a solid track record of customer service, signals a forward-looking approach that balances modernisation with the core values that have long defined the company.

For more information about the rebrand, please visit https://envirowastemanagement.com/ or contact Allysin Pinto, Marketing Lead, at [email protected].

Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

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Manchester-Based Tooltap Introduces Community Equipment Rental Platform

A new digital service in Manchester is offering residents affordable access to tools and specialist equipment, eliminating the need for ownership.

Tooltap Manchester, a locally founded venture, has introduced an online rental platform offering cleaning equipment including carpet cleaner hire and pressure washer hire in Manchester, with additional items expected to be added in coming months.

“Our research showed that the average power tool is used for less than 13 hours throughout its lifetime, while items like carpet cleaners are typically used just twice yearly,” explains a company representative. “This presented an opportunity to create a more efficient solution for Manchester residents.”

As household expenses continue to climb, the platform offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing infrequently used tools, making quality equipment more accessible to Manchester households.

Inspired by successful sharing economy models across the UK, Tooltap aims to meet the specific needs of local communities, underlining its commitment to Greater Manchester residents.

Rather than using deposit-based systems, Tooltap has implemented digital ID checks, ensuring a seamless experience. The platform also offers delivery throughout Manchester, a collection location in Salford, and guarantees sanitisation of all items between uses. Flexible hire periods cater to various types of home projects.

Environmentally, the initiative promotes reduced consumption by reusing items across multiple users. “Each tool shared means one less item manufactured and eventually discarded,” notes the company representative. “We’re building a more sustainable approach to accessing the equipment people need only when they need it.”

The company also has plans to broaden its offering based on user demand, potentially incorporating garden tools, cooking appliances, and additional DIY gear. “We’re taking a data-driven approach to scaling, focusing on categories where sharing makes the most economic and practical sense for Manchester residents,” the representative added.

The service is currently available to Greater Manchester residents through the company’s website.

Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Helen Greaney
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Manchester launches vision for new national hub for hydrogen

Manchester is placing itself in prime position to become the home of a new national facility that will be central to the UK’s ambition to be a leader in hydrogen innovation.

Hydrogen is one of a handful of new, low carbon solutions that will be critical for the UK’s transition to net zero.

In the UK’s Hydrogen Strategy, the government has outlined a path to delivering decarbonisation and economic benefits from hydrogen that it says will require rapid and significant scale up over coming years.

The proposed Hydrogen Technology Electrolysis and Cell Hub (HYTECH) in Manchester will bring together world leading academics and experts with extensive labs and facilities at a scale that does not currently exist in the UK.

The project will be led by Manchester Metropolitan University in partnership with the University of Manchester, The Royce Institute, University of Salford, National Physical Laboratories together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Amer Gaffar, director of the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Met, said: “The experience of many years of successful hydrogen research and development projects makes Greater Manchester an ideal place to host a national hub of this type.

“Our combined experience, knowledge, technical expertise and delivery programmes has enabled us to launch this new regional vision which is addressing a critical national need to develop clean electrochemical hydrogen-based technologies in the UK.

“Our ambition is local but built around the global hydrogen market opportunity, supporting swathes of UK and international industry and can be integral to the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in hydrogen innovation.”

The vision for the creation of HYTECH was launched at an event, hosted yesterday at Manchester Met, celebrating the successes of the Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster (GMEHC) programme, which is led by the University in partnership with the University of Manchester, The Royce Institute and National Physical Laboratories.

An ambition to position Greater Manchester as a powerhouse of hydrogen, which now also includes the University of Salford, was announced at the event to demonstrate the collective strength in the region’s hydrogen research and innovation.

Launched in 2023, GMEHC has already enabled industrial businesses alongside Small Medium Enterprises to access the research, expertise and facilities to develop and adopt clean, efficient electrochemical hydrogen technologies.

Professor Nigel Brandon OBE FREng FRS, dean of Engineering at Imperial College London and chair of the GMEHC programme, said: “The new HYTECH facility will help connect key research in the region with research, testing and development centres across the UK, supporting both large and small manufacturers, and bringing both regional and national benefit.”

The establishment of HYTECH will consolidate Greater Manchester’s place as the home of hydrogen innovation, with the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park already in development which will include the largest liquid air energy storage scheme in Europe and one of the largest battery storage schemes in the UK.

Work will now progress to secure the investment needed to develop HYTECH as the region leads the way in building a sustainable, self-reliant hydrogen ecosystem for the UK’s clean energy future.

Garden centre run by one family for six decades, up for sale

Helen Greaney
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Garden centre run by one family for six decades, up for sale

A garden centre that has been run by the same family for 60 years, is now in need of a new owner.

Business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market Giants Seat Garden Centre, located next to the River Irwell to the north west of Manchester.

Established in 1964, the centre has been successfully run by the Kidd family for more than six decades, and is well-known for offering a wide range of seasonal and perennial outdoor plants, garden tools, equipment, fertilisers and more.

After decades of stewardship, the Kidd family plan to retire and are seeking a new owner to take the reins.

Alan Kidd said: “After serving the gardening community around Giants Seat Garden Centre, retirement plans for our family-run business now loom large.

“Our family have run the successful nursery/garden centre surrounded by wildlife along the bank of the River Irwell for six decades, developing a strong reputation with our customers for quality and service along with our homegrown plants. We have always strived to offer the highest quality and the best value for money, and now it is time to attend to our own gardens.”

The site boasts a prime location overlooking the river and spans just over two acres, including a three-bedroom detached house which has historically been used as owners’ accommodation. The property offers potential for further development and expansion to grow trade further.

Andrew Birnie, director of retail at Christie & Co, said: “Focussing primarily on growing high-quality horticulture rather than garden centre retail sales, and including a three-bedroom house on site, this opportunity should appeal to owner-operator buyers with an interest in horticulture. The profitable centre sits alongside the River Irwell and therefore enjoys lovely views. We welcome enquiries from interested parties.”

The centre is on the market with a guide price of £845,000 freehold plus stock.

‘Heart of gold’: Darren Orme’s family pay tribute

Helen Greaney
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‘Heart of gold’: Darren Orme’s family pay tribute

The family of Darren Orme have paid tribute to him.

On March 24, police recovered his body following a search in the Stadium Way area of Wigan.

When he was reported missing on March 5, supporters, the town and its respective football and rugby league clubs rallied in the search for the 54-year-old amid a huge public response.

Darren from Wigan has been described by his family as having a ‘heart of gold and a beautiful soul.’

Greater Manchester Police thanked the public for their support in enabling the search teams to carry out their work, and to everyone who shared their appeals in efforts to locate Darren.

Officers do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding Darren’s death.

Darren’s family said: “Darren was a loving brother with a beautiful and infectious smile, he was truly the glue that held our family together.

“He had a heart of gold and a beautiful soul, he always saw the good in everyone. He was confident yet quirky but also vulnerable in his own way. He possessed a playful and mischievous character.

“Darren loved his football, and he was a passionate Wigan Athletic fan. We’ve always described Darren as Latics royalty, and these past few weeks have really shown our family just how much he means to our community.

“The messages of support and efforts to search for him have been truly amazing.”

“Darren meant the absolute world to us, he will be greatly missed by his family and all of us that knew and loved him.”

New manager appointed for Broadway Baths

Helen Greaney
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New manager appointed for Broadway Baths

Manchester Community Leisure Services (MCLS), the team behind the newly restored  Withington Baths, have been appointed to manage Broadway Baths in New Moston.

MCLS was created to take on additional leisure facilities, aiming to enhance services through greater community engagement.

Broadway Baths is the first centre to be operated by MCLS, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the 1930s facility.

Moving to a community-led model, the Baths will become a leisure hub for future generations, while ensuring it remains a firm favourite for local residents.

Broadway Baths will offer a packed schedule, including swimming lessons, baby and after-school swimming, adult sessions, family fun swims, and aqua fitness classes. A refurbished health suite with a steam room and sauna, as well as a gym, will also be available.

Dennis Shannon, leisure centre manager, said: “Swimming is the heart of Broadway Baths.

“We know how important it is for health and well-being, as well as generally being a place where the local community comes together to connect.”

Broadway Baths is a non-profit operation, meaning that every penny made will go straight back into improving the baths, making it financially sustainable for the long term.

Paul Smith, managing director of Manchester Community Leisure Services, said: “Withington Baths has proven that a community-first approach achieves greater social value. By bringing that model to Broadway Baths, we’re creating a space that truly serves the people who use it. We recognise area is different, so local people will be at the heart of every decision.”

The transition brings several key changes, including the removal of pre-booking requirements for gym and swim sessions, and the introduction of an over 60’s membership covering both swimming and the health suite.

There will also be new opportunities for local teenagers to gain experience as junior swim assistants and train as future swim teachers.

 

Argella Moves Global Base to Dubai, Strengthening Focus on Digital and AI Growth

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Argella Moves Global Base to Dubai, Strengthening Focus on Digital and AI Growth

Technology advisory firm Argella has announced the relocation of its global headquarters from London to Dubai, cementing its commitment to the region as a key growth market. Now operating from the Meydan Free Zone, the move enables Argella to deliver its AI, data, and digital transformation services more directly to clients across the GCC and beyond.

Since its inception in 2017, Argella has worked with a wide range of businesses — from start-ups in scaling mode to large companies seeking digital reinvention. The firm has built a reputation for combining expert insight with practical implementation.

Argella’s approach centres on collaboration with senior leadership — founders, CEOs, and executive teams — across tech-driven sectors like fintech, SaaS, and digital platforms, providing strategic board-level support and hands-on advisory.

With Dubai as its new base of operations, Argella is now better placed to service clients throughout the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America — all from a globally connected innovation centre.

“Argella is thrilled to officially launch in the UAE,” said Amar Rajani, Founder and Managing Director of Argella. “This milestone not only showcases our commitment to growth and innovation but also reinforces our focus on supporting organisations with strategic insight and delivery across new and existing markets.”

Argella’s core service areas include:

  • Identifying investment prospects and strategic partnerships

  • Assisting with international market entry strategies

  • Supporting end-to-end digital transformation

  • Providing clear roadmaps for AI and data integration

Its location within the Meydan Free Zone grants Argella access to a supportive regulatory environment, enabling flexible and compliant service delivery worldwide.

“This is a pivotal moment for Argella,” added Amar. “We’ve built a business focused on insight and delivery — now, with our headquarters in Dubai, we’re better positioned than ever to support organisations navigating transformation, growth, and global opportunity.”

Leasing an Electric Car Now Costs Less Than a London Travelcard

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Leasing an Electric Car Now Costs Less Than a London Travelcard

  • Drive a Dacia Spring for £112/month via salary sacrifice*

  • TfL Zone 1-2 travelcard priced at £171.70

  • More affordable than top-tier gym plans and premium TV deals

New figures from The Electric Car Scheme have revealed just how affordable driving electric can be—making EV ownership cheaper than many London essentials, including public transport.

Through salary sacrifice, the Dacia Spring—an electric car with a range of approximately 140 miles—is available for just £112 a month. This rate includes all the essentials: servicing, MOT, maintenance, and tyres, with a 5,000-mile yearly driving limit on a four-year term. That monthly cost is a full £59.70 less than a TfL travelcard covering Zones 1 and 2.

Beyond transport, it undercuts some popular subscription services and gym memberships. A Sky package with sports, films, Netflix and more could cost up to £125 per month, and membership at premium gyms like Virgin Active in Bromley is nearly £120.

According to The Electric Car Scheme, affordability remains the most significant deterrent for would-be EV drivers. 54% of respondents highlighted it as their top concern, outranking issues like range or reliability.

Pre-Owned EVs Provide Even More Options

Used electric vehicles are proving to be a big draw, now making up nearly half of the scheme’s total leases. Some of the most affordable second-hand options include the FIAT 500E at £193 per month, and the MINI ELECTRIC from £198 per month.

Thom Groot, CEO and Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme, said:

“Electric Vehicles are getting more affordable and therefore accessible every day and this effect is only set to gather pace as more people make the leap to an EV and as more models become available on the second-hand market. We expect March to be a record month for EV uptake, potentially topping 35% of all new car sales for the very first time, and at prices such as this it is hardly a surprise, especially considering the upcoming increases in Road Tax for petrol and diesel models.

We know that the main concern for drivers is, affordability, which was the biggest barrier for 54% of Brits, way out in front of any concerns around range, reliability or resale value. This is why we started The Electric Car Scheme, to make EVs more affordable and help increase uptake ahead of the coming phase-out of traditional cars.”

ECB’s Intraday Liquidity Standards Set the Bar High — But Banks Face a Steep Learning Curve

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ECB’s Intraday Liquidity Standards Set the Bar High — But Banks Face a Steep Learning Curve

Banks across the Eurozone are feeling the weight of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) tightened intraday liquidity rules, as new findings from Planixs — the market leader in real-time liquidity solutions — reveal the scale of the implementation challenge.

Issued in late 2024, the ECB’s guidance outlines best practices in intraday liquidity management. It sets out 76 individual requirements encompassing real-time oversight, detailed data analysis, and robust governance. The stakes are high: non-compliance could lead to increased capital costs, regulatory attention, or penalties.

It’s the first time a central regulator has been so explicit about what intraday liquidity systems should look like. The ECB’s blueprint is clear and precise, offering a valuable framework not only for European banks but for global institutions seeking to benchmark their own capabilities.

However, while the roadmap is laid out, the real hurdle lies in execution. Many banks remain unsure how to bridge the gap between their current systems and the ECB’s expectations.

In light of these concerns, Planixs has published a new report — Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change — based on wide-ranging industry consultation. The report aims to help institutions understand where they fall short and how to course-correct efficiently.

“The ECB’s guidelines are not just another compliance exercise; they’re a wake-up call for banks to modernise their intraday liquidity capabilities,” said Pete McIntyre, Director at Planixs.

“But awareness alone isn’t enough. The real question for banks isn’t ‘what does the ECB expect?’—that part is clear. The challenge is execution: identifying capability gaps, closing them efficiently, and ensuring continuous compliance as the regulatory environment evolves.”

To thrive in a fast-moving financial environment, banks must adopt more than just a compliance mindset. They need end-to-end visibility, accuracy in data, and tools that predict rather than just report on liquidity challenges.

Planixs encourages banks to connect data silos, invest in real-time platforms, and adopt forecasting tools to stay ahead. Still, outdated infrastructure and shifting risk profiles remain major stumbling blocks across the sector.

“We encourage banks not to wait for a regulator review but to act now. This is about more than passing an inspection — it’s about future-proofing operations and thriving in an increasingly real-time financial world,” said Pete.

“Institutions that take a proactive approach to intraday liquidity management can reduce funding costs, improve operational agility, and strengthen their market position. Many forward-thinking banks are already using this regulatory shift as an opportunity to enhance efficiency and profitability.”

With intraday liquidity now firmly in the regulatory spotlight, Planixs continues to support banks at all stages of their journey—whether assessing current capabilities, identifying practical steps for compliance, or embedding long-term resilience. The full report, Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change, is available by clicking here

Work starts on a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy

Helen Greaney
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Work starts on a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy
Work has begun on creating a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy.

The secondary school is the first in Radcliffe for over a decade, offering 750 places and operated by Star Academies – a trust which has 36 schools nationally.

The school opened last year in temporary facilities. Ahead of its new intake of Year 7 pupils this September, the temporary facilities are being extended and enhanced to provide additional space and resources, including an additional assembly and indoor activity space, a school kitchen and a new outdoor play area, as well as science labs and additional classrooms.

The construction of the permanent school building, at the site on Spring Lane, is now underway.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of works with Morgan Sindall staff joined by representatives from the Department for Education, Bury Council and Star Academies.

The permanent building will be a three-storey, 6,000m² building, arranged as a ‘superblock’, with extensive external works and sports provision including a new access road and drop off area to be formed as part of the works.

During the pre-construction phase, Morgan Sindall tackled challenges posed by the site’s former coal mining history, to mitigate risks of subsidence and contamination.

Designed to be net zero in operation (NZIO), the school will feature energy-efficient design, renewable energy generation, and low-carbon technologies, supporting the UK’s net-zero goals and reducing running costs.

Sustainability is further enhanced by an innovative stormwater management system, manufactured just 13 miles from site using 100% recycled, carbon-neutral materials, which reduces excavation, waste, and reliance on deep underground tanks.

Throughout construction, Morgan Sindall remains committed to minimising disruption and prioritising the safety of pupils and the local community.

Steven Gregory, area director for the North West, Morgan Sindall, said: “We’re thrilled to deliver what will be an important new school for Radcliffe and the surrounding areas. As a community minded business, we’re helping to address the vital issue of school places while building a new school that is both highly sustainable and a high-quality learning environment for local students.”

Lucy Smith, deputy leader of Bury Council said: “We are pleased to celebrate the start of construction on the new Star Radcliffe Academy building. We have been a long time fighting for a new school for Radcliffe and I am so proud to be here at this groundbreaking. This is a key part of the ongoing multi-million-pound regeneration of Radcliffe and will contribute significantly to the area.”

Paul Johnson, Principal at Star Radcliffe Academy, said: “The new building will provide an exceptional learning environment for our pupils, equipped with modern classrooms, cutting-edge technology, and excellent sports and recreational facilities. These resources will not only enhance our pupils’ education but also provide a wealth of opportunities for personal development, enrichment and future success.

“We’re looking forward to moving into our state-of-the-art facilities by September 2026, and establishing the school as a beacon of the community for today’s young people and future generations.”
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