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Kuishi Launches Groundbreaking Carbon-Positive Dispensing Solutions in the UK

Sustainability leader Kuishi has unveiled the UK’s first carbon-positive dispensing solutions, designed for both homes and businesses. These refillable dispensers are a revolutionary step towards drastically reducing single-use plastic waste and fostering a more sustainable way of living.

In the last year, Kuishi has helped prevent the disposal of over 1 million plastic bottles by encouraging customers to refill soap dispensers instead of purchasing single-use plastic alternatives. This achievement highlights the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable innovation.

After a standout year, including partnerships with eco-conscious hotels like The Pig and Jumeirah Port Soller, Kuishi is now poised to introduce its products and services to the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2025.

How Kuishi Achieves Carbon Positivity

Kuishi’s products go beyond carbon neutrality by removing, preventing, or offsetting 20% more carbon than their entire lifecycle produces, from production to recycling. This cradle-to-grave approach is achieved through several key strategies:

  • Refillable Design: Replacing single-use plastics, each dispenser is made to be refilled repeatedly, reducing waste.
  • Sustainable Materials: Crafted from durable, recyclable materials like glass, these dispensers are built to endure.
  • Ethical Manufacturing: The manufacturing process is designed to minimise carbon emissions and utilises renewable energy wherever feasible.
  • Proactive Offsetting: Kuishi collaborates with Carbon Sense to ensure ethical carbon offsetting through initiatives such as reforestation, carbon capture, and renewable energy projects, creating a net-positive impact.

Addressing the Plastic Crisis

Plastic bottle waste remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. Kuishi’s refillable solutions provide an elegant and practical alternative, replacing disposable plastic products in homes and businesses alike.

In 2024 alone, Kuishi’s customers—including households, hotels, and businesses—refilled dispensers over 1 million times, saving an equivalent number of plastic bottles from polluting the environment. This success reflects the growing shift towards sustainability and Kuishi’s role in driving this change.

“Our mission is to empower people to make a difference in their daily lives,” said Stephanie Melarickas, Founder and Director at Kuishi. “Refilling dispensers instead of throwing away single-use bottles is a small change that makes a big impact, and we’re proud to support our customers in that effort.”

The company is also focused on supporting community projects aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.

B Corporation Certification: Commitment to Purpose and Profit

In 2024, Kuishi achieved B Corporation certification, a prestigious recognition for companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental accountability and transparency.

“Achieving B Corp status and launching the UK’s first carbon-positive dispensers are milestones that reflect our core mission,” said Mark Hopkins. “We’re not only rethinking how products are used but also tackling the larger issue of single-use plastic waste while positively impacting the planet.”

Sustainability for Everyday Life

Kuishi’s carbon-positive dispensing solutions represent a shift in how sustainability is approached in daily living. By offering durable, refillable, and visually appealing dispensers, Kuishi is empowering customers to embrace sustainable habits without compromising on design or function.

Police hunt attempt rapist in Harpurhey

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Detectives are appealing for information following the attempted rape of a woman in Harpurhey.
The assault occurred near Rudd Street between 2.30pm and 3pm on Friday, January 3.

The woman, in her 50s, was walking down a pathway which backs onto Rudd Street when she was approached by a man she did not know, and sexually assaulted. She was able to scream and the man fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 25/26 years old and around 180cm in height. He has dreadlocks, glasses, no facial hair and was wearing a black winter puffer jacket and black trousers.

DI David Collins of GMP North Manchester CID said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the woman who was simply walking along a path when she was attacked.

“We have launched an investigation into this incident and are making a number of enquiries at pace to locate the person responsible.

“We are now asking the public to come forward with any information that may assist us.

“There will be an increased presence of officers in the area whilst we continue with our investigation and anyone who has any concerns should speak to us.”

Anyone with information or anyone who may have seen anything is asked to call 0161 856 1146 quoting incident number 1650 of 3/1/2025 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Rochdale’s toy appeal hits donations record as thousands receive gifts

More than 2,500 less fortunate children had gifts to open on Christmas Day thanks to generous locals in Rochdale.

Residents and businesses stepped up to help with The Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal, donating a record 7,000 toys and gifts which were sorted and delivered to local homes last month.

Helen Walton, from the council’s staff charity Rochdale Giving Back, who runs the appeal said: “Rochdale has pulled out all the stops again so we could support more children. The appeal received a huge number of individual donations and saw more businesses than ever supporting us which is great. Lots of workplaces now act as Father Christmas to children who would otherwise go without. I

“It was also fantastic to have so many young people from Hopwood Hall College and Rochdale Sixth Form College who gave up their Saturday, volunteering to help sort the toys and gifts for distribution.  Our collective success relies entirely upon the generosity of the many people who donate and on the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers. I am exceptionally proud of the way that once again our borough has come together to help children who are in need.”

Councillor Rachel Massey said: “The Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal has once again shown what a truly special community we are. In times of hardship, we roll up our sleeves and pull together to make magic happen for our children across the borough. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our residents and businesses, the tireless work of volunteers, over 2,500 children woke up to gifts on Christmas morning.

“A record-breaking number of toys were donated, the most we have ever had – a true testament to the kindness and spirit that defines our borough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

Since 2013 the appeal has provided festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers. It is organised by the council’s staff charity in partnership with Rochdale Football Club, Rochdale Riverside and Your Trust.

Businesses and other organisations that helped included Crown Oil, STM Agency, Rochdale Online, Rochdale Riverside, RRG Toyota Rochdale, The Retreat, The Highfield Hospital, Dachser Ltd, PDS Doorsets, Rochdale Musical Theatre Company, Rochdale Sixth Form College, Hopwood Hall College, The Works, Marlow Products, Commercial Filters, Dale Industrial Hose and Fittings, Spaldings Groundcare Equipment, Calibration Engineering Services, Greens Automotive Repairs, Balmers Groundcare Equipment, Ciceley Commercial Vehicles (Bolton), Alpine Recovery, Lodge Tyres, Reed Employment Agency, Harrisons Specialised Coatings, Triad Fabrications, the Sunrise team at Greater Manchester Police and Willow View School.

Image: Helen Walton meets staff from RRG Toyota Rochdale who donated hundreds of gifts from customers, staff, residents and a very generous donation from logistics company DACHSER.

Athena Unveils Public Sector Accelerator to Simplify Government Procurement for Businesses

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Athena is thrilled to introduce its latest initiative, the Public Sector Accelerator (PSA), a programme designed to help businesses confidently enter the competitive world of public procurement. By offering a guided, step-by-step approach, the PSA ensures businesses can navigate government contracting with ease.

Acknowledging the challenges associated with government contracts, Athena’s PSA focuses on frameworks with lower barriers to entry. This enables businesses to establish a strong foothold without facing the heavy demands of complex compliance or stringent financial requirements. By starting with accessible opportunities, companies can build a portfolio of successful case studies, boosting their credibility and paving the way for securing larger, high-value contracts in the future.

“We understand that public procurement can be daunting,” said a spokesperson for Athena. “That’s why we’ve developed the Public Sector Accelerator to simplify the process, providing businesses with the tools and support they need to succeed. Our step-by-step approach ensures that clients can build momentum and grow their presence in the public sector with confidence.”

Key Features of the Public Sector Accelerator

  • Framework Analysis and Registration: Identifying suitable frameworks with manageable entry requirements.
  • Bid Monitoring and Insights: Keeping clients informed of active opportunities and upcoming re-tenders.
  • Comprehensive Audit Services: Conducting competitor analysis and compliance reviews to position businesses for success.
  • Expert Support: Offering “done-for-you” services, from framework registration to bid submissions, minimising client workload.

The PSA guarantees acceptance into at least one framework, providing businesses with access to exclusive opportunities. Early wins allow companies to establish a track record of reliability, while Athena’s expert guidance ensures they are prepared to pursue larger, more complex contracts as they scale.

Starting at just £600, the PSA offers an affordable solution for businesses seeking stable revenue streams, enhanced credibility, and sustainable growth through public sector opportunities.

To learn more about how the Public Sector Accelerator can benefit your business, visit Athena’s website at https://www.commercial-consulting.co.uk/.

Play SPAR’s Frozen Fortune Game to Win £10,000 Cash and Instant Prizes

This January, SPAR is giving shoppers the chance to win cash and prizes through its Frozen Fortune game. With over 400,000 instant rewards to be won, including products from major brands, this competition is the perfect way to bring some cheer to the New Year.

Four lucky winners will take home £10,000 each, while a £200 holiday voucher will be given away every day until 19th February, inspiring shoppers to plan their adventures for 2025.

Other prizes include instant rewards from popular brands such as:

  • Pepsi Max
  • McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes
  • Aero or Milkybar Blocks
  • Sour Patch Kids
  • Cadbury’s Chocolate Multipacks
  • Magnum Ice Cream
  • Aero or Munchies Pouches
  • Haribo Bags
  • McCain French Fries

Shoppers can join the fun by visiting www.frozenfortune.co.uk and playing the Ice Breaker game daily. Over 1,300 SPAR stores are participating nationwide, making it easy for winners to claim their prizes.

Philippa Harrington of SPAR said: “We are excited to launch our Frozen Fortune competition and reward four lucky shoppers with £10,000 of ice-cold cash each to start 2025 in style. We can’t wait to give shoppers a little bit back at the beginning of the new year when budgets are tighter, and people are seeking something uplifting.”

Tribute left to dad who died after collapsing in Manchester

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A 44-year-old man who was found unresponsive in Piccadilly Gardens on December 23, has passed away.

On New Year’s Day, David Thomas Gidman (pictured), known to many as ‘Giddy’, died in hospital.

David’s family said: “David had a strong presence whenever he walked into any room, he had a great sense of humour and was a funny lad.

“He was always joking and never took himself too seriously, just a really nice lad.

“David was into watching movies and loved being outdoors, walking about. He was always mooching somewhere and never rested.

“His mum Pam and sister Lyndsey tried their best and were always ready to welcome him home. His family love and miss him dearly but know that he is now at peace and back with his dad.”

Flowers and tributes, including a card from his child, have been left to David in the place where he was found near Piccadilly Gardens.

Half of British parents worry their children are cold at home this winter

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Research reveals more than six million British children could be facing cold bedtimes this winter, with half of parents (49%) worried their children will be cold at home when temperatures drop.

New data indicates that almost a quarter of Brits (24%) cannot keep their house warm when it’s cold, no matter what they try.

As a result, one in three parents (32%) admit they’ve had to put their children to bed in a cold room and a further 39% worry the temperature of their house is bad for their family’s health on cold days.

The research, conducted by the home heating experts at SpeedComfort, reveals the scale of British homes’ cold crisis, with many homes falling short of recommended healthy temperatures.

On average, Brits anticipate the temperatures inside their homes will drop to 12.8°C this winter. This is five degrees colder than the recommended healthy temperature for adults to live and sleep in (18°C) and three degrees colder than the minimum safe temperature for infants to sleep in (16°C), according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The impact of this on families across the UK is significant. According to the NHS, consistently being cold can have a detrimental impact on you and your family’s physical health.

The latest findings showed 43% said that being cold at home causes them physical discomfort, while more than a quarter (28%) said they’re ill more often when it’s cold.

In addition to affecting families, the research found that cold temperatures are set to have a big impact on the UK’s most vulnerable citizens, with older people most likely to be cold at home this winter (37%).

This is concerning, given that they are more susceptible to the mental and physical effects of the cold. Half of over 65s say the cold causes discomfort and almost the same proportion (49%) state it makes them feel low (8% higher than the average Brit).

Wouter Heuterman, CEO of SpeedComfort, said: “With the cost of living crisis continuing to affect so many families across the UK, it’s heartbreaking to see that so many Brits are worried about keeping their families safe and warm at home this winter.

“The cold has a huge impact on how we feel both physically and emotionally. For families with children and vulnerable people, the impact of cold temperatures is even further exacerbated. So, if you’re worried about the health of your family this winter, it’s well worth considering alternative ways of keeping your home warm when temperatures drop. To help with this, we’ve created a guide for staying warm without increasing energy usage this winter.”

Sellick Partnerships hosts 15th fundraising football tournament

Sellick Partnership is proud to announce the return of the Manchester Professionals’ Football League (MPFL), which will kick off its 15th charity annual tournament.

The event not only showcases the region’s sporting talent but also fosters professional networking, all while supporting St Ann’s Hospice.

Since its inception, the MPFL has raised £15,000 for the charity which provides care and support to patients and families in Greater Manchester that have been impacted by life-limiting illnesses.

On this milestone year, all proceeds from the tournament will once again go to St Ann’s Hospice, continuing Sellick Partnership’s longstanding commitment to making a positive difference in the community. This comes as St Ann’s Hospice is in the process of raising funds for a new, purpose-built hospice.

Ray Wareing, group director at Sellick Partnership and a proud member of St Ann’s Hospice’s fundraising board, said: “Reaching the 15th year of the Manchester Professionals’ Football League is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and generosity within our business community.

“This tournament isn’t just about football, it’s about connecting professionals, building relationships, and supporting a cause that touches so many lives. St Ann’s Hospice does vital work, and it’s a privilege to contribute to their mission.”

Anne-Marie Wynne, head of fundraising and capital campaign at St Ann’s Hospice said: “Sellick Partnership has supported the hospice for over 20 years across a variety of different charitable fundraising initiatives. To date, they have raised more than £100,000, a remarkable achievement that has had a profound impact on every service user, their families, and the exceptional staff who work tirelessly to provide compassionate care at the hospice.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Sellick Partnership which has enabled us to care for and support individuals living with life-limiting illnesses in Greater Manchester. Recent donations, which include the MPFL, have been in support of the brand new purpose-built hospice that will open in 2025 and we look forward to having their name on our wall as one of our funding partners for the development.”

Held annually in Manchester, the league unites professionals from various industries for seven weeks of friendly competition and networking, with games running each Thursday evening from January 9, 2025.

Sapphire Contracting is proudly sponsoring this year’s tournament, helping to bring together Manchester’s professional community while supporting the incredible work of St Ann’s Hospice.

To register a team for 2026, you can the Manchester Professionals’ Football League (MPFL microsite) or contact Sellick Partnership at [email protected].

Plans submitted for acoustics building in Crescent Salford’s innovation zone

Plans have been submitted for a state-of-the-art acoustics building which would bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s innovation zone.

Housing the research, commercial and teaching activities of the University of Salford’s Acoustics Department, the 1,300m2 building would represent the second staging post in the creation of Crescent Innovation following work commencing on Salford Rise in September.

Proposed by the Crescent partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse– Crescent Innovation will build on existing research and development capabilities to drive further economic growth in Salford and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research and business.

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the acoustics building, having previously collaborated with the university on the creation of multiple new learning environments including the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre.

Salford’s world-class acoustic facilities are designed to meet the highest technical specifications and the requirements of measurement standards. Each space will be supported by one of the largest acoustics research groups in the world and the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff.

In line with the latest sustainability standards, the all-electric building will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and utilise low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation area, which lies north of the university’s Peel Park campus, the building will be located on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street.

If planning permission is granted, work is anticipated to start on-site in summer 2025 and complete in spring 2027.

Director of Acoustics at the University of Salford, professor Trevor Cox said: “Sound is integral to life, and so the work we’ll do in this building will impact the public. To take one example, we might be working with industry and government to reduce the harms to health that noise creates. The new laboratories will help us to forge a better sounding future.”

Max Bentham, development director at ECF, said: “The regeneration of this currently underutilised area will help to enhance Salford’s global reputation for industry and innovation. Not only will students and employees at the University of Salford benefit from this state-of-the-art facility, but so too will the surrounding community and wider region as the area attracts businesses and investment. The facilities within Crescent Innovation will be world-leading places to innovate and collaborate, bringing education and industry together to help shape the future of Salford.”

Salford City mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “I am delighted to see that the planning application for the new University of Salford Acoustics Building, which will sit at the heart of the Crescent Innovation zone, has now been submitted. This is a fantastic step forward for the University’s world-leading research and a testament to our shared ambitions for a more sustainable future, as this development will set a benchmark for environmental performance.”

Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said: “Over recent years it has been our privilege to deliver several world-class new facilities for the staff and students at this brilliant university, and we are thrilled to be renewing our relationship on this new project.”

Spreading Warmth – Christmas Lunches for Vulnerable Communities

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In a world often marked by separation and uncertainty, Dr Salman Shahid and his team stand as a beacon of compassion, bringing hope and support to vulnerable communities.

The journey began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when Dr Shahid, a GP in Middleton, went door-to-door delivering Christmas hampers to vulnerable individuals, elderly residents, and those who had lost loved ones. This act of generosity gained national recognition on social media and was highlighted by the BBC.

Motivated by the response, Dr Shahid established Healing Humanity International, a charity committed to helping the elderly, lonely, and isolated, as well as low-income families. The organisation also collaborates with food banks to assist homeless individuals and combat the growing challenge of poverty.

Since 2022, the charity has been organising Christmas lunches for individuals facing loneliness, isolation, and disabilities. By uniting community resources, these events have provided more than a meal—they have created moments of connection and belonging.

This year, under the guidance of Dr Shahid and team leader Jackie McCann, a group of volunteers prepared and served hearty, nourishing meals. The events were carefully designed to foster an inclusive and uplifting environment, where participants shared stories, laughter, and companionship. Attendees left not only well-fed but also enriched by the shared sense of community.

Beyond the festive season, Dr Shahid’s dedication continues. His strong partnerships with Middleton and Rochdale food banks ensure that food-insecure individuals and the homeless receive year-round support. Through ongoing food drives and fundraising initiatives, he has created a sustainable network of aid, transforming seasonal efforts into a long-term mission.

Dr Shahid’s leadership has inspired a wave of volunteers and donors in Middleton. His efforts underscore the importance of collective action in addressing social challenges and highlight the value of mental health and emotional well-being in vulnerable communities.

Many attendees have shared how these Christmas lunches have helped them cope with feelings of isolation and loss. They have found comfort in forming new friendships and support networks through these gatherings.

As these annual lunches continue, Dr Shahid and his team remain committed to fostering connection and care. His work exemplifies the strength of community and compassion, making him a true champion for those in need.