Business Manchester

Apex Computing Services Ltd Celebrates a Milestone Year in 2024 and Prepares for Significant Growth in 2025

Business

News Desk

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18/02/2025

Apex Computing Services Ltd Celebrates a Milestone Year in 2024 and Prepares for Significant Growth in 2025

Apex Computing Services is delighted to look back on an exceptional 2024, marked by remarkable achievements in business expansion, industry recognition, and service excellence. As we enter 2025, the company is set to build on this success with ambitious plans for further growth and innovation in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.

Key Highlights of 2024

ISO 9001 Certification

Apex Computing Services successfully secured ISO 9001 certification, reaffirming its dedication to delivering top-tier IT services. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring clients receive the highest standards of service.

Strong Financial Growth and New Client Partnerships

2024 was a year of impressive financial performance, with Apex Computing achieving double-digit revenue growth and welcoming more than ten new clients. This success further cements the company’s reputation as a trusted IT solutions provider for businesses throughout Manchester and the North West.

Team Expansion and Strategic Leadership Appointment

To accommodate its ongoing expansion, Apex Computing increased its workforce by 10%, including the key appointment of an Operations Manager. This addition to the leadership team will play a crucial role in enhancing operational structures as the company gears up for accelerated growth in 2025.

Industry Recognition: Two Prestigious Awards

Apex Computing was honored with two major industry awards in 2024:

Mid Enterprise MSP of the Year at the Technology Reseller Awards 2024

This award, presented at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, is a testament to our commitment to excellence and achieving our CEO’s goal of industry recognition.
Chris Gorman, CEO, stated: “Winning this award validates our dedication and hard work. It motivates us to keep striving for excellence in IT services.”
Daniel Shone, Managing Director, added: “It was an honor to accept this award on behalf of our incredible team, whose passion and commitment drive our success.”

Pax8 EMEA Peak Performance – Continuity Award

Awarded at the Pax8 Beyond EMEA 2024 conference in Berlin, this accolade acknowledges our excellence in business growth, cloud adoption, and delivering continuity through innovative IT solutions.
Chris Gorman remarked: “This award highlights our dedication to innovation and the strength of our partnerships. It’s a proud moment for Apex, and we remain committed to pushing boundaries for our clients.”

Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Accreditation

Apex Computing achieved the esteemed Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Accreditation, signifying our expertise in migrating and managing key infrastructure workloads on Azure. This ensures our clients benefit from:

Reliable cloud migration
Scalability to meet growing business demands
Cost efficiency and optimized IT spending
24/7 certified support

New Service Launch: Managed Email Authentication

To enhance security for our customers, we launched a managed email authentication service, now adopted by over 50% of our clients. This service reinforces cybersecurity measures to protect businesses against phishing and email fraud.

Customer Engagement Through Events & Partnerships

Apex Computing hosted multiple events in collaboration with leading IT vendors, educating businesses on best practices in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. These events provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for our customers.

Successful Trademarking of Apex Computing Services

Securing the trademark for Apex Computing Services further cements our brand identity and market presence, solidifying our reputation as a leading IT services provider.

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Growth and Innovation

Apex Computing is set to build upon our 2024 successes with ambitious plans for 2025:

Recruitment Drive: We plan to expand our team further by hiring five additional staff members to support our growth.
Sustained Growth: Targeting continued double-digit revenue growth.
Branding Milestone: Kicking off the year with a major branding initiative, featuring an advert on Europe’s second-largest digital billboard, The Manchester Screen at Victoria Warehouse.

Innovative IT Solutions: Strengthening our service offerings to enhance client operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation strategies.
Chris Gorman, CEO, encapsulated the company’s vision, stating: “We are proud of our achievements, and our team is critical to this success. We sincerely thank our customers for their continued loyalty. Our aim is to continuously improve our excellent services and look forward to building strong relationships with all of our customers and partners in 2025. We’re an exceptionally strong business with the aim to deliver exemplary levels of service to our customers, making sure they have the IT infrastructure to succeed in their own businesses.”

Awards

Helen Greaney

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14/02/2025

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Nominations for the Youth Buzz Awards 2025 celebrating Manchester’s talented young people and their achievements, are now open.

The annual event organised by Manchester Youth Council, gives the city an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate its extraordinary young people.

The awards are for Mancunians aged from 11-19 (or up to 25 years old if they have special educational needs or disabilities and/or are carers or care leavers) who help to make a difference in their communities.

They play a part in Manchester’s work with UNICEF UK to put children’s rights into practice and become an internationally recognised Child Friendly City.

Nominations can be made across ten categories:

Youth Project of the Year
Young Leader of the Year
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Youth Voice or Campaign of the Year
Making a Difference Award
Young Carer Award
Championing Inclusion Award
Well-being Award
Community Champion Award
Outstanding Achievement Award

The awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday, May 1.

To nominate a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to the city, complete the Youth Buzz Awards form by March 9.

Councillor Julie Reid said: “Our ambition is to be a truly child friendly city by putting children and young people at the heart of what we do and we know that there are so many children and young people making a huge difference in their communities, so this is your chance to celebrate their contribution.

“It is so rewarding to watch these young people flourish and grow and carry the skills they gain into their future lives as they continue to contribute to the communities in which they live. If you know someone that deserves this recognition please don’t wait, nominate now, the process is very easy, and it could make a massive difference to a young person’s life.”

Council leader welcomes £1.5 million funding for Collyhurst regeneration

Helen Greaney

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14/02/2025

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Council leader welcomes £1.5 million funding for Collyhurst regeneration

Manchester has been allocated £1.5 million to support the next phase of regeneration in Collyhurst – part of the major Victoria North regeneration programme.

Over the next decade, Victoria North will become a new town with the city where 15,000 new homes will be across 155 hectares of brownfield land between Victoria train station and Queen’s Park in north Manchester. Seven new and emerging neighbourhoods will be connected by high quality green spaces and the River Irk will be opened up and celebrated for the first time in decades.

Council leader Bev Craig said: “We welcome the news that the new government wants to work with us to help us build more homes and create more jobs for Manchester residents.

“Victoria North represents one of the most ambitious urban regeneration programmes in Europe and will see more than 15,000 homes built in the next decade, along with a range of employment, social, community, cultural and neighbourhood uses. Its delivery will transform 390 acres of brownfield and underutilised land in some of the most deprived wards of Manchester, creating a new town in Manchester, interconnected by quality green spaces which will open up and celebrate the River Irk.

“Already, hundreds of homes have been built as part of the regeneration programme, including 130 new council homes in Collyhurst that will be available to residents very soon, alongside a new community park.

“This £1.5 million government funding will help to unlock a key element of the vision for Collyhurst by supporting the development of a business case for a new Metrolink stop at Sandhills, that will better connect the Collyhurst neighbourhood to the wider city and region, linking our residents to employment and other services and opportunities.”

Duo jailed after fatal attempted car theft in Manchester

Crime

Helen Greaney

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14/02/2025

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Duo jailed after fatal attempted car theft in Manchester

A man and woman who attempted to steal a vehicle in Beswick, leaving a grandad with fatal injuries, have been jailed.

On the morning of Saturday, March 16, 2024, Marvin Sutton and Charlene Thomas conspired to steal a Land Rover Discovery belonging to Christopher Hanley.

As Chris was alerted to his car being stolen, he tried to stop Sutton from getting away. Sutton drove dangerously, which caused Chris to be thrown from the bonnet of the car, causing fatal head injuries.

Despite the best efforts of members of the public and emergency services, Chris died at the scene.

Marvin Sutton (35) of Anthony Close, Manchester, was jailed for ten years and six months. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and theft.

Also sentenced for her role, Charlene Thomas (36) of Moss Lane East pleaded guilty to theft. For this, she was sentenced 21 months. She was also sentenced to three years and three months for robbery for an unrelated offence which occurred in 2022. Her sentences will run consecutively and she will be jailed for five years.

Greater Manchester Police’s major incident team’s investigation found that in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, March 17, 2024, the stolen and abandoned Land Rover was found and it was clear that there were attempts made to set it alight.

Detectives believe that this was orchestrated by Sutton to try and destroy any forensic evidence that could link him to the car. Police recovered the vehicle, and it formed a crucial part of the investigation.

It’s believed that Sutton then stayed at an address nearby, lying low in an attempt to evade police. However, on Sunday evening, Sutton was arrested on suspicion of murder, and despite answering no comment to all questions put to him, he was charged and remanded into custody.

Detective chief inspector Rachel Smith said: “The selfish and irresponsible actions of Sutton and Thomas that day meant a man tragically lost his life trying to defend his own property.

“Today’s sentences reflect the calculated and cruel nature of their crime and whilst no sentence can bring Chris (pictured below) back, I hope this outcome is able to provide some small comfort to all those that knew and loved him.”

Tribute

Paying tribute, Chris’ family said: ”Chris was a proud grandad, his grandchildren were his whole world, but he was robbed of the chance to watch them grow up and experience their own life milestones.

“He was our rock, he was a supportive, caring, kind and loving man. He had a great sense of humour; he was always poking fun at others and himself. His laugh, and passion for life, was infectious, and he enjoyed walking his dog, Lenny, and supporting his boyhood club, Manchester City.

“He had the biggest heart; he would always go out of his way to help anyone. To know him, and be loved by him, was a privilege. His loss has left us with a huge hole in our lives, and he will never be forgotten.”

Trafford Centre champions homegrown talent for new Asian dining experience

Food and Drink

Helen Greaney

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14/02/2025

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Trafford Centre champions homegrown talent for new Asian dining experience

Trafford Centre is unveiling its new restaurant dining development ‘Eastern Garden’, which is dedicated to Mancunian talent.

Responding to consumer demand, Eastern Garden celebrates independent operators with a line-up that includes Nichi, Chit ‘n’ Chaat, Hello Oriental and Blanchflower Coffee and Bakery, as the centre seeks to champion the region’s cuisine.

The new area, was known as Chinatown, is a vibrant and visually stunning dining destination designed to reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary Asian aesthetics.

The four culinary concepts each bring their unique flavours and experiences to offer visitors a taste of Manchester’s eclectic food scene.

Contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist, Nichi, was born in Manchester and opened its flagship 3,000 sq ft restaurant in the centre in late 2024. The restaurant offers a premium, immersive dining experience, specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé. The brand is led by a seasoned team including head chef Kentaro Yanagisawa, from Sexyfish Manchester and Vanessa Mornet from Zuma.

Hello Oriental, which opened its first branch off Oxford Road and founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, offers more than 100 dishes including popular East Asian street food and traditional favourites, ranging from dim sum to noodles to Cantonese roast meats and also includes a full kids’ menu.

Chit ‘n’ Chaat occupies a 2,000 sq ft unit in the centre, its fifth location in the region. Since its inception in 2020, Chit n Chaat has been passionate about delivering authentic, Indian street food.

Founded by Phil and Claire Howells, Blanchflower has its own bakery in Sale, producing bread, cakes and pastries. Opening in the coming weeks, from cruffins to Bakewell tarts, focaccias to homemade granola, diners can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of seasonal items all handmade by a small team of bakers and pastry chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Kitty Vaughan, head of F&B and leisure leasing at Pradera Lateral, said: “At Trafford Centre, we are committed to offering our visitors an exciting and diverse food and beverage experience that celebrates our global customers and champions homegrown talent.

“Eastern Garden not only enjoys a wide array of unique and authentic flavours but also represents the vibrant and dynamic culinary scene of Manchester. This initiative is a significant step in our ongoing investment to diversify the exciting culinary offering at Trafford Centre.”

BWS Celebrates 100,000 YouTube Subscribers with Silver Play Button Award

Business

News Desk

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14/02/2025

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BWS Celebrates 100,000 YouTube Subscribers with Silver Play Button Award

Manchester-based animation and storytelling studio, BWS, has reached a significant milestone, earning YouTube’s coveted Silver Play Button after surpassing 100,000 subscribers.

This achievement highlights the studio’s commitment to producing engaging, high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. BWS’ unique blend of artistry and innovation has helped carve out a distinct niche in the animation industry.

The milestone is a reflection of both the hard work and creativity of the BWS team and the dedicated fans who continue to engage with their content.

BWS’ top-performing videos showcase its ability to craft compelling narratives and push creative boundaries, consistently captivating viewers.

Some of the most popular videos on the channel include:

Founder and Chief Animator, Ben Wild, acknowledged the significance of this milestone: “This achievement is a celebration of our incredible team and the loyal community that has supported us. Reaching 100,000 subscribers motivates us to continue producing content that inspires and entertains. We’re excited about the journey ahead and grateful for everyone who’s been part of it.”

With this milestone behind them, BWS is looking ahead to future projects that will further expand its creative reach and engage an even wider audience.

Research-backed initiative to create jobs, build skills and boost innovation

Education

Helen Greaney

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14/02/2025

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Research-backed initiative to create jobs, build skills and boost innovation

Research and innovation in advanced manufacturing and the development of sustainable materials in Greater Manchester will be accelerated through a new Innovation Centre.

With access to world-class university expertise, research and facilities, businesses in the region will have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge, create job opportunities, build skills, and rapidly innovate sustainable products and services.

This will be made possible by the launch of the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMMIC) at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The centre brings together a range of business support services at the university including additive manufacturing at one the UK’s biggest technology hubs PrintCity, and expertise in surface engineering, green energy, metamaterials, nanotechnology and digitalisation.

It will also be supported by the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met, which is led by a team of experts transforming research into practical solutions for businesses.

AMMIC is open to businesses in the manufacturing and materials sector who are seeking to accelerate their research and innovation activities.

Through a fully funded programme of support, university experts will support businesses in cutting edge research, problem development, market-led innovation and prototyping, while providing access to Manchester Met’s facilities and technology.

Professor Nick Brook, pro-vice chancellor for research at Manchester Met, said: “The launch of AMMIC brings together our global expertise in manufacturing, advanced materials and sustainability, and opens up our fully funded support to the region’s businesses.

“With the government investing heavily in the manufacturing sector, AMMIC will see the University and industry coming together to accelerate the growth in this area through our research strengths to drive this key area of the Greater Manchester economy.”

AMMIC is funded through the GMCA’s Investment Zone programme, which is providing £160 million in public funding over 10 years to support the growth of the advanced materials and manufacturing sector.

At an official launch event, held on Wednesday at Manchester Met, 90 guests from industry and funding bodies across Greater Manchester joined university experts to explore the ways AMMIC will support the region.

Carl Ennis, CEO of Siemens in the UK and Ireland, said: “The UK needs to deploy technology quicker than ever to address challenges like productivity and decarbonisation.

“We can’t afford to lag global peers, especially as the pace of technological innovation accelerates through the adoption of AI, Machine Learning, Big Data and Automation. AMMIC provides a great launchpad for research and innovation to support businesses as they strive to make better use of technology.”

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “Encouraging more innovation is key to growing Greater Manchester’s economy. We are proud to be backing AMMIC through Greater Manchester’s Investment Zone, which is building on our strengths in the advanced materials and manufacturing sector through by funding a wide range of projects.

“Manchester Met is home to some fantastic research and innovation facilities. AMMIC will serve as an important link between these assets and our business community, helping companies in the materials and manufacturing sector develop better products and services.”

AMMIC will see a significant investment in new state of the art equipment for the region as well as a route for businesses to access funding towards research and development projects and PhD programmes.

The part-funded PhD projects will provide high quality, collaborative research aimed towards specific challenge areas, ultimately leading to new skills in industry and academic publications.

Image (from left): Professor Jennie Shorley, professor Peter Kelly and Professor Carl Diver at AMMIC

FoxTech Announces £150,000 Cybersecurity Investment to Safeguard Businesses

News Desk

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13/02/2025

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FoxTech Announces £150,000 Cybersecurity Investment to Safeguard Businesses

A Limited-Time Opportunity to Detect and Address Security Weaknesses This February

To address the growing risks of cyber threats across industries, FoxTech is launching a £150,000 initiative to provide free cybersecurity services to mid-sized businesses this February.

Organisations can utilise these funds to access a range of essential cybersecurity services, including internal and external penetration testing, application vulnerability assessments, and cloud security audits. This initiative aims to help businesses enhance their digital security and protect against emerging cyber risks.

Anthony Green, CTO of cybersecurity consultants FoxTech, works to prevent cyber-attacks, and helps companies who have experienced a security breach:

“With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and persistent, it’s important to continuously review and strengthen cybersecurity defences. By offering this initiative, we aim to provide businesses with a fresh perspective, helping them identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The flexibility to target specific areas – whether it’s cloud security, applications, or infrastructure – ensures the support is as impactful as possible.”

Participants in the initiative will receive:

Tailored Cybersecurity Support: Businesses can allocate the complimentary funds to areas most relevant to their operations, whether internal/external penetration testing, application testing, or cloud security reviews.
Expert Guidance: FoxTech’s experienced cybersecurity team specialises in uncovering vulnerabilities others may miss.
Actionable Insights: Comprehensive reports in plain English, offering practical solutions for real-world risks—not just technical findings.
No Cost, No Commitment: A truly free initiative, with no hidden fees or obligations attached.

Cyberattacks are one of the most significant risks faced by businesses of all sizes and sectors. Industries such as financial services, healthcare, and legal are under constant pressure to protect sensitive data and meet regulatory standards.

According to recent studies, mid-sized organisations are particularly vulnerable, often being targeted due to limited resources or reliance on outdated defences.

“In today’s world, no business can afford to leave its cybersecurity to chance,” added Green. “Even if you’re confident in your current setup, a fresh set of eyes can uncover what others miss. Whether it’s securing your cloud, testing applications, or reviewing defences, this initiative offers peace of mind and a chance to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.”

The £150,000 allocation will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses across all sectors are encouraged to secure their complimentary cybersecurity service before the allocation is reached or by the 29th February deadline. Details on how can be found here www.foxtrot-technologies.com/free-pentesting

Eternity Technologies Strengthens India Presence with Vijayawada Production Facility Acquisition

News Desk

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13/02/2025

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Eternity Technologies Strengthens India Presence with Vijayawada Production Facility Acquisition

Eternity Technologies is pleased to confirm the acquisition of the Vijayawada production facility previously operated by EnerSys India Batteries Private Limited.

This acquisition is a significant step in the company’s strategy to support India’s rapidly growing economy and the increasing need for sustainable energy solutions in the logistics, power, and energy storage sectors.

India’s logistics industry is seeing record growth, fuelled by the expansion of e-commerce, infrastructure development, and international trade. With businesses moving towards electrification—particularly in forklift trucks and material handling equipment—there is a rising demand for high-quality, environmentally sustainable battery solutions.

Eternity Technologies will invest heavily in modernising the Vijayawada facility, transforming it into a world-class manufacturing hub. These upgrades will improve operational efficiency, integrate cutting-edge technology, and ensure strict adherence to the highest environmental standards. The facility will also play a crucial role in meeting India’s increasing demand for highly reliable stationary batteries used in power stations and energy storage applications.

Mark Stevenson, CEO of Eternity Technologies, commented: “This acquisition is a key step in our global expansion strategy, strengthening our presence in India’s dynamic market. We are committed to providing cutting-edge battery solutions that support the country’s rapid shift towards electrification and sustainable energy. Our investment in the Vijayawada facility will enhance local production capabilities, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of both the logistics and energy sectors with high-quality, safe, and fully recyclable products.”

Eternity Technologies’ expansion into India is part of its wider commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and circular economy principles within the battery industry.

The Rise of DeepSeek: Can China’s AI Startup Outpace OpenAI?

AI

News Desk

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13/02/2025

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The Rise of DeepSeek: Can China’s AI Startup Outpace OpenAI?

At the close of 2024, a new AI disruptor emerged from China. DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based startup, unveiled its R1 reasoning model, claiming to deliver performance comparable to OpenAI’s and Google’s models—at a fraction of the cost.

A New Approach to AI Development

Unlike its Western counterparts, DeepSeek trained its R1 model using only $5.6 million and 2,048 Nvidia H800 GPUs. This approach challenges the conventional belief that AI progress depends on massive budgets and cutting-edge technology.

Industry Shockwaves and Financial Impact

DeepSeek’s launch had a dramatic effect on global markets. A $1 trillion sell-off in tech stocks followed, with Nvidia’s stock dropping 17%. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s AI assistant app became the most downloaded free app on Apple’s platform in major markets.

Security Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny

As OpenAI, Google, and Meta analyze DeepSeek’s methodology, security concerns over its origins in China have surfaced. US regulators are investigating whether DeepSeek used restricted Nvidia chips, while industry leaders weigh the implications of China’s rapid AI progress.

Despite the controversy, DeepSeek’s rise highlights an industry-wide shift, says industry expert James Disney-May —one that prioritizes efficiency, affordability, and accessibility in AI development.