Business Manchester

Rising Awareness of Mould Problems in the UK Spurs Homeowners and Tenants to Address Concerns

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21/04/2023

Mould Removal London, a mould specialist company, has recently conducted a survey highlighting concerning statistics regarding the prevalence of mould in UK properties. This issue is becoming an increasing concern among residents, not only in London but also in other areas, as more than 62.38% of respondents reported a mould problem in their property.

The survey shows that the problem is widespread across London, with the highest percentage of mould issues reported in South London (78.13%), followed by West London (63.64%), East London (59.38%), and North London (46.15%). Mould affects both tenants and homeowners, with 51.06% of tenants and 74.07% of homeowners experiencing mould issues.

The bathroom (68.35%) and bedroom (44.3%) are identified as the most common places for mould presence, and it is heartening to note that 87.24% of respondents are aware of the health risks associated with mould. In the past five years, 42.11% of respondents who do not currently have a mould issue have experienced one.

Mould is also prevalent in garden rooms, highlighting the importance of choosing the best garden room to avoid such issues. As more people consider adding garden rooms to their properties, understanding the risks of mould and taking preventive measures can help maintain a healthy and safe environment.

As awareness grows, 72.15% of respondents have taken steps to address the issue. Respondents who have had mould for more than a year are most likely to call a professional (31.25%). Dehumidifiers are a popular solution, with 51.49% of respondents having one in their home. Additionally, 80.20% of respondents have a good source of ventilation, and 50.5% have an air purifier in their home.

The UK Association of Mould Experts states, “Mould is not only an unsightly problem, but it can also lead to severe health issues if left unaddressed. It is essential for homeowners and tenants to take preventive measures and promptly tackle any mould issues they encounter in their properties, including garden rooms.”

To prevent mould from coming back, there are several methods homeowners and tenants can adopt. Ensuring good ventilation, using dehumidifiers and air purifiers, and regularly cleaning damp areas are crucial steps. Adding plants to the home can also be helpful, as seen in the 76.24% of respondents with plants in their homes. Another effective solution is to replaster walls using a local plastering service, which can help create a more mould-resistant surface.

With mould affecting the health and wellbeing of a significant portion of the population, it is crucial for individuals to take preventive measures and promptly address any issues that arise. As the awareness of mould problems increases in the UK, it is hoped that more people will take action to create healthier living environments for themselves and their families.

For more information on mould prevention and removal, visit Mould Removal London at www.mouldremo vallondon.co.uk.

How to Hit the Right Notes with your Wedding Band

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21/04/2023

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Wedding bands 101: how to craft the right atmosphere with the help of the right band.

Your wedding day is a significant milestone in your relationship, so creating a memorable experience involves careful consideration of every detail. Choosing the right band to entertain your guests and set the tone of the celebration is a crucial decision during wedding planning, as its essential to ensure your wedding is a true reflection of your personality and style as a couple. In this article, we discuss the importance of choosing the right band for your wedding and offer practical tips on how to make the best choice.

1. Reflecting Your Personality and Style

A wedding is a deeply personal and intimate event, and the music played during the celebration should echo the unique characteristics of the couple. The right band can make your wedding reception a true reflection of your personalities, preferences, and tastes. Whether you prefer classic jazz, contemporary pop, or any other genre, finding a band that resonates with your preferences will create a memorable atmosphere that both you and your guests will cherish.

2. Setting the Tone for the Celebration

The band you choose will set the overall mood of your wedding reception. An energetic and upbeat band can create a lively and festive atmosphere, while a romantic and soulful ensemble can make the event more intimate and emotional. The music played by the band will also contribute to the flow of the evening, helping to create natural transitions between different parts of the celebration, such as dinner, speeches, and dancing.

3. Creating a Lasting Impression on Guests

A great band can leave a lasting impression on your guests, creating memories that they will cherish for years to come. The right band will have your guests talking about the fantastic music long after the wedding is over. Conversely, choosing a mediocre or inappropriate band can dampen the mood and mar the overall experience for your guests.

4. Ensuring a Seamless Experience

A professional and experienced wedding band will work closely with you to ensure that every aspect of your wedding entertainment goes smoothly. This includes coordinating with your wedding planner, the venue staff, and other vendors to create a seamless experience. The right band will be punctual, professional, and prepared to handle any unforeseen issues that may arise, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the celebration worry-free.

Tips for Choosing the Right Band

1. Research and Recommendations: Begin by asking friends, family, or your wedding planner for recommendations. You can also search online for bands in your area that specialise in weddings, paying attention to reviews and testimonials. There are services such as Alleycat Entertainment, who have multiple wedding bands for hire that you can choose from.

2. Attend Live Performances: If possible, attend live performances of the bands you are considering to get a better idea of their style, energy, and how they interact with the audience.

3. Assess Versatility: Choose a band that can cater to a wide range of musical preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone at your wedding reception.

4. Discuss Your Preferences: Communicate your specific preferences and requirements with the band, including the desired playlist, the timing of performances, and any special requests.

5. Confirm Availability and Pricing: Make sure the band is available on your wedding date, and discuss pricing, including any additional costs for travel, accommodation, or equipment.

Choosing the right band for your wedding is crucial to creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. By reflecting your personality, setting the tone for the celebration, and leaving a lasting impression on your guests, the perfect band will elevate your wedding day to new heights. With careful research, consideration of your preferences, and open communication with potential bands, you can find the ideal ensemble to make your wedding a truly memorable event.

North West Business Scoops Inaugural Kings Award for Enterprise

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21/04/2023

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• Entrepreneur, Ashley Smith, started GaraDry from the shed at his parent’s home
• The company now exports its UK-made products to more than 40 countries worldwide
• The married father-of-two is ‘humbled’ by the prestigious accolade from The King

Staff at a growing North West company are celebrating today after scooping a prestigious international business award from King Charles III.

His Majesty The King approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation that GaraDry should receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category this year.

The newly renamed King’s Award for Enterprise celebrates outstanding achievements by UK businesses and is internationally recognised. The 2023 awardees were officially announced today, marking Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday.

Ashley Smith, 43, who founded the company in 2009, has now received an invitation from His Majesty the King to visit Buckingham Palace later this year to celebrate his company’s achievement.

GaraDry designs, manufactures, and sells the world’s largest range of threshold seals for residential garage doors and commercial doors.

The innovative garage door seals and flood barrier kits are designed to form a watertight seal between a garage door and the floor. The threshold seal also prevents leaves, dust and debris from being blown under to ensure a clean and dry garage all year round. The garage door threshold seals also act as a defence against rodents, insects and reptiles.

Innovations included adding safety features, such as yellow extruded lines on all its products, multiple sizing options and using robust environmentally friendly materials. The firm also supplies its own brand adhesive developed specifically for the product range.

The company is actively recruiting, employs 11 people, and has grown its sales dramatically in the last three years. Overseas sales now account for 33% of its UK business. It now exports its range of products to more than 40 countries including most European countries and as far away as Australia.

GaraDry opened a subsidiary in the USA in 2017 (GaraDry LLC), to handle strong interest from Americans in the products and launched a fulfilment centre in Tennessee to ship transatlantic orders quickly.

A warehouse was also set up in Germany in 2022 to fulfil all EU orders and smooth the challenges of Brexit.

Ashley Smith, managing director of GaraDry, said:

“I’m delighted and humbled for our company to receive this accolade. It means the world to our team and receiving this acknowledgement from the King only encourages us even further to grow our business and continue designing innovative products manufactured in Great Britain.

“As well as people wanting to protect the contents of their garage, businesses see the benefit in keeping the products they store in industrial units clean and dry all year round and this B2B market has opened up opportunities for us all over the world. Safety is another driver for them because water on a warehouse floor is a slip hazard. Our products also protect expensive machinery which is at risk of rusting or cardboard which will get ruined by rain.

“The fact I started the business with a £1,000 inheritance from my uncle proves that a large amount of funding is not always needed to start a business and to be successful.

“Drive and determination are often equally, if not more important. I hope this encourages other entrepreneurs to aim high even if they might only have limited resources to start with.

“I started the business from my mother’s home and used the shed and garage as my stockroom and my bedroom as my office. I’m thankful to my Mum for supporting me during that early phase.

“We’re all truly humbled by this award and hope it can inspire other people here in the North West to pursue their business dreams.

“We are excited about the future. We will continue to work hard and expand geographically and create new jobs in our region. We also have a new innovative product range which is under development which we hope to bring to market this year.”

Staff loyalty and family values are key to the growth of the business. Christopher Davies, the company’s first member of staff is now the General Manager and has been with the company for 13 years. Ashley’s wife, Helen joined the company in 2011 and is currently the Company Secretary.

For more info, visit: https://uk.garadry.com

Nature’s Embrace, a Fresh Range of Decorative Paint Colors Generated With ChatGPT, Has Been Launched by HMG Paints

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21/04/2023

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The UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, HMG Paints Ltd, has announced the release of its beautiful new range of decorative paint colours called Nature’s Embrace.

Utilising the latest AI technology from OpenAI’s ChatGPT and HMG’s ColourBase software, this collection has been crafted to perfectly capture the beauty of nature. The collection will be available from World Earth Day 2023 and is ideal for those who wish to infuse their homes and workspaces with a sense of natural calm.

The Nature’s Embrace collection features ten distinct colours, each carefully curated with the assistance of ChatGPT to evoke a specific natural setting. From the muted green of “Mossy Glen” to the warm terracotta of “Earthen Hearth,” each colour is designed to create a sense of serenity and comfort. The collection also includes the delicate pink of “Petals and Bloom,” the deep blue of “Midnight Forest,” and the soft yellow of “Golden Fields,” providing a diverse range of hues to suit any space.

The colour formulations for the Nature’s Embrace collection were generated with the help of ChatGPT, a leading language model, and were then transformed into paint formulations using HMG Paints’ state-of-the-art ColourBase software. This cutting-edge technology ensures that each colour is of the highest quality and will provide excellent coverage and long-lasting durability.

“We are excited to unveil our new Nature’s Embrace collection,” said Paddy Dyson, HMG Paints Marketing Manager. “The colours in this collection were generated using the latest AI technology, which allowed us to create unique, on-trend colour names and references that perfectly capture the beauty of nature. By using our ColourBase software to turn these colour codes into paint formulations, we ensure that each colour in the Nature’s Embrace collection is of the highest quality and suitable for use in any space.”

The Nature’s Embrace collection will be available for purchase from World Earth Day 2023 and will be sold through HMG Paints online shop. The collection will include a range of interior emulsions, each designed to provide excellent coverage and suitable for use in a range of areas across the home.

“At HMG Paints Ltd, we are committed to innovation, AI has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach creating marketing assets. By leveraging the power of machine learning, we can generate new and innovative ideas for visual and written content.” added Rebecca Jennings, Creative Marketer. “By using AI technology to generate colour codes and our ColourBase software to turn these codes into paint formulations, we are able to offer our customers a unique range of colours. We are proud to be at the forefront of the paint and coatings industry and are excited to see how our customers will use the Nature’s Embrace collection to create beautiful, natural spaces. ”

Paddy also added ” With AI’s ability to analyse large amounts of data and provide insights into consumer behaviour, we can create more effective and targeted marketing campaigns. It’s an exciting time to be in marketing, and AI is at the forefront of this revolution.”

For more information about the Nature’s Embrace collection, please visit shop.hmgpaint.com

New Appointments Mark the Beginning of a Recruitment Drive for B2BTradeCard

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21/04/2023

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B2BTradeCard, a provider of advertising services, incentive and loyalty solutions, has expanded its team with the appointments of Ben Rawcliffe as the new Business Development Manager, and Glen Jolley as a Full Stack Software Developer, as part of an ongoing growth strategy.

The appointments come shortly after the company doubled office capacity at its Chorley premises to manage projected growth, following a 70% revenue increase last year, the seventh year of consecutive growth for the company since its launch in 2015.

Rawcliffe’s appointment follows his previous role as sales executive at the Institute of Government & Public Policy, while Jolley joins from Darwen-based Engage Services, where he was lead system development and support engineer.

B2BTradeCard CEO Craig Parsons said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome both Ben and Glen to B2BTradeCard.

“We have ambitious plans for the coming years that involve looking to recruit nine more people over the next financial year, including immediate openings for a further business development manager and a junior developer.

“We’re incredibly proud of our strong culture and endeavour to be a great place to work, so we hope Ben and Glen will enjoy working with us to achieve the company’s long-term vision of being the UK’s leading loyalty solutions and advertising services provider.”

For more information about opportunities at B2BTradeCard go to www.b2btradecard.com/about-us/careers/.

What To Think About When Building New Facilities In Manchester

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21/04/2023

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With its vibrant culture, rich history, and growing economy, Manchester offers immense opportunities for businesses looking to expand or establish a presence in the region. If you’re a business owner considering building new facilities in Manchester, there are several important factors to think about to ensure a successful project.

From location and regulations to design and sustainability, careful consideration and planning are crucial to maximising the benefits of your investment. Read on to learn of a few key points that need to be considered before you can successfully start building new facilities in Manchester.

Location, Location, Location

The location of your new facility in Manchester is a critical factor that can significantly impact the success of your project. When choosing a location, it’s important to consider various factors. These factors include accessibility and proximity to transportation hubs. The availability of labour and resources is also key. Manchester has a range of neighbourhoods and areas, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. There are specific areas in Manchester dedicated to business use, which could appeal to you.

As we touched upon above, one of the key considerations is accessibility. Is the location easily accessible by road? Is it well-connected to major transportation networks? Proximity to transportation hubs such as airports, ports, and railway stations can greatly impact the efficiency of your supply chain and logistics operations.

Another important aspect is the availability of labour and resources. Manchester is a major city with millions of people, meaning there will be ideal employees out there for you. Consider the availability of local labour and resources that may be required for your facility, such as construction materials, utilities, and infrastructure.

Additionally, it’s crucial to research the local business ecosystem. Manchester has a vibrant business community, with a diverse range of industries and sectors. Consider the existing businesses in the area, potential competitors, and potential collaborations or partnerships that can be leveraged to benefit your new facility.

Regulations and Permits

Building new facilities in Manchester requires compliance with local regulations and obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations, building codes, and permits required for your specific type of facility. This may include planning permissions, environmental regulations, health and safety regulations, and building regulations.

Consulting with local authorities and engaging with experienced professionals such as architects, engineers, and legal experts can help ensure that your project complies with all the necessary regulations and permits.

Budget and Financing

Building a new facility requires careful financial planning to ensure that your project is financially viable and sustainable. Considerations such as construction costs, financing options, and ongoing operational expenses should all be factored into your budget.

Obtaining accurate cost estimates from experienced professionals such as architects, contractors, and financial advisors can help you create a realistic budget for your project. It’s important to account for unforeseen expenses and contingencies to avoid any financial surprises during the construction process.

When it comes to financing, there are various options available. The most popular of these comes in the form of loans and grants, but there are other forms of funding available. Researching and understanding the different financing options and their terms can help you choose the most appropriate option for your project. It’s also crucial to have a financial plan in place for the ongoing operational expenses of your facility, including maintenance, utilities, and taxes.

Project Management

Effective project management is crucial to ensure that your facility is built on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. Hiring experienced project managers who can oversee the entire construction process, coordinate with various stakeholders, and manage risks and challenges can be invaluable.

Having a clear project plan, setting realistic timelines, and monitoring progress against milestones can help keep your project on track. Regular communication and collaboration with your project team and stakeholders can help identify and address any issues or delays proactively.

Future Growth and Flexibility

When building a new facility in Manchester, it’s essential to consider the long-term growth and flexibility of your facility. Your facility should be designed to accommodate potential future expansions or changes in your business requirements.

Considerations such as available space for expansion, scalability of infrastructure, and adaptability of design can all impact the long-term viability of your facility. Building with flexibility in mind from the outset can save you costly retrofitting or expansions down the road.

Safety and Security

Safety and security should be top priorities when building a new facility. Ensuring that your facility meets all relevant health and safety regulations, fire safety codes, and security standards is crucial to protect your employees, visitors, and assets.

You will want to contact security experts who can help ensure that your facility is designed with safety and security in mind. Implementing measures such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response plans can provide added protection for your facility and its occupants.

To help protect your new construction project, it will be in your best interest to seek building warranty protection. You can learn more here from BuildSafe, which helps provide insurance for construction projects. This can help you rest easy and understand the project knowing you’re covered. Of course, you will still need to do your due diligence and ensure everything is up to code to prevent incidents in the first place!

Design and Functionality

The design and functionality of your new facility are critical considerations that can impact its long-term success. The design of your facility should align with your business requirements and goals. Consider factors such as layout, space utilisation, workflow, and scalability. Will your facility require special infrastructure or equipment? Does it need to meet specific industry standards or certifications? Planning for these considerations from the outset can help ensure that your facility is functional, efficient, and able to support your business operations effectively.

You should look to collaborate with experienced architects and engineers to help you create the ideal facility. They can provide expert advice on space planning, building materials, energy efficiency, and other design elements that can impact the functionality and performance of your facility.

Manchester Welcomes Groundbreaking Wellstyle Community Hub for ADHD Support

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21/04/2023

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Wellstyle Community Hub

A pioneering project, the Wellstyle Community Hub – ADHD Support Centre, is set to transform and support individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the Manchester area.

The brainchild of Dov Benyaacov-Kurtzman FRSA BA LLB BSW PgDip Psychiatry, this innovative and community-driven initiative aims to provide comprehensive support services for diagnosed and undiagnosed children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.

The pilot programme, situated in the Broughton Hub in Salford, Manchester, offers a diverse range of services, such as workshops, lectures, talks, and peer-to-peer support groups. Additionally, training will be provided to parents, teachers, SENCOS, school governors, GPs, and other health practitioners, empowering them to better understand and support those living with ADHD.

The dedicated team at the Wellstyle Community Hub consists of ADHD coaches and therapists, behavioural specialists, ADHD nurses and pharmacologists and other professionals who are all committed to improving the quality of life for those affected by the disorder.

Their primary mission is to deliver education and practical guidance to empower individuals and their support networks.

In keeping with its mission of continuous improvement, the hub values feedback from its service users, striving to understand and address their unique needs. This adaptability ensures that the Wellstyle Community Hub remains at the cutting edge of ADHD support and care.

As a non-profit project, the Wellstyle Community Hub welcomes volunteers who share its vision of transforming the lives of those affected by ADHD.

To learn more about the initiative, volunteer opportunities, or to access their services, call 0333 240 8972 or email [email protected].

With plans to expand across Manchester and eventually throughout the UK, the Wellstyle Community Hub is a significant step forward in mental health support and resources. This ambitious project, led by Dov Benyaacov-Kurtzman, is a testament to the power of innovation and determination to improve the lives of those who need it most.

Former Military Mumpreneur Awarded Royal Accolade For Creating a Bib Fit for a King

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21/04/2023

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The Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib, designed and developed by former British Army Dentist and mum of twins, Rachel Wood, has been awarded the inaugural King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, in recognition of the groundbreaking product.

Bibado Ltd is one of only 148 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Announced today (Friday 21 April), Bibado has been recognised for its excellence in innovation.

The Bibado Coverall was initially conceived to solve a problem that all parents face when they embark on their weaning journey; how to give growing mealtime adventurers the freedom to enjoy their food exploration without limits, while containing the mess.

The light bulb moment for the concept came to Wood while enjoying a messy meal of spaghetti bolognese with her 6-month-old twin daughters. She noticed that existing bibs on the market were uncomfortable to wear for the child and were not fit for purpose. They offered inadequate coverage and kept neither her daughters nor the highchair clean, and failed to prevent food from falling onto the floor.

Wood was exasperated with the post-meal clean-up process, which would routinely involve a complete outfit change and an ever-growing washing pile, not to mention wasted food and ruined clothes! With three meal times a day, she estimated that she was spending at least one hour per day on the clean-up alone. This was not only time-consuming and stressful, but fuelled the parental guilt of dreading mealtimes because of the mammoth size of the task.

STRICT EMBARGO 1am FRIDAY 21 APRIL 23 1

Rachel scoured the market looking for an alternative, but it didn’t exist. She knew that she couldn’t be the only parent feeling this way, so she got to work with an old umbrella, a pair of scissors, a sewing machine and lots of optimism. She also turned to her personal sporting pursuits for inspiration, incorporating ideas from a kayak’s spray deck. The patented strap was inspired by the elasticated cuff on ski salopettes. The first Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib prototype was born. Two years of rigorous market research and safety testing ensued and the Coverall Weaning Bib was launched to the market in 2017.

Commenting on the receipt of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, Wood says,

“Mealtime mess is one of the biggest barriers to successful weaning. Children learn from the behaviour parents model at the dinner table and highchair, so if parents are anxious and nervous about the mess, babies and toddlers will pick up on this”.

She continues, “We’ve worked closely with Paediatric Occupational Therapists and Nutritionists in our product development and we know that it’s really important for babies to explore as many different food types and textures by the time they’re around 10-12 months old. Our products genuinely support babies and parents in their taste adventures, preventing picky eating and helping to nurture safe and independent little eaters.

I am beyond thrilled for Bibado and my invention to be awarded this accolade. It’s particularly special to receive the award in the year of the King’s Coronation”.

Wood will attend a winner’s reception at Buckingham Palace in June 2023.

Welcome the New Season in Style With PARADE and Chester Race Course

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21/04/2023

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On Wednesday the 10th of May, during the 2023 Boodles May Festival, Chester Racecourse will unveil PARADE, a charming, intimate, and chic race day venue, to commence the new season.

The exceptional and sophisticated live-sports entertainment experience is one of the best at any sporting venue and comes complete with a fine-dining restaurant, exclusive bar, viewing terrace, and a summer garden roof bar.

PARADE is positioned in the ultimate location for any race-goer, alongside the finishing post, and with 360- degree views of the whole racecourse from the roof terrace. The stunning space hosts just 70 guests and is exquisitely designed both inside and out. 52361750175 2639c28acc o 1 scaled

A dedicated, professional Concierge team is on hand at all times to offer impeccable service from start to finish, from personally chaperoning guests from their cars to the sanctuary of the Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne Reception upon arrival, to any other requirements which may arise during your time at PARADE or any arrangements leading up to the day.

A first-class fine-dining experience awaits in the sumptuous surroundings of the restaurant, which offers a bespoke seasonal five-course gastronic journey celebrating local suppliers, and changes each race day.

Early evening light bites from around the world and elegant signature cocktails are also served post-racing to the chilled out sounds of the resident DJ, allowing you to soak up the unique atmosphere and indulge in some celebrating as the sun sets on your day.

Head of Commercial at Chester Race Company, Kate Dawson, said: “PARADE offers the highest standard of luxury and quality in a truly special setting. The intimate and elegant haven promises the optimum experience of any sporting venue, and our guests’ race day will be exquisitively crafted and managed by our unrivalled concierge team. We have already had a huge amount of interest for the 2023 season and expect a full and enviable guestlist come May.

“From the best seats in the house to watch the racing, delicious food and drink on tap and a dedicated team of experts on standby, guests will have an exceptional experience in a completely unique environment, which is the ultimate experience that we offer.”

PARADE is an exclusive venue, offering an exceptional experience for race goers who want to enjoy their day in complete style, from special occasions to corporate hospitality it offers a sanctuary from the crowds yet without missing out on any of the electric atmosphere of race day. PARADE is also available for private events throughout the year.

Thomas Kneale & Co Ltd Receives the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

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21/04/2023

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Thomas Kneale & Co Ltd (TK), a Manchester-based textile company established in 1947, has been awarded the inaugural King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. The fact that King Charles III was born in 1948 only adds to the significance of the company’s recognition as one of the successful organisations on the inaugural list.

TK was established one year before the King was born as a mail-order company selling bedding and textiles items such as eiderdowns, candy-striped flannelette sheets and tuck-in seat covers direct to the general public. Over the years, their purpose has transformed into a bulk supplier of bedroom, bathroom and household textiles to public sector institutions, blue chip organisations and private companies throughout the UK and beyond.

At the very core of it’s business is new product development, which is still the case today, pursuing new textile solutions by creating high-performance, added value specialised textiles suitable for all types of residential accommodation which comply in full with customer outlet regulations.

Kings Award

The King’s Award for Enterprise, which covers the period 2023-2028, recognizes Thomas Kneale as one of only 15 organisations nationwide to be successful in the Sustainable Development category.

The company currently employs over 20 people, and has its offices in Central Manchester.

Managing Director, Richard J. Manville

“As our supply model is B2B only and we are an SME, most people may not have heard of us. Yet, as a supplier to non-domestic bed settings many will have unknowingly experienced our products at first hand whether in a hospital, university hall of residence, a sleeper train, a hotel, conference centre and many other residential locations. We also supply a wide range of custodial outlets for the Ministry of Justice and service family accommodation for the Ministry of Defence. Our products are fit-for-purpose meeting exacting performance standards and compliance in many different customer segments. We manufacture the complete range of bed and bath linens and fire retardant textiles from entry level through to luxury linens, always with a customer-centric approach and an unwavering eye on best overall value.

I am truly overwhelmed by this award in such a special year for the Royal Family and beyond delighted with this recognition of our company and our wonderful work colleagues ”

Shaun Killingley, Chair of Thomas Kneale & Co. Ltd. & a Director since 1985

“TK has enjoyed many great moments, but this news is the first to have left me speechless. It is a tribute to the original ambition of my late business partner and joint co-founder Barry Manville and our shared vision that TK rewarded the commitment and determination of talented colleagues over four decades which has justified the trust customers and stakeholders continue to place in us.

TK may be small in size, but this prestigious award is a real boost to our stature and the confidence we all feel in enjoying what we do and knowing why we do it. What a significant milestone!”

Performance Director, Brett Mendell

“Sustainability is wide-ranging, covering aspects of social, financial and environmental output and development. As we have been actively working and delivering in this field for many years, our measured progress is hopefully well-advanced by now, but we realise we are far from journey’s end. When sharing news of activities with stakeholders, we stress that we will never rest on our laurels nor feel we have done as much as is needed or is possible to do. Communities, employees, suppliers and customers should all work together and challenge each other to this end. For example, as a member of UN’s Race to (net) Zero, Thomas Kneale is part of the SME Climate Hub. Our commitment was to halve emissions by 2030. By 2023, we already achieved this across Scope 1 and Scope 2.”

Logistics Director Andrew Hall

Andrew pays tribute to the role others play and the contributions of a wide range of stakeholders.

“Work colleagues have embraced our drive to deliver and come up with their own initiatives. For instance, several of the team follow the company example and volunteer with charities and community initiatives close to their hearts. Our suppliers are encouraged to pioneer product development, with recycled materials deployed where appropriate in Arbry-branded products including towels, mattress protectors, duvets and bed linen. The charities and social enterprise partners we work with do amazing work in collecting, distributing, and re-purposing pre-used items retaining value to others.”

On receiving the award, Brett summarized as follows,

“We wanted to be considered for this very prestigious award in order to promote a wider knowledge of the things we have felt able to do whilst encouraging others to follow suit. As a Living Wage Foundation accredited member, and now Living Hours certified as well, we feel that Thomas Kneale has a responsibility to increase a wider awareness of Social Value and encourage the conviction that others too can commit. The Net Zero agenda is enormous and can appear off-putting in its complexity but there is help readily available. Thomas Kneale is part of a network of Greater Manchester organisations who openly share best practice and learn of new initiatives. Whilst we thought our company had a real story to tell we never felt we could actually win the King’s Award for Enterprise, so it feels fantastic to be recognised and vindicated as one of only 15 organisations in this category nationwide.”

This has raised the bar and quite rightly we are now expected to justify our new status as a King’s Award recipient. The further challenge will only serve to keep us focused and committed, The team at Thomas Kneale has all contributed and played it’s part; we really do achieve together and support one another. We feel that the path we are following is absolutely the right one for when it comes to sustainable development, we really don’t believe there is another option.”