Business Manchester

The UK’s Most Stolen Cars Revealed by Vehicle Defence

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01/03/2023

Vehicle robbery is rife in the UK, with figures from DVLA showing that 48,500 cars were stolen last year – equating to 1 every 11 minutes. Data from ONS paints an even bleaker picture: 72% of vehicles are never returned to their owners after being taken by thieves.

Vehicle Defence, car security firm, recently revealed information on which models have been targeted most often, which revealed the most popular cars with thieves are dominated by a mix of prestige models and some of Britain’s best sellers.

Starting at number 10, the Mercedes E Class was reported stolen 818 times last year. The Vauxhall Astra came in 9th place with 1,096 thefts, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa with 1,218 cases. The Land Rover Discovery was 7th with 1,260 thefts and the BMW 3 series was 6th with 1,464 cases. The Mercedes C-Class ranked 5th with 1,474 reports while VW Golf came 4th at 1,755 thefts. The Ford Focus was 3rd on the list with an alarming 1,912 reports followed by Range Rover at 2nd place with 3,754 cases. Topping this unfortunate list is the Ford Fiesta, which had a staggering 3,909 reports last year.

“Criminals are always looking for ways to steal cars, so it’s essential that drivers take all necessary precautions,” says Will Cheshire, Director at Vehicle Defence. “Knowing which models are being targeted will help people identify any potential risks and take action accordingly.” This bears particular importance if you live in Birmingham or Manchester, which are two of the most riskiest places outside of the London area to leave your car, followed by Salford, Rochdale and Oldham.

To protect your car from being stolen, Will recommends using an anti-theft device such as an immobiliser or tracker as thieves are far less likely to target a car that has one fitted.

He also recommends drivers to change the locks on their car doors regularly and be aware of any suspicious activity in their area. ‘’The best way to protect yourself against vehicle theft is to stay vigilant and make sure your car is as secure as possible,” he advises. With the right security measures in place and a bit of common sense, drivers can protect their vehicles and stay one step ahead of criminals.

Other top tips for keeping your vehicle safe include:

Keep Your Car in a Garage – one of the best ways to keep your car safe from thieves is to keep it in a garage. If you don’t have a garage, try to park your car in a well-lit and busy area. Thieves are less likely to target a car that is in a well-lit and busy area as there is less chance of them getting away with the theft undetected.
Keep Your Car Locked – many car thefts are opportunistic, so by keeping your car locked you are making it more difficult for thieves to steal your car. You should also avoid leaving valuables in your car as this can make it more tempting for thieves.
Install an Alarm System – an alarm system will make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car and will also act as a deterrent, as the loud noise of the alarm will attract attention.
Check Your Insurance Cover – you should check your insurance cover to make sure that you are fully covered in the event of your car being stolen.

Keeping these extra measures in mind will help reduce the risk of being a victim of crime, giving you peace of mind when it comes to the safety and security of your car. However, if you suspect that your car has been stolen, make sure to report it to the police immediately.

Nuffield Health Launches New Stroke Clinic in Manchester and Alerts Business Leaders to Risk Factors

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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Business leaders in Manchester are being urged to beware of the health risks associated with a stressful lifestyle, as Nuffield Health launches a new clinic in the city centre to help identify and reduce the risk of business leaders having a stroke.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, and data* from the Stroke Association shows that there are more than 50,000 stroke survivors in Greater Manchester (56,565).

Business leaders in particular are being urged to take proactive action to limit the risk amongst colleagues in the workplace. Along with the conventional risk factors of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, stress is being considered as a leading trigger for stroke and heart disease.

Nuffield Health has launched the new clinic at Citylabs, the Bruntwood development, on Nelson Street in Manchester to help people identify and mitigate the risks of strokes.

Dr Dwaipayan Sen, a senior consultant at Nuffield Health’s Manchester Diagnostic Suite, explained some of the issues that can affect business leaders:

“Stress is becoming an increasingly important issue in the workplace. It limits our ability to think clearly. When we are stressed our ‘amygdala’ labels information coming into the brain as threatening and, at the same time, limits activity in the cerebral cortex, the part of our brain that allows us to think strategically.

“This is bad for business leaders as it reduces their ability to make decisions, be sociable and take on new ideas and information.

“Stress can cause imbalance in the levels of hormones and certain chemicals in the body which then causes spikes in blood pressure or heart rate. Both are leading risk factors for stroke, so it’s vital that people leading more stressful lives look after their wellbeing and get regularly screened for all the risk factors.

“For stroke survivors it is even more important to screen for all the risk factors, identify the right cause and start appropriate treatment to prevent the next one. Our clinic also offers investigations into causes of stroke for stroke survivors and advises on appropriate evidence-based treatment.”

Andrew Daly, General Manager at Nuffield Health’s Manchester Diagnostic Suite, said:

“Modern business is stressful and we know that stress can be a trigger for a stroke. We exist to build a healthier nation through our services and this proactive clinic is about providing a place in the heart of the city where busy people can come and get examined using the latest screening technology.

“We know that around 90% of strokes are attributable to 10 modifiable risk factors and our new clinic aims to reduce the incidence of stroke by focussing on these risk factors and helping people manage them and modify their lifestyles. We know that physical and mental wellbeing are intrinsically linked and this new clinic is an important addition to the support we offer across Greater Manchester.”

Nuffield Health’s Manchester Diagnostic Suite highlights the 10 modifiable risk factors:

High blood pressure
Lack of exercise
Poor diet
Obesity
Stress
Smoking
Heart problems
Alcohol
Diabetes
High cholesterol levels

Nuffield Health’s Manchester Diagnostic Suite also describes the five key stroke symptoms to watch out for:

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face or on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
Sudden memory loss or confusion, and dizziness or a sudden fall.
A sudden, severe headache.

The service operated by the clinic includes screening for diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol and thyroid status. It also provides imaging of the brain and blood vessels to detect any clot or fatty deposits in them. The stroke clinic will also arrange prolonged monitoring of a patient’s heart to ensure it is effectively screened. Patients will be advised on evidence-based treatment to modify their risk factors and reduce the risk of stroke.

Six Stories Expands to the USA With New Warehouse, Following Exponential Growth Throughout the Pandemic

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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Founded in Mancheser, Six Stories, a leading online bridal fashion and accessory retailer, revealed today its expansion into the United States with the opening of a new warehouse. The move comes after exponential growth since incorporating the business in 2019, with the business experiencing a 500% YoY increase and now boasting a team of 11.

The husband and wife team behind Six Stories, Lucy and Ross Menghini, are excited to bring their passion for versatile, fashion first bridal edits to the US market. “Our USA customer is such an exciting shopper,” Lucy says, “she leans into the wedding experience like no other, so we’re excited to service her quicker and easier.”

The new warehouse in the USA will allow Six Stories to further expand its product range and cater to the needs of American customers with faster delivery times. The team at Six Stories is committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service, and they are confident that the expansion will enable them to do so on an even greater scale.

Lucy Product Director Lorna Whyatt — Owner and Creative Director Lucy Menghini & Product Director Lorna Whyatt.

“We are thrilled to be expanding into the USA and to have the opportunity to share our passion for bridal fashion with even more customers,” says Ross Menghini. “Our team is excited to continue growing and providing the best possible service to our customers on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Six Stories has become a household name in the UK, Lucy says, “you can’t go into an airport without seeing a Bride or Wife in one of our statement sweatshirts, it’s incredible to see our brand in the wild.”Known for its versatile and quality products, exceptional customer service, and commitment to an amazing journey from engagement to honeymoon and everything in between. The company’s expansion to the USA is a testament to its success and its dedication to providing customers with the best possible experience.

For more information on Six Stories and its products, please visit the company’s website at www.sixstories.co.uk.

Digital Health Specialists Quiddity Have Moved Into Their Fourth Office in Two Years at Colony After Rapid Growth in Their Manchester Team

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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Quiddity’s mission is to create more sustainable and patient-centric healthcare systems around the world by acting as the connector between providers and innovators.

The team of twenty-eight have been long-standing Colony members after growing by 1,100% since 2020. Quiddity was founded by Sam Holland and Gavin Matthews, who quickly identified a gap in the digital health industry, and the pair made the move to Colony Piccadilly, the second of six Manchester-based sites in Colony’s rapidly expanding portfolio.

Quiddity has taken a twenty-four-person office with a built-in meeting room at Colony Jactin House after establishing a solid relationship with Colony and its various flexible-workspace options.

Colony, who opened its first coworking space in Manchester in 2017, has worked closely with Quiddity to aid their expansion plans, further emphasising that there will always be a place for them within the Colony network.

Quiddity’s Operations Manager, Hannah Smart, said: “As companies, both Quiddity and Colony share similar values, and the team really thrives in the community spirit at Colony.

“Colony has been incredible at providing us the space to grow as rapidly as we have.”

She added: “We are moving into our fourth space over in Jactin House, and we are incredibly excited to continue our journey with Colony as our workspace provider.”

Hannah Operations Manager — Hannah Smart, Operations Manager.

Colony’s Ancoats site Jactin House is home to mobile ticket platform SeatGeek, the team behind Burgerism, and several digital design agencies.

Quiddity’s new 900sqft suite in Colony Jactin House includes a private meeting space and access to multiple collaborative areas over six floors.

Rebecca McKeown, Colony’s Operations Director, commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Sam and the team grow within Colony.

“From their first tour back in the summer of 2020 for a small suite to a twenty-four-person office in one our largest Colony sites, they have been a wonderful addition to our community. We have gained fun people, a united team, and even more friends with every new hire. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Quiddity and their role within the Colony workspace network.”

The Massage Company Comes to the North With First Centre Opening in Altrincham

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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A new massage therapy centre, aiming to bring high-quality massage to the mainstream is set to open in Altrincham, the first of its kind in the North.

The Massage Company, who have 8 other award winning centres across the UK, are set to open their state of the art massage centre on Thursday 9th March.

More than £400,000 has been invested in the new wellness hub on Lloyd Street with plans to create up to 20 jobs.

TheMassageCoPremises 06 — The Massage Co Premises.

Gavin Hawthorn, owner of The Massage Company in Altrincham said: “We’re delighted to be opening the first Massage Company in the North and excited to bring high quality massage to the area.

“For most, massages are still occasional, often mediocre in quality and frequently expensive, we’re aiming to change all of this with our fantastic facilities, highly trained therapists and flexible membership options.”

Unlike other massage offerings in Manchester, The Massage Company works on a membership basis, much like a gym, as it aims to make reasonably priced massages a routine part of customers’ lives.

Regular massage is proven to reduce stress, improve energy levels, raise self-esteem and alertness, ease back or other musculoskeletal pains, prevent injury and aid as well as reducing pre and post-natal pain.

Charlie Thompson, managing director of The Massage Company said: “Supported by medical research we have rethought the way in which massages should be consumed.

“Our membership offering provides our customers with regular treatment from our therapists, who we developed a certified training programme for. It’s this regular treatment that will help enrich our customers’ lives, improving their overall wellness and mental wellbeing.”

The innovative centre offers a number of massages including a sports, Swedish, deep tissue, maternity as well as four upgrade options; hot stone, aromatherapy, fantastic foot and scalp. A year’s membership is priced at £59.95 a month and includes a 50-minute massage and private consultation.

To mark the opening The Massage Company is holding a VIP launch event on 8 March from 4pm – 8pm and is a chance for locals to experience a free taster massage and visit the state-of-the-art centre. To join the celebrations and meet the new team customers can sign up here.

Gavin Hawthorn continued: “Our VIP launch event is a chance to introduce locals to the highly trained therapists, show them around the innovative centre including our 12 treatment rooms and give them a taster massage so they can see what we are able to offer.

“We can’t wait to welcome customers in and help change their lives with regular massage.”

To celebrate the opening of the centre the massage specialists are also introducing a one off pre-opening offer of a VIP massage and consultation for just £42.95.

North West Experiences Fall in Equity Investment in 2022, According to New British Business Bank Report

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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Published today, the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Market 2022/23 report highlights a decline in equity investment in the North West, with activity also slowing considerably across the UK since Q3 2022.

In the North West there were 108 announced equity investments into smaller businesses in the first three quarters of 2022, a 5% decrease compared to the equivalent period of 2021. The value of announced equity deals was also down by 35%, with the total investment value in the region being equal to £482m . Whilst lower than the record high of £863m for the full year of 2021, Q1-Q3 2022 still exceeds the £279m of investment in the region in the full year of 2020.

Demand for external finance falls

With various economic headwinds impacting the activity of UK businesses, appetite for finance has subsequently taken a knock. Overall demand for external finance has dropped significantly, from 44% among North West based smaller businesses during Q3 2021 to 29% last year. This was also reflected across the UK, with only 33% of small businesses using external finance in the third quarter of 2022, compared to 44% the year prior.

Across the UK, £35.5bn of bank lending came from challenger and specialist banks in 2022, exceeding lending by the major banks during the period, giving challenger and specialist banks a 55% share of the market. At the end of 2022 Starling Bank announced plans to open a new Northern office in Manchester, set to bring 1,000 new jobs to the region.

Net zero equity investments outperform the wider market

With growing concerns around reducing carbon emissions, the move to a greener, more sustainable economy continues to impact the equity market. Nationally, the report found that net zero deal numbers grew faster thanthe wider equity market in Q1-Q3 2022, compared with Q1-Q3 2021. Whilst only accounting for five per cent of SME equity deals in 2018, SME net zero deals have already risen to 12% in Q1-Q3 2022.

The North West saw net zero related deals accounting for over £114m worth of investment between 2018 and Q3 2022, a 3% share of total UK deals.

One such innovative business from the North West is Cheshire-based Intelligent Building Group (IBG), part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. It received a £580,000 investment in 2022 and is looking to continue its innovations in energy monitoring and reduction. Having developed software that captures energy usage data across commercial, industrial and residential developments, the team are helping developments across the region to cut energy consumption and, ultimately, carbon emissions.

Sophie Dale Black, UK Network Director for the North of England at the British Business Bank, said:

“Today’s report shows how small businesses across the North West are adapting to a more challenging economic climate as they reduce their use of external finance. However, we are seeing strong growth for challenger and specialist banks as businesses seek alternative finance options to help drive growth.

“There are also promising signs of growth in the North West’s net zero deal sector as equity finance markets respond to growing demand for investment in green innovation. Particularly as regions like Greater Manchester have set ambitious net zero targets for 2038, continued net zero investment remains crucial for the region’s sustainable economy.”

One Heritage Group Plc Completes County House Project in Oldham

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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One Heritage Group PLC (LSE: OHG), the UK-based residential developer focused on the North of England, is thrilled to reveal the practical completion of County House, Oldham, its first completion of a development management project.

Acting as the Development Manager for the project, One Heritage has overseen the transformation of the former Oldham County Court, following its closure as a court in 2017, into 42 high-quality, one to three-bed apartments. The site was acquired in February 2020, with One Heritage securing planning permission for residential conversion in June 2021.

Construction work commenced in September 2021, with Winworth Construction Limited appointed as the principal contractor. The wider project team included Studio KMA Limited (Architect), RJD Associates (Principal Designer) and Neo Projects Limited (Employers Agent).

The scheme was sold to Arcon Housing Association, a subsidiary of Bolton at Home, via a Forward Fund Agreement, and all 42 apartments will be let at affordable rents boosting the availability of affordable housing in Oldham Town Centre.

County House Oldham 1 — County House – Oldham

The scheme contributes to a wider regeneration programme in Oldham Town Centre, which is seeing major improvements to residential stock, retail areas and the creation of new venues for work, leisure and entertainment. One Heritage is delighted to have been instrumental in breathing new life into a vacant building and its residents will soon be able to benefit from the redeveloped Spindles Shopping Centre and new food hall in the Grade II listed former Town Hall.

Jason Upton, One Heritage CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to see the completion of County House. The scheme marks the completion of our first partnership with a housing association, and we are grateful to the entire project team for their work on the scheme. Not only are we really pleased with the quality of the product provided, but we are also delighted to have transformed a local landmark building which is centrally located.”

Q1 Rush of Leases Agreed at One of Manchester’s Landmark Commercial Offices

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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The team at Manchester International Office Centre (MIOC) has agreed several new tenancies totalling over 7,000 sq ft of space.

Following a refurbishment of one of MIOC’s larger suites, the newly designed offices were under offer before the works were completed. Tenants will have the added benefit of being sited in MIOC’s first decarbonised space.

Martyn Makinson, CEO at FourPointZero, a leading recruitment business focused on the XR and Metaverse, moved into MIOC just after Christmas said: “MIOC appealed to us immediately. It’s like no other commercial building we viewed – it’s modern, spacious and full of natural light. Being a specialist recruiter in the tech industry that has developed exceptional candidates and a global client base, we’re seeing rapid growth.

“This move is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication; we’re excited to see what the future holds for FourPointZero especially now we’re actively looking for new team members. I’m committed to creating a positive and productive work environment for our employees – something MIOC can help us achieve.”

Liam MacCarthy, director at MIOC investment manager Till AM, said: “We’ve invested into this suite at MIOC and it has provided an immediate return with these individual offices being taken up in a matter of just a few months.

“These suites are included in our first phase of decarbonising MIOC; we’ve removed all gas from this section of the building, replaced the windows and insulated the area. With MIOC being such an historic building, making these significant changes to its carbon footprint is not a simple job. But with the success of this floor, we’ll be investing in and renovating a further 8,000 sq ft suite this year and continuing to add further carbon-neutral credentials to MIOC.”

The other new companies joining MIOC’s thriving business community include logistics and forwarding business, Savino Del Bene, Jas Aerospace and SRS Recruitment, that are both current tenants that are expanding by doubling their footprint at MIOC.

Situated at a prominent position at the junction of Styal Road on the A555 with easy connections to Manchester Airport, the M56, Metrolink and Heald Green train station. The building was designed by Cruickshank and Seaward in 1953 and offers a level communal space that is never seen in modern buildings. Alongside great facilities, MIOC has a active business community, multiple EV charging spaces, social events throughout the year, gym, café and large communal garden for all tenants.

For more information see www.mioc.co.uk or agents Edwards & Co. or Colliers.

Lsh Auto Sponsors Mancunian Unity Women FC

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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A sponsorship deal has been announced between LSH Auto, part of LSH International, one of the largest dealer groups for Mercedes-Benz cars worldwide, and Mancunian Unity Women FC.

Founded in 2019, Mancunian Unity Women FC is a women’s and girls’ only football club that provides fee-free football for all ages, high quality coaching and equipment, a sense of belonging, and support in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment.

As one of the club’s main sponsors, the logos of LSH Auto and its local dealership, Mercedes-Benz of Stockport, will be proudly displayed on shirts across all teams.

Mancunian Unity Women FC Manager, Phil Burke said: “Women’s football teams usually begin as an add on to an already established male team. We aim to challenge and change that. Our ambition is to become the biggest and most successful women’s and girls’ only football club in Greater Manchester and beyond. We strive to provide the best possible pathways, opportunities and experiences for all our women and girls within football, as well as breaking down barriers that exist within women’s football.

“Our ambitions are massive both on and off the pitch, establishing a partnership with a company as huge as LSH Auto highlights how seriously we are taking reaching our goals. We are excited to welcome LSH Auto into the Unity family, whilst connecting our skills and passion to create more opportunity within women’s football and continue to build our amazing club.”

Player, Danielle Cooper said: “At Unity, we always pride ourselves on being more than just a team; we’re family. Our kit represents this perfectly. The intricate design of the Manchester Bee resonates with everyone involved with the club, and many who come to support us for obvious reasons.

“The management team at Unity, ensure everything is done to a high standard so we were not surprised when we saw the designs for our new kit – it’s classy, effective and portrays a powerful message of being ‘united’ as a squad.

“We are honoured to be sponsored by LSH Auto and Mercedes-Benz of Stockport. For us to be recognised by such a successful company, only signifies how much this club has already achieved, and how far we are yet to go. We are already overwhelmed with the support and encouragement received from the Mercedes-Benz team and can’t wait to take our new sponsor on this journey with us to the top!”

Mancunian Unity Women FC are currently top and unbeaten in the Greater Manchester Premier League. If they win the league, they will be promoted into the North West Regional League.

Tracy Ellam, Operations Director for LSH Auto, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming Mancunian Unity Women FC to our showroom this week and meeting some of the players. At LSH Auto, we’re committed to giving back to the communities that support us. That’s one of our core principles. We’re also passionate about diversity, so we’re really pleased to be supporting a club with such positive values that really align with our own. I look forward to continuing to watch them go from strength to strength.”

With Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Midlands and the North West, LSH Auto offers all-new models from the Mercedes-Benz and smart car collection, premium approved used vehicles and exceptional aftersales services including maintenance, repairs, servicing, parts and accessories.

For more information visit lshauto.co.uk.

Fast Growth 50 Launches Search for Fastest Growing Northern Companies

Olivia McHugh

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01/03/2023

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Small and mid-sized businesses with combined annual turnover of £4 billion and responsible for 20,000 new jobs expected to make series of national and regional Fast Growth 50 league tables

The Fast Growth 50 index, an extensively researched league table of the fastest growing companies, is now open to applications for growing businesses across the UK.

Created in Wales 25 years ago by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the Fast Growth 50 will, for the first time, identify the top-performing fast-growth firms in the North of England, celebrating their achievements as regional champions and helping them to continue making a difference to the UK economy.

In partnership with UBS, the world’s leading global wealth manager, Fast Growth 50 will rank the companies based on turnover growth in eight nations and regions across the UK.Those named in the North of England index will be celebrated at the Fast Growth 50 awards event to be held in Manchester later this year.

To be considered for the 2023 Fast Growth 50 indices, a business must have had sales of at least £250,000 in 2020 and £1 million in 2022, be an independent or privately held business (not a branch plant or wholly owned subsidiary) and be based in the region that they are applying for. The index is then ranked on the highest percentage growth of turnover between 2020 and 2022.

Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, founder of Fast Growth 50, said: “Since we published our first list, we have seen the massive impact that the fastest growing firms in Wales have had on the economy In 2023, we are proud to be taking this important programme to the North of England as we believe it is important to highlight the impact that the best-performing businesses have on every nation and region in the UK. The goal of the awards has always been to promote those small and mid-sized companies that are the innovators that lead their towns and cities, no matter what the economy throws at them.”

According to the latest report from the Scaleup Institute, fast-growth firms, which are normally defined as achieving 20% growth per annum, make up less than 0.6% of the UK business population but represent 50% of total SME turnover output. Research has also shown that this elite group of companies are more productive, innovative, and export-oriented than other businesses. Despite an impending recession, nine of 10 plan to grow further in 2023.

It is estimated that the 400 high-growth firms identified by Fast Growth 50 in 2023 will have increased their sales by £4 billion per annum and generated 20,000 new jobs every year.

“We have recently seen how the North of England is punching above its weight and is home to businesses that are really changing the economy,” added Jones-Evans. “Through important interventions such as the Northern Powerhouse, a new vibrant business environment is helping to increase the number of scaleups being developed across the region from Liverpool to Leeds and from Manchester to Newcastle. It’s time that the impact of these businesses is recognised and I am delighted that we will be celebrating, for the first time, the 50 fastest growing firms in the North of England in 2023.”

Mark Goddard, Head of UK Regions at UBS Global Wealth Management said: “We’re proud to see UBS become the lead sponsor of the Fast Growth 50 index, as it expands to shine a spotlight on the fastest-growing small businesses across the UK. Business owners and entrepreneurs are the engine of our economy, and UBS has a long history advising and connecting them on each stage of their wealth journey, helping them to unlock their potential. We look forward to joining the Fast Growth 50 team on this journey and can’t wait to see what ideas, innovation, and talent we uncover during the process”.

To enter your business for the 2023 Fast Growth 50 index and to receive more information about the initiative, visit: www.fg50.co.uk