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Henley Investment Management Ltd Announces Plans to Redevelop Regent Retail Park

Olivia McHugh
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  • Members of the public are being invited to have their say on exciting plans to transform part of the Regent Retail Park into a new neighbourhood and public park for Salford.
  • Public consultation launches on Monday 27 February and marks the first stepping stone in Henley’s bid to deliver a safe, green, inclusive new neighbourhood.
  • The plans will deliver Salford’s first new city park for decades, with approximately five acres of green space, together with walkways, cycleways and one, two and three bed homes.

Members of the public are being invited to have their say on exciting plans to transform Regent Retail Park into Regent Park: Salford’s new neighbourhood.

Henley acquired the retail park, which sits on the border of Salford and Manchester, in October 2020 and recognised that regeneration is needed to ensure the site continues to meet the needs of the local community. As such, Henley is now bringing forward proposals to redevelop the retail units, between Costa Coffee and TK Maxx, into a new green neighbourhood.

A modern new neighbourhood in close proximity to local services, Regent Park will provide attractive new homes to help meet the housing demand of a growing population, centred around a new urban park. The park, Salford’s first for decades, will run through the heart of the development, with approximately five acres of open space for people to enjoy.

The development will continue to serve as a  Neighbourhood Centre for Salford, and will provide a multitude of shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure uses that closely meet the needs of the local community – now and in the future.

The vision for the site:

“At the heart of our placemaking-led, people-first vision for Regent Park is a new urban park, which will provide much-needed green space for Salford residents. Our Masterplan creates a safe, walkable and inclusive neighbourhood where nature and architecture work together harmoniously, fostering a community that prioritises liveability and wellbeing“

Matt Brook – Founding Director, Matt Brook Architects

Warwick Hunter, [MD Development and Head of ESG] at for Henley said:

“Henley is excited to bring forward this unique development that connects communities, activities and amenities in one sustainable new space that balances the needs, aspirations and ideas of the growing Salford population.

“We want a place that is fit for the community it serves, that fosters growth and that people can be proud to call home. We look forward to hearing people’s views on the emerging proposals and using that feedback to help develop our designs into a space that people want.”

The first round of public consultation will commence on Monday 27th February and last until Wednesday 15th March. Local residents and businesses will be able to learn more about the proposals and have their say by:

  • Visiting the consultation website and completing a feedback form at www.regentparkconsultation.co.uk
  • Registering to attend an online webinar via the website on the evening of Wednesday 1st March and Tuesday 7th March.
  • Emailing comments and questions to [email protected]
  • Speaking with a member of the dedicated community information line on 0161 711 0293 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm)

This is just the first stage of developing the plans for Regent Park – the public will have another opportunity to have their say on a more refined scheme when the second stage of consultation is held around spring time.

A step-by-step guide to retirement planning at any age

News Desk
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Your retirement is one of the most important aspects of your life, and therefore requires the utmost dedication and forethought when planning for it.

Retirement planning is not something that’s only necessary for elderly people – it can be carried out at any age. It’s never too early to devise an optimal approach for building your wealth effectively.

In light of this, we’ve put together this universal step-by-step guide on how to start planning for your retirement, no matter how close to your retirement age you currently are.

Read on to find out more.

  1. Find the right modern wealth manager

The first, and potentially most important step to take when planning for retirement, is to find the right modern wealth manager to advise you.

As with any planning, the more knowledge and consideration you put into your approach, the higher your chance of reaching a successful financial outcome when you retire. This is why an adviser is crucial.

For example, Netwealth financial planning provides expert advice that can be tailored to your unique financial circumstance. Your adviser will be sure to learn all the important aspects of your finances, as well as any personal concerns you might have moving forward.

This will ensure the approach you adopt is not only effective for building your wealth, but well aligned with your current circumstance – a key component of successful planning.

  1. Build a clear financial plan

The next thing to do when planning for retirement, is to create the financial plan itself. This is a set strategy – whether it might be in the form of a document, or virtual plan on a financial planning tool – that outlines your future retirement goals, and the steps you need to take to reach them.

Your adviser can help you establish a range of short and long-term goals for your retirement, that encapsulate what you want for the future, and how your finances play a part in it. This could include things such as:

  • Having a certain value of wealth (assets, pension pot, etc.) when you retire
  • Being able to retire at a certain age
  • Living a particular retirement lifestyle

When it comes to setting your goals, your adviser will ensure they each prove beneficial to building your wealth. Not only this, but they can also help you refine each goal, so when aligned with your current financial circumstance, they can be realistically achieved.

Once this has been done, you can then start devising a set of steps that will help you reach these goals as efficiently as possible. Your adviser can give you the best-suited approach and timeline, so you can grow your wealth for retirement with a strategy that compliments your circumstance.

  1. Start optimising your pension contributions

When executing your financial plan for retirement, one of the most important steps involves optimising your pension contributions.

How you structure your contributions is a huge factor in how efficiently you build your wealth, and ultimately, how much you have saved in your pension when you choose to retire.

Your adviser will help you make the right contributions that suit your current circumstance, whilst simultaneously sheltering as much of your money from tax as possible.

This can be achieved by navigating your allowances with a more strategic approach. This might include the lifetime allowance – £1,073,100 – which is the total amount you can contribute to your pension whilst remaining sheltered from tax, and the annual allowance – £40,000 – which is the amount you can contribute each year whilst being sheltered from tax.

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Please note, the value of your investments can go down as well as up.

Co-op Live Reveals the Bentley Record Room, the Uk’s Most Luxurious Live Music Members’ Club

Olivia McHugh
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  • Stunning designs for The Bentley Record Room, the most exclusive VIP experience at Co-op Live, have been revealed
  • Designed by the Bentley Motors Design Team, the space replicates the custom finishes and designs of its luxurious cars and will include low carbon Beluga leather seating and expertly crafted Bentley Home furniture
  • Luxe membership of the hospitality club is very limited with 100-person capacity and includes the best tickets to every publicly ticketed event at Co-op Live, and is expected to sell out immediately

Bentley Motors is delighted to reveal Manchester’s most exclusive luxe member’s club – The Bentley Record Room – an intimate lounge designed by the Bentley Motors Design Team at Co-op Live, the highly anticipated music and entertainment arena in Manchester.

The Bentley Record Room will be situated next to the performers’ Green Room inside the new £365 million music and entertainment venue – set to be the largest live music arena in the UK. Luxe members will have access to the space before, during and after events at Co-op Live, with the best tickets to live shows as well as access to an exciting range of special events in The Bentley Record Room.

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Bentley Record Room.

The 100-capacity club will offer the ultimate in luxury and intimacy for music fans, boasting high-end dining options, a private host and waiter service, designated parking, and a VIP entrance to the venue. Its sumptuous interiors will be designed by the Bentley Design Team replicating the custom finishes and designs of its luxurious cars. The space will include low carbon Beluga leather seating and expertly crafted Bentley Home furniture, created in partnership with Luxury Living Group.

Christoph Hohmann, Global Head of Brand Communications at Bentley Motors, says: “We are delighted to offer music lovers a dedicated Bentley Place – an environment that is as luxurious and cosseting as the interior of a Bentley – allowing them to experience the craftsmanship, beauty and luxury that you can find in each one of our cars but on a much larger and totally immersive scale.”

Sam Piccione, President of OVG International: “Bentley is number one in British luxury, so it’s the exemplar brand to name this unique room. As the UK’s first private luxe members’ club inside an arena, The Bentley Record Room will put Manchester ahead of anywhere else, including London, for unrivalled quality entertainment. There’s no doubt it will be one of the best and most lavish places to enjoy live events anywhere in the world.”

Iconic Manchester Fashion Retailer Hervia Reopens HQ and Flagship Store Following Investment From Growth Investor Rami Cassis

Olivia McHugh
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Hervia, Manchester’s iconic fashion retailer, will today reopen their new HQ and flagship store after its acquisition by growth investor Rami Cassis in the middle of last year.

 
The Hervia Bazaar store has been a popular landmark in Manchester since it first opened in 1993, and the reopening comes in perfect time for the brand to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The independent fashion retailer stocks the likes of Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, Y-3, Maison Margiela, DSM, and Charles Jeffrey Loverboy.


The reopening follows a development project to bring together Hervia’s head office, e-commerce operations, and stock holdings under one roof alongside its beautiful galleried retail space. Housed in a Grade 2-listed former banking hall, the 4,000-square-foot HQ and store provides ample space for customers and team members to shop and work.

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Visitors to the store will be welcomed by the building’s original bronze doorway, with full-height glazed store windows. The store and HQ uniquely blends an intimate and high-end luxury retail experience, with a fresh, modern, and customer-friendly floorplan and design.

Since its acquisition in May last year, Rami Cassis, CEO of Parabellum Investments, has worked with Hervia’s founder, Oscar Pinto-Hervia, to accelerate the growth of the company through integrating its core functions into the new Manchester HQ whilst refreshing its online presence to capitalise on global demand. The pair are also eyeing up childrenswear as a segment to expand into.

In the 1990s, Hervia made its name because of its popularity amongst The Haçienda nightclub-goers as well as being frequented by the likes of boyband Take That. Since then, it has become a Manchester-born global success story, with more than 80 percent of its sales now coming from outside of the UK, including a large number of buyers from Asia.

At the point of acquisition, Cassis announced that he intended for Hervia to become the basis for further acquisitions in the fashion and retail space, with a view to becoming a new independent Manchester-based supergroup. The supergroup is expected to be a platform for emerging and early-career British, French, and other international designers.

Rami Cassis is an international growth investor who acquires businesses to supercharge their growth and drive their expansion. Starting out in management, engineering, and consulting, Cassis established his family office in 2012. His other recent investments include tech and fintech firms including Parseq, Advanco, and ieDigital.

Oscar Pinto-Hervia arrived from Chile as a refugee in 1978 and later founded Hervia in 1993. His decision to stock Vivienne Westwood cemented his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. Pinto-Hervia has since opened several Westwood franchise stores and opened the first Y-3 store in collaboration with Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto.

The store will be open to the public from 11:00am today.
Rami Cassis and Oscar Pinto Hervia
(L-R) Rami Cassis and Oscar Pinto-Hervia.


Oscar Pinto-Hervia, founder of Hervia, said: “This reopening is momentous for Hervia. This is the first phase in a plan to build the brand into something truly incredible.

“It is particularly exciting to be holding this reopening in our 30th year of business. I am looking forward to continuing to work at the heart of the Manchester fashion community for another thirty years.

“Having Rami on board has allowed us to be even more ambitious with our strategy, and, with his expertise, lay the groundwork for the expansion of Hervia well into the future.”

Rami Cassis, principal investor at Hervia, said: “The reopening of Hervia’s flagship store is a really exciting moment in our plan for the brand’s growth.

“Hervia and Oscar have a proven track record of providing a platform for emerging designers, both British and international. We want to keep that at the core of Hervia while we evolve the business.

“The future of Hervia is all about investing in the business from top to bottom, fine-tuning the best customer experience, and expanding into untapped markets at home and abroad.”

Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund Pledges Over £36,000 to Local Good Causes by Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund

Olivia McHugh
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  • Quarterly meeting sees 22 organisations across Greater Manchester receive grants
  • Beneficiaries include sport clubs, Scout groups and community arts projects
  • For more information or to apply for a grant see: www.manchesterairport.co.uk/community

Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund has revealed it will donate more than £36,000 to community-led projects and groups.

Among those awarded funds at the latest quarterly meeting were Abney Scout and Guide Centre, in Cheadle. The group will receive £3,000 to upgrade and improve the centre’s toilet and shower facilities, to make them fully accessible.

Elsewhere, the BLOOM Allotments project at the LEAP Children & Families Centre in Hyde will also receive the maximum £3,000 of funding. This will be used for the refurbishment of a woodshed, where the group holds community workshops. They were presented with a cheque by Cllr Bill Fairfoull, a Community Trust Fund trustee, and Jonathan Reynolds MP, who visited and toured the project.

Woodwork in BLOOM Alllotments existing Woodshed
Woodwork in BLOOM Alllotments’ existing Woodshed

The Community Trust Fund was founded in December 1997 and is managed by a committee of independent trustees formed of councillors from the six local authority areas which fall within the fund’s catchment area.

The airport contributes £100,000 per year to the fund, which provides cash either as a contribution to, or to meet the full cost of, not-for-profit initiatives.

Community-led projects or not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to £3,000 of funding at a time, with requests reviewed on a quarterly basis.

The Abney Scout and Guide Centre’s Carol Pimlott said: “We are so grateful for the grant, which will help towards the refurbishment of the toilets and in turn will benefit the wider community.”

BLOOM Allotments’ Joanne McColl Parry said: “We are delighted to receive this funding, which will help to create a safe, dry, inviting space at BLOOM for vulnerable adults, children, and people with a learning disability or long-term mental health condition.

“They will be able to enjoy working together, learn new skills, make friends, and support each other, as well as making projects to be proud of.”

The full list of organisations to be awarded a grant at January’s meeting, and what they will be using the money for, can be found below.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said: “Last year we celebrated a quarter of a century of the Community Trust Fund and we are incredibly proud of the lasting legacy this funding has had across our neighbouring communities. We will continue to make supporting those communities a priority.”

Jonathan Reynolds MP added: “Congratulations to all the successful applicants in this round of Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund.

“It was great to meet with BLOOM and hear about how the funds they have received will be used to support the refurbishment of their woodshed to provide more community workshops.

“I would encourage all community groups to apply to the next round of Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund and see how they might be able to make a change in their area.”

L R Cllr Bill Fairfoull Community Trust Fund trustee Joanne McColl Parry of BLOOM Allotments and Jonathan Reynolds MP
L-R Cllr Bill Fairfoull, Community Trust Fund trustee, Joanne McColl Parry of BLOOM Allotments and Jonathan Reynolds MP.

Details on how to apply for a Community Trust Fund grant, and the full criteria, can be found here. The deadline for applications to be considered at the next meeting is Sunday 19th March.

 

Manchester Tech Firm Expands Its Education Team Following Business Boost

Olivia McHugh
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Accredited IT specialists, Sync, have onboarded six new members to its dedicated education team over the last twelve months.

Sync is an Apple Authorised Education Specialist, supporting schools, colleges and Universities across the UK in the adoption of technology in the classroom. Sync’s work aids organisations in creating bespoke solutions for schools and educators alike, enabling them to enhance workflows and provide equitable outcomes for students.

Among the six new recruits is Benji Rogers, who has taken the role of Higher Education Lead. Benji has extensive experience in the sector, and was recognised as a ‘Distinguished Educator’ by Apple in 2015.

Natalie Smith has also joined the Sync team as Regional Education Manager. In her previous role, Natalie was Education Lead at one of the UK’s largest independent technology retailers.

Other appointments within the team have gone to Alan Doyle, Dan Gilchrist, and Charlie Place – Sync’s newest Education Consultants. Extended reach across the UK is just one of the benefits the expanded team brings to Sync, alongside a wealth of experience within the sector. The organisation recently announced over £1 billion in Apple sales over the last six years, and they are keen to double-down on their efforts in education.

Also joining the ranks of Sync’s education team is Apple Professional Learning Specialist, Paul Tullock. Paul’s role includes the provision of specialist training to schools on how best to utilise the technology at their disposal.

The expansion of its specialist education team comes after a plethora of new contract wins and will enable Sync to expand its reach across the country, connecting with more schools and aiding each by helping to realise digital strategy goals.

One such project is Oasis Horizons, which involved the deployment of over 38,000 devices to staff and students across the Oasis Community Learning Trust. Spanning Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form education, it saw essential tech distributed to students and staff across 56 Academies throughout the UK.

Tom Crump, Head of Sales at Sync, said: ‘The work we do with schools is fundamental to our specialist offer here at Sync. Growing the team means that we can expand the reach we already have in the Education sector.

‘The impact of the new members of the team has already made itself apparent with the number of new framework wins in the education sector over the past few months. With this in mind, we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2023 will bring with our expanding team.’

Sync has supported more than 7,000 Schools and Multi Academy Trusts across the UK over the last 30 years and was recently awarded a place on the Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) framework for Software Licences & Associated Services for Academies and Schools, a contract geared towards aiding educational institutions across the UK in the acquisition of software. Through this, along with a larger team, Sync has the opportunity to ensure educational institutions up and down the country have clear access to IT training and support.

Head of Operations at Sync, Scott Bordoni added: ‘We’re really looking forward to working with our newest members, who are already making a significant difference in the education team. We are delighted to see Sync able to expand our reach and help more schools.’

The full list of new appointments includes:

  • Alan Doyle – Education Consultant
  • Dan Gilchrist – Education Consultant
  • Charlie Place – Education Consultant
  • Benji Rogers – Higher Education Lead
  • Natalie Smith – Regional Education Manager
  • Paul Tullock – Apple Professional Learning Specialist

 

To find out more about the support services and IT training Sync can offer, get in touch here: https://www.wearesync.co.uk/contact/.

Homeware trends for 2023 – What you need to know

News Desk
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The world of homeware is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every year. 2023 promises to be no different, with a range of new styles set to take the homeware world by storm. Whether you’re looking to update your home decor or simply curious about the latest trends, here’s what you need to know about homeware trends for 2023.

Bold Colours

Bold colours are set to be a major trend in 2023. From deep reds and blues, to vibrant pinks and greens, homeware designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional colour usage, to create truly eye-catching pieces. Expect to see bold pieces, such as bright-coloured sofas, armchairs, and rugs, that will make a statement in any room.

Eco-Friendly Materials

There is an increasing awareness of the impact of consumerism on the environment, and as a result, homeware made from eco-friendly materials is becoming increasingly popular. We’re already seeing increased use of sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled glass, and organic cotton, in homeware products. This trend is not only good for the planet, but it also creates unique and beautiful pieces that add character to the space they’re in.

Minimalism

Minimalism is making a comeback in 2023, with a focus on simplicity. This trend is characterised by clean lines, neutral colours, and a lack of clutter. Homeowners are opting for understated, elegant pieces that are easy to incorporate into any decor style.

Textured Fabrics

Textured fabrics are already a big trend in 2023, with designers experimenting with a range of textures, from chunky knits to plush velvets. We’ll likely see textured fabrics used in everything from bedding and cushions to curtains and rugs, adding a warm aesthetic to a wide range of homes.

Beyond the aesthetic

People want homeware items that look good, but also things that are culturally relevant. Decorative homeware brands such as The Sculpts are taking that idea and running with it, creating items that are highly symbolic of the culture that birthed them. These items tell a story, in addition to looking lovely, and as a result, then contribute to the narrative of your home.

Handmade and Craft-Inspired

Handmade and craft-inspired homeware is becoming increasingly popular, with a focus on traditional techniques and natural materials. From hand-thrown ceramics to hand-woven baskets, this trend is all about creating pieces that are functional, unique, and beautiful. There’s going to be an increase in the use of natural materials as well, creating a warm atmosphere in any home.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is set to continue to evolve in 2023, with an increased focus on making homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. From smart lighting systems to security automation systems, we’ll see a range of products that make it easier to control your home from your phone or tablet.

2023 promises to be an exciting year for the homeware industry, with a range of new and innovative trends set to take the market by surprise. Whether you’re looking to update your home decor, or simply want to know more about the latest design ideas floating around, these homeware trends are sure to inspire.

Barings Welcomes More Diversity in the Legal Industry as Its Next Generation of Lawyers Secure Training Contracts

Olivia McHugh
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Keen to make the legal sector more inclusive, Barings Law, continues to invest in future talent by offering training contracts to its latest cohort who say they’re ‘proud’ to be representing women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the industry.

Newly appointed trainees, Saphina Coates Mohammed and Aisha Kazeem, say they’re ‘delighted’ with landing the opportunity after years of fighting fierce competition.

Based in their Cardinal House headquarters in Manchester, Barings has grown since its inception in 2009 to a firm with over 100 staff that has recovered millions in compensation for clients.

The business is passionate about developing future legal minds and breaking stereotypes about the legal sector by showcasing its diverse talent.

100-years since the first women qualified to be solicitors, the trainees speak of what securing training contracts means to them while encouraging more women, particularly ethnically diverse women, in the legal industry.

Saphina (24), who is currently doing her LPC part-time, graduated from the University of Law, Sheffield, in 2020 and started working at the firm 2 years ago as a paralegal.

“During university, I spent a year studying in Spain and had to get flights back to England for training contract interviews,” she said. “A ‘no’ was always so deflating especially when you’ve paid money for a plane ticket.

“When Barings gave me the good news, I was beyond words. It’s great to see such a forward-thinking law firm that recognises how inclusivity and diversity can enrich a business.

“It has been a long road getting to this point, and I want to thank the firm for giving me this chance.

“When I started, the firm only had around 20 people and now it has grown to well over 100. But it still has that ‘family’ feel where everyone is approachable and willing to help.

“My goal is to qualify as a solicitor and continue to change people’s lives for the better.”

Trainees get the opportunity to work for 18 months in varied areas of law, speaking with clients and receiving the very best training from some of the most experienced solicitors in the industry.

Her counterpart, Aisha (23), graduated with her LLB from the University of Kent in 2019 before doing her LPC and MSc from the University of Law, Birmingham.

Also having completed an MBA from the University of Chester, she has been with the firm for just under a year and also started as a paralegal and litigation assistant.

She said: “Between us, we must have sent over a hundred applications to different firms since my second year of university.

“When Barings gave me the opportunity, it was like a dream come true. I walked into the Managing Director’s office when he told me, and it felt like I was on cloud nine.

“It’s also refreshing to see a firm that is so inclusive in an industry that hasn’t always been the most diverse over the years.

“The firm has poured just as much into me as I have into the firm and it’s great to see my efforts recognised.

“For me, it helped getting my foot through the door as a paralegal first and then working my way into the position I wanted.

“My advice to budding solicitors is, don’t give up.”

While developing its in-house talent, Barings is also looking to expand its existing legal team by adding 20 more solicitors and paralegals in the next 2 months.

Managing Director, Craig Cooper, commented:

“We are extremely proud of the opportunities we give to our future solicitors.

“Our latest cohort of trainees bring with them an abundance of skills that they’ve developed as paralegals within the firm and their hard work has been clear to see.

“While the legal market remains competitive, we’re thrilled that our firm continues to attract the very best across the industry.”

 

The Shape of the Furture of Deansgate Discussed in Live Consultation

Olivia McHugh
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For decades Deansgate has been a living and breathing part of Manchester City Centre.

Culture, business and transport have combined down this stretch of road, embodying the energy which Manchester is famous for. Although, in recent years, its limitations have become more prominent, leading the Council to ask how things could change.

The Council knows Deansgate is historic, it is iconic and it is vibrant. But over the coming years the Council wants to transform Deansgate as not just somewhere you pass through on a bus, but a destination in its own right.

An application has been made to secure £14m of funding through the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement with the Council appointing a design team whose goal will be to plan out the transformation of Deansgate from a traffic dominated environment to one that puts those using sustainable transport modes first.

They will be thinking about how to create improved space to walk, wheel, and cycle, space for businesses to use, a safer night-time environment, improved air quality, and how to support regeneration.

This project will cover Deansgate from Victoria Bridge Street to Liverpool Street with the public being invited to comment on four separate sections along the route. This project will build on the interim work which has already taken place along Deansgate over the past three years, but will now build on community and business feedback to produce a permanent layout for the road.

From Monday 27th February, a consultation will go live asking the public key questions about how they interact with Deansgate. These questions will range from what words they associate with the road, to their preferred method of travel to what section of the road they feel needs improvement.

This consultation will run until Sunday 26th March. Visit manchester.gov.uk/consultations to take part.

As well as the online consultation there are plans for more public engagement as the scheme progresses.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “Deansgate is a hugely important Manchester landmark. It’s not only a hub for business and the night-time economy, but it is a vital link that connects our city’s neighbourhoods.

“Through previous consultations and engagement with the public we know that Deansgate can be improved. The steps we have taken so far to move the area away from being dominated by cars, to an environment where sustainable transport is favoured have been met with broad support. We think there are incredibly strong foundations to transform Deansgate into something even better.

“As well as improving a vital part of Manchester we also believe this shift to more sustainable travel will play an important role in our ambition to become a zero-carbon city by 2038.”

Manchester-Based Business QASSS Shows Commitment to Staff by Becoming a Living Wage Employer

Olivia McHugh
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Accreditation follows introduction of new enhanced employee benefits package

Manchester-based QASSS, the UK’s leading resolution services provider to the home improvement and renewable energy sectors, has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer by the Living Wage Foundation.

Its Living Wage commitment will see QASSS’s entry level employees receive at least a minimum hourly wage of £10.90, significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which stands at £9.50 per hour. In the North West, nearly a fifth of all jobs (18.4%) currently pay less than the real Living Wage – around 534,000 jobs.

The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum.

QASSS’s accreditation as a Living Wage Employer is the business’s latest demonstration of its commitment to its employees as it works towards plans of almost triling its revenue in 2023.

In October 2022, the company made a one-off payment to all employees of £1,000 to help with the cost of living crisis. In November 2022, QASSS launched a new benefits package, including access to a private mental wellbeing service, a private financial wellbeing service, private medical insurance, and dental, optical and medical cashback plans.

The company is also scheduled to launch a brand new career pathways programme later this year that will see it future-plan job roles, setting out requirements around experience, skills, competencies and behaviours, supported by a new learning and development programme.

Ciarán Harkin, managing director of QASSS, said: “Our employees are the lifeblood of our business, so we are keen to ensure the financial, physical, emotional and professional wellbeing of everyone who joins us on our journey.

“Becoming an accredited Living Wage employer has helped us to demonstrate that we are a responsible employer, something that we intend to continue building on in the months ahead.”

“We have ambitious growth plans for the coming year, which will require us to double our current headcount. It’s therefore crucial that we look after all our employees if we are to successfully achieve this growth in a healthy, sustainable way.”

Katherine Chapman, director, Living Wage Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that QASSS has joined the movement of almost 11,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.”

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