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Growth Company Chair Named as Mike Blackburn OBE

Olivia McHugh
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An industry leader, who has been pivotal in helping to build a thriving economy in the North, has been selected as the new Chair of the Growth Company.

Mike Blackburn OBE, current member of the Growth Company’s Board and former Chair of Greater Manchester’s Local Enterprise Partnership (GMLEP), will occupy the role from the end of March.

Mike spent his 36-year career in the private sector working for technology companies, including 25 years at BT.

Awarded an OBE for services to the economy in the North West in 2015, Mike holds a portfolio of non-exec roles including Chair of Dixons Academy Trust, Trustee of the Lowry Theatre, and Dean’s Advisory Council Member for Lancaster University Management School.

Mike also sits on the North West advisory board for the Prince of Wales charity, Business in the Community, and was selected as the Prince’s NW Regional Ambassador for 2010/11 and 2011/12.

As former Chair of the GMLEP, he made a huge contribution to Greater Manchester and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the city-region’s Local Industrial Strategy. He remains an Ex-Officio board member.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Lead for Economy, Business and International, and member of the Board said: “As a current member of the Board and with almost four decades as a private sector leader, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. His leadership, insight and passion for building a thriving Northern economy will prove pivotal in driving forward the priorities of the Board over the coming years as the Growth Company continues its mission to enable growth, create jobs and improve lives.”

Mike Blackburn OBE said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair with the Growth Company.  The company has had many fantastic achievements in the last few years and been significant in its support to businesses and individuals during and following the pandemic.  I hope to be able to build on that success, and, with Chief Executive Mark Hughes, the Senior Management Team and Board members, to take the Growth Company to even more success in the coming years.”

Mike officially takes over the role on 1st April, taking the helm from Richard Topliss who steps down as Chair after more than eight years.

Cllr Bev Craig added: “I also want to thank Richard Topliss for his dedicated service and leadership, as he steps down as Chair after more than eight years. Richard has led the Growth Company through many successful years as well as effectively steering the Group through the most recent challenges of Covid. I wish him all the best for the future.”

President of Manchester Law Society Announced as Glaisyers Etl’s Senior Partner

Olivia McHugh
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Nick Johnson, senior partner at the Manchester-headquartered national law firm Glaisyers ETL, has been elected President of Manchester Law Society. In his new role, he will be taking over from Ward Hadaway’s immediate Past President, Paul Johnson. 

Mr Johnson, a commercial litigation specialist, began his career at the Manchester firm Goldstone Casket and Eva, which merged with Glaisyers in 1993. He was Glaisyers’ managing partner until 2018.

During his 12-month tenure as President of Manchester Law Society Mr Johnson will serve alongside Vice President David Anderson, who is company secretary at the city’s largest barristers set, St John’s Buildings Chambers, and Deputy Vice President Fiona Ledden, city solicitor at Manchester City Council.

Mr Johnson has been a member of Manchester Law Society’s council for three years. His priorities for his year as President include engaging with members, sponsors and committee members, and building stronger relationships with the wider legal, business, professional, political and civic community.

He will also support Manchester Law Society’s chief executive, Fran Eccles-Bech, and her team as they implement the organisation’s business plan. This plan includes the appointment of ambassadors in each corporate member firm, coordinating pro bono work and developing a new website.

Mr Johnson said, “I am honoured to have been elected President of Manchester Law Society, an organisation with a proud history that dates back almost two centuries. After 40 years in the law, I am very much looking forward to taking this opportunity to give back to the profession.

“The Society exists to represent its members, and I encourage them to get in touch and let us know what issues they are facing, and how we can help. 2023 is likely to be a tough year for many in our profession, as it is for business as a whole, and I want to assure our members that we are here for them to provide whatever support we can.”

Manchester Law Society was founded in 1838. Today it represents 3,900 legal professionals and runs a range of educational initiatives and social events.

Glaisyers ETL is a national law firm with offices in Manchester and London. In 2018 it became part of the ETL Global network of professional services businesses.

Research Reveals 67% Of Manchester Businesses at Risk of Closure

Olivia McHugh
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We’re less than 2 months into 2023 and already Manchester has had to wave goodbye to a number of beloved restaurants, bars and small businesses, including Font, Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun, Oklahoma and Flourish. And this worrying trend may be set to continue, with research revealing 7 out of 10 small businesses in Manchester feel worried about their future – https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/small-business-insurance/threats-to-small-businesses 

Towergate Insurance surveyed 750 small business owners from across the UK to explore the threats they’re facing in the wake of the cost of living crisis and the impact these are having on their businesses. 

67% of those in Manchester said they feel their business is at risk of closure this year – 10% higher than the national average of 57%.

According to the survey the biggest risk to Manchester businesses is retaining uniqueness, with 34% citing this as an issue they’ve faced. Managing finances was the second biggest concern for businesses, with 30% saying they’ve struggled with paying back loans and 28% having dealt with property losses.

As well as putting a commercial strain on businesses, these issues are also putting a strain on the individuals behind them, with 72% of Manchester small business owners saying they’ve struggled with poor mental health. 26% said they’ve neglected their mental health to focus on their business, while 34% said they’ve neglected their physical health.

Head over to the Towergate Insurance website to find out more, including which sectors are the most at risk – https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/small-business-insurance/threats-to-small-businesses 

Retail Sector to Expect Decreases in Liability of Business Rates – But It’s the Only One

Olivia McHugh
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There has been some commotion as spirits were lifted over the news that the retail sector will see a decrease in RV from the 1st of April. While this is true, with the national average decrease in rateable value (RV) for the retail sector in England being -10%, it is in fact the only sector that will.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA), who set the RV for each commercial property, have in their provisional revaluation table noted down four separate sectors – retail, industry, office, and other. Excepting a -1.1% regional decrease in the ‘other’ sector for London, the retail sector is the only one to see a significant decrease in RV (Table 1.0).

‘Other’ of course, being a very broad definition, with no specifics mentioned.

Will this decrease be of much benefit to the retail sector?

Despite the multipliers being frozen at the highest level since their introduction in 1990 – and no indication that they will go down once this ‘perk’ has run its course – this decrease in RV across England and Wales for the retail sector will be beneficial.

Business rates are calculated by multiplying a commercial property’s RV against the relevant multiplier. If a property’s RV has gone down, then the business rates liability will reflect this – thoug by less than was perhaps expected given the artificially inflated multipliers.

RVA Surveyors – the business rates reduction specialist – are just one of the companies working to inform and advise commercial property owners and tenants on how their business rates liabilities will change in the coming revaluation.

“We have found,” said Anthony Hughes, Managing Director of RVA Surveyors, “that many properties have even missed out on reliefs in the current rating list because local authorities have not informed them that they are eligible. Which, unfortunately, we find happens quite often.”

With the retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) relief increasing from 50% to 75% for 2023-24, many commercial property owners and tenants cannot afford to miss out. While only applicable for businesses in England, it is worth £2.1 billion of the support package announced last November. While only for a short period – until the 1 st of April 2024, this relief will be a major respite for those businesses that otherwise might have had to take drastic measures in the next year just to keep afloat. As long as local authorities properly inform commercial property owners and tenants, of course.

The RHL relief means that the retail sector will be able to breathe a sigh of relief when their rates bill for the next revaluation arrives. However, while they might be the only ones, how long will it actually last? The 75% relief that RHL offers will not only expire on the 1 st of April 2024, but those in the retail sector will find themselves having to pay 100% of their business rates liability, not a cushy 25%.

While the government seem happy to toss national average decreases out, there has been no official nod towards just how much other sectors may increase – or even how quickly their own statistics have changed. In fact, even considering the decrease for retail, the actual national increase is still somewhere in the region of 14% when you include the artificially inflated multipliers.

Mason Advisory Recognised as One of Uk’s Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing

Olivia McHugh
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Manchester’s Mason Advisory has officially been named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing (2023) by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.

Lauded for creating an environment that consistently places employee wellbeing at the heart of its workplace culture, the company has ranked 86 out of 100 in the medium-sized business category, alongside 325 organisations in total.

This is the second time the report has been published, and the leading digital and technology consultancy has been listed both times. Mason Advisory is proud of having established a great company culture, and continues to nurture this to attract, retain, and develop the best in tech talent.

Romilly Gleave, Head of People and Talent at Mason Advisory, says: “We’re thrilled to have been recognised twice in a row for our dedication to workplace wellbeing and our commitment to ensuring our staff are happy, healthy, and feel fulfilled. Wellbeing and business success go hand in hand as happy people produce better work, equating to happy clients, and we continue to listen, adapt and tailor our wellbeing practices to meet the changing needs of our team.

“We are committed to creating the best environment we can for individuals to thrive and for our business to operate efficiently, so this accolade demonstrates that our efforts are working. We constantly work to normalise conversations around wellbeing and mental health, providing visibility and leadership support across the whole company. This means active sponsorship of the Wellbeing Group by a director, two directors trained as Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) and inviting speakers to sessions to discuss topics around mental health and workplace wellbeing. We also have regular virtual tea and talk sessions where staff can talk openly and connect with each other away from a work context. All team members have access to online wellbeing and mindfulness toolkits and we have a ‘women’s networking group’ to discuss and understand the complexity of issues women face in the workplace and on a day-to-day basis. They can range from everyday challenges to menopausal issues.”

“This recognition is a real landmark achievement for us and a morale-booster for our whole team as we continue to ensure all our employees feel valued and supported every day.”

Great Place to Work’s culture experts analysed thousands of employee surveys, assessing people’s holistic experiences of wellbeing at work to determine the UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing list.  The surveys asked employees to comment on how their company supports their work-life balance, sense of fulfilment, job satisfaction, psychological safety and financial security. Evaluations also included an assessment of how well the organisation was able to deliver consistency of their employee experience across all departments and seniority levels

“At the heart of every organisation are its people and looking after their wellbeing should be much more than a package of impressive perks on a careers website,” explains Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK.

“We know when employees feel genuinely contented and at ease within their roles, they are much more engaged and productive.  Now in our second year of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Wellbeing list, we’re once again able to showcase the leading organisations providing cultures conducive to outstanding psychological, physical and social wellbeing.”

For more information on Mason Advisory, visit https://www.masonadvisory.com

Click here to view the full Best Workplaces for Wellbeing report:

https://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/awards/uks-best-workplaces-for-wellbeing-2023/

In In Response to Demand, Flexible Workspace Operator Clockwise Further Expands by Nearly 50% In Manchester

Olivia McHugh
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Today, flexible workspace operator Clockwise announces the expansion of its presence in Manchester city centre, increasing its footprint within Linley House by nearly 50%.

Situated in central Manchester on Dickinson Street, just off Portland Street, phase two sees over 170 new desks and more than 14,000 sq ft in additional space. Members also have access to three brand new meeting rooms, Two Hands, an onsite artisan café and a club lounge on the ground floor, which provides a collaborative space for businesses and individuals to use.

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The expansion is in response to the ever-growing demands in Manchester city centre for a higher quality and premium flex offering, in which its first phase launched in May 2022.

With flexible licenses, considered design and state of the art hybrid-work model technology, Clockwise Manchester reflects the changing nature of work and the differing demands businesses have from their workspace. Offering co-working, dedicated desks or private offices there are also breakout areas, club lounges, bookable meeting rooms and a dedicated podcast recording room. The site also benefits from great nearby amenities, local connections, and access to the wider region.

Originally built in 1963 as a former electrical station, powering the whole of Manchester city, the building has been sensitively renovated by architect MoreySmith to reflect its industrial architectural history. Hinting mid-century influence and boasting original features such as high ceilings, large windows and the iconic ‘City of Manchester Electric Light Station’ sign, the space has been re-energised to create the best working environment for members.

The building also boasts carefully considered design elements, which help to increase productivity, support wellbeing and foster community. Featuring public spaces including a striking engineered stairwell for Clockwise members to congregate, natural daylight is optimised to aid circadian rhythms, with the addition of planting to help purify air and enhance memory retention and compassion.

Linley House is just one of Clockwise’s 13 spaces in the UK, and the growth signifies a step in the business’ ambitious growth plans as it sets to continue opening further spaces in both the UK and Europe.

 Alexandra Livesey, COO at Clockwise, commented: “We’re excited about the expansion of our central Manchester site, Linley House, which will help to serve more businesses and entrepreneurs in the local area. As a building that formerly provided electricity to Manchester, it’s great to see the space being used to power start-ups and give energy to the city’s SMEs. With nearly a 50% growth in Clockwise’s current Manchester footprint, it goes to show the demand for Clockwise’s flexible offering is increasing in demand, in line with the way people work and use spaces. This beautiful building – its restored interiors and office flow – sets a standard for our other spaces, showcasing how design and functionality come together to create the perfect space to connect and collaborate.”

Browne Jacobson Dealmakers Advise B Corp Certified Edit Agency on Its Investment Into Data Insight Agency Wood for Trees

Olivia McHugh
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Browne Jacobson’s north-west corporate team has advised Edit Agency Ltd on its acquisition of the business and assets of specialist charity data insight and systems agency Wood for Trees for an undisclosed amount.

Edit which is backed by private equity investor NVM, is part of the Salocin Group and operates in both London and Bath. The B Corp certified agency delivers marketing data solutions, customer acquisition and retention campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands including Jaguar, Land Rover, Shell, Tesco Bank and The British Heart Foundation. The company is made up of data scientists, engineers and technology strategists who advise a host of blue-chip businesses across a broad sector spectrum.

Wood for Trees, which is an award-winning agency also headquartered in Bath, specialises in supporting some of the world’s best-known charities and not-for-profit organisations on solutions to improve fundraising efficiency and performance.

The core Browne Jacobson team comprised partner, Ryan Brown, associate, Bethany Pickup, and trainee solicitor Olivia Barrow with partner Selina Hinchliffe advising on the intellectual property elements of the transaction.

Ryan said: “It was a pleasure to work with Edit on this strategic acquisition which aligns with the wider ambition of the Salocin Group – to be a data powered marketing services group that is focused on marketing technology, CRM, analytics, content development, and media optimisation.

“There are clear synergies in the strategic objectives of Wood for Trees, Edit and Join the Dots which will really strengthen the growing Salocin Group portfolio. This move presents all three agencies with a great opportunity to combine its data insight work for the charity sector with its broader capabilities in CRM and mar-tech and expertise on media planning and acquisitions and will give charity clients a more holistic offering.”

Nick Dixon, CEO of Edit Agency and CEO & Founder of The Salocin Group added: “We are delighted to welcome the Wood for Trees clients and the talented employees within the business.

“Charities are a particular focus for us, especially with our B Corp certification, as we look to extend the number of purpose-orientated organisations we work with.

“Combining the specialisms of all three agencies will help us optimise supporter connections to over 50 charity clients.”

“I would like to thank Ryan and the Browne Jacobson team for their support on this transaction. As is usual with them, they provided round the clock, quality legal and commercial advice to us and delivered a professional and seamless service, which meant the deal ran as smoothly as it could taking just 12 days from beginning to end.”

Unity Radio Welcomes Manchester Schools for Studio Tours

Olivia McHugh
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Unity Radio is giving Greater Manchester schools the opportunity to visit their professional broadcast studios in Media City, with the chance for students to talk live on FM radio.

Unity Radio’s new school tours are set to provide Greater Manchester students with the chance to experience the world of radio. Aimed at year 10 and 11 pupils, this unique educational opportunity gives pupils the chance to experience the broadcast industry first-hand. Students can speak with experienced industry professionals to find out more about the creative, media and digital sector from an employment perspective.

These engaging enrichment visits to Unity Radio’s studios in the heart of Media City include a tour of the radio studios, an exclusive industry talk, and a live FM radio interview which will be broadcast across Greater Manchester on 92.8FM.

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Students can visit in groups of eight at a time, and they will be able to speak with New Talent radio presenters. This educational opportunity is available to Greater Manchester schools wishing to participate, with students at risk of exclusion and those with low attendance particularly encouraged. This is a great chance to encourage and motivate students, who may be starting to think about future employment opportunities. The tours also achieve the aim of meeting Gatsby Benchmark Six, experiences of workplaces.

Salford’s Walkden High School were first to take pupils into the Unity Radio studio this month, for the ‘Get In2 Tour’.

“It was brilliant, the students really enjoyed it and the careers information was very insightful. It was a great mix of practical and classroom to keep students really engaged. Please pass on our thanks to your staff they were very welcoming and pleasant, nothing was too much trouble!” – Coop Academy Walkden

“Our Get in2 tours are aimed to give an insight into the creative, digital and media industries. As Unity Radio is based in the heart of Media city, it’s an excellent opportunity for young people to see what a real-life professional working environment is like within a familiar setting that focuses on engaging young people.” – James Bayat, Unity Radio Curriculum Manager

Unity Radio are also celebrating a successful first year of their New Talent Academy, which provides ‘real life learning’ to young people and adults in Greater Manchester. Open to school leavers wanting to explore the next steps, New Talent Academy offers NCFE accredited courses in TV and Film, Radio Production, and Music Production.

With a 20-year history and 30,000 weekly listeners, Unity Radio broadcasts dance and urban music on 92.8FM, DAB and online. Having started life as a pirate radio station, Unity Radio is proud of its grass roots and authentic reputation across the community.

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A Grandparent’s Story Inspires the Launch of a New Netflix-Style Business

Olivia McHugh
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Krish Patel (31) was so inspired by his grandparents’ story that it motivated him and
his family friend, Tom Daly (23) to launch Netflix-style video biography
service, StoryOak.

In 2019, Krish Patel’s nearly lost the chance to learn about his grandfather’s life in more depth when his Grandfather passed away. After months of reminiscing with his Grandmother and looking through copious photo albums, Krish longed for the opportunity to see and hear his Grandad once again.

Krish and Tom then decided to interview Krish’s Grandmother, creating a Netflix-
style video which brought to life the Grandparent’s unique love story once again.
Krish gifted this to his family at Christmas and after seeing their reaction, the
StoryOak brand was born.

Founder, Krish Patel explains the personal reasons behind the business, “After my
Grandad passed away I regretted not asking him about his life, his loves and his
passions and I knew there had to be people out there that thought the same about
their loved ones. When I interviewed my Grandma I found out so many amazing
stories about their teenage love story, from meeting at a paper shop my Great
Grandparents managed, to my 14 year old Grandad cycling from Blackpool to
Darwen only to find out that my Grandma wasn’t home. As soon as I watched these
treasured memories unfold, I realised we had something really special.”
Tom Daly, Founder said, “It was fascinating to interview Krish’s Grandma and we
know there are so many other people across the country trying to find an outlet to
share their stories too.

“I’m really passionate about video and I’ve always loved the interview aspect of
creating captivating videos, so when Krish posed the idea of creating a video
biography service, for me it was a no brainer. We can’t wait to bring these stories to
life and help as many people as possible create their own unique lasting legacy.”

Based in Bolton, StoryOak offers a bespoke and experience-driven service aimed at
anyone who wants to share their story. From CEOs looking to share their journey
through business to those simply wanting to bring to life cherished memories and
leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones, StoryOak has a range of packages,
catering for anyone across the UK.

To support the fledgling business, the founders have enrolled in the Natwest
Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme, which supports entrepreneurs at various
stages of their journey. The initial six months within the programme has supported
the duo with specialist seminars and workshops, enabled access to a 24 hour work
space at a Manchester City Centre office, a business coach to support with strategy
and accountability and the opportunity to network with the other 60 entrepreneurs
on the programme.

To date, the founders have invested a total of £30,000 to launch the business.
Established in 2023 by Krish Patel and Tom Daly, StoryOak captures Netflix-style
video biographies ranging from notable CEOs to inspiring seniors across the UK.
For more information about StoryOak or to enquire about sharing your story visit
www.storyoak.co.uk

Lovell Reveals Record Profits in Latest Financial Results

Olivia McHugh
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In today’s year-end figures, Lovell partnership housing specialist announced a profit of £37.4 million. Up 12.7% compared with last year, these results have made a significant contribution to the overall performance of parent company Morgan Sindall Group plc, whose impressive year-end financial results were also unveiled earlier this morning.

The Group delivered a strong performance in 2022, with significant strategic and operational progress made across the business despite the market headwinds. The results were another record for the Group and reflected the high quality of the Group’s operations and the talent and commitment of its people.

Group revenue increased by 12% up to £3,612m while adjusted* profit before tax increased 7% to £136.2m.  The Group’s balance sheet remains strong with net cash of £355m, and with a high-quality secured workload of £8.5bn, the Group is looking forward with optimism. 

*Before exceptional building safety charge of £48.9m and intangible amortisation of £2.0m

Lovell has achieved significantly strong financial results with revenue up 22% to nearly £700m (FY 2021: £572m).  Operating profit of £37.4m was up 12.7% on the prior year (FY 2021: £33.2m), along with an excellent Return on Capital Employed of 19%.  The secured order book at the year-end was £3.4bn, representing a 23% improvement on last year’s position and a clear reflection of the successful strategic growth and partnership model.

Lovell area managing director for the North, David Ward says: “2022 has seen us deliver record financial results with strong growth achieved in revenue and profits across the board. Throughout both mixed tenure and contracting activities, we’ve increased the volume of units completed to almost 4,000 (YE 2021: 3,000) whilst also increasing our ongoing portfolio of long-term joint ventures and contracting schemes.

“The year end results are fantastic, especially given the continued turbulence in the UK economy and the wider landscape of construction material shortages, inflationary cost increases and slow planning progression in parts of the UK. Our success is undoubtedly testament to the ongoing strength and commitment of the entire Lovell team, our supply chain and our partners who work relentlessly to achieve our ambitions.

“As we enter an even more challenging time for the housing industry, it is pleasing to know that our partnership model offers us some protection from projected market conditions.”

David Ward Lovell area managing director for the North
David Ward, Lovell area managing director for the North

Lovell is working on key projects including:

Whalley Manor in Whalley, a joint venture development with Trafford Housing Trust, is delivering 188 homes – with 30% set to be either affordable rent or shared ownership. This strategic JV has created a strong partnership with the potential to deliver more schemes across the North West in the near future.

The Gateway, the penultimate development of Lovell’s ten-year regeneration in Miles Platting, has sold exceptionally well and has recently released its apartments for sale. Saxon Square, the final scheme on this landmark development, has started on site and will deliver 28 popular townhouses in this key location. 

To view the Morgan Sindall Group plc year-end results video, click

https://vimeo.com/manage/

videos/801289120

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