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An Exclusive Chance to Say ‘I do’ on the 18th floor at Hyatt Hotels Manchester 

Olivia McHugh
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Love is in the air at the Hyatt Hotels Manchester – all the way up on the 18th floor in fact!  

If you are planning on popping the question this Valentine’s Day then they have a view for you!  Forget the Eiffel Tower and head to Hyatt who are opening up their stunning 18th floor event space and conservatory so one loved-up romantic can pop the question to the love of their life in style with views over our iconic City instead.

Cupids arrow can strike in style as the hotel is offering exclusive use of its event space where you can be wined and dined in glorious surroundings designed and themed to suit you! From balloon arches and roses galore to a ‘Marry Me? sign and surprise string quartet, we can work with you to design a proposal package guaranteed to create the perfect setting.

General Manager, Assumpta McDonald said: “We are a bunch of romantics here at the Hyatt Hotels Manchester and to share the love and of course the views over the City, we will be opening the 18th floor suite exclusively for one day only and we can’t wait to see one happy couple capture the chance to use the most romantic setting for that once in a lifetime proposal. 

“We’ve all seen iconic films where romance blossoms at the top of towers but we are brining that fairy tale to the heart of Manchester now too.  So, why not channel that inner ‘Harry and Sally’ and sweep your loved one of their feet with our help!”

For those not choosing to propose but still want to treat the love of their life, the hotel has also created an aphrodisiac inducing three course meal for just £42.50 per person and a first kiss cocktail for two people for £13 served in striking glasses that look like they are kissing.

To add some fun and frolics, all couples who take a selfie with the first kiss cocktail will be entered into a draw to win an overnight stay for two – what better way to treat your loved one!

To plan your dream wedding proposal and add all the extra touches of your own to the venue, just call the events team on 0161 359 5550 to work their magic on a bespoke package.

To tag the hotel’s Facebook page in the Valentine’s selfie, use https://www.facebook.com/HyattHotelsManchester and Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/hyattmanchester/

For more information, visit Hotel Near Manchester Oxford Road | Hyatt Regency Manchester

Greater Manchester youth homelessness prevention partnership receives £20,000 in funding from LandAid in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity for ‘Keep Snug Scheme’

Olivia McHugh
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LandAid and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity funding package to Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership will be targeted at combatting rising youth homelessness in Greater Manchester, via its ‘Keep Snug Scheme’.

Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (“GMBOP”) is thrilled to reveal the award of £20,000 in grant funding from LandAid – the property industry charity which is working to end youth homelessness in the UK – and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. 

GMBOP’s ‘Keep Snug Scheme’, in which this funding package is integrated, is an emergency response to the cost-of-living crisis hitting young people across the region. Through the scheme, young people at risk of homelessness are able to access small grants to help cover winter fuel bills and sudden rent increases, making sure they stay warm and housed.

Based in Greater Manchester, GMBOP is a partnership formed of a group of charities including Depaul UK, Early Break, Calico, The Brick, AKT and 42nd Street, who work in tandem to deliver The Pathfinder programme to young adults who are at risk of becoming homeless. The programme supports individuals to secure and sustain suitable, safe accommodation, engage in meaningful activities, and improve their overall wellbeing – helping them improve their lives and achieve their potential.

LandAid’s funding, in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, will enable the Pathfinder programme to support a greater number of young people to combat the increasing pressures they face as a result of escalating bills. The funding was put in place at the close of 2022 and has already been able to provide food, warm clothing, and kitchen equipment for those most in need.

Rachel O’Connor, Programme Manager at Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership, said: “The Pathfinder programme is currently working with over 450 young people across Greater Manchester, and we are seeing referral numbers continue to increase as the cost-of-living crisis continues. GMBOP’s vital work is making a transformational impact on so many individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness – providing tailored support to enable them to move forward and achieve their aspirations. We can’t thank LandAid enough for this grant funding which will help us to improve even more lives.”

LandAid’s mission is to bring the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness in the future. Through a unique network of corporate partners, we invest funding and expertise where we can achieve lasting impact.

Kevin Hunter, Head of Programmes & Impact at Land Aid said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with our partners in Greater Manchester to make this emergency funding available immediately to young people facing homelessness and debt, alongside similar funds in the West Midlands and London. 16–25-year-olds are particularly affected by the current cost-of-living crisis; they’re more likely to be in rental accommodation and already living on tight margins. Hopefully this will make the winter somewhat easier for some at least.”

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity works across the city-region to support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We bring people, businesses, and communities together to pioneer new ideas and champion promising practice.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, Head of Strategic Development at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said: “We were delighted to join with LandAid to support this vital initiative. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard, and the tailored support provided by the Pathfinder programme is a real life line to young people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness in Greater Manchester.”

INSIGHTS FROM E-COMMERCE EVENT AIM TO SUPPORT RETAILERS AHEAD OF UNCERTAIN YEAR

Olivia McHugh
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Rainy City Agency, Manchester’s award-winning e-commerce firm, held another event last week ahead of a potentially difficult year for the retail and e-commerce sectors, which saw the agency collaborate with Shopify and partners to offer expert insight and discuss key themes. 

Over 200 attendees -all at various stages of their e-commerce business journey – enjoyed presentations from high end fashion retailer, Nadine Merabi, and top selling personal hygiene brand, Swissklip, learning from their direct experience of how to scale an online venture, including some neat checkout pricing advice.

Rainy City Partners Dotdigital and REVIEWS.io joined Shopify on stage to talk the SME audience through customer retention to influencer and email marketing strategies.

Challenges with customer relationship management, artificial intelligence (AI) integration and omnichannel retailing were also aired and the importance of authenticity and transparency re-emphasised. Using tools to continue to build trust with a loyal customer base was agreed as key to ensuring competitiveness in the coming year. 

The evening provided another opportunity for the regional Shopify community to network and connect, to discuss the platform and its future features for 2023.  

Rebecca Worsley, CEO and founder of Rainy City Agency commented: “This is our second Shopify event in Manchester now, and like the first, we’ve seen a great turnout and a receptive, enthusiastic audience.

“With the e-commerce and retail environments being challenged like never before going into 2023, it is vital that vendors are adequately prepared for the next 12 months.  This event was about supporting existing and prospective customers and the wider Shopify community in Manchester ahead of a potentially daunting period, and we hope all attendees took something valuable away from the event.”

For further information on the agency, as well as any further events, visit or contact Rainy City Agency.

Why Rendering Videos Is the Future of Real Estate Marketing

News Desk
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Take a look at modern video games. They have amazing graphics, some of which look almost real. They are made through 3D modeling designs that are rendered into videos that people can interact with. These days, you can create videos using the same graphics and technology. Previously, it was used to help sell buildings before they had been built. Sometimes it was used to help get investment, and other times it was to sell units prior to them being built so that the project could remain funded throughout. Nowadays, rendered and even interactive videos are used in all facets of real estate marketing. But why? Why has this method of marketing become so popular these days?

This is How the Real Estate Industry Operates

Perhaps the shortest and best answer is, “It is what it is.” Back in the old days, people sold the idea of new buildings with paintings. Then they did it with models. Then they did it with computerized drawings, and now they do it with 3D design and rendering software. This is simply how the real estate industry works these days.

Plus, there are several added benefits to using these tools. Unlike a painting or model, you can go back and fix and change something on a 3D render. You can also go back and show variants of different things with a 3D render. For example, you may show how the planning permission allows for a second garage or show how one may use the same space to create a two-story gym.

Build a Virtual Model Village

When you build a model village, you create each building and you slot it into the setting. These days, you can create an entire town using design and rendering software. You can use these designs for everything, from showing how a town will look after a development, to demonstrating directions to a place. You can even create a 3D rendered version of a building, remove it from its current setting, and sell it based on its merits alone. That way, the buyer is sold on the building and isn’t dissuaded by the less-than-perfect surroundings. If anything, the use of 3D modeling allows marketers to be more creative and experimental than they ever were in the past. 

Easier Than Shelling Peas

The use of 3D rendering and design has now become so easy that real estate marketers would be fools not to it. They can use it for everything, from demonstrating skyscraper buildings, to creating embossed text to scroll across the screen. The software is far easier to use than it ever was, and modern technology is far better suited to handle the software’s difficult computations. Also, there are companies like RebusFarm and FatRank that will render your stuff for you. This means you don’t need to tie up your computers for a week while they try to churn out highly complex designs. You simply submit your designs and your creations, and RebusFarm sends the finished product back to you.

Cheaper Than a Box of Baby Chicks
Using 3rd party rendering services is cheap, and the hardware you need to operate modern design software is far cheaper than it used to be. The software you use is either free, or you can buy a subscription service. Plus, there are plenty of freelancers out there who will create your designs for you for a very fair price. There are CGI artists out there and photoshop artists who can remove whole buildings from your images and replace them with realistic-looking alternatives. There are designers who can use modern software to create expertly designed posters, videos, and social media posts. It is no small wonder why rendering videos have become so popular in the real estate marketing industry.

Moxworld and Notch Communications form partnership to offer more effective science & tech marketing solutions to customers   

Olivia McHugh
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Moxworld, a global company that builds up investible, life-loving science & technology brands, announces its new partnership with Notch Communications, a Manchester-based life sciences marketing agency. Through this collaboration, Notch will provide its marketing and scientific expertise, supporting Moxworld’s existing strategic and business growth offerings to its clients. In doing this, Moxworld strives to drive positive global change more effectively by supporting scale-ups at the intersection of sustainability, innovation and technology.

Notch Communications is a B2B life sciences marketing agency operating within Manchester. The agency, which has supported global multibillion-dollar companies within the science & tech fields for over a decade, will leverage its experience to broaden Moxworld’s strategic marketing, communications and partnership services offerings and support the creation of Moxworld’s clients’ stories.

The agreement represents Moxworld’s latest move to grow its current partnerships with like- minded planet-focused businesses in order to better support the growth of its clients. Notch’s values align closely with Moxworld’s, having established a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee in 2021 to integrate social and environmental concerns into the business’ decision- making.

Tarja Castel, founder and visionaire at Moxworld, commented, “I’m excited about our partnership with Notch Communications. With this agreement, we will grow our network of support even further, extending our ability to propel our clients’ amazing, planet-conscious brands. The Notch team’s experience of creating brilliance in the science & tech space and their passion for planet-focused solutions will be invaluable as we work to build a world where life-loving technologies thrive.”

Kate Whelan, Chief Operating Officer at Notch added, “We were initially drawn to Moxworld’s vision of bringing together technically minded companies that can drive positive change for the world. At Notch, we understand the complexities of creating effective yet accurate brand stories in certain technical and scientific fields. We are excited to partner with Moxworld and help companies that want to use their technology for good through our expertise in delivering engaging and insightful marketing communications.”

Performance marketing efficiency platform Lunio expands operations in London and Manchester and sets sights on global partnerships

Olivia McHugh
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Performance marketing efficiency platform, Lunio.ai, has revealed an office expansion and significant growth plans following its $15 million of privately backed investment in a round of SeriesA funding led by Smedvig Capital.

The platform – the first to market in the rapidly growing and highly topical performance marketing efficiency space – helps performance marketers achieve more whilst spending less, an essential part of business more so now than ever during these times of economic turbulence. The SeriesA cash injection received in September 2022 is enabling Lunio’s ambitious growth plans which include breaking into the US market.

Lunio’s platform is powered by its unique webassembly technologies, allowing it to provide real-time insights and recommendations for businesses looking to improve the efficiency of their digital ad spend.

Founded in 2018 by Neil Andrew (Co-founder and CEO), Segev Hochberg (Co-founder and COO) and Alex Winston (Co-founder and CBO) the scaleup has quickly grown by both headcount and client base due to brands catching on to the company’s unique offering of full automation and high level of efficiency. The Manchester-based company, which also operates out of London, now boasts an impressive client portfolio of over 1000 businesses which includes leading brands McDonald’s, eBay and MetroBank.

The growth of the performance marketing efficiency category is supported by the firm’s quarterly revenue numbers, with exceptionally strong growth in a market where SaaS companies are otherwise struggling to break through. 

The scaleup has also recently appointed Neil Ruth to the VP Partnerships position as it continues to establish and grow its strong agency and channel presence. Neil joins the team off the back of successful exits with travel technology platforms, TapTrip and Vessul, in March 2022. 

“Expansion into the United States is our next target with us recently returning from a visit to Dallas, Chicago and NYC. The decision to expand stateside has been organically led by demand from Lunio’s UK agencies who have a US presence, success within our European divisions as well as a huge demand for increased efficiency on performance marketing spend from within the US market,” said Neil, VP Partnerships at Lunio.

“We know that brands and agencies have a pressure to do more with tighter resources, and we’re here to help,” said Neil Andrew, CEO at Lunio. “Our solution is designed to streamline the entire process, from media planning and buying to ad tracking and ROAS measurement, driving increased efficiency at a time when every cent counts.”

Lunio’s SaaS model understands that each client has specific needs and goals, ensuring that its solution is tailored to meet their unique requirements.

“Our vision is to change digital advertising for the better by introducing the performance marketing efficiency concept as a mission-critical part of any digital media spend,” said Neil. “With our recent $15 million cash injection, we’re confident that we can make a real impact in this space and change the way businesses approach digital advertising for the better.”

Commenting on the company’s continued growth Segev Hochberg, COO at Lunio said: “We have ambitious growth plans which include working with European, Australian and Asian markets having already secured significant customers within these regions. The company also aims to double its head count (which currently sits at 69) in line with its plans to open a new 200-capacity HQ in Manchester in March this year. Lunio’s overarching goal is to become Manchester’s next Unicorn brand which it is on track to achieve.”

For further information on Lunio, visit www.lunio.ai

Pixel Kicks takes on its first apprentice from UA92’s brand-new Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship programme

Olivia McHugh
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Pixel Kicks, the Manchester-based full-service digital agency, has appointed one of the first apprentices from University Academy 92’s (UA92) brand-new Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship programme. The higher education institution, based in Old Trafford, started assessing applicants in November for intake alongside Pixel Kicks.

Kenan Marshall is now undertaking one day a week on-campus learning at UA92 and four days at Pixel Kicks where he is gaining degree level knowledge and skills and on the job practical experience. The apprenticeship will take up to two years to complete, at which point Kenan will have the chance of becoming Pixel Kick’s first full-time DevOps Engineer. 

The apprenticeship will cover a range of core elements including cloud server installation, configuration and optimisation; server analytics and reporting; website security and maintenance; website testing and content population using various different CMS platforms; liaising with clients; and helping to build internal tools to improve and automate processes. He will also help to support the agency’s underlying technology and infrastructure, including software and systems.

After graduating with a Human Geography degree from Leeds Beckett University, Kenan, 23, discovered a passion for tech, but found it hard to break into the industry so he decided to upskill by taking a Level 3 DevOps Apprenticeship course which funded by the UK Government. That gave him a fundamental understanding of DevOps methods, automating processes, cloud platforms and programming which made him eligible for the UA92 Level 4 DevOps Apprenticeship programme.

Commenting on his apprenticeship, Kenan said: “I am really excited to be part of the programme as it is providing me with a fantastic blend of learning and work experience. Having access to UA92’s Digital Academy facilities – including a VR/AR lab, a fully immersive 360-degree Igloo learning space, flex-tech classrooms and digital media suites – whilst simultaneously working on live client briefs at Pixel Kicks is amazing. I’m now laser focused on developing my skillset and making the most of every opportunity.”

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – added: “As a business we were delighted to partner with UA92 on the creation of this apprenticeship programme. It is a fantastic mix of onsite and industry-based learning that is perfectly instep with the tech ecosystem. It will also help to equip participants with the knowledge and skills that will help them flourish. Kenan is already adding value to the business and we are confident he will become an integral member of the Pixel Kicks team over the coming months.”

Sara Prowse – CEO of UA92 – said: “Preparing our students for employment is at the core of what we do at UA92, so the introduction of our digital apprenticeship programme is another exciting phase of development for us. We’re working extremely closely with our industry partners to deliver these degree-level courses to co-create the content, ensuring it’s modern, relevant and keeps pace with the ever changing and evolving tech landscape, ensuring that our students are well equipped for the world of work, now and in the future. 

“This is part of our ongoing strategic plan to ensure we are offering courses at the cutting edge of tech which upskill and plug the digital skills gap. Degree-level apprenticeships are a brilliant start to a career, equipping people with the right knowledge and skills while they develop in their roles. We’re delighted to be working with Pixel Kicks from the outset and look forward to welcoming our new cohort of apprenticeship students soon.”

UA92 expects to open up 40 digital apprenticeship opportunities over the current academic year, with further brands coming on board in 2023. As part of the course, students will be able to access the very latest technology and a tailored learning programme specifically built to the needs of the business they will work for. The facility is also planning to introduce a Master’s level AI apprenticeship course.

RiskSmart is Tech Nation Rising Stars Semi-Finalist

Olivia McHugh
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RiskSmart, the integrated risk management platform, has today revealed it is one of Tech Nation Rising Stars’ Semi-Finalists.

The Rising Stars Awards recognise the most exciting companies in the UK and offer them a place in the next programme’s cohort. There are 10 winners out of hundreds of applicants and the awards give companies the opportunity to showcase their company to investors, accelerators, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and the UK tech community.

Ryan Swann, Founder of RiskSmart, says, “The team at RiskSmart are – spoken like true Mancunians – buzzing to be Rising Stars semi-finalists. We are already a regional winner and we’ve seen the desire for better risk management nationwide. We’re honoured to have the North West’s backing in bringing our accessible, tech-led software to GRC teams across the country.

“Rising Stars has fostered a real sense of community in the UK’s tech scene and we can’t wait to see where it takes us and our fellow contestants next.”

The achievement follows a significant year of success for the start-up, which was recently recognised as one of Prolific North’s Top 25 Tech Companies to Watch in the North. Additionally, RiskSmart has been accepted onto the DiSH Accelerator Program and secured Pending B-Corp Status towards the end of last year.

Emma Bamford, Head of Customer Success at RiskSmart, comments, “We sat and watched each and every pitch from our fellow contestants, so believe me when I say this: we don’t take this recognition lightly.

“The tech talent emerging from the North West can’t be beaten – we’ve seen it ourselves, and we’re honoured that Tech Nation considers RiskSmart to be right up there with the best. Rising Stars has been a game-changer for our business. Roll on the Semi-Finals!”

For more information, visit: https://www.risksmart.com/

BWF CHAMPIONS ROLE OF APPRENTICESHIPS IN PROVIDING CAREER FOR LIFE

Olivia McHugh
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To champion this years’ National Apprenticeship Week theme of “Skills for Life”, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and its members are shining a spotlight on how woodworking and joinery focused apprenticeships provide an alternative route to university and offer a lifelong career. 

By sharing the experience and insights of its members, the BWF aims to encourage the next generation to consider a career in the woodworking and joinery sector. The experiences shared by apprentices highlighted how the technical, life and green skills they have obtained set them up for success in their careers.

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, said, “There is a misconception that an apprenticeship in woodworking and joinery is only about learning traditional skills. When in actual fact, while we’re really proud of and celebrate our sector’s heritage skills, the industry blends this with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the roles available in the sector are hugely varied – from skilled craftspeople and technical computer-aided design specialists to quantity surveyors and site managers.”

Former apprentices share what they learnt from their apprenticeship

Steven Hudson, Managing Director at H & S Joinery Ltd, started his career as an apprentice over 40 years ago and has since had the opportunity to work on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK. He said, “I learnt about timber, using hand tools and joining methods initially, as well as improving my numeracy and literary skills, before advancing to machinery use and building construction. I was fortunate to have excellent, committed lecturers and achieved Apprentice of the Year twice, as well as being a Skill Build UK finalist.”

To encourage the next generation into the sector, Steven has trained over fifty school leavers to give them the benefit of his knowledge and experience. 

Jason Sefton, Fire Safety Manager (Joinery) at TF Jones Property Services, shared how his apprenticeship led him on a journey from young site carpenter to competent site carpenter, supervisor, and all the way through into management. He chose to do an apprenticeship because he wanted to learn a skill which would allow him to grow and progress in the future and be put to good use in the building industry. 

He said: “Completing an apprenticeship can open doors around the world, particularly in joinery as this skill could be classed as a master skill which can be used on any building type. Not to mention the benefits from a financial perspective.”

Richard Kowalski, Technical Manager at Stairways Midlands Ltd, adds: “There are a huge number of opportunities available once you’ve completed an apprenticeship and you can progress into many different fields. You can stay on the tools, move into an office job, become a manager, start our own joinery business – the opportunities are endless.”

David Lewis, Site Joiner at William Holmes (Bala) Ltd, said “One of the key skills I have learnt while doing my apprenticeship is to listen to other joiners,” a skill which has helped him in his role since completing his apprenticeship.

Robert Shaw, Apprentice Bench Joiner at A R Manley, also found that completing an apprenticeship has given him valuable people and life skills. He said, “I have been able to use the knowledge I have learned in my apprenticeship to help other apprentices at college with difficulties they’ve faced – a woodworking apprenticeship helps you develop as a person.”

FOUR NEW HIRES AT FORBES SOLICITORS IN MANCHESTER

Olivia McHugh
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Lancashire-headquartered Forbes Solicitors has made four new hires at its Manchester office to expand its commercial litigation, property litigation and contentious probate services in the city. 

Partner Paul Magee, Associate Nicola Laurie, Trainee Solicitor Alexandra Adesina and Paralegal Harry Silverman each join Forbes Solicitors from Linder Myers Solicitors.

Paul specialises in commercial and property litigation, bringing over 30 years of experience to Forbes’ Commercial and Property Litigation team. He is able to advise on a range of contentious issues covering property (commercial and residential), partnerships and shareholdings, contracts, and leases. Paul has acted in many complex and high value cases including defective builds, lottery wins and insurance disputes, with his clients ranging from famous musicians, footballers and TV personalities to large corporate entities and SMEs.

Trainee Alexandra Adesina and Paralegal Harry Silverman will support the team in Manchester, which works closely with Forbes’ other specialisms including the employment law team and assists growing businesses across the city and nationally.

Nicola Laurie has joined the Contentious Trusts and Probate team in Manchester and is a qualified member of the Association of Contentious Probate Specialists. She has extensive experience acting for beneficiaries, executors, claimants, defendants, trustees and third parties involved in challenging the validity of a Will. 

The new starters follow a trio of hires earlier in 2022, when Partner Laura McHugh and Senior Associates Jo Handler and Richard Kay joined the employment law team in Forbes’ Manchester office. 

Managing Partner of Forbes Solicitors, Pauline Rigby, said: “Our Manchester office has gone from strength-to-strength, despite the economic challenges of the past few years. We’ve worked hard to grow our insurance and employment law teams in the city, and the four new hires continues this trend in our other teams and is a statement of intent for our ambitions in Manchester and the North West. 

“Unfortunately, it looks like a number of market factors will squeeze businesses and individuals in 2023. This will bring increased challenges and scrutiny for financial arrangements, both from a commercial and personal point of view, and expanding our capabilities in these areas will provide people across Manchester with greater access to expertise that helps protect their interests.”  

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