Business Manchester

Liverpool Solicitors Angelus Law Announces Expansion To Manchester With New City Centre Office

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08/02/2023

Liverpool-based solicitors Angelus Law has revealed that it will be expanding to Manchester in April 2023.

Taking a 4,500 sqft office space in Manchester City Centre, with the option to expand further, Angelus Law will increase its Manchester workforce to 100 employees in the next 12 months.

Angelus Law already has a 75 strong workforce in its Liverpool offices at 1 Tithebarn Street, situated right in the heart of Liverpool’s business district.

Currently providing services for Housing Disrepair, Historical Abuse, Financial Mis-selling, Bank Fraud, Mis-sold Business Energy Claims and Mercedes Emissions Claims, Angelus Law will also be expanding to offer further areas of law.

Angelus Law will offer additional services including High End PI, Recovery of Care Homes, Wills. Power of Attorney, Probate and Data Breach.

Tom Hardwick, of Angelus Law, said: “The team is delighted to be expanding into our neighbouring city of Manchester, where we can continue to grow our workforce as well as develop additional areas of law within Angelus.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes on this expansion to ensure that we’re fully prepared for our Q2 opening. The recruitment of a talented team of employees has been integral, as well as carefully selecting our office space which is in the heart of the city centre and will be a fantastic home for Angelus Law’s Manchester office.”

Alsico set to reveal workwear’s best kept secret with appointment of Refresh PR

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Manchester based PR and comms agency, Refresh, has been selected by Alsico to uncover the UK’s uniform requirements in 2023 and officially introduce its latest innovative new fabric. The partnership marks the beginning of a national campaign to highlight evolving user requirements, amplify brand awareness and support Alsico’s ambitious sector growth plans for 2023.

Alsico was founded in 1934 in Belgium and has since grown to become one of Europe’s largest workwear providers, responsible for despatching over 18 million garments a year. The brand’s UK operations were established in its Preston headquarters in 2007, implemented to welcome a new approach to workplace clothing for large sectors in the UK including laundry, healthcare and manufacturing – to name a few.

In recent years, having spotted a gap in the market for a fabric that is not only fit for purpose across all sectors but also comfortable, modern and with sustainability in mind. Alsico has designed and developed a new fabric which is primed to launch a number of collections this year, starting to offer sustainable innovation to the UK and beyond.

Refresh was selected to support the UK team with both their project to gain market insight into target sectors, and also the much-anticipated clothing launches, in addition to the wider growth strategy for the year, due to the agency’s specialist knowledge in e-commerce businesses and extensive industry connections.

Laura Mashiter, managing director at Refresh commented: “From our very first conversation with the team, we understood the care and attention that they have dedicated to workwear innovation, and we could feel the excitement within the business for the upcoming launches.

“Alsico is a great addition to our diverse and expanding client roster. We now look forward to collaborating on a nationwide research piece, and showcasing the incredible work conducted by the team to bring a transformative fabric to multiple industries this year.

“At Refresh, we have a highly experienced team who love helping brands to increase brand awareness and connect with the right people – and now we are preparing to uncover the best kept secret in workwear!”

Greg Houlston, general manager at Alsico, added: “We are really proud of our innovative workwear fabric and are excited to share it with industries across the globe. There are so many workers that will benefit from our latest innovation and we are delighted to be working with a fellow North-West business, Refresh, to kick off the 2023 campaign and support our wider growth plans for the year.

To find out more about Refresh, visit www.refreshpr.co.uk

Greater Manchester businesses urged not to forget their ‘original intentions’ and make the most of training in 2023

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Business In Greater Manchester are being urged to make the most of the support offered by Skills for Growth – SME Support so they can reach new heights in 2023.

The start of the year is a good time for businesses to invest in skills, training and the personal development of their team. As we approach February, Greater Manchester’s SMEs are being encouraged to check the status of their Original Intentions and aims made at the start of the year.

By checking their original intentions and looking at the training and support that can help them achieve them they can look to get as close as possible to achieving their aims and goals for the year ahead.

Skills for Growth – SME Support provides the fully funded training that can help to do this by developing a productive, engaged and motivated workforce. This is done by working with a dedicated skills coach to get tailored, individual support.

While businesses are facing a range of challenges, including rising costs, they are being urged to take advantage of all the training available to them, to help them to tackle these challenges, retain and develop talent, grow their business and also support colleagues to develop and achieve everything they can.

Janine Richardson, Programme Manager, Skills for Growth – SME Support, said: “As we start another year, it’s always a great time to look at skills, training and personal development of teams.

“That’s why we’re urging businesses to ‘not forget their original intentions’. By looking at why they went in to business in the first place and what they want to achieve, businesses can have great results for the year ahead.

“Skills for Growth – SME Support helps businesses to identify training that will increase productivity, grow their talent pool and help in the challenge of retaining staff and reducing turnover.

“Both the support we deliver and often the training recommendations and solutions we present to businesses are fully funded, giving businesses access to thousands of pounds of support at no cost. This is resulting in businesses benefiting for upskilled staff, more effective and dynamic leaders and managers that can ultimately drive productivity and profit.

“Anyone interested in training should get in touch with Skills for Growth – SME Support and our Skills Coaches can help you discover what training could benefit you most.”

Mandy Clark, is one of the expert Skills Coaches helping businesses across Greater Manchester and is urging businesses to make the most of the support available.

She works with SMEs to identify what training programmes meet their needs, find solutions to challenges they may be facing and use her expertise to match them to appropriate training and support that can help.

Janine Richardson 1 1 — Janine Richardson.

Mandy Clark, Skills Coach at Skills for Growth – SME Support, said: “Skills for Growth – SME Support is an incredible opportunity for businesses to show their staff that they value them and then upskill them.

“It provides a lot of benefits, including increased productivity and that feeling of being valued means they want to stay with the business.

“We know right now there are lots of jobs out there but not many people looking for jobs so this is a great chance to help develop your business and your staff.

“We do hear from some businesses that they don’t have the time to release staff for training but we make it as easy as possible and there are massive benefits. The overarching feedback from Greater Manchester SMEs is that working with us gives them opportunities they have not had in the past.”

Skills for Growth – SME Support works with a range of expert partners to ensure that businesses are getting the very best training. More fully funded training available in their website GM Skills Map | Skills for Growth – SME Support (skillsforgrowthsme.co.uk).

Tom Laws, works for Serco on the digital careers upskill programme. He supports Skills for Growth – SME Support by offering businesses digital support and increasing digital confidence amongst people employed in Greater Manchester.

Tom Laws, partnerships coordinator at Serco, said: “It has been fantastic working with Skills for Growth – SME Support. They have a clear mission by knowing what they are trying to do and the areas they should support and put the resource into it.

“Skills for Growth – SME Support makes it so that businesses don’t have to work as hard to find what areas they want to get better in and then make delivering the courses as easy as possible.

“By identifying what is beneficial to individuals the business then gets the most out of it and then the employees are getting more confident and more confident people do better work.

“From a business point of view, their staff are getting better and that can only be beneficial to the businesses. Most businesses realise the reciprocal benefits of helping their staff to do training like with Skills for Growth – SME Support is helping them to be as profitable as possible.”

Businesses interest in working with Skills for Growth can get in touch by going to Contact Us | Skills for Growth – SME Support (skillsforgrowthsme.co.uk)

The Stock Market Grill launches at Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Opening 1^st March 2023

Discover baroque splendour at Manchester’s newest dining spot

The restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel, the luxury destination in Manchester’s city centre, opens later this month as Stock Market Grill — under the supervision of esteemed sibling team Joe and Daniel Schofield. They are joined by James Brandwood, wine expert and 20-year hospitality industry veteran. This much-lauded trio have already had proven success with venues such as SCHOFIELD’S BAR, ATOMECA and STERLING.

Set in the Edwardian baroque splendour of this listed building, once the city’s financial hub, the Stock Market Grill will be at the heart of the Stock Exchange Hotel, a luxurious, warm, inviting place to unwind and entertain.

Named among the World’s Best New Luxury Hotels in 2019 by Luxury Travel Intelligence and Leading Hotel of the Year at the This is MCR Awards, 2022, Stock Exchange Hotel features forty rooms, suites and a fully serviced residence, private spaces and a subterranean bar, STERLING — serving cocktails, rare wines and live music, all overseen by the Schofield and Brandwood team. Stock Market Grill joins this roster in the spectacular setting of what was the trading floor, nestled under its ornate domed ceiling.

With head chef Joshua Reed-Cooper in charge (previously at The French with Simon Rogan, with Sam Buckley at Where the Light Gets In and at Michelin-starred Mana), Stock Market Grill will offer an all-day menu replete with elevated “British Brasserie” classics using the highest-quality local ingredients.

Serving traditional favourites, exceptionally executed by Reed-Cooper, the launch menu includes:

Oysters with Mignonette

Westcombe Cheddar & Smoked Anchovy Straws

Chicken Liver Parfait with Sauternes Jelly & Sourdough Toast

Mussel Cullen Skink

Wild Mushrooms with Confit Yolk & Spelt

Rabbit Suet Pudding with Mustard Cream

Tranche of Brill with Borderlaise & Grilled Onion

Mangalitsa Pork Chop with Yorkshire Rhubarb Ketchup

Ex-dairy Rib Eye with Brown Butter Jus & Lemon

Blood Orange Tart with Clotted Cream

Whiskey Baba with Vanilla Chantilly

“We aim to create one of the best restaurants in the North of England, right here at the Stock Exchange Hotel… To create an experience to remember, highlighting the stunning architecture of the dining room and the food on the plate.” says Joe Schofield.

“I’m really excited,” adds Gary Neville, owner of the Stock Exchange Hotel, “to be working with Joe, Daniel and James again on the launch of Stock Market Grill. I know they will bring another world-class brand to the Stock Exchange Hotel and to our city.”

The Stock Market Grill will open on 1^st March 2023.

Bookings can be made via: https://stockexchangehotel.co.uk/dining/ or https://stockexchangehotel.co.uk/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/stockexhotel/ https://www.instagram.com/stockmarketgrillmcr/

Opening times:

Mon – Closed

Tues – Closed

Weds – 5pm to 9.30pm

Thurs – 5pm to 9.30pm

Fri – 12pm to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Sat – 12pm to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Sun – 12pm to 7pm

Shared ownership model is adopted by Slater Heelis to give staff a financial stake

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Manchester-based full-service law firm Slater Heelis has launched an employee benefits initiative that will offer staff the opportunity to acquire shares in the business for the first time.

The Share Incentive Plan will democratise ownership structures within the firm and encourage greater accountability, offering additional financial support to employees in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

A Share Incentive Plan is a vehicle approved by HMRC that promotes partial ownership for employees, enabling them to obtain shares in their employer company in a tax efficient way.

Through their scheme, Slater Heelis’ 200+ employees are set to financially benefit from the firm’s future success. All employees who have worked continuously at Slater Heelis for six months will receive free shares in the firm, with the additional opportunity to purchase partnership shares – with each purchased share being matched by the firm.

Chris Bishop, Managing Partner of Slater Heelis, says:

“Slater Heelis prides itself on an ethos of togetherness, so moving to a shared ownership model that enables employees to share in the company’s success seemed only a natural continuation of this. The firm is celebrating its 250^th anniversary this year, so it’s the perfect time to honour and build on that legacy in a way that gives greater agency to the beating heart of our company: our people.”

Partner Simon Wallwork, assisted by Sophie Fleetwood and the Slater Heelis Management team, led the project. Simon adds:

“We recognise that our people are our greatest asset, and our hope is that this move will not only serve to empower and motivate existing employees, but also attract fresh talent ranging in seniority.

“Ultimately, this next chapter for Slater Heelis is one we’re all part of – an apt celebration of the hard work and talent of the incredible employees who make us the leading law firm that we are.”

James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) adds:

“We congratulate Slater Heelis on introducing this employee benefits scheme. Giving employees a stake builds trust and shared responsibility that unites leaders and employees behind a common purpose”.

Andrew Baker, partner and regional professional services lead at RSM UK, says:

“It’s been great to work alongside Slater Heelis on the implementation of its Share Incentive Plan. Following the innovative move to incorporate its traditional Limited Liability Partner structure that many professional services firms adopt, and having worked with us to understand the benefits, establishing the SIP was the natural next step.

“Slater Heelis was keen to align its wider ownership structure with its approach to employee engagement and recognises that giving employees an equity stake can be hugely beneficial. The SIP allows the company to achieve this objective, whilst obtaining some welcome tax advantages for its employees. We believe that this will act as a positive differentiator for Slater Heelis as it embarks on the next chapter.”

Savings are reduced, cost of living help is boosted, and key services are invested in in revised budget proposals

Finance

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Manchester City Council’s Executive will consider revised budget proposals when it meets on Wednesday 15th February 2023.

The Council’s immediate financial position for 2023/24 and 2024/25 has strengthened relative to forecasts due to a somewhat better than feared funding settlement from the Government and changes to Council Tax rules which mean we are expected to raise more funding than was previously anticipated.

However, while the revised finance settlement gives some breathing space it also pushes the risk back to 2025/26 after which steep funding cuts and a greater budget shortfall – requiring more difficult decisions around savings – are looming.

Revised and reduced savings proposals

So while the Council has been able to limit some proposed savings in the immediate term, it is also planning ahead to ensure services are on the most solid footing to cope with challenges from 2025/26 onwards.

The Council has been able to review proposed savings and bring forward £6.1m fewer than had originally been envisaged – £36.2m over three years rather than £42.3m – to balance the budget. £15.3m of those savings will be realised in 2023/24.

Examples of options that will NOT now be brought forward include temporarily reducing roadside gully cleaning, reducing the opening hours of Manchester Art Gallery by a day a week, charging for replacement recycling bins and a 10% increase in bereavement services fees and charges.

The eased position in the short term also enables the Council to make targeted investments to support those who are most in need and to invest in putting key services in a more sustainable position for challenges ahead.

Council Tax

The Government’s funding settlement calculations assume that local authorities, such as Manchester City Council, which have social care responsibilities will increase Council Tax by the maximum amount now allowed without the requirement for a local referendum – 4.99%, consisting of a 2.99% general precept increase plus a 2% precept towards adult social care costs. This is 2% more than originally proposed but the extra funding raised, around £4m, would be directed at helping those who need it most. For this reason, and to ensure that Council resources are in the best position to cope with future pressures, it is being proposed to take the combined 4.99% increase.

Cost of Living Crisis support

The budget already included £3.5m investment in targeted support for the most vulnerable residents and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to boost their work helping Manchester people who are struggling during the cost of living crisis.

Now an extra £2m of investment is being proposed on top of that to provide extra targeted support, especially for those suffering hardship.

Under the proposals there would be further funding to voluntary and community groups providing community hubs, good neighbours group and other support across the city.

There would also be new support, in addition to existing welfare provision schemes, to help anyone struggling with outstanding Council Tax debts. This is in addition to the Council Tax Support scheme which gives tens of thousands of the lowest paid Manchester people assistance with their bills.

The extra funding through the adult social care precept will be used to increase support for the social care sector, also helping relieve some of the well-documented pressures on the NHS.

Extra investment in services

The proposed budget includes a £4m increase in the homelessness service budget to help manage pressures and give breathing space for savings from increased prevention and reduced use of temporary accommodation to be realised and £3.3m investment in children’s services to invest in prevention and help with higher placement costs.

An extra £1.5m funding for cleaning and managing the city and a £700,000 fund for small but urgent improvements around the city, for example fixing broken swings or replacing litter bins, are also proposed.

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “This is a proposed budget which puts Manchester people at its heart and is about both protecting them from the worst impacts of the cost of living crisis now but also taking a long term view which helps the city and its residents to thrive.

“It bears repeating that Manchester has been one of the places hardest hit by more than a decade of austerity and that since 2010 we have had to make more than £428m of savings to cope with Government funding cuts and unfunded pressures such as inflation and population growth.

“Despite this, we are continuing to move forwards as a cleaner, greener, more liveable and fairer city. We have bold ambitions but we don’t forget the importance of getting the basics right and working with our communities to ensure they can share in the city’s success.”

Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Finance, said: “We recognise that times are hard for many people. The Government are effectively forcing us to increase our share of Council Tax by 4.99% by moving the goalposts on Council Tax but we are determined to ensure that we produce a budget which gives a helping hand to those who need it the most while continuing to invest in the future of the city and sustaining the services which everybody relies on.”

Next steps

A consultation on the proposed Council Tax increase is open until Tuesday 7 February at www.manchester.gov.uk/budget and its provisional results will be reported to and considered by the Executive with further consideration of final results at Budget Scrutiny on 27 February.

The final budget will be agreed at full council on Friday 3 March 2023.

Construction Apprentice Ethan Olubodun has turned his passion for the video game Minecraft into creating beautiful new homes for older people in Greater Manchester

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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Ethan Olubodun – Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship

Regular games of Minecraft as a youngster sparked an interest in architecture and construction for Ethan Olubodun, aged 20, from Chester, which has now turned into a varied and rewarding career path through an apprenticeship with the UK’s leading manager and developer of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone.

Ethan is currently based at the construction site of McCarthy Stone’s exciting new state-of-the-art Retirement Living complex in Bramhall which will compromise of 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments, complete with landscaped gardens, guest suite and with easy access to Bramhall village centre and all its amenities.

Ethan first played Minecraft aged 7. He comments:

“Minecraft is set in a virtual world, and involves resource gathering, crafting items and building across different environments and terrains. I loved playing it when I was younger so it’s perhaps no surprise that I chose construction as a career.”

As a school leaver, Ethan was unsure about the different roles available to him in the field of construction and had originally looked into Town Planning. A planned work experience placement during sixth form with a local firm of architects was thwarted by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Ethan never lost his passion for the sector.

When the time came to choose a learning path after A-levels, he faced a choice between going to university and a more hands-on work environment offered by an apprenticeship.

“Ultimately, I chose an apprenticeship over university as I believed it would set me up better in terms of my career. Studying while working has allowed me to create connections throughout the industry while having the satisfaction of earning a wage for my work at the same time.

“I am more of a physical learner, so completing tasks in a specific job role gives me a better understanding, rather than listening to a university lecturer explaining. The apprenticeship has helped me use what I have learnt and made it applicable to the daily tasks I complete within the team. I can understand how we do things and why we do them which I think is really important.”.

Now 20 and in the second year of his Level 4 Quantity Surveying apprenticeship, Ethan has very specific reasons why he chose to pursue this route with McCarthy Stone.

“I really like and respect what the company provides to the retirement community. My Grandma lived in a similar community to that offered by McCarthy Stone and I saw first-hand how beneficial it was to her, so being able to do an apprenticeship that helps people like my Grandma move to somewhere better suited to their needs, and where they can benefit from the community and peace of mind it brings, was really special to me.”

Ethan accepts he has had to forego some aspects of the university lifestyle enjoyed by many of his peers, but has no regrets: “I work all week in a professional environment, then at weekends, I’m able to travel to the different cities where my friends are at university and spend time with them there. No two weekends are ever the same.”

Travel is a constant theme for Ethan. Often, he can be based in Altrincham, but also travels to York as part of the job, and to McCarthy Stone’s Head Office in Bournemouth. He has had the opportunity to visit many different sites across the North of England during his rotation with the Land team, the Development and the Commercial teams, where McCarthy Stone is building specialist housing designed with community and ease of maintenance in mind, in areas including Bramhall, Macclesfield and Standish.

Ethan’s advice for those seeking an apprenticeship path is simple: “It is very competitive to get into, so if you manage to be accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme, take it with open arms and an open mind.”

Once complete, Queens View, the brand-new McCarthy Stone development in Bramhall that Ethan is working on, will provide everything the over 60s could want for an enjoyable and independent retirement. Homeowners will feel safe and secure with a House Manager on hand to take care of the day-to-day running of the development, while a 24-hour emergency call system will provide added peace-of-mind. There will also be a large communal lounge perfect for getting to know your new neighbours.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation. McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year we have taken part in the survey.

McCarthy Stone boasts over forty years’ experience in creating award-winning premium properties that are thoughtfully designed to assist retirees as they grow older. A McCarthy Stone apartment offers more than a stylish home to feel proud of. It gives retirees access to a vibrant, community of neighbours and friends. Homeowners can get as much support as they want, from a little to a lot. Plus, all its properties are carefully located within easy access to amenities, like shops, restaurants and sport facilities.

For more information about retirement living in the North West, please visit McCarthy Stone.

According to Deloitte Crane Survey, Manchester’s cultural sector leads sustainable construction boom in 2022

Olivia McHugh

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08/02/2023

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● 381,000 sq ft of new leisure and retail space commenced construction in 2022, alongside record delivery of over 1,500 new hotel rooms

● 702,000 sq ft of office space completed, with construction levels above 15-year average

● 2,724 new homes delivered, the first decline in seven years

● Education construction remained strong with 263,000 sq ft delivered in 2022

Manchester and Salford’s development market continued to show strong growth, with 25 new projects starting construction in 2022 and 57 schemes under construction. Notably, the city’s cultural sector saw the greatest transformation amidst sustained expansion, whilst office construction remained resilient, according to Deloitte’s annual Manchester Crane Survey.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Manchester Crane Survey monitors construction activity across a range of sectors including offices, residential, hotels, retail and education, and is seen as a barometer of developer sentiment and future supply.

Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality

Selected as Best In Travel 2023 by Lonely Planet and the only UK destination to appear in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2023, Manchester’s leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors continued to thrive in 2022. With 381,000 sq ft of leisure and retail space currently under construction, developments including Factory and Co-op Live Arena will only further strengthen the city’s existing cultural offerings of sport, entertainment and live music.

With increasing numbers of tourists visiting Manchester, as well as eased travel restrictions taking effect, Manchester’s hotel market boomed in 2022 with 1,504 rooms delivered, nearly matching the previous three years combined (1,594). Notable tourist attractions delivered in 2022 included the opening of the Mayfield park – the first new park in the city centre in over 100 years. The park has delivered 2.6 hectares of green space to the city centre, including 142 new trees and almost 300,000 plants, supporting targets set out by the Manchester Climate Change Agency of achieving Net Zero by 2038.

Joanne Roney, chief executive officer of Manchester City Council, said: “As a city, we’re incredibly proud of our strong cultural ties, providing a diverse and vibrant destination for people from around the world. The last few years have only worked to solidify this, with work underway on major cultural attractions including Factory International, Co-op Live and the completion of the Mayfield park ensuring Manchester remains one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for tourists and residents alike.”

Commercial Offices

The end of 2022 saw a total of six office developments complete across Manchester and Salford, delivering 702,000 sq ft of new floor space. Notably, Enterprise City provided 402,900 sq ft of office space in the St. John’s area, with tenants such as global media giant WPP and Booking.com representing Manchester’s continued global competitiveness.

With hybrid work patterns driving demand for high quality office spaces that prioritise the employee experience, the pipeline for commercial office space also remains strong. A total of six office developments remained under construction, set to deliver 1.7m sq ft of office floor space, sitting above the 15-year average of 1.1m sq ft.

John Cooper, partner at Deloitte, said: “New builds still dominate the market, making up 89% of office space currently under construction and new schemes are increasingly pushing the boundaries in terms of environmental credentials as they look to future proof against market trends and what is a rapidly evolving area of the office market. Refurbishments currently make up 11% as owners look to minimise embodied carbon and future proof their estates.

“With many companies now choosing hybrid working models, it’s encouraging to see such a strong pipeline of office space development driven by a desire for more flexible office space utillisation, enhanced environmental credentials and overall quality of employee experience. In addition, as new EPC minimum requirements hit commercial offices in 2025 and again in 2027 as well as 2030, the ESG credentials of existing office spaces is likely to only further increase, particularly as owners are compelled to retrofit and decarbonise their existing estate.”

Residential

Despite 2022 seeing a slight fall in completions of residential developments, the market still remained buoyant. By the end of 2022 2,734 homes were delivered to market, marking the first decrease in seven years. However, the pipeline of new homes remained strong, with 11,759 homes in the pipeline ensuring a steady flow of homes being delivered over the next three years based on anticipated completion dates.

Salford City Centre has remained the leading area for residential development, with 13,578 homes completed since 2014. In Manchester City Centre, Great Jackson Street has helped to deliver 2,632 homes since 2014, notably with the Deansgate Towers development catalysing the regeneration of the area and becoming a focal point in the city’s skyline. Ancoats and New Islington has also helped to deliver 2,760 new homes.

Cooper added: “An increase in city centre living means people’s commutes are shorter and they have access to more sustainable modes of transport. It’s helping to facilitate a more sustainable way of living and driving a reduction of CO2 emissions per capita across Manchester. Residential hubs also supporting businesses in the area through additional footfall, ultimately driving growth in the local economy.

“As we continue to see new residential developments across Manchester, what’s clear is the need to design neighbourhoods in a manner that ensures they can successfully co-exist with leisure and cultural activities that sit at the heart of Manchester’s identity and are important hubs for the city’s economy.”

Education

Throughout 2022, Manchester remained at the forefront of providing world-leading higher education facilities, delivering 263,000 sq ft of floor space, with a further 306,000 sq ft to be delivered in 2023.

Manchester Metropolitan University’s new School of Digital Arts (SODA) provided state of the art facilities to aid the development of Manchester’s rapidly growing tech and creative sectors. The facilities delivered in 2022 also helped to solidify the Oxford Road corridor as a world leading research hub, working to both attract and retain talent in the region.

The higher than anticipated intake of students across universities in Manchester in 2022 demonstrated the ongoing popularity of the city as a place to study. In order to address this increasing demand and ensure continued competitiveness, with students returning to campus for the 2022/23 academic year, the universities are currently reviewing their requirements and working with the city council to assess the appropriateness of existing planning policy and review the pipeline of potential PBSA development sites.

When looking ahead to the next few years of development in Manchester, Cooper said: “As in previous years, Manchester is showing positive levels of development as we head further in 2023. Despite economic headwinds there is much to be excited about, with a strong development pipeline promising key investments in green economic growth and enhanced resilience.

“With sustainability sitting at the heart of Manchester’s strategy, transport will be a particular focus. As the city council aims to reduce car-based trips into the city, continued investment into cycling infrastructure, enhanced walking and cycling routes and the ongoing process of removing cars from the city centre will all be priorities. Other, larger scale projects will help to further consolidate this, including planned expansions to the Metrolink and expanding Greater Manchester’s greener modes of transport.”

Preston Pets At Home employee nominated for Community Hero Award

Olivia McHugh

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07/02/2023

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Amy Angus, a Preston-local, at Pets At Home (Charity Manager for the company) has just been shortlisted for a ‘Community Hero award’ at the prestigious Retail Week Awards 2023, the benchmark of excellence in the sector!

Amy is one of only a handful of individuals from across the UK to have been shortlisted for the Community Hero award which celebrates the vital and unique role that retail plays in local communities. On the back of the pandemic, and at a time when shoppers and their communities are affected more than ever by the cost of living crisis, this award applauds individuals or teams who have gone above and beyond their day job to help others. The judges will be observing nominations that demonstrate the positive impact retailers can have on people’s lives on a local level and that shine a light on the true brand ambassadors in their business. 2023 judges include Mike Coupe, Executive Chair at New Look, Oak Furniture Land, Simon Roberts, CEO at Sainsbury’s, Jo Jenkins, CEO at White Stuff and more.

In terms of Amy’s background and reasons as to why she stands out & testimonials:

Amy joined Pets at Home Preston store 10 years ago, and has been Community and Charity Manager for the last four years. She always goes above and beyond to support pets and the people who love them and never stops searching for new ways we can help. Amy has been nominated for this award as she continually puts the community at the heart of decision-making and works so hard to make a positive difference to pets and the people who love them.

Amy also manages the colleague hardship fund, supporting colleagues who need it most. She has ensured the process for colleagues is streamlined, so support can be given effectively. Over 400 colleagues have received funding totalling over £600,000.

However, over and above her remit, Amy strives to support those who need it most, for example:

-When the crisis in Ukraine unfolded, she immediately took action to see how the business could help. Within weeks, Amy launched an online fundraiser which raised over £100,000 within 4 weeks, which was supported by an additional £100k pledge from the business. This has been the biggest UK fundraising campaign targeting pets impacted by the war. Amy then worked alongside experts and organisations on a daily and weekly basis to ensure the funds were awarded where and when it was needed most. Amy held check ins with the organisations to ensure the support was reviewed and the impact shared with our customers and colleagues.

-In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Amy was passionate about supporting people within communities who were facing the difficult decision over whether they could afford to feed their pets. In response to this need, Amy developed and led the business’ response launching the first UK nationwide trial of pet food banks to help keep more pets and people together in loving homes.

Outside of work Amy also goes out of her way to support her local community:

-Amy is the section leader for her local Cubs group, supporting 20 children on a weekly basis with engaging and educational child-led programmes.

-Chair of the local school fundraising group, raising over £5,000 in the last 5 months.

– Safeguarding Governor for the local school.

Amy’s kindness for those in need shines through, supporting people and communities inside and outside of work, it is part of her DNA. She is a true brand ambassador for the business putting her energy and passion into helping pets and people who love them in local communities.”

Funds raised

-Over £5 million raised within the last 12 months

-Over £100,000 raised and £100,000 pledged to support the Ukraine crisis

Impact

-Over £3.5 million donated through grants funding supporting 86 organisations

-1,100 pallets of food distributed to pets in need

-Over 9,500 hours donated through community days

-Record-breaking fundraising events including £2.2 million raised in the Santa Paws appeal.

-Driving 342 local community relationships between stores and charities

-Supporting over 400 colleagues through times of hardship

-Launching pet food bank initiative across the UK

Testimonials

Kelly Grellier, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Cross:

“Every conversation we have had over the past year or so you demonstrate your core motivation for both pets and their people. But you don’t just talk about it you take action. From a comment during a meeting on Ukraine, where I mentioned we were working on a national food bank solution, you were positive from the outset and saw the potential to work together to have a greater impact and ensure pets did not go hungry.

“Your focus is always centred on ensuring that what we do will definitely make the biggest difference for pets and people. At the risk of embarrassing you, I love the things that make you tear up, seeing the pet loss room in our Grimsby hospital and how it was set up to be a tranquil space – because you know what that will mean to owners and knowing the precise number of pets that have not gone hungry because of the pet food banks, picturing their happy wagging tails!

“I really hope you win this award, you work tirelessly to help as many people and their pets as possible nationwide and you never give up because a problem is knotty, you keep going with the end impact in mind.”

Robert Kent, Chief Data Officer, Pets at Home:

“Amy is the driving force behind all of our charitable initiatives and has had another fantastic year as Charity and Community Manager at Pets at Home. A few of the highlights from the year include the successful launch our new company volunteering programme “Our Better World Pledge” days; an amazing fundraising campaign focussing on helping pets in need in Ukraine raising over £100k, and our most successful “Santa Paws” fundraiser to date that enables the Foundation to continue to be the biggest grant giver to rescues across the UK and award grants to small and large rescues and other pet charities across the UK”

Amy is now getting ready to attend the Retail Week Awards ceremony in London on 30 March which will celebrate the standout achievements of the retail workforce over the last year.

STAGECOACH OPERATIONS MANAGER PRAISED FOR HEROIC ACTIONS, AS BRAVERY HELPED TO SAVE MAN FROM VIOLENT ATTACK

Olivia McHugh

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07/02/2023

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Stagecoach Manchester Operations Manager Zachary McAskill has been praised for heroic actions whilst on the job and honoured with a Star of the Month award.

Zachary has been recognised for his bravery when responding to a situation outside of Stagecoach Manchester’s Hyde Road depot, which saw him intervene when five men attacked one man, with one of the attackers visibly carrying a knife.

Zachary was able to diffuse the situation which meant the victim was free to board a bus that was waiting at the bus stop.

Zachary’s bravery and calm demeanour allowed the victim to escape a potentially deadly situation and head to safety.

As part of Stagecoach Manchester’s monthly staff recognition programme, an employee from each depot is commended for their efforts, from exceptional customer service to looking after their local communities, with one member of staff chosen to receive the company’s Star of the Month.

When asked about his courageous actions, Zachary said: “I’m just glad that I was there to help the man who was in danger. That situation could have easily escalated and ended with a loss of life.”

Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, also commented: “Stagecoach strives to serve its community, but the action taken by Zachary when faced with this terrifying situation was truly outstanding. His bravery helped a person escape from danger and he should be very proud of himself, just as we are of him.

“Zachary is truly deserving of this month’s Star of the Month award, and we’re proud to have him on our team.”