Business Manchester

Our Manchester Grants Programme for Voluntary and Community sector recipients revealed

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07/02/2023

The recipients of Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Grants Programme for the Voluntary and Community Sector (OMVCS) have been revealed.

The OMVCS is the Council’s biggest grant scheme for the voluntary and community sector. The programme invests into Manchester’s thriving and diverse voluntary and community sector – helping organisations provide the best support they can for residents.

The OMVCS grants are part of Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Strategy that aims to make Manchester a top flight city by 2025.

This year, the Council has increased its investment into the sector from £2.4 million to £3.4 million per year in this programme, despite the significant financial challenges faced.

The grants are for multiple financial years, and this helps organisations to plan and invest for the medium term.

Recipients of the grant are from all over the city and provide a wide range of services, such as support for communities, supporting health and well being, and residents experiencing poverty.

Subject to due diligence, 60 organisations from wards across the city were selected to be awarded grants of up to £100k per year following a rigorous assessment panel process.

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:

“The voluntary and community sector is the backbone of our city, supporting residents from a diverse range of communities in many different ways and making Manchester a great place to live. Investingin and supporting these organisations is a key priority for Manchester City Council and it allows us to create more inclusive, resilient and healthier neighbourhoods.

“The last few years have been very difficult for many voluntary and community organisations. The pandemic and cost of living crisis have brought many challenges and increased demand for services. This funding programme helps to build resilience in the voluntary and community sector and allows us to support our residents and organisations through the next few years.

“I’d like to thank all the groups who applied and took part in this process. It has shown what a brilliant sector we have in the city and I look forward to seeing the wide range of projects that will be funded through this come to life.”

Over half of the North West’s tech businesses are confident about the year ahead

Olivia McHugh

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07/02/2023

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It is encouraging to see that more than half (53%) of tech and digital businesses in the North West do not anticipate any impact on staffing or turnover this year.

The Digital Skills Audit, released recently, also found that 78% of tech and digital businesses in the North West have expanded in terms of revenue growth in the past 12 months, and 72% have increased their staffing levels. The report found that 19% of businesses remained the same for revenue growth and staffing levels in the last 12 months, with only 4% seeing lower revenue and 9% reducing staffing levels.

Digital Skills Festival Manchester Digital Conf Day 2022 — Digital Skills Festival

Sentiment from the North West tech sector is broadly positive for 2023. This week sees the Digital Skills Festival’s Talent Day (Wednesday, February 8) event with 40 leading tech businesses offering around 300 jobs to graduates, students and career changers, and Tech and Digital Minister Paul Scully attending a tech business Round Table.

The annual Digital Skills Audit is collated by not-for-profit trade body Manchester Digital as part of the annual Digital Skills Festival (February 6-10). The in-depth report covers business confidence, working trends, tech skills and recruitment, diversity and inclusion. The data is collected from a cross-section of selected tech and digital businesses and individuals from across the North West.

In terms of future growth, 71% of tech and digital businesses in the North West say that IT developers will be the most important job role for their growth over the next three years. However, 49% of businesses said that a lack of the right skills and experience in candidates is their biggest productivity challenge.

63% of tech and digital businesses in the North West are taking action to help employees with the cost of living crisis, with this figure rising to 93% of businesses with more than 250 employees.

In last year’s audit, businesses said that 44% of their employees were working in a hybrid manner; in 2023, this figure has risen to 78%. This shows that hybrid working is now firmly embedded within tech and digital businesses and shows no signs of changing back to mainly in-office working.

Manchester Digital MD Katie Gallagher said: “The North West tech and digital sector is extremely resilient, with the data pointing to a broadly positive year, despite the current economic gloom. The diversity of our tech industry gives our region added resilience, with strengths across many sectors, including artificial intelligence; environmental and green technology; ecommerce and fintech.”

“Tech and digital businesses by their very nature are adaptable and flexible. Post-pandemic we have certainly seen a change in how tech businesses operate, with hybrid working firmly here to stay.”

Alison Ross, Manchester Digital chair and operations and culture director at Auto Trader UK, said: “There are positive signs that the North West tech and digital sector will remain strong this year. Developer, DevOps and Business Analyst skill sets are still hugely in demand and businesses predict that these skills are key to growth and productivity for the tech sector.

“Developing the early talent pathway for technical skills remains one of our key focuses within Manchester Digital, especially growing our Manchester Digital Academy apprenticeship programmes.

“It’s amazing to see the tech industry come together for the annual Digital Skills Festival to showcase their career pathways, apprenticeship programmes and bring together tech leaders to continue to work together.”

Manchester Digital is an independent trade body for the tech and digital sector in the North West, and runs a number of programmes to support the region’s strong industry. These include their Level 4 apprenticeship programme, the Digital Her programme which supports and encourages women to consider a career in tech, as well as regular events and conferences for its members.

The Digital Skills Audit is used by both regional and central government to assess the current state of the North West tech and digital industry, looking particularly at what tech skills are most needed and most difficult to find, as well as data around diversity and inclusion.

MD Katie Gallagher is also the chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group, which brings together the UK’s regional tech industries to share best practice, and sits on the Government’s Digital Skills Council.

Katie Gallagher MD Manchester Digital copy — MD Katie Gallagher

Manchester’s Digital Entertainment Industry Growth: Economic Impact and Future Prospects

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News Desk

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06/02/2023

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Online casinos have had a significant impact both on Manchester and the UK as a whole. According to the UK Gambling Commission, the total gross gambling yield of online casinos in the UK was £3.9 billion in 2022. The online gambling industry has grown over the past few years, with the number of people now choosing to gamble online increasing. Online gambling can have both positive and negative effects on the economy, and as this sector grows, the effects will become more apparent.

Like their land-based counterparts, online casinos allow people to play games for real money, potentially winning cash if they’re lucky enough. Users can make the most of bonuses such as casino free spins no deposit offers when they sign up to play games. Since online casinos were first introduced in the 1990s, they’ve become one of the most popular ways to gamble, soon overtaking traditional casinos and sports betting. These sites must be licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which ensures they’re safe while also paying the correct amount of taxes.

How Online Casinos Impact the Economy

Online casinos have a number of effects on the economy, including both positive and negative effects. In the UK, players spend a lot of money at online casinos, with £3.9 billion spent in 2022. The majority of this was on online slots. This figure seems to increase each year, with more people than ever now getting into online gambling.

The online casino industry does generate a lot of employment opportunities, however. With online gambling becoming more popular, there’s a growing demand for professionals in all kinds of different roles. Software development, customer service and marketing are all industries that have benefitted from the growing online gambling market.

In addition to this, the UK is one of the leading regulatory jurisdictions for online gambling. A growing number of casino operators are launching in the UK under this regulatory framework, bringing increased tax revenue as well as more competition and better service for players.

However, online gambling can have a negative impact on society too. Players can form gambling habits if they’re not careful, and this can lead to financial difficulties as well as create a burden on society. In the UK, all online casinos must provide responsible gambling tools for players to use, allowing them to set deposit limits or close their accounts if they need a break.

The Future of Online Casinos in the UK

The online casino industry is expected to continue to grow in the UK, with more players joining online casinos and the revenue of these sites increasing. The main drivers for growth are changing attitudes towards digital entertainment as well as the increasing development of technology. The application of mobile technology by online gambling sites has been a major factor in the continued growth of the industry.

In addition to the continued development of new technology, which has helped to create a more fun way to play online, UK regulations are also expected to attract new operators. Although the market is relatively saturated, the well-established gambling industry in the UK is very attractive to international casino operators.

However, the UK online casino industry will need to adapt to new challenges if it wants to continue growing. The main challenge that needs to be addressed is how online casinos can safeguard players and encourage responsible gambling. Currently, more is being done to provide responsible gambling tools, but some critics say that gambling companies should do more to protect players and prevent problem gambling through improved age restriction controls, lower deposit limits and other measures.

SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT SHINE ON YOUR NORTH WEST UNSUNG TEACHING HERO!

Olivia McHugh

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06/02/2023

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UK charity, The Teaching Awards Trust, is wanting the local community to
nominate school staff in the North West for a highly regarded national teaching award,
televised by BBC One’s The One Show.

With the 2023 Awards now open for entry, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness of those
unsung teaching heroes in the North West and surprise them live on TV. Entries will
be judged by a panel including The One Show host, Alex Jones.

The Unsung Hero award spotlights everyday heroes working in establishments
providing full-time education to children aged 3-18. And it’s not just for teachers.

You can nominate any member of staff, including office staff, caretakers, lab
technicians and all support staff. It gives them some of the recognition they deserve
for all their hard work.

Silver winners enjoy a trip to London in July for a celebratory afternoon tea reception,
followed by the annual awards ceremony in November for both Silver and Gold
winners.

As well as attending the ceremony at a London venue, winners get an overnight stay
in a top London hotel, and a trophy to recognise their contribution to a profession
that changes lives.

Last year, Redgate Community Primary School in Liverpool won Gold in the ‘Early
Years Team of the Year’ category for all the hard work of their passionate and ever-
evolving team to improve outcomes for the children.

They put the children at the heart of everything they do and have even shared their
experiences and achievements at the Global Summit in China. Headteacher,
Suzanne Webb said:

“Our team is not content to do what everyone else does in their Early Years
departments. They strive to put the children first and they challenge the boundaries.
They are pioneers in their field.

“Our fantastic team realised early on in their journey that if you keep doing the same
every day, you’ll keep getting the same old thing – they want more than that for our
children and families at Redgate. Our Early Years team is truly the foundation of our
Redgate Family.”

Now the Pearson National Teaching Awards is calling for entries in North West for
this year’s awards.

With so many schools and colleges in the North West, there must be plenty of
unsung teaching heroes out there who deserve a bit of recognition.

If you know a teacher or anyone who works in your local nursery, school or college
that deserves an award then don’t miss this opportunity!

You can nominate on the Teaching Awards website: www.teachingawards.com and
the entry deadline for the 2023 National Teaching Awards is 24th February.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s laureate, and
President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

People of all ages will always remember that amazing teacher who made such a
difference in their lives, whether that’s igniting a fire for their favourite subject or the
support they’re received outside the classroom. Teachers and school staff will never
know how many lives they have changed, or the impact they have made on so many
children and their families, but our hope is that these awards help show them our
gratitude, how much we owe them, how much we value their dedication.”

Why Experts are Urging Brands to Implement Digital Signage

Blog

News Desk

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06/02/2023

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Digital signage is nothing more than a screen with content running. You can buy digital signs that consist of screens, smart screens, and even weather-resistant screens. Or, if you wish, you can buy a TV, pop it on a wall or a stand, and use that as a digital sign. Some are interactive with a touch screen, some work on their own and some link up with other signs to create larger moving images. With software like Kitcast tv, you can turn almost any screen into a digital sign. You can even nail your tablet to a wall and call it a digital sign if you wish. It has never been easier or cheaper to add digital signs to your business (or your home), but is that the only reason why experts are telling brands to install digital signs?

The Future Said So

Ask any movie buff, and they will tell you that digital signs play a big role in the future. Almost every movie that shows imaginings of the future seems to feature digital signs. From the signs on the sides of buildings from Blade Runner to the signs that talk to people as they walk by (from Minority Report).

Living in a Post-Pandemic World

Ask the business analysts and brand consultants, and they will tell you that the COVID scare in 2020 – 2022 demands that businesses install digital signs. Nobody knows when people will decide there is another pandemic, and there is no telling how far the governments will go next time when it comes to restricting personal freedom. Companies need to “Futureproof” themselves against these possibilities by creating a contact-free social-distancing infrastructure. They need to create a scenario where people can navigate their business without touching other people, and much of that will rely on digital signs. They will control everything, from how many people may enter the business, to who may enter the bathrooms next. Even if people are less likely to fall for the idea of a global pandemic again, businesses have to protect themselves against every possible threat to their bottom line.

Drip Marketing is More Effective in Real Life

The Internet is so cluttered, and people have been trained to have such a short attention span, that drip marketing is only the privilege of blue-chip companies on the Internet. In order to seep into people’s consciousness, companies need to repeatedly expose the same people to the same brand principle, same idea, or even the same need/want/desire. Doing this on the Internet is now very difficult because it costs a massive amount of marketing money.

However, if you have people on your business premises, you can expose them to the same need/want/idea/principle/desire on a repeated basis. You can do this with posters, digital signs, digital menus, digital ordering platforms, posters, product placement, and even with staff comments (can I supersize that for you?) You can catch consumers in your web of drip marketing to the point where they are moderately indoctrinated even after just one visit.

The Bridge Between Digital and Real Life

Looking further into the future, the world is on a very digital trajectory. It is very possible that we are training our young people to view the world in digital terms. It sounds silly, but they said the same about radio. There was a time when radio ads were hyper-effective, but now, they are only effective on podcasts by people whom the listener trusts.

Traditional posters, signs, and other forms of offline media may simply become ineffective to people who were raised in a digital world. Look at how ineffective newspaper ads are, how roadside billboards have less traction and how radio ads have died. There may come a time when the only way you can spread your brand principles offline is to run content on digital mediums like digital signs, menus, ordering platforms, etc.

‘Apprenticeships are for everybody no matter your age or background’ says Mayor as National Apprenticeship Week begins

Olivia McHugh

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06/02/2023

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Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham is encouraging anyone interested in kickstarting their career to take advantage of free virtual and in-person events taking place across Greater Manchester this National Apprenticeship Week.

National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 6th to 12th February with events happening across the city-region will showcase apprenticeship opportunities for all ages in sectors ranging from digital to hospitality.

The theme for National Apprenticeship Week this year is ‘Skills for Life’, with a focus on how apprenticeships are helping to contribute to lifelong learning and the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses and local communities in Greater Manchester.

There are a series of free virtual events taking place, including the Digital Skills Festival, Apprenticeship 101 and Festival of Apprenticeships. Employers such as United Utilities, Microsoft, Siemens, Nando’s, Parklife and The Warehouse Project will be taking part in virtual Meet Your Future events. 49,000 young people have already signed up to the Meet Your Future events, which aim to connect young people with employers, giving them the opportunity to explore their next steps before leaving school.

A number of colleges will be hosting in-person open days and evenings for potential learners, including Salford City College, Hopwood Hall College and University Centre and Bury College. Employers who want to find out more about apprenticeships are also being encouraged to attend events, including the Believe in Business Festival in Wigan, where businesses can attend seminars, workshops and panel discussions on skills opportunities. A full list of events can be found here.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“I would encourage anyone looking to kickstart their career to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities Greater Manchester has to offer during National Apprenticeship Week.

“Apprenticeships are for everybody no matter your age or background, they are a great way to learn on the job while gaining a qualification and developing your career opportunities.

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in our ambition to create the country’s first integrated technical education system in Greater Manchester, they play a big part in addressing skills shortages, developing the skills of employees and building Greater Manchester’s economy.”

Kundai, 21, is currently working towards a Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability qualification, while working for fashion brand, N Brown. She praised the scheme for helping her to develop new skills while working.

Kundai said:

“Going down the apprenticeship route has helped me to kickstart my career in a way that allows me to make a difference in this sector before I complete my qualification.

“It has provided me the perfect balance of growing my theoretical knowledge while gaining hands-on experience and developing skills that come from directly being in the workplace. As well as providing me with a clear career progression.

“The best thing is learning from industry experts, as in my apprenticeship programme we have a monthly masterclass where I’m constantly learning new things around the topic. It’s great being able to share that knowledge with others and implement it into what we’re doing as a team at work.

“There’s a wide variety of apprenticeships to get involved in, so make sure you choose the right one for you by doing lots of research, attending events and careers fairs. I recommend reaching out to current apprentices to ask them questions- you may get the opportunity to do a work experience placement or shadow someone for a day.”

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, GMCA lead for Education, Work, Skills, Apprenticeships and Digital, said:

“Apprenticeships are a hugely important part of our vision for making Greater Manchester one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on and grow old.

“A place where everyone can access the very best career and training opportunities, across a broad spectrum of industries.

“Apprenticeships are a great asset to any company; I encourage employers to think about creating apprenticeship positions and help develop the skills of Greater Manchester’s future workforce.”

In the last academic year (2021-22) the number of people starting apprenticeships was up 3% compared to last year, with the big increases in the finance, law, hospitality and construction sectors. Figures show that the biggest increase of apprenticeships is in people aged 19-24, with an additional 750 people in this age group starting apprenticeships in Greater Manchester this year.

Many businesses have also shared the various benefits of hiring an apprentice. Employers say they are a great investment for the future of the business as they have helped to upskill employees and boost the productivity of their workforce.

Young people (aged 11-30) are encouraged to utilise the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Careers Service (GMACS) to explore options for their future and find out about apprenticeship opportunities. With over 100,000 users, GMACS is a hub of tools, resources, opportunities, events and more – bringing together different stages of the career planning process to help young people.

For more information on apprenticeships for learners of all ages and for employers please visit: Greater Manchester Combined Authority Work and Skills Apprenticeships page.

**Capital&Centric reveal plans for suburban Neighbourhood for brownfield sites in Bolton**

Olivia McHugh

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06/02/2023

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Social impact developers Capital&Centric are planning a community of design-led suburban townhouses on a cluster of brownfield sites in Bolton town centre.

Split across several plots, Neighbourhood Bolton will see the Manchester-based team masterplan the area around the town’s train and bus stations. They’ll bring forward plans for the first few areas totalling 6.2 acres on and around Bradshawgate, alleviating pressure on greenfield sites.

It’s their second collaboration with Bolton Council, with work on the apartment-led Farnworth Green already underway.

Neighbourhood Bolton will be different. It’ll set to the blueprint for a new breed of town centre communities, with design-led townhouses boasting distinctive architecture, set around green streets. Initial ideas are for integrated community amenity facilities and workspaces to be integrated into the sites – with a focus on creating genuine communities, as well as health & wellbeing.

It’s aimed for Neighbourhood Bolton to be a catalyst that kick-starts wider regeneration of the whole area, including surrounding sites.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said:

“Bolton deserves sustained investment. The latest levelling up news was obviously disappointing, but we believe in Bolton’s future … just a week or so later, we’re here announcing our second local project to both unlock investment and bring about positive change.

“Loads of new build homes are a pastiche of the past and designed to maintain the status quo. But there’s got to be an alternative. We want to re-write the rules on suburban living and deliver homes with a design-led edge on brownfield sites that many write off as being too difficult.

“Neighbourhood Bolton will be our first such community of its kind, one that hopefully provides an antidote to what’s on today’s market. It’ll show how we can take key, underused sites in really well-connected towns like Bolton and write a new chapter for town centre living.”

It’ll be Capital&Centric’s next foray into suburban communities, bringing their design-led style honed on city centre apartments to northern towns. It’s all part of their push to create liveable town centres in response to the strife faced by high streets across the UK. Increasingly, they’re delivering communities that help write a new chapter for town centres as places to live with excellent transport links.

With initial design ongoing, planning applications for the first Neighbourhood Bolton sites are planned for submission later this year.

Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said:

“This investment is a huge vote of confidence in Bolton town centre, and in the council’s regeneration plans. As shopping habits change, we are working to bring in a mixture of residential, leisure and hospitality alongside the retail offer.

“Not only will Neighbourhood Bolton deliver much-needed homes on brownfield sites, but it will play a vital role in making our town centre a more vibrant place to live, work and visit. It will also complement the existing regeneration projects in the town centre and beyond.”

To date, Capital&Centric’s residential track record features a mix of new build apartments and restorations of historic mills and warehouses, including Kampus, Crusader and Phoenix in Manchester, and Eyewitness Works in Sheffield – set to feature on a new Channel 4 primetime series ‘The Big Interiors Battle’ soon.

The news follows swiftly on from the developers starting work on the nearby Farnworth Green – the re-boot of Farnworth centre with shops, cafés and public green spaces, alongside 97 apartments and houses.

Tim Heatley added:

“Good design and aspirational new build homes don’t need to be the preserve of city centres or affluent cul-de-sacs. With the right support and partnership, places like Bolton can embrace a new wave of town centre residents desperately looking for more choice in Greater Manchester’s rental market.”

Clough & Willis looks to the future with new residential conveyancing solicitor appointment

Olivia McHugh

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06/02/2023

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Bolton and Bury-based law firm Clough & Willis has added to its growing property team following the appointment of John Parker who is the department’s newest residential conveyancing solicitor.

John has joined Clough & Willis from Linder Myers where we worked for five years. He trained at Woodcock & Sons and has also worked at Eversheds and Countrywide Conveyancing. He studied Law at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and completed his LPC at the College of Law in York.

John covers all areas of conveyancing and has particular expertise in new builds, shared ownership, lease extensions/variations and adverse possession applications. He will be reporting to Lorraine Stratton-Webb who is a partner and head of the residential property team.

Lorraine said: “Over the past 20 years John has built up an impressive track record and reputation in the conveyancing sector so we are delighted that he has joined Clough & Willis. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge that I know will add value to our clients.”

John added: “I started my career and trained in Bury so it feels like I’ve come home. After years working for large corporate firms in Manchester, I knew the time was right to move on and try something different. Clough & Willis offers a unique mix of being traditional but still forward thinking. That really appealed to me and I’m looking forward to making my mark.”

Travelodge launches New Year Recruitment Drive across Manchester

Olivia McHugh

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06/02/2023

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New Year, New Career – with Travelodge!

Travelodge, one of the UK’s largest hotel chains is looking to fill 14 positions across Greater Manchester

Travelodge operates a bespoke in-house management programme called ASPIRE – which is designed to help colleagues learn more and earn more

Visit: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/careers/ for more information

Today, Travelodge, one of the UK’s largest hotel chains, is kick starting its 2023 recruitment drive and is looking to fill 435 positions across the UK which includes 14 positions across the group’s 19 hotels in Greater Manchester.

Travelodge is the UK’s first budget hotel chain and the country’s most iconic brand. It is growing at pace and achieved sales growth year on year for the last eight years. The group operates hotels in the UK, Ireland and Spain and annually welcomes 20 million business and leisure customers and it employs over 10,000 colleagues.

Joining Travelodge opens the door to training, coaching and a successful career in one of the UK’s most successful industries – the UK hospitality sector. This is one of the few UK industries where you can develop a career from an entry level position

Travelodge operates a successful in-house management development programme called Aspire. This bespoke programme is designed to help colleagues at all levels to learn the skills and obtain the qualifications to progress their career To date thousands of entry level colleagues have successfully built a career with many now running their own hotels.

Travelodge is looking to fill 14 jobs immediately across its 19 hotels in Greater Manchester. Positions include full and part time roles with flexible working hours and consist of the following roles:

Assistant Hotel Manager
Night Reception Team Member
Housekeeping Supervisor
Housekeeping Team Member
Kitchen and Bar Café Team Member
Linen Porter

Also, there are 14 positions that need to be filled in Travelodge’s dedicated 270 strong nationwide in-house maintenance team. Travelodge is the only UK budget hotel chain that has invested in a bespoke dedicated in-house maintenance team of experts to support its 580 hotels across the length and breadth of the UK.

The group is committed to developing its maintenance teams and has an established training programme in place to up-skill maintenance team members; so that they are multi-skilled and qualified to undertake a range of jobs across the company’s 580 hotels. Successful candidates will be given a branded kitted-out vehicle to enable them to travel across their network of hotels and they will also receive a comprehensive personal package of branded uniform and high quality tools.

These 14 full time positions are field based, carrying out a variety of maintenance related tasks. Each Maintenance Engineer will be given their own network of hotels to service. Applicants must have at least one trade skill-set which includes a City & Guilds / NVQ 2 or equivalent qualification in a trade (for example: Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry,

Painting, Plastering or Air-Conditioning). In addition applicants must hold a UK

driving licence in order to apply.

There are also 30 roles available at Travelodge’s support office in Thame, Oxfordshire. This is the central network providing support to the company’s 580 hotels in the UK. Positions are available in the following departments: Customer Services, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing & Sales, Property, Procurement, Revenue and UK Operations.

Everyone belongs at Travelodge, and the group is committed to enabling its colleagues to learn more and earn more. Therefore, if you have passion, determination and a real desire to look after people then, Travelodge will help you learn the rest.

The company is also dedicated to supporting parents by offering flexible working hours around the school run so that parents working at Travelodge can easily work and build a career whilst raising their family.

Hannah Thomson, Travelodge’s Chief People Officer, said: “The start of a new year is a great opportunity to kick start a career change and joining the UK hospitality sector can be the best New Year’s resolution that you make. Working in the hotel industry is fun and exciting and it opens a door to a world of opportunities. We are currently searching for 14 new colleagues to join our Travelodge family across our 19 Greater Manchester hotels and we welcome everyone, from all walks of life.

We are looking for candidates who have a passion, determination and a real desire to look after people and in return we will provide training, coaching and career opportunities. Our in-house management development programme, Aspire, has helped thousands of entry level colleagues build a career into hotel management and other specialist functions.”

“Travelodge is also a great choice for mums and dads looking to begin or restart their career. Our ‘Working Parents Programme’ offers jobs close to home, hours that can match the school run, benefits that suit families and a career path at a time that suits them It is the one-stop programme to help parents work, raise their family and keep their career goals within reach.

For further details on all positions at Travelodge and to apply, please visit: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/careers/

Travelodge offers a great range of employee benefits and these are available to new employees from their first day of employment. These benefits include:

50% off Travelodge’s 580 UK hotels
Room discounts for family and friends
Work anniversary complementary booking voucher
Pension scheme
Discounts at a range of retailers
Employee Assistance Programme
Life Assurance

For further information on Travelodge employee benefits please visit: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/careers/what-we-offer.aspx .

Express Solicitors achieves ‘Best Companies’ accolade along with another year of solid growth

Olivia McHugh

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06/02/2023

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Express Solicitors, the personal injury law firm, has for the first time, been recognised as one of the UK’s ‘Best Companies’ to work for, achieving two star accreditation for ‘outstanding levels of employee engagement’ of its 500-strong employees.

In its debut appearance, the Manchester-based personal injury firm secured a top ten sector position as the ‘best to work for’ law firm in quarter one 2023, securing 6^th position.

Express Solicitors also ranked in the top 20 North West based firms, in 18^th position and secured 27^th position for the best to work for large companies nationwide across league tables revealed in today’s (Friday 3rd February) Best Companies live event.

The accolade is the first award of its kind that Express Solicitors has received that recognises its commitment to employees across areas such as leadership, wellbeing and personal growth. The nationally recognised and respected ‘Best Companies’ scheme is a standard of excellence for UK businesses, designed to celebrate and showcase outstanding employers.

Express Solicitors’ Managing Partner, James Maxey, comments on the accolade: “To have been recognised by such a prestigious national scheme as a company which is ‘outstanding’ is a real achievement, showing that we have been able to create a highly engaged and committed team.

“We are proud of our high employee engagement levels, proven by our results in the Best Companies survey and it’s fantastic to see that our investment in new initiatives to support our staff’s wellbeing and physical health, such as an extra week’s wages to support our staff with the increased costs of living, additional birthday holiday, and recognition for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years’ of service has been recognised.”

Express Solicitors has also returned a strong financial performance in its statutory accounts filed with Companies House in December 2022, achieving a 12.5% increase in group turnover from last year to £36m.

In the last financial year, Express Solicitors successfully acquired another personal injury law firm, Michael W Halsall Solicitors, together with its modern Haydock office. Currently Express is preparing to consolidate its employees from four buildings in the Northenden area to one £4.4 million head office building, a mile away from its current Manchester head offices, which can accommodate over 1,000 staff.

As well as continued investment in its growth, the personal injury firm has an active Diversity & Inclusion Group with representatives from every department, hosting a full calendar of events to raise awareness of topics and celebrate the communities that make up the organisation. This is in addition to the regular opportunities available to colleagues to socialise with the whole organisation, events to raise money for nominated national and local charities, join various sports-based groups and an Employee Assistance programme available 24/7.

Maxey continues: “We are a hugely ambitious team and growing at a rapid pace with significant investment in people, process improvements and cultural change aimed at empowering our team and ensuring that they come with us on our growth journey.

“There’s a new appetite for learning and development and a palpable, excited buzz around the place. 2023 has got off to a tremendous start as we must continue to deliver our aim of creating a high performing personal injury law firm that continues to provide secure and rewarding employment for many years to come.”

Established in 2000, Express Solicitors is a top 100 UK law firm, dedicated to helping injured people. The company is ranked as a leading firm in Chambers UK and the Legal 500. The firm’s staff include some of the most experienced and well-qualified personal injury lawyers in the UK.