Business Manchester

Mayor reports “unacceptable” rail service is hindering growth in the North

Transport

Helen Greaney

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01/11/2024

Mayor reports “unacceptable” rail service is hindering growth in the North

Mayors in the North have written to the chancellor and secretary of state for transport calling for their support in addressing declining rail services operated by Northern.

Andy Burnham – the mayor of Greater Manchester – called an emergency meeting of the Rail North Committee, which he chairs, on Wednesday.

It saw regional mayors and leaders seek immediate assurances from Northern after a spate of cancellations, overcrowding and ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings on Sundays.

But Northern said it had no option due to high levels of staff sickness – and that cancellations are always its “last resort”.

Mr Burnham said: “It’s feared, without intervention, the situation could get worse, affecting confidence amongst shoppers and travellers at the busiest time of the year.”

The meeting saw leaders interrogate the operator’s remedial plan to get services back to an acceptable standard as swiftly as possible.

The committee heard there had been a notable spike in cancellations, with the past week – half-term for many schools – seeing around 1,600 trains cancelled across the network – almost 10% of services – with a lack of mitigations in place such as ticket acceptance with other operators.

Weekend travel

Mr Burnham reported that Do Not Travel’ warnings had been issued on 45 occasions on Sundays across Greater Manchester routes, in many cases with no replacement bus services or alternative travel methods provided.

He said: “Efficient and reliable public transport is a critical enabler of economic growth, a key ambition we share with the new government. What we heard from Northern at the meeting of the Rail North Committee was not good enough for residents and businesses across the north.

“That is why, on behalf of the Rail North Committee, I have written to the chancellor and the secretary of state to urge them to support us to bring the service back to an acceptable level. Significant modernisation is needed by Northern if they are to match our ambitions for growth.

“The Committee will be closely scrutinising Northern’s plan and seeking assurance that they are addressing the points raised at the meeting, when the Committee meets again on 20 November. We would welcome the Government’s full support in implementing the necessary actions, especially in the urgent areas of Rest Day Working and resolving Sunday arrangements.”

High levels of staff sickness

A Northern spokesperson said: “We are sorry for our recent performance and accept it has not been good enough. Cancellations are always a last resort and only applied when we have no other option.

“We are experiencing high levels of staff sickness and train crew availability remains an issue in the North West, especially on Sundays which rely on crews volunteering to work additional hours.

“We are keen to re-introduce rest-day working for our train drivers and agree a way forward on staffing Sundays with our conductors, by working closely with them and their union representatives.”

He added that the Christmas period is always a challenging time for the railway, particularly when terms and conditions for train crew mean Northern is relying on volunteers to work and staff wanting to spend time with their families, and this may exacerbate Northern’s existing issues with train crew availability.

Northern says its priority is to give customers as much certainty as possible about their journeys so they can plan their travel in advance, adding it would continue to review demand and train crew availability over the Christmas period and let customers know of any changes.

The spokesman added: “We have not yet made any decisions about changes to the timetable or pre-cancelling services which we would do in full consultation with stakeholders.”

Image credit: Bardhok Ndoji

Moment of calm: Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa

Lifestyle and Wellbeing

Helen Greaney

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01/11/2024

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If you’re looking to impress your partner for a special anniversary or perhaps a cheeky Christmas treat, check out Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa.

Having recently had a £1 million refurbishment, it really is the premier resort with something extra.

Situated in Cheshire, its historic grandeur seamlessly blends 17th-century opulence with a contemporary experience. With its striking exterior, stained glass windows and historic feature rooms, it’s makes quite the impression when you make your way up the long driveway.

The most impressive element of the refurbishment is the introduction of “The Sheridan Bar,” a stunning new Moët & Chandon Champagne and cocktail bar but the investment also included an overhaul of guest bedrooms in the modern wing.

On arrival, we were greeted by a friendly receptionist who showed us to a tranquil, candle-lit relaxation room, where we had to wait for our therapists.

I opted for the 50-minute relaxing face and back treatment, which was fabulous. It started off with a shoulder and back massage which was great – a firm maintained pressure throughout which was needed for a series of stubborn knots. My cheery therapist used Elemis products which smelt devine. This was followed by a thorough back exfoliation – and to be honest, who can ever reach there to scrub themselves – and my skin was so smooth afterwards. I can never say no to a scalp massage – the perfect way to melt away tension – and that, along with a facial to deal with fine lines, was amazing.

My friend chose 2 mini x 25 minute treatments which were the Elemis personalised express facial, which she enjoyed as her therapist did a skin consultation first to ensure they products would work well for her. As it turned out, she was incredibly dry, so she had a series of beautiful hydrating cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising products, including a mask, which left her skin feeling content – not at all tight, as some products do.

Her final treatment was the back, neck and shoulder massage which used Elemis Oil to encourage optimum circulation. She left so relaxed – and begging to back for a second round!

Next it was time to venture to the pool and the facilities there, all were very clean and welcoming. We were delighted to find the 25-metre pool which was quiet and cool, plenty of room to lap up and down, and after a few lengths a jacuzzi was just the ticket – and again, we didn’t need to share, as there was plenty of room for guests to lounge about around the pool. One lady took advantage and was fast asleep in her lounger and only woke up as we left, tranquil indeed!

Of course the sauna got a visit, the tropical rain shower in varying downpours was delightful and the steam room was popular with all guests.

After some great chilling out, lunch was calling so we headed to the brasserie for some refreshments. It had a relaxed atmosphere with a varied seasonal menu. My friend opted for the bacon, brie and cranberry panini, and I had the fish finger wrap – both served hot, well prepared and tasty. Intolerances were well catered for by staff.

The cardio gym was also impressive – it has a clear focus on strength training with many dumbbells and benches to choose from. It also offers a high energy indoor spin class workout.

We enjoyed our visit – and will have to stay the night next time as the new bedrooms looked delightful. The staff were incredibly friendly, especially the young waiter who served us. If we were going to be extra fussy, we would have loved to see an outdoor jacuzzi or similar but no complaints as far as we were concerned.

There are a great range of spa days to choose from, and all come with full use of the hotel’s Health Club and a complimentary robe to relax in. To book yours, visit: Spa in Cheshire | Spa Deals in Stoke on Trent | Crewe Hall Hotel

England need to be ‘smart’ after West Indies thrashing

Other Sports

Tom Rostance

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01/11/2024

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England need to be ‘smart’ after West Indies thrashing

Stand-in captain Liam Livingstone says England have to “get up to speed as quickly as possible” and be smarter with the bat after an eight-wicket thumping by the West Indies in the first One Day International in Antigua.

With captain Jos Buttler out injured and several Test stars unavailable, England gave debuts to Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton and John Turner but they were all out for just 209 in 45.1 overs.

Livingstone himself top scored with 48 from 49 balls but Sam Curran (37) was the only other batter to pass 30.

England’s efforts were put into perspective by opener Evin Lewis’ 94 off 69 balls, which helped the Windies chase down a rain-adjusted target of 157 in 35 overs with ease.

Livingstone insisted England will not change tack for Saturday’s second ODI, which they must win to keep the series alive, but he has suggested his batters in particular can adapt better.

“We’ve got to get up to speed as quickly as possible,” Livingstone said after his England captaincy debut ended in a heavy loss.

“We had four debuts and they’ll have learnt a hell of a lot from what they experienced and hopefully they’ll come on from that.

“We’re not going to take a backward step but sometimes we’ve got to be a little bit more smart. Hopefully conditions will be a little bit different (on Saturday) and we can go again.”

Livingstone elected not to call upon seam bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton, who was essentially a specialist batter at number eight and got a golden duck after being given out lbw on review.

“He’s not fit to play a full role,” Livingstone said. “He’s coming back from a big (back) injury. We’re just trying to nurse him back in. We had three seam options so we didn’t really think we’d need him.”

England have now lost 12 of their last 18 ODIs, stretching back to the start of last year’s 50-over World Cup.

Tips for a Safe, Lawful Bonfire Night

News Desk

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01/11/2024

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With Bonfire Night on 5th November fast approaching, many are looking forward to bonfires, sparklers, and fireworks. While the event is a beloved tradition, it’s crucial to be aware of both the safety risks and legal regulations related to firework displays and bonfire gatherings.

Aditi Kanojia, a Legal Advisor at DAS Law, highlights some key legal points concerning private firework shows and Bonfire Night celebrations:

Key points:

On Bonfire Night, the curfew for setting off fireworks extends to midnight.
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or possess fireworks in public spaces.
All private displays must comply with rigorous safety regulations.
Breaching these rules can lead to a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months.

Bonfire Night is an occasion many enjoy, but it’s essential to know your rights and responsibilities. From following safety guidelines to respecting neighbours, staying informed of the legal requirements helps everyone celebrate safely.

Who can buy fireworks?

It is legal for consumers to purchase fireworks at any time of the year, but you must be aged at least 18 to buy them. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to be in possession of fireworks in a public place. If you suspect a retailer of selling fireworks to a minor, you can report it to Trading Standards.

Which type of fireworks can be let off?

Fireworks are identified under four main categories in the UK, which are numbered 1 to 4. Adult fireworks (category 2 or 3) can be let off by any person on private property. Only licensed professionals can let off category 4 fireworks, whether this is on private property or within an organised public display.

What is the curfew for setting off fireworks?

On most days of the year, fireworks should only be set off on private property between 7am and 11pm. However, at certain times of the year the curfew is extended e.g. to midnight on Bonfire Night and 1 am on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

It is important to note that local by-laws may affect these curfews, so it is worth checking with your local authority whether there are any further limitations.

How to stay on the right side of the law if you are holding your own fireworks display?

To legally host your own display without falling foul of criminal law you must be over 18, have bought the fireworks from a licensed supplier and, if you’re setting them off in a public place, have obtained permission from the relevant authority.

Whilst it is legal to set them off on private land, if you’re a tenant in a property it is worth checking with the landlord if there’s any stipulation preventing setting off fireworks in your lease.

It is important to note that you have a duty of care to ensure the safety of your neighbours and visitors if you have your own fireworks display. Check the online guidelines of the RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) to ensure that you fully understand the necessary precautions to take.

Any negligence, such as setting fireworks off in an inappropriate environment or contrary to published instructions, that results in injury or property damage could make you liable for a civil claim.

If you are setting off fireworks on private land, it is also advisable to check your home insurance to see what cover there is for damage caused by explosion, fire or smoke. Most insurers will typically have a ‘duty of care’ clause, so you may need to show that you took reasonable precautions, if you have to make a claim.

Can you burn anything on a bonfire?

No, you cannot. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to burn any substance that will release harmful fumes causing pollution to the environment or harm to human health (this could include plastic, rubber or painted items).

You need to ensure that the fire is contained and does not escape, causing damage or injury to people. It is also an offence if anyone on a public road is “injured, interrupted or endangered” by fire or smoke from your bonfire.

Can you prevent your neighbour from having a bonfire?

It is unlikely that you would be able to prevent your neighbour from having a bonfire if they are doing so occasionally and are not burning hazardous material. If the neighbour’s fire is posing a clear risk to the safety of your property this could be reported to the fire service.

Alternatively, if the neighbour is burning hazardous material or causing harm to human health, you can report this to your local council who will investigate and serve an abatement notice if the neighbour is found to be causing a nuisance.

If a neighbour’s bonfire or fireworks damage your property, whose insurance should be claimed against?

If property is damaged because a neighbour did not contain a fire, safely light fireworks, or take appropriate steps to prevent a fire from escaping or getting out of control, that neighbour could be liable for the damage that is caused.

If it is your neighbour’s fault then they should claim on their insurance, but you cannot insist they do so. However, when faced with a potential claim for damages the neighbour may choose to get their insurance company involved instead of dealing with it themselves.

What are the legal ramifications if you are injured by a firework at a friend’s or family party?

Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, an occupier of land owes a duty to any visitor to take reasonable care to ensure the visitor is safe on the premises. Therefore, if someone is hosting a fireworks party, they should ensure they are purchasing the fireworks from a licensed outlet, that they read the instructions carefully before use, and that they light the fireworks from a safe place. If you are injured, you may be able to hold the organiser of the event liable.

If a firework malfunctions and you are injured, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. It is a good idea for the organiser to keep the receipt, packaging and any instructions.

What recourse do I have if my neighbour is causing a nuisance?

If your neighbour’s bonfire or fireworks are affecting you, the first step would be to raise it with the neighbour to make them aware of the impact that it has on you. If this fails, then you may be able to get a court order restricting the neighbour’s ability to have a bonfire. However, the occasional bonfire is unlikely to amount to a legal nuisance and legal advice should definitely be sought when considering legal action against a neighbour.

If your neighbour’s bonfire or firework display is likely to be hazardous to your health and unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of your property, then you can report them to the local environmental health team. The local authority may then investigate and serve an abatement notice where appropriate.

What can I do if someone is setting fireworks off in my street late at night? What are my rights? What does the law say?

If you buy fireworks for personal use, you are only allowed to use them on your private property or property where you have the consent of the landowner. It is a criminal offence to set off fireworks in the street or other public place without permission and you can contact the police if someone is breaking the law. If you want to set fireworks off in a public place for an event, such as a street party, you will need to obtain express permission from the local authority.

What happens if you break the law?

Under the Fireworks Act 2003, if you break the law around firework use you can receive a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine up to £5,000. Breaching the act constitutes a criminal offence, but if you cause damage to property or injury to someone, you may be liable under civil law and could be sued for negligence.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance regarding rights and responsibilities and is not formal legal advice as no lawyer-client relationship has been created.

Tier1 receives King’s Award for prison recycling intiative

Awards

Helen Greaney

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31/10/2024

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Tier1 receives King’s Award for prison recycling intiative

Manchester’s Tier1, has received the King’s Award for Enterprise – Creating Opportunity, which has been awarded for its innovative prison recycling programme located at HMP Hindley.

The innovative prison programme was given royal approval both for its significant contribution to environmental sustainability and the way in which it has facilitated the successful reintegration of prisoners into society.

The re-offending rate for prisoners that have gone through the programme over the last ten years is just six per cent, compared to a national average of 26.1 per cent.

The award was presented to Tier1 by the lord lieutenant for Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins (pictured front) who told the team that it’s only the eighth award for Promoting Opportunity granted in the UK this year and that it was great to find a local business running a programme of such great value to those in prison.

Jonathan Rose, director and co-founder of Tier1 (pictured front) said: “The HMP Hindley programme isn’t a tick box green initiative that we do just to make ourselves feel good. It’s a programme that has real and long-lasting societal value. To date, the programme has generated over £4.2m in societal savings.

Tier1 works with global organisations to achieve their ESG goals through sustainable, secure and compliant IT lifecycle solutions, which cover the refurbishing, remanufacturing and redeploying or reselling of end-of-life IT equipment. It works with organisations operating in the public, finance and IT sector and saves on average 120,000 laptops and PC’s from ending up in landfill each year.

The prison programme is built around end-of-life IT disposal – with equipment that can’t be refurbished or redeployed sent to the HMP Hindley workshop where it is broken down into components and precious metals that are refined and reused; with proceeds from the recycling contributing to its “Through The Gate” programme.

This though is only the operational element of it. Tier1 provides training to prisoners with an ETCAL Level 2 Certificate in IT Recycling and provides pre- and post-release support, including employability skills, health and wellbeing, housing, employment advocacy, digital connectivity and training and 1-2-1 support.

More than 150 prisoners who have gone through the programme are now in gainful employment, apprenticeships, volunteering and work experience; with several having come out of prison and been employed directly by Tier1.

“Around half of all crime committed is by people who have already been through the criminal justice system – and the cost of reoffending to the taxpayer is estimated to be as much as £18bn per annum,” added Jonathan.

“Our aim, albeit on a small scale, is to reduce this cost by providing education, training, opportunity and support for those in prison so that when they’re released, they have a real chance to move on and build a new, happy, crime-free life for themselves.”

The King’s Award for Tier1 follows on from the business receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019.

Jos Buttler extends England contract by one year

Other Sports

Mitch Fretton

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31/10/2024

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Jos Buttler extends England contract by one year

Jos Buttler has agreed to a one-year extension of his central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The 34-year-old white-ball captain, who was already in the first year of a two-year contract, is now signed through autumn 2026.

Test captain Ben Stokes also committed to England until 2026, having extended his contract earlier in October.

“The strength and depth of talent across England men’s red and white-ball cricket is clear in the quality of players who are centrally contracted,” said Rob Key, director of England men’s cricket.

“Both our captains have signed two-year central contracts that showcase the commitment of all the players to prioritise playing for their country.”

Buttler has been sidelined with a calf injury since June, with Liam Livingstone stepping in for the current West Indies tour.

BREAKING: Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are not on England central contracts list while Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have been awarded two-year deals 🚨 PIC.TWITTER.COM/YSVTE3HIWZ

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 31, 2024

A total of 29 players hold central contracts. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also extended his contract until 2026, while spinner Jack Leach and white-ball seamer Reece Topley secured new one-year deals.

Five players are new to central contracts: wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, batter Phil Salt, spinner Shoaib Bashir, all-rounder Will Jacks, and fast bowler Olly Stone, each on one-year contracts.

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow, who last played for England in June, has another year left on his 2023 contract.

Recently retired players include James Anderson, Moeen Ali, and Dawid Malan, while Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson have not had their contracts renewed.

All-rounder Jacob Bethell and seamers Josh Hull and John Turner have been awarded development contracts.

Pair found guilty of 35 sexual offences on young boys

Crime

Helen Greaney

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31/10/2024

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Pair found guilty of 35 sexual offences on young boys

Two men have been found guilty of sexually abusing six young boys over two decades.

David Marsh (74) of Northenden, and Anthony Whitehead (72) of Atherton, carried out their depraved crimes in Rochdale and Manchester during the 1980s and 1990s.

The pair were convicted of grooming and sexually abusing the boys, who were aged between nine and 13 when the abuse began.

Greater Manchester Police commended the victims – now grown men – for their bravery in giving “painful and difficult testimony” during a four-week trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

The victims have been supported throughout the case by the Complex Safeguarding Team and the Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team.

They were abused for many years as the men took them around Manchester, grooming them with cigarettes, alcohol and cash.

But in 2019, one man confided to a person in authority, that he had been abused as a boy – and a five-year Greater Manchester Police investigation started.

Detectives found that one of the men was dead but that Marsh was still alive – and began to form a picture of a sustained campaign of offending.

Detective constable Andrea Richards, who worked on this case from the start, said: “I want to pay a massive tribute to all the male survivors who have played a pivotal role in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision for them to go through the process, but by doing so and putting their trust in the team they have ensured that Marsh and Whitehead face spending most of their remaining years behind bars.

“I commend and thank everyone we approached during the investigation, every single one of you deserve to be on your own unique healing journeys.

“I want to make clear, none of the male survivors should feel they have to carry the shame or guilt in this case, it is not theirs to carry. I hope that they all feel that they have finally got some justice.”

The jury was unanimous in finding the men guilty of 35 sex offences.

Sentencing is due on November 27.

FC United bar brushed up well thanks to HMG Paints

News

Helen Greaney

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31/10/2024

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FC United bar brushed up well thanks to HMG Paints

The latest stage of the partnership between HMG Paints and FC United is complete with the refurbishment of the St Mary’s Road End (SMRE) Bar floor at Broadhurst Park.

The bar, known for its unique display of club memorabilia and its vibrant community atmosphere, has been refreshed by staff and volunteers with a new grey finish using HMG’s Polyurethane Floor Paint.

The project is the latest phase of the club’s commitment to creating a welcoming and versatile space for fans, players, students and community groups.

The SMRE Bar painted in FC United’s traditional colours of red, black, and white, not only honours the club’s history but also provides a comfortable environment for fans to gather before and after games.

Beyond match days, the SMRE space serves a dual purpose. The far end can be isolated to create a classroom space for the FC United Academy, where young players continue their education before hitting the club’s 3G pitches.

Additionally, the versatile room is regularly used by community groups on both evenings, weekends and during school holidays, providing a safe and functional space for various activities.

Paul Haworth, FC United’s commercial manager, said: “Thanks to HMG Paints the floor looks great. The fresh flooring and updated paintwork across the bar adds a professional touch to the space, making it more inviting for fans, staff, students and community groups.”

James Burton of HMG Paints added: “It’s great to see the bar looking so good, and it’s a great showcase for Manchester and the community nature of the club. Supporters can enjoy the new look bar knowing the paint is made locally by fellow fans and enjoy a pint of Joseph Holt beer which is also brewed in Manchester. The integration between local people, businesses and the club are what helps make FC United such a special club and we’re proud to partner with them.”

Business leaders react to the budget and what it means for the North

News

Helen Greaney

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31/10/2024

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Business leaders across the North have had mixed reactions to the Labour budget which was announced yesterday.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out her party’s plans on a range of areas, including funding for potholes, an increase in employer national insurance contributions and investments in AI and 5G, as well as extra cash for day-to-day NHS health budgets and money to fix crumbling schools.

Delivering the first Labour budget in 14 years, Reeves announced that there would be tax rises amounting to £40 billion – and was quick to slam the Tories for failing when they were in power for leaving a £22 billion deficit.

Reeves claimed the scale of the public spending problems she inherited were worse than previously thought.

And there was plenty of news for businesses in the North. Some of them spoke to Business Manchester in response to the announcement.

“Mere drop in the ocean”

Mark Tongue, joint CEO and founder of UK vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing, which has Manchester offices, cautiously welcomed the additional £500 million funding to repair potholes. But he fears the sum represents a “mere drop in the ocean compared with the enormous scale of the problem.”

He said: “Decades of underfunding in our road network has led to a point where we’ve reached a true crisis point when it comes to potholes.

“The government has already committed billions to road resurfacing – with £8.3 billion of HS2 funding redirected to cash-strapped councils last year. Local authorities have been allocated the money – but can any of us really say the roads in their area have improved? If anything, they’re still getting worse because the rot has well and truly set in.

“Some estimates, including those made by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), suggest that the true amount needed to fix our pothole backlog is actually around £16.3 billion.”

“Mixed bag”

Labour measures include increasing the rate of National Insurance paid by employers, which will rise by 1.6 percentage points to 15% from April next year.

Lucy Bisset, director of Robert Walters North said her company had put hiring on hold in the North in anticipation of yesterday’s outcome, and it’s fair to say the budget offered up a mixed bag for UK employers.

She added: The increase in national insurance contributions will be a blow for all employers – particularly SMEs, who are less able to absorb costs compared to large firms. Decisions will have to be made to help offset any rising costs – including the likes of reducing hiring, freezing wages, or limiting pay rises.”

Connectivity

Reeves also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to research and development, allocating over £20 billion for research funding in areas such as engineering, biotechnology, and medical science.

Moreover, the chancellor has pledged £500 million to enhance mobile broadband connectivity, particularly in rural regions, through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Phil Wedgwood, CEO at Engage (pictured main) said: “The government’s £500 million investment in 5G, AI, and full-fibre broadband goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about social mobility, too.

“Reliable 5G and broadband mean that our cities are better connected, opening up access to talent and proper employee engagement for businesses across the region. Empowering all regions with advanced digital connectivity will help level the playing field and support economic growth nationwide.”

Carbon capture

The budget also confirmed key investments such as Carbon Capture and Storage to create jobs in the “industrial heartlands”.

Dave Richardson (pictured left) interim chair of the North West Hydrogen Alliance said: “Great news coming out of today’s Autumn budget with confirmed funding for 11 HAR1 schemes in her budget statement, including Barrow-in-Furness located right here in the North West.

“As an Alliance, we’re pleased to see such a strong commitment to the hydrogen and carbon capture sector, which will be essential in decarbonising key industries across the country—such as low-carbon refining, glass, and chemical manufacturing. This support not only helps to protect thousands of existing jobs but also attracts new businesses, moving Britain closer to becoming a clean energy superpower.”

Energy savings

Thomas Farquhar, co-founder of Liverpool-based low-carbon start-up Heatio, welcomed the extension of funding for heat pumps and support for domestic manufacturing of the technology.

He added: “There are also welcome, clear ambitions in the Warmer Homes scheme, which promotes solar and heat pump installations. The government’s £3.4 billion additional funding for 350,000 homes, including 250,000 low-income homes, is especially good news and a step forward in making energy savings accessible for all, especially those most affected by fuel poverty.”

Impact of increases

Over at Primas Law, John Hartley, its business crime and regulation legal partner, talked about the new ‘painful’ tax hikes will place on UK business and the potential fallout from this, including potential opportunities for bad practice, including tax evasion and evasion to avoid increased costs.

He said: “I wonder if due care and attention has been given to the potential impact of some of these increases, particularly in terms of how businesses may attempt to avoid or evade payment.

“In relation to income tax, whilst these have not been increased the thresholds will remain frozen for a further 4 years. As the cost of living increases we may therefore see more and more individuals falsifying their income and undercooking this to avoid higher tax penalties.

“And while much of today’s public outcry centres on increases to Inheritance Tax, the government is naive to think there won’t be attempts made to lessen the burden of this by minimising or falsifying the value of the deceased’s estate by hiding highly valuable assets.

“Clamping down on tax avoidance and misuse has been clearly signposted as a means to raise funds, with a focus on closing tax ‘loopholes’, an appointment of a Covid corruption commissioner to investigate the businesses who used a national emergency to line their pockets and a re-energised HMRC debt recovery taskforce as well as clamp down on tax avoidance schemes.”

Business rates

David Jones, business group leader, rating and technology at Avison Young said: “We continue to welcome support for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through an extension of the relief system, although reduced from 75% to 40% from next April and again capped at £110,000 per business.

“However, we have concerns as to the extent a new lower tier UBR system from 2026 will place on larger business in other sectors. Ultimately any increase in business rates will feed through to the amount that larger businesses can afford to pay in rent. We are already seeing a significant strain on speculative commercial development outside central London due to the increase in build costs.

“Increasing business rates will place a further strain on rental growth and thereby affect the viability of developing out schemes, much needed to stimulate larger business growth in England and Wales.”

Heating Manchester: Essential tips for choosing and using heaters

Homes & Interiors

News Desk

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31/10/2024

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Heating Manchester: Essential tips for choosing and using heaters

As winter approaches and the temperatures drop in Manchester, ensuring that your home remains warm and inviting is crucial. With the right heating solutions, you can create a cozy sanctuary that protects you from the chilly winds and rain. This article provides practical advice on selecting and using heaters, helping you to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in your home throughout the winter months.

1. Evaluate your heating needs

Before purchasing a heater, it’s important to assess your specific heating requirements. Here are a few key factors to consider:

Size of the space: Measure the area you need to heat. Larger rooms will typically require more powerful heaters, while smaller spaces can often be warmed effectively with compact units.
Insulation quality: Check how well-insulated your home is. Proper insulation can significantly impact how much heat is retained, allowing you to choose smaller or less powerful heaters.
Frequency of use: Consider how often you will use the heater and for what duration. If you need consistent heating throughout the winter, investing in a more permanent solution may be worthwhile.

2. Types of heaters to consider

When it comes to heaters, various types are available, each offering unique benefits. Here are some of the most common options:

Electric heaters: Known for their convenience, electric heaters come in various styles, including:
- Fan heaters: These provide rapid warmth by circulating air quickly and are ideal for small spaces.
- Convection heaters: These gradually warm the air in a room, making them suitable for maintaining a consistent temperature.
- Infrared heaters: These directly heat objects and people rather than the air, making them efficient for instant warmth.
Gas heaters: If you have access to natural gas, gas heaters can provide effective heating. They are particularly useful for larger spaces and can deliver consistent warmth without relying on electricity.
Oil-filled radiators: These heaters retain heat for extended periods and are energy-efficient, making them ideal for larger areas. They can provide a steady source of warmth throughout the day.

3. Safety considerations

Safety should always be a top priority when using heaters. Here are some important safety tips to follow:

Read the user manual: Familiarize yourself with the instructions for each heater you own. Understanding how to operate them safely is essential for preventing accidents.
Keep heaters away from flammable materials: Ensure that heaters are placed a safe distance from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains, furniture, or paper.
Ensure proper ventilation: If you are using gas heaters, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation in the room to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
Regular inspections: Check your heaters regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Keeping them well-maintained ensures safe and efficient operation.

4. Creating a cozy atmosphere

After choosing the right heaters, it’s time to enhance your home’s ambiance for the winter months. Here are some tips to create a warm and inviting atmosphere:

Heater placement: Position your heaters in the most-used areas of your home, such as the living room and bedroom. Make sure they are unobstructed to promote even heat distribution.
Textiles for warmth: Incorporate cozy blankets, soft rugs, and warm cushions to add layers of comfort. These textiles not only provide warmth but also contribute to a welcoming environment.
Warm lighting: Combine your heating solutions with soft lighting to create a snug atmosphere. Using lamps, candles, or fairy lights can help create a warm, inviting space for winter evenings.

5. Energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness

As you prepare for the colder months, consider how to make your heating solutions more energy-efficient. Here are some tips to reduce costs:

Opt for energy-efficient models: When shopping for heaters, look for those with high energy efficiency ratings. These models provide effective heating while consuming less energy, saving you money on utility bills.
Utilise programmable thermostats: If you have a central heating system, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This feature allows you to set heating schedules that align with your lifestyle, reducing unnecessary energy use.
Seal drafts: Check windows and doors for drafts and use weather stripping to seal any gaps. This simple measure can significantly improve your home’s insulation and help retain heat.

6. Conclusion

As winter settles in, ensuring that your home remains warm and comfortable is essential for your well-being. By evaluating your heating needs, choosing the right heaters, and implementing safety precautions, you can create a cozy atmosphere in your Manchester home.

With practical tips for energy efficiency and comfort, you can enjoy the winter season while keeping the cold at bay. Embrace the warmth within your home and prepare to make the most of your indoor space this winter, knowing that the right heating solution.