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The acquisition of Anders Pink by Go1 will provide learners with access to best-in-class content curation

Olivia McHugh
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Go1, the world’s learning and development content expert, has announced it has acquired Anders Pink, an award-winning content curation provider. With the acquisition, Go1 is now able to provide intelligent automated recommendations for learning content, directly supporting learners.

As organisations seek to help employees close their skills gaps, there has been a massive proliferation in digital learning content. In this landscape, curation is critical. Anders Pink was built to directly support the need for curated content assets from multiple content libraries and across the web, helping individuals to achieve their learning goals by creating targeted content feeds for relevant topics and skills. 

An aggregator of learning and development content, Go1 works with the world’s leading content providers to deliver high-quality training and education. Offering more content across more industries and languages than anyone else, Go1 gives organisations the ability to create the learning experiences their employees need. 

Together, Go1 and Anders Pink will provide the world’s best learning content, served in a curated, automated and intelligent feed that supports organisations, teams and individuals specific learning needs. Through the delivery of timely and relevant content, employees are more likely to engage and complete courses, and in turn, meet their goals. 

Andrew Barnes, Go1 CEO commented: “The acquisition accelerates our ability to deliver and discover the world’s best learning content for individuals, teams, and organisations, helping them achieve their learning goals. Go1’s vision is to engage a billion learners and this represents an important milestone on this journey”. 

Michelle Hazelton, Anders Pink Managing Director commented: “Go1 and Anders Pink have a shared purpose to curate the world’s best learning content, in any learning platform, for the world’s leading organisations. Through the acquisition, we are gaining the ability to drive greater market impact at significant scale as part of Go1.” 

The acquisition caps off a historic 2022 for Go1, which saw the company signing more than 65 partnerships globally and doubling its customers year on year. 

OFF-GRID LIFE IS LIMITLESS

Olivia McHugh
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A LITHIUM BATTERY FOR OFF-GRID ADVENTURE IS LAUNCHED BY ROAMER

 

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A lithium battery designed for extreme, off-grid environments is the first ever developed by Roamer.

Founded and headquartered in Leeds by off-grid adventurer, Steve Kennedy, Roamer design and build lithium leisure batteries for off-grid campervans, boats and remote accommodation. 

The appeal of off-grid life is growing; 55% of people are looking for off-grid holidays to escape reality in 2023*. The new Roamer XTREME battery series enables high-powered appliances and creature comforts in the most remote off-grid locations, whether that’s taking a campervan on a ski trip to the Alps, trekking in the Sahara Desert or an expedition to the South Pole. 

Roamer was born in 2020 as a lockdown business from Steve’s kitchen. He now employs a team in Leeds where everyone is paid the same salary and is encouraged to work remotely at home, overseas and off-grid. Now in its third year and with a loyal UK customer base, Roamer plans to expand into mainland Europe and the US, initially shipping from the UK and, in time, through local distribution centres. Later this year, Roamer will be entering the residential battery market with a new Wi-Fi enabled battery for home solar systems.

Roamer founder, Steve Kennedy says, “The appeal of off-grid living, holidays and adventures has grown massively since the pandemic. It’s not just campervans either, we regularly supply batteries for narrowboats, luxury yachts, even remote mountain refuges and polar expeditions. Basically, anyone going off-grid that also wants to take their high-power appliances with them. There’s no need to leave your creature comforts at home anymore, modern lithium batteries are compact lightweight and can deliver all the power you need.

“XTREME is aimed at those planning adventures in very remote locations, but off-grid life is available to absolutely everyone and our batteries can support whatever adventure you have in mind. Personally, I love campervans, winter mountaineering and skiing so this battery is perfect for us as it gives us even more freedom in winter to explore and try out new things. We’ve just returned from the Alps where we took a 100XTREME up to 3842m and brewed some coffee at the top of the mountain!” 

You can see Steve’s “Brew with a View”, here.

Professional extreme speedriders and Roamer fans, Valentin Delluc and Ugo Gerola said, “We have just road-tested the Roamer 200XTREME battery in Chamonix. We had to wait a few days for the wind to drop before we could fly the Vallee Blanche, we hung out in the Roamer campervan and it powered everything we needed, it’s an amazing bit of kit.”

You can watch Valentin and Ugo’s Roamer adventure, here.

XTREME Technology & Specifications 

Roamer XTREME batteries can be charged at temperatures ranging from -30°C to 60°C and discharged between -40°C and 60°C, enabling limitless possibilities when off-grid. They’re water resistant, so are also suitable for marine environments and can support businesses operating in remote locations such as remote weather stations, telecoms, rail infrastructure and CCTV.

XTREME batteries use new, low temperature cells that virtually eliminate lithium plating**. They can be fast charged down to minus 30C without needing a heater, and 100% of charging energy can be utilised by the battery instead of being wasted as heat, making them more efficient.

LiFePO4 batteries are known for their ability to delivery continuous high power, but the XTREME goes further. High-power cells allow for a full charge or discharge in just 30 minutes, meaning that even the smallest 100XTREME model, weighing just 11kg, can deliver up to 2500W of continuous power. That’s enough to power a kettle, induction hob or even a tumble drier (as long as you carry it up the mountain first!). In terms of capacity, it still has enough juice to charge an iPhone 206 times, a laptop up to 51 times over, cook nine pizzas in an air fryer or make 78 espressos from a coffee machine! 

Larger XTREME models extend this power up to 5000W and up to four batteries can be combined for even more power, if needed.

Off-grid appeal on the rise

The growing appeal of off-grid life was revealed in the 2023 Travel Trends Report from booking.com, with off-grid holidays revealed as the top trend for next year. 55% of people are looking for off-grid holidays to escape from reality and 44% want to switch off on holiday and experience life with the bare necessities. Over half (53%) still want to stay connected while off-grid and have access to their comforts such as phone and internet. 

Roamer has a range of market-leading lithium batteries to suit any off-grid adventure. All Roamer batteries, including XTREME, can connect via Bluetooth to the Roamer app (downloadable to Apple and Android phones) for simple, real-time information including remaining battery capacity, cell voltage, power usage, temperature and more.

Roamer XTREME batteries are built to a high specification with every component developed and tested specifically for Roamer. 100XTREME, 200XTREME and 24-100XTREME batteries are available to buy now at https://roamer.com/collections/xtreme  from £900 with free delivery.

Quayside MediaCity one of two shopping centres to become the first in the UK to gain net zero carbon status

Olivia McHugh
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Quayside MediaCity in Salford is one of two retail destinations that are the first of their kind to achieve ‘Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy’, according to UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework.  

Quayside MediaCity and Gloucester Quays have been added to the growing list of Peel L&P’s buildings which have achieved net zero carbon status, highlighting the company’s commitment to climate resilience by rolling out net zero carbon initiatives across its estate. 

The buildings have achieved ‘Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy’, in line with UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, following action taken to reduce those emissions and their renewable energy use. In 2021, many of Peel L&P’s assets were transferred to a 100% renewable electricity tariff linked to named wind farms, which considerably reduced carbon emissions across the property portfolio. Within the retail outlets, energy efficiency programmes have included upgrading lighting systems across all spaces including public areas, food courts, back office and advertising signage. 

Jo Holden, Peel L&P’s Sustainability and ESG Director said: “This is a huge milestone. To have achieved net zero carbon with two significant retail destinations is a UK first and shows just how serious we are at taking action to reduce carbon emissions across our portfolio.  

“Net zero carbon status has really driven our energy team and everyone around the business to seek out ways of using less energy and more renewable sources. The impact on our carbon emissions has been far-reaching and the effort of our people shouldn’t be under-estimated. But it is our ambition to build on this and make our properties even more resilient to climate change, which is why we were so proud to have eighteen buildings verified at the end of 2022, including two key retail centres.” 

Yetunde Abdul, Head of Climate Action at UKGBC said: “The challenge of decarbonising the UK’s built environment is a complex one, but Peel L&P’s long-term commitment to aligning their built assets to UKGBC’s net zero carbon buildings framework demonstrates their ambition to take this challenge head-on. Given that buildings are directly responsible for around a quarter of the UK’s carbon footprint, businesses across the sector must work together to fundamentally change the way we construct, operate and de-construct our buildings, and ultimately drive a more sustainable built environment.” 

Kelly Hurst, Centre Manager, Quayside MediaCity added: “Quayside sits within the heart of one of the most sustainable destinations in the UK and we have worked hard to raise our game in line with the other buildings across the site to achieve UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework ‘Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy’. As we evolve Quayside, it’s important for our local residents, employees and customers to know we our committed to achieving our sustainability goals and maintaining them.” 

Peel L&P’s work to reduce carbon emissions across its assets is part of its five-year sustainability plan which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to help create a fair and sustainable planet by 2030. In 2022, Peel L&P unveiled its Climate Positive Plan, a promise to take more greenhouse gases out of the air than it produces by 2030. 

MANCHESTER CITY FANS’ EXPERIENCE IMPROVED BY PARTNERSHIP WITH QUALTRICS

Olivia McHugh
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Qualtrics (Nasdaq: XM), the leader and creator of the experience management category, recently released details about the impact of its partnership with Manchester City, which is helping to transform the fan experience in stadiums and online. As Manchester City’s Official Experience Management Software Partner, Qualtrics enables the Club to listen to fan and employee feedback, understand and analyse what they hear, then take action to improve experiences and design new ones.

In the past year, Qualtrics and Manchester City have collaborated to:

– Listen to fans’ feedback to improve elements of the journey fans take as they visit the Club’s facilities at the Etihad – Campus, a continuous process which has also recently included the implementation of QR codes and iPads around the stadium for fans to share their views.
– Gather live feedback during the online ticket and merchandise buying journeys to understand fan satisfaction and identify moments of friction.
– Improve hospitality experiences and ensure issue resolution and expectations can be managed quickly and efficiently.
– Listen to feedback and tailor digital experiences to increase engagement and make improvements to club content by measuring the effectiveness of help and support pages.
– Develop more meaningful relationships with partners using rich data to drive increased awareness and perception.

Danny Wilson, Managing Director, Manchester City Operations said: “Manchester City matches take place over 40 times a year and there’s so many opportunities for us to develop relationships and continue our engagement with our fans both in Manchester and around the world, extending that experience beyond the 90 minutes of football on the pitch. Without insight, understanding and feedback from fans we can’t learn how to improve and the feedback we are able to get via Qualtrics helps us to listen to our fans closely and helps us shape future decisions around matchdays.”

Qualtrics President of Products and Engineering Brad Anderson said: “Fan feedback is increasingly important to sports clubs around the world. Qualtrics technology allows Manchester City to listen and understand feedback from all its fans – those in the stadium and those accessing the digital and at-home fan experience. This knowledge gives the clubs the information they need to ensure every fan feels special.”

For more information, visit here to watch the latest video on fan engagement at Manchester City.

Camp Digital returns for 2023 at the Royal Northern College of Music

Olivia McHugh
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One of the UK’s leading design conferences, Camp Digital, will return for 2023, bringing together the digital, design and UX communities to share and explore new ideas, innovation and best practice in the industry. The event will be held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on 13th July 2023.

Camp Digital has been held annually since 2011, attracting professionals from the creative and tech industries for expert talks and workshops covering a range of topics from how to discuss and improve accessibility in tech to developing end-to-end employee experiences. 

This year’s speakers include Shabira Papain, founder of agile community development start-up, People Street, digital technology leader and author of ‘End State’, James Plunkett, and co-founder of The Future Kind Collective, Natalie Pearce. The event will also feature two workshops and a session of ‘lightning talks’, hosted in collaboration with the organisation, 300 Seconds, to give a platform and conference experience to speakers from underrepresented groups.

Two ticketing options will be available following the success of the 2022 hybrid conference, giving delegates the option to attend in person or watch the main stage talks through livestream.

In addition to regular ticketing, Nexer Digital is running two programmes this year with the aim of increasing diversity and inclusion in tech spaces and welcoming attendees from underrepresented groups. The Rising Star scheme offers fifty free in-person and fifty free livestream tickets to students from institutions including universities, colleges and bootcamps on digital courses. 

The Pay It Forward programme enables attendees to buy tickets at a discounted price and nominate a person or organisation to receive the ticket, with a focus on gifting to underserved groups who might otherwise miss out on joining the event.

Shaun Gomm, organiser of Camp Digital and commercial director at Nexer Digital, said: “The team at Nexer Digital are excited to see the return of Camp Digital, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to host such an insightful event, tackling the key topics and challenges amongst the digital, design and UX communities.

“There’s a great line-up of industry speakers this year, who’ll be able to offer fresh and innovative insight with plenty of valuable learnings and takeaways. We’re also proud to offer the Rising Star and Pay It Forward initiatives to give students and underserved groups in the digital space the opportunity to benefit from expert knowledge and make valuable contacts.”

Camp Digital 2023 will take place on 13th July 2023 at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, in addition to being accessible via livestream. Early bird conference tickets can be bought before 31st January for £150 + VAT with live stream tickets costing £50 + VAT.

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit: https://www.nexerdigital.com/campdigital/2023/

BROMLEYS WELCOMES LATEST RECRUIT TO WILLS, PROBATE AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE TEAM

Olivia McHugh
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Law firm Bromleys has continued its expansion with the arrival of Michelle Wood as a solicitor in its wills, probate and planning for the future team.

Michelle worked as a legal secretary for a number of years before undertaking the Masters in Law and Practice course at Huddersfield University and graduating in 2015.

She qualified as a solicitor in 2019. Michelle specialises in will drafting and execution, estate administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney provision for clients. 

Michelle has joined Bromleys from a firm in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

She said: “It’s refreshing to be part of a welcoming team at Bromleys with similar values. 

“Bromleys is widely recognised for its professional and caring service to clients and the firm also invests in its employees so that they feel included and that their contribution is valued.

“I am super-excited about my future with the firm and the friendly, supportive and inclusive environment here.”

Michelle is the latest addition to the wills, probate and planning for the future team, which is headed by senior associate Francesca Rigby. 

Last year its ranks were bolstered by the arrival of senior solicitor Joanne Jones and solicitor Jade Wright.

Francesca said: “Michelle’s appointment further demonstrates the upward trajectory of the team. Over the past year it has gone from strength to strength, mirrored by the additional staff we have recruited.

“They are a tremendous asset to Bromleys, and we are excited for what is in store for them and the whole team in the coming months.”

Why is it Important to Look after your Company Car?

News Desk
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For business owners, a fleet of quality company cars can be a significant boon. They can help to bolster morale among employees, and entice prospective recruits into making a job application. They’re crucial for employees that will be expected to do a lot of driving, or commuting.

A well-maintained company car will tend to be more enticing than a poorly-maintained one. Moreover, the former will make a better impression on those outside the business, like clients and collaborators.

The importance of regular checks

There are a few components in a car that are more prone to wear and tear than others. These might include things like tyres and brakes, which will naturally degrade over time. Regular maintenance here will not only improve the driving experience, but make accidents less likely. This will not only help to protect the employees themselves, but the car that they’re driving.

For example, the stopping power of a given set of tyres will tend to decline substantially before they reach the legal minimum of 1.6mm. As such, it’s worth shopping for replacements from a reputable brand. It could be worth considering to buy Continental tyres or another premium brand, to ensure that the quality and longevity is good.

Make sure the right equipment is on board

If something should go wrong with a company car, then the driver will want to be able to react appropriately. This means having access to the right equipment. Don’t assume that necessities like the spare tyre, a jack, and an ice-scraper are going to be included. Where the weight isn’t going to be excessive, it’s worth including as much extra stuff as possible. Include the contact details for the breakdown recovery people, in a prominent place.

Service regularly

Generally speaking, the more often that your company car is serviced, the better. A good rule of thumb is that you’ll want a service around every 12,000 miles, or every six months. If your car has a black box onboard, then you’ll be able to pay attention to how it’s being driven. Make sure that you’re doing this with the consent and approval of the employee in question, though. Leaving aside any legal or ethical questions, you’ll want to avoid creating the impression that you’re peering over their shoulder. Black box insurance for the fleet can, as a side benefit, help you to save money on covering everything.

UK’s first flight simulator on genuine 747 flight deck open to the public in Manchester

Olivia McHugh
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Ever wondered what it would be like to get to grips with the controls of the Queen of the Skies?


Well, now you can, thanks to The Deck 747 by Doors2Manual. The UK’s first ever flight simulator on a genuine 747 flight deck is already open to the public and giving Av-Geeks a truly magical experience.


You might remember the fuss created on England’s motorways last summer when the top deck of the British Airways’ G-BYGA aircraft made its final journey from Kemble scrapping yard in the Cotswolds to Barton City Airport, Manchester.


Since then, the team at The Deck 747 have been working hard to not only get the old girl fixed up and open for tours but also to restore the flight deck to working order.


The team have the upper deck cabin showcased as it was during its flying days, with the iconic British Airways’ classic Club World seats and the cabin door fully open for boarding.


It’s in the cockpit that the experience really takes off. Remarkably well preserved for an authentic feel, the seats are still in place from their travels across the globe, complete with their fur covers. The pilot bunk beds are there as well and, most importantly, so are almost all of the plane’s controls.


Many aspects, like the original control columns, rudder pedals, thrust, and gear lever are original while others, such as the auto-pilot, were lost in the scrapping/recycling system and have been replaced through the team’s tireless efforts to source genuine/realistic sim parts.


While the simulator is not set up to a complete pilot-training standard, the main controls are all linked to sim inputs giving an authentic flying experience for all including a 200 degree, fully immersive, wraparound screen.


From sampling a flight from Manchester to Liverpool to famous airports in Hong Kong or enjoying the views over the Alps, we offer global maps that customers can choose between.


Flight simulator prices begin at £59.95 and packages can also include up to four simulators all on location at Manchester Airport, Barton. Among those are the UK’s first 737 MAX sim that’s open to the public and an A320 simulator, allowing the biggest Av-Geeks to compare flying a range of aircraft.


Customers can currently enjoy 15% at The Deck 747 if they book during January using the code JANUARY15. Bookings can be made online at https://www.thedeck747.com/.

 

CUSTOMER REVIEWS


Leanne Greenwood: “My husband has an interest in flying and thoroughly enjoyed it and (even) with little interest, I thought it was amazing. The set up is very impressive. My husband will definitely be back. If you’re thinking of booking then don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it.”

John Gaskell: “Absolutely fantastic experience- the sim is superb and the freedom to do what you want is epic! Highly recommended.”

Drew Hanna, director: “After The Deck’s very public journey from Kemble to Manchester, our team have worked tirelessly over recent months to get such an iconic part of British flight history back into working order. We’re very proud that we’ve been able to return the flight deck to very close to how it was and are glad that we have been able to source replica sim parts for those components that had been removed. As the UK’s first flight simulator on a genuine 747 flight deck, we’re so pleased to be able to play such an important role in securing the legacy of the Queen of the Skies.”


Aine Behan, director: “Customers have already been pouring through the hangar doors and sampling life on the flight deck. We’ve been humbled by the response, from first-time simulator fliers to experienced users. We’re able to offer a genuine flying experience on maps across the world that are already proving a real hit.”

EY’s dealmakers in the North give counsel on transactions worth nearly £3.8bn in 2022

Olivia McHugh
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  • Top deals comprised of three worth over half a billion pounds each
  • Technology and digital investment opportunities attracting growing interest
  • 2023 prospects assessed as EY set aims on another busy year in the North deals market, despite economic headwinds

EY’s Strategy and Transactions teams in the North of England gave counsel on deals worth a total of nearly £3.8bn in 2022.

The top deals acted on in 2022 by the firm’s experts in the North included three worth more than half a billion pounds each, with the £740mn divestment of Saint Gobain’s merchanting brands to STARK Group the highest value transaction of the year.

Another significant deal EY helped seal was the £667mn divestment, by East Yorkshire-based Croda, of its Performance Technologies and Industrial Chemicals business to a wholly-owned subsidiary of global food corporation Cargill Inc. 

Following the successes achieved in 2022, and despite a challenging economic backdrop, EY’s teams in the North are optimistic about the prospects for 2023.

Mark Clephan, EY North Corporate Finance Partner, said: “At EY, we invested very significantly in our people and capability across the North in 2022, and I am therefore not surprised, but nonetheless proud, of the size, complexity and importance of the transactions we advised on last year.

“Looking forward to 2023, the outlook remains uncertain, but we remain confident that the deals market will start steadily and improve throughout the year. Uncertainty persists over key business input costs and expenses, and similarly there is flux in end markets. However, consumer trends and volatile costs early in the year will likely improve, and growing confidence should facilitate increasing deal volumes.

“Deals are completed in times of both recession or economic growth – it is uncertainty that threatens transactions. We are seeing increasing confidence and believe that the picture will show consistent improvement throughout 2023.”

With sustainability growing in importance for businesses and society alike, there was a boost for clean technology in the North of England in Q4 2022 as EY acted as lead advisor to Iduna as they secured up to £110mn of funding from Octopus Energy Generation for their Manchester-based electric vehicle charging infrastructure business, Be.EV.

Significant appetite to invest in technology was also evident in 2022, with businesses continuing to pursue the largely untapped potential of digital capabilities.

Last year’s tech deals acted on by EY included, but were not limited to, SymphonyAI’s acquisition of financial crime detection business, NetReveal®, from defence contractor BAE Systems; the sale of Warrington-based software company Talos360 to Lloyds Development Capital Limited (LDC); and the purchase of leading salesforce consultancy, Pexlify, by Japanese PR and advertising firm, Dentsu Group, in a bid to strengthen their customer transformation and technology capabilities.

Momentum in the technology sector is a trend EY expects to be consistent in the 2023 deals market, as businesses place an increasing emphasis on exploring the potential of maximising both efficiency and innovation through digital transformation.

MAG reveals £440m investment in last phase of £1.3bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme

Olivia McHugh
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  • New facilities will supply a great airport experience and attract new routes to the UK’s global gateway in the North
  • Investment will unlock billions in economic value for the North, supporting thousands of new jobs over the next ten years
  • Over 500 jobs to be created in two-year construction phase

MAG (Manchester Airports Group) today revealed a £440m investment in Manchester Airport that will create thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of economic worth for the North over the next decade.

The investment will transform the passenger experience at the UK’s third largest airport, with new spacious facilities, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and airport lounges.

It will see Manchester Airport expand its role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, connecting the region to even more international destinations, including some of the world’s most important economic markets.

The investment is the final phase of the £1.3bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), first announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience at the Northern hub and unlock the potential of its two full-length runways. 

The first phase saw Terminal 2 more than double in size, with the new facility having received positive feedback from passengers and airlines since opening in July 2021.

This latest investment will complete the transformation of Terminal 2, delivering improvement to all stages of the passenger journey – from check-in to baggage reclaim – as well as upgrading its airfield to cater for next generation aircraft.

Upon completion in 2025, around 80% of all passengers will use the expanded Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 set to close – 63 years after it was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1962.

More than 500 jobs will be created in the construction phase alone, while independent analysis shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.

The same research – by York Aviation – reveals that Manchester Airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5bn is expected to soar by nearly 80%, to £6.3bn by 2040 as a result of the full delivery of the transformation programme.

And a further £2.9bn boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.

Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North, and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy.

“Our £1.3bn transformation programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a great airport experience for passengers who travel through Manchester. I’m delighted to be announcing the go-ahead for the final phase, which will open in 2025, connecting the people and businesses of the North to dozens more global destinations, and creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism.”

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport, and the region as a whole.

“By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the North an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.

“I cannot wait to see the plans come to fruition, for the benefit of all of our customers, colleagues and supporters.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “As the aviation industry recovers after Covid, it’s great news to see this significant vote of confidence in the UK.

“This investment will be a huge boost for the North, benefitting passengers flying in and out of the region as well as supporting thousands of jobs.”

The expanded Terminal 2 has already welcomed a number of new airlines to Manchester, and seen the launch or relaunch of a string of key routes.  

Examples include a brand-new service to Kuwait, a revived service to Beijing and a first UK Transatlantic base for AerLingus. 

Enabling works for the second phase of the project are already underway, and planned improvements include:

  • Doubling the size of the existing departure lounge, with a wider selection of shops and food and drink outlets, showcasing the best of what the North has to offer
  • The construction of an additional security hall, fitted with next-generation security scanners.
  • A new pier, matching the look and feel of the first pier that opened in 2019. It will include spacious gates
  • A new dual taxiway system to improve airfield efficiency, with flexible aircraft stands
  • More than doubling the terminal’s hold baggage capacity to over 5,000 bags per hour, with two new teardrop check in islands

The news has been welcomed by business and political leaders.

Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors, said:

“This announcement is extremely positive news for Manchester Airport, its colleagues, passengers and airline customers.

“As a pension fund owned infrastructure investor, IFM’s commitment to MAG is very long-term, unlocking significant value for the North of England, and the UK economy as a whole.”

Damian Waters, Regional Director – CBI, said:

“I am delighted to hear that Manchester Airport is making such a major investment in its facilities and am excited to see the positive impact this will have on the region as a whole.

“This is yet another demonstration of not only MAG’s long-term commitment to providing an excellent experience for passengers and airlines, but also the key role it continues to play as a true driver of economic growth and success for the North West.”

Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said

“As the international gateway to the North of England, Manchester Airport acts as a critical player in our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and unlocking billions in economic value by facilitating tourism, trade and investment. 

“This major investment will sit at the heart of plans to make the North one of the most competitive economic regions in the world, helping the North realise its full potential while rebalancing the UK economy.

“Over the past decade the Northern Powerhouse has built up a heavyweight reputation around the globe, with foreign direct investment up more than 72% in the last five years. This transformation project from Manchester Airport will help to cement our position on the world stage and attract even more visitors and investors in the years to come.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“Manchester Airport is a massive asset to our city region, connecting those living and working here to global destinations, as well as helping attract visitors, tourists and inward investment.

“The further investment in the Manchester Airport transformation programme will enhance Greater Manchester’s international credentials and make a major contribution to the northern economy.

“The project is also doing a huge amount to create employment for people from all backgrounds and providing training that will ensure it leaves a skills legacy for future generations.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: 

“We welcome this important investment in a thriving future for Manchester Airport.

“It is a boost not just for the airport itself but for Manchester, and Greater Manchester, as a whole. The airport is a vital asset which helps attract employment and investment to the city and supports tens of thousands of jobs, both directly and through the wider visitor economy. Having this global connectivity is a major competitive advantage for Manchester. 

“As well as boosting the airport, this next phase of the transformation programme will also create thousands of jobs which Manchester people can access, including young people getting started in their careers.  

“This scale of investment, underpinned by a long-term vision to transform the airport and its facilities, is a real statement of confidence.” 

Rhys Whalley, Interim Managing Director at MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency said: 

“Manchester Airport’s next phase of investment is another significant boost to Greater Manchester’s offering, as one of the most accessible cities in the UK.

Not only will this transformation help to secure more high value routes, it will also create a world class hub connecting the North of the UK to key markets internationally. Both those factors combined will make us an even more attractive place for international investors and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.” 

Richard Sofer, TUI’s Commercial and Business Development Director said:  

“The news of Manchester Airport’s redevelopment is hugely exciting, for both our customers and TUI colleagues based at Manchester.

As one of our major airport hubs, TUI flies to more than 40 holiday hotspots from Manchester, so it’s great to hear about the plans for the evolution of the airport, with passengers benefitting from the new facilities, shops, bars and restaurants once the project is completed.

We look forward to continuing to work together with the team at Manchester Airport and our TUI colleagues to create more holiday memories for our customers in the North West.”

Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said;

“This year Lonely Planet and National Geographic have named Manchester a must-visit city, so it is great to hear about Manchester Airport’s investment to strengthen its position as a major international hub for the city, and gateway to the North. As the volume of international visitors to Greater Manchester increases, it is reassuring to know Manchester Airport will be ready to handle demand and offer visitors a warm welcome and a positive travel experience.”

Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), said:

“Today’s announcement on the next phase of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme is fantastic news for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and across the wider North.  

“Manchester Airport has an integral role in the North’s economy, connecting us with the rest of the world and supporting businesses who export goods and services overseas. As well as creating hundreds of jobs in the immediate term, the improvements being delivered will enable and support economic activity for decades to come.”

Trevor Brocklebank, Deputy Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of Marketing Cheshire, said:

“For millions of people every year Manchester Airport is their gateway to everything Cheshire and Warrington has to offer. 

“This investment will mean even more people can visit and enjoy our sub-region as well as creating jobs for our residents and helping our economy and the economy across the North grow.”

Gill Haigh, Managing Director at Cumbria Tourism, said:

“Manchester Airport is a vital travel hub for the North West, it’s the gateway for international visitors to get to the Lake District, Cumbria. These upgrades propose access from even more overseas destinations, including some of the world’s highest spending economic markets which is set to be to be a major boost for the future of inbound tourism.

“The Lake District, Cumbria had become an established destination choice for the many international markets who absolutely love the history and culture the area has to offer, with an increasing number of independent travellers exploring more widely and discovering the hidden gems dotted around our diverse county so this is great news and we look forward to the improvement plans at Manchester Airport.”

Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive at Marketing Lancashire, said:

“Manchester Airport is one of the most important gateways to Lancashire, offering visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience the county’s rich culture and heritage, incredible countryside, 137 miles of beautiful coastline, as well as our renowned, warm hospitality. It also opens up vital connections and new international markets for Lancashire’s leading industries, manufacturers, universities and educational establishments.

“News of new routes and enhancements to the customer experience at Manchester Airport, come hot on the heels of the government announcement of £200m levelling-up funding for Lancashire projects. This includes the £50m funding needed for the much-anticipated Eden Project Morecambe; a world-class environmental destination set to attract around 740,000 new visitors a year to Lancashire, when it opens in 2026.

“We look forward to developing our work with Manchester Airport, North West tourism colleagues and stakeholders, to increase visitor numbers to Lancashire and to exploiting any new opportunities for Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality businesses, now and in the future.” 

Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International at The University of Manchester said:

“We welcome this announcement. Staff and students who make essential trips to overseas partners will benefit from more direct routes, which is more efficient. The improvements to passenger experience will make our city a more attractive destination, including for students, to the benefit of the regional economy.”

Paul Stowers, Head of Exports in the Northern Powerhouse at Department for International Trade said: 

“It’s wonderful to see these developments for the transformation and expansion continue, positively impacting on trade and investment in the North. This new capacity at Manchester Airport will help our businesses grow further, expanding their global reach and making the journey much more exciting.”

Chris Brown, Director of Marketing Liverpool, said:

“We’re delighted to hear that Manchester Airports Group has announced this significant investment of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. Not only will it benefit passengers travelling through the airport with brand new routes and world class facilities, but it will open up Liverpool City Region as a destination to attract long haul global audiences.”

Terry Hayward, Chief Executive of North Cheshire Chamber, said: 

“Manchester Airport’s announcement of a £440m investment in the next phase of their Transformation Programme could not have come at a better time.  This major infrastructure project will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy both in the construction phase and afterwards, as the capacity of the airport continues to increase.  Manchester Airport is critical to so many north Cheshire businesses both for business travel and for freight and as it continues to attract new airlines and open up new routes it will bring more businesses to the area and more visitors.”

Mark Casci, Head of Policy and Representation at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This announcement will unlock economic growth and job creation across multiple fronts around the North of England.

“Businesses in Yorkshire will benefit from increased trading opportunities in key worldwide markets because of this expansion and we welcome the investment which will bring manifold benefits to our region.

“We look forward to seeing new routes being opened up, as well as enhanced services on pre-existing corridors.”

Chris Fletcher, Policy Director, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This is great news and comes at a critical time for the local and national economy not just in supporting jobs on the ground, but also by taking a positive step forward by investing in a critical part of the North’s infrastructure.

“At a time when it seems many projects are being given second thoughts, this decision reaffirms Manchester Airport’s status as a genuine gateway to the rest of the world and will unlock tourist and commercial traffic opportunities now and in the future.”

Further information, images and CGIs of the transformation programme’s second phase will be released in the coming months.

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