Business Manchester

Funding secured for improvement project in Tottington

News

Helen Greaney

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20/12/2024

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Funding secured for improvement project in Tottington

It has been confirmed that funding for improving Whitehead Gardens in Tottington has been secured.

The project is being funded by Bury Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It had been put on hold because of the pandemic, but has been championed by Tottington and Bury West Rotary Club, Tottington Primary School, Tottington High School and local residents.

Plans for the site include making improvements to access and pathways, installing new seating areas, tree works, wildflower planting, wall repairs and improving drainage. A big part of the project involves also involves bringing the staged area within the gardens back into community use.

Children from Tottington High School, Tottington Primary School and other local schools and groups will also be given the opportunity to get involved in an historical research project and several other outdoor activities on the site too.

A representative of Tottington and Bury West Rotary Club said: “We’re thrilled that the funding to make changes to Whitehead Gardens has now been granted. The gardens, as well as being a much-loved community space, are also an important part of Bury heritage as the site contains a memorial to 7 local people who lost their lives on Christmas Eve, 1944 in an horrific V1 attack.

“The project will enable us to add interpretation panels to make sure that everyone understands the significance of the site, as well as providing us with a space to come together, hold events, and enjoy the nature and wildlife that the garden attracts too.’’

Councillor Alan Quinn said: “This is great news for Tottington. Residents and visitors have shared lots of great ideas for upgrading the gardens, and we look forward to being part of the team that can make the changes needed.

“Works to construct a new staged area, opportunities to get local school children involved, and discussion of the site becoming part of a local heritage trail are particularly exciting.”

The work on site will begin in Spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

Life in jail for teenagers who murdered Prince Walker-Ayeni

Crime

Helen Greaney

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20/12/2024

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Life in jail for teenagers who murdered Prince Walker-Ayeni

Two teenage boys have been jailed for life today, for their role in the murder of Prince Walker-Ayeni (pictured) in April.

A 16-year-old boy from Rusholme was sentenced to a minimum term of 15 years in prison and a 16-year-old boy from Whalley Range is required to serve eight years and six months.

Prince (17) sustained three fatal stab wounds – two to this thigh and one to his chest – in Moss Side, on Thursday, April 4.

The court heard how two groups, one made up of the two defendants and the other being Prince and a friend met on Raby Street in Moss Side, and within moments an altercation took place.

Both groups were throwing punches at each other, before the confrontation came to an end. But the violence did not conclude there.

Prince and his friend leave, but they are followed closely behind by Boy ‘1’ and Boy ‘2’ who are intent on causing some serious harm.

Less than 45 seconds after the initial confrontation ended, Prince Walker-Ayeni had been stabbed and left to die on the street.

CCTV footage sees Boy 1 and 2 running from the scene with one of them being heard to say ‘you better dash that quick’ in relation to the weapon that had just inflicted the fatal blows to Prince.

A member of the public called the police at 4.10pm and the boy was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary by emergency services, where he died, just over an hour later.

A woman (aged 44) from Manchester received a 9-month suspended sentence for perverting the course of justice for her role during the incident, after she was asked to ‘get rid’ of a sim card that had been hidden and hampering the investigation further by misleading officers as to the ownership of an iPhone and sim card.

Detective chief inspector Neil Higginson said: “Firstly, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Prince’s family and friends. They have shown undeniable togetherness in the face of adversity, they have carried themselves with dignity and respect throughout the course of this investigation and subsequent trial.

“Sadly, over the past few years, we have seen many instances like this where a young boy in his teenage years has lost his life.

“Prince’s death is another hard-hitting reminder of the devastating effect that carrying knives can have, not only has one boy lost his life but the impact of this incident has left a family scarred, something that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“I would like to thank the local community and the general public who came forward and provided statements which aided our enquiries. My team also deserve a huge amount of credit for their hard work and dedication throughout this investigation.”

Manchester to see in the New Year with free firework display

Community

Helen Greaney

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20/12/2024

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Manchester to see in the New Year with free firework display

Manchester is set to welcome in the New Year with a fantastic free firework spectacular in St Peter’s Square, which will see fireworks let off from the roof of the city’s iconic Central Library building.

This year’s family-friendly end of the year celebration marks the first time St Peter’s Square has been used for the New Year countdown event, which takes place from 10 pm – 12.30 am on December 31 and the first-time ever that New Year fireworks have been let off from the roof of Manchester Central Library.

Everyone is invited to join in the fun-filled celebrations as the city counts down to 2025 with host for the evening, radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.

A number of temporary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.

Free event

With capacity for around 20,000 people, anyone attending the free event is asked to limit any bags they bring with them to no bigger than A4 in size. Bag searches will be in operation at each of the multiple entrances into the event space.

Expect high spirits and party tunes in the run-up to the midnight countdown and fireworks, but revellers should also note this is a family-friendly event and alcohol is not permitted.

Anyone planning to attend the event should be aware that it is a standing room only event and will not be seated. There will however be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

A limited amount of unreserved accessible event parking will be available on Mount Street.

Portaloo toilet facilities, including accessible toilets will be available on site and the Lloyd Street public toilets will remain open until 1 am.

Hot drinks and food will be available on site and security staff will be in attendance.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.

“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town. I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”

Road closures

December 31, 2024

7.30pm–2am

Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)

9pm–2am

Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)

Parking suspensions from 8am on December 29, until 6am on January 2

Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)

Parking suspensions from 6pm on December 30, until 6am on January 1

Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)

Accessible parking

Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.

Metrolink

There will be no tram services through St Peter’s Square from 8pm on December 31 until the end of service. Full details of Metrolink’s service and their accessible shuttle bus service can be found at: www.tfgm.com/new-years-eve

Medicash Welcomes New Chief Executive

News Desk

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20/12/2024

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Medicash has announced that Sue Weir, its long-serving Chief Executive, will be retiring in March 2025 after an impressive 21 years with the organisation.

As the UK’s largest provider of corporate cash plans with over 600,000 policyholders, Medicash has appointed Andrew Healy MBE as her successor. Andrew brings a wealth of experience, having served as CEO in several mutual and community-focused financial services organisations. His contributions to the community were recognised in 2023 when he was awarded an MBE. Subject to regulatory approval, he will assume his new role on 3 March 2025.

Andrew expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, saying: “I am truly delighted to be joining Medicash, a wonderful organisation that for more than 150 years has been making a positive difference through its innovative healthcare offerings and outstanding charitable foundation. I look forward to building on the strong platform created by Sue Weir and to working with the talented Medicash team to continue to grow the business and to support our customers, colleagues and communities in every way possible.”

Jonathan Brown, Medicash Chair, shared his thoughts on the leadership transition, praising Sue’s contribution to the organisation and expressing confidence in Andrew’s capabilities. He said: “It was always going to be a momentous occasion when Sue decided to retire and her unwavering commitment to both the business and the charitable work supported through the Medicash Foundation have left a permanent mark on the sector. I want to thank her personally for all her expertise and guidance, it has been such a pleasure working with her and seeing the company grow from strength to strength.

“In Andrew Healy, we’re confident we have a capable and worthy successor who very much shares our vision for the business to take it forward, while possessing the personal values and characteristics necessary to maintain the existing culture and ethos of Medicash.”

During Sue’s tenure, Medicash has grown from 135,000 policyholders to over 630,000, firmly establishing itself as the leading provider of corporate cash plans in the UK. In 2018, Medicash was also awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool, recognising its long-standing charitable contributions and commitment to healthcare.

Reflecting on her time as CEO, Sue said: “I’d like to thank my wonderful colleagues for making my time here an absolute pleasure. The team has embraced change to enable Medicash to become the best in its sector and I wish Andrew well in his new role.

“I’m looking forward to building on my portfolio of Chair and Non-Executive Director positions in the commercial, charity and public sectors, along with spending more time with friends and family.”

IBRAN Addresses UK Flood Challenges with Gravel Grid Solutions

News Desk

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19/12/2024

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IBRAN Addresses UK Flood Challenges with Gravel Grid Solutions

Extreme weather events, such as Storm Bert and Storm Darragh, are increasingly disrupting lives across the UK, emphasising the need for effective flood management solutions. IBRAN, a UK-based producer of sustainable surfacing products, is responding to this pressing demand.

Time to Prepare

The climate crisis is exacerbating the rise in extreme weather with increased temperatures. As a result, the warmer air holds more water and creates prolonged rainfall.

Storm Bert, a late November weather event, and Storm Darragh in early December have caused significant disruption across the UK. In November, 250 warnings and alerts were issued for flooding and landslides, with some areas receiving a month’s rainfall in days. The highest rainfall hit Devon, dropping 175.7mm of rain between midnight on the 23rd and 25th of November, while Storm Darragh saw over 3,000 reported sewage discharges across England in 48 hours, along with 90 mph winds.

Property damage from November is currently estimated at £250–350 million, while the extent of December’s storm is still being assessed. However, both storms highlight the growing need for effective water management.

“The weather patterns (or lack of a pattern) we’ve seen over the last 12-18 months show signs of becoming a longer-term issue, with ‘once in a lifetime’ flooding events happening multiple times a year, “ said Ted Bromley-Hall, founder of IBRAN and a specialist in paving solutions.

“Whilst there have been recent changes regarding sustainable drainage regulations for new housing developments, It still remains very much the status quo for older houses to tackle drainage issues by replacing what has already been installed.”

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, solutions for improved flood prevention and faster recovery are essential — and gravel grids could be the answer.

Gravel grids are durable, interlocking panels designed to stabilise gravel surfaces and prevent them from shifting, sinking, or spreading. They are fully permeable, allowing water to drain through the surface, which makes them ideal for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Often made from recycled plastic materials, they provide a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods.

“There are multiple different permeable surfacing solutions available, such as block paving, porous resin-bound surfacing and gravel driveways. Gravel grids provide a low-cost alternative while still being more solid and long-lasting than a standard gravel driveway. They are naturally free-draining thanks to their permeable, cellular shape, whilst engineered to provide as solid a surface as block, tarmac, resin, or concrete,” Ted further explained.

Racing Club’s Racehorse Shares: A Perfect Last-Minute Gift

Lifestyle and Wellbeing

News Desk

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19/12/2024

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Racing Club’s Racehorse Shares: A Perfect Last-Minute Gift

As Royal Mail’s final Christmas delivery date draws near, there’s no time to waste on traditional gifts that require wrapping and postage. Racing Club has a solution that’s fast, unique, and sure to impress.

This year, Racing Club is offering the chance to gift shares in a racehorse – an unforgettable experience for any recipient. With prices starting at just £25 per share and reaching up to £10,000 for VIP ownership, these digital gifts are delivered directly via email, making them a stress-free option for last-minute shoppers.

“Royal Mail’s final delivery date is fast approaching, but with Racing Club’s digital racehorse shares, you can skip the stress of late deliveries and wrapping altogether,” says Richard Jaques, Director and Co-Founder of Racing Club. “This unique gift is hassle-free and brings the thrill of race days straight to their inbox. Unlike socks or generic gift cards, this is a thoughtful, personalised gift, far removed from the typical last-minute options that often lack the care and consideration of a well-chosen present.”

“For anyone racing to finish their Christmas shopping, racehorse shares are the perfect choice. They’re quick to give, unforgettable to receive, and provide excitement that lasts well beyond the holiday season,” Jaques adds.

This year, Racing Club’s syndicate has introduced several exclusive Christmas packages, making the excitement of racehorse ownership accessible at a fraction of the cost:

Christmas Package (£199): Includes Wendigo, Handlethekettle, Spirit of Summer, Tiny Rebel, and a Racing Club Scarf – saving £49.
Christmas Package (£99): Includes Handlethekettle, Tiny Rebel, and a Racing Club Scarf – saving £38.
Wendigo Christmas Deal (£100): Includes Wendigo, a Racing Club Scarf, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.
Handlethekettle Christmas Deal (£100): Includes Handlethekettle, a Racing Club Gin Bottle, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.
Handlethekettle Christmas Deal 2 (£75): Includes Handlethekettle, a Racing Club Scarf, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.
Tiny Rebel Christmas Deal (£60): Includes Tiny Rebel, a Racing Club Baseball Cap with Mesh, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.

Additionally, Racing Club offers the following multi-horse packages:

Horse Package 1 (£125): Includes Wendigo, Handlethekettle, and Blackwaterfoot – saving £20.
Horse Package 2 (£125): Includes Wendigo, Blackwaterfoot, and Dunstan – saving £35.

Alternatively, gift cards are available, giving the recipient full freedom to pick which shares to invest in.

Racing Club prides itself on building a strong sense of community among its members. Owners receive weekly updates on their horses, ballots for owner badges, stable visits, and a share of any prize money won. Additionally, they gain access to exclusive events, including hospitality at Wembley Stadium, the O2 Arena in London, and various racecourses.

For a gift that’s a sure bet visit: https://racingclub.com/racehorse-shares-for-christmas/

CitySuites raises more than £36,000 for Manchester causes

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

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CitySuites raises more than £36,000 for Manchester causes

CitySuites is delighted to announce that it has raised an exceptional £36,597 for Manchester charities in 2024.

Through a series of fundraising initiatives, challenges and generous donations, the provider of luxury serviced apartments has been able to support numerous charities across Manchester and the North West.

A large amount of the funds was donated to the Mustard Tree, a charity dedicated to combating poverty, inequality, and homelessness in Greater Manchester.

CitySuites has also supported charities by donating room nights to Forever Manchester‘s monthly raffle, Eat Well Manchester’s fundraiser event, and Room to Reward. Additionally, a number of CitySuites employees volunteered at Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas appeal.

Together as a team, they have fundraised in various ways for some fantastic causes. A significant portion was raised from the sale of TVs in CitySuites I, with owner Mark Stott generously donating the proceeds to charity.

Michelle Dyer, business development manager at CitySuites, said: “It has been a true pleasure to lead this effort, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone from the CitySuites’ network who has donated, baked, bought, taken part in Tough Mudder, or got involved in our charity engagements.

“Without everyone’s hard work and dedication, we could not have achieved the remarkable amount we’ve raised. These contributions have made all the difference, and together, we have achieved something truly special.”

Funding received to drive AI adoption and strengthen cybersecurity amongst Greater Manchester SMEs

AI

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

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Funding received to drive AI adoption and strengthen cybersecurity amongst Greater Manchester SMEs

The University of Salford’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation has received £101,000 of funding from Innovate UK, to help educate SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) across Greater Manchester on the intersection of AI (artificial intelligence) and cybersecurity.

According to the World Economic Forum, executives estimate that 40% of their workforce will need to reskill in the next three years as a result of implementing AI.

To add to this, recent research from Accenture found 74% of organisations have seen investments in generative AI and automation meet or exceed expectations. However, cybersecurity attacks continue to be amongst the most common threats facing businesses, with government data released earlier this year revealing half have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.

The grant will help tackle the key challenges businesses are facing when it comes to the adoption of AI, helping to increase the security of AI systems, as well as using the technology to enhance cybersecurity practices.

Through accessible and user-friendly educational resources, the project will help SMEs to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, but also understand and mitigate the risks associated with integrating the technology into their business operations.

Dr Angel Jimenez-Aranda, associate professor in digital transformation at the University’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation, who is leading the project, comments: “Many businesses are at a critical point in their AI journeys and, while the technology presents great scope to drive innovation, efficiency and productivity, it’s essential those at the helm of leading adoption are educated on these opportunities as well as security risks.”

Tarek Gaber, senior lecturer in Cybersecurity at the University and the co-lead of the project, added: “As SMEs adopt AI to transform their operations, security of AI must be part of the foundation, not an afterthought. This project will provide practical AI solutions and knowledge to protect their systems, ensuring AI becomes a trusted ally in their growth and success.”

The funding will support the creation of a new suite of free learning resources for SMEs across the region who are exploring AI adoption, while looking to protect their organisation from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, helping to mitigate the risks associated with implementing the technology. The resources will comprise workshops, podcasts, online training and consultancy.

An additional key element of the project is its focus on inclusivity, aligning with the UK government’s goal of increasing diversity in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) workforce by 2030, with a focus on encouraging more women to explore careers in cybersecurity. The resources will highlight role models to help foster a more diverse and integrate AI-powered solutions confidently.

Upon completion, all materials and insights generated will be made publicly available through a dedicated website and other distribution channels, ensuring continued access and support for SMEs in the future.

The three-month project will commence in early 2025, with the first workshop scheduled for the w/c January 27, and completion planned for March 31, 2025.

How to engage and build customer loyalty in the “Golden Quarter”

Business

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

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With festive online shopping continuing to rise, ecommerce experts are reminding businesses about the importance of using this key sales period to engage and nurture new customer relationships – creating loyal, repeat customers.

Economists are predicting that online spend in Britain during the ‘Golden Quarter’
(November to January) is set to hit £28 billion this year, a £1.1 billion boost on last year’s
sales.

Yet research from ecommerce experts at DMAC Media shows a move away from big
retailers to smaller local online stores – with 49% of adults saying that they will NOT be
buying anything from Amazon this Christmas – creating opportunities for smaller local stores
online.

Dave McEvoy (pictured), director at DMAC Media, said: “Although it is important to ‘make hay while the
sun shines’ and hit your ecommerce sales, those who really win from the Christmas boost in
traffic and customers are those who go on to engage, build loyalty, and gain repeat custom.

“Too many retailers focus on the here and now, and forget to use this time as an opportunity
to really nurture those relationships.

“This starts with a seamless online experience, engaging and compelling communication,
and then using remarketing and data capture tools to re-engage later in the new year.
“Get this right and a customer really isn’t just for Christmas.”

Further research from DMAC Media highlighted that the majority of online shoppers (80%)
will be shopping around online, comparing prices, offers and services like free returns before
making a purchase.

McEvoy added: “Online shopping is all about making the user experience easy, yet
compelling. You want to keep that customer on your site for as long as possible.

“If you can keep a customer engaged on a product page for 50 seconds or more – your
chance of converting that browsing customer into a paying customer increases significantly.

“On the other hand, if a visitor can’t find what they are looking for, or the journey through the website is unclear, confusing or long winded – they will soon lose interest and move on.”

DMAC Media research shows that 97% of shoppers will find what they are looking for within six website searches, two thirds of which will visit three or less.

“Wherever that customer, or potential customer, gets to in the buying process remember that
they are looking for what you sell,” adds McEvoy.

“It’s therefore our job to help them find what they are looking for, and make the process
seamless, enjoyable, engaging and confidence inspiring.

“Do this well and you’ll have a customer for life.”

Salford’s first ultra low carbon, community-made building to open

Community

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

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Salford’s first ultra low carbon, community-made building to open

Community Little Hulton has teamed up with Architecture Unknown to regenerate The Peel Park Pavilion using low energy design and local people.

The £950,000 Salford project, which will finish construction this month, will boast a vibrant new community space with a park café, offices, meeting rooms and a BMX pump track.

Being labelled one of the greenest buildings in Salford, the incredible new space was built using zero-carbon, modular design system called “WikiHouse”.

Imagine a system that does for construction what IKEA did for furniture, the unconventional WikiHouse design means the people of Little Hulton have been part of the build.

More than 100 volunteers from the local area have been down to lend a hand on the construction site. In June 2024, around 60 children from the Lowry Academy and St Edmunds RC School helped to get construction underway.

Charlie Butterwick, Director of Architecture Unknown, said: “The Peel Park Pavilion is community architecture at its finest. It has been a wonderful opportunity to create something integral, functional and beneficial for the whole area. A place that is purposeful and beautiful.

“Using WikiHouse for this design has meant the people of Little Hulton have been physically involved in the changes in their community, and that isn’t something we see enough in regeneration projects. This building truly belongs to all those who volunteered. I can’t wait to see it open and how it comes to life as everyone enjoys the space.”

Community Little Hulton is the successor to Little Hulton Big Local which was part of 150 Big Local trusts who were allocated £1 million each to spend on improving the lives of their residents.

Since 2017, Community Little Hulton has been working in this Salford park to invest in young lives, focusing on young adults who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and children from deprived backgrounds.

Architecture Unknown first secured planning permission for the site in 2021. After being severely delayed by Covid-19, the team began construction in April of this year. The Peel Park Pavilion is due to soft open to the public at the start of January, with the centre officially opening in February 2025.

Celebrating the end of the build, Charlie said: “Handing the site over is such a milestone for us as a practice. This project, more than any other, represents an opportunity to tell the world what we’re about and how we work differently to other architects. Our passion is community-led architecture.”

The project would not have been possible without several collaborators including, structural engineer ING Design, contractors Construction Solutions. It has also been financially supported by the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation.

Alison Jones from Community Little Hulton, who instructed Architecture Unknown for the project, said: “The Peel Park project will be an amazing community asset for the people of the Little Hulton.

The project has regenerated an unloved park building to provide a mixed-used space the whole area can benefit from.

“Architecture Unknown has put the people of Little Hulton and the centre’s purpose in the community at the heart of this design. It is an incredible space.”

In the new year, The Peel Park Pavilion will host community activities such as craft and games groups, toddler and baby sessions, food clubs with advice and services for families and youth cafes for teenagers.

Architecture Unknown is a Manchester-based practice founded by Charlie Butterwick and Daniel Kelso. The practice previous built the 2^nd Whalley Range Scout Hut with WikiHouse design.