Business Manchester

Blue Light Card deals from Sale Sharks and Printerland combating cost of living

Other Sports

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16/01/2023

To help combat the cost of living crisis, Sale Sharks have teamed up with the Blue Light Card and club partner Printerland. The Blue Light Card will allow free and discounted tickets for frontline emergency service workers.

Members of the emergency services, as well as armed forces, social care and NHS workers can enter a ballot for 50 free tickets for each Sharks home game, donated by Altrincham-based Printerland.

All other match tickets are available with 25 per cent off on Blue Light Card, the UK’s number one discount service for emergency services, NHS, social care workers and armed forces.

Sale Sharks Sales and Marketing Director Claire Butters said: “Our emergency services do an incredible job looking after us, keeping us safe, healthy and supported and going the extra mile for us all every single day.

“We want to be so much more than just a rugby club so this is our way of giving back and saying thank you to our frontline heroes at a time when we all know the cost of living is increasing all the time.

“Printerland have been an incredible partner for Sale Sharks for a number of years now and they’ve supported so much of the work we’ve done with inclusion and introducing our game to new audiences.

“We’re really grateful to them for supplying the free tickets and we really hope to see as many of our frontline workers as possible down at the AJ Bell Stadium for some of the big Premiership games coming up.”

Thanks to Printerland, emergency service workers made use of the free tickets on offer for December fixtures against Leicester Tigers and Ulster Rugby, as well as Saturday’s Champions Cup clash against Toulouse.

Discounted tickets for Blue Light Card holders are still available for the Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath on Friday, January 27.

Printerland has been a long-standing partner of Sale Sharks having first agreed a deal back in 2004 to sponsor the Cheadle End of the club’s former home ground at Edgeley Park, before becoming official Family Stand sponsors at the AJ Bell Stadium in 2016.  

More than 10,000 match-day tickets have been given away to local charities and schools in recent years by Printerland, allowing the Sale Sharks Foundation to introduce rugby to new audiences.  

With over three million members across the UK, Blue Light Card works with over 15,000 partners including the likes of Spotify, Sky, EE and Halfords, providing savings, discounts and benefits that often aren’t available to the general public.

In 2022 alone, Blue Light Card holders saved over £250 million on everything from holidays and days out to groceries and utilities.

Membership to Blue Light Card for access to all online deals and discounts is quick and easy by registering online at www.bluelightcard.co.uk. A card costs £4.99 and is valid for two years.

Feed Good Club share positive messages across billboards in Manchester

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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This Blue Monday (16th January), Feel Good Club in partnership with Jack Arts are spreading messages of positivity across Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham, emblazoned motivational messages on poster-sites all over the cities.

With the combination of dark winter nights, cold weather and the end of Christmas festivities, January can often feel pretty bleak with the third Monday in January commonly known as Blue Monday or one of the most depressing days of the year.

Feel Good Club, the inspirational Instagram account led by wives Kiera & Aimie Skillen, is helping to combat any blue feelings this Monday with motivational posters and billboards located across Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham.

The strong and uplifting messages will let people know they are not alone in this gloomiest of seasons, and each poster has a QR code directing to the Feel Good Club website where those scanning can send a free postcard to a friend or loved one with the same message, with the aim to spread to cheer across the UK.

Co-founder of Feel Good Clu, Kiera Lawlor-Skillen said: Every year for the last three years we have partnered with Jack Arts to spread some positivity during the most depressing month of the year. We originally started during lockdown when people couldn’t leave their area and focussed on locations with no green spaces, but this year we wanted to take it further with the pass it on campaign.

The quotes are all something we feel we need to hear ourselves, or that we think other people need to hear at the moment too We want to enable people to be able to send that message to friends or loved ones in the form of a postcard, entirely for free, and spread the positive vibes all across the UK.

The posters made in partnership with Jack Arts, part of the BUILDHOLLYWOOD family, will be spread across the four cities in an attempt to help lift spirits around the country this Monday 16th January, and will remain live for two weeks. Jack Arts, the creative street advertising specialist known for its bold & unconventional campaigns around the UK offered up the OOH space for free across Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham, to inspire and energise audiences alongside the married couple behind Feel Good Club.

Commenting on the campaign, Miranda Banfield, of Jack Arts said “For the third year running we are championing this important initiative and have once again flooded our streets with positive messages to support mental health and provide motivation in the darkest of months – we are delighted to take the supportive messages wider than we ever have before, across four of our key cities.’

FEEL GOOD CLUB IS HELPING YOU TO SPREAD SOME CHEER TO LOVED ONES THIS BLUE MONDAY

This Monday Feel Good Club, are also launching their first ever pop-up shop at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks. Guests to the pop-up will be asked to write down something they are worrying about, or want to let go of, and then leave it behind them in the store, displayed on a huge wall on the pop-up interior.

Anyone leaving a worry or problem behind on the wall will be given a positive affirmation card, with prizes given out at random throughout the week. By writing out what has been weighing them down recently, the activation seeks to help visitors deal with some of the feelings of anxiety and isolation associated with keeping to oneself when going through a hard time.

As well as take part in the activation, guests to the pop-up will also be able to enjoy CBD drinks by TRIP, and cronuts emblazoned with feel good positive messages, and purchase feel-good merch, including Kiera & Aimie’s new book.

Feel Good Club was started by wives Kiera and Aimie Lawlor-Skillen in 2019, with the aim to help others feel good about themselves, even when dealing with the lower moments in life. Their Instagram channel, which they use to share daily reminders to help boost positivity, now has almost 350,000 followers worldwide, who all turn to the duo for inspiration on navigating both the good and bad days.

For more information, and to see more of the poster sites head over to the Feed Good Club Instagram (@wearefeelgoodclub).

Northenden takeaway hit with fine from council

Business

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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After failing to supply the council with waste transfer notes, a takeaway in Northenden has been ordered to pay £9,000 in fines.

Following multiple visits from Council officers and legal action requesting to see the company’s waste transfer notes, Drumstick Takeaway, located on Palatine Road, south Manchester, was fined £9,000 and ordered to pay £500 in costs plus, a victim surcharge of £190.

Under Section 34 Environmental Protection Act 1990 all businesses must keep and retain waste transfer notes to demonstrate proper management of their waste for a minimum of two years and must present these to the council on request.

On two separate occasions, between July and August 2021, Council Officers visited Drumstick Takeaway on Palatine Road as part of a project to confirm businesses in the area had proper waste management arrangements in place. The business failed to contact the officer with any documentation to demonstrate they had adequate arrangements in place.

Council officers further contacted the takeaway and served a legal notice, formally requesting copies of their waste transfer notes covering the previous 6 months. The business responded and provided paperwork that did not comply with legal requirements of a waste transfer note.

The Council wrote again to the takeaway in late 2021, allowing them more time to submit the correct requested documents. No reply was received and they were served with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £300.

This FPN remained unpaid and then the Council’s Environmental Crimes Team investigated further, the investigating officer subsequently wrote to the company on two separate occasions in October 2021, inviting them to answer questions under caution to explain why the Notice had not been complied with however, no reply was received.

A file was therefore referred to the Council’s Legal Services Team for prosecution. The company attended previous court hearings in 2022 and the case was adjourned to allow them to provide further evidence regarding their waste management arrangements. Following these hearings, the company sent further paperwork to the Council however, this also failed to meet the requirements of the legal notice served. The company failed to attend the hearing on 12 January 2023 and was found guilty in their absence

Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, Councillor Lee- Ann Igbon , said:

“Drumstick Takeaway ignored all of our efforts to contact them and failed to provide the correct waste note, which they are legally obligated to provide the Council upon request.

“The business failed to provide adequate evidence of how they dispose of waste and failed to work with our teams. I’d like to pay tribute to our Neighbourhood Compliance team for their thorough and continued efforts to contact the business.

“If you have information which could help Manchester City Council to catch a fly-tipper, please go to www.manchester.gov.uk/flytipping.”

TLT LLP chooses ground-breaking sustainable office as its new home

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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National development partnership, The English Cities Fund (ECF), has signed a major deal with 2022 UK Law Firm of the Year, TLT, which will see it take the top two floors (20,000 sq ft) at Eden, Salford – one of the UK’s most sustainable office buildings – for its new regional home.

Eden’s pioneering, holistic approach to sustainability was a significant factor in attracting TLT to one of the region’s most sought-after commercial neighbourhoods. Eden is a £36 million, 115,000 sq ft, 12-storey office building, complete with a stunning roof terrace at New Bailey in Salford, developed by ECF – a strategic joint venture between nationwide placemaker, Muse, Legal & General and Homes England.

Once complete, Eden will have the capability to run on 100% renewable electricity and has been designed using the UK Green Building Council’s 2035 – 2050 standards. Designed by Make Architects – the architectural practice behind the Three New Bailey and Four New Bailey office buildings – Eden aims to be the standard-bearer in environmentally-conscious development and occupier wellbeing.

Eden will be kitted out with the latest in smart tech solutions to improve resource efficiency, with upgraded insulation in line with the Passivhaus standard, enhanced ventilation to improve the flow of fresh, clean air, along with an air source heat pump to provide low-carbon heating, hot water, and cooling.

During the design stage of the scheme’s inception, partners undertook early-stage, whole-life and upfront embodied carbon assessments to eliminate waste and reduce the building’s whole carbon footprint. Sustainable materials have been used throughout Eden where possible, such as recycled steel for reinforcement. .

The jewel in Eden’s crown will be the living façade, which at 43,000 sq ft will be the second largest in the world and the biggest in Europe. This façade has been designed to remove air pollutants including carbon, reduce urban temperatures offering thermal benefits to occupiers, and delivering a 174% net gain in the biodiversity of the area, while at the same time providing high-quality green spaces. Alongside this, the façade has a range of health benefits, with Eden designed to enhance occupier health, wellbeing, productivity and will embrace the WELL Building Standard principles. Eden is also one of a small number of LETI pioneer projects and is on target to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating.

Eden is committed to having its operational performance independently verified by NABERS UK and is currently the only registered project in the UK targeting to reach a Design in Performance rating of 5.5 stars (out of a possible six). NABERS UK is a simple reliable system for rating the energy efficiency of buildings.

Eden is a key part of ECF’s £1bn transformation of the Salford Central area of the city into a diverse mixed-use destination, complete with a bustling commercial district, alongside a vibrant community of homes and amenities, to provide something to suit everyone’s needs.

Phil Mayall, director at ECF, commented: “Eden has been designed for communities and companies that place sustainability at their hearts. TLT’s decision to relocate to Eden reflects its values, as well as Salford’s track record in innovation and creativity and is a ringing endorsement of our collective approach.”

“As a business, we’re committed to building a brighter and kinder future for the next generation, and we can’t wait to welcome TLT to Eden when it completes. This place-changing building has been designed to push the envelope in terms of sustainable regeneration and highlight what can be achieved when like-minded partners work together to deliver something truly special for the benefit of everyone.”

Graeme Orchison, partner and location head for TLT in Manchester said: “This exciting move is part of TLT’s ongoing commitment to investing in Manchester which has played a key role in the firm’s growth trajectory over the last decade. It also represents our commitment to sustainability and a people-first culture where employees have the space and support to produce their best work. Our values are very much reflected in Eden’s ground-breaking approach that is leading the way for future workplaces that are both better for our people and the planet.”

TLT’s team in Manchester was recognised for its outstanding commitment to delivering excellence for clients and completing some of the most significant deals in the UK when it won Law Firm of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards this year. The firm was also singled out for its dedication to creating a people-first culture and its significant growth in Manchester.

Retained letting agents on the building are JLL, Cushman and Wakefield and OBI. Chris Mulcahy at JLL acted on behalf of TLT in the acquisition.

INFLEXION APPOINTS ROB DUNNETT AS INVESTMENT DIRECTOR

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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Inflexion is pleased to announce it has appointed Rob Dunnett as Investment Director based in Manchester, further bolstering its investment team and presence in the North of England.

Rob will lead the origination and execution of new investments across the North of England with a particular focus on Yorkshire and the North-East. He brings a wealth of investment experience, having spent the last 15 years at Rothschild & Co, most recently as Managing Director. Rob has led on M&A activity across an array of sectors with particular focus on Business Services and Technology within the UK, US and across Europe. Prior to Rothschild & Co, Rob gained his ACA with PwC.

Inflexion has had an office in Manchester since 2004 and during that time has backed 15 companies , investing c. £800m in the region. Current investments include DR&P, CMSPI, Radius and British Engineering Services. Successful previous investments include OntheBeach and Bollington Wilson.

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Wright, Partner and Head of Inflexion’s Manchester Office, said, “The North of England is home to a wealth of exciting businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs. Rob’s expertise in the region and across sectors will be a huge asset as we continue to uncover even more of the region’s next business growth stories. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Gestetner

020 7487 9820

[email protected]

About Inflexion

Inflexion is a leading mid-market private equity firm which works in partnership with ambitious management teams of high growth, entrepreneurial businesses to accelerate sustainable growth. Inflexion’s flexible approach allows it to back both majority and minority investments, typically investing £10m to £400m of equity in each deal.

With bespoke teams and dedicated capital, Inflexion’s funds invest across a variety of sectors from offices in London, Manchester and Amsterdam. Inflexion helps businesses achieve the next stage of growth through M&A, international expansion, digital enhancement, talent development, commercial strategy, sustainability focus and access to Inflexion’s global network. It also benefits from a local presence in Bangalore, Boston, São Paulo and Shanghai dedicated to portfolio development, enabling investee companies to benefit from privileged access to these fast-growth markets.

Funds advised by Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP have funds under management of c.£7.1bn.

Vernon commits to Stockport high streets with branch refurbishment programme

Property

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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The building society’s Reddish branch is the first to be upgraded

Stockport’s mutual, Vernon Building Society, has begun a process of refurbishment of its local branches.

The investment cements the society’s commitment to maintaining a high street presence in local communities across the borough, providing face-to-face financial support.

The Reddish branch is the first to undergo a transformation, with a £150,000 refurbishment to modernise the branch and create a more welcoming environment for members and colleagues.

The branch will be temporarily closed during the works for the next few weeks and is due to reopen in late February.

In the meantime, the nearest branch, 19 St. Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1HF, will be open between 9.00am – 4.45pm Monday-Friday, alongside the Society’s other local branches.

Steve Fletcher, CEO at Vernon, said: “We’re here to stay on the high streets of Stockport and this investment into our local branches is evidence of our long-term commitment to the borough.

“We’ve been supporting savers and homebuyers in Stockport for 99 years and have no plans to stop.

“Our members tell us that they value our face-to-face service and we want to invest in our local branches to make that experience even better.”

The Reddish refurbishment is the first in a wider branch improvement project throughout the borough during 2023 and 2024.

Further details on the next stages of the refurbishment plans will be announced in the coming months.

Manchester companies can now access new support package

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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Due to increasing costs, businesses in Manchester facing these challenges can access high quality support from the new #HereForBusiness campaign.

GC Business Growth Hub has launched this new support package to help local businesses to manage the increasing cost of doing business, together with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), local authorities and business representative organisations.

#HereForBusiness brings together support and practical solutions for Manchester’s business community, which includes 5,405 SMEs*, to help them deal with energy price rises and other increasing costs.

With a dedicated advisor on the ground in Manchester, the support can be tailored to local challenges and opportunities.

A number of drop-in sessions are being held for Manchester businesses to find out more about the support on offer. The next three sessions are taking place on:

Wednesday, 18^th January, from 10am to 12pm, at Clockwise, Linley House, Dickinson St, Manchester, M1 4LF
Thursday, 19^th January, from 10am to 12pm, at Lloyds Bank business lounge, 42-46 Market St, Manchester, M1 1PW
Thursday, 26^th January, from 2pm to 4pm, at Hotel Brooklyn, Portland St, Manchester, M1 3HP

Contact a #HereForBusiness advisor on 0161 237 4128, email [email protected] for more information or to book a 1-2-1 session.

Or visit the dedicated website https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/here-for-business that has been launched for the campaign which includes useful information and advice on what support is available, blogs and case studies. You can check the website for updates to the programme.

Support being offered by #HereForBusiness includes:

A series of webinars and Strive & Thrive workshops which will help companies develop a plan to respond to the current economic situation, focusing on areas such as energy management, financial planning, and people and cost management. A library of previous webinars is available to view on the website.

The next Strive & Thrive workshop in Manchester takes place on 7^th March, between 5.30pm and 7pm, focusing on financial resilience and aimed at businesses that provide everyday essential services, such as food retail, care sector, health and beauty and retail. Keep an eye on the website for location details.

One to one support from advisors, supporting businesses with practical solutions to the immediate challenges businesses are facing, along with longer-term planning, bespoke to their sector.

Access to Finance, which works with businesses to understand their costs, their cashflow and their income patterns with the aim of helping business owners understand where efficiencies can be made, where costs can be reduced and enabling the finance cycle to work in the best way for the business.

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester’s businesses have already shown so much resilience through the challenges of recent years, but the difficulties we are all facing this winter with energy bills and other increasing costs can seem overwhelming. That is why it is so important that there are schemes like #HereForBusiness to signpost the right support.

“If you have any concerns about the immediate future, whether it is with regards to paying bills, achieving growth, reducing costs or improving productivity, there are high quality resources available right on your doorstep for you. Now is the best time to start to take advantage of what’s out there.”

Lou Cordwell, Chair of the Greater Manchester Business Board, said: “During difficult times, businesses in Greater Manchester have always pulled together and supported each other. The cost-of-living crisis is exactly the kind of situation where that collective support is so crucial. The help provided through the #HereForBusiness campaign could be the difference between a long, hard winter and being able to plan for growth. Business leaders in Manchester should get in touch today to see what resources they can access.”

Janine Smith, Director of the GC Business Growth Hub, said: “As we head towards winter, rising energy bills and supply chain prices are causing real challenges for businesses here in Manchester and around the country. But support is available and it’s crucial to act sooner rather than later to start to access this help rather than wait until the new year when the situation could be even more difficult.

“#HereForBusiness has resources and tailored support available for businesses, whatever they are facing right now, whether it’s focusing on getting through this current crisis or planning for how to keep their growth plans on track with an uncertain landscape ahead of them. It’s available in various formats to suit your needs and availability and the local expertise to make a real difference.”

Visit the digital hub today – businessgrowthhub.com/here-for-business – to find out more about the support that’s available for Manchester businesses.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services.

Manchester-based Tecmark Celebrates 15th Birthday

Growth

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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The SEO agency Tecmark was founded in 2008 by Richard Heyes, and a decade and a half later it is celebrating its 15th birthday.

The Manchester-based business has pioneered many fundamental processes that have helped to shape the SEO industry. Priding itself on fact-focused strategies that companies such as Sainsbury’s, BUPA and B&M Stores have benefited from over the years.

Despite the usual highs and lows, along with the pandemic, Tecmark continues to grow after a successful 2022.

Founder, Richard Heyes, discussed the highlights on the way to the 15th-anniversary celebrations: “It really doesn’t feel like it’s been 15 years since Tecmark was formed. Running an agency is very tough and this journey has been filled with plenty of ups and downs, but I’m privileged that it has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people over those years.

“Altogether, Tecmark has seen over 200 employees provide award-winning SEO services for over 450 customers over the past 15 years.”

The highlights continued in the year just gone, with three new hires, award nominations and wins, the expansion of the digital PR services and a brand new office.

But with such a long history, Tecmark could easily run the risk of falling behind in the industry. To reflect how they were still ahead of the curve, 2022 saw a rebrand for the agency, switching up the original design to a fresh new look to reflect the changes.

Marketing manager, Lydia Rutter, commented on the rebrand, and what it meant for Tecmark: “The Tecmark red has been a part of the company since it began – and although there is a lot of great history there, it’s not the same company as it was in 2008.

“We wanted a refresh that would represent where we’re going in 2022 and onwards – with our focus completely on organic search and bringing innovative SEO to our clients in a constantly changing search landscape.”.

Richard added: “We began life in the 2008 recession, but despite this managed to force our way to the forefront of competitive search marketing and then mobile-first optimisation and app and web development. The rebrand really highlighted how Tecmark has managed to navigate the digital marketing landscape, despite it dramatically changing over the last 15 years.

“We have managed to constantly reinvent and find new ways to ensure we stay at the forefront of organic search marketing. Throughout that time the team has been full of people who are passionate about search marketing, but curious enough to find new ways to get results for our customers.”

The SEO industry is incredibly fast-paced and demanding, so the focus on the culture of the company was also centred at Tecmark in 2022. Lydia explains: “When we decided to rebrand, it felt like the right time to review everything about how Tecmark operates – from the processes and ways of working to our company culture. In 2022, our team defined our shared vision for the culture and what we want out of the workplace.

“Our focus on the wellbeing of our team through transparency, compassion, experimentation, learning and curiosity has made it easier not only for our work-life balance and day-to-day lives but also when bringing new team members on board.

“Now working towards a progressive company culture, many of our hiring questions have to do with an individual’s motivations and what drives them day to day. It’s one thing to be able to do the job, but another thing to be able to join the team and work towards the same vision. It’s about hiring the right people, not the right experts.”.

As the business settles into its new office and prepares for 2023, Richard discusses what’s next for Tecmark: “Following the pandemic, we have started a new chapter with a new brand, new team members and new clients and I’m looking forward to steering Tecmark to more success in 2023.

“I am proud of everyone who has ever been part of the team at any stage of the Tecmark journey, and thank them for the part they played in the story so far”.

The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray’s one-off solo gig raises thousands for Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity

Alex Stenson

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16/01/2023

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INDIE-ROCK icon Liam Fray took to the stage on Friday the 13th of January for a blistering one-off solo gig at O2 Ritz Manchester raising fund for Greater Manchester’s Mayor’s Charity.

It was a 1,500 strong home crowd for The Courteeners frontman, who played a mix of the band’s biggest hits and fan favourites in aid of A Bed Every Night, the charity’s flagship scheme that aims to provide a bed (and wraparound support) for anyone rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, in Greater Manchester.

Tickets for the gig sold out in minutes for the gig at the O2 Ritz, with support from singer-songwriter Rianne Downey. It was somewhat of a sequel to the first Raise The Roof fundraiser in 2019 for A Bed Every Night, at which The Courteeners were joined by Blossoms, Bugzy Malone and others.

Tim Heatley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:

“As expected, Liam was on top form and the crowd was the best. A massive thanks to Liam for being a continued supporter of A Bed Every Night, alongside every single person who bought a ticket.

“From gigs and classical concerts, to sponsored fitness challenges and DJ battles, we’ve had a run of brilliant fundraisers recently. But they’d be nothing without the generosity of the public, who continue to provide essential support for anyone at risk of rough sleeping in Manchester.”

Friday’s gig was the latest in a long line of alternative fundraisers for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, including the hugely popular DJ Battle between the Manchester and Liverpool City Region mayors – which saw Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner blasting N Trance’s ‘Set You Free’.

Elsewhere, Manchester Baroque and Manchester Cathedral Choir performed Handel’s Messiah at the stunning Cathedral in aid of A Bed Every Night, whilst runners from across Manchester united with students from the University of Manchester for RunWild’s 24 Hour Race Against Homelessness.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

“In the current cost of living crisis everyone is feeling the pinch. Despite that, time after time, the people of Greater Manchester show up to help others, raising funds to support those in their time of need.

“The city’s creatives and musical icons have been really supportive of our mission to support those sleeping rough and at risk of homelessness, and we’ll continue to raise funds through events that pull a fantastic crowd.

“The money raised will be put to good use – the support A Bed Every Night provides really does change lives.”

Since 2018, A Bed Every Night has helped over 4,000 people and has been key in helping arrest the increase of rough sleeping in the region by 75%, since its peak in 2017. However, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity are concerned that the figure will start to rise again due to the turbulent economic conditions and has been working to find new ways in helping alleviate the issue head on.

MILESTONES FOR NEW HOMES IN SWINTON

Property

Alex Stenson

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13/01/2023

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As the transformation of a 19th century “micro-estate” in Swinton gathers pace Elan Homes is inviting potential purchasers to enjoy their first look inside a show home.

The former Swinton Hall nursing home on Worsley Road, has already been demolished, with work to create a new gated community known as Birchfield Court progressing well.

The site was previously known as Birchfield House, a ‘micro-estate’ built in the second half of the 19th century comprising the main house, gardens, two ‘gatehouses’, a road approaching the house with a gated entrance and boundary walls.

The gatehouses are being refurbished to provide a pair of two-bedroom detached properties, which will sit alongside 18 new build homes.

The first residents are starting to move in and a show home is opening this weekend (February 4/5). Those who attend the launch event will also have the chance to “meet the experts” who will be able to help them purchase a new home in Swinton.

Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “We’re looking forward to a double milestone at Birchfield Court – welcoming the first residents and opening a professionally styled show home to showcase the remaining properties. Viewing the Thurston Max show home will help buyers appreciate the benefits of three-storey living, how they can use the space to suit their lifestyle and the quality and finish they can expect in new Elan home.

“As part of our commitment to making buying a new home as simple and straight forward as possible. We’re inviting would-be homeowners to meet the experts including independent financial advisors with access to the whole mortgage market and specialists who can help them explore their options for selling their existing property, including part exchange.”

Current availability at Birchfield Court includes a choice of three, four and five-bedroom homes with prices ranging from £334,995 to £489,995. Selected homes are being offered with a 5% gifted deposit contribution worth almost £17,000.

Among the homes almost ready to be occupied, is the three-bedroom, Thurston Max, like the show home, priced from £334,995.

Set out over three floors, it offers 1,097 sq ft of carefully considered living space, with the ground floor almost entirely open plan.

The combined kitchen, dining room and lounge is an inviting, sociable multifunctional space that’s destined to be the heart of the home. French doors open out from the lounge to the rear garden, helping make the most of the outside space. A cloakroom completes this level.

On the first floor, there are two bedrooms and the family bathroom.

The main bedroom, with en-suite and dressing area, encompass the entire top floor, providing a tranquil retreat at the end of the day.

For those looking for a larger property, there’s the four-bedroom Ashley Max, also set out over three floors, priced from £424,995.

At ground level it’s almost entirely open plan with a combined kitchen, dining room and lounge opening out onto the rear garden.

The main bedroom, with en-suite, plus the second bedroom and family bathroom are on the first floor. Two further bedrooms and a shower room are on the top floor.

“January and February are generally among the coldest months of the year and so it’s an ideal time to move and reap the benefits of a range of energy efficient features. Based on HBF research switching from an olde property to an energy efficient new home could potentially reduce bills by up to £220 a month,” Marie added.

The new homes at Birchfield Court will enjoy a leafy setting with the existing mature trees being retained around the site’s boundaries and within the wider landscaping.

Each home will have a rear garden and either designated parking spaces, plot driveways or single garages.

Homes at Birchfield Court will be an ideal base for commuters as they are being built less than a mile from Swinton station, only five miles from Manchester city centre and close to the East Lancashire Road (A580) which also provides quick access to the motorway network to both Manchester and Liverpool.

The show home at Birchfield Court is due to open from February 4. For more information about the homes see https://www.elan-homes.co.uk/developments/birchfield-court.