Business Manchester

Understanding Odds: A Guide for New Sports Bettors

Gambling

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

Sports betting can be an exciting way to engage with your favourite sports, including football, horse racing, darts, and more, but understanding the odds is crucial for making informed bets. This guide will help you grasp the basics of betting odds and how to use them to your advantage.

What Are Betting Odds?

Betting odds represent the probability of an event occurring and determine how much you can win from a bet. They are typically presented in three formats: fractional, decimal, and moneyline.

1.
Fractional Odds: Common in the UK, these odds are displayed as fractions (e.g., 5/1). The first number represents the potential profit, while the second number is the stake. For example, a 5/1 bet means you win £5 for every £1 wagered.
2.
Decimal Odds: Popular in Europe, Australia, and Canada, decimal odds show the total payout rather than just the profit. For example, odds of 6.00 mean you receive £6 for every £1 bet, including your original stake.
3.
Moneyline Odds: Common in the US, these odds can be positive or negative. Positive moneyline odds (e.g., +500) indicate how much profit you make on a £100 bet, while negative odds (e.g., -200) show how much you need to bet to win £100.

How to Read and Calculate Odds

Understanding how to read and calculate odds is essential for making smart bets. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Fractional Odds: To calculate potential profit, multiply your stake by the fraction. For example, a £10 bet at 5/1 odds yields a profit of £50 (£10 x 5).

• Decimal Odds: Multiply your stake by the decimal number to get the total payout. A £10 bet at 6.00 odds returns £60 (£10 x 6).

• Moneyline Odds: For positive odds, divide the odds by 100 and multiply by your stake. For negative odds, divide 100 by the odds and multiply by your stake. For example, a £10 bet at +500 yields £50 profit (£10 x 5), while a £10 bet at -200 requires a £20 stake to win £10 (£10 / 0.5).

Implied Probability

Odds also reflect the implied probability of an event happening. This is useful for assessing the value of a bet. To calculate implied probability:

• Fractional Odds: Divide the denominator by the sum of the numerator and denominator, then multiply by 100. For 5/1 odds, the implied probability is 1 / (5+1) x 100 = 16.67%.

• Decimal Odds: Divide 1 by the decimal odds and multiply by 100. For 6.00 odds, the implied probability is 1 / 6.00 x 100 = 16.67%.

• Moneyline Odds: For positive odds, divide 100 by the sum of the odds and 100. For +500, the implied probability is 100 / (500+100) = 16.67%. For negative odds, divide the odds by the sum of the odds and 100. For -200, the implied probability is 200 / (200+100) = 66.67%.

Finding Value Bets

A value bet occurs when the implied probability of an event is lower than your assessment of its actual probability. For example, if you believe a team has a 20% chance of winning, but the odds suggest a 16.67% chance, this could be a value bet.

Tips for New Bettors

1.
Start Small: Begin with small bets to get a feel for how odds work and to develop your betting strategy without risking significant amounts of money.
2.
Do Your Research: Knowledge about the teams, players, and conditions can give you an edge. Stay updated with the latest news and statistics.
3.
Use Multiple Bookmakers: Different bookmakers may offer different odds for the same event. Comparing odds can help you find the best value.
4.
Stay Disciplined: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and bet only what you can afford to lose.
5.
Keep Records: Track your bets, wins, and losses. This can help you analyze your betting patterns and improve your strategy over time.

Conclusion

Understanding betting odds is fundamental for any new sports bettor. By familiarizing yourself with the different types of odds, learning how to calculate potential payouts, and recognizing implied probabilities, you can make more informed and strategic bets. Remember, successful betting is not just about luck but also about making educated decisions based on the odds.

If you are interested in testing out your knowledge, specifically on football betting markets, check out our list of the best football betting sites UK.

HOME Arches coming soon to Whitworth Street West

Art
Charity

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

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HOME Arches coming soon to Whitworth Street West

HOME Arches – a new, free to use, space for artist development – is due for completion in early 2025.

HOME, Manchester’s arts centre and a registered charity, worked with Jon Matthews Architects to deliver the world class development, opening in HOME’s tenth anniversary year, with the aim of turning a forgotten space into a place of hope.

The three arches on Whitworth Street West, spread across 258 sqm, will be transformed into artist development spaces that are both functional and aesthetic. Half of this space will be dedicated to artists from groups currently underrepresented in the industry, including members of the Global Majority, d/Deaf and disabled artists, and artists from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The new space, funded by the UK Government, Manchester City Council, The Wolfson Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, The Granada Foundation alongside trust, corporate, individual and anonymous supporters, will deliver 5,000 free hours of making, studio and development space for artists and creative freelancers, with space for residencies, supported co-working and networking opportunities, plus access to technical equipment and expertise.

New exhibition space in the custom built Arches Windows will have the ability to present a range of work from sculptural to digital, creating valuable new commissioning public realm opportunities, whilst creating a new road frontage for one of the main arteries of the city.

HOME Arches will become a much needed Artist Development Hub for the city, vital to creating a vibrant and diverse artistic ecology within the North-West where artists can thrive. This essential, new, free to use, space, available to theatre makers, visual artists and filmmakers across Greater Manchester and the North West, will support the clear need for additional, affordable productive workspace in the city centre.

Karen O’Neill, CEO of HOME, said: “HOME Arches has been a key part of our strategy for artists’ development for many years, so to be opening these new spaces in 2025, our 10-year anniversary, is really special.

“HOME Arches will provide high quality free space and facilities for artists to develop work, create, share ideas and continue to be supported by HOME’s Artist Development programmes. The investment and support for the Arches by our funders, donors and supporters confirms that Manchester values culture, and the city continues to grow as a place that artists and creativity can thrive in. HOME is excited for the Arches to be part of Manchester’s world leading cultural sector.”

Film producer, and artist panel member, Loran Dunn said: “The impact The Arches will have for the Artists in the city cannot be underestimated. Not only does it send a very clear message that HOME is not only supportive of, but a driver of artist development, but this is a unique chance for artists to have ownership over a professional space, to make, create and exhibit work, meaning we are very likely to see innovative groundbreaking work developed and tested here in Manchester, that will travel with international acclaim.”

Plans have been developed in collaboration with HOME’s Artist Panel, to ensure the new space accurately represents and serves the freelance artistic community.

Arch 1 will house a fully equipped studio space for up to 60 people, a space for artists to explore their practice and test new ideas. It will be a double height, flexible space with black-out capability, a high level of soundproofing, as well as facilities including a sprung dance floor and lighting/sound rig, showers and toilets.

The entrance point for Arch 2 will be directly from HOME, and will also provide access to Arches 1 and 3. It will feature a co-working, meeting and networking space for artists, including a meeting/quiet room, IT facilities, lockers and kitchen.

Arch 3 will be a double height, creative making facility for up to 12 artists to collaborate across disciplines, creating work in an environment made for experimentation.

Windows of all three arches facing Whitworth Street West will be used to showcase work created by artists to the pedestrian audience of up to 750,000.

Artists who would like to find out more about HOME Arches (pictured in CGI) can do so by contacting the Artist Development team on [email protected] or call 0161 212 3404.

Serial Longsight fly-tipper prosecuted for second time

Crime

Helen Greaney

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18/12/2024

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Serial Longsight fly-tipper prosecuted for second time

A serial fly-tipper has been prosecuted for a second time following a string of offences in Longsight.

Illie Costel Baltatu (53) of Attwood Street, Longsight pleaded guilty to three fly-tipping offences and received an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on December 13.

He was also ordered to undertake 200 hours unpaid work for each offence, and was handed an 18-month driving ban and made to surrender two vehicles used to dump rubbish in the Longsight area. He must pay £2,696 in costs and surcharges.

Baltatu’s offending was discovered in September 2022 when officers found a large amount of waste dumped in an alleyway on Mountbatten Street, Longsight, (pictured) which was causing disruption and access issues for residents.

The rubbish was investigated and Manchester City Council officers found evidence that traced back to a nearby resident.

The resident confirmed to council officers that Mr Baltatu had been employed by them to remove waste from their property following renovations and they had paid him £1,800 to dispose of it appropriately. Instead, the waste was found dumped in a nearby alleyway.

He was invited to discuss the allegations at the council offices, however, he left before questioning started.

In June 2023, a local resident observed three men, one of whom was Mr Baltatu, remove a large amount of waste from two Mercedes vans parked on Odette Street, Longsight, before proceeding to dump it in an adjacent alleyway.

The items included mattresses, bags and furniture.  It was later discovered that Mr Baltatu, who lived nearby to where fly-tip took place, was found to be the registered keeper of both vehicles involved.

The council’s Environmental Crimes Team wrote to Mr Baltatu on several occasions to invite him to attend a recorded interview to discuss the allegations, but he failed to respond.

On a third occasion, three men were witnessed unloading two fridges from a car and leaving them in the alleyway behind Mountbatten Street, Longsight.  Mr Baltatu was found to be the owner of the vehicle – a white Ford transit van.

He was questioned under caution in respect of this incident and confirmed he was the owner of the vehicle.  He denied fly-tipping the fridges but confessed he was driving the van at the time the offence was carried out.

The court head that Mr Baltatu had previously been prosecuted for fly-tipping back in October 2019, when he was ordered to undertake unpaid work following conviction.

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon said: “The recent prosecution of Mr Ilie Costel Baltatu shows that we do not tolerate criminal behaviour that harms our environment and causes distress to residents who deserve to live in safe and clean areas in our city.

“Mr Baltatu’s is a repeat offender of fly-tipping in the Longsight area and his guilty verdict is a testament to the hard work of our Environmental Crimes Team who take this work very seriously in bringing perpetrators to justice.

“Fly-tipping remains a selfish and disgusting crime that we are committed to stamping out in communities and I hope this case serves as a deterrent to others who are considering committing this heinous crime.”

Morson Group Secures G-Cloud 14 Supplier Status

News Desk

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18/12/2024

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Morson Group Secures G-Cloud 14 Supplier Status

The Manchester-based Morson Group has achieved significant recognition with four of its companies named as suppliers on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) G-Cloud 14 Framework. This accolade enables these businesses to deliver an extensive range of cloud services to public sector organisations via the government’s Digital Marketplace.

For the first time, Morson Projects has been awarded G-Cloud 14 supplier status, providing services including cyber security, machine learning, and DevOps. Astraeus Consulting (‘Astraeus’) has also joined the exclusive G-Cloud 14 Lot 4 network, introduced under G-Cloud 13 to support large-scale projects focused on transitioning to cloud software and hosting services.

Astraeus is listed alongside major names such as Deloitte, Capgemini UK, and Ernst & Young, marking its position among the industry’s elite. Additionally, Bridge Technology Partners and InterQuest, both part of the Morson Group, have retained their supplier status, enhancing their dynamic offerings of cloud-based solutions for public sector buyers.

“We are incredibly proud to join the government’s G-Cloud 14 Framework,” said Gareth Beck, Operational Director of Morson Projects. “Our teams are looking forward to helping framework buyers maximise the value and impact of their IT project investments, whether they take the form of complex change projects or smaller discrete work packages, by delivering effective and efficient solutions to their challenges.”

Linton Ward, Managing Director of Astraeus, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are thrilled to be awarded approved supplier status on this second iteration of the G-Cloud Lot 4 framework – an accolade which is testament to our business’s growth and ongoing expansion of consulting services offered to the public sector. Being part of this exclusive network of Lot 4 suppliers provides an incredibly exciting opportunity for Astraeus to support larger-scale projects and accelerate digital change across the public sector.”

Andy Wadsworth, Director at Bridge Technology Partners, highlighted the benefits of their services:
“Our portfolio of cloud-based services offer public sector organisations new opportunities to maximise efficiency, catalyse innovation and unlock value creation – as we continue working together to empower the transformation of future-ready public services.”

Ged Mason, Chief Executive of the Morson Group, reflected on the achievement:
“As a Group, we are incredibly proud of this achievement. Securing G-Cloud 14 awards across four of our entities and extending the scope of our current capability to encompass the incredibly prestigious Lot 4, is testament to our technical expertise, robust project governance, commitment to innovation and empowered approach to zero dependency. I am excited to see each entity leverage its unique strengths to accelerate digital transformation across the public sector.”

The G-Cloud 14 Framework became active on 29 October 2024, with services now available to public sector organisations via the Digital Marketplace.

Hodgkinson wins Sports Personality of the Year

Other Sports

Mitch Fretton

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17/12/2024

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Hodgkinson wins Sports Personality of the Year

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024.

The 22-year-old secured her first global title at the Paris Olympics, following back-to-back world silvers after her impressive Olympic debut in Tokyo three years prior.

In addition to her Olympic triumph, Hodgkinson retained her European 800m title in Rome and etched her name in history by becoming the sixth-fastest woman ever over the distance. She set a new British record with a time of 1:54.61 at the London Diamond League.

“I am in a bit of shock,” Hodgkinson admitted.

“I am more excited for my coach as I wouldn’t be here without his guidance. This year has been incredible and I achieved everything that I set out to do on the outdoor track. I hope you loved watching Paris.”

Darts sensation Luke Littler finished as runner-up, while England cricketer Joe Root claimed third place.

The shortlist, chosen by a panel of experts, also included Sarah Storey, Alex Yee, and Jude Bellingham, with the winner determined by a public vote.

The winner of BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024 is…

🌟 KEELY HODGKINSON 🌟#SPOTY pic.twitter.com/dVd9i7A8PB

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) DECEMBER 17, 2024

Hodgkinson’s victory marks the fourth consecutive year a woman has won the award, following England goalkeeper Mary Earps’ success in 2023.

Her coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were also honoured earlier in the evening, receiving the Coach of the Year award.

Hodgkinson’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, as she remained undefeated in the 800m and achieved her long-sought Olympic gold.

Her dominant performance in Paris ended Team GB’s eight-year wait for an Olympic track title, the first since Mo Farah’s double gold in Rio 2016.

She also became only the 10th British woman in history to win an Olympic athletics gold, and the first to do so since Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic victory at London 2012.

Care home opens doors to community for Christmas

Community

Helen Greaney

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17/12/2024

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Care home opens doors to community for Christmas

An Anchor care home in Manchester is leading the way with the Christmas spirit by opening its doors to local communities to help tackle isolation and loneliness.

Wellington Lodge in Cheetham Hill is among care homes across the north inviting older people including armed forces veterans to join in their Christmas Day celebrations.

The care home was successful in achieving the Royal Star and Garter’s Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status earlier this year.

Now colleagues at Wellington Lodge have organised a fun day of festive cheer for older people who are likely to find themselves alone on December 25. They are inviting people to get in touch so they can share the festivities.

The guests are invited to join for Christmas lunch, take part in festive activities, including games and sing-alongs, all free of charge.

David Wood, Anchor’s community partnership manager for both homes, said: “Christmas Day is traditionally a time when families and friends get together for a laugh and a chat over a delicious meal.

“But we know it can be an incredibly lonely time if you live on your own so we wanted to extend the warmth and companionship of our lovely home to anyone facing the day alone.

“We go all out at Christmas for our residents, because we are seen as their family so we’re happy to invite people in to join us for Christmas Day.”

Kathryn Glass, Royal Star and Garter’s VFF project lead, said: “This is a wonderful, community spirited initiative by Anchor’s care homes and very much in keeping with the spirit and caring ethos that resulted in them securing Veteran Friendly Framework status.

“I very much look forward to seeing photographs and hearing first hand accounts of how people from the local community benefited from being able to spend their Christmas at a care home in their town.”

The aim of the VFF is to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community, in residential care homes across England, by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer. It will help tackle loneliness and has the scope to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the 25,000 veterans living in care homes in England.

If you or someone you know would like to join Wellington Lodge residents on Christmas Day, you can contact the home on 0800 0854228. Places are limited and will be filled on a first-reserved basis.

Sale Sharks join the Multibank 2024 Christmas campaign

Community

Helen Greaney

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17/12/2024

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Sale Sharks join the Multibank 2024 Christmas campaign

Sale Sharks is linking up with The Multibank this Christmas to help tackle the rising issues of hygiene poverty amongst young people in the region.

The club will hold a collection at Saturday’s festive fixture against Exeter Chiefs, where fans can donate essential hygiene products in support of The Brick Multibank, in Wigan (pictured) which currently serves 120,000 families across the North West.

Fans will be able to drop off new, sealed items including soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes in the South Stand community changing rooms ahead of the game, which kicks off at 5.30pm.

Gifted products will support the build of essential hygiene packs, to be distributed via The Brick Multibank’s place-based network of charities, social workers, health professionals, and teachers.

Volunteers will also be taking cash or card donations on Saturday.

For 46% of households, washing detergent is considered a luxury item on the shopping list, rising in cost at a rate of 41.6% in just three years. Four in ten households are without deodorant.

And with school staff recognising the isolation, withdrawal and bullying that is developing as a result, they are spending approximately £40 million of their own money to support pupils, purchasing soap, toiletries, and detergent as a means to counter divisiveness in the classroom.

With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school in the coming year, and with key workers’ mental health affected as they attempt to navigate the daily complexities that hygiene poverty presents, The Multibank has designed it’s 2024 campaign to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes in the hands of our neediest, ensuring that our young people start the day the right way, free of fear, anxiety, and judgement.

Partnering with The Brick Multibank enables Sharks fans to play an active role in getting essential hygiene items into the hands of those most in need this winter period.

Sale Sharks CEO Paul Smith said: “The Multibank campaign and the work done by the Brick Multibank is incredibly important and makes sure that young people in some of the most deprived parts of our region have access to products that many of us take for granted this Christmas.

“Every year at Christmas we ask our Sharks Family to pull together support our community and I have no doubt that they will step up again this year and give generously to ensure these young people reach their potential.

“The players and staff will all be bringing in products and we want our Sharks Family to support us too. Together we can make a real difference to the lives of so many people.”

The Brick Multibank CEO, Keely Dalfen, said: “We are grateful for Sale Sharks’ commitment to making a positive impact on lives of the most vulnerable across Greater Manchester, partnering with us to support our largest anti-poverty initiative to date; by ensuring that children across the region have access to the hygiene products they need to reengage back into the classroom, and maximise their potential.”

For those not in attendance on Saturday but are keen to support the activation, donations can be pledged at multibank.co.uk.

Pic credit: James Speakman/PA Wire

MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician: A Whimsical New Tale of Revenge, Food, and Forgiveness

Lifestyle and Wellbeing

News Desk

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17/12/2024

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MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician: A Whimsical New Tale of Revenge, Food, and Forgiveness

Sonya Anise’s latest book for children aged 7+, MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician, is a hilariously entertaining story featuring a young chocolatier with a passion for baking. Despite his talent as a food magician, his cruel stepmother banishes him from the kitchen and sends him away to boarding school. Determined to take revenge, he concocts his ultimate recipe. While full of raucous humour, this David-and-Goliath-style tale ultimately delivers a touching message about compromise, understanding, forgiveness, and love. Instead of a simple victory for good over evil, the sweet young protagonist and his ruthless stepmother learn to communicate and find common ground.

A fantastic choice for fans of Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, David Walliams, and Jamie Smart, MUMAGEDDON! is a laugh-out-loud rhyming adventure packed with irreverent fun. Though incredibly silly, it’s also a heart-warming tale for adults and children to enjoy together, with a valuable message about following your dreams and speaking up for yourself. Even stepmothers will find something to love in this whimsical tale!

Illustrated in vibrant full colour on every page by the author herself, artist Sonya Anise spent years crafting MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician to ensure it was both wildly entertaining for children and inspiring in its encouragement of empathy and understanding.

Sonya, an artist and designer who splits her time between Britain and Spain, explains:
“I always loved reading funny illustrated books to my daughter when she was growing up, including Dahl, Blake, Walliams, and others. Spending time with those books brought the two of us together. Humour is a brilliant way to get kids involved in a story – and ultimately that story can have a positive message as well as just being fun to read.”

Born in Dublin to British parents, Sonya studied art and design at Central Saint Martins and has lived all over the world, including England, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. She now enjoys a nomadic lifestyle, travelling to seek out vibrant cultures and unique experiences. Passionate about chocolate and cooking, Sonya is currently on a small island in the Balearics, where she’s working on her next book.

MUMAGEDDON! And the Food Magician is the perfect book for parents and children to share, or for use in schools. It is available now wherever books are sold.

Shine Roofing: Exceptional Roofing Services Across the Northwest

Homes & Interiors

News Desk

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17/12/2024

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Shine Roofing: Exceptional Roofing Services Across the Northwest

Shine Roofing has established itself as a leading provider of roofing services in Manchester, delivering unparalleled quality and reliability. The company specialises in a diverse range of roofing solutions, including Conservatory Roof Replacement in Liverpool and Conservatory Roof Replacement in Wigan, providing bespoke offerings tailored to individual client needs. From traditional roofing projects to expert storm damage repairs, Shine Roofing caters to both residential and commercial customers, cementing its position as a trusted name across the region.

Comprehensive Roofing Services

Shine Roofing prides itself on offering a wide array of services designed to meet diverse requirements. Whether it’s replacing an old roof, addressing sudden storm damage, or upgrading a conservatory roof, their team of skilled professionals ensures exceptional results.

Conservatory Roof Replacement

For homeowners in Cheshire and Manchester, Shine Roofing provides premium conservatory roof replacement services. A new conservatory roof not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a property but also improves energy efficiency, keeping the space comfortable all year round. Using modern materials and techniques, Shine Roofing transforms outdated conservatory roofs into durable, stylish, and weather-resistant features.

Roof Repairs and Maintenance

Roof issues, if left unaddressed, can escalate into costly problems. Shine Roofing specializes in identifying and resolving common roofing issues, from leaks and cracks to damaged tiles. Regular maintenance services ensure roofs stay in optimal condition, prolonging their lifespan and safeguarding the property from potential weather damage.

Storm Damage Roofing Repairs

Storm damage can wreak havoc on even the sturdiest roofs, leaving properties vulnerable to further harm. Shine Roofing offers prompt and efficient storm damage repair services, restoring roofs to their original strength. Their expertise in handling emergency repairs has made them a trusted choice during times of unpredictable weather in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.

Guttering and Roofline Services

In addition to roofing solutions, Shine Roofing also provides guttering and roofline services. These include gutter installation, cleaning, and repairs to ensure proper water drainage and protect homes from water-related damage.

A Local Company with Regional Reach

Although Shine Roofing is proudly Manchester-based, its services extend well beyond the city. By offering specialized solutions like Conservatory Roof Replacement in Liverpool and Conservatory Roof Replacement in Manchester, the company has established itself as a leading provider across Greater Manchester and neighboring regions. Their team’s deep understanding of the local climate and architectural styles allows them to deliver roofing solutions perfectly suited to each area.

Why Choose Shine Roofing?

Several factors set Shine Roofing apart from competitors:

Exceptional Craftsmanship: Every project is completed to the highest standards, ensuring long-lasting durability.
Tailored Solutions: Each service is customized to meet the unique needs of the customer.
Reliable Service: Shine Roofing is known for its punctuality, transparency, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Experienced Team: With years of expertise, the team is equipped to handle projects of all sizes and complexities.
Supporting Sustainable Roofing Practices

Shine Roofing also recognizes the importance of sustainability in modern construction. By using energy-efficient materials and techniques, particularly in their conservatory roof replacements, the company helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing their property’s value.

Contact Shine Roofing Today

If you’re searching for dependable roofing solutions in Greater Manchester, Shine Roofing is the name you can trust. Whether you need a complete roof replacement, storm damage repair, or a new conservatory roof in Manchester or Oldham, their expert team is ready to help.

Transform your home with the roofing specialists at Shine Roofing. Visit their website or call today to learn more about their comprehensive services and to request a free, no-obligation quote. With Shine Roofing, your property is in safe hands.

Business owners told to pay £190,000 following major planning prosecution

Business

Helen Greaney

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16/12/2024

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Business owners told to pay £190,000 following major planning prosecution

The directors of two businesses have each been ordered to pay tens of thousands of pounds by the courts after breaching planning regulations at a property on Stockport Road, south Manchester.

On December 11, Ahmed Chohan (55) and Muhammed Anzir (29), both of Mullion Close in Stockport, were sentenced following guilty pleas to offences committed under the Town and Country Planning Act.

Two companies that the men were under control of were also sentenced at the hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

As sole director of Chohan Properties Mcr Ltd, Mr Anzir was the effective freehold owner of 1 Eltham Street in Levenshulme. The property was being illegally used as a workshop and storage area in connection with the nearby Car Sound Studio at 848 Stockport Road – and in breach of a planning enforcement notice.

Consequently, Mr Anzir was ordered to pay a fine of £6,000 and has had £127,876.44 criminal benefit confiscated.

Mr Chohan, the director of Car Sound Studio and Security Ltd and was operating illegally from 1 Eltham Street in Levenshulme and was ordered to pay a fine of £20,000.

He was also found to have benefited from the criminal activity to the tune of £745,673.70, but he was ordered to pay £30,000 by the courts as the amount available to him at the point of prosecution.

Both men, along with their respective businesses, were also told to pay costs of £500 each, plus an extra £50 fine against the companies – £2,100 in total – and a total £4,000 victims of crime surcharge.

In all, Mr Chohan and Mr Anzir have been told to pay £189,976.44 by the court.

Both men are each required to pay within three months or face imprisonment – 19 Months in the case of Mr Anzir and six months for Mr Chohan.

In June 2018, the council’s enforcement officers became aware that 1 Eltham Street was being used as a car repairs and audio fitting garage, associated with Manchester Car Sound Studio at 848 Stockport Road, but without having the necessary planning permissions in place.

Officers also noted that physical changes had taken place at the property to facilitate the unauthorised use, such as the installation of roller shutters to the rear and a car park at the front. This also generated complaints from the local community.

An enforcement notice was issued in November 2019, which ordered the unauthorised use to stop and to remove all works that did not have planning permission.

Mr Anzir lodged an appeal against the enforcement notice, but a planning inspector dismissed the appeal and also awarded costs against him.

In spite of numerous attempts by the council to secure compliance with the notice, including informal agreements with Mr Anzir and Mr Chohan to allow more time to comply, the men continued the unauthorised use of the premises. The physical works required by the notice have still not been fully complied with.

Working with financial investigators from Salford City Council, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) was also used, allowing the courts to issue confiscation orders for money generated by illegal activities. The judge noted that the men had flagrantly breached the notice and benefitted financially from their illegal activity.

Councillor Gavin White, executive member for housing and development, said: “Breaching and failing to comply with a planning notice is not a victimless crime. Planning rules are in place to make sure that properties are fit for use, that they are safe, and they do not impact on the lives of other residents and neighbours.

“We had attempted to work constructively with the directors of these businesses to resolve the planning breaches – even giving them more time to put right the unauthorised building works.

“I hope this acts as a warning to other businesses operating outside of the law that we are actively investigating and when we find breaches, we will use the full extent of the law to prosecute those who believe the rules do not apply to them.

“It is also reassuring that the Planning Inspectorate agreed with our position and rejected the appeals against the enforcement action – and it’s positive that our partnership with Salford City Council’s financial investigators has helped to confiscate the proceeds of their criminal enterprise.”