| This weekend emergency electricity works are due to start in the city centre. |
| From Sunday, Electricity North West will be operating around the Shudehill area to carry out emergency electricity works.
While surrounding businesses will remain open for trading it is essential that works take place as soon as possible to prevent any disruption during the festive period. Works are anticipated to last for roughly two weeks. To ensure these works can be carried out there will be some temporary road closures to ensure they can take place. Road closures will be in effect along:
Access to the Shudehill bus interchange will not be affected, with just a single bus stop closure on Corporation Street (alternate stops will be signposted), and tram services through the area will remain unaffected. Manchester City Council says it will be working with Electricity North West and its partners to minimise disruption to businesses, residents and commuters. Dates are flexible and could be subject to change. |
City centre road closures set to enable emergency electricity works
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair launches today
For 17 years, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair has been bringing joy to Manchester – and today it’s back.
As the UK’s biggest event of its kind, the last three years have been held at the impressive Victoria Baths in Victoria Park – which organisers are now proud to call ‘home’.
Exhibitors from all over the country were set up to display and sell jewellery, scarves, paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics and much more, from 10am this morning and are there until Sunday at 4pm.
And thousands of people are expected through the doors for the event.
As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny raised from the fair tickets sold goes into supporting maker development and community outreach – as well as putting on the fair annually.
Kirsty Franey brought her luxury knitwear business Whirlow all the way down from Edinburgh for buyers to enjoy. All of her products are made from 100% super soft lambswool.
“I’m really interested in tapestry and beautiful drawings. I used to design tartans and tweeds and had big customers from Japan, I would take them to the woollen mills in Scotland and help them choose knitwear. I wondered whether drawings would translate into knitwear and here we are.
“It be quite insular in this line of work, then you pop your head up and see what others are doing, so it’s really nice to come to a craft fair of this quality.”
One designer at the event is furniture designer Paul Islip (pictured below), who had travelled over from Chester to attend.
With a background in upholstery, he spent years making chairs and other furniture for John Lewis and Next, but in the last three years, decided he would set up his own business and now enjoys making customised items.
Using the artform of steam bending wood to 100 degrees, Paul is able to make some wonderfully unusual creations including tables and lamps.
He said: “This is a much higher level of craft fair so I put in an application and they accepted me. There are a lot of highly skilled people here.
“Having worked in mass production I really wanted to get back to the real craft of creating things by hand. Customised requests is what I enjoy most. I love a challenge and having to make it.”
Gregg Sealey (pictured below) was invited to bring his wonderful business, GPlank Furniture, along, after the craft fair organisers spotted his talent at a fair in Skipton.
He offers unique artwork all created from salvaged and recycled materials such as wood and paint.
He said: “Landscape gardening is my background and I just couldn’t believe how much wood was being thrown away. I thought it was really wasteful.
“So I had a think what I could do with it and started creating pieces of art. Now people send me pictures of their pets and ask me if I can make them in wood. I had a customer ask me if I could make a 3D flamingo and I was like, go on then.”
Development director of GNCCF, Victoria Scholes, said she expected at least 4,000 through the doors during the event.
“This is our 17th year but it’s the fourth year in this venue and we are so proud to call Victoria Baths home because it gives us the chance to really build links with the local community.
“50% of our stallholders are northern but we have exhibitors coming from all over the country. We are one of the few craft fairs that offers this tier of quality.
“We want to inspire guests as well as provide a productive and great platform for our sellers. This is a really special event and the people here are highly skilled in their crafts.”
Tickets can be bought HERE. Adults cost £8 in advance or £9.50 on the door. Concessions are £7 in advance or £8.50 on the door. Children under 16 are free but need a complimentary ticket. (Eventbrite fees apply)
How do Google reviews affect your business?
Customer reviews online can have a big impact on a business, even if it doesn’t base its activity on online sales.
Physical businesses are not exempt from public and digital judgment of customers, who increasingly go online to post their opinions and to check the reputation of a business before buying.
On Google, the ‘Google My Business’ listing is a favoured place for users to consult reviews, But another alternative is Avensure Reviews Manchester and directories like Tripadvisor or Foursquare, which also hold weight when it comes to building a company’s online reputation.
Having reviews (and good reviews) is one of the main factors why consumers trust to choose a business. According to a report by Trustpilot, positive reviews weigh more when deciding to buy than the speed of technical service or the quality of the products.
The value of Google reviews
According to the ReviewTrackers study cited above, 80% of users do not trust businesses with ratings of less than 4 stars (out of 5) and up to 94% have avoided a business after reading a bad review.
Negative reviews are an evil to avoid, but with certain considerations. Google takes reviews into account when positioning a business in the search engine. It takes into account both the quality and the quantity.
The number of reviews that a business has is an indicator for Google that it is popular and busy, so having some negative reviews, among many positive ones, will not undermine the positioning, since the search engine interprets it as something natural.
In other words, although it is clear that a business needs a very good rating to attract customers – not scare them away – a negative review is not the end of the world. Popular businesses will have more reviews and, possibly more negative reviews, something that will always be better than having very few reviews that are all positive.
How to manage reviews on Google
Below you can read a series of good practices:
- Always respond: According to Google’s own data, companies that respond to reviews are considered 1.7 times more trustworthy than those that don’t. Responding to positive reviews by showing gratitude helps build loyalty. Addressing negative reviews politely shows empathy and interest in improving, as well as giving potential customers a clue that they will be treated well if they have a problem.
- Do not delete reviews: Most platforms, including Google, only allow a review to be deleted if it is proven to be false or if it violates their policies, usually when the user reviews the wrong business, it is SPAM, it provides false information or it contains insults. If Google deems it inappropriate, it will delete the review once it is marked as inappropriate, but do not be tempted to ‘report’ any bad review, because the system can notice and end up harming you.
- Encourage customers to leave reviews: You can do this in person or with a call to action on your website or in your email signature.
- Check reviews frequently: If you have a bad review and don’t address it until many days later, the dissatisfied customer may have already badmouthed your business to their family and friends, adding to your negative reputation.
‘Grumpy’ Stokes apologises after England loss
Captain Ben Stokes apologised to his England teammates for acting like a “grumpy old man” during the heavy second Test defeat in Pakistan.
England were bowled out for just 144 as Pakistan squared the series 1-1 in Multan, with 38-year-old spinner Noman Ali cleaning up with eight for 46.
Stokes was annoyed on Thursday when England put down two catches in the space of three Brydon Carse deliveries, yelling in frustration at the weary fielding.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he admitted regretting his reaction.
“It’s the first time in my captaincy that I’ve let my emotions show in my body language, with how I was feeling as the game was unfolding,” he said.
“I apologised to the group and said that was poor of me. I was a tired and grumpy old man last night. You won’t see that happen again.
“I owned up to that and I’m very annoyed at myself for letting that out. It’s something that I don’t want to do, or be seen to be doing.
“No one means to drop catches, but it just proves how important catches are out in these subcontinent conditions, because they don’t come along that often.”
The third and final Test takes place in Rawalpindi, a venue not known for offering drastic spin, but Stokes is ready for the shootout.
“I think it sets a series up brilliantly. That’s why I think it should always be an odd number of games in a series because you want there to be a winner,” he said.
“We’ve got no idea what type of conditions we’re going to be faced with for the last Test match and we’ll just have to wait and see what we get presented with.”
Opposite number Shan Masood, who tasted victory for the first time in seven attempts as captain and also registered Pakistan’s first win on home soil since February 2021, would love another dusty surface but knows it may not be possible.
“I would (love it), but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen it turn in Rawalpindi, that’s another issue,” he said.
“Three years and many months (without a home win), that’s not acceptable for Pakistan cricket. You want a side that can win anywhere, hopefully we can start something in home conditions.”
England all out for 144 as Pakistan level Test series
Noman Ali claimed eight wickets as Pakistan’s spinners bowled them to a 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan to level the three-match series at 1-1.
Chasing 297 for victory on a turning and used track at the Multan Cricket Stadium, England were all out for 144 before lunch on the fourth day.
Skipper Ben Stokes was the top scorer for England with 37 but England had no answer to 38-year-old Noman, who was pick of the Pakistan bowlers claiming 8-46.
Pakistan were already in the ascendancy when England resumed on 36-2 needing an extraordinary batting effort to get anywhere near the target.
Vice captain Ollie Pope (22) fell in the second over of the day, giving off-spinner Sajid Khan a return catch before left-arm spinner Noman ran riot.
Noman dealt the tourists a body blow when he trapped Joe Root lbw for 18, a decision the batter reviewed but could not get overturned.
Harry Brook (16) fell to Noman in a similar fashion and England slumped to 88-6 when Jamie Smith was sent packing.
Stokes has played some match-defining knocks in his illustrious career and England badly needed a similar innings from him.
The captain, scoring at a run-a-ball rate, came dancing down the track against Noman and swung his bat only for it to fly out of his hands to midwicket.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan had all the time in the world to collect the ball and whip off the bail with Stokes well out of the crease.
The third and final Test begins in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Tim Peake Leads Timeline’s Adviser 3.0 Conference 2025
Timeline is delighted to announce that its flagship event, Adviser 3.0, will return on 15th May 2025 at Magazine London. This action-packed conference, aimed at inspiring financial planners, will be headlined by astronaut Major Tim Peake. Alongside him, speakers like Dr Meghaan Lurtz, Abraham Okusanya, and Brett Davidson will bring their expertise to the stage.
Attendees will have access to over 20 sessions across five stages, covering crucial topics such as AI, wealth transfer, succession planning, leadership, and client engagement. The sessions are designed with practical applications in mind for financial advisers.
Bringing a burst of energy, the Rio Carnival theme will create an exciting atmosphere for a day filled with valuable insights, networking, and delicious food. The programme will run from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with a drinks reception and after-party continuing until 10:00 pm.
Abraham Okusanya, CEO of Timeline and host of Adviser 3.0, said: “We are thrilled to present such a rich and diverse line-up of speakers to the UK advice community. Major Tim Peake’s experiences are truly inspirational, and his insights will beautifully complement the practical sessions we have planned. After two years of learning and fine-tuning, we’re confident this year’s event will exceed all expectations. Tickets are on sale now – they won’t last, so don’t miss out on being part of something amazing.”
For more details and to secure tickets, visit the Adviser 3.0 website.
NARMA Unveils the Agal Collection
NARMA, the design studio founded by Nouf Al Rashed, introduced its first capsule collection, the Agal Collection, at an exclusive fashion show in London on Monday evening.
The name NARMA derives from the Arabic words “Nar” for fire and “Ma” for water, symbolising the harmony at the core of the brand. This reflects Nouf’s design ethos, which is influenced by diverse cultural traditions and artistic expressions.
Nouf’s creative process is driven by an appreciation for materials, experimenting with non-traditional elements to explore new possibilities. The Agal Collection, NARMA’s first womenswear range, integrates the symbolic black cord of the agal as a consistent feature across the collection. Designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, the pieces move beyond conventional fashion, speaking to a contemporary audience.
Nouf is committed to sustainability, ensuring that each garment is produced ethically and designed to be long-lasting. The Agal Collection exemplifies her vision, interweaving fashion, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility into a unified whole.
Nouf Al Rashed, the founder and designer, commented: “This collection embodies a woman who is in love with playful curiosity, and is a reflection of creativity, with both nature and nurture working together.”
She continued: “Women were traditionally excluded from the Agal that is worn by men, so I wanted to bring in the idea of a woman’s crown. I have aimed to share this symbol of honour with a female audience, making it more inclusive and accessible to all. I hope for all women to become part of this exciting journey as The Agal Collection continues to make its mark across the globe.”
The Agal Collection was launched at Tristan Hoare, 6 Fitzroy Square, W1T 5HJ, London. This collection is more than just fashion; it’s a testament to the fusion of heritage, innovation, and sustainable design.
Sajid Khan puts Pakistan on top against England
Sajid Khan impressed with bat and ball to put Pakistan in firm control of the second Test against England as they look to end a winless streak on home soil stretching back to February 2021.
Sajid took seven for 111 as England were dismissed for 291 in their first innings, a deficit of 75, before the hosts made 221 second time round – Sajid making a belligerent 22 from number 10.
That left Ben Stokes’ side chasing 297 to win the match and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the best-of-three series but they ended the day on 36 for two with both openers back in the pavilion.
Stumps on Day 3 ✅
We end the final session with Root (12) and Pope (21) still battling at the crease 🙌 pic.twitter.com/27lBq5w2do
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 17, 2024
England started the day on 239 for six but the match moved on quickly as the pitch finally started to take spin after resembling a road in the first Test last week, a match in which the tourists batted once and made 823 for seven declared.
There was never going to be a repeat of that when England lost a flurry of wickets late on day two and Sajid and fellow spinner Noman Ali met limited resistance as they ran through the tail on Thursday.
Sajid took three wickets to complete his seven-for with Noman snaring dangerman Jamie Smith for 21. Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir added a useful 29 for the final wicket with the former ending with an unbeaten 25.
Leach and Bashir then worked in tandem with the ball to take a combined seven for 133, although England would be frustrated they couldn’t finish Pakistan off earlier.
That was due largely to the efforts of Salman Agha and Sajid. Salman bashed a superb 63 off 89 balls with Sajid happy to prop up the other end.
Having reduced Pakistan to 156 for eight, England would have been looking to polish off the tail and chase down a victory target around the 240 mark. As it was, the pair put on 65 for the ninth wicket to give the hosts room to manoeuvre.
It also gave Pakistan momentum which they carried over into England’s second innings.
First innings centurion Ben Duckett lasted just two balls before an ungainly sweep off Sajid saw him top edge to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. And England were soon in trouble at 11 for two, Zak Crawley skipping down the track to Noman, getting nowhere near the pitch of the ball and having his bails whipped off by Rizwan.
Ollie Pope (21 not out) and Joe Root (12no) saw England through to the close but they face an uphill task if they are close out the series before the third Test in Rawalpindi next week.
Tom Stannard named new chief executive of Manchester City Council
Manchester City Council has picked Tom Stannard as its new permanent chief executive to lead the delivery of the city’s strategy for the decade ahead.
He will become only the third chief executive to take the reins in more than a quarter of a century.
Tom, who was selected following a rigorous recruitment process, has been chief executive of neighbouring Salford City Council for the past four years, overseeing achievements including the transformative regeneration of Salford, an ambitious council housebuilding programme and high-performing children’s services.
He has more than 27 years of experience in local government including senior posts in Oldham, Wakefield, Blackburn with Darwen and London boroughs.
Tom is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, public service reform and delivering inclusive growth and currently holds the lead CEO brief for Greater Manchester in the economy, business and international portfolio.
He is a chartered surveyor, chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development, Commissioner for the UK Living Wage Foundation and National Spokesman for Health and Social Care for SOLACE (The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers.)
Tom (pictured) joins one of the best performing councils in the country at a crucial time as Manchester presses ahead with its ambition to be world-class city with top class services. It is also a pivotal moment for the council as it gears up to bring forward and oversee the delivery of the 2025-2035 Our Manchester Strategy, which will guide the city for the next 10 years.
Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig (pictured) said: “This is a big job and we know the Chief Executive of Manchester is one of the most coveted positions in local government. That’s why I’m delighted that we’re appointing Tom Stannard – someone who shares our pride in the city and ambition to deliver for our residents.
“Tom was our unanimous choice in a highly competitive selection process. We were impressed by his energy and passion, his clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Manchester and his ideas for the future. He is already a well-known figure in Greater Manchester and beyond and we are confident that he will help us improve the city over the next decade.”
Tom said: “This is an exceptional role in an incredible city. I’ve spent a significant part of my career living and working in Greater Manchester and have a deep commitment to the city and its people. I’m eager to start work on the next chapter alongside Cllr Craig and all elected members.
“Manchester is a city which is competing on a global stage and successfully attracting investment, jobs and visitors and it’s important that we continue to maximise those strengths. Just as crucial is that the growth generated benefits the whole city, and I know that’s something the council is already working on and determined to achieve.
“While being unapologetically ambitious for the city’s global future, I won’t lose focus on the need to deliver excellent day-to-day services for Manchester people in the here and now.”
Tom is expected to join the council early in the New Year. Eamonn Boylan OBE will remain in post as interim chief executive until then.
People’s History Museum welcomes new director
Clare Barlow has been announced as the new director for People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester.
She joins PHM from the Foundling Museum in London, where she was director of programmes and audiences. She brings a wealth of experience and vision to the national museum of democracy, having worked at leading cultural institutions and museums including Science Museum, Wellcome Trust, Tate and the National Portrait Gallery.
In 2017, Clare curated the highly acclaimed exhibition Queer British Art, 1861-1967 at Tate Britain and in 2019 opened Being Human, a new permanent gallery at Wellcome Collection that was shortlisted for the Arts + Heritage award for Permanent Exhibition of the Year.
Bernard Donoghue, chair of People’s History Museum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to People’s History Museum. She has incredible experience of programming ground-breaking
“In all of her work Clare’s values of inclusivity, social justice and providing platforms for unheard voices shine through, and fit seamlessly with PHM’s mission and vision. We are excited that Clare is joining us in our quest to champion and explore the compelling stories of those seeking a fairer world for all and in the creation of the empowering experiences that PHM is renowned for.”
Clare said: “I fell in love with People’s History Museum on my first visit, seven years ago, and I’ve been back many times since to see their superb exhibitions and spectacular collections. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve found something new with an incredible story, from Thomas Paine’s writing desk to the extraordinary collection of banners.
“I’ve been inspired by their work with community experts on LGBTQIA+ rights, disabled people’s rights and stories of migration, projects that have been beacons to the sector. It’s an exciting time to be at the home of ideas worth fighting for and I’m delighted to be joining their amazing team and exploring with our audiences how we all can shape a fairer future together.”
It’s an important time for People’s History Museum, which has just completed a year long project to make the museum more accessible to visitors (Welcome Project at PHM) and is about to launch a new programme for schools.
Clare follows in the footsteps of Katy Ashton, who was director for 14 years during a period that saw the museum expand to its current location in Manchester’s Spinningfields, where it occupies a purpose built space combined with a Grade II listed Edwardian building.
People’s History Museum is open from 10am – 5pm, every day except Tuesdays. Entry is free, but visitors can make a donation.
