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URBAN SPLASH COMPLETES OFF-MARKET ACQUISITION AT NEW ISLINGTON

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Award winning regeneration company Urban Splash has acquired a site on corner of Lampwick Lane and Old Mill Street at New Islington in Manchester, completing an off-market deal with a private vendor.

Urban Splash will explore a residential development for the site, creating new homes for sale or rent.

The site stands on familiar territory for Urban Splash; the company has spent 20 years working in collaboration with Manchester City Council and other partners to transform the former Cardroom Estate into New Islington, creating new homes – one third of them affordable – workspaces, a park, the New Islington Free School, marina, cafes and bars. The newly-acquired land is at the north eastern end of New Islington – adjacent to Stubbs Mill, a building which Urban Splash transformed into workspace and is now fully let to Fanatics. Director Nathan Cornish explained: “New Islington is an important part of the Urban Splash story – a place in which we’ve helped deliver a new vibrant community for Manchester.

“This site is a natural purchase for us and an opportunity to create more new homes for the area. We look forward to exploring our options here.”

The news comes amidst a run of acquisitions for Urban Splash which has in invested in 25 new sites for its own operations and associated businesses in the past five years. Recent purchases include the Urban Splash Residential Fund’s acquisition of Derwent House in Birmingham, where the entire block of 40 homes is now available to rent.

Nathan concluded: “We are active in the market, using our own equity without bank debt. We take pride in being good buyers, completing on time and as quickly as vendors require; we hope to find more opportunities as we move forward with our regeneration work across the country.”

For further details about Urban Splash visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk

Pixel Kicks celebrates double client wins

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Pixel Kicks, the Manchester-based full-service digital agency, has won two new clients who will be working with the agency’s web development and branding teams.

The firm’s first new client is Sheffield-based Peek & Poke which makes branded games that help companies engage with their audiences. The project will see Pixel Kicks design a new WooCommerce-based website that will aim to consolidate Peek & Poke’s service offerings and simplify the user journey.

Accounts & Legal is a national small business accountant offering accounting, tax, business and legal advice. Pixel Kicks will deliver a rebrand and a new content-focused website design. Both projects are now being progressed and will be launched over the coming months.

Chris Buckley – MD of Pixel Kicks – commented: “These new wins are fantastic news for the business.  Being appointed by two clients working in such diverse sectors reflects our skill set, experience and ability to tailor the right solution that will ultimately add value.”

Claritas Tax welcomes a new Associate Partner to the team

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Claritas Tax, the independent tax advisory firm with offices in Birmingham and Manchester has announced the appointment of Richard Smith, as Associate Partner and Head of Indirect Tax. His skills and experience will help the firm to drive its growth plans, build on existing and new client relationships and respond to the fast-changing needs of clients.

Richard Smith, tells us: “After many years working in senior leadership positions within the Big 4 environment, I am delighted to be joining such a vibrant, dynamic, and award-winning tax team whose growth trajectory to date has been extremely impressive. Claritas’ ambitious expansion plans mirror my own and I feel privileged and excited to be able to join the business and take on the role of leading and developing its Indirect Tax function. The VAT landscape remains complex and challenging to navigate and one of my key objectives will be to build and maintain trusted advisor relationships to ensure clients mitigate their VAT risk and effectively manage their compliance obligations”.

Claritas has had a fantastic year so far, being announced as the ‘Best Independent Tax Consultancy Firm’ at the prestigious Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2022 and more recently having been recognised as ‘Specialist Transaction Team of the Year’ at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers awards. Not to mention a landmark year for them, celebrating ten years since the firm was founded.

Matt Hodgson, Partner, comments: “I’m absolutely delighted that Richard’s joined us.  It’s rare to find someone with such a wealth of experience in the world of indirect tax and with the vision and appetite to build such a service line with us. Richard’s appointment is a real statement for Claritas as we continue to recruit high-calibre people and build upon our full-service tax offering to the mid-market.”

Iain Wright, Partner, adds: “Our firm is ending the year in a really strong position and that is down to the fantastic team we have. I believe that adding Richard to the mix will not only bolster Claritas’ work but we’re continually investing in our multi-disciplinary service lines to support our clients on all of their complex tax needs.”

Browne Jacobson barrister wins Manchester Young Talent Award

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Holly Quirk, an associate barrister in Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office, was awarded the Legal Professional of the Year Award at this year’s Manchester Young Talent Awards.

Holly specialises in Regulatory and Education work, advising an impressive client base from major health and mental health trusts across the North West to major central government departments. Her achievements include being at the forefront of a national first in the UK education sector on the taboo subject of female genital mutilation (FGM) after she secured the country’s first FGM Protection Order on behalf of a school.

In awarding Holly the accolade, the judges commented that as “an exceptional rising star in the profession, she has led with precision and sensitivity many cases aligned with the Education setting including high profile cases. She has demonstrated clear commitment to clients in the face of adversity, worked to champion women’s rights, mentor others and has been integral in the growth of their firm.”

Ben Bentley, Barrister and Partner at Browne Jacobson, said : Holly is one of the firm’s rising stars and we are delighted for her. Since completing her pupillage at the firm she has developed a thriving practice and her commitment to her clients is exceptional. She is also an outstanding role model through her work in promoting diversity and mentoring young people interested in a career in law.”

The Manchester Young Talent Awards (MYTA’s), recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations within Greater Manchester across multiple industries. The awards are organised by JCI Manchester, a not-for-profit organisation providing 18 to 40 year olds with development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

BELLWAY GOES PINK FOR CHARITY IN DROYLSDEN

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Housebuilder Bellway Manchester turned pink for charity during the month of October, with its popular development, Marmalade at the Jam Factory on Manchester Road in Droylsden, raising £1662 for Breast Cancer UK.

Chris Clayton and Pamela Taylor, Bellway’s sales advisors at Marmalade, hosted afternoon tea at the development inviting residents and interested purchasers to attend. Having dressed the sales and marketing suite in pink, and with a fabulous pink free flow balloon display at the entrance of the development, all guests were encouraged to bake a cake and bring it along.

The event was a great success.  Mei Chee Ko, a resident at Marmalade, was chosen by Nina Jackson-Clayton, Bellway’s sales manager, as the winner of the cake competition, receiving a £150 gift voucher.  Mei Chee Ko’s Japanese cheesecake really impressed guests.

Nina says: “Hosting the Breast Cancer Awareness event was a wonderful way to reconnect with residents at Marmalade, as well as spend time getting to know potential purchasers.  It was a really relaxed afternoon, and all the cakes were superb, but the cheesecake was my favourite!”

In addition to the event at Marmalade at the Jam Factory, Bellway Manchester hosted a series of events for Breast Cancer UK during October at Grey Gables Farm in Bamber Bridge, Royal Bowland Park in Westhoughton and Park Gate Village in Knutsford.

Nina concludes: “Being involved in the local community is so important to Bellway and we are thrilled to have raised £1662 for such an important cause.”

There is currently a selection of two bedroom apartments available at Marmalade at the Jam Factory, with prices starting from £187,995.  With two stunning show homes to view, a visit to the development is a must, open seven days a week.  For further information, please call 0161 516 8205 or visit www.bellway.co.uk.

Raft of new accounting talent joins Champion

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A host of new accounting talent has joined Champion Group, benefitting from a dedicated trainee programme designed to ensure their careers and professional confidence flourish.

After a recruitment drive that saw dozens of applications from youngsters finishing their A Levels or equivalent qualifications, six have been chosen to take up positions in Champion’s Manchester, Preston, Chester and Blackpool offices.

Ethan Samouelle and Mathew Dyer have joined the Manchester office as management accounts trainees, alongside new audit and accounts trainee Sam Watson. Tharany Vijayaratnam and Thomas Ashbrook have also taken up positions as audit and accounts trainees in Blackpool and Chester respectively, and audit and accounts trainee Alex Timperley is now stationed in the Preston office.

As a Platinum ACCA-accredited employer, Champion has a long history of developing young talent, guiding trainees through further studies and qualifications alongside their day-to-day roles. Working as an integral part of a highly experienced team, these newest trainees will be introduced to industry best practice for a range of exciting clients.

With responsibility given early on in their roles, the new recruits will also have opportunity to shadow senior team members, many of whom arrived at Champion as trainees themselves.

Thomas Ashbrook, who achieved two A*s and an A in his A Levels this summer, commented: “I’m excited about the range of experience I’ll get at Champion, and I’m hoping that this early access to real responsibilities, working with experienced colleagues, will help me to get a feel for the type of work I most enjoy and specialisms I might like to pursue in the future.

“Champion has a great reputation and a commitment to supporting its trainees through further qualifications, so this is a fantastic opportunity for me. Now that I’ve started to settle into the role, it’s clear that there’s a good team ethos across all the offices. I’m looking forward to finding out where this job will take me.”

Ged Cosgrove, group managing partner at Champion Accountants, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our trainee programme and the careers that have flourished as a result of it. Many of our senior colleagues began their careers with us as trainees and we’ve also seen plenty of staff go on to achieve incredible things elsewhere in industry after cutting their teeth in our offices, many of whom are now clients of ours.

“For the financially and professionally savvy, taking a position like this is an easy choice. Our new starters will earn while they learn, avoid university tuition fees, gain top level qualifications and learn from a dedicated team of true experts. We wish them the very best of luck, but more than that, we’ve made it our business to ensure that they succeed.”

For more information about Champion Accountants’ trainee programme, visit https://www.championgroup.co.uk/careers/trainee-programme/

COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY TRANSITIONS TO EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

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The owners of a Greater Manchester based communications agency have sold the company to its employees, to reward and develop them following 15 years in business.

Creed Communications specialises in marketing support for employer branding, people communications and talent attraction. The business was established in 2007 by shareholders Caroline Hill and Simon McLoughlin, who will continue to lead the business as working directors.

The firm, which counts Iceland, Jaguar Land Rover and Vodafone among its clients, has grown its headcount over the last decade to 20 employees. It plans to hire more experts to support organic growth under the new employee-owned model.

The specialist EOT team at Brabners and Xeinadin group firms (Xeinadin Corpoarte Finance, Kay Johnson Gee taxation advisory and Philip Carrol accountants) advised Creed Communications on the deal and establishment of the firm’s new employee ownership trust (EOT).

It follows two years of high demand for the company, which has helped businesses with employee engagement and recruitment strategies as they’ve faced skills shortages and ‘the great resignation’ phenomenon following the pandemic.

Caroline Hill, director at Creed Communications, said: “Our talented people make all the difference to our company and clients, and so it’s fitting that after 15 successful years in business that we should reward and recognise their contribution by moving to an employee-owned model.

“This move ultimately sets us up to look ahead to the next 15 years of business and beyond, as we develop our experts and leaders for the future, remain agile and independent and support more organisations as they grapple with the constant and changing demands of the employment market.

“Moving to employee ownership is becoming more popular, but it remains a path that’s not well-trodden. The expertise and pragmatism of our advisers at Brabners and KJG ensured that we secured a deal that sets us up for a bright future.”

Stephen Hadlow, corporate partner at Brabners, said: “Since founding the business, the people-focused ethos fostered by Simon and Caroline has been absolutely key to Creed’s success. Becoming an employee owned business is a natural next step for Creed in that it preserves a hard-won cultural identity and independence – and will allow the business to retain and attract talented individuals for the future.”

Steven Lindsay, director at Xeinadin Corporate Finance and Kay Johnson Gee, part of the Xeinadin Group, said: “Xeinadin are delighted to have advised Creed on their employee ownership trust deal. Our Xeinadin Corporate Finance, Kay Johnson Gee Taxation and Philip Carrol Accounting teams were all part of the journey as we introduced the idea then helped execute it effectively. We are sure the deal is another example of the value of EOT deals for shareholders and their businesses in allowing further development of their already successful operations.”

IDENTITY CONSULT CONTINUES EXPANSION IN SALFORD WITH NEW HIRE

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Having launched its new office in Salford this summer, award winning, independent development and construction consultancy Identity Consult has welcomed a new colleague to its business.

Hamza Mohamed takes up the role of assistant cost manager. His move to the new Salford office comes after Identity Consult expanded its portfolio there with clients including Salford City Council.

The news comes in a period of growth for Identity Consult; the company now boasts 67 colleagues working out of Salford, Preston, York and Sunderland – including two new apprentices. The team has also secured its Investors in People accreditation, established training and mentoring programmes and received an Exceptional Employer Award from Preston College.

Mark Doherty, managing director at Identity Consult, said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business, and we are proud to have invested in great local talent this past year, nurturing the skills and expertise of our existing colleagues, and welcoming great new people like Hamza.”

Mark was part of, and led, a cohort of colleagues who completed a management buyout of Identity Consult in 2018. In that time, it has more than doubled its headcount from 32 to 67 colleagues. Mark continued: “We have achieved good results since the MBO, maintaining a strong client base across the North West, North East and Yorkshire and I look forward to undertaking more great projects on behalf of clients in our core sectors moving forward.”

To find out more about the business visit: https://www.identityconsult.co.uk/

Journey to Net Zero programme helps more than 100 businesses take their crucial first steps

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More than 100 businesses across Greater Manchester are successfully navigating their way to being cleaner, greener and more profitable thanks to support from the GC Business Growth Hub’s Journey to Net Zero programme.

The fully-funded programme launched in July 2021, and works with SMEs across Greater Manchester who are at an early stage on the path to net zero emissions to develop a clear plan of action to help them get there faster and more efficiently.

The Sustainability and Net Zero service at GC Business Growth Hub has been working with SMEs across Greater Manchester for over 10 years, supporting businesses with the transition towards a vibrant, sustainable and low carbon economy. To date the team has helped SMEs in GM to collectively save over 76,000 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Manchester-based textile supplier Thomas Kneale is one of 107 businesses that have taken advantage of the programme delivered by the Hub, which is part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Since starting the programme, Thomas Kneale has been calculating its emission output from a baseline year in 2018 and has achieved a reduction to date of several tonnes per annum. The replacement of an old boiler with a modern, combi model is saving 2.3 tonnes of CO2e per annum alone.

Director Brett Mendell said: “The course was really insightful with lots of information and pointers for us to go and look into, which has been really important for us to be able to take the next steps & accurately measure and judge progress as it is made.

“Beforehand we knew what net zero was but didn’t know how to get there and the course has given us the knowledge and information as to how to start the journey.

“Since the programme we have taken actions to reduce our carbon – like signing up for our first ever 100% renewable electricity tariff – and reviewing all of our activities. We’ve signed up to a carbon calculator and inputted all of our data from 2018 onwards to look at how we are reducing our carbon footprint over time. That’s helping to drive our activities, actions, discussions and decisions.”

The Journey to Net Zero programme is designed to help senior decision makers develop a clear plan of action for net zero. It is made up of online workshops, study material, one-to-one advice and shared learning, building business cases and staff engagement amongst other key areas.

Tech company IDS has also benefitted from taking part in Journey to Net Zero. With offices in Leeds and London, as well as Manchester, the software data consultancy needed support and guidance to help them get started on their journey to net zero.

Donna Moores, Head of Quality and Compliance at IDS, said: “As a business we knew how important it was to start our journey to net zero, particularly with regards to tendering for work with big organisations in the future, who are going to want to know about our carbon footprint. But the scale of the challenge ahead of us was overwhelming and we weren’t sure how to even get started.

She added: “I’ve attended all the seminars as part of Journey to Net Zero and I would definitely recommend it. It’s especially useful getting to know the rest of the people on the course because you can learn so much from each other, particularly when you are coming from different industries and offering fresh perspectives on their challenges – and vice versa. I’ve attended all the seminars and I would definitely recommend it.”

Kevin Lambert, Sustainability and Net Zero Lead at GC Business Growth Hub, said: “It is fantastic to see how businesses like Thomas Kneale and IDS have embraced the support available through Journey to Net Zero. Reaching net zero can be a big challenge, but with support you can build a strategic plan to cut your carbon footprint, reduce costs, minimise risk and make the most of the many opportunities awaiting you in the net zero world.”

To find out more and register your interest in the next cohort of Journey to Net Zero, visit: https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/resource-efficiency/journey-to-net-zero.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.

 

 

Is now a good time to be a landlord? Mike Collins Mortgage Broker

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Financial and property planner, Mike Collins is ahead of the game when it comes to the rental market. “If you’re already a landlord and planning ahead, your main decision this year will be whether to increase or reduce your portfolio,” he said.

“Interest rates are soaring, taking many out of the mortgage market and with a complete lack of affordable housing, this puts private landlords in the position where they may be forced to take on tenants out of necessity rather than choice.”

With the ongoing housing crisis, the UK functioning well is largely dependent on landlords. According to the English Housing Survey, the number of private landlords has increased from 3.1 million in 2008, to 4.4 million in 2020 – that’s equivalent to one in five homes.

And with the cost of living crisis in full swing and drastically affecting many people across the country, the mini-budget means higher mortgage rates have arrived.

But the group most affected by government legislation and staggering rates are buy-to-let (BTL) landlords – and it’s causing many to pack up. Meanwhile, the situation is also harsh on tenants who are being charged spiralling rent – some in badly managed properties.

But in such a broken market, is now a good time to be a landlord? Mike Collins explains.

Government rules

Various government ‘interventions’ have made life less profitable for landlords. Some of these include higher stamp duty rates in 2016 and removal of mortgage interest tax relief in 2017.

More recently there was legislation that would mandate landlords to ensure their properties reach an EPC rating of at least C by 2025 for new tenancies and 2028 for existing agreements. Not forgetting the rules banning ‘no fault’ evictions.

Unregulated lending

With landlords a major player in the bridging borrowing game, a lot of unregulated lending goes on, with many landlords using cash to make investment purchases. If BTL becomes much less attractive and unregulated bridging lands suffer, the UK’s ageing population could mean an uplift in regulating bridging.

The government predicts than one quarter of the UK will be over 65 in 2043, which means a lot of downsizing is likely to happen – and we all know how popular short-term loans can be in a housing market that moves fast.

Keeping up with legislation

Yuno, a property technology platform designed to help landlords keep track of changing legislation, has been designed by Paul Conway, who believes that regulations for landlords change every nine days on average. Many landlords say recent or forthcoming changes are their main reasons for selling up.

Having spare cash

It may seem like a walk in the park but being a landlord is not a case of buying somewhere to let and then sitting back. Far from it. With residential property, you’re going to need some effort. At times you may feel incredible stressed, especially with rent arrears, property damage and eviction processes to consider – and all at a time when money is incredibly tight.

Your investment is also going to require repairs and refurbishment – so if it’s a passive income you’re after, it might not be for you.

 

What is clear and almost experts will agree, is that an imbalance of supply and demand will continue to fuel rental growth in 2022, and so if you can cope with repairs and refurbishments, it’s worth hanging in there or purchasing your

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