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Here’s how to get a free car windscreen and puncture repair this winter

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A local car retailer is helping Chester drivers stay safe with its free puncture and windscreen repair service.

With the clocks going back and darker nights and colder winter weather the norm, icy surfaces and reduced visibility can increase the risk of punctured tyres and chipped windscreens. To prevent drivers being left out in the cold, Rybrook Chester, on Sovereign Way, offers a free windscreen and tyre damage repair service for any Volvo driver, regardless of their car’s age.

To take advantage of the service, Chester Volvo drivers can simply take their car to any Volvo retailer across the UK, where a qualified Volvo technician will check the damage. In many instances, the problem can be repaired on the spot – providing a fast and convenient service that is free of charge.

In cases of more severe damage, the technician will advise the customer on alternative options to get them back on the road as soon as possible.

Mike Brooks, Head of Business at Rybrook Chester, said: “We know that the harsher winter weather can bring with it seasonal problems for drivers. Small issues such as tyre punctures or windscreen chips can be a nuisance to resolve, but if left untreated, these small inconveniences can lead to bigger, more costly replacements – not what anyone needs at the moment, and especially in the build-up to Christmas.

“We’re proud to offer the UK’s first free initiative to cover both tyres and windscreens – providing a service designed to quickly reassure drivers that their car is safe to drive and meets the Highway Code’s requirements without breaking the bank.

“Here at Rybrook Chester, we value all Volvo drivers, no matter how old their car may be. This service is the perfect way to help local drivers stay safe, secure and mobile, whenever they may need it.”

For more information on the Volvo free repair service, visit volvocars.com/uk/l/service/free-repairs or call your local retailer, Rybrook Chester, on 01244 393909.

North West headlines

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Despite remaining stable between Q2 and Q3 2022, consumer confidence in the North West still remains lower than the national average at -23 per cent, according to Deloitte’s latest Consumer Tracker. Spending power also remains strained in the North West, falling by one percentage point to -20 per cent, three percentage points lower than the national average.

When it comes to consumer spending, both essential and non-essential spending has been cut across the North West, with both falling by two percentage points since the last quarter. Looking at non-essential spending, consumers in the North West have cut back the most on buying clothing and footwear and going out, with net spending falling ten and seven percentage points respectively compared with Q2 2022.

With the continued economic uncertainty, when looking ahead to the next three months consumer spending in the North West looks similarly restrained. Whilst net spending on essential goods and services is expected to fall by a further one percentage point, non-essential net spend is expected to be hit hardest, with a quarterly fall of seven percentage points in the North West.

Cost-of-living squeeze drives confidence to historic low

  • The Deloitte Consumer Tracker reveals UK consumer confidence fell for a fifth consecutive quarter in Q3 2022, reaching a record low of -20%, twice as low as a year ago;
  • A growing number of consumers (30%) are spending less, up from 21% at the start of the year, with 58% doing so to save money;
  • Consumers reduce their leisure spend across almost every category in Q3, with indications of further reduction in the final quarter of the year;
  • Sentiment on the state of the economy remains low, at -80%; nearing levels seen at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UK consumer confidence fell for the fifth consecutive quarter in Q3 2022, falling by one percentage point to a historically low -20%, according to Deloitte’s latest Consumer Tracker. Spending power also remains significantly strained, as consumer sentiment around levels of debt also reached the lowest levels on record, at -17%; two percentage points below Q2 2022.

The Deloitte Consumer Tracker is based on responses from 3,226 UK consumers aged 18+ between 17th and 18th September. Overall consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the tracker began in Q3 2011.

Consumers cut back to curb costs

Both essential and non-essential spend declined for a second consecutive quarter in Q3, decreasing by two and one percentage points respectively, indicating that consumers are cutting back across all areas. 30% of consumers said they are now spending less, up from 21% at the start of the year. Of these consumers, 58% said they are spending less specifically to save money.

Céline Fenech, consumer insight lead at Deloitte, commented: “Consumers are making conscious efforts to cut-back on all spending. With rising food prices and personal finances coming under further pressure from higher energy bills, we are seeing a contraction in consumer demand.”

Consumers highlight several actions they are taking to combat rising costs. This includes 57% who are reducing their home energy consumption, 40% who are spending less on clothes and shoes, and 22% of respondents who have ended, or intend to end, an entertainment subscription.

Consumers turn their hand to selling, and shop the second-hand market

Growing interest in the second-hand market saw one in five consumers selling items on resale platforms in Q3. 16% of consumers bought more second-hand or refurbished items in Q3, more than twice the 7% that did so in Q3 2020.

Fenech added: “Whilst we are seeing consumers reducing their overall spend, some are also trying to boost their income by reselling items they no longer need or use via reselling platforms. The demand is clearly there as we are also seeing more consumers interested in buying second-hand items, as a way to save.”

Consumers stay home to reduce leisure spend

Two in five (39%) consumers said they are spending less on going out and on leisure activities as a way to save money. As a result, net spend across leisure fell quarter-on-quarter by two percentage points, to -12%, in Q3 as consumers eat out less and limit their visits to coffee shops, pubs and bars, and to culture and entertainment venues. One exception, attending sports events, was the only area of leisure to see a quarter-on-quarter improvement. This follows a busy period of sporting events; many of which having returned to full-scale audiences again.

Simon Oaten, partner for hospitality and leisure at Deloitte, said: “The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest-hit in recent years. As consumers assess their budgets amidst rising costs, many are having to prioritise the essentials, directing spend away from discretionary categories, including leisure. Many hospitality businesses are already feeling the effects of lower footfall, whilst also having to counteract rising running costs themselves.”

Consumers indicated that they will spend even less on leisure in Q4 2022, with intended net spend down across every leisure category, at a time when 59% of consumers believe they will have less money to spend for the Christmas period.

Oaten concluded: “For the hospitality industry, a reduction in typical festivities or diversion of these to home will almost certainly take the shine off the ‘golden quarter’. Businesses may want to adapt to hosting smaller groups or catering, once again, for more take-home entertainment.”

Consumers remain pessimistic on state of the economy

Consumer sentiment towards the state of the UK economy remains low, at -80%, and at similar levels last seen in Q1 2020 at the start of the UK’s COVID-19 outbreak. Coupled with declining sentiment around job opportunities and career progression, down two percentage points, and sentiment on job security remaining flat, quarter-on-quarter, consumers are reflecting concerns around job prospects by adopting more recessionary spending behaviours.

This comes at a time when CFOs of the UK’s largest firms attach a 78% probability to the UK falling into recession in the next 12 months.

Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, commented: “High inflation has driven consumer sentiment sharply lower this year despite a red hot labour market. Now consumers are starting to worry about the outlook for jobs. With inflation elevated, interest rates on the rise and the labour market starting to cool the squeeze on spending is likely to intensify.”

Avison Young agrees deal at 11 York Street for new wellbeing and sustainability-centred workplace

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Strategic real estate advisor Avison Young will relocate its Manchester base to 11 York Street, occupying 11,082 sq ft on the sixth floor of the city centre building.

Currently based on Norfolk Street, the real estate company will move its staff to 11 York Street in the new year. As the only new-build Grade-A building in the central business district, 11 York Street has recently been named the best new build outside of central London. The building has already attracted Rolls Royce amongst others as occupiers.

Shaped through in-depth analysis and consultation with its staff, Avison Young’s brief for a new office encompassed a future-ready, engaging and experiential workspace, with sustainability and wellbeing central to its design.

Chris Cheap Principal & Managing Director, Manchester at Avison Young said:

“Our office relocation has come during an important period of change regarding the role workspaces play in businesses. As strategic property advisors ourselves, we wanted to practice what we preach and took the opportunity to bring our own advice to life. We undertook extensive analysis into how our new office should support our clients, our people and our operations.

“11 York Street is a building which delivers the perfect backdrop for us to create a progressive space, which I know we will all be very proud of, especially as every aspect of the acquisition and design process involved integrated expertise from the Avison Young team. This investment is an illustration of our commitment to our brilliant Manchester team and the region itself. We look forward to welcoming our clients, contacts and friends to come and see us at our new home in the new year.”

Julian Cobourne, head of regional offices at Aviva Investors, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Avison Young to 11 York Street, Manchester – a building which provides excellent Grade A office space together with the very best facilities for our occupiers.  Community and service are at the very centre of our aspirations for the Aviva Investors Manchester estate and we are extremely pleased to have secured Avison Young to our list of customers.”

Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc and the building’s landlord, also recently appointed Gilbanks to launch 22,000 sq ft of new serviced offices at 11 York Street.

Almost a quarter of people in Manchester dipping into savings every month just to make ends meet with fears this may worsen over winter

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  • However, more than a quarter of people in Manchester don’t have any savings to fall back on
  • More than two in five (41%) of people in Manchester admit they are terrified for their financial future
  • More financial support is needed to prevent the current crisis worsening across Manchester

Almost a quarter of people (23%) in Manchester are being forced to dip into their savings to make ends meet every month, according to new research from responsible subscription lender Creditspring.

However, the research also reveals that more than a quarter of people (28%) across Manchester don’t have any savings to fall back on – prompting fears of a worsening crisis to come as the cost of living continues to rise.

Across Manchester, more than two in five people (41%) admit they are terrified for their financial future whilst almost six in ten (58%) claim they are anxious about their finances. There is a sense of helplessness as more than half (51%) feel as though there is nothing they can do to improve their financial situation.

The research also indicates that people are desperately trying to save to build a financial buffer but the cost of living crisis is making this nearly impossible. Half of people in Manchester (50%) want to save but can’t due to high cost of living, whilst 49% don’t expect to be able to save anything in the next six months. This lack of rainy day fund means that these people will have nowhere to turn but lenders when they run out of money, leaving people vulnerable to unscrupulous lending practices.

Neil Kadagathur, Co-Founder and CEO of Creditspring, comments: “Household budgets in Manchester are on the precipice. Hundreds of thousands of people are forced to raid their savings just to survive the current cost of living crisis – this will have a disastrous impact on their future financial wellbeing.

“Given the bleak situation it’s no wonder that people across Manchester are feeling hopeless. They are in desperate need of more effective financial support – the government must provide households with a substantial support package that will make a real difference. It’s going to be a challenging winter for all of us, but many will be concerned that they may never recover financially from this.”

Creditspring’s members benefit from the platform’s affordable, easy-to-use loans and education tools, including its Stability Hub service which offers members a financial health audit and personalised tips to improve their financial situation.

Creditspring has just launched its latest education tool – Spring Score – which provides insight into members’ eligibility for Creditspring products to improve access to financial support tools such as ‘Step’ credit builder which helps members gradually improve their credit score without running the risk of incurring further debt.

WEDO MAKES SEVEN-FIGURE INVESTMENT IN AUSTRALIAN INVOICE AND TRADE FINANCE BUSINESS

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A north west business services group has gained a foothold in the Australian market by making a strategic seven-figure investment in a Brisbane-based invoice and trade finance company.

WeDo Business Services, which is headquartered in Oldham, has taken a significant stake in Invoice Finance Group (IFG).

IFG had been seeking an investment partner to help take it to the next level by adding funding capability and new business finance products. At the same time, WeDo was looking to establish itself Down Under.

WeDo directors Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson engaged Wayne Smith, a former senior executive at Sydney-based business finance company ScotPac, to help with this phase of their growth plan.

Wayne was able to bring both parties together and helped to structure the deal. He has become chairman of IFG following the investment, and will work with its founders and directors Paul and Angela Tonges on its expansion strategy.

Mark, group chief executive of WeDo, said: “Our invoice finance business has been built on a simple model of delivering solutions in a transparent and value-added way, working with clients to ensure they get more than they expect.

“It was refreshing to see that IFG shares a similar approach which is very client-centric.

“The independent finance market in Australia is not as competitive as it is in the UK, and therefore we feel there is scope for IFG to expand significantly and develop additional service lines, much like our UK business has done in recent years. We are extremely excited by the opportunities and growth potential for IFG.”

WeDo provides a range of services to small and medium-sized companies. In addition to invoice and trade finance and start-up funding, it provides HR, back office, IT, digital and payroll support, with a focus on the recruitment sector.

Mark and Chris founded the business in 2019 with just four staff and the company has grown rapidly through organic expansion and acquisitions. The group now employs almost 100 people across its network of offices, including sites in Colchester, Swindon, Sheffield and MediaCityUK in Salford.

IFG is a boutique business which husband and wife team Paul and Angela set up in 2011. It specialises in providing invoice finance to businesses across Australia.

Paul said: “As the founders, we are very excited about the next chapter of IFG’s growth strategy. We’re delighted to share a common alignment in our vision and values with our new investors, by continuing to exceed our customers’ expectations.

“This strategic investment will allow IFG to better service our existing clients and attract new customers by enabling us to offer a broader range of finance products and a larger deal size. With so many Australian small businesses desperate to fund growth, IFG will be able to assist many more SMEs.”

Cynergy Business Finance provides £3m of funding to ethical beauty product brand, Faith in Nature

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Award-winning natural beauty products brand, Faith in Nature, looks to expand its manufacturing and business capabilities with a £3m funding boost from Cynergy Business Finance.

Founded in a cottage kitchen in 1974, Radcliffe-based Faith in Nature has expanded from its initial offering of plant-based face creams and shampoos to include body washes and soap. Its products are now stocked in more than 40 countries across the globe. Offering an ethical and cruelty-free alternative to high-street brands, its products are vegan, 100 per cent recyclable and naturally fragranced.

The purpose of this facility was to provide a more flexible funding solution that would assist Faith in Nature in achieving their ambitious growth plans. The business has been on a journey to considerably expand their facilities in order to greatly increase production and drive future growth. As a result, they required a more suitable working capital facility that was structured to meet their own unique circumstances and better support their day-to-day requirements.

The versatile lending facility can be adapted as Faith in Nature continues to prosper, helping to propel it into its next stage of growth.

John Allaway, managing director, Faith in Nature, commented; “Having worked with Cynergy Business Finance for several years, we have always found them to be understanding and collaborative throughout our exciting journey. It’s good to work with a bank with such a wealth of experience, with people who are able to create unique solutions and put in the extra effort to support the business at critical pinch points. It feels like we are working in real partnership with them.”

Danny Monksfield, corporate sales manager, Cynergy Business Finance, added; “It has been a pleasure to work with Faith in Nature to significantly improve their working capital facilities. This is a fantastic example of how our flexible approach, combining the extensive knowledge of both our business finance and property finance teams, can enable the delivery of a full asset-based lending solution to UK SMEs. I am delighted that Cynergy Business Finance is partnering with such a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious brand that has a fantastic plan for the future.”

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY’S TEN YEAR ROADSHOW SET TO SPOTLIGHT MANCHESTER

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The campaign will profile small businesses in Manchester on 7 November, as well as providing free business support as firms face a raft of winter challenges

Small firms from across the North West will be put on the map by the Small Business Saturday campaign, as it unveils a nationwide roadshow to support and celebrate the nation’s small businesses as they face mounting challenges over the winter.

Marking ten years of the campaign in the UK, Small Business Saturday’s Tour will arrive in Manchester on 7 November and will go on to visit independent businesses across the city, spotlighting local business owners and community leaders through interviews on social media. Local entrepreneurs from across the area are being encouraged to sign up and get involved.

Once again supported by BT Skills for Tomorrow, ‘The Tour’ will set off in Scotland on 31 October, and go on to visit 23 towns and cities across the UK during November, as part of the official count down to Small Business Saturday on 3 December.

As the roadshow makes its way around the UK there will also be opportunities for business owners across the North West to take part in Small Business Saturday’s wider online programme of free business support that will run for a month from 31 October.

Virtual workshops and webinars on a range of business topics will be offered each day, as well as free one-to-one mentoring and opportunities for small businesses to tell their stories and network on Small Business Saturday’s social media channels.

A Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram will also take place each day with giveaways from local businesses all over the country that everyone can enter.

“We are so excited to be visiting small businesses in Manchester and across the UK, as we count down to Small Business Saturday with this tour,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.

“This year’s campaign is all about shining a light on the nation’s fantastic small firms and showing them some major love, at a time when many are facing a lot of challenges. I would encourage all small businesses across the North West to get involved, whether it is in person or online.”

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities. The iconic campaign is celebrating its tenth year in the UK this year, with principal supporter American Express.

Chris Sims, Managing Director Small and Medium Enterprise at BT, said: “The Tour is a fantastic initiative to reach out and support small businesses with the skills they need to scale up in key areas such as digital marketing and sustainability. We are delighted to be supporting it again this year, bringing insight from both our BT Skills for Tomorrow offering, as well as our new Digital Marketing Hub. In these challenging times for businesses we hope this provides a catalyst for growth in the lead up to the festive period, which is typically a very important time of year for these types of enterprise.” 

With sustainability and energy saving high on the agenda for small firms, ‘The Tour’ features a fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles – including an electric van and ‘delivery style’ push bike – that reflect the sustainable switches many small business owners are making, whilst also highlighting the vital role small firms play in the race to net zero.

To get involved in The Tour locally, or book virtual one-to-one mentoring sessions and workshops, small businesses should visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Nightmare on Short St. Where to spend Halloween in Manchester

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Manchester’s NQ64 plans a night of gaming horrors and cocktail treats with ‘Nightmare on Short Street’ Halloween Party on 31st October 2022

During spooky season, Corroded Coffins and Vecna’s Twist are set to make special appearances at NQ64 Northern Quarter on 31st October, as Manchester’s arcade-themed bar announces a night of horrors, with its ‘Nightmare on Short Street’ themed Halloween party. The night will be filled with cocktails inspired by Stranger Things, retro games and prizes for best costumes courtesy of Jack Daniels.

Tasty treats for this year’s Halloween party include two cocktails inspired by Stranger Things – Corroded Coffin and the demogorgeous Vecna’s Twist, which will be served alongside NQ64’S brand new retro game cocktail menu.

Corroded Coffin: Jack Daniel’s Honey, Apple, Lemon, Vanilla, Pimento Dram

Vecna’s Twist: Jack Daniel’s Apple, Blackberry, Ginger, Lemon

Nightmare on Short Street is a free event which will be held in NQ64 in the Northern Quarter in Manchester on 31st October from 7pm. Student and industry discounts will be available all night.

In addition to NQ64’s Halloween-inspired cocktails, the arcade bar will also be serving up cocktails from its brand-new retro game inspired menu, launched earlier this month, which includes their very first non-alcoholic additions. The new menu was created and developed by bar tenders from each of NQ64’s venues across the UK, via an internal competition to get everyone involved with developing the menu across their nine venues in the UK.

James Taylor, NQ64 Drinks Development and Training Manager, told us: “At NQ64 we are always looking for inspiration when it comes to our venues, whether this is through finding new arcade games or developing our bar menus. With drinks being such a huge part of the NQ64 experience, we always like to keep the menu fun and fresh by adding exciting twists to game-inspired cocktails”.

NQ64 Manchester Northern Quarter: Northern Quarter, 9 Short St, Manchester M4 1AA

Opening Hours:

  • Mon – Fri: 4pm – 2am
  • Sat – Sun: 12pm – 2am

Website: https://nq64.co.uk

Instagram: @nq64mcr

Facebook: @nq64mcr

New Digital Lifehacks for Managing Meetings, Minutes, and More

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Boarding minute-taking is a complex task. It takes dedicated listening and organizational skills to perfect the art of meeting minutes. In order to write minutes that accurately capture the events of the meeting, you must give your complete attention and be able to summarize the whole discussion into bullet points.

But you don’t need to wait for years and several meetings before mastering the art of meeting minutes. With these five digital life hacks, you can manage meetings and minutes like you’ve been doing this for decades.

1. Record the meeting

Record your meetings with your phone or a screen recorder so that you won’t miss any details in the minutes. 

Recording the meeting allows you to focus wholly on the meeting since you’ve got a reliable reference when you need to recount certain events.

If you’re planning to record the meeting, let the board members or the director know for transparency purposes. Some people don’t like being recorded without their permission. Also, some companies do not allow it, so ask first to verify.

2. Use a transcription tool

If you want to speed things up when preparing your minutes’ report, use a transcription tool to transcribe your recording. These transcription tools use Artificial Intelligence technology to turn your audio or video recording into text.

Since an AI is doing the transcription for you, it may not be one hundred percent accurate, especially when there are indistinct parts of the audio or noises overpowering the speaker(s). The dictionary and grammar bank aren’t up to par yet, so expect some spelling and grammar errors too.

So as a tip, you should still review the transcription of the tool, then revise as you see fit.

3. Integrate your video conference tool with your communication and productivity tools

Make it easier and more convenient to hold meetings with your video conference tool of choice by integrating them with your communication and productivity tools!

For instance, you can integrate Zoom into Slack, so you can instantly launch meetings even while on the app. To integrate Slack into Zoom, go to the Zoom Marketplace, and find and install the Slack app. Once done, you can send Zoom invites on Slack using the /zoom command.

There’s also a way to integrate Google Calendars and Zoom. Head to your Google Calendar account, go to Settings, then “Get add-ons,” and select Zoom. After granting permission for Zoom, you can now create a meeting event in the calendar with Zoom. 

4. Use a template

Every minute may differ in agendas, but it won’t hurt to have a standard outline of the minutes to speed things up, report-wise.

If this is your first time writing the meeting minutes, you can refer to previous minutes and use them as your template for your minutes. 

You can also look up some boarding minute-taking templates online and edit them to match the agendas of the current meeting.

5. Use a board management software

The ultimate life hack to managing meetings and minutes effectively? Use board management software. It has the following features to help you organize everything for your organization efficiently in one place:

  • Take notes and create meeting minutes on the portal
  • Automate scheduling meetings (you can also integrate your video conferencing tool with a board portal)
  • Vote directly within the board portal and record voting results in real-time
  • Unlimited storage for all governance documents and meeting minutes

Board minute-taking is complicated and requires dedicated listening, organizational, and detail-oriented skills. Since it is the point of reference for board members in making fundamental decisions, the minutes should always be accurate and concise.

But as long as you practice these five digital lifehacks for managing meetings and minutes, you’ll have no trouble completing these minutes in the fastest time possible!

BRUNTWOOD RECEIVES PLANNING APPROVAL TO TRANSFORM MANCHESTER’S ICONIC PALL MALL INTO SUSTAINABILITY AND WELLBEING PIONEER

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  • Planning approved for 85,000 sq ft of new workspace and leisure facilities within Bruntwood’s Manchester city centre cluster of innovative workplaces, designed to create a community of consciously minded businesses
  • Iconic sixties city centre workspace, Pall Mall, will now be transformed as part of £200m Pioneer programme with completion due for winter 2023/24
  • Development to provide industry-leading blueprint for transformation of listed buildings to achieve net zero carbon in operation

Bruntwood, one of the UK’s leading commercial property companies, has today received planning approval to redevelop the Grade II listed Pall Mall in the heart of Manchester city centre.

Located on King Street, the property will include 85,000 sq ft of office and hospitality space across three interlinked tower blocks. The building was acquired in October 2021, following planning approval, renovation works will begin early next year, with completion due for late 2023.

Having mostly sat vacant for four years, the building will now become Manchester’s first workspace aimed at the ‘consciously minded’. Pall Mall will be home to businesses that demonstrate strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials and are striving to make wellbeing, sustainability and carbon neutrality part of their own strategy, with a common goal of creating real and lasting change for the world we live in.

By bringing together socially conscious companies, Bruntwood aims to establish an ecosystem of businesses that are mutually beneficial to one another and help the city realise its ambition to be more socially and environmentally sustainable.

The building will be targeting net zero carbon in operation with all energy supplied to the building derived from renewable sources, and intelligent building management technology will also be incorporated throughout. Through retaining the existing structure, Bruntwood has avoided the need to rebuild which would have resulted in approximately 7,900 tonnes of additional carbon emitted – equivalent to around 16,000 flights from London to New York. Once complete, Pall Mall will be targeting BREEAM ‘Very Good’ certification and an EPC B rating, which is a significant achievement for a Grade II listed, 1960s building.

The building will be developed and managed by Bruntwood Works, and will form part of the £200m Pioneer programme that creates vibrant, community and innovation focussed workspaces centred on six key pillars: sustainability, biophilia, art, wellness, amenity and technology. Neo, Blackfriars House, 111 Piccadilly, Bloc and The Alberton and are also part of the Pioneer scheme in Manchester.

The fit-out will breathe new life into the old building, utilising a circular economy approach through its use of recycled and reclaimed furniture and materials, to create Bruntwood Works’ most sustainable serviced and leased office space to date, incorporating details such as timber partitions and reclaimed raised access floors.

Externally, Pall Mall will retain its Grade II listed design to preserve its cultural importance, while the significant internal renovations will evolve this historic Manchester icon for the modern day.

The ground floor redesign will create a hospitality-style arrival experience for customers, which the Bruntwood Works Pioneer buildings are now known for. The new entrance will also be repositioned to the centre of the building to create an outdoor piazza and covered terrace in a previously unused space, to provide further amenity for all customers. This will also help to ease congestion on busy King Street, creating a calming welcome experience. A food and drink offering will also be included inside, while an additional retail space will be incorporated on King Street, adding further amenity to the cluster of Bruntwood’s city centre workspaces and the surrounding community.

Wellbeing is a key focus at Pall Mall, with a wellness studio and gym, cycle store, high end showers and changing area, towel service, drying room and ironing space all planned to encourage a healthy and productive workforce.

Pall Mall will also introduce a number of other new amenities, including a spectacular new roof terrace offering a place for customers to socialise, relax and unwind, or host their own events, all with views alongside historic King Street. Further facilities include a coworking lounge, a range of multi-functional meeting rooms, screening room, as well as a full product range from day passes as part of the Pay As You Go programme, to serviced, managed and leased office space. Pall Mall will also include the first ‘pitch and presentation’ area and conferencing pods in the Bruntwood Works portfolio of workspaces, as the firm seeks to enhance its customer offering.

The interior refurbishment of the building will be a nod to the building’s 1960s beginnings, creating a mid-century look and feel featuring warm timbers, natural finishes, and rich, earthy tones. Externally, the Grade II listed windows and mosaics will be restored and the windows will be sensitively replaced with like-for-like alternatives, in keeping with the existing style of the building that will also support energy saving and the overall carbon reduction of the building. Work will be done to protect the cultural and historical significance of the building, while also striving for operational net zero carbon status.

Pall Mall will form part of a cluster of city centre properties, with Bloc, Manchester Club, Bond (formerly known as 38-42 Mosley Street) and 57 Spring Gardens, allowing customers to benefit from shared facilities and services. This connected community will have access to collaborative coworking and community areas, enhanced wellbeing facilities and a regular programme of inspiring business support services and events.

Andrew Butterworth, Commercial Director for Bruntwood Works, said: “Having received planning approval, we are now one step closer to realising our vision for the new Pall Mall. Given the historic nature of the building, the plans were complex, needing to be sympathetic to the heritage of the site while also remaining consciously minded and providing a dynamic and innovative space for our customers.

“We are deeply aware of our responsibility to help both our customers and the cities we operate within to achieve their sustainability goals. Alongside our existing cluster of forward-thinking city centre workspaces, the iconic Pall Mall will act as a blueprint for sustainable listed renovations, and help our customers and the wider city to reach its net zero ambitions.

“As we continue with our mission to create thriving cities, we will champion these projects that will not only provide enhanced amenities for our customers and the people of Manchester but will also leave a positive lasting impact on the city’s environment.”

The Pall Mall project team includes; architect Sheppard Robson; structural engineers DWLLP; heritage consultant Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture; Deloitte as planning consultants; along with Ramboll providing sustainability consulting, mechanical electrical and plumbing.

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