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Medicash Welcomes New Chief Executive

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Medicash Welcomes New Chief Executive

Medicash has announced that Sue Weir, its long-serving Chief Executive, will be retiring in March 2025 after an impressive 21 years with the organisation.

As the UK’s largest provider of corporate cash plans with over 600,000 policyholders, Medicash has appointed Andrew Healy MBE as her successor. Andrew brings a wealth of experience, having served as CEO in several mutual and community-focused financial services organisations. His contributions to the community were recognised in 2023 when he was awarded an MBE. Subject to regulatory approval, he will assume his new role on 3 March 2025.

Andrew expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, saying: “I am truly delighted to be joining Medicash, a wonderful organisation that for more than 150 years has been making a positive difference through its innovative healthcare offerings and outstanding charitable foundation. I look forward to building on the strong platform created by Sue Weir and to working with the talented Medicash team to continue to grow the business and to support our customers, colleagues and communities in every way possible.”

Jonathan Brown, Medicash Chair, shared his thoughts on the leadership transition, praising Sue’s contribution to the organisation and expressing confidence in Andrew’s capabilities. He said: “It was always going to be a momentous occasion when Sue decided to retire and her unwavering commitment to both the business and the charitable work supported through the Medicash Foundation have left a permanent mark on the sector. I want to thank her personally for all her expertise and guidance, it has been such a pleasure working with her and seeing the company grow from strength to strength.

“In Andrew Healy, we’re confident we have a capable and worthy successor who very much shares our vision for the business to take it forward, while possessing the personal values and characteristics necessary to maintain the existing culture and ethos of Medicash.”

During Sue’s tenure, Medicash has grown from 135,000 policyholders to over 630,000, firmly establishing itself as the leading provider of corporate cash plans in the UK. In 2018, Medicash was also awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool, recognising its long-standing charitable contributions and commitment to healthcare.

Reflecting on her time as CEO, Sue said: “I’d like to thank my wonderful colleagues for making my time here an absolute pleasure. The team has embraced change to enable Medicash to become the best in its sector and I wish Andrew well in his new role.

“I’m looking forward to building on my portfolio of Chair and Non-Executive Director positions in the commercial, charity and public sectors, along with spending more time with friends and family.”

IBRAN Addresses UK Flood Challenges with Gravel Grid Solutions

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IBRAN Addresses UK Flood Challenges with Gravel Grid Solutions

Extreme weather events, such as Storm Bert and Storm Darragh, are increasingly disrupting lives across the UK, emphasising the need for effective flood management solutions. IBRAN, a UK-based producer of sustainable surfacing products, is responding to this pressing demand.

Time to Prepare

The climate crisis is exacerbating the rise in extreme weather with increased temperatures. As a result, the warmer air holds more water and creates prolonged rainfall.

Storm Bert, a late November weather event, and Storm Darragh in early December have caused significant disruption across the UK. In November, 250 warnings and alerts were issued for flooding and landslides, with some areas receiving a month’s rainfall in days. The highest rainfall hit Devon, dropping 175.7mm of rain between midnight on the 23rd and 25th of November, while Storm Darragh saw over 3,000 reported sewage discharges across England in 48 hours, along with 90 mph winds.

Property damage from November is currently estimated at £250–350 million, while the extent of December’s storm is still being assessed. However, both storms highlight the growing need for effective water management.

“The weather patterns (or lack of a pattern) we’ve seen over the last 12-18 months show signs of becoming a longer-term issue, with ‘once in a lifetime’ flooding events happening multiple times a year, “ said Ted Bromley-Hall, founder of IBRAN and a specialist in paving solutions.

“Whilst there have been recent changes regarding sustainable drainage regulations for new housing developments, It still remains very much the status quo for older houses to tackle drainage issues by replacing what has already been installed.”

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, solutions for improved flood prevention and faster recovery are essential — and gravel grids could be the answer.

Gravel grids are durable, interlocking panels designed to stabilise gravel surfaces and prevent them from shifting, sinking, or spreading. They are fully permeable, allowing water to drain through the surface, which makes them ideal for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Often made from recycled plastic materials, they provide a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods.

“There are multiple different permeable surfacing solutions available, such as block paving, porous resin-bound surfacing and gravel driveways. Gravel grids provide a low-cost alternative while still being more solid and long-lasting than a standard gravel driveway. They are naturally free-draining thanks to their permeable, cellular shape, whilst engineered to provide as solid a surface as block, tarmac, resin, or concrete,” Ted further explained.

Racing Club’s Racehorse Shares: A Perfect Last-Minute Gift

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Racing Club’s Racehorse Shares: A Perfect Last-Minute Gift

As Royal Mail’s final Christmas delivery date draws near, there’s no time to waste on traditional gifts that require wrapping and postage. Racing Club has a solution that’s fast, unique, and sure to impress.

This year, Racing Club is offering the chance to gift shares in a racehorse – an unforgettable experience for any recipient. With prices starting at just £25 per share and reaching up to £10,000 for VIP ownership, these digital gifts are delivered directly via email, making them a stress-free option for last-minute shoppers.

“Royal Mail’s final delivery date is fast approaching, but with Racing Club’s digital racehorse shares, you can skip the stress of late deliveries and wrapping altogether,” says Richard Jaques, Director and Co-Founder of Racing Club. “This unique gift is hassle-free and brings the thrill of race days straight to their inbox. Unlike socks or generic gift cards, this is a thoughtful, personalised gift, far removed from the typical last-minute options that often lack the care and consideration of a well-chosen present.”

“For anyone racing to finish their Christmas shopping, racehorse shares are the perfect choice. They’re quick to give, unforgettable to receive, and provide excitement that lasts well beyond the holiday season,” Jaques adds.

This year, Racing Club’s syndicate has introduced several exclusive Christmas packages, making the excitement of racehorse ownership accessible at a fraction of the cost:

  • Christmas Package (£199): Includes Wendigo, Handlethekettle, Spirit of Summer, Tiny Rebel, and a Racing Club Scarf – saving £49.
  • Christmas Package (£99): Includes Handlethekettle, Tiny Rebel, and a Racing Club Scarf – saving £38.
  • Wendigo Christmas Deal (£100): Includes Wendigo, a Racing Club Scarf, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.
  • Handlethekettle Christmas Deal (£100): Includes Handlethekettle, a Racing Club Gin Bottle, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.
  • Handlethekettle Christmas Deal 2 (£75): Includes Handlethekettle, a Racing Club Scarf, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.
  • Tiny Rebel Christmas Deal (£60): Includes Tiny Rebel, a Racing Club Baseball Cap with Mesh, and a printed welcome pack – saving £4.99.

Additionally, Racing Club offers the following multi-horse packages:

  • Horse Package 1 (£125): Includes Wendigo, Handlethekettle, and Blackwaterfoot – saving £20.
  • Horse Package 2 (£125): Includes Wendigo, Blackwaterfoot, and Dunstan – saving £35.

Alternatively, gift cards are available, giving the recipient full freedom to pick which shares to invest in.

Racing Club prides itself on building a strong sense of community among its members. Owners receive weekly updates on their horses, ballots for owner badges, stable visits, and a share of any prize money won. Additionally, they gain access to exclusive events, including hospitality at Wembley Stadium, the O2 Arena in London, and various racecourses.

For a gift that’s a sure bet visit: https://racingclub.com/racehorse-shares-for-christmas/

CitySuites raises more than £36,000 for Manchester causes

Helen Greaney
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CitySuites raises more than £36,000 for Manchester causes

CitySuites is delighted to announce that it has raised an exceptional £36,597 for Manchester charities in 2024.

Through a series of fundraising initiatives, challenges and generous donations, the provider of luxury serviced apartments has been able to support numerous charities across Manchester and the North West. 

A large amount of the funds was donated to the Mustard Tree, a charity dedicated to combating poverty, inequality, and homelessness in Greater Manchester.

CitySuites has also supported charities by donating room nights to Forever Manchester‘s monthly raffle, Eat Well Manchester’s fundraiser event, and Room to Reward. Additionally, a number of CitySuites employees volunteered at Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas appeal.

Together as a team, they have fundraised in various ways for some fantastic causes. A significant portion was raised from the sale of TVs in CitySuites I, with owner Mark Stott generously donating the proceeds to charity. 

Michelle Dyer, business development manager at CitySuites, said: “It has been a true pleasure to lead this effort, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone from the CitySuites’ network who has donated, baked, bought, taken part in Tough Mudder, or got involved in our charity engagements.

“Without everyone’s hard work and dedication, we could not have achieved the remarkable amount we’ve raised. These contributions have made all the difference, and together, we have achieved something truly special.”

Funding received to drive AI adoption and strengthen cybersecurity amongst Greater Manchester SMEs

Helen Greaney
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Funding received to drive AI adoption and strengthen cybersecurity amongst Greater Manchester SMEs

The University of Salford’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation has received £101,000 of funding from Innovate UK, to help educate SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) across Greater Manchester on the intersection of AI (artificial intelligence) and cybersecurity.

According to the World Economic Forum, executives estimate that 40% of their workforce will need to reskill in the next three years as a result of implementing AI.

To add to this, recent research from Accenture found 74% of organisations have seen investments in generative AI and automation meet or exceed expectations. However, cybersecurity attacks continue to be amongst the most common threats facing businesses, with government data released earlier this year revealing half have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.

The grant will help tackle the key challenges businesses are facing when it comes to the adoption of AI, helping to increase the security of AI systems, as well as using the technology to enhance cybersecurity practices.

Through accessible and user-friendly educational resources, the project will help SMEs to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, but also understand and mitigate the risks associated with integrating the technology into their business operations.

Dr Angel Jimenez-Aranda, associate professor in digital transformation at the University’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation, who is leading the project, comments: “Many businesses are at a critical point in their AI journeys and, while the technology presents great scope to drive innovation, efficiency and productivity, it’s essential those at the helm of leading adoption are educated on these opportunities as well as security risks.”

Tarek Gaber, senior lecturer in Cybersecurity at the University and the co-lead of the project, added: “As SMEs adopt AI to transform their operations, security of AI must be part of the foundation, not an afterthought. This project will provide practical AI solutions and knowledge to protect their systems, ensuring AI becomes a trusted ally in their growth and success.”

The funding will support the creation of a new suite of free learning resources for SMEs across the region who are exploring AI adoption, while looking to protect their organisation from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, helping to mitigate the risks associated with implementing the technology. The resources will comprise workshops, podcasts, online training and consultancy.

An additional key element of the project is its focus on inclusivity, aligning with the UK government’s goal of increasing diversity in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) workforce by 2030, with a focus on encouraging more women to explore careers in cybersecurity. The resources will highlight role models to help foster a more diverse and integrate AI-powered solutions confidently.

Upon completion, all materials and insights generated will be made publicly available through a dedicated website and other distribution channels, ensuring continued access and support for SMEs in the future.

The three-month project will commence in early 2025, with the first workshop scheduled for the w/c January 27, and completion planned for March 31, 2025.

How to engage and build customer loyalty in the “Golden Quarter”

Helen Greaney
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How to engage and build customer loyalty in the “Golden Quarter”

With festive online shopping continuing to rise, ecommerce experts are reminding businesses about the importance of using this key sales period to engage and nurture new customer relationships – creating loyal, repeat customers.

Economists are predicting that online spend in Britain during the ‘Golden Quarter’
(November to January) is set to hit £28 billion this year, a £1.1 billion boost on last year’s
sales.

Yet research from ecommerce experts at DMAC Media shows a move away from big
retailers to smaller local online stores – with 49% of adults saying that they will NOT be
buying anything from Amazon this Christmas – creating opportunities for smaller local stores
online.

Dave McEvoy (pictured), director at DMAC Media, said: “Although it is important to ‘make hay while the
sun shines’ and hit your ecommerce sales, those who really win from the Christmas boost in
traffic and customers are those who go on to engage, build loyalty, and gain repeat custom.

“Too many retailers focus on the here and now, and forget to use this time as an opportunity
to really nurture those relationships.

“This starts with a seamless online experience, engaging and compelling communication,
and then using remarketing and data capture tools to re-engage later in the new year.
“Get this right and a customer really isn’t just for Christmas.”

Further research from DMAC Media highlighted that the majority of online shoppers (80%)
will be shopping around online, comparing prices, offers and services like free returns before
making a purchase.

McEvoy added: “Online shopping is all about making the user experience easy, yet
compelling. You want to keep that customer on your site for as long as possible.

“If you can keep a customer engaged on a product page for 50 seconds or more – your
chance of converting that browsing customer into a paying customer increases significantly.

“On the other hand, if a visitor can’t find what they are looking for, or the journey through the website is unclear, confusing or long winded – they will soon lose interest and move on.”

DMAC Media research shows that 97% of shoppers will find what they are looking for within six website searches, two thirds of which will visit three or less.

“Wherever that customer, or potential customer, gets to in the buying process remember that
they are looking for what you sell,” adds McEvoy.

“It’s therefore our job to help them find what they are looking for, and make the process
seamless, enjoyable, engaging and confidence inspiring.

“Do this well and you’ll have a customer for life.”

Salford’s first ultra low carbon, community-made building to open

Helen Greaney
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Salford’s first ultra low carbon, community-made building to open

Community Little Hulton has teamed up with Architecture Unknown to regenerate The Peel Park Pavilion using low energy design and local people.

The £950,000 Salford project, which will finish construction this month, will boast a vibrant new community space with a park café, offices, meeting rooms and a BMX pump track.

Being labelled one of the greenest buildings in Salford, the incredible new space was built using zero-carbon, modular design system called “WikiHouse”.

Imagine a system that does for construction what IKEA did for furniture, the unconventional WikiHouse design means the people of Little Hulton have been part of the build.

More than 100 volunteers from the local area have been down to lend a hand on the construction site. In June 2024, around 60 children from the Lowry Academy and St Edmunds RC School helped to get construction underway.

Charlie Butterwick, Director of Architecture Unknown, said: “The Peel Park Pavilion is community architecture at its finest. It has been a wonderful opportunity to create something integral, functional and beneficial for the whole area. A place that is purposeful and beautiful.

“Using WikiHouse for this design has meant the people of Little Hulton have been physically involved in the changes in their community, and that isn’t something we see enough in regeneration projects. This building truly belongs to all those who volunteered. I can’t wait to see it open and how it comes to life as everyone enjoys the space.”

Community Little Hulton is the successor to Little Hulton Big Local which was part of 150 Big Local trusts who were allocated £1 million each to spend on improving the lives of their residents.

Since 2017, Community Little Hulton has been working in this Salford park to invest in young lives, focusing on young adults who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and children from deprived backgrounds.

Architecture Unknown first secured planning permission for the site in 2021. After being severely delayed by Covid-19, the team began construction in April of this year. The Peel Park Pavilion is due to soft open to the public at the start of January, with the centre officially opening in February 2025.

Celebrating the end of the build, Charlie said: “Handing the site over is such a milestone for us as a practice. This project, more than any other, represents an opportunity to tell the world what we’re about and how we work differently to other architects. Our passion is community-led architecture.”

The project would not have been possible without several collaborators including, structural engineer ING Design, contractors Construction Solutions. It has also been financially supported by the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation.

Alison Jones from Community Little Hulton, who instructed Architecture Unknown for the project, said: “The Peel Park project will be an amazing community asset for the people of the Little Hulton.

The project has regenerated an unloved park building to provide a mixed-used space the whole area can benefit from.

“Architecture Unknown has put the people of Little Hulton and the centre’s purpose in the community at the heart of this design. It is an incredible space.”

In the new year, The Peel Park Pavilion will host community activities such as craft and games groups, toddler and baby sessions, food clubs with advice and services for families and youth cafes for teenagers.

Architecture Unknown is a Manchester-based practice founded by Charlie Butterwick and Daniel Kelso. The practice previous built the 2nd Whalley Range Scout Hut with WikiHouse design.

Understanding Odds: A Guide for New Sports Bettors

Helen Greaney
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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

Helen Greaney
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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

Helen Greaney
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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.”

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