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MANCHESTER’S 60 SPRING GARDENS SECURES TRIO OF NEW TENANTS

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Catella APAM (“APAM”), the specialist UK & Ireland real estate asset manager, advised jointly by Savills, has agreed three new leases at 60 Spring Gardens in Manchester city centre. Totalling a combined 16,000 sq ft, the new lettings mean that the asset is now fully let.

Gamesys, an online software development and gaming business, completed the letting of the 5,600 sq ft first floor in early 2022 and has now completed an additional lease of the second floor, taking their total occupation to 11,278 sq ft.

Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate holding company owed by Warren Buffet, will occupy the third floor comprising 5,580 sq ft with the LCM Family, the family financial planning experts, taking 5,000 sq ft on the fourth floor. Both suites have been delivered to a plug and play specification.

Located within Manchester’s original central business district, 60 Spring Gardens is situated in close proximity to King Street with its array of local amenities. Six by Nico and Black Sheep Coffee are based on the ground floor of the building, with other nearby operators including Rosso, King Street Townhouse and Hotel Gotham.

Andrew Day, Senior Asset Manager at APAM, said: “60 Spring Gardens is in an excellent location, readily accessible to transport and the fantastic Manchester leisure and F&B offering.

“Our significant investment in the building, to offer best in class office provision, reflects the continuing demand for good value, high quality accommodation which is complemented by a strong amenity offering and ESG strategy. It also typifies the ongoing investment we make into our assets throughout the portfolio.”

Savills and CBRE acted for APAM. JLL acted on behalf of Gamesys.

Daniel Barnes, Director in the office agency team at Savills Manchester, comments: “60 Spring Gardens offers boutique, high quality office space and it is therefore no surprise that Gamesys took additional space. It is also great to welcome our new tenants to the attractive office space in an excellent location. The proved hugely popular with tenants and we are delighted that it is now fully let.”

NPIF Maven Equity Finance invests £1.3m in Manchester-based IDS

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Data quality, migration & transformation service provider Intelligent Delivery Operations Group (IDS) has secured a £1.3 million investment from NPIF – Maven Equity Finance, which is managed by Maven and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

The investment will be used to increase staff numbers and fully deploy its iData toolkit into the SaaS market.

Headquartered in Manchester, IDS provides consultancy services, and system transformation and improvement for a number of blue-chip organisations. It offers enriched data using its Kovenant methodology, providing accurate data migration whilst removing manual error from data processes.

The investment will support the expansion of the company’s development team, as well as its channel specialist sales and marketing staff, to further develop its iData toolkit – a software solution for each stage in the data certainty process. Designed to empower data owners, the toolkit enables users to gain insight without the need for data analytical experience. Further investment into iData toolkit will enable the product to be deployed as a SaaS solution.

Following investment, the business is in a great position to capitalise on the increasing demand in the emerging data quality tools (DQT) market, which is now expected to see an annual growth of 19.2 per cent over the next five years. This is due to these tools being implemented across many industries, resulting in a significant boost in the Business Software and Services Market. The businesses iData product is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the regulatory pressures that large enterprises have been faced with at the forefront of corporate governance.

Over the last 12 months, IDS has been busy enhancing the product with the next version of iData due to be launched in September. iData 2.0 is a huge milestone which significantly improves the user experience via a workflow driven approach, opening up the ability for more user contribution with a reduced dependency on technical capability.

IDS was co-founded by Alasdair Moore and James Briers. Alasdair has decades of experience in technology and strategic planning, mainly as a recruitment professional in the technology sector. He has worked with large corporates such as Siemens, Accenture and KPMG. James is an expert in data quality and transformation and provides solutions to approaching complex data testing projects to customers.

Alex Rothwell, Investment Director at Maven, said “We are delighted to be investing in IDS, who offer their clients an invaluable service, exceeding alternatives in the market. The company has proven its ability to sell to corporates profitably and has received strong references from a range of existing clients. Our diligence has enabled our team to recognize the company’s market leading product and the opportunities that could be had in this evolving sector.”

James Briers, Co-Founder and CTO of IDS, said “To be a recipient of investment from a UK based institution, with fantastic history and pedigree as Maven, is a massive compliment. We have built IDS up to become a solid and profitable business over the last 7 plus years and now, with the help of Maven we get an opportunity to further mature and scale our business. This is an extremely exciting time for IDS.”

Sean Hutchinson from British Business Bank, said “The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund supports businesses across a diverse range of traditional and emerging sectors. It’s positive to see companies such as Intelligent Delivery Operations Group utilise funding to improve their innovative software. It follows the ‘Backing Innovation-led Businesses’ report, that revealed 36% of the NPIF equity portfolio have received funding from Innovate UK or UKRI.’ Innovation and funding go hand-in-hand, and we’re proud that NPIF continue to find innovative companies across the North of England.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

International Podcast Day heralds new era at Manchester’s BIPC

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Manchester’s BIPC has ambitions to amplify the voices of NW businesses and entrepreneurs in new and interesting ways many may never have thought to be within their grasp.

Often we are so focused on simply getting to the end of each working day successfully that ironically we close ourselves off to the very possibilities that could actually make our day easier.  Often this boils down to.a lack of time to talk more about what we offer and what we can do for our customer base.  The very things they need to know!

The BIPC is all about unlocking solutions and making these tangible and realistic through attaching personalities and expertise to skills.  On International Podcast Day – by way of celebration – the Centre which is based in Manchester Central Library- is welcoming its new Podcaster in Residence in the shape of Vic Elizabeth Turnbull the founder of podcast production and training social enterprise MIC Media.

Vic and BIPC’s shared aim is to get more people picking up a microphone and talking about what they do, how they do it and what they can achieve. Vic will be helping attendees to explore the power of the Podcast which of course has become one of the most widely recognised and popular ways to broadcast all manner of ideas and stories to interested audiences..

As Podcaster in Residence Vic will offer workshops on all aspects of podcasting, including:

  • How to start a podcast
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Recording and editing

She will be helping small businesses to think about how to use the format to get noticed in this competitive field and to stand out from the crowd.

Vic says: “I am thrilled to be working with the Business & IP Centre as their new expert in residence. MIC media is all about giving everyone the opportunity to amplify their voice and share stories through top-quality audio. Podcasts can help you to deliver your business’ key messages, values and expertise authentically. This human-centred approach can help your brand stand out from the competition. And never has this been more important to cut through the noise in our busy, digital age!  I am excited to be able to help more people unlock the power of podcasts and couldn’t be happier than to be doing just that here at the Centre”.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure for Manchester City Council adds:

“BIPC GM has at its fingertips all manner of resources and will be driving forward in the coming months to make sure that more people can enjoy and benefit from the spectrum of opportunities provided they might not even know exist”.

We are living in times when it will be increasingly important to find new ways of doing business. Crucially we will then require to tell the world precisely what we do and how we do it.  Podcasting is one such route and Vic will demonstrate just how the seemingly impossible can become extremely possible.

BIPC GM has at its fingertips all manner of resources and will be driving forward in the coming months to make sure that more people can enjoy and benefit from the spectrum of opportunities provided they might not even know exist.

We are living in times when it will be increasingly important to find new ways of doing business. Crucially we will then require to tell the world precisely what we do and how we do it.  Podcasting is one such route and Vic will demonstrate just how the seemingly impossible can become extremely possible.

NORTH WEST BUSINESS CONFIDENCE FALTERS IN SEPTEMBER

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Business confidence in the North West fell 30 points to 14% in September, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th September, before the Chancellor’s economic announcement. 

Companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 24 points to 31%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 36 points to -3%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 14%. 
 
Despite the fall in optimism during September, the strong three-month average of local businesses’ confidence scores reveals a positive picture. The average sits at a net confidence score of 25%, factoring in monthly scores of July, August and September.  

The Business Barometer, which questions 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. 
 
North West businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their product or service offering (43%), diversifying into new markets (27%) and investing in technology (26%).  A net balance of 14% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 29 points on last month. 
 
Overall UK business confidence stayed the same as in August during September at 16%. Despite the net balance of businesses planning to create new jobs increasing by one point to 17%, firms’ outlook on their future trading prospects dropped one point to 25%, and their optimism in the wider economy also fell by one point to 5%. 
 
Three UK regions and nations recorded a month-on-month increase in optimism in September. London (up 12 points to 33%), the South East (up 15 points to 15%) and Scotland (up 10 points to 15%) all reported higher confidence readings with London now the most optimistic region overall. Only Wales (down five points to -4%) recorded a negative overall confidence reading in the last month. 
 
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for the North West at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The economic landscape is continuing to impact businesses far and wide, and firms here in the North West are no different. But despite the many challenges being thrown at them, it’s encouraging to see that they remain firmly focused on finding new ways to grow, reaching new customers, and consolidating their market position. 

“It may be some time before the current pressures begin to ease. Managing cash flow during this period will be vital, and there are tools available to help – such as invoice discounting and asset-based lending – as firms to continue on the path to growth.” 

Business confidence rose by two points in both the retail and service sectors (15% and 17% respectively), however both these figures are close to 12-month lows. Manufacturing and construction firms saw their lowest levels of business confidence this year, down two points in manufacturing to 14% and down 16 points to 10% in construction. This was driven by overall falling optimism in the economy. 

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It is encouraging to see business confidence stabilising after a three-month decline. Firms’ assessment of their own trading prospects also remained steady and continues to show some resilience during turbulent times. Yet, cost pressures remain, as more businesses look to raise prices to help protect their margins while wage pressures show little sign of abating at this stage. With the recent volatility in financial markets as well as the Government’s Growth Plan and energy cap announcements, it will be interesting to see how these measures affect business confidence.” 

Do Zero-Interest Loans Exist?

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When you are approved for finance, no matter if that’s a loan or credit card, you will have to pay interest on top of the cost of repayments. The bigger the loan is, the more your interest will be but did you know several other factors affect how much interest you pay? Below, we’ll take a closer look at how interest is calculated, and if there’s a way around paying it.

If you are struggling to manage your finances and you are faced with an unprecedented expense, you will be wondering how you’re going to pay for it – this is where payday loans UK can help. They are tailored to your circumstances and mean you can have access to funds in an emergency.

Types of loans

If you are looking to improve your financial situation, or you need help in an emergency, there are a few different types of loans you can choose from depending on your circumstances. Here are a few of the options that you may come across when researching loans with no interest from various lenders:

  • Payday loans: These loans can help if you find yourself faced with an unprecedented emergency – they can be tailored to suit all types of circumstances, they have an easy application and approval rate, and can be tailored to suit each individual.
  • Secured personal loans: These loans require collateral for you to benefit, like a vehicle or property. Secured loans can be an option if you have bad credit, but if you cannot meet the repayments, you will lose your collateral.
  • Unsecured personal loans: These loans allow you access to cash without having to put your assets at risk, they are especially handy for those that have good credit, but because there is more risk because there is no collateral, you will generally pay more interest.
  • Personal line of credit: This gives you access to a pool of credit that you can withdraw money from if you need funds, but unlike a loan, you will only pay for what you withdraw. This type of loan is great for those who would like a safety net when they need it.

How do lenders work out interest?

There are a few things that can have an impact on the amount of interest that you pay on a loan, such as your income. Lenders will need to make sure that you have the money to pay off your loan, and an inconsistent or low income may result in higher interest rates. Your credit report and debt-to-income ratio will also show lenders whether you can repay the loan, if they think you are a risk, your payments will be more expensive. You’ll pay more interest on a loan of a larger amount, as interest is a percentage of your overall loan amount, which is why it is important that you don’t borrow more than you really need. Choosing a loan with a shorter term may mean more expensive payments, but it also means you’ll pay less interest.

Are there loans with no interest?

Unfortunately, you will be faced with interest when taking out any type of loan in some way or another! The interest you pay on a loan is to pay back the lender for giving you access to funds and is a way for them to make back their money, and a little more on top. Interest also makes the risk of lending to a borrower worth taking if you were to default on a loan. Although there are no zero-interest loans, there are other alternatives that could be just as good…

Alternatives

If you are looking for lower-interest finance alternatives, here are a few that you could explore to help your finances when you need them most.

  • Interest-free overdraft: There are banks you could use that offer an interest-free period on overdrafts up to a certain amount. This should only be used in an emergency and should not be used in place of a long-term solution. You will need to check with your bank that you are eligible for your overdraft and ensure that it is the right method for you.
  • 0% purchase credit card: If you have an expensive purchase planned, choose a credit card that allows you to make the purchase and spread out the cost without having to pay interest. You’ll have to do a bit of research to find the best credit card for you, but this is a great way of financing a large purchase without interest. You will need good credit to be approved, so make sure your credit score is in good shape before you apply.
  • 0% balance transfer credit card: If your interest is high on other credit cards, you may be eligible to transfer them onto another card that allows for 0% finance, making it easier to pay off your debt. You may have to pay a transfer fee initially, but this could be one of the best options to make a dent in your debt.

STOCKPORT CARE HOME RATED ONE OF THE BEST IN NORTH WEST ENGLAND

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A care home in Cheadle has been recognised as one of the Top 20 care homes in the North West of England by leading care home reviews website carehome.co.uk.

New Care’s 68-bed Cheadle Manor care centre, located on Stockport Road in Cheadle, scored 9.9 out of 10, one of the only care homes in the country to do so and making them a very worthy winner of this prestigious award.

There are 1,804 care homes in the North West of England and the Top 20 award is based solely on independently verified reviews of the care home written by residents and their friends and relatives and published on carehome.co.uk.

The reviews cover all aspects of everyday life in the care home including its overall facilities, quality of care, support, cleanliness, food and drink offering and safety and security.  The staff team, activities programme and individual care for residents are also covered, and if residents feel that they are treated with compassion and dignity.

All reviews are subsequently verified by the carehome.co.uk team before publication.

It is the first time that Cheadle Manor has won this award, with home manager Rowena Bolton commenting: “It is fantastic news that Cheadle Manor has been rated one of the best care facilities in the North West.  We are incredibly proud of our friendly home and our team.  Their hard work, dedication, compassion and unwavering care has resulted in fabulous views from our residents.”

There are currently more than 17,000 care homes in the UK caring for around 500,000 people.  More than 12,000 of these care homes support older people aged 65 and above, while the rest care for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Reviews manager at carehome.co.uk, Amanda Hopkins, said:

“We now have nearly 250,000 reviews of care homes on carehome.co.uk so we are able to give people a real insight into what a care home and its staff are like. Our reviews reveal the quality of their care, activities and nutrition as well as if the care home is value for money and the standard of their facilities.

“Reviews of Cheadle Manor care centre show that it provides an excellent standard of care and we would like to congratulate the team on being a Top 20 care home in North West England. It is a huge achievement to be named as a top-rated care home by the residents who actually receive the care as well as their family and friends.”

Part of the McGoff Group, New Care is one of the UK’s leading care home providers.  Its portfolio of purpose-built ‘new generation’ care centres is fast gaining an enviable reputation for outstanding care that is second to none.  For further information or to enquire about a place at Cheadle Manor, please call 0161 549 5302 or visit www.newcarehomes.com.

Product Intelligence Platform Vypr appoint former Co-op Chief Product Officer

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Vypr has appointed former Co-op Chief Product Officer Adam Warburton to head its product development team.

As Chief Product Officer at Vypr, Adam brings a wealth of experience, having worked for some of the UK’s largest brands, leading their product, design, and technology teams. With a depth of technical knowledge and product development expertise across multiple sectors, he will help to build a multidisciplinary team of product managers, designers, delivery managers and engineers.

Vypr CEO Kevin Baldwin said: “We are delighted to bring Adam into the Vypr team as we continue strengthening the consumer insight we offer to our clients. Adam’s outstanding experience and industry knowledge will inform our product roadmap and help us to attract the best talent to our product team.”

Regarded as a thought leader within product management, Adam will expedite the growth and evolution of Vypr’s platform and consumer app. Adam Warburton commented: “I’ve admired the Vypr team and its vision to help brands develop better products through rapid consumer insight. There has never been a more important time to understand shoppers’ shifting needs and attitudes, Vypr is perfectly placed to deliver this insight, fast and often.”

Vypr is the world’s leading product intelligence platform that enables brands to rapidly understand changing consumer behaviour through fast cost-effective consumer insight.  Used by marketers, category teams, product developers, and retailers, Vypr combines expert support with the latest research methodologies to ensure that clients make the right product decisions at the right time.

Vypr’s clients include Marks & Spencer, Leon, and Ella’s Kitchen.

Image: Adam Warburton

Schroders Capital complete four-year deal with Talentia Group

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Schroders Capital, the private markets investment division of global asset manager Schroders, has agreed a deal with expanding recruitment firm Talentia.

The four-year deal will see Talentia take up 1,330 sq ft in Schroders Capital’s ‘Elevate’, comprising fully-fitted space on the 26th floor of City Tower, which is now fully let, in central Manchester. OBI supported Schroders Capital on the interior design and delivery of the marketing for Elevate.

Elevate is a design-led solution offering fully-furnished workspaces which provide potential occupiers with the flexibility, convenience, and cost certainty that they desire.

Talentia Group currently operates in Northampton, Bristol and Leeds and provides its services across a wide range of sectors, specialising in education, technology, compliance, warehousing, construction, marketing and sales.

Guy Walker, CEO of Talentia Group, said:

“Manchester is a growing and thriving City, Talentia Group matches these ambitions and is pleased to find its new home at City Tower which was a natural choice for our own strategic aims.”

The Schroders Capital-owned building boasts the highest office space in Manchester with market-leading digital connectivity and flexible floorplates offering expansive open-plan floors to smaller fully fitted workspace.

Rob Prescott, Asset Manager, Real Estate, at Schroders Capital, said:

“It is always a pleasure to welcome new businesses to Manchester. Talentia was looking to expand its operations and chose City Tower due to the building’s unrivalled transport links, location and the fact that they can avoid the hassle of fitting out a space due to our clear-cut ‘Elevate’ model.”

All Elevate suites at City Tower are now fully let, demonstrating the success of the model. Other occupiers recently securing Elevate suites include car finance specialist Oodle and property management business MAPP. Supported by OBI’s interior design team, Schroders Capital will deliver a further 6,000 sq ft of fitted space across three suites on the 22nd floor at City Tower.

Located in Piccadilly Gardens, City Tower‘s surrounding amenities include Starbucks, Pizza Express, Marks & Spencer, Nudo and Franco Manca.

Kate Malone from OBI was the letting agent on the deal.

Personal branding agency launches in Manchester

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A leading personal branding agency has announced their expansion into Manchester.

Kurogo specialises in building the brands of CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs, and creators, with clients across marketing, sport, and tech.

Founded in September 2020, the agency has grown to a strong 17-person team and is on track for seven figures in early 2023.

The company have recently hired several senior team members in Manchester as well as other Northern cities, and will base operations from Swan Street in the city centre.

Kurogo’s Chief Operating Officer, Lewis Baxter lives in Blackburn and is heading up the Manchester expansion, he said: “The North of England has so much to offer. It’s a region full of top talent and a hub for start-ups and scale-ups.

“Manchester has built a reputation for launching and empowering high-growth businesses and supporting start-ups,” says Lewis.

“The city has a track record of nurturing and attracting talented entrepreneurs and has built a community of active investors. For those who know Manchester, it’s an amazing place to work, network, socialise and do business.”

Founder and Chief Executive of Kurogo, Sam Winsbury said: “Our roots are widespread, but we’ve had a particular strong base in London over the past few years. It’s exciting now to be expanding our work in Manchester, which is almost becoming a bit of a second capital, well for us it is!

“We see exciting start-ups and talented entrepreneurs coming out of Manchester every day and it’s turning into a hub of entrepreneurship. We want to be the ones amplifying their voices and making them heard.”

The agency intends to use its presence in Manchester, to explore the talent pool and cease the opportunity to work with other exciting start-ups, “Several of our team members have links and live up North – Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle boast a real buzz and have limitless opportunities,” adds Lewis.

“We love working with ambitious CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs. Over the last year, we’ve built a strong reputation across various sectors – we’ve delivered for high-growth agencies, tech and innovation companies and start-ups. Businesses with a social impact focus appeals to us too; we’re a small team with a big heart and want to drive positive change in communities in the north and across the UK.”

FACTORY INTERNATIONAL – OPENING PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR MANCHESTER’S LANDMARK NEW CULTURAL SPACE

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The opening plans were announced today for Factory International, Manchester’s new landmark cultural space which will welcome its first visitors in June 2023. Programmed and operated by the team behind the world-famous Manchester International Festival (MIF), Factory International will be a global destination for arts, music and culture, commissioning and presenting a year-round programme by leading artists from across the world. It is the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000, thanks to initial HM Government investment and backing from Manchester City Council and Arts Council England.

The official opening production will be Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive performance based on The Matrix films presented across the building’s ultra-flexible spaces. This dramatic retelling through dance, music and visual effects will bring together the visceral movement of choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE with a powerful score from renowned composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE (co-founders and artistic directors of the Olivier award-winning Boy Blue), world-leading designer Es Devlin’s large-scale stage sculptures and the work of the acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz – directed by Danny Boyle. Using spectacular visual effects, a cast of professional dancers and hundreds of Manchester participants will recreate some of the film’s most iconic scenes, provoking visions of an alternative future. (18 October -5 November 2023)

Before the official opening, the new venue will form the centrepiece of the 2023 Manchester International Festival (which will return across the city from 29 June to 16 July) with a major exhibition in its main warehouse space. You, Me and the Balloons celebrates three decades of Yayoi Kusama’s spectacular inflatable sculptures, shown together for the first time. Created specially for Factory International, this will be the renowned Japanese contemporary artist’s largest ever immersive environment, featuring works that are over ten metres tall – including giant dolls, spectacular tendrilled landscapes and a vast constellation of polka-dot spheres. (29 June – 28 August 2023)

Following Free Your Mind, a wide range of music, circus, art and fashion will fill the building and its outdoor spaces during The Welcome, a nine-day programme developed by Greater Manchester residents. Building on Manchester International Festival’s strong history of working with local people to choose and programme artists and events, The Welcome is an invitation from Greater Manchester residents to their neighbours – to meet, learn, and play in the extraordinary new cultural space opening in the heart of their city. (11-19 November 2023)

Reflecting Factory International’s commitment to ensuring access to the widest possible audiences, 5,000 tickets will be available for Free Your Mind at £10 or less as part of an affordable pricing strategy that will see discounted tickets for Manchester communities across its year-round programme.

Designed by the world-leading Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), with OMA Partner, Ellen van Loon as lead architect, Factory International is the practice’s first major public project in the UK. Spanning 13,350 square metres, the ultra-flexible building will offer multiple configurations, enabling large-scale artistic work of invention and ambition that is not made anywhere else. Audiences will be able to enjoy year-round, in a new world class facility, the broadest range of art forms from major exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences. Outside, its public areas will come alive with pop-up performances, events and markets, creating a thriving riverside destination for audiences to enjoy.

Factory International will add to the city’s thriving music scene, presenting over 80 gigs a year, including in-house concerts and collaborations with local and national promotors. A highlight of the opening programme will be a series of special music events in the warehouse – with details to be announced. There will also be a focus on developing the profile of music creatives in the region, building on the success of MIF Sounds, which provided financial support and development opportunities to musicians, producers and record labels in the pandemic.

Ahead of opening, artist Luke Jerram will celebrate the births of hundreds of babies born locally with a spectacular installation outside the building which will cast beams of light into the sky to represent new births. Each of the families with babies born in January will receive lifetime membership to Factory International – providing priority booking, discounted tickets and exclusive invitations.  The online Virtual Factory project (which has featured artists such as Tai Shani, Robert Yang and LaTurbo Avedon), will conclude with a new film by Jenn Nkiru to be released in 2023 exploring the resonances of the building’s historic site.

Factory International will also be home to Factory Academy, a major training centre for local people, which will help people from all backgrounds to start new careers in the creative industries. Working in partnership with cultural organisations and employers across the city, Factory Academy is already delivering a range of training opportunities including paid internships, training academies and work experience programmes. Upcoming initiatives include courses to develop skills in Live Events, Social Media, and Broadcast & Film Production including filming, editing and visual effects (VFX).

The development of Factory International is being led by Manchester City Council, with backing from HM Government and Arts Council England. A major capital gift of £2m has been secured from The Law Family Charitable Foundation and will be recognised through the naming of the hall. In addition, the Foundation has pledged £888k to support the Factory Academy.

Factory International is located in the new St John’s neighbourhood which is being developed on the site of the former Granada Studios next to the River Irwell and will make a major contribution to the ongoing regeneration of this part of the city centre.

John McGrath, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re delighted to be able to share our opening plans for Factory International. At every stage in imagining and building this extraordinary space we have focussed on creating new possibilities – for artists to let their imaginations fly, for citizens of Manchester and the world to meet and dream, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills and gain experience. Factory International is truly a place where we can invent tomorrow together.” 

Stuart Andrew, Arts Minister said: “Thanks to almost £100 million of Government funding, Factory International will further increase access to world-class arts and culture in Manchester when it opens its doors for the first time in summer 2023. This represents a great example of the Government’s commitment to distribute arts funding right across the country. 

“It is fantastic to see such an exciting programme of events being put together for its opening and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the venue has on the city.”

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This remarkable new space, rooted in Manchester, will be a significant addition to the national and international arts landscape and a major visitor destination. Factory International will further strengthen the city’s role as a centre for culture, creativity and innovation. It is already creating jobs and apprenticeships for people who live here and will be an important training centre for an array of creative careers. As well as changing lives directly, Factory International will provide a huge economic boost to Manchester, creating or supporting up to 1,500 jobs and adding £1.1 billion to the city’s economy over a decade. This is, in more ways than one, a landmark moment.”

Ellen van Loon, OMA Partner and Lead Architect, said: “Factory International will be a new type of performance space – a unique crossover between a fixed theatre and flexible warehouse. Super-sized moveable walls enable endless configurations within a large space, allowing audiences unexpected vistas of performers. I hope that whenever people come to Factory International they always experience something different, as if with each visit they encounter a different building.”

Danny Boyle, director, said: “I’m delighted to be part of Factory International as a starting point for a kind of identity that this extraordinary new building is going to have. It’s a space that gives you an enormous amount of potential. It’s wildly ambitious in terms of its scale. In my lifetime, to see a new space like this open is hugely empowering, and I hope the new generation of artists feel that power.”

Es Devlin, artist and designer, said: “Since its inception in 2007 Manchester International Festival has produced some of the most innovative and urgent works I’ve been fortunate enough to witness, which have had an immense impact on my practice including such pioneers as Steve McQueen, Adam Curtis, Marina Abramović, Björk, Akram Khan, Yoko Ono and more. Factory International will continue to cultivate these world-class collaborations, with each project rooted on this specific site and within the community in Manchester. It’s a profound privilege to be invited to take part in its inception. Like a new musical instrument, a new building needs to be ‘tuned in,’ and it’s immensely energising to be present when it starts to sing.”

Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE, producer, composer and DJ, said: “The uniqueness and versatility of Factory International allows us to really create something different and be magical, to play with different concepts and open up a whole new way of trying to interact with our creativity. With our production we want to show people what they could possibly do in this space, that they have the opportunity to create something different and get them to envisage how they would use it.”

Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE, choreographer and performer, said: “What excites me is the flexibility of Factory International, exploring how versatile the building can be, how to take the venue to another level. I want us as artistic collaborators to be challenged within the space.”

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