Business Manchester

Green light for £32 million Golborne station as local firm appointed to design it

Transport

Helen Greaney

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30/04/2025

Green light for £32 million Golborne station as local firm appointed to design it

Plans to deliver a new £32 million train station in Golborne have reached a milestone moment.

Wigan Council has given the green light to the planning application for the station and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have appointed a local company to design it.

Greater Manchester has ambitious plans to bring eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028.

The new station – which will reconnect Golborne to the railway for the first time in more than 60 years – is part of the city-region’s wider plans to improve connectivity for communities as part of the first fully-integrated transport system outside London.

Planning approval follows hot on the heels of the government giving the go ahead to the station’s outline business case in January, which set out the transformational benefits it will bring to the area as part of the Bee Network.

It means TfGM, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Wigan Council, working with government, will now develop a full business case and detailed design in 2025.

To deliver this work, TfGM has appointed Golborne-based engineering firm Murphy to develop the final station designs. Subject to approval from government, work is expected to begin in 2026 with the first trains hoped to stop there in 2027.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This is a significant moment for Greater Manchester, with the approval of the planning application for Golborne station bringing us closer to reconnecting Golborne to the railway network for the first time in more than 60 years.

“Local residents have campaigned tirelessly for the restoration of rail services to Golborne. This approval is a victory for the community and a step towards realising our shared vision for better connectivity, easing congestion on local roads, reducing carbon emissions and supporting economic growth.

“We are committed to moving forward at pace with this project and bringing rail into the Bee Network – making it easier to get around the city-region. To have such a respected partner like Murphy on board to take the station through detailed design is a fantastic result, and we can then move swiftly through to construction. With roots in the community, they understand how better connections will open up access to skilled jobs and opportunities across the city-region while making Golborne an even greater place to live and work.”

Golborne currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, so train services would reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes.

A public consultation in 2024 showed high levels of support for the station proposals, and a planning application was submitted to Wigan Council in November.

The station includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station including step-free access throughout, a new hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria and onwards to Stalybridge, an improved town centre car park, and new walking and cycling links to the town centre.

Leader of Wigan Council, David Molyneux MBE, said: “The council has worked closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, ensuring the new station will deliver the best for the local community and wider area, and connect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in decades.

“Community wealth building, keeping the local pound in our borough, and supporting our local supply chain is a real priority for us and I am delighted that a local, Golborne-based company has been appointed to deliver the next phase of this exciting project.

“The new Golborne station will make a real difference to people’s lives and our wider region and this announcement is another step forward in making it a reality.”

Murphy will now take forward the proposals to deliver detailed designs, which will support the station’s final business case.

Chris Cayton, transportation managing director at Murphy, said: “With offices in Stonecross and Golborne, we were particularly delighted to be appointed the first phase of this project alongside our valued supply chain including design partner WSP, to greatly improve transport links in the local area for the benefit of the surrounding communities. As a company, Murphy is focused on improving life by delivering world-class infrastructure and this project will do just that.”

As well as the station, partners are looking at ways to improve the town and areas around the station through the Golborne town centre Masterplan. This would make them even better places to live and visit with improved cycling and walking links and opportunities for further investment in Golborne.

The station would be delivered though locally devolved government funding.

Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “The community in Golborne have been waiting a long time for this. After years of campaigning and planning, it’s fantastic to see Golborne station reach this next milestone.

“This important transport infrastructure will bring better connectivity, help to reduce congestion and support local economic growth. Connectivity and growth across all of Leigh and Atherton is extremely important to me and I am excited to see the benefits this will bring to the town.”

Sustainable waste solutions for Manchester’s commercial sector

Environment

Helen Greaney

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30/04/2025

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Sustainable waste solutions for Manchester’s commercial sector

Manchester has long been a hub of innovation and enterprise — and as environmental concerns grow, local businesses are leading the charge in finding smarter, greener ways to operate.

From independent cafés in the Northern Quarter to large offices in Spinningfields, companies across the city are exploring sustainable waste solutions to minimise their environmental impact and improve their public image.

Reducing commercial waste is not just about ticking boxes for compliance. It’s about forward-thinking leadership, long-term savings, and responding to a growing demand from customers and clients who value eco-conscious practices.

In this article, we explore how Manchester’s commercial sector is embracing sustainable waste management, and what practical steps business owners can take to get started.

Understanding the importance of sustainable waste practices

In the UK, businesses generate millions of tonnes of waste each year. For companies operating in urban centres like Manchester, the environmental pressure is even more significant.

Manchester commercial waste collection services are evolving rapidly, offering more eco-friendly and efficient options to help businesses meet growing environmental expectations. Landfill capacity is limited, and improper disposal can lead to both legal and reputational risks. But there’s good news: sustainable waste practices are more accessible than ever.

Sustainable waste management focuses on the ‘three Rs’: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These principles not only limit the amount of waste sent to landfill but also cut down on the resources needed to process waste materials. For Manchester-based businesses, this means fewer collections, lower waste disposal costs, and a reduced carbon footprint.

Local councils and waste service providers have increased support for greener practices, offering separate collections for recycling, food waste, and general refuse. As Greater Manchester moves towards a more circular economy, businesses that get ahead of the curve stand to benefit — both environmentally and commercially.

Practical strategies for greener operations

Adopting sustainable waste practices doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your operations. In fact, some of the most effective solutions are the simplest. Here are a few key strategies that Manchester businesses are successfully implementing:

Conduct a waste audit

The first step is understanding what you’re throwing away. A waste audit can help identify how much of your waste could be recycled or avoided altogether. This might reveal that single-use items, packaging, or food waste are bigger issues than expected.

Separate waste streams

Clear labelling and separate bins for recyclables, food waste, and general rubbish can drastically improve recycling rates. In communal buildings or shared office spaces, coordinating with neighbours can enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Choose the right waste partner

Working with a provider that specialises in eco-friendly commercial waste collection in Manchester ensures your materials are handled responsibly. Look for waste companies that prioritise recycling and offer transparent reporting so you can track your sustainability progress.

Reduce single-use materials

Where possible, switch to reusable or compostable alternatives — especially in food service and hospitality settings. Manchester has seen a rise in zero-waste cafés and refill stations, reflecting a broader consumer trend.

Engage your team

Your employees are key to the success of your waste strategy. Training sessions, clear signage, and regular updates on progress can keep sustainability top of mind and create a stronger sense of workplace responsibility.

A great example of this cultural shift can be seen in some of Manchester’s co-working spaces, where green initiatives are part of the membership experience — from composting schemes to plastic-free events.

The long-term benefits for businesses

Investing in sustainable waste solutions is about more than environmental impact — it’s also smart business. In today’s marketplace, consumers and clients increasingly choose brands that align with their values. Demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly operations can strengthen your reputation and build customer loyalty.

Additionally, many green practices lead to tangible cost savings. Reducing food waste, cutting down on unnecessary packaging, or switching to a more efficient waste provider can all improve your bottom line over time.

A notable example is Contact Originators, a Dukinfield-based packaging firm, which achieved zero waste to landfill by partnering with a waste recovery specialist to ensure all site waste is either reused, recycled, or converted to energy. This kind of milestone not only enhances environmental performance but also signals to clients and investors that a company is future-focused and responsible.

For businesses in Manchester looking to grow responsibly, sustainable waste management also supports broader goals such as achieving green certifications, qualifying for environmental grants, or attracting partnerships with like-minded organisations. Local initiatives — including those promoted by Manchester’s climate change agencies — are providing more tools and incentives than ever before.

And as Manchester continues to invest in green infrastructure, including low-emission zones and carbon-neutral targets, businesses that make changes now will be well-placed to thrive in a more sustainable economy.

Manchester’s business community is no stranger to innovation — and when it comes to sustainability, waste management is one of the most impactful areas to address. By adopting eco-friendly solutions, engaging teams, and working with the right partners, commercial enterprises can reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing efficiency.

Whether you’re running a retail shop, restaurant, or digital start-up, sustainable waste practices are no longer optional — they’re an opportunity to lead the way.

Flexiss Group Partners with Compound Real Estate on £300 Million Comporter Self-Storage Portfolio

Finance

News Desk

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30/04/2025

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Flexiss Group Partners with Compound Real Estate on £300 Million Comporter Self-Storage Portfolio

Flexiss Group and Compound Real Estate have announced a major £300 million partnership to create a premier self-storage portfolio, strategically located across London and key commuter towns surrounding the M25. The portfolio will feature top-tier, purpose-built facilities in affluent, high-demand areas.

United by a commitment to excellence, the two companies have already secured five flagship sites and have a further two under offer. Together, these developments will offer more than 500,000 square feet of Net Lettable Area (NLA). With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design, the Comporter Portfolio is set to redefine quality in the self-storage sector.

Each Comporter site will be operated under the established SureStore brand, known for its award-winning service and industry-leading innovation. Facilities will include smartphone-enabled entry systems and cloud-connected security solutions, creating a seamless and secure customer experience. The entire platform is aiming for BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding certification and is committed to operating with a 100% Net Zero Carbon footprint.

Initial developments are already underway in standout locations, including Ladymead Retail Park in Guildford and Peckham Road in London—both of which offer exceptional visibility and access to densely populated catchment areas. The first openings in Tunbridge Wells and Milton Keynes are expected in 2025, with further sites in Barnet, Guildford, and Peckham to follow by early 2027.

Mike Wilson and Andy Wood, Co-Founders of Flexiss Group, said: “The Comporter partnership with Compound Real Estate enables further expansion of the Flexiss Group and the SureStore brand into London and the South East. We look forward to delivering and operating these prime assets.”

Jacob Sandelson, Founding Principal at Compound Real Estate, added: “Our partnership with Flexiss Group enables a continuous focus on quality across the land, development and operational process as we look to simultaneously deliver one of the largest privately held portfolios in the UK and establish a new benchmark for asset quality.”

Discover the UK’s Best May Day Celebrations with Turo this Bank Holiday

Travel

News Desk

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30/04/2025

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Discover the UK’s Best May Day Celebrations with Turo this Bank Holiday

Turo, the car sharing marketplace, is spotlighting some of the UK’s most picturesque May Day events, from Morris Dancing performances to classic village fêtes.
Monday, 5th May signals the arrival of the month’s first Bank Holiday, giving travellers the perfect excuse to explore the countryside.
Whether visiting bustling coastal towns or historic hilltop views, Turo offers practical driving information to help you plan your journey.

Rory Brimmer, UK Managing Director of car sharing marketplace Turo, commented: “May Day, and the first of the month’s Bank Holidays, offers Brits the chance to see traditions that are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to see more of the UK, at your own pace.

“With Turo, you have the freedom to discover these traditions on your own terms, whether it’s a leisurely drive down to Hastings or a trip up to a scenic West Yorkshire viewpoint. Forget the rigid train schedules and the crowded tours – it’s just you, the open road, and the beauty of Spring unfolding around you. The journey isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about making every mile as memorable as the destination itself.”

Turo’s top May Day 2025 destinations

Mells, Somerset

Best for: Traditional Village Fête and Somerset Morris

There is evidence of human activity around the village of Mells from as far back as 6000 BC, so there is no shortage of history and tradition here. The village is one of the prettiest you could hope to see, with architecture from as far back as the 15th century, including the picturesque St Andrews Church.

The village fête runs all day on the 5th of May, with visitors paying £10 for the car park and free entry after that. The fête includes performances from Somerset Morris Dancers, at 12:15 and 2:30pm, as well as food, talks and games.

Event date(s): 5th May

Hastings’ Traditional Jack in the Green, Hastings, East Sussex

Best for: Discovering the history of the Green Man

Since 1983, Hastings has hosted a number of May Day events, with the Jack in the Green parade through the high street one of the most unique. Following in the footsteps of traditional folk events, the “Jack” parades through the streets alongside a host of other characters before being shorn of his foliage and leaves, giving spectators a chance to catch a leaf and secure good luck for the year ahead.

The weekend also sees Morris Dancing and other events in the town, but the main event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday from 10am.

Event date(s): 3rd, 4th and 5th of May

Dawn Morris Dancing, Otley, West Yorkshire

Best for: Sunrise views and Morris Dancing

For those not afraid of an early start, Surprise View in Chevin Country Park in West Yorkshire could offer a spectacular view of the countryside, a beautiful sunrise and traditional border-style Morris Dancing.

If you are planning on visiting, drivers can park in Surprise View car park, head up the steps at the top of the car park and then turn left onto the Chevin, the viewing point is a short walk along the path from there, with the sounds of the bells offering a sonic guide.

Event date(s): 1st May

Hever Castle, Kent

Best for: Maypole dancing and joining in on the fun

Hever Castle has housed a range of important historical figures, not least Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn, who partially grew up here. But over the early May Bank Holiday weekend, it will instead host a range of events, including Maypole dancing demonstrations.

Tickets are available on the Hever Castle website, and guests are encouraged to get involved and have a go at the traditional English folk dance alongside a range of other activities and tours.

Event date(s): 3rd, 4th and 5th May

Six more fines for waste offences in Bury

Environment

Helen Greaney

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29/04/2025

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Six more fines for waste offences in Bury

Six more people have been fined for waste offences on the streets of Bury this month.

Fixed penalty notices of £400 were served on two of them: for fly-tipping in Brierley Street, Bury, and for a household duty of care offence which led to waste being dumped at Mode Hill in Whitefield (pictured).

Four people were fined £75 for littering in Walmersley Road, Bury; Ash Street, Bury; Oram Street, Bury; and Noreen Avenue, Prestwich.

More than 200 fines have been issued for littering and fly-tipping across Bury in the last three years, and more than 20 people have been prosecuted in court.

Councillor Alan Quinn said: “These people know what they’re doing, and they don’t care if they spoil our neighbourhoods for the residents who live there. We will continue to take action against those who dump their rubbish in our borough.”

To report fly-tipping, and find out more about the Household Duty of Care and how to manage household waste, visit: www.bury.gov.uk/flytipping

How to align your web content strategy with web design

Business

Helen Greaney

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29/04/2025

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How to align your web content strategy with web design

When building your eCommerce website, strategic alignment is vital. This means ensuring your web content strategy matches each page’s visual design and user experience features.

There’s no point investing in eCommerce SEO services like professional copywriting if the content doesn’t fit seamlessly into the website’s layout. Keeping things well aligned is an important part of effectively communicating meaning and messaging to visitors and potential customers.

This piece will explore steps in aligning web design and content management, so you can ensure that your website makes its maximum possible impact.

Build and follow a strategic alignment model

The first step in building a cohesive website is to build and follow a model to guide your decisions going forward. This has to start with clearly determining the website’s purpose and target audience on a page-by-page basis. You should know clearly what kind of action or feeling you’re trying to inspire with each part of the website.

Web content and visual hierarchy

Next comes the first steps of your web content strategy – as in considering what you actually want to use to communicate your messaging. Are you going to rely mostly on text or try to capitalise on the benefits of image-based information? Whatever you use needs to be delivered with a clear sense of visual hierarchy – with design elements like fonts, colours and spacing used to direct visitor eyes and highlight core details.

While it’s good practice to begin the alignment process early on, remember that it’s always wise to be flexible with your content modules. This will allow for more mobility in case of complications.

Web design principles for easy alignment

As a content manager, you should make sure to commission and encourage simple, uncluttered designs across your web pages. This will make it easier for visitors to absorb information, as visual clutter can interrupt the way the brain collects facts. Some other principles for proper alignment include:

Consistency across the site with elements like fonts, colours and visual hierarchy will enhance the user experience.
Supportive usability with clear calls to action and other easy directions will ensure to lead visitors toward desired outcomes.
Consider accessible design principles to ensure that the web content is useful to all visitors, including those with disabilities.

By making these elements and principles clear from the outset, it will set up content writers to create more suitable passages of text. Approaching things from a design-first perspective can help writers to build text for the final product.

Web content strategy considerations

Web content writers and producers can either set the tone for the design of the site or follow a layout created by the web designer (often informed by placeholder or AI-generated content). Either way, there are some valuable principles to keep in mind such as:

Clarity and conciseness are key – no one wants to sift through waffle to get to the point, especially not on a landing page.
Use in-house and royalty-free images when possible to create a sense of visual appeal and interest.
Keep SEO best practices in mind when writing content, as it will enhance the visibility once published.

Whether following an outline or creating text for web design to be based on, clarity of communication is vital. Creating content that aligns with web design should be focused on simplicity, ensuring that every visitor can understand what they’re looking at from the first moment.

Collaboration is key

At the end of the day, aligning web content strategy with design is about clear collaboration throughout the process. If the creative parties leave each other in the dark, then trying to reconcile the elements can become all the harder. Whatever you choose to complete in-house or outsource, keep channels of communication open. This will help to ensure alignment from start to finish.

Six-year-old girl killed in Rochdale collision

News

Helen Greaney

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29/04/2025

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Six-year-old girl killed in Rochdale collision

Police are appealing for information after a child died following a collision in Rochdale last night.

At around 5.35pm, a Range Rover was travelling westbound along Ashfield Road, when it collided with a six-year-old girl who had entered the carriageway.

The girl suffered serious injuries and died shortly after, despite the best efforts of attending emergency services. Specialist officers are currently supporting her family.

The driver remained at the scene and no arrests have been made.

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is investigating the incident and enquiries are ongoing.

As officers continue their work, they are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with any information.

DC Thomas Johnson said: “I firstly want to pass my condolences onto the family of the girl who tragically died following last night’s collision. The thoughts of everyone from our investigating team are with them and we are continuing to support them where we can.

“As our work progresses, we are asking for anyone with any information to please come forward. You may have witnessed last night’s incident, or have relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage. If you can send this to our officers, this would be greatly appreciated as we put together a complete picture of last night’s incident.”

You can contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2683 of 28/04/25. Alternatively, you can contact SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

UK Middle-Income Workers Hit Hardest by Cost-of-Living Crisis, Finds moneyappi Survey

Business
HR

News Desk

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29/04/2025

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UK Middle-Income Workers Hit Hardest by Cost-of-Living Crisis, Finds moneyappi Survey

New findings from personal finance platform moneyappi have revealed that middle-income earners in Britain are facing the greatest financial pressure, with spiralling expenses and stagnant salaries leaving them without sufficient support.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, 62% of those with annual earnings between £25,000 and £45,000 are struggling to afford everyday necessities. Surprisingly, this rate of financial struggle is higher than that of both lower-income and high-earning groups.

The Misconception of Being Financially Stable

Once considered secure, mid-level earners now find themselves grappling with an increasingly tight squeeze. moneyappi’s research highlights:

71% report their income hasn’t kept pace with inflation
58% say their housing expenses consume more than half their income
43% have relied on credit to pay for essentials such as groceries and energy bills
1 in 3 believe they are financially worse off now than during the pandemic’s peak

Though they earn too much to qualify for most forms of government aid, many middle-income households still can’t afford to save or cover unforeseen expenses.

“Middle earners are falling through the cracks of an antiquated system that hasn’t adapted to current systemic issues,” says Ray Law, co-founder of moneyappi. “They earn too much to qualify for help, but not enough to absorb the rising costs of living. That’s putting them under serious financial stress — and employers are beginning to feel the impact too.”

Financial Stress Hits Workplaces

This growing financial pressure is taking a toll on employees’ wellbeing and performance. The report shows:

41% of respondents said their work has suffered due to money worries
25% have taken sick days linked to stress or anxiety over finances
Over a third have looked into changing jobs or reducing their hours to save on commuting and childcare costs

Such disruptions are beginning to affect businesses directly, contributing to lower output and higher staff turnover.

Rising Costs Driving Crisis

Participants pointed to a mix of rising living expenses and post-pandemic financial challenges. From soaring utility bills to costly childcare, the squeeze is becoming unbearable for many who once felt financially secure.

The biggest pressures include:

Utility bills: 67% cite energy costs as a major stressor
Groceries: 59% say food shopping is becoming unaffordable
Childcare: 44% of working parents say it’s not worth the cost
Debt: 38% have recently fallen behind on a payment

A Role for Employers to Play

moneyappi is calling on businesses to do more in supporting their staff financially through resources, education, and flexibility.

“Financial stress isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a workplace issue,” added Ray Law. “By supporting the financial wellbeing of middle earners, employers can boost morale, reduce absenteeism, and retain talent.”

How Manchester’s Tech Startups Are Powering Growth with Headless CMS Architecture

Blog

News Desk

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29/04/2025

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In no time at all, Manchester has emerged as one of the UK’s leading technology hubs. The city is home to a vibrant startup ecosystem known for its innovative and agile approach. As these rapidly growing, high-potential startups in Manchester scale their businesses and compete in increasingly intricate markets, switching to a headless CMS architecture will streamline their operations, increase productivity and efficiency, and yield exceptional digital experiences. Headless CMS solutions are how Manchester’s technology startups use them to facilitate their extraordinary growth.

Accelerating Market Entry with Agile Content Delivery

Manchester’s startup scene values speed. For example, tech startups are embracing headless CMS solutions to reduce the time to market, as headless decouples the backend content management system from the frontend presentation. Developers and content teams can collaborate on their respective pieces at the same time, publishing content earlier and alleviating the workflow gridlock typically found in any technological effort. Leveraging Axios parallel requests can further accelerate this process, enabling multiple API calls to be made simultaneously for faster content rendering and deployment. Such speed and flexibility keep a startup on its toes and help when customer requests necessitate quick turnaround.

Scaling Seamlessly to Meet Growth Demands

Another major advantage that many Manchester startups migrate to a headless CMS is the inherent scalability of a headless CMS. Traditional CMS systems often get overloaded when they grow too large and suffer from performance issues, as well as usability concerns. Yet a headless CMS can handle increased traffic and volume without a hitch, which positions startups to scale in the near future without having to adjust their content management systems. Therefore, in one of the UK’s most rapidly growing cities, it offers optimal functionality and reliability when user bases expand.

Enhancing User Engagement with Personalised Experiences

Manchester’s digital startups understand the value of personalised user experiences to drive customer retention. Therefore, headless CMS options support superior personalisation capabilities via integration with a range of analytics, CRMs, and even AI tools. Thus, Manchester-oriented startups can render content based solely on what the individual requires and desires, resulting in higher engagement levels, higher customer satisfaction, and increased brand loyalty.

Enabling Multichannel Digital Strategies

Consumers today engage with brands through multiple digital channels from web browsers and mobile apps to voice-activated assistants and connected home devices. Thus, the Manchester-based startup using a headless CMS architecture can seamlessly deploy appropriate content across channels and devices in real-time with no need for redundancy or adjustments later. Such instantaneous multichannel access fosters brand uniformity, increases reach and interaction, and enhances customer engagement.

Strengthening Security and Compliance in the Digital Era

For tech startups dealing with customer data and sensitive information, this factor is integral. Manchester companies utilising headless CMS have access to superior security features: secure APIs, encryption, access controls, and even audit trails. Customers appreciate the added security to use a product and service genuinely, but it helps with proper compliance with data regulations (GDPR, for instance) and reduced risk for future endeavors, both of which are critical for the company’s reputation and growth.

Facilitating Collaboration Between Developers and Content Teams

The thriving technology sector in Manchester relies on a collaborative effort between developers, marketers, and content creators. Headless CMS architectures foster such interdepartmental dynamics by decoupling the content backend from the visual front end. Each department has the freedom to control its generation, editing, and publishing of content at the same time faster edits, fewer errors, and greater efficiency. Increased effective collaboration fosters faster innovation and keeps rapid growth ongoing.

Improving Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings

Manchester startups operate on a lean budget, meaning they have to cut costs wherever and however and be as effective and efficient as possible with day-to-day operations. Startups utilising a headless CMS platform immediately secure efficiency and productivity from savings and decreased overhead. Headless CMS solutions decrease redundancy through automation, streamline operations, and reduce the necessity for extensive IT infrastructure. Therefore, savings incurred by switching to a headless CMS solution can be reallocated to other growth opportunities via innovative strategies, marketing endeavors, and any other activities that promote faster profitability and stability.

Empowering Data-Driven Decisions and Analytics Insights

Data-driven decision making is essential for startup viability. For instance, Manchester’s tech startups leveraging headless CMS have the opportunity to utilise the analytic features that come standard. These allow for visualisation of user engagement across the board, how well content performs on various sites and applications, and even how well marketing efforts extend beyond a digital footprint. Such mandatory analytics can be employed to make real-time adjustments to content strategies, digital presence, and audience engagement to foster growth.

Supporting Future-Proof Digital Strategies

However, to maintain this advantageous position, Manchester-based tech startups must be proactive, quicker to adapt, and more flexible than their competitors across the global market. Manchester must remain ahead of the curve as a tech center. Rapid, responsive turnaround to emerging technologies and trends and shifting consumer demands is essential. In a digitally driven, economically driven world, merely reacting is sub-par.

Therefore, headless CMS systems complement these proactive digital strategies. They are simple, flexible, and adjustable to any situation. With the head and body separated, startups can easily implement and beta test their work with the latest technologies, whether it’s AR, VR, voice search, conversational interfaces, or sophisticated AI-fueled personalisation efforts. As new opportunities for channels or content features emerge, it’s simple to integrate without overwhelming endeavors at reconstruction, using up valuable time and finances.

This native agility allows Manchester’s startups to iterate, test, and refine their digital products constantly, keeping them in line with necessity and desirability across major demographics consistently. Startups can give more extensive and engaging experiences to users, entrepreneurs, and investors alike, fostering better differentiation and branding as industry leaders.

Headless CMS solutions can empower Manchester’s technology startups with a future-responsive solution that scales with new improvements and advancements in the industry without fail. The competitive edge allows companies to remain ahead of the game not only to be competitive but to expand and flourish for the foreseeable future in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Nurturing Manchester’s Tech Ecosystem Through Innovation

As this information travels across the industry, Manchester is branded as a tech city. The more established companies implement headless CMS and like technologies, the more these burgeoning startups form an inventive culture for digital content delivery and client engagement. The more word spreads, the more human capital and funding pour into this already entrepreneurial city.

Attracting Investment Through Competitive Advantage

Investors seek young, nimble, scalable companies with the potential for technological transformation and growth and expertise in providing customer experience gains. Since investors and venture capitalists are forever on the lookout for the next best thing where support can help a company meet demand swiftly, be scaled effectively, and provide the best customer service experience, young Manchester startups focused on headless CMS infrastructures for innovation are not excluded, and in fact, they are an unparalleled investment opportunity. Manchester-based headless CMS startups show agility in operations.

By using and showcasing their work via headless CMS designs, they exhibit to potential investors that they understand how to work within complex digital frameworks front-end/back-end and do so in a timely fashion. They acknowledge the need to integrate technology complexities but can achieve this quickly and effectively. Such agility permits young companies to enter a marketplace almost instantaneously and actively seek new ventures as they come about, consistently staying one step ahead of the competition. Furthermore, startups that experience hyper growth will find comfort in the scalability offered by headless CMS solutions since even during rapid growth spurts, they can still maintain a fantastic experience for users.

But beyond agility and scalability, headless CMS architecture provides a cost-effective operation that investors adore. Less need for automation, for excessive workflow systems, and for large-scale technical support means lower operational costs that allow startups to use that funding for further innovation or for early customer acquisition and outreach. Investors do not have to worry about where funds are going; they’re easily accounted for, which bodes incredibly well for a startup when it comes time to pitch.

Thus, the awareness that headless CMS technology is currently being used shows Manchester’s own tech startups that they can operate more strategically, on time and effectively to task with resources dedicated to revenue-generating innovative projects for future expansion. With such a leg up based on mere technology, these startups have a much better chance of acquiring venture capitalist funding in an already oversaturated market because they are viewed as more likely to provide a return. Thus, relying on headless CMS solutions gives startups a successful launching pad but also an operational standard for successful growth, revenue, and future market share within the industry.

Championing Digital Transformation in Manchester

With Manchester’s startups utilising such headless CMS solutions, they position themselves at the forefront of the greater regional economy’s digital transformation. These triumphant startups are examples of what’s possible with such dynamic digital possibilities, putting the word out there to challenge similar implementation in other industries. Therefore, by championing such digital transformation, Manchester’s technical startups play a vital role in the digital transformation and digital space for the greater region, supporting economic advantages for many and positioning Manchester as one of the UK’s top technological cities.

A Bright Future for Manchester’s Tech Sector

Thus, this emerging technology of headless CMS architecture, which many of the tech startups are adopting, is a strong catalyst for regional growth and innovation as well as digital optimisation with extensive offerings for commerce and the community as a whole. By purposefully implementing this innovative technology, not only do the startups increase their competitive edge exponentially, but they create an efficient architecture that allows for easy adjustment to consumer needs, marketplace trends, and advancements in technology.

For instance, using a headless CMS makes it easier to expand digital outreach and content creation with highly custom and immersive experiences for users. This leads to a direct connection to increased potential for staying power, as these organisations can thrive in even the most saturated markets while constantly meeting and exceeding consumer needs. In addition, the fluidity of such technology fosters experimentation and innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset only enhances the city further as a leader in technological growth.

Thus, with Manchester as a digital hub of talent, money, and activity, both nationally and internationally, the adoption of a headless CMS as a foundational strategy will be necessary for Manchester’s startup scene and entrepreneurial advantage. Positioned to always have access to great resources for feasibility in entrepreneurial and technological endeavors, the migration toward such progressive digital offerings like the headless CMS will promote economic viability, an in-demand workforce opportunity, and sustainability as a digital powerhouse of the United Kingdom. Ultimately, such a retrospective approach to headless CMS solutions fulfills the city’s inclination to be a technological enterprise haven for predictable growth and digital superiority for years to come.

University of Salford unites global experts for cybersecurity conference

AI

Helen Greaney

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28/04/2025

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University of Salford unites global experts for cybersecurity conference

The University of Salford is set to join forces with Ukraine’s Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics on an online cybersecurity and software engineering conference, amidst an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape.

The fourth international Challenges and Reality of the IT Space: Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Conference, will take place on October 23 and 24.

It will see researchers and industry come together with the shared goal of fostering international collaboration to address current and future challenges, as vulnerability to online attacks accelerates at rapid pace due to advances in technology.

This year’s event will also have a bigger focus on leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to drive sustainable digital transformation.

According to IBM Security, the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was £3.7 million ($4.88 million). To add to this, according to Darktrace, 74% of IT (information technology) security professionals say their organisations are suffering significant impact from AI-powered threats, while last year, over two-thirds of IT and security professionals worldwide had already tested AI capabilities for security, with 27 percent planning to do so.

Dr Yun Chen, associate professor in Business IT and subject head of Digital Business and Information Systems at the University of Salford’s Business School, said: “The digital landscape is changing considerably with new challenges presented on pretty much a daily basis.

“We’re seeing threats increase and technology evolve at rapid pace, making it critical for organisations to adopt a zero trust strategy, while ensuring they’re equipped to prevent and respond to attacks.

“By not innovating and leveraging the technologies that are out there, organisations could face crippling financial loss, huge fines and disruptions, in an already challenging environment. For this reason, we’re bringing together some of the leading voices from academia and industry to help address these very challenges, so organisations can ultimately futureproof themselves.”

Professor Volodymyr Tokar, Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, added: “In today’s digital age, innovations such as artificial intelligence present both unprecedented opportunities and alarming threats.

“In authoritarian regimes, digital tools are too often weaponised, enabling mass surveillance, automated control and centralised databases that violate individual freedoms. This conference provides a critical space for scholars, technologists, and the public to come together to shape a future where technology empowers rather than oppresses.

“The only way to harness the true potential of information technology is through global cooperation. These exchanges have the power to inspire local change, empowering communities to transform the global digital landscape through innovative, practical solutions.”

Partnering with the hosts on the conference will be multiple institutions from other international markets, including: the Center for Cyber Intelligence and Security Innovations (Ukraine), the University of Customs and Finance (Ukraine), ITBIZ LLC (Ukraine), Poznan University of Economics and Business (Poland), La Salle University (US), the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, KROK University of Economics and Law (Ukraine), the Institute of Social and Economic Development (Ukraine) and the Scientific Center of Innovation Research (Estonia).

Any academics with revolutionary new research, as well as industry experts doing impactful work in this space, are asked to submit their papers and to register their interest in participating in the conference – or attending – here.