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Sean Williams from Together takes on the Chair role at pro-manchester

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Thursday was a momentous day for pro-manchester as Sean Williams, head of professional sector at Together, was voted in as Chair at the company’s AGM.  Sean takes over the position from Anthony Morrow, founder of OpenMoney who has been in post for the past 18th months. Anthony will stay on the board as immediate past chair.

Reflecting on his own term as chair the Anthony Morrow said “Being involved with an organisation that has worked so hard over the last few years in pretty trying circumstances and to see it today with a growing, loyal membership and very robust finances, makes me very proud. It’s in really good hands and I’m sure that the incoming chair Sean Williams and vice-chair Danny Simpson FIOD will help the team take it even further.

Sean has always been a huge ambassador for pro-manchester and is excited for the opportunity to work with the Board and membership to continue to further the ambitions, aspirations and potential of this great organisation.

Sean joined Together in January 2020. Prior to this he was Head of Customer Banking at Yorkshire Bank in Manchester, responsible for leading customer-facing staff as well as the strategic direction of the banking operation and relationship management team.

When talking about his reasons for putting himself forward for the Chair position Sean said: “I’m a passionate believer in investing in people and investing in your network – I really enjoy the diversity of the people, teams and clients that I work with on a day to day basis. And for me pro manchester emulates that.”

In his first address as pro-manchester chair, Sean outlined his plans for the year ahead.

“As members of pro-manchester you are supported by an excellent team, with boundless positive energy and I’ve had first hand experience of seeing how they have worked so creatively through a turbulent couple of years to further pro-manchester’s mission of bringing new opportunities to Manchester businesses.

I’m looking forward to working with all our members and continuing to champion the important role that pro-manchester plays in Greater Manchester, both locally, within the wider region and on the national and international stage.

pro-manchester is an organisation built around enabling people to connect and network. Collaboration – between us, between businesses and across the city and the wider region is the key to driving success – it is what makes Manchester a great place to live, work, and do business.

In support of his commitment to communities Sean has also appointed Forever Manchester, a charity that solely raises money to fund community activity across GM, as his charity of the year.

Of Sean’s appointment, pro-manchester CEO, Sam Booth said: “We’re delighted that Sean is taking up the role of pro-manchester Chair for the next year. Sean brings with him a wealth of experience in the Manchester business community and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next 12 months.”

Nicola McCormick – pro-manchester COO said “Sean, is so passionate about Manchester and that enthusiasm rubs off on everyone he meets. We are really excited to be working with him over the coming year and ensuring pro-manchester delivers the best service possible for its members”

Amna Khan from Manchester Metropolitan University, Zoe Wallace from Agent Academy and Stephen Hughes from Five Wealth were also voted in as board members and will further strengthen the existing board of directors.

Image: Sean Williams

Manchester-based sustainable fashion brand launches following £250k seed round

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After two years of self-funded research into the most premium, sustainable materials available, the Manchester-based women’s athleisure brand SHIBUI has launched its first collection after widening its shareholder base and closing a £250k seed round.

Founded in 2020, SHIBUI is a sustainable athleisure brand based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, with the first collection focusing on activewear, athleisure-wear and knitwear. The brand has curated a mix of essential pieces including: sports bras, leggings, jersey sets and tracksuits – even extending to more style-led garments such as tennis dresses.

The SHIBUI team has attracted a total investment of £250,000 from former senior executives at The Hut Group, as well as seasoned e-commerce and fashion investors from the North West and London.

Speaking of the business’ eco credentials, Co-Founder Jaimin Lakhani says: “With Manchester being renowned for fast fashion, we want SHIBUI to help shift towards a greener economy.”

“It’s common knowledge that the next generations view sustainability as a key purchase driver, particularly in such an environmentally damaging industry as fashion.”

“We’ve launched SHIBUI with the vision of the brand becoming a global leader in the industry, pioneering style-led clothing which has been created using the most sustainable materials and practices possible to help reduce impact and continue to spark change in the industry and consumer attitudes.”

The first collection is priced between £25 and £60, providing premium quality garments at affordable prices, providing younger consumers a viable alternative to fast fashion.

The brand has taken a unique approach to manufacturing its products by founding three of its own dedicated micro-factories across Pakistan and Indonesia to support the local economies; investing in infrastructure and providing jobs for local unemployed men and women to earn a living for their families.

Working closely with its factory partners, SHIBUI is committed to working with the highest quality, most sustainable materials available, selecting the likes of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and choosing to only use eco-friendly dyes to achieve the bold colour range. Each garment is also fitted with a swing tag made from 100% plantable seed paper.

The sustainability metrics of each garment can also be found on each product’s page on the SHIBUI website, including the amount of CO2 emissions avoided and plastic bottles diverted from landfill, to inform shoppers about their positive impact.

SHIBUI’s first collection launched in August 2022 and is available to browse now on its website at shibuifashion.com

SME manufacturers in Greater Manchester set to benefit from £6.1m funding boost to accelerate digitalisation

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SME manufacturers in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from the £6.1m three-year extension of a trailblazing programme that helps them adopt new digital technology and skills to create growth and jobs.

Made Smarter has so far helped 2,500 small and medium-sized companies across the region start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice and a digital roadmap to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.

More than 250 of them, supported by matched funding, have invested in new technology, ranging from software and sensors to robotics and extended reality, to become more efficient, build resilience, increase their productivity and grow sustainably.

As a result, these manufacturers are set to create 1,250 new jobs, upskill almost 2,300 existing roles, deliver an additional £176 million in gross value added to the region, and help the UK meet its net zero target by 2050.

Now with a further £6.1m funding from the government, Made Smarter can accelerate its drive to support hundreds more SME manufacturers in the region to embrace the industry 4.0 movement.

Meanwhile, as a result of the trailblazing work in the North West, the national roll out of the Made Smarter adoption programme has continued, and now includes the West of England and East Midlands. They join the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands regions.

Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “I am delighted that the Government has recognised the extraordinary impact that Made Smarter’s adoption programme is having on digitalisation of SME businesses and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the North West whilst continuing to fund our work for the next three years.

“While UK manufacturing navigated the pandemic and is working towards recovery, it is also bracing for further challenging times and economic bumps in the road ahead. Our rallying call to manufacturers is that digital technologies offer businesses opportunities to build resilience, innovate and transform. Digital tools can help manufacturers make marginal savings, set themselves apart from competitors in a volatile time, and make products quicker, affordable and more efficiently.

“This new funding means we can renew our ambition to reach out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses, build resilience and enable them to keep up with a fast-moving industry.”

Made Smarter’s simple and straightforward approach gets quickly to the heart of a business’s challenges and supports them to take that first step in their digital transformation.

Registration takes five minutes and is followed up with a digital transformation workshop to identify core challenges and provide a bespoke digital manufacturing roadmap.

Made Smarter’s team of expert advisors then pinpoint other ways that the programme can support a company’s digitalisation including skills and leadership development, and recommending the correct technology to invest in.

For more information visit https://www.madesmarter.uk

PAPER PLANES FILL MANCHESTER SKY WITH HOPE TO URGE PM TO END RWANDA REFUGEE SCHEME

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People across Manchester are part of a new online film released today to mark the launch of campaign coalition Together With Refugees’ Fill the Skies with Hope action urging Liz Truss, the new Prime Minister, to scrap the scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.

Manchester City of Sanctuary, People’s History Museum, RAS Voice and The Whitworth joined forces to make the film, with staff, volunteers, school children, campaigners, members of the public and people with lived experience of being a refugee flying hundreds of orange heart-shaped paper planes to fill the skies with hope and call on the Prime Minister to end the scheme to banish refugees to Rwanda.

Ana Asatiani from Manchester is part of RAS Voice and One Strong Voice and came to the UK as a refugee from Georgia in 2013. She said: “I think this is a really horrible, concerning policy.  It is inhumane, immoral and unlawful. It is punishing people just because of how they arrive in the UK, but the UK doesn’t have safe routes to get here. I’ve been through the system myself and I know what it’s like. This policy should be scrapped.”

Zofia Kufeldt, Programme Officer at People’s History Museum who took part in filling the skies at People’s History Museum with messages of hope, said: “At People’s History Museum, the national museum of democracy, we are filling the sky with messages of hope and send those seeking sanctuary our love; we want them to know that they are in our hearts.  We believe in human rights, fairness and equality and the Rwanda scheme stands at odds with this in every possible way as a brutal and hostile approach to those that most need our help.  We urge others to join us in sending messages to the new Prime Minister to show the hope that we all have, and the strength of feeling behind the campaign.”

Their protests were captured for an online film released today as part of a nationwide Day of Action  where groups across the country show their opposition to the cruel scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.  The day marks the start of the paper plane Fill the Skies with Hope action which will run until 9th November 2022.

Groups and people across the country will make and fly orange heart-shaped paper planes with messages to the Prime Minister to call for the Rwanda scheme to be scrapped.  The planes are orange and heart-shaped as this represents the call for a kinder, more compassionate approach to supporting refugees.

The planes will be gathered together after the action has ended in November and delivered to the Prime Minister.

The scheme to send refugees to Rwanda means that people who arrive in the UK seeking refugee protection via routes that are unofficial, such as by small boat across the Channel, could be banished to Rwanda.  They will not be allowed to have their claim for refugee protection heard in the UK and there will be no official route for them to return to the UK from Rwanda.

This is a key time for the government with a new Prime Minister, as it sets out its plans  ahead of the Conservative Party Conference. It also comes as the scheme is being challenged in two hearings in the High Courts.  The outcome of these will be announced in October.

Image: Zofia (quoted) who took part in the filming (centre). Location: People’s History Museum, Manchester. Credit: Together With Refugees. More images available.

Expression of interest now open to boost accessible cycling in GM

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Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) – in partnership with leading accessible cycling charity, Wheels for All – is seeking three organisations in GM to benefit from a specialist ‘Bike Buddy’ programme.

The ‘Bike Buddy’ programme aims to give disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and older-aged people the confidence and skills to use adapted cycles as part of their everyday lives, to keep active and to get around their communities – right from their front door or from the settings of their support organisation.

As part of the programme, Wheels for All also provide training and mentoring to the organisations, equipping them with the skills to go on encouraging and enabling cycling amongst the individuals within their care in the long-term.

Organisations and charities across GM that are interested in being involved in the programme need to submit an Expression of Interest by Friday 21st October 2022.

Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, said: “Wheels for All have been delivering opportunities to help people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to gain access to cycling in Greater Manchester for several years, so the announcement of the Bike Buddy partnership is a new and exciting step for the region.

“The health and well-being benefits of cycling and spending time outside must be available to everyone and the Bee Network is being built to be accessible for everyone too. It is therefore vital that opportunities to access cycling are provided to help break down past barriers that are often faced by people who need a non-standard cycle and additional support.

“Bike Buddy is an exciting programme with huge potential for positive and long-lasting impact, so I’d like to encourage all organisations and groups that may benefit from this programme to please submit an expression of interest.”

Wheels for All is the UK’s leading cycling charity which promotes inclusive cycling through a range of successful programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis through offering adapted cycles, support and guidance in fun and safe environments.

Caroline Powrie, Bike Buddy Coordinator at Wheels for All in Greater Manchester, said: “We are immensely grateful to Transport for Greater Manchester for their commitment to and enthusiasm about this project. We are looking to partner with up to three organisations from across Greater Manchester to enable their staff, volunteers and participants to embrace cycling as a regular activity for everyone to enjoy.

“Cycling is a fantastic leisure activity for all ages. It gets people out and about in all kinds of different environments and is brilliant for improving overall fitness, raising levels of activity generally, and boosting your overall mental health and wellbeing. We’re passionate about encouraging all kinds of people in every circumstance, age and ability to get on a cycle and have fun.”

The three chosen organisations will receive support that includes:

•A fleet of adapted cycles (tricycles, recumbents, and hand cycles)

•Helmets and Hi Viz vests

•Lock and lights

•Cycle training

•Route planning

•Buddy support and participant mentoring

•Maintenance support packages.

The programme has received £145,000 of funding from TfGM and will be reviewed after 12 months.

To submit an Expression of Interest for this programme, please go to https://wheelsforall.org.uk/latest-news/welcome-to-greater-manchester-bike-buddy-project.

Happiness at Work Week is Helping Supply Thrive with a Better Work Life Balance

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Designed to help workplaces across the globe thrive as positive spaces for employers and employees alike, International Happiness at Work Week was created which kicks off this week.

 

Often regarded as one of the most important vocations within the global workforce, the education sector has felt the brunt of decreasing job satisfaction rates over the last decade. With staff shortages, mounting workloads and external pressures exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, many full-time teachers are switching to supply teaching in order to gain more control over their workload and enjoy a better work/life balance. 

 

Often an overlooked part of the educational team, supply teachers provide crucial support to schools and colleges across the country. As data from the National Education Union (NEU) revealed that 44% of teachers plan to leave the profession by 2027, temporary staff are needed more than ever to plug the gaps left by full-time staff shortages.

 

Esme Bianchi-Barry, CEO of education recruitment specialists Affinity Workforce, said: “There are a lot of different reasons why someone might go into supply teaching over a full-time role. One reason we often hear is the work/life balance it gives, as post-pandemic people have reassessed their lives and are now looking to put happiness at the centre of their life choices.

 

“The benefits of supply teaching are not in short supply, with candidates enjoying the flexibility, variety, autonomy and freedom more so than their full-time colleagues.”

 

59-year-old Patrick Lawler returned to his career as a teacher after taking a break to care for his terminally ill wife. Patrick returned to the classroom at the end of January 2022 as a supply teacher and has spent the past nine months working five days a week across ten different schools in and around Bristol under Monarch Education, a company owned by Affinity Workforce.

 

Since his return to the classroom, Patrick’s love of teaching has been reignited and he has been reminded of why he began teaching in the first place. The privilege of having a positive impact on children’s lives has enriched his life, whilst new friendships with colleagues have changed his life for the better.

 

Patrick said: “I have always been passionate about helping young people. Since returning to education as a supply teacher, my life has been transformed in ways I could never have imagined. What I love about being a supply teacher is that it gives me a great work/life balance, and purpose.”

 

Esme Bianchi-Barry continues: “Affinity Workforce works closely with candidates and schools alike to ensure teachers receive the best opportunities, support and professional development.

 

“We are able to put candidates through extensive, high quality training courses, and our specialist consultants are on hand to provide ongoing advice to teachers throughout their careers.

 

“The benefit of this is that teachers are able to take ownership of shaping their own careers, enjoying a wide range of experiences with the security of a single employer.”

 

If you’re considering a career in supply teaching, visit https://affinityworkforce.com/

Refurbishment of UK nuclear research laboratories supported by Jacobs

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Jacobs is to support refurbishment projects at facilities run by National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), theU.K.’s government owned, but operationally independent, research organisation.

NNL estimates the value of the full lifecycle delivery partner contract at $12 million (£10 million) and the initial contract term is one year with options for three additional one-year extensions. Scope includes design, build and refurbishment work at the Windscale and Central Laboratories at Sellafield in Cumbria, a specialist analytical services and process chemistry facility in Preston and a test-rig centre in Workington.

“This work will help ensure that the U.K.’s advanced nuclear research and development capability remains world-class,” said Jacobs Energy, Security & Technology Senior Vice President Karen Wiemelt. “We will draw on our deep knowledge of nuclear engineering design and our decades-long experience of operating our own 12,000 square meter complex of laboratories and test rigs in Warrington, U.K.”

NNL’s facilities support new reactor build and existing reactor operations as well as decommissioning, clean-up and fuel processing plants, and handling and inspection services for nuclear material.

“It’s crucial that we continue to invest in our laboratories to meet our stakeholders needs as well as wider industry ambitions and to perform our role as the national laboratory for nuclear fission,” said NNL Chief Customer Officer David Beacham. “Our people and facilities are our most important assets, so this project will continue to protect and create highly skilled jobs in the northwest of England.”

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $14 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Hallé announces its first new Leader in nearly 25 years, and a new Artist in Residence

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The Hallé is delighted to announce that, following an extensive search process, Roberto Ruisi has been appointed Leader of the Hallé Orchestra. Roberto studied at the Royal College of Music and was awarded the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal. Recognised as one of the UK’s finest young violinists, Roberto appeared as a guest leader for many orchestras, including L’Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, all by the age of 19.

As Leader of the Hallé Roberto will have use of a 1695 Stradivarius violin, known as the ‘Lincoln Strad’. This extraordinary instrument was given to the City of Lincoln in 1970 by the Hon. Mrs Dudley Pelham, and is on loan to the Leader of the Hallé.

Roberto will make his debut as Leader of the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall on Thursday 6 October in a performance conducted by the Hallé’s Music Director, Sir Mark Elder. The performance includes Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 and features Richard Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben.

Roberto Ruisi said:

“I remember watching the Hallé rehearse when I was only a teenager, with Sir Mark Elder conducting. Their previous leader, Lyn Fletcher, was a mentor of mine and invited me to come and watch. I was utterly blown away. To now be in a position to join this cherished orchestra as its new Leader is an honour.” 

Dobrinka Tabakova has been appointed Artist in Residence for the Hallé’s 2022-23 season. Her exciting and affecting compositions will feature in a variety of concerts throughout the season.

Dobrinka is a composer of ‘exciting, deeply moving’ music (Washington Times), with ‘glowing tonal harmonies and grand, sweeping gestures [which] convey a huge emotional depth’ (The Strad). She has been commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, BBC Radio 3 and the European Broadcasting Union. Her debut profile album String Paths, on ECM Records, was praised internationally and nominated for a Grammy in 2014.

In 2017 she was appointed composer-in-residence with the BBC Concert Orchestra (BBCCO). Her Timber & Steel was premiered by the BBCCO at the 2019 Proms, in a special concert celebrating Sir Henry Wood’s 150th anniversary. Her Concerto for Violin, Strings and percussion- The Patience of Trees was premiered at the Manchester Festival in 2021. A new album is scheduled to be released on ECM Records in the coming year.

Dobrinka Tabakova said:

“I’m thrilled to be working with The Hallé on so many and varied programmes. Being featured as Artist in Residence allows for a deeper connection both with the musicians and with the audience. I’ve already had a great experience with Manchester audiences over the past year, so to be able to build on this is wonderful. I’m excited to be part of the opening concert with my Concerto for Cello and to work with Assistant Conductor and compatriot Delyana Lazarova, together with Guy Johnston. I’m also really looking forward to creating a new work for the Hallé Youth Orchestra and spending more time in Manchester!” 

Hallé Chief Executive David Butcher said:

“We are delighted to welcome such stellar young talents to the Halle as we begin our 2022-23 Season. Roberto Ruisi is a fabulous young violinist, director and Leader who I first saw Leading the National Youth Orchestra and has been warmly embraced our musicians.  We look ahead to many thrilling concerts and projects ahead with Roberto at the helm.  Dobrinka Tabakova’s music is beautiful and evocative and we look forward to introducing our audiences to her music and programming this season, including new works and a recording released on our own label.”

Turley submits planning application for central Manchester aparthotel

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Acting on behalf of Manchester based developer, Jadebricks, Turley has submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council for an aparthotel in the Northern Quarter district of the city centre.

The proposed redevelopment sits on the corner of Oldham Street and Spear Street and the development will be known as ‘Larard’s Still’.

Designed by SimpsonHaugh the proposals are for the retention and re-use of the existing 68 Oldham St, partial retention, including the façade of the existing 70 Oldham Street, conversion of an existing warehouse building with rooftop extension and a new building of 9 storeys (plus ground floor) to create an aparthotel and flexible commercial uses.

The existing buildings fronting Oldham Street, which have been vacant for a number of years and fallen into disrepair, will be restored to retain much of the historic fabric, while integrating with and providing a sustainable, long-term use for the vacant warehouse on Spear Street.

The proposed development will include 117 hotel bedrooms, guest lounge, gym and laundry facilities with 15 secure cycle space storage and space for two independent commercial units on the ground floor.

The scheme will add to the diverse atmosphere of the Northern Quarter as well as promoting enhanced footfall into the area. Neighbouring properties include the adjacent Grade II listed Castle Hotel and 105 Oldham Street and the site is located within the Stevenson Square Conservation Area.

Amsterdam based operator, Cycas Hospitality BV will operate the hotel under Accor’s ‘Adagio Access’ brand.

To ensure a positive design response was developed, the project team carried out early consultation with Manchester City Council and other stakeholders including Historic England and local Ward Councillors. Turley conducted a public consultation which concluded with an online webinar at the end of July:

Turley Planning Director, Stephen Bell added:

“Larard’s Still is an exciting development for Manchester’s Northern Quarter. By restoring and bringing these buildings back into use the development can make a valuable contribution to the area, adding to the mix and vibrancy of Oldham Street in particular. It will also add to the city’s hotel offer, supporting its visitor economy. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the team at Jadebricks, SimpsonHaugh and Cumming Group on this project.”

Jadebricks Managing Director, Mike Bathurst said:

“Since we acquired the site for Larard’s Still in 2020, we have been passionate about ensuring the design is respectful to the Northern Quarter and wider Manchester city centre heritage. Working with a team of Manchester based consultants we’re delighted to have submitted our proposals to Manchester City Council and we’re keen to push forward with delivering another outstanding development for the city.”

MANCHESTER digital marketing agency appointed by Spanish lifestyle brand

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Media City based digital performance marketing agency K2L has been appointed by Spanish lifestyle brand Corioliss to manage its digital campaign strategy across Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Corioliss is a Spanish lifestyle brand offering its own range of hair straighteners, hair curlers, hair dryers, and other hair accessories. Having built up a successful brand in Spain, Corioliss is now launching in the UK.

K2L has been brought on to lead the digital campaign strategy, helping to grow the Corioliss following and client base here in the UK: K2L will be responsible for influencer activation and day-to-day management on Google, Facebook, and Instagram. The team was specifically chosen due to their experience in the beauty and fashion sector, including previous clients such as Beauty Bay, Bootea, and Utan.

Noelia A, from Corioliss, said: “We’d been searching for a UK Partner for some time before we spoke to K2L. They immediately impressed us with their knowledge and understanding in the beauty and fashion sector and gave us great confidence that they’d be the right people to work with.”

Scott Kennedy, Managing Director of K2L, said: “Corioliss has created a well-respected brand in Spain and we’re excited to see their products in the UK. They have ambitious plans and we’re excited to be part of it.”

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