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Real estate duo join Shoosmiths’ Manchester office

Sam Whitear
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Shoosmiths has added to its real estate division with two new senior hires.

The law firm welcomes partner Patrick Duffy and legal director Emma Tonge to its Manchester office, with the duo bringing a combined 50 years of legal experience.

Both Patrick and Emma arrive at Shoosmiths from Addleshaw Goddard. Their specialisms include advising on large-scale regeneration schemes, including residential and commercial development matters, as well as real estate funding and investment.

Patrick’s experience includes advising Cole Waterhouse on the real estate aspects of a £55m refinancing deal for the development of No. 1 Old Trafford. He also led teams advising on the St Michael’s development in Manchester City Centre, as well as a multimillion-pound forward sale and development of a Unite Student accommodation scheme at UCFB at Wembley Stadium, while most recently supporting Bruntwood with its joint venture with Bury Council and the acquisition of the Mill Gate shopping centre in Bury town centre.

Emma also recently led the team advising Bruntwood SciTech on the lease to Roku at Manchester’s No. 1 Circle Square. The streaming giant took 115,066 sq ft of space – one of the largest regional office deals recorded in 2021 and the largest in Manchester since 2020.

The new additions join a 68-strong real estate team in Shoosmiths’ Manchester office, which now consists of 15 partners, six legal directors and over 40 lawyers – covering all aspects of real estate, including construction, planning and litigation.

The team is currently advising clients including Vita Group, Renaker and Peel L&P.

Andrew Pattinson, partner and head of Real Estate North at Shoosmiths, said:

“Emma and Patrick bring a wealth of experience, having worked on transformational regeneration schemes across the UK. They are already making an impression by opening up new workstreams and bolstering the support we can provide to clients.”

Emma Tonge, legal director at Shoosmiths, said:

“The quality and impact of the real estate projects Shoosmiths is advising on is matched by its team members, who are at the forefront of their practice areas. The firm has an ambitious vision and I’m looking forward to contributing to its growth in Manchester and nationally.”

Patrick Duffy, partner at Shoosmiths, said:

“Shoosmiths has built a strong reputation based on providing excellent legal support and finding solutions to industry-wide challenges. When combined with its client roster and collaborative approach, joining the firm was a compelling prospect.

“Emma and I have worked together for 15 years. We’re excited to continue this partnership as part of the Shoosmiths team – strengthening the expertise provided to clients in key areas such as student accommodation, build-to-rent and mixed-use developments.”

Jargon PR partners with GITEX Global 2022

Sam Whitear
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Jargon announced as ‘Strategic Technology Partner’ for Marketing Mania and the inaugural North Star event at the Middle East’s largest technology event

Announcement follows recent expansion into the Middle East as Jargon confirms its fifth office and first overseas blueprint

Following the announcement of Jargon PR’s expansion into the UAE last month, the award-winning international B2B agency announced today that it will be partnering with GITEX Global 2022, the Middle East’s largest technology event. Jargon PR has been named as GITEX’s official Strategic Technology PR partner for 2022.

Jargon PR will work to onboard regional and international journalists and media partners to Marketing Mania and the inaugural North Star event. Marketing Mania is the only marketing and technology event taking place in the Middle East and North Africa region and is set to have over 400,000 visitors. North Star is a startup event which aims to connect impactful Venture Capitalists, Unicorns and Founders to future focussed corporates. North Star has over 100,000 global visitors and 4,000 exhibiting tech leaders.

Working closely to support GITEX, Jargon PR will pique the interests of journalists to ensure their attendance at the event. These journalists will play a key part in driving significant levels of press coverage to allow the event to gain audience awareness and credibility both in advance of and during the event. What’s more, the agency will be seeking out high value media partnerships with businesses that specialise across the broad technology spectrum, including AI, Fintech, Blockchain, Cybersecurity and more. Jargon PR’s team will be on ground during the week, on hand to facilitate media interviews and networking opportunities for the businesses key industry spokespeople.

Kevin Winfield, Associate Director at Jargon PR, commented: “We’re thrilled to be supporting GITEX 2022, the event which sets the agenda for technological innovation in the Middle East. Our team has excellent relationships with international technology media, developed through our work on similar events around the world such as Mobile World Congress.

“It’s fantastic to harness this experience and knowledge to support such an important event. This adds huge momentum to our growth in the region and we’re looking forward to continuing to support brands with international campaigns.”

Semia Azaiz, Senior Marketing Manager at Dubai World Trade Centre, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Jargon PR who are playing an important role in seeking out the most relevant media partners and journalists as we look to highlight the international appeal and value of Marketing Mania and North Star. The team have secured some excellent media so far and we’re looking forward to hosting an amazing show.”

This partnership marks the start of significant levels of growth for Jargon PR throughout the UAE, with Jargon having opened up its office in the UAE earlier this year.

POPULOUS APPOINTS CHARLIE BROOKS TO COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING LEADERSHIP ROLE

Sam Whitear
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Populous, the world’s leading stadium and entertainment venue design and architectural practise, has appointed Charlie Brooks as Communications and Marketing Director.

Brooks joins from Manchester United, where he was Communications Director overseeing both Football and Corporate Communications. He joined United in 2018 and prior to that held a number of senior comms leadership roles at NIKE, Inc, including VP of Consumer Category Communications and, most recently, VP of Comms for the sportswear giant’s global Direct-to-Consumer business.

Populous is a global architecture and design practice, with innovation and sustainability at its core, that has led the design and delivery of some of the most iconic sports and entertainment projects across Europe and around the globe, including stadiums for multiple World Cups, Olympic Games and Super Bowls

Notable work includes Wembley, the Emirates, the 2012 Olympic stadium and the Etihad expansion, as well as Wimbledon and Royal Ascot. More recent venues include the iconic Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Lyon’s Groupama stadium and the new Riverside stand at Fulham FC, while upcoming work will include Manchester United’s Old Trafford and the new Cathedral stadium in Milan. The company also specialises in entertainment venues, such as the 02 Arena and the new Co-Op Live venue in Manchester, set to be the UK’s largest and most spectacular live music arena.

Brooks will undertake a dual role, focusing on EMEA projects and activity, while also elevating the company’s global strategic Communications and Marketing Strategy across its regional portfolio of The Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA.

New food, drink and retail concept launches in Manchester this month

Sam Whitear
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Department Store, offering a destination to dine, drink, work, meet and shop in one immersive setting, launches September 12th

Manchester’s new experiential social space is launching to the public this week, offering locals a new place to eat, drink, shop and socialise, and small businesses a space to showcase their products.

Department Store, an immersive shop floor at Department Bonded Warehouse in Enterprise City, opening on Monday 12th September, will be accessible to the general public as well as workers in the district.

The store is launching with an all-day dining menu consisting of brunch classics, smoothies, and fresh juices, and various delicious small plates and desserts for lunch and dinner. There is also a wide-ranging drinks menu of wines, beers, cocktails, spirits, and soft drinks.

Department Store reflects Enterprise City’s ethos of supporting up-and-coming businesses by giving them access to a pop-up shop front, accessible by a diverse population, without the ongoing burden of their own operational overheads. The footfall in the area consists of members within Department Bonded Warehouse itself, workers, and commuters. With a placemaking initiative, such as Department Store, the wider Manchester community is only set to grow further.

Retailers can take a low-commitment residency which offers a solution to reaching a wide and varied audience. There is also space for events, exhibitors, and pop-ups within the creative programming of the venue.

Brands that will be part of Department Store’s opening community of businesses include accessory retailer Beaches & Cream, cyclist clothing retailer Rapha, and artist Lorna Bent.

Commenting on the launch, Anthony Powell, managing director at Department said: “Department is building a collection of iconic destinations that combine workspace, wellness, and social experiences. The new Department Store does just that. It offers the public and Department members a new space for culinary and creative ideas. The setting has been purposefully designed as a fluid venue to drink, dine, relax, and socialise, whilst providing independent retailers the platform to promote their brands.

“We have been focusing on expanding our food and beverage offering in recent months with the launch of The Stables, a casual canteen-style restaurant, and now Department Store. They are both ran by our food and beverage team who have a passion for hospitality, creative concepts and delivering an elevated experience.”

Department Store will be open Monday – Friday, with brunch served from 8am and an all-day small plates menu available from 11.30am. In addition, scheduled arts, music, and culinary workshops will be incorporated into the offering. Applications are currently being welcomed for brand partnerships and retailer residencies.

In amongst the experiential concept, Department Store also houses a content studio available to hire for private workshops and photoshoots. The studio can be hired by the hour, half day or full day with lighting and backdrop rolls provided.

Access to Department Store is currently via the main Department Bonded Warehouse workspace entrance off Lower Byrom Street, behind the Science and Industry Museum. However, once Grape Street has opened in Enterprise City, there will be an alternative gateway to Department Store, with outdoor seating, a lively ambiance, and live music & DJs.

To find out more about Department Store visit: https://www.departmentuk.com/

ENDS

Notes to editors

For additional details, please contact:

Rick Hollister, Emily Hume and Holly Gregory at PR Agency One T: 0161 871 9140 E: [email protected]

About All Work & Social

“Do Work Be Social” – that’s the tagline that encapsulates the ethos of award-winning brand All Work & Social.

The unique operator provides work and social spaces for members in some of the UK’s key cities: Manchester, Leeds and London. The most notable brand within All Work & Social’s portfolio is Department, a collection of work, wellness and social destinations. Having established Department XYZ in Spinningfields in 2018, Department also operates Department Bonded Warehouse in Enterprise City and is set to make its mark on Leeds Dock in October 2022 with an additional workspace. As well as owned workspaces, All Work & Social also manage operations on behalf of landlords, including the 60s inspired ABC Buildings in Manchester.

Part of the Allied London business portfolio, All Work & Social was founded in 2015, built around a culture and environment that inspires creativity, harbours new relationships, and nurtures mental and physical wellbeing in order to support business growth. It’s more than just a co-working space. All Work & offers places to enjoy a working community and an ecosystem that encourages work to be serious as well as social.

The All Work & Social brand personality is encapsulated within the following five pillars:

1. Clear

a. The All Work & Social offering is straight-forward. It offers places to work and be social. It’s everything members need for your daily work life in one place.

2. Consistent

a. Each space fosters collaboration, creativity and commercial enterprise – inspiring places that enhance the work/life balance of members.

3. Committed

a. All Work & Social is committed to its members, so the culture is fueled by choice and tailored to their needs.

4. Community

a. All Work & Social encourages work to be serious as well as social by providing a catered community ecosystem.

5. Choice

a. Everything members could need is provided under one roof, with the goal of making the daily work life easier.

With over 20 years of workplace design experience, Allied London knows how to create a workspace concept that works. The company draws on its vast expertise to create the right spaces to support All Work & Social members’ businesses and aide growth. What sets this brand apart from the rest is the focus on community, environment, and the uniqueness of the buildings it operates.

There’s no such thing as one-size-fits all. With spaces facilitating a multitude of sectors, from tech and media to corporate, members of All Work & Social have the chance to flex their entrepreneurial wings whilst rubbing shoulders with international companies like PwC, Booking.com and more.

With All Work & Social, you’re guaranteed a place within the heart of the city. You only need to experience the space to know that it’s a place you’ll want to be.

It works because it’s a seriously well-designed product that is aimed at the customer. All Work & Social functions to support members’ working lives by offering a modern approach to work and social.

Dron & Dickson appoints Envirovue to support with carbon neutral waste management

Sam Whitear
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The UK’s leading provider of installation and maintenance of harsh & hazardous area and electrical equipment Dron & Dickson has appointed Envirovue to assist with reducing the emissions from its waste management as part of their commitment to be Net Zero by 2030.

The remit of the partnership includes Envirovue identifying compliant carriers and waste facilities and advising and supporting Dron & Dickson to implement best practice for site waste management, increase recycling rates and help manage waste costs.

The Bury-based organisation uses its best match calculation software which identifies compliant carriers for each of Dron & Dickson’s five branches and site audits to identify additional recycling methods organisations can adopt to increase recycling rates. This alone though cannot fully eliminate waste carbon emissions, but using its bespoke algorithm to calculate an organisation’s emissions from waste generated, Envirovue then offset these emissions by donating a relative amount to Gold Standard Certified carbon offsetting projects in line with the PAS 2060 standard.

The partnership will play a role in supporting Dron & Dickson to achieve its sustainability goals, including a target of Net Zero by 2030. By setting this target Dron & Dickson is committing its future as a greener, environmentally friendly business. The organisation has already identified six reduction areas: utilities, buildings, transport, industry, waste and land use and forestry.

The first phase of the environmental transformation, to be completed by 2023, includes the development of the Net Zero Strategy document, calculating company carbon emission figures, installing EV charging stations at each branch and transitioning to only hybrid or electric cars and renewable energy utilities supply. It will also develop branch specific plans to reduce energy usage within buildings.

Dron & Dickson has already committed to measures to help its Carbon Reduction plans, including utilising Compare Your Footprint software which calculates the carbon emissions across the entire business, installing pilot EV charging stations at its Stirling branch, with the other branches following suit in Q3/4 2022 and contracting Envirovue to take over its waste management.

Chris Kirkland, HSEQ Advisor at Dron & Dickson said: “The effects of climate change remain severe, and environmental sustainability is more important than ever. Dron & Dickson’s aim is to minimise its impact on the environment and to play its part in regenerating planet earth to ensure a better future for many generations to come. Our Net Zero Strategy document, which outlines the overarching steps that will be taken to achieve our target of net zero by 2030, has a big part to play in that aim.

“We are delighted to have contracted Envirovue for all our waste management needs. Utilising their full suite of software we have significantly reduced the carbon emissions from waste generated at our sites and in combination with their offsetting measures, Dron & Dickson can proudly state that in partnership with Envirovue, we are now Carbon Neutral in our Waste Management processes”.

Daniel Redfern, Director at Envirovue said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside Chris and the team at Dron & Dickson to help them achieve their sustainability goals. Reducing your environmental impact should be a priority for all businesses, so we are so proud to be working with an industry leader such as Dron & Dickson to pave the way for the best-in-class approach to creating a carbon neutral

environment”.

STRONG RESULTS FOR CLARKE WILLMOTT LLP

Sam Whitear
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Manchester law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has reported another year of positive results from 2021/22, with revenue of £59.6 million – up 12 per cent on the prior year on the back of strong results across the firm’s teams and sectors.

The firm remains committed to the long-term growth of a diverse commercial and private client practice. At the heart of the firm’s strategy sits a commitment to delivering excellent client service underpinned by a culture built around fully flexible and sustainable ways of working.

Stephen Rosser, CEO, said: “The last two years have been transformational for the firm.

“After a decade of improvements, we have moved the firm onto an excellent footing for future growth. Our results are a consequence of the hard work undertaken by everyone at the firm and the great support from our diverse client base from whom we have received more instructions than ever, on increasingly complex and interesting work.

“Changes implemented during the pandemic have become our new normal and we have a thriving culture built on flexible, collaborative and supportive working.”

Clarke Willmott has continued to focus on staff, wellbeing, inclusion and developing the social aspects of work in a flexible hybrid working model.

A wide range of social activities continues and more new initiatives and events are tested each month. Feedback from staff suggests that the strategy is paying dividends that go beyond the financial results.

Large numbers of people responding to the latest firmwide survey reported:

· Hybrid working is delivering benefits for our people and the wider business – 96 per cent of our people who are in the same or similar roles to the role they had pre-pandemic now perceive that they are now working more effectively

· Not only are staff more effective now, they enjoy working flexibly – 95 per cent are enjoying the days that they work at home

· Whilst working in a successful law firm can be hard work, almost 60 per cent of staff say that they have “a great work life balance”

· Virtually all of our staff would recommend Clarke Willmott as a place to work

In a response that was consistent with many others, one recent joiner stated: “Clarke Willmott is the best business I’ve worked for in the whole of my working life; they look after their staff, progression is there if you want it, and introducing hybrid working was the way forward for a modern, caring LLP.”

Stephen Rosser added: “Whilst there are clearly significant challenging headwinds for all businesses in the UK and more broadly, we are building on the lessons learned and investments made during the pandemic by aligning all of the strands of our growth strategy to provide a long term, sustainable future for the firm.

“Our ESG commitments, property strategy and our fully flexible approach to work all contribute. One of the most visible manifestations of this work relates to the changes in our properties.

“In summer 2021 we moved to a smaller but more environmentally sustainable location in Birmingham. In spring 2022 we fully overhauled and modernised our Taunton office. Plans are now underway for a move from our current location in Bristol to top rated sustainable office space at new development Assembly C in spring 2023.

“All of our offices are designed to support fully flexible working. These changes are part of the plan that will drive us to be net zero by 2035 at the latest and ideally by 2030 to align with the Paris Agreement. We will firm up this commitment once we have fully scoped and planned for all of our impacts.”

Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Manchester, Cardiff, Southampton, Taunton, Birmingham, Bristol and London.

HURST TO WELCOME SCHOOL LEAVERS ON TO ITS TRAINEE ACCOUNTANT PROGRAMME

Sam Whitear
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HURST TO WELCOME SCHOOL LEAVERS ON TO ITS

TRAINEE ACCOUNTANT PROGRAMME

Accounting and business advisory firm HURST is offering school leavers the chance
to join its trainee accountant scheme for the first time in its 40-year history.
HURST is opening the programme to applicants with three A-levels or equivalent.
The firm is also offering places to graduates with lower second-class honours
degrees for the first time. Until now, there has been a requirement for trainees to
have at least an upper second-class honours degree.
Another change sees HURST open its programme to those seeking qualifications
from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) rather than solely
from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
HURST partner and director of practice development Simon Brownbill said: “We
have seen placement and work experience students make a fantastic impression
with us over the years, demonstrating that there are quality people out there without
university degrees who would be great additions to our team.
“Our rapid growth means we need more applicants, and we also want to improve
diversity and reduce barriers to entry. As we look to build our business at an even
faster rate while continuing to develop our own talent, the time is right to offer
careers to school leavers.
“We welcome applications from a range of backgrounds, and will be using the same
recruitment process for school leavers as we have in place for graduates. The
standard to get a place at HURST will remain the same. The process is under way,
as we are seeking trainees for our 2022/23 intake.”
School leavers joining HURST will receive paid leave for study and examinations,
leading to the same qualifications they would get had they graduated from university.
Each newcomer will be assigned a mentor and will have a tailored career plan, which
will see them working with partners and managers on a range of assignments with
clients, and including possible secondments overseas,
Meanwhile, HURST has also launched a development programme for accountants
seeking to progress through the ranks all the way to manager and partner level.
Simon added: “Our retention levels have been phenomenal, and this has been down
to a focus on working with the very best clients, a supportive culture, and providing
career development. As the firm grows, we want to give more people these
opportunities.”

Four Ways to Get Your Finances in Order

Sam Whitear
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Times are difficult for the average household in the UK at the moment, as household bills continue to skyrocket. Many are rightfully concerned for their long-term financial future, with many more lacking the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their finances. What can you do to pull your finances in order and rebuild your savings?

Establish a System for Paying Bills

Bills and other scheduled payments can often be the bane of your life, especially if you are disorganised when it comes to your finances. This may be a familiar sentiment if you have found yourself attempting to keep to a savings goal, only to find your progress wiped by an unexpected bill. Failure to properly pay these bills as they come can also have a disastrous impact on your credit rating.

By directly reckoning with your various bills, subscriptions and other obligations – such as rent, or mortgage repayments – you can consolidate your monthly payments to one time and one place. This enables you to have a better understanding of your monthly outgoings and to plan accordingly. You can change the dates of your direct debits and standing orders to the same day, and consolidate them to the same account for ease.

Deal With Debt First

Your next concern should be any financial obligations you have in the form of credit or debt. Debt is not a bad thing to have in terms of your credit score if you are making regular scheduled repayments – indeed, taking out and repaying loans is a healthy way to build a positive credit history. However, remaining in debt will actively harm any attempts you make to save money.

The debt you have will be charged at a rate of interest. That rate of interest is almost guaranteed to be higher than any rate of interest offered by savings accounts or investment funds – resulting in a net loss of money if you attempt to save instead of paying off your debt.

Seek Financial Planning Assistance

With your debt in hand, your next concern will naturally be your long-term approach to saving. There are many different ways to save money, and different products available that could help you accrue value over time. For the financially illiterate, it can be difficult to know where to start.

This is where financial planning advice can be particularly useful. Experts can give you a better understanding of the investment products and savings accounts available to you, and the best options for your specific aims. For example, if you have aspirations to buy a home, a Lifetime ISA might be a strong saving option for your goals.

Exhibit Self-Control

Lastly, the generation of additional funds for your savings accounts or individual savings goals can only be managed through the management of your own spending habits. Careful budgeting will reveal areas where you can cut down on unnecessary expenditure, and improve your monthly savings as a result.

Rakuten Kobo and 3PL Partner for Multichannel Ecommerce Fulfilment

Sam Whitear
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3PL, a Wigan-based third-party logistics specialist announced that it has partnered with Rakuten Kobo, a global leader in eReading, offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to millions of customers in 190 countries.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the world’s biggest digital booksellers. Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo enables more than 38 million readers worldwide to read anytime, anywhere. As logistics partner, 3PL will provide both B2C and B2B fulfilment solutions for the brands family of best-selling e-readers to customers across the UK.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance our supply chain operations and are confident that working with 3PL will enable us to get more people reading more quickly across the U.K.,” said Nantha Gopalasamy, Director of Global Supply Chain Management at Rakuten Kobo.

3PL has developed a tailored logistics solution for Rakuten Kobo. Capabilities will include end-to-end order fulfilment, flexible storage with the agility to respond to changes in volume, and the scalability to adapt to future demand, dedicated account management and a range of value-added services that are designed to support Rakuten’s UK growth strategy.

Erica Morrison, Customer Success Manager at 3PL, commented on the partnership. “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Rakuten Kobo, and to play a part in their mission to bring the power of reading to our worlds. As a story lover myself, I’m very excited to delve into the delights of over 6 million digital book titles, and for 3PL to play a part in the success of this wonderful, forward thinking business.“

AO LAUNCH FUNDED GAS APPRENTICESHIPS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Sam Whitear
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For Gas Safety Week, online electricals retailer AO announces today that it has introduced funded gas apprenticeships for the first time to both grow its fleet of qualified engineers and invest in training.

Following the introduction of the new apprenticeships, AO is now successfully upskilling and training several cohorts – many of whom were self-employed drivers contracted by the company. For the first time, the retailer has launched the fully funded course aimed at both current employees and contracted drivers, which provides an accessible pathway to the Level 3 gas qualification. This runs alongside a new apprenticeship funded by the government levy, which is open to anyone with a full driving license.

Lynne Wood, Director of Service Delivery at AO Logistics, said: “I’m so proud that we can now invest in providing accessible opportunities by offering these gas apprenticeships for the first time. Many of the contracted drivers and electrical installers have jumped at the chance to train in gas, and I’m so pleased we can support their future careers. With more qualified gas engineers on hand, we can also make our leading delivery and installation proposition even better for customers.”

Running for up to 16 weeks, the fast-track programme consists of both online and classroom teaching, as well as on-the-road experience to quickly upskill participants. The AO funded scheme runs alongside an apprenticeship funded by the government apprentice levy that offers comprehensive training in driving a 3.5 tonne van, gas qualifications and functional skills across 16 months.

Edward Knight first crossed paths with AO in 2018 when he was contracted for driver services before training as an electrical installer and he is now participating in the first cohort of the gas apprenticeship. He said: “I’m really chuffed that I’ve had the chance to do my gas training, which adds another string to my bow when it comes to my career. I’ve always considered doing an apprenticeship, but it was never an option due to the cost – so I jumped at the chance when I saw that AO was offering to fund it and I’ve really enjoyed the training so far.”

As part of AO’s installation offering, the engineers disconnect the old appliance at the point of delivery and safely install the new one with a full health check. The engineers are accredited to the highest standards, with Gas Safe registration, NICEIC electrical accreditation and membership to CHAS, the UK’s leading provider of compliance and risk management solutions.

AO acquired the two-person delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009 and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products.

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