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Manchester based impact software developer hits £1 million ARR

Sam Whitear
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Culture Shift, the Manchester based tech for good developer, has reached £1 million Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) for the first time since being founded in 2018.

More than 1.7 million people now have access to Culture Shift’s reporting system, which gives organisations the insights they need to monitor and prevent bullying and harassment in educational institutions and workplaces.

The developer has experienced a significant period of growth over the last two years having secured two rounds of investment, £1.35 million in 2020, followed by a further £1.5 million in 2021, in a funding round led by Praetura Ventures and Blackfinch Ventures.

Further to this, Culture Shift has more than tripled its headcount since January 2020, having bolstered its team with new employees across various parts of the business including marketing, sales and customer experience.

“It goes without saying that the last few years have been challenging for organisations worldwide, so being able to achieve substantial growth during this time has been a huge achievement. We’re currently working with more than 90 organisations across the UK to maintain a positive culture and help them to take a preventative approach to problematic behaviour, and this number is continuing to grow.

“This is a monumental milestone for the whole business and I’m so proud of the team for achieving such incredible things over recent years. It’s been a truly exciting journey since founding the company in 2018. The fact we’re now giving a voice to over 1.7 million employees and students who may not have felt empowered to speak up about problematic behaviour previously is incredible,” comments Gemma McCall, CEO and founder of Culture Shift.

Culture Shift exists to lead positive change in organisational culture, through building products that empower them to tackle harassment and bullying.

Motor retailer launches satisfying web game based on packing your car boot

Sam Whitear
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UK Top 10 motor retail group JCT600 is putting some extra fun into packing for holiday travel this summer with a new online game that will also keep car passengers of all ages entertained on long journeys.

Car Boot Carnage was designed and built by JCT600’s long-term digital agency partner Code Computerlove to help position JCT600 as leaders in online experience, in a market that’s seen a number of new digital-first disruptors in recent years.

Inspired by Tetris, one of the world’s favourite puzzle video games, Car Boot Carnage is available to play for free with no download required at carbootcarnage.com/ To play the game, you have to complete the grid by packing various items to fill the boot within the allocated time, depending on whether you’re visiting the beach, going camping, moving to uni, or visiting the in-laws.

The game has already got people hooked and is being shared by retro gaming fans and YouTubers, which is supporting JCT600’s visibility amongst extremely online audiences and strengthening their overall domain authority so they can continue punching above their weight in search.

As one of JCT600’s strategic digital partners, Code is supporting the 76-year-old retailer on its transformation journey by enhancing its digital customer experience and streamlining its service processes, which has recently included creating a new self-serve car buying experience for customers.

Joel Stein, Content & Creativity Lead at Code Computerlove, said:

“We have a clear and compelling vision for JCT600’s core digital products. As well as making the car buying experience feel calmer, we’re always looking for creative ways to reach new audiences and stand out in a crowded, competitive car retail landscape.

“Despite the name Car Boot Carnage, there’s actually something deeply mindful and satisfying about puzzle games like this, and that’s a nice reflection of the wider brand experience we’re building for JCT600, all rooted in a sense of calmness and control.”

Code Computerlove achieved viral success with another online game – its famous Higher Lower Game that rocketed to number one in the App Store just days after launch in 2016 and was downloaded more than six million times.

APADMI ACHIEVES SIGNIFICANT GROWTH FOLLOWING EUROPEAN EXPANSION

Sam Whitear
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Leading technology consultancy, Apadmi, is forecasting a 66% growth in turnover for its current financial year following the expansion of its group across Europe.

Headquartered in Manchester, and with further offices across the UK and the Netherlands, Apadmi is the digital product partner for some of the world’s leading organisations including Domino’s, Co-op, NHS, BBC, Chelsea Football Club, Co-op and Argos Financial Services.

Following a turnover of £11.8m for the 12 months to March 2022, Apadmi is expecting a further 66% growth for year ending March 2023, attributed to the continued execution of its strategic expansion strategy, as well as a strong performance within its digital product offerings.

Former Google and Facebook lead, Stuart Lunn, who was appointed as UK Managing Director for Apadmi in June, has praised the company’s financial forecasts in light of the difficult economic environment and widespread market downturns.

Founded in 2009, Apadmi’s continued success has enabled it to become one of the stronger names in the technology sector, with its strong strategic direction, longevity and sales growth.

Employing over 200 staff, the company recently opened offices in Edinburgh and Utrecht, in addition to its Manchester and London facilities.

Stuart Lunn, UK Managing Director, said, “We are currently in a very challenging economic period, however the strength of Apadmi’s bottom line and the company’s decisive action surrounding its expansion is testament to our strategy, agility and the expertise of the team who have worked impressively hard to deliver growth.

“The last 12 months have seen us accelerate our expansion across the EMEA region, while also ensuring our offering diversifies beyond the mobile technology products which we are renowned for and into wider digital remits such as systems integration and product strategy.

“I am particularly pleased with the forecast for the next 12 months. The wider market is facing significant economic challenges but I am confident that as a business we are in a strong position to successfully navigate the environment and maintain our growth forecasts as we become an integral part of the UK’s technology landscape.”

In the coming quarters, Apadmi will continue to focus on geographic and product expansion, with further offices mooted for Lisbon and North America.

4th Utility moves to state-of-the-art new home as broadband provider gears up for growth

Sam Whitear
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The move is a huge boost for firm, which is planning to expand its customer base and headcount

Full fibre broadband provider 4th Utility has moved to a new home in Greater Manchester as the firm gears up for another period of growth.

The independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) has leased new office space at the prestigious Beech House on Cambridge Road in Hale, close to the town centre, announcing it as the firm’s new headquarters.

4th Utility, a business quickly expanding and creating access to fast and reliable broadband for the masses, says it is now ready for rapid growth following the move to the 700 sq ft contemporary office suite in Hale town centre.

Tony Hughes, CEO of the firm, said: “We’re delighted to announce the move into this new, state-of-the-art block, which is a big boost for our fast-growing business.

“We’re a company with huge ambition and our new base will allow for further expansion, both in terms of the number of customers we provide for – and our staff headcount.

“It’s great to be located in Hale – so close to the high street and in the middle of a thriving business community containing everything from SMEs and sole traders to large corporations.”

The move to the office at the Victorian-era building comes as 4th Utility’s impressive story continues.

The firm, which partners with residential and commercial landlords and property developers, has been rolling out its full fibre offering across the country.

Since its foundation just five years ago, the number of employees has soared from zero to 55.

It has recently passed the 30,000 mark for homes connected across the UK over the past year, addressing both new apartment blocks and retrofitting existing buildings with full fibre solutions. It now has customers spanning from York to South London and Essex to Bristol as its footprint continues to grow, and hopes to connect even more properties next year.

Mr Hughes added: “We’ve quickly become an established player in the ISP market, and our aim is to continue expanding and opening up access to fast and reliable broadband for as many people as possible.”

Maker&Son from West Sussex Sold to Inc & Co

News Desk
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The West Sussex-based furniture brand Maker&Son, established in 2018 by Alex Willcock and his son Felix Conran, has been acquired by investment firm Inc & Co in a substantial multi-million-pound transaction.

Operating from their headquarters, design studio, and showroom in Balcombe, the company has expanded its reach internationally, with manufacturing facilities in the UK, Ireland, the US, Australia, Asia, and New Zealand, enabling local production in these markets.

The brand, which was recently valued at £55 million, employs 150 staff members. Maker&Son is particularly well-known for its viral ‘Sofa Jump’ advertising campaign, which began in 2018.

This marketing strategy is essential for the brand as they do not sell in physical stores, instead reaching customers directly through their ‘mobile’ showroom.

Felix Conran, co-founder of Maker&Son, said: “Our vision for the business was to put our products and people – both our team and our clients – at the heart of what we do. With this comes a true sense of British heritage and belonging for our teams, and our clients alike.

“The sale will enable us to continue our vision of creating luxury sustainable furniture. We are delighted that Inc &Co have seen the value in what we have achieved to date and are excited to work with them to write the next chapter for Maker&Son.”

The Manchester-based investment group Inc & Co will take full control of the Maker&Son group, including its international operations. Founded three years ago, the group recently reported a turnover of £30 million in its second year.

Maker&Son is the latest in a line of acquisitions by Inc & Co, which includes luxury leather brand KNOMO London, food and beverage brand Chop’d, and King Street Grooming.

Inc & Co plans to grow Maker&Son by introducing 20 new regional locations for its mobile showroom over the next 18 months.

Jack Mason, CEO of Inc & Co, commented: “Inc & Co pride itself on being known for expediting acquisitions in an extremely diligent and human-centric way. We are excited to be joining Maker&Son on its business journey. It is a distinguished brand, with provenance and vision. The fast and international growth to date has proven the strength of the product and we’re looking to expand on this further.

“Inc & Co, much like Maker&Son, is honed on creating and delivering products and services for the modern, sustainably conscious and digitally aware customer. Maker&Son fits seamlessly into the Inc & Co portfolio of brands and we can’t wait get under the skin of the business.”

Social Republic Chosen To Support U.S Based Homeless Dogs Hotel

Sam Whitear
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American charity, The Hotel for Homeless Dogs, has commissioned Manchester social media agency, Social Republic, as it pushes for growth to expand facilities by raising $1.5m.

Social Republic will develop a bespoke social media strategy and look to improve engagement with new and existing audiences across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

The Hotel For Homeless Dogs is a humane centre based in Rhode Island, USA, saving dogs and cats from high-kill shelters, whilst changing the perception of animal welfare to one of positivity and beauty.

By making it a luxury environment for the animals, the hotel is changing the view of animal standards, as well as creating a friendly and welcoming community for volunteers.

The hotel aims to rehome animals into positive and loving home environments, whilst providing an experience that looks and feels beautiful for everyone involved.

Completely reliant on donations, the hotel is looking to raise $1.5m in order to move into a new facility that will increase the number of animals they can save and re-home.

Susan Joseph, Executive Director at Hotel For Homeless Dogs commented:

“Our priority is a fundraising campaign that will allow us to develop a new home for dogs and cats across the United States.

Improving the state of animal welfare is a challenge, but with the help of Social Republic and their innovative social media ideas, together we can turn it into a reality.

I am excited to see what we can do together.”

CEO of Social Republic, Rob Illidge added:

“Our partnership with the Hotel For Homeless Dogs represents a game-changing moment for animal welfare in the United States.

We will be utilising this opportunity to develop a unique fundraising strategy whilst increasing the quality and quantity of social media content.

As a team of animal lovers and creators of purpose-led campaigns, we can’t wait to get started.”

The Hotel For Homeless Dogs is looking to grow its community and build a strong donor base so that expansion is possible, improving upon the lives of both the animals they save and the volunteers they welcome.

Championing happiness and positivity in an otherwise dark space, the hotel brings a new perspective to animal welfare.

Social Republic has established itself as a leading agency for non-profit organisations, working with the NHS, British Red Cross, Melanoma UK and Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation in the United States.

Mayor hails “fantastic” arrival of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult in Manchester, as strategic body aims to boost the region’s productivity by £500m

Sam Whitear
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A new office for the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult) and
deep tech innovation organisation, CPI, in Manchester will bridge the region’s manufacturing output gap of £500m million according to new research cited by HVM Catapult.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“This is fantastic news for Greater Manchester and especially for our manufacturing sector. The HVM Catapult is there to help businesses innovate, which
will spark further investment and the support the creation of high-quality jobs.

“Going back to the Industrial Revolution, our city-region has been at the centre of advances in science and technology. Innovation is just as important to our future.
Increased R&D spending and more productive businesses can power the growth of our economy and level up the North.”

The HVM Catapult and
CPI have unveiled analysis relating to the output gap to mark the opening of its
Manchester offices in the heart of the city’s innovation district at Bruntwood SciTech’s Circle Square – a joint venture partnership between Bruntwood and Legal & General.

HVM Catapult Chief Executive, Katherine Bennett said: “Backing
manufacturing through technology innovation in Manchester is an important part of the ‘levelling up’ agenda. Mancunians are extremely hard workers and there is so much opportunity for growth in the region. Manufacturing not only brings direct benefits to
the local economy, but every 100 manufacturing jobs creates in turn an additional 90 jobs in the wider economy.

“To expand its impact across the North, CPI’s new Manchester office, alongside its office recently opened in Liverpool City Region at another of Bruntwood SciTech’s locations
– Liverpool Science Park, will further connect the innovation ecosystem and boost prosperity across the North of England. HVM Catapult and CPI hope to pave the way for R&D in the region and
deliver commercial and collaborative technology innovation projects that boost sustainability, health and economic prosperity.”

HVM Catapult’s seven centres of industrial innovation, including CPI, were brought together in 2011 by Innovate UK. In 2021/22, the network worked with more
than 5,500 industrial partners. CPI collaborates with partners in industry, academia, government and the investment community to catalyse
the delivery of incredible healthcare and sustainability innovations.

The first HVM Catapult presence in Manchester
will support the region to deliver its technology and innovation plans and bolster the local economy. HVM
Catapult and CPI will encourage businesses to invest in innovation
and support the creation of new products and processes, which could boost productivity in the region by up to £500m a year.

Frank Millar, CEO of CPI, said: “CPI has worked collaboratively
with businesses and institutions in Manchester over several years. With its industrial history, outstanding academic institutions, and thriving start-up, science and technology scene, opening an office in Manchester is delivering our strategy to enable place-based
innovation. Through high-impact innovation partnerships, strategies and programmes, we’re excited to support businesses in Greater Manchester to become more competitive, delivering impact in the local economy, developing
skills, and creating and protecting high-value jobs.”

Bruntwood SciTech will be supporting the HVM Catapult with direct introductions to fast growing start-ups and scale-ups who would benefit, both at Circle
Square and at their other Greater Manchester and Cheshire campuses – Manchester Science Park, Citylabs and Alderley Park. The organisations join a strong community now based at Circle Square, including disruptive tech and digital start-ups in the Tech Incubator
and global leading companies such as Hilti, Bosch Automotive, Roku and Octopus Energy.

Dr Kath Mackay, Director for Life Sciences at Bruntwood SciTech, commented:
“As the UK’s leading property provider dedicated to driving the growth of the science and technology sector, we’re
delighted to welcome both HVM Catapult and one of its founding members CPI to Circle Square. They will be located in the heart of Manchester’s innovation district, the Oxford Road Corridor, putting them perfectly placed in immediate proximity to the world-renowned
academic institutions and the largest cluster of the city’s science and tech businesses, enabling the HVMC to tap into the ecosystem we’re proud to have nurtured here.

“This exciting partnership aligns perfectly with our vision and model of curating interconnected, industry-leading innovation districts
and ecosystems right across the UK. With CPI and the Manufacturing Technology Centre – both founding members in the Catapult, already operating from Liverpool Science Park and the HVM Catapult in talks for further sites with us, there has never been greater
access to facilities, funding, talent, or collaboration opportunities for science and tech businesses looking to form, scale and grow in the UK’s leading regional cities.”

HVM Catapult will host a launch event next month after moving into Circle Square for important stakeholders including The University of Manchester.

Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at The University of Manchester, said:
“The High Value Manufacturing Catapult will provide another key element in our rapidly developing regional innovation ecosystem – in Manchester, we have developed an approach which accelerates the flow of new knowledge into applications.

“We do this through our world-class facilities in graphene and other advanced materials, biotechnology and health which together provides firms of all sizes the opportunity
to work in partnership with leading experts, as well as giving access to our state-of-the-art equipment.

“A vital part of the Manchester offer is the highly qualified graduate workforce which attracts knowledge-based firms into the city while, at the same time, helps existing
companies to grow their innovative activities.

“This entrepreneurial culture is driving the formation of growing numbers of spin-outs and start-ups, evidenced by a record year from the University’s Innovation Factory.
Scaling-up will also be strongly aided by the new Northern Gritstone investment company which this year raised £215m for investment in high-tech spin-outs.”

Pannone Corporate makes raft of promotions across the firm

Sam Whitear
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North West law firm, Pannone Corporate, has announced the promotion of seven people across its team, including two promotions to Associate Partner.

Effective from 21 July, Bill Dunkerley has been promoted to Associate Partner in the firm’s Regulatory team. Since joining the firm in 2019, Bill has quickly built up a strong reputation in the area of regulatory interventions and prosecutions, including corporate and gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences, with extensive experience advising and assisting care providers.

He is joined as Associate Partner by Michael McNally, who joined the Employment team last year as director. He advises employers on all aspects of employment law, including regular representation and advocacy in the Employment Tribunal. He has particular experience working with businesses in the care, manufacturing, transport and logistics, retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.

Commenting on his promotion, Bill said: “I’m delighted to have been promoted to Associate Partner alongside Michael, during an exciting period of growth for Pannone Corporate.

“It’s a real honour to have moved up through the ranks, as we look to build on the momentum achieved across the Regulatory team, and the firm as a whole.”

In total, Pannone has promoted seven people. These include: Arshnoor Amershi, who has been promoted to Director in the Corporate Services team, where she specialises in all aspects of corporate legal work, such as M&A and disposals, reorganisations and restructuring; Andrew Walsh, who joined Pannone as a trainee solicitor seven years ago, rising up the ranks to become Senior Associate in Corporate Services; and James Brandwood, who has been promoted to Senior Associate in the Real Estate team.

In addition, Radhika Das, who joined as a Legal Executive in 2018, has become an Associate in the Employment team; together with Lauren Beech, who has been promoted to Associate in Commercial Services.

Paul Jonson, senior partner at Pannone, commented: “These promotions represent Pannone’s commitment to investing in our people and the future of the firm.

“The Associate Partner promotions are thoroughly well deserved. Bill and Michael have both demonstrated a clear focus on both technical excellence and commercial advice in a short space of time, to provide a high quality service to clients. Everyone who has been promoted should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

The promotions follow the recent appointments of Paul Jagger as Debt Recovery Manager, joining from Ward Hadaway, together with Dominic Beddow, solicitor in Real Estate, Lauren Whittaker, Foreign Lawyer, Regulatory, and Belinda Cheung, Associate, Corporate.

Middlewich business acquired by Belgian waste management giant

Sam Whitear
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EUROPEAN waste management business Indaver has acquired Middlewich waste management specialist BIP Chemical Holdings and BIP Environmental in a major deal.

BIP Chemical Holdings (including BIP Organics and Centec International) and BIP Environmental provide an end-to-end provision for hazardous waste, recycling solvents for clients in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Clients include Shell, Certas Energy, Veolia and DuPont.

North west law firm SAS Daniels LLP advised chairman and sole shareholder Mike Bennett on the sale.

Bennett formed BIP Chemical Holdings in 2006 and BIP Environmental in 2012. The business employs 75 people, mainly chemical engineers, process engineers and senior operators. Turnover in the current financial year is over £12 million.

Belgium-based Indaver has facilities and operations in more than 30 locations including Belgium, Germany, Ireland, UK, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The Indaver Group manages five million tonnes of waste every year and employs 1,900 people.

Paul Tyrer, partner in the corporate group at SAS Daniels LLP, said:

“We were delighted when Mike appointed us to advise on this significant transaction. BIP is recognised as a market leader in its specialist field. Indaver was the right fit from the start and the acquisition provides the buyer with a platform to serve its industrial customers in the UK even better.”

Prior to setting up BIP Chemical Holdings, Bennett was a chemical trader in recycled solvents for more than 20 years. He said:

“After building up BIP over more than 20 years, it was essential that we found the right business with the right ethos to move it forward. Indaver brings unrivalled expertise and has plans to further invest in the site. I’m confident that I’m leaving the business in safe hands. The acquisition is great news for our customers and our extremely talented team.”

The legal team at SAS Daniels LLP comprised Paul Tyrer, Matthew Canfield, Rob Hughes and Warren Moores. Tax and accountancy support on the deal was provided by Lee Warburton at Voiseys. Liz Bruce and Duncan Cathie led a team from Brodies LLP that advised the buyer Indaver UK Limited.

Free business, digital and personal development events announced for Greater Manchester SMEs from August 25

Sam Whitear
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A Manchester digital apprenticeship provider has teamed up with leading business figures to create a programme of free, online seminars for organisations of any size and sector, and people working in a wide range of job roles across Greater Manchester

Individuals can register for seminars on digital security (safeguarding), data strategy (for growth and profit) and personal branding (for career success) between August 25 and November 24 2022.

The new events, which are being promoted locally to ensure a good regional take up, follow a sell-out three months May to July of the inaugural event programme going live, which were attended by more than 1000 people around the UK discussing the topics of GDPR, data science and data integration.

Industry experts and the NowSkills team will discuss hot topics from the business, digital and HR world via live, 30-minute webinar sessions plus exclusive Q&A sessions. The next three sessions are a mixture of business and personal seminars for all including employees, entrepreneurs and business owners.

August 25 is Digital Security with Rachael Bishop a professional with extensive experience in the public sector and government who will talk about the best ways to approach digital security and the safeguarding of stakeholders in a forever-changing digital world.

September 29 is Achieving Personal Success with high-level software developer Ketaki Vaidya who leads the Artificial Intelligence team in Oracle Hospitality. Her professional experience and career path has exposed her to the importance of personal branding and this session aims to empower professionals with the strategies to own and drive their careers forward.

The last event this year is on the topic of data strategy with founder and CEO of datazuum, Samir Sharm, a global speaker specialising in helping companies prioritise data initiatives, uncover growth opportunities and utilise data to increase revenue and profit.

The sessions are held over Zoom and at the end of each session, there is a unique opportunity for attendees to ask questions and gain useful advice and specific knowledge from people with years of knowledge and insight at the top of their respective fields.

The events are open for booking now via the NowSkills website and Eventbrite.

NowSkills managing director, Mark Norse, said: ‘It was very positive to see more than 1000 people register for the initial events and following this demand, we decided to add more events to the schedule. We’d particularly urge anyone working at SMEs in our Greater Manchester heartland to come forward so we can help with any regional issues and concerns. Our aim is to provide snippets of highly useful information from global experts that anyone can apply to their roles plus this time around, there is also some career advice. This is also what we do with our apprentices; we teach them the latest digital and IT skills as well as providing them with general skills and behaviours to help them pursue successful careers and thrive in the workplace.’

NowSkills offers specialist digital and IT training and apprenticeships around the UK for roles including software developer, information communications technician, data analyst and digital marketer.

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