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Jewson and JPS branches to host Big Brew to support mental health in construction

Helen Greaney
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Jewson and JPS branches to host Big Brew to support mental health in construction

Mental health in the construction industry is set to be top of the agenda in 57 Jewson
branches and JPS hubs across the country next week, as they collaborate to host ‘The Big Brew’.

Designed to raise awareness of mental health challenges in the construction industry, The Big Brew is an annual campaign which encourages builders and tradespeople to come together over a hot drink to support one another.

It is the fourth year Jewson has championed the initiative from Band of Builders, its official charity partner.

Jewson and JPS are now encouraging general builders and specialist tradespeople to drop in to their nearest branch during the event on October 10,  to chat with branch teams and find out more about the free and confidential counselling service that Band of Builders offers.

For a second year, the event will be held in conjunction with On The Tools, the UK’s largest online construction community in the UK. Direct from Jewson Castleford, On The Tools will live-stream a panel discussion about how to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, with representatives from Jewson, JPS and Band of Builders. The stream will be available on the Jewson Facebook page.

Last year, On The Tools undertook research which found that 93% of UK tradespeople have experienced mental ill health in some way. The findings also showed that tradespeople are 26% more likely than workers in other industries to experience these challenges, and that less than a third (32%) of employed UK tradespeople who have struggled with mental health problems have access to free counselling or helplines from their employer.

Mark Esling, chief commercial officer for Jewson, said: “This is set to be our biggest ever Big Brew, with more branches getting involved each year. Jewson is proud to partner the trades, and this annual event shows just how seriously we as a business take the wellbeing of our customers, and the proactive steps we take to support them.

“Poor mental health is something that can affect anyone, at any time, and the figures from On The Tools show this to be staggeringly true of those working in the construction industry.

“On October 10, our doors will be open to those in need of an extra hand or a listening ear, and we hope lots of customers reach out to us, knowing we care about them as people, as well as professionals.”

Anyone working in the construction industry who’s struggling with their mental health can text BOB to 85258 24-hours a day, to connect with a Band of Builders representative and receive free support.

Coming soon: The pub with a £1 million makeover

Helen Greaney
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Coming soon: The pub with a £1 million makeover

A legendary Grade II listed building on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor Street is set to make a comeback and reopen next month as ‘The Grosvenor’.

The building will be a cutting-edge hybrid hospitality and social space, following an incredible £1 million transformation.

The 800 capacity venue, acquired by North West multiple operator, Blind Tiger Inns, for just £1, is set to offer the ultimate adult escapism experience in central Manchester, complete with huge sports screens, outrageous interiors, and even a slide to transport guests from the cinema’s original balcony!

Built between 1913 and 1915, the Grosvenor Picture Palace was originally the largest cinema outside London and has since taken on numerous identities, from a bingo hall and snooker venue to, most recently, a legendary student pub, The Footage.

Now in 2024, the doors will open again as an adult playground where visitors can expect to find an immersive concept with over 30 beer taps and filled with pool tables, beer pong tables, and a photobooth to capture the memories–continuing its iterations as a legendary entertainment venue for over 100 years.

The Grosvenor will operate from 12pm-to-12am, catering to daytime and night time crowds.

It will also be the go-to destination for all sports mad fans in the city, showcasing live sports from all channels, across all games, while the venue’s original stage will be used for a jam packed entertainment schedule including weekly iconic Manchester club nights, interactive quiz nights, and live music from local DJs and bands.

The Grosvenor’s food offering will include a range of crowd-pleasing options such as huge sharers, buckets of wings, loaded pizzas, and stacked burgers. The drinks menu will feature many local craft beers on draught, cocktails and more.

Exclusive discounts and offers at the new venue are available here.

Chris Tulloch, Managing Dhttps://grosvenormanchester.co.uk/irector of the independent local operator behind the transformation, shared his enthusiasm: “The Grosvenor is in the midst of an incredible transformation, and we’re creating something truly special for Manchester. Our vision is to blend the best aspects of a sports bar, social venue, and nightclub into one vibrant, unforgettable space where memories are made.”

Appy Pie Launches Groundbreaking Generative AI Model ‘Flawless Text’

News Desk
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Appy Pie Launches Groundbreaking Generative AI Model ‘Flawless Text’

Appy Pie Design, a leading AI-powered graphic design platform, has unveiled a significant innovation within its AI image generator models – the ‘Flawless Text’. This new addition addresses one of the main challenges faced by AI Design Generator: producing clear, accurate, and contextually appropriate text within images.

Until now, AI-generated images containing text often suffered from issues such as misspellings, distorted characters, or inconsistent placement, making it difficult for users to utilise these tools for professional purposes. With Appy Pie’s new model, users can now create images that consistently feature legible and accurate text.

The benefits of this advancement are considerable. It ensures that all text is error-free and seamlessly integrates within the images. The model’s enhanced accuracy means the text fits perfectly within the visual context, delivering a polished and professional outcome. This level of precision makes it ideal for a range of applications, from designing graphics with headlines to creating promotional banners or any content where accurate text is essential. Additionally, the model can be integrated via the Flawless Text API, offering users complete control and precision in their projects.

Abhinav Girdhar, CEO of Appy Pie, said: “Our team has been working tirelessly to improve the accuracy of text in AI-generated images. With this new advancement, we are setting a new industry standard by ensuring that the text generated by our models is error-free.”

Appy Pie’s AI image generator has already transformed the creative process for a wide range of users, including entrepreneurs, marketers, and graphic designers. The addition of the ‘Flawless Text’ model further enhances the platform’s capabilities, giving users even greater control over their creative output. This development is particularly beneficial for those producing marketing materials, social media graphics, or branding assets where text accuracy is crucial, allowing users to feel more confident in their projects.

UK’s Cheapest Electric Vehicles Under £200 Announced as Prices Fall

News Desk
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UK’s Cheapest Electric Vehicles Under £200 Announced as Prices Fall
  • The Electric Car Scheme has unveiled some of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) available through salary sacrifice.
  • Both the Nissan LEAF and Dacia Spring are now offered for less than £200 a month, with the highly popular Tesla Model 3 available for just £303.

With the introduction of new models and a growing used car market, The Electric Car Scheme has revealed some of the most affordable EVs in the UK, as the prices of electric vehicles are decreasing significantly.

Affordability remains the main obstacle for potential EV buyers, with 68% of Brits naming it as their top concern, ahead of costs related to running, reliability, and range anxiety.

With this in mind, drivers and prospective EV buyers will be pleased to learn that, this September, several EVs are now available for under £200 a month. This has become even more relevant given the reintroduction of the 2030 EV deadline.

Below £200

For £200 a month, you may expect a modest family budget for outings, or, if you’re considering an EV, this amount could cover the cost of a new Dacia Spring, which starts at £153 a month under a salary sacrifice scheme, leaving room in the budget for charging costs as well.

You could also lease a used Nissan LEAF Hatchback for as little as £195 a month, compared to roughly £260 for a brand-new model. The used EV market has been hugely popular among The Electric Car Scheme’s customers, with nearly half of their sales coming from pre-owned vehicles.

Below £250

If you’re after a bit more choice at an affordable price, salary sacrifice offers a broad range of EVs under £250 a month. In the new car market, a BYD Dolphin is available from just £214 a month as more affordable Chinese EVs begin entering the UK market.

The options expand further in the used car market. You could get a Renault ZOE Hatchback for £215 a month, the Hyundai IONIQ Electric Hatchback from £223, or even a Vauxhall Mokka-e electric Hatchback for £236.

Below £300

Many commuters pay more for their rail season tickets, especially those travelling into London, than what it would cost to lease one of four new EVs through The Electric Car Scheme. These include the Nissan LEAF, Mini Cooper, MG 4, and MG ZS.

The used market, once again, offers even greater flexibility and includes one of the UK’s most popular electric cars, the Tesla Model 3, for just £303 a month.

Thom Groot, CEO and Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme, stated: “There are some fantastic deals out there for EVs at the moment, and they are only becoming more affordable as more entry level models become available and the used EV market matures. These prices make EVs accessible to a far wider section of society and income levels, something that will be key in reaching the 2030 deadline.

“We know that the main concern for drivers is affordability, which was the biggest barrier for 68% of Brits, way out in front of any concerns around range, reliability or resale value. This is why we started The Electric Car Scheme, to make EVs more affordable and help increase uptake ahead of the coming phase-out of traditional cars.”

Chief executive to leave Rochdale Borough Council

Helen Greaney
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Chief executive to leave Rochdale Borough Council

After a decade in the role, Steve Rumbelow has announced his decision to bow out as chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council.

Joining the council in 2014 from Burnley Borough Council, where he also served as chief executive, Steve has had a distinguished career in local government.

His extensive experience includes key roles at Manchester City Council, Leeds City Council, Ashfield District Council, and Rotherham Borough Council. With more than 40 years in the field, his dedication and vision have significantly shaped the borough of Rochdale.

Steve said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together but now feels like the right time to pass the torch and seek new projects. I’ve had a wonderful experience in Rochdale, and I’m grateful for the support from our councillors, staff, and all the teams who work tirelessly to drive our borough forward. I will do my utmost to ensure my successor has a solid foundation to continue our progress.”

During his tenure, Steve oversaw the completion of several major projects, including the Atom Valley growth plan, the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure development, the Heywood link road, and the restoration of Rochdale Town Hall.

Notably, he led the borough’s joint NHS and council response to the coronavirus pandemic, serving as Greater Manchester’s lead for the procurement of personal protective equipment.

He also played a vital role in strengthening the council’s partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), where he served as the lead chief officer for housing and planning across the city region. This included helping to guide the Places for Everyone (PfE) spatial plan through to adoption.

Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “I want to thank Steve for his unwavering service to our borough. His calmness under pressure, energy, and profound understanding of local government have been invaluable assets for us all. I am very sad to be losing his expertise and insight.”

The recruitment process for Steve’s successor will begin following a full council meeting on October 16.

Witnesses sought for serious road collision in Bury

Helen Greaney
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Witnesses sought for serious road collision in Bury

Police are asking witnesses to a road traffic collision in Bury last night, to come forward.

Emergency services attended a collision between a Peugeot 108 car and a pedestrian in her thirties, on Manchester Road.

The pedestrian sustained serious life-threatening injuries and she remains in hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Peugeot – a woman in her 50s – stopped at the scene and was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention and remains in custody.

Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Officers are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage, from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 3263 of 02/10/2024. Alternatively details can be given to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Image credit: Juiced up Media/Shutterstock

Shopping centre taken over by recycling campaign

Helen Greaney
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Shopping centre taken over by recycling campaign

An eye-catching display has taken over Merseyway shopping centre to encourage residents to think about how they get rid of their unwanted clothes.

In 2023/24, 16,7000 tonnes of textiles were ditched in general bins in Greater Manchester. On average each person in the UK bins 35 items of clothing every year, from socks with holes to faded t-shirts. Much of this also comes from ‘fast fashion’ with poor quality clothes sold cheaply before being quickly thrown away.

People are encouraged to donate their unwanted outfits to textile banks as they can be recycled – as part of Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM)’s#CottonOn campaign.

The installation in Stockport shows unwearable clothes covered with imperfections from stains to rips and key messages about recycling.

There are textile banks across Greater Manchester – including at all 20 of R4GM’s recycling centres – while many can also be found in supermarket carparks and large clothing stores. To find your nearest click Recycling Locator tool | Recycle Now

All clothes from RG4M textile banks are hand sorted in Greater Manchester. Clothing that can’t be re-worn is recycled into something new like animal bedding, carpet underlay and even car seats, right here in the UK.

Tom Ross, GMCA’s lead for Waste and Recycling, said: “It is great to see this eye-opening display in busy hub of Stockport where residents can learn about this issue. Throwing away clothes and shoes wastes valuable resources, especially considering the production of clothing and footwear requires significant amounts of energy, water, and raw materials.

“This is another fantastic example of what Recycle for Greater Manchester does to highlight easy changes that people can make to recycle more and help improve our environment.”

The Merseyway display will be on until October 31.

Teens sentenced for disorder in Bolton

Helen Greaney
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Teens sentenced for disorder in Bolton

Two teenagers have been sentenced for disorder in Bolton in which officers were spat on.

Officers policing the violent disorder on Sunday, August 4, were met with hostile crowds as they worked to prevent the unrest and protect the local communities.

In one incident, a group of around 15-20 youths surrounded a police sergeant carrying out liaison duties, with one 14-year-old male spitting directly in his face before running away.

Following extensive CCTV work, the teenager, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was identified and brought before the courts where he subsequently pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was referred to a youth offender panel for a total of nine months, with a parent / guardian required to attend the meeting and must pay compensation of £100.

In the same incident, a 15-year-old male stole an officer’s operational hat and was seen running away from the scene. He was later spotted throwing a bottle at another group of officers. He was ordered to pay costs of £85 in addition to a surcharge of £26. He must additionally follow a curfew between 9.30pm and 5am daily, and must present himself to an officers who asks to see them between those times, for a period of three months.

They have additionally been referred to a youth offender panel for a period of 12 months and must pay compensation of £500.

Both were dealt with at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court, on Monday and Tuesday .

Detective inspector Paul Costello said: “The violence we saw against officers during the unrest over the summer was utterly deplorable. These men and women left their families each day to protect the communities which they serve day-in, day-out, and to see them spat on, attacked, and assaulted during their tour of duties was sickening.

“These two teenagers were part of a wider group which degraded and attacked an officer carrying out his job. These sort of incidents are disgusting to see and we continue to investigate all instances of violence from the summer disorder in Bolton and indeed across Greater Manchester. This has seen us secure more than one hundred arrests and charges, with lots of work still to come.

“As we continue with our work, I would urge anyone with any information about any of the incident across Greater Manchester to please get in touch.”

Mike Peake, chair of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “1,861 officers in GMP were assaulted last year. That’s an average of more than 35 every week. More than five every single day.

“Police officers are not robots. We are mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. Husbands, wives and partners. We should not come under attack for doing our difficult job. 

“We are not society’s punchbags – and those assaulting police officers should face severe consequences every day of the year.”

Information about disorder can be submitted via police portals

Transport secretary opens £200 million rail manufacturing factory

Helen Greaney
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Transport secretary opens £200 million rail manufacturing factory

Hundreds of jobs, faster tube journeys and regional growth are expected thanks to a new rail manufacturing plant officially opened by transport secretary Louise Haigh (pictured).

She attended the £200 million site – Siemens’ Rail Village in Goole – to open it today.

The plant will be home to hundreds of high-skilled jobs where almost 100 new state-of-the-art Piccadilly Line trains will be manufactured and assembled.

In a further boost to the region, Siemens Mobility is also announcing up to a further £40 million towards a new Bogie Assembly and Service Centre at the site which will create up to 200 extra jobs.

The world class hub has been made possible by the government’s funding settlements with TfL, giving Siemens the confidence to invest in the site.

It represents the scale of what can be achieved through joint public and private sector support – and underlines the Government’s commitment to attracting international investment.

The grand opening comes ahead of the government’s International Investment Summit on October 14, which will bring together some of the world’s most influential companies and major investors.

The summit will be an opportunity for the prime minister and cabinet to outline how the government will provide the certainty and opportunities businesses need to make Britain the best place in the world to invest.

The government is focused on creating the conditions for businesses to invest, through trust partnership and stability. We will fix the foundations by investing in the jobs, industries and infrastructure of the future to rebuild Britain and make everyone, everywhere better off.

As part of this drive, the transport secretary is working to end the ‘boom and bust’ approach to rail manufacturing by delivering a long-term industrial strategy for rolling stock.

Ms Haigh said: “This impressive, world-class facility will be transformational to Goole and its people, providing a boost to the region’s economy and supporting hundreds of skilled jobs.

“Its opening demonstrates the importance of high quality, long-term investment to pave the way for employment and growth.

“I know how vital rail manufacturing is to our economy, which is why we will not sit on our hands when it comes to supporting it. For too long, the cycle of boom-and-bust has held back this sector.

“That’s why I am determined to put an end to the stop-start approach to investment and provide the industry with the certainty it needs to deliver a railway that is fit for the future.”

The new Piccadilly Line trains are expected to start serving the London Underground network next year, delivering a boost to reliability, extra services for passengers and increased capacity.

They will be fully air-conditioned and more accessible, creating more comfortable journeys for the travelling public.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “This train manufacturing facility in Goole is a fantastic example of the expertise we don’t have and how investment in London benefits the whole country. This factory, where the new state-of-the-art Piccadilly line trains will be built, will create up to 900 direct jobs and support another 1,700 in the supply chain, delivering great benefits to the wider UK economy, showing that where London succeeds, the whole country succeeds and vice versa.

“I’m excited to continue working together with the new government to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London, and country, for everyone.”

Sambit Banerjee, joint CEO at Siemens Mobility said: “After more than a decade of tremendous dedication and hard work, we have officially opened our state-of-the-art Rail Village in Goole which is testament to our commitment to the North of England.

“We’ll assemble 80% of London’s new Piccadilly line trains and all future Siemens trains for the UK including our Verve battery train here in Goole and I’m pleased that we are supporting the local supply chain in the process.”

Innovation in Business: Jack Mason’s Strategy for Effective Transformation

News Desk
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Innovation in Business: Jack Mason’s Strategy for Effective Transformation

Innovation is crucial for businesses aiming to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. Jack Mason, a key figure in business leadership, combines innovation with resilience to guide companies through change and drive growth. His approach emphasises adaptability, allowing businesses to not only keep up with market changes but also to thrive.

As the Group CEO of Inc & Co, Jack Mason uses a forward-thinking leadership style that has positioned the company as a leader in the UK economy. Known for turning distressed companies into successes, his strategies reflect a blend of innovation and collaboration. His blueprint focuses on equipping businesses with the tools needed to transform challenges into opportunities.

Businesses looking to stay ahead can learn a lot from Mason’s methods. His vision supports the idea that embracing change through strategic innovation is essential. This approach not only boosts individual company success but also contributes positively to broader economic growth, especially in the dynamic UK market.

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation and Growth

A culture of innovation and growth requires clear strategies and leadership that understands both the emotional and strategic aspects of business.

Strategies for Innovation

Innovation thrives in environments that embrace change and adaptability. Companies need to implement innovative strategies that address current and future market demands. This includes fostering a culture of continuous improvement where employees feel encouraged to share ideas and take risks.

Open communication is essential to this process. When teamwork and collaboration are prioritised, resilience becomes a natural outcome. The CEO plays a crucial role in promoting these values, ensuring that the workforce is aligned with the company’s mission.

Strategic Planning and Vision

For a company to achieve long-term success, strategic planning must be at the forefront. This involves crafting a clear strategic vision that outlines paths to strategic growth. Companies need to be efficient in how they allocate resources, ensuring that they meet not only current needs but are also prepared for future challenges.

Adaptability is key; the ability to pivot and adjust plans when necessary. Leadership needs to maintain a focus on sustainability, making sure that growth aligns with ethical and environmental responsibilities.

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a vital trait for leaders aiming to promote a culture of innovation. It involves understanding and managing one’s own emotions and those of others, fostering strong relationships within the team. Leaders must be empathetic and approachable, encouraging open communication among employees.

By leading with emotional intelligence, a CEO can inspire trust and loyalty. This approach creates a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Such leadership contributes to the successful implementation of innovative strategies and aids in achieving strategic goals.

Embracing Digital Transformation and Data Analytics

Digital transformation and data analytics are reshaping how businesses function. Companies leverage technology and data to meet customer needs and gain a competitive edge. AI and analytics tools drive customer engagement and improve decision-making processes, unlocking new market opportunities.

Role of AI and Technology

AI and technology have transformed how businesses operate. They help in automating tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and providing insights for better strategy development. Companies like Jack Mason’s use AI to anticipate market trends and consumer behaviour. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can adapt swiftly to changes and enhance their competitive advantage. AI tools also help identify patterns in vast datasets, enabling more informed business decisions. Embracing digital tools provides firms with new ways to innovate and create value.

Driving Customer Engagement

Engaging customers in today’s digital world involves understanding their needs and preferences. Digital tools enable personalised experiences that can increase loyalty and satisfaction. Businesses gather data through various channels and use it to tailor services and products. Jack Mason’s focus on technology enhances interactions and provides seamless customer experiences. By leveraging digital platforms, companies connect with consumers in more meaningful ways. This proactive approach not only meets but often anticipates customer demands, fostering long-term relationships.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data analytics plays a crucial role in shaping business strategies. By analysing customer data, companies identify market opportunities and make informed decisions. Analytics allows businesses to measure their performance accurately and optimise their operations. Mason’s strategy incorporates data-driven methods to refine approaches and enhance market research. Businesses use analytics to track trends and modify strategies accordingly. With reliable data insights, companies can develop strategies that align with evolving consumer behaviour and market dynamics.

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