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ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS DOUBLES PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN RESPONSE TO BUSINESS DEMAND

Sam Whitear
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Alcohol Solutions, a specialist in alcohol-based drinks development, distilling and packaging, is doubling production capacity at its Carrington-based site as a result of business growth from both on- and off-trade customers.

To support the reopening of UK hospitality and the return of outdoor events this summer, Alcohol Solutions has added another full-time shift pattern, allowing the business to double its production capabilities.

The business has also experienced a 100 per cent increase in enquiries for its canning, bottling and labelling facilities due to the growth in demand for ready to drink (RTD) beverages such as hard seltzers and canned cocktails, as lockdown restrictions have eased, allowing more people to socialise outdoors.

Dave Rigby, managing director at Alcohol Solutions, said: “We’ve seen a change in consumer behaviour through lockdown. People have become more adventurous in their own homes with the likes of at-home cocktail kits and virtual masterclasses allowing them to try new drinks and flavour combinations. As a result, brands and retailers have stepped up their own development to capture the growing consumer appetite.

“The investment in our Carrington site has allowed us to establish a full range of alcohol services, from concept development to alcohol sourcing, distilling, canning and bottling, and means we’re perfectly placed to support businesses looking to entice customers with new and innovative products.”

Alcohol Solutions is also recruiting four new apprentices for a range of three-year apprenticeship positions from liquid development through to compliance and warehouse logistics as part of the Skills for Growth – SME Support Programme, in collaboration with apprenticeship specialist, Suzanne McNicholas.

The programme, which is run in partnership with GC Business Growth Hub and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and funded by the European Social Fund, works with a network of education and commercial training providers to offer apprenticeships and training to Level 3 to degree level qualifications.

Graham Gibson, director at Alcohol Solutions, commented: “As our business continues to grow, we want to attract new talent and create opportunities to inspire people that have been most affected by the jobs market during the pandemic. The Skills for Growth – SME Support Programme is a really valuable scheme and will allow us to offer practical training as well as recognised qualifications to candidates.”

Suzanne McNicholas, apprenticeship specialist from Skills for Growth – SME Support, said: “Graham and I talked at length about Alcohol Solutions’ apprenticeship recruitment plans and job descriptions, to make sure that we identified the right apprenticeship standards for each of the roles. I felt that Trafford College would be the best answer to their needs and referred Graham to them to discuss the next steps of the recruitment process, while in the meantime we began exploring the array of grants and funding together that is currently available through the government scheme. I’m really excited to see where apprenticeships will take Alcohol Solutions and look forward to supporting the business with all of their future apprenticeship starts.”

“Between the directors, we’ve over 50 years of experience in the drinks industry. This programme will allow us to share that knowledge and experience to educate the workforce of tomorrow, while also allowing us to tap into a demographic of consumers that will drive future trends in the industry so we can continue to offer the latest market innovation to our customers,” Graham added.

GROWTH FOR CLARKE WILLMOTT’S MANCHESTER LITIGATION TEAM

Sam Whitear
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Manchester law firm Clarke Willmott LLP is celebrating a strong 2021 for its litigation team which has seen appointments and promotions over the first half of the year.

Consultant Alex Megaw joined the team in January closely followed by Senior Associate Louise Goodwin in March and Secretary Sarah Kemp in April.

Geraldine Stephens was promoted to Associate while on maternity leave, highlighting the firm’s unprecedented commitment to staff development.

John Flint, Partner in the commercial and private client litigation team at Clarke Willmott, said: “The growth of our litigation team over the past year is a testament to our reputation for leading legal advice in the city.

“All of our new appointments will mean a seamless and professional service for our clients who come to us for help with all manner of commercial and private client dispute resolution matters.

“Being able to promote Geraldine during her maternity leave shows how we value our talented lawyers.

“This growth also underlines the continued success of the office as a whole. The business is enjoying an exciting time of expansion and appointments in Manchester.”

Alex Megaw is recognised as a leading litigator in the North West and specialises in claims involving commercial contracts, shareholder and partnership disputes – including specifically medical and legal partnerships, injunctions and search orders, corporate and personal insolvency and professional regulation. He is also a Supervising Solicitor for the purposes of Court Search Orders.

Previously an equity partner, Alex was also appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 1998.

Louise Goodwin advises on all private and commercial disputes encompassing injunctive proceedings and all forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Geraldine Stephens has nine years of commercial dispute experience. She is a member of Manchester Law Society’s civil litigation committee and is past President of Trafford Law Society.

Geraldine said: “It is even more special to be promoted on maternity leave. I believe this is a testament to Clarke Willmott’s fantastic family values, promotion of work/life balance and commitment to providing a positive and supportive place to work.”

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

RECRUITMENT DRIVE UNDER WAY AS BROMLEYS SEES UPSURGE IN DEMAND

Sam Whitear
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Law firm Bromleys has embarked on a recruitment drive amid increasing demand for its services as confidence grows with the end of lockdown on the horizon.
The award-winning Tameside practice has added four staff in recent weeks across its care proceedings and children services, corporate and commercial and family teams.

The new arrivals are solicitors Charlotte Ellingham and Lisa Bartlett, chartered legal executive Carla Williams and paralegal Holly Sweeney.

In addition, Anthony Nurney has been promoted and secured a training contract supporting the litigation and family teams.

Senior and managing partner Mark Hirst said: “Further recruitment is in the pipeline due to the upturn in business across the board.”

He said Bromleys’ career pathway, strong team spirit and extensive benefits package were key factors in enabling the firm to attract new talent.

Charlotte specialises in child care law and is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation scheme, which recognises specialists in children and family law work.

She is the seventh solicitor at Bromleys to be a member of the scheme, which was previously known as the Children Panel. Her appointment means Bromleys has one of the largest representations under the scheme across Tameside and the whole of Greater Manchester.

Joining Charlotte in care proceedings and children services is paralegal Holly, who will assist the team.

Lisa has joined the corporate and commercial team after relocating from the south coast. She will focus primarily on commercial property transactions and complex residential property matters and will also support the commercial team on other matters. Her appointment follows a significant increase in instructions and commercial activity for the team.

Carla Williams has joined the firm working exclusively in the family team. She has extensive experience in advising on divorce and relationship breakdowns, domestic abuse injunctions and all aspects of the arrangements regarding children and finances, arising from the separation of couples.

Mark said: “All four new recruits are a great fit for the firm, and we look forward to seeing them develop their careers with us.

“Our benefits package, IT and positive approach to flexible working rivals any city centre law firm and enables us to attract real talent to complement and enhance our existing offering.

“This, coupled with our career pathway scheme which maps out a defined path for progression in the firm, makes Bromleys the practice of choice for a growing number of talented legal professionals who share our values of being accessible, caring and effective and are committed to providing clients with a service of the highest quality.

“The last year was challenging, but I’m delighted to say that the Bromleys team stepped up, working together to be the best – which is our internal motto – and we are now well set to expand further in the coming months and year.”

Adrian Ellis, Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, speaks out about recruitment challenges across Manchester’s hospitality sector

Sam Whitear
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With over 3,000 current vacancies across Manchester’s hospitality sector, Adrian Ellis, general manager of the Lowry Hotel and chair of the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA), discusses the ongoing recruitment challenges facing the industry.

Adrian commented “Across Greater Manchester, hoteliers are facing huge difficulties with an excess of vacancies across all job roles- from waiting staff to housekeeping to Head Chef positions. The supply problem is a big challenge and here at the MHA we are determined to take real action to resolve the issue.”

The Lowry Hotel, despite being one of the city’s most iconic 5-star hotels, currently has 25 vacancies it is seeking to fill- a statistic echoed across all hotels in the Greater Manchester conurbation.

Adrian cites both Brexit and the effects of the pandemic in explaining why the industry is facing such recruitment issues “Brexit has resulted in a large amount of hospitality’s European workforce no longer being able to work in the UK, diminishing the volume of available workers considerably.”

“Additionally, lots of hospitality workers, having been on furlough over the pandemic, have sought secondary career paths. Now faced with the uncertainty of pandemic life, they have chosen not to return to the sector. These two factors have made a huge impact and have created challenges for hoteliers across the Greater Manchester city region.”

In response to the recruitment challenges, the MHA, a non-profit organisation of the key hotels within the city centre and the Greater Manchester area, is taking action to convince people to join the vibrant and dynamic hospitality sector.

This work includes the MHA’s extensive outreach work with universities, colleges, and schools across the conurbation, in which they seek to imbue enthusiasm for the sector in young people in Manchester.

Throughout the pandemic, the MHA in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has been running its Pioneering Manchester hotel mentoring scheme. The initiative sees 12 BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management students paired with General Managers of some of the city’s biggest and best hotels.

The MHA also hosts hospitality student forums, entitled Keep the Faith in Hospitality. Initially, the forums were held in Manchester for 50 MMU student attendees, with the aim to keep students updated on what was happening in the industry throughout such uncertain times. Due to the great success the forums have now expanded to become UK wide, with over 250 students, registered from universities up and down the country, attending.

Additionally, the MHA is supporting PROGRESS21, a three-day event which seeks to promote careers, business and global investment in Manchester, that has now been postponed to September 2021.The MHA will be represented in PROGRESS21’s job fair, promoting the exciting hospitality sector.

On top of PROGRESS21, the MHA is also set to embark on a recruitment campaign, in partnership with Marketing Manchester, which is forecasted to provide a momentous boost in interest in the hotel industry.

Adrian Ellis adds “Through the proactive measures that we are taking at the MHA we seek to tackle this issue head on and demonstrate to people across Greater Manchester how brilliant a career in hospitality can be.”

“We are committed to truly making an impact and are excited to continue demonstrating how working within the hospitality sector is a rewarding prospect that offers an abundance of opportunities for career development. Our sector is the beating heart of Manchester, and, as such, is an incredibly inspiring industry to work in.”

Eco Solutions Pioneer Marks Decade in Developing Energy Efficiency

Sam Whitear
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A green technology entrepreneur, inventor and pioneer of eco-solutions that help homeowners and housebuilders achieve energy efficiency, is celebrating a decade in business.

Simon Peat, CEO of Project Better Energy, a leading renewables energy and heating technology group of companies, supplies pioneering products designed to improve energy efficiency and help with the long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions. Within his portfolio are solar panels, smart infrared heating panels, air-source hot water cylinders, power stores, and electric vehicle charging powered by smart technology and apps.

As the owner of the UK’s largest retailer of solar panels, Project Solar UK, he is marking his decade in business this month in an industry which hardly existed when he set up in 2011.

Simon began the business from a bedroom in his home near Burton-Upon-Trent in 2011 having trained as an electrician, spotting opportunities in the emerging green energy sector. He now has 50 colleagues based in Houldsworth Mill on Houldsworth Lane in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with additional installation teams working from home locations across the UK.

June 2021 marks a major milestone for Simon and his expert team who forecast that their 35,000th solar panel installation will take place this year. They completed over 100 solar panel installations in their first year of business in 2011 and since then, the interest in solar has grown rapidly and his national team of installers has a healthy sales pipeline for the remainder of this year.

They are responsible for over 18,000 installations across the UK and anticipate hitting the 35,000th later in 2021. Saving over 3750 tons of carbon each year, the solar power systems used derive clean, pure energy from the sun, helping combat greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the collective dependence on fossil fuel such as coal and natural gas. The company forecasts that its customer base will save at least the same tonnage of carbon in the next decade as the level of interest in reducing carbon emissions rises in the UK.

Simon has broadened his interests to other green tech solutions including air-source hot water cylinders, smart infrared heating and electric vehicle charging points. He is providing tested solutions to housebuilders and home providers to meet their obligations on energy efficiency scoring and the deadline for the ban on boilers.

Simon says, “There has been a major shift in interest to green energy in the past decade and we are witnessing a surge in demand as people recognise the important role solar panels play in providing energy through natural sunlight.

People are actively seeking out options to run their domestic appliances without harming the environment. Solar panels, used alone or as part of a wider energy solution, are proving an attractive and cost-effective option that is being explored by an increasing number of householders.

Every day our expert team are chatting to customers about how solar works and how we do not need to always have direct sunlight to generate energy.

My years of working in such fast-growing sectors have led me to invest in related areas including electric vehicle charging points and infra-red home appliances – all fascinating businesses where we are already seeing major growth. The next decade looks to be shaping up as just as exciting as the first one.”

Project Solar UK will be marking its decade in business by continuing to support community sports teams and the EV Veloce racing team.

BRUNTWOOD WORKS INVESTS IN WELLBEING WITH GLOBAL FITNESS BRAND

Sam Whitear
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Workspace and leisure provider Bruntwood Works has partnered with international fitness brand Les Mills as it continues to invest in health and fitness as part of its focus on workplace wellbeing.

The partnership, which is the first of its kind for a workspace provider in the UK, enables customers across the Bruntwood Works portfolio to access the brand’s famous BodyCombat, BodyPump and BodyBalance classes on-demand and in new state-of-the-art fitness studios.

Following a successful pilot, which enabled Bruntwood Works’ customers to access the mind and fitness classes online during the pandemic, fitness studios have now launched at West Gate in Leeds and Booths Park in Knutsford, Cheshire. The launch complements the existing studio at Trafford House in Greater Manchester and Bruntwood Works has confirmed plans to roll-out the programme across further sites in the North and the Midlands.

Ciara Keeling, CEO of Bruntwood Works, said: “The health and wellbeing of our customers – both physical and mental – is vitally important and central to the way we blend work and lifestyle across our portfolio. We want to create spaces that connect our customers to the things that make them happier and healthier, and by partnering with one of the biggest fitness brands in the world we can really offer our customers something that is more than just gym space when it comes to fitness.”

Martin Franklin, CEO of Les Mills Europe, added: “Our sole purpose is to create a fitter planet, helping people live happier, healthier lives, and this complements Bruntwood Works’ business model. They are leading the way as a workspace provider by bridging the gap between property company and a business that puts the overarching needs of its customers at the forefront of everything it does. Our partnership is part of their overall wellbeing strategy; we’ve proven that virtual, flexible fitness classes meet the needs of a post-pandemic employee who now wants to workout when they want, how they want and in an environment they feel comfortable in. This flexibility is a gamechanger for Bruntwood Works and we’re looking forward to working with the team as they roll out Les Mills across some of their most iconic buildings.”

Ciara added: “While exercise is proven to help boost your mood, we mustn’t forget that health and wellbeing is about more than just exercise – the physical layout of the space in which you work, the amount of natural light in a building, the quality of the air and access to down time are just some of the other factors that play a valuable role. Wellbeing means different things to different people and that’s why we’ve curated a programme that encapsulates everything, from fitness and holistic therapies, to art and mindfulness. This means our customers can access a wide range of amenities and facilities, whatever building they’re in.”

Workplace wellness is central to the Bruntwood Works ethos, which focuses on blending work and lifestyle to bring balance to business. This means removing barriers to keeping fit and healthy – making it easy for people to make exercise an everyday part of a fulfilling workplace routine, and in turn improve mental wellbeing and productivity.

The partnership with Les Mills is the latest wellbeing investment from Bruntwood Works, and follows its recently announced partnership with Manchester’s premier training brand, FORM.

Altrincham’s premier shopping street secures two new occupiers

Sam Whitear
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Two new tenants have been secured for the ground floor units within the Everyman cinema complex on George Street, Altrincham’s prime shopping location.

Homebird Interiors has expanded its Altrincham outlet and taken a 3,575 sq ft unit on a 10 year lease at 82-84 George Street relocating from Stamford New Road. The town has proved a successful location for Homebird along with its other shops in Wilmslow, Cheadle Hulme and Heswall. The stores offer an eclectic mix of stylish sofas, furniture, and home accessories

Homebird, co-founder Miri Templeton said: “ Having more space has allowed us to display our beautiful ranges to their full potential giving our customers a great choice and the ability to visualise our products as they would look in their own homes”.

At 74-80 George Street a new gym, Strength Collective, has been launched and taken 4,760 sq ft on a15 year lease.

Dana Huggins, co-owner, Strength Collective, said “Our primary aim, is to help people discover their own potential, and build a healthier life in every aspect. We provide the same outstanding level of service to every member from athlete, to the first time gym goer.

“What makes us different beyond the premium equipment we have is our passion for community within our industry. We aren’t just a gym or a personal training facility, we are a collective and we welcome everyone.”

Daniel Lee, managing director, Regional Property Solutions, who manage this 20,000 sq ft complex on behalf of Altrincham Regeneration LLP, said: “These units took some time to let but as covid restrictions eased we had some positive enquiries and these lettings reflect the growing demand for surburban outlets in affluent market towns”.

Social Republic Wins One Of The UK’s Largest Independent Lenders

Sam Whitear
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Global social media agency, Social Republic, has been appointed by business finance provider, White Oak, for its social media marketing services, further establishing its presence in an industry worth £530m.

One of the UK’s largest independent lenders will join the agency’s portfolio alongside The British Red Cross, Neville Johnson, RedManta and Constance Hotels & Resorts.

Founded over 30 years ago, White Oak has funded more than 44,000 businesses, as well as, providing over £1 billion to businesses since 2018 alone.

Social Republic’s global teams will focus on promoting White Oak’s industry expertise and business lending offering through organic social media campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter, combined with weekly blogging updates.

Dean Renshaw, Customer Outreach Manager at White Oak commented: “We can’t wait to start expanding our brand awareness and reach customers instantly through social media alongside Social Republic global teams.”

CEO of Social Republic, Rob Illidge added: “We’re delighted to begin our new partnership with White Oak, and we look forward to helping them expand their social media presence through the power of social media.”

Social Republic has established itself as a leading global agency, having developed a client base in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

Family firm’s £250,000 green investment

Sam Whitear
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A family business has invested £250,000 developing environmentally friendly commercial cleaning products after its founder was shocked by lockdown litterbugs who left a beauty spot covered in plastic rubbish.

EnviroShot is the first in a new range of sustainable products from leading hygiene product, services and equipment supplier Shorrock Trichem, which is based in Atherton, Greater Manchester.
They have been designed to reduce the use of single use plastics and to help cut the amount of waste going to landfill.

Duncan Fishwick, founder and managing director of Shorrock Trichem, started the business on the search for innovative, environmentally friendly products after being shocked by the damage being caused by non-recyclable products and packaging during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the course of one single weekend during lockdown, it was reported that a staggering three tons of waste had been collected from one of his favourite walking spots, Beacon Fell Country Park in Lancashire, most of which was destined for landfill.

The result of his subsequent work is a range of dehydrated versions of popular cleaning products, turned into small dissolvable capsules. Add a capsule to a trigger bottle or mop bucket filled with water, stir and start cleaning.
All the packing in the EnviroShot range is fully compostable and its trigger sprays and bottles are designed to be used time and time again to prevent unnecessary plastic wastage.

Because of its light weight EnviroShot uses up 95 per cent less fuel in transport when compared to liquid products, reducing the carbon footprint throughout the supply chain.

And all the products in the range are also vegan and have 100 per cent biodegradable formulas.

Duncan Fishwick said: “The report of the mess left on Beacon Fell really shocked me and really underlined in my mind the real importance of a sustainable future.
“Non-recyclable products and packaging are destroying the very beauty that we admire by piling walkways, roads, and landmarks full of rubbish.

“Although we are not all responsible for the damage, we all have a part to play in putting this right.”

In the UK it is estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used every year, nearly half of which is packaging.
The UK is also one of the biggest producers of plastic waste in the world, second only to the US.

Duncan’s aim was to source products that didn’t heavily involve single-use plastic, to lower carbon emissions and store ingredients and finished products in environmentally friendly packaging.
That led him to the discovery that by dehydrating cleaning products and wrapping them in water-soluble capsules, a more environmentally friendly range of products could be created.

To support the vision, Shorrock Trichem recruited a new team of like-minded people with a dedicated focus on creating a strong eco-friendly brand. The result is EnviroShot, with more green products in the pipeline.

Duncan said: “We have a responsibility to provide our customers with innovative and sustainable products.

“The next generation is now coming into the business, including my son, with other second-generation employees.

“That drives the importance of sending the business in a sustainable direction as we think about what we are leaving behind for them.”

Founded in 2000, family business Shorrock Trichem is the largest independent company in its sector.

The business employs more than 280 workers at its base near Wigan and supplies customers across the North of England.

HOST to inspire 50 tech entrepreneurs with fully funded business support boost

Sam Whitear
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Fifty tech companies will receive fully funded support and mentoring based on the power of peer-to-peer growth from proven entrepreneurs to accelerate and scale their business ambitions.

Innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology at MediaCityUK, has launched HOST 50, an exciting programme for 50 ambitious start-ups and SMEs from across sectors that are looking to become part of an inclusive business community, accelerating their growth, and innovating their digital and tech offerings.

HOST aims to break the barriers of entry to the tech sector faced by those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, disrupting the way entrepreneurs connect and learn from each other – sharing skills and experiences by building a sustainable, supportive community.

HOST 50 is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to network and develop alongside like-minded business owners, while also having direct access to highly skilled and diverse talent from HOST’s Skills City.

Driven by a combination of networking, collaboration and learning, companies will also receive access to workspace and the opportunity to register their business at MediaCityUK with a complimentary 3-months’ Premium Club Membership, valued at £450. This includes access to HOST’s co-working space and sixth-floor meeting rooms.

Research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has shown that 70 per cent of small businesses that receive mentoring survive for five years or more, which is double the rate compared with non-mentored entrepreneurs.

While there seems to be a range of business support available in the North West particularly due to the pandemic, HOST has recognised that there is a need for businesses to have access to a diverse entrepreneurial community that offers mentoring and peer-to-peer support.

Businesses from HOST 50 will be introduced to industry-leading partners including TiE UK North, Innovation Exchange and Counting King through round tables, workshops, seminars and meet the expert sessions. This will offer unrivalled access to specialists in all the areas they need to launch and grow sustainable businesses.

The programme is open to applications from UK-based digital or tech businesses with less than 250 full-time employees, a turnover of less than £43 million or a balance sheet of less than £37 million with the ambition to grow, innovate and scale-up.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, operators of HOST, said: “HOST 50 is for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs with a diverse community at the heart of the programme. We are offering entrepreneurs an alternative option for business support, by building a collaborative and inclusive innovation community where they can share opportunities, learnings and network.

“From my personal experience, I know how crucial it is for start-ups and SMEs to have the support they need. Not only will they be able to grow their networks with each other, but also with world-class experts who will help their businesses to scale and thrive.”

Gary Hilton, Head of R&D Consultancy at Counting King, said: “The collaboration within the community is going to be immense and create opportunities to catapult your business to the next level. Our goal is to help nurture business ideas for start-ups and provide sound knowledge and proactive advice to growing companies by discussing funding opportunities.

“We can genuinely relate to the types of businesses that will benefit from HOST 50. We are a growing company ourselves and constantly look for ways to innovate and improve our service and processes. Being surrounded by like-minded businesses who can share hints, tips and expertise will enable all of the community to grow faster and further than traditionally possible.”

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