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Mayor launches digital tool to help youngsters access high quality jobs

A new digital tool has been launched to give young people in Greater Manchester a clear line of sight to real jobs in the city-region’s growing economy.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, joined school pupils, teachers and apprentices at Rayner Stephens High School in Dukinfield on Friday, for a special event to unveil Beeline, which is available now via the Greater Manchester Apprenticeships and Careers Service (GMACS) website.

Named after the worker bee that embodies the Greater Manchester spirit, Beeline is the first of many resources being developed as an open part of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) – the city region’s pioneering alternative to the university route.

Drawing on local labour market data, the MBacc is a technical education route made up of seven “gateways”, each linked to a sector which is growing in the Greater Manchester economy.

Beeline is a ground-breaking tool to give young people real-time information on the jobs available in the MBacc gateways sectors, alongside guidance on the most relevant subjects, courses and qualifications on offer at 14, 16 and 18.

The tool links these career suggestions directly to current vacancies through the Adzuna jobs website, along with salary details, helping students understand where a technical education can take them and visualise potential career paths in various sectors.

Recent findings from a national youth census revealed that just over half (55%) of young people are confident they will progress into a good job, while 45% could benefit from additional support. Beeline is designed to bridge this gap, providing young people with a clearer sense of career opportunities and boosting their confidence in their future prospects.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:  “For too long, young people who want to pursue a technical education have been held back by poor, outdated careers advice. With Beeline, we are putting that right. This new tool gives young people a window on the exciting range of jobs available right now here in Greater Manchester.

“Talking to young people as we developed the MBacc, it was clear we needed something to help them visualise the jobs and careers available to them – and, crucially, how much they pay. Beeline is there to help young people as they start planning for their future.

“The Greater Manchester economy is booming – growth and productivity here are higher than the UK average. We want all our young people to share in that success story and Beeline will give them a clear line of sight to the high-quality jobs Greater Manchester has to offer.

“And if their dream job is in a different part of the city region, we won’t let that hold them back. All 16 to 18 years can access free bus travel on the Bee Network by signing up for the Our Pass scheme.”

The way Beeline was built reflects Greater Manchester’s strong links with local employers. The global creative company WPP provided the technical expertise needed to develop the tool, offering their time for free. WPP also sit on GMCA’s Employer Integration Board, which has helped shape the MBacc along with local education leaders and young people.

This collaboration underscores Greater Manchester’s commitment to working with industry to shape the future of technical education and ensure young people are connected to the opportunities within the city region. Workplace experience is also built into the MBacc thanks to a partnership with the Careers and Enterprise company.

Headteacher Martin Davies from Rayner Stephens High School said: “I am incredibly proud that Rayner Stephens High School has been able to play a key role in the development and support of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate. At Rayner Stephens we have a commitment to ensuring students gain the skills and knowledge needed for modern careers. I am proud of our involvement in helping to shape a brighter future for education in Greater Manchester and the students of Stamford Park Trust.”

Young people have already started exploring Beeline, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Student Electina Fernando, a Year 11 student, said: “I was so amazed by Beeline, I’ve been going on about it to my friends all day. Words can’t express what a difference it has made. Before I used this tool, I did not know how to get information about career paths – it felt very disorganised. I love that there is lots of useful data. I can see the job definition, the salary, specific job locations and how much demand there is for this kind of role.”

For schools and colleges interested in integrating Beeline into their career guidance programmes visit: https://gmacs.co.uk/beeline/

Digital skills courses funding secured by Netcom Training

Digital skills, training and bootcamp provider Netcom Training has secured £802,420 in funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The courses will give people in Greater Manchester access to in-demand skills training and interview preparation for higher skilled, good quality jobs for another year.

They aim to boost employment in key growth sectors such as digital and tech, but also benefit employers by helping them to fill specific skills shortages and vacancies, increasing productivity within their organisations.

The part-time online courses offer modules in a range of skills including cyber security, data analytics, cloud, and infrastructure technician and are part of an ongoing arrangement between Netcom Training and Combined Authorities across the country.

They are available to those aged 19 years and over who reside in the Greater Manchester area and meet the relevant criteria.

Kevin Vashi, managing director at Netcom Training, said: “Greater Manchester continues to grow across all sectors. Whether it is the skyline, music scene or its evolving technology sector, you cannot fault the city’s drive to lead the charge in innovation. We are proud to be working with the combined authority for a second year as we deliver our range of courses to learners and look forward to another year of being part of the city’s change for good.”

The new contract demonstrates Netcom’s commitment to putting roots down in Greater Manchester as a city-region. It will create more opportunities for learners in the region to upskill or retrain in new disciplines and provide a pool of skilled professionals for local businesses.

Those interested in completing a free course with Netcom Training, should visit the website.

Man jailed for eight years after being found with gun and drugs

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A man who stashed heroin and ammunition at his Crumpsall home, has been jailed for eight years.

Jervis Bailey (44) of Gartland Walk, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard how Bailey had turned up at an address on Wellington Road in Crumpsall at 9pm on February 12.

Witnesses had reported Bailey was acting aggressively towards a person in the property and brandishing a silver handgun. While the firearm was not discharged, this interaction lasted 20 minutes.

Following an investigation by the COM North Challenger Team, Bailey was arrested on in June at home.

He directed officers to an outbuilding related to his property, where a bag containing a self-loading pistol, 33 rounds of ammunition, a silencer and over half a kilo of heroin was recovered.

Scales and bags were also seized, for use in the distribution of the drugs, as well as a number of mobile phones and a machete, which was found in Bailey’s bedroom.

Bailey was subsequently arrested and charged.

PC Alston of COM North Challenger Team said: “Our investigation into a firearm being brandished at a property resulted in a successful find of a large quantity of drugs and ammunition as well as the weapon in question.

“We are pleased with today’s sentence, which has resulted in a dangerous individual being taken off the streets of Manchester for a considerable amount of time.

“Identifying and charging individuals who bring guns and drugs into our communities putting people at risk remains a priority for GMP and through the hard work and dedication of the Challenger Team, we have been able to do just that.

“Programme Challenger is an ongoing operation and is aimed at tacking serious and organised crime and this case underscores our commitment to this.

“Serious and organised crime can have a life-changing, and life-long, impact on the lives of those involved, who are usually the most vulnerable in our society. We will continue to move quickly to ensure those involved in illegal activity are swiftly brought to justice.

If you are concerned about criminal activity within your area, you can report this directly on 101 or by using the online report tool at www.gmp.police.uk.

The countdown is (already) on to Manchester’s Christmas markets

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The countdown is on to Christmas! Manchester’s Christmas Markets are set to return on Friday, November 8.

The six-week stint will come to an end on Sunday, December 22.

Now in their 26th year, Manchester’s Christmas markets continue to delight visitors who go along to fill up on the fantastic festive treats and soak up the glühwein.

With well over two hundred stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, there promises to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages and tastes to enjoy.

This year sees the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over King Street West, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens, as well as Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.

The stalls will be open daily throughout the six-week run – which this year due to the way dates fall, includes seven weekends instead of the usual six.

Craft stalls and stalls selling seasonal goods will be open each day from 10am – 8pm, whilst food and drink stalls will be open from 11am – 9pm each day.

The food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will stay open until December 31.

The city centre will of course also be looking its sparkly best for the Christmas season with the return of the Manchester Christmas lights trail – the perfect backdrop for those all-important Christmas selfies.

Think giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee and of course Santa Claus himself, keeping a watchful eye on visitors young and old for his naughty and nice lists from on high in St Peter’s Square.

For those who enjoy a seasonal skate, Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink will be back again this year in Cathedral Gardens from November 8 to January 1 with the covered ice-rink promising an unforgettable skating experience whatever the weather, amid twinkling lights, Christmas trees and a soundtrack of Christmas songs.

Heathrow relaunches World of Opportunity to support budding exporters

Heathrow is calling for SMEs across the North West to come forward and pitch their products to the world.

The UK’s hub airport is relaunching its World of Opportunity competition which helps new exporters to get their goods and services sold on international markets.

Grants are up for grabs in every nation and region of the country and winners will receive funding to further their exporting ambitions.

Previous winners have funded vital trade missions, research and training that has helped them expand into lucrative overseas markets, driving growth in their sales and supporting jobs on home soil.

World of Opportunity is delivered in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who recently published their SME Export Taskforce recommendations outlining how business and Government can supercharge SME exporting. Winners will be connected to the network of advice via the Export Support Service, offered by the Department for Business and Trade, to assist in their research and export strategies.

Applications are open September 23 to December 23 and a judging panel of business and government experts will select the most promising company from each of the UK’s 12 nations and regions. Winners will each receive £2,000.

Previous winners include Nantwich-based accessibility consultants, Direct Access Consultancy, whose expertise now has a global reach. Their World of Opportunity grant helped them become advisors to the Expo 2020 Dubai, allowing their team of two to expand to 15. Every team member has a disability, and they now work with hundred of clients around the world to create accessible environments.

Steve Dering, operations director at DAC, said: “If we get bigger, we help more companies become inclusive for disabled people. Sending an email doesn’t work, on the phone doesn’t work. If you’re there to physically shake someone’s hand, people buy people.”

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “In every corner of the UK there are entrepreneurs who have the potential to be exporters. SMEs in this country make and do fantastic things, selling those products and services on international markets is key to economic growth and supporting jobs at home.”

To find out more and apply, visit: heathrow.com/world-of-opportunity

Image credit: Adning

Logistex Wins Key Automation Contract for Yusen Logistics (UK) in Northampton

Logistex is excited to confirm that they have secured a significant automation contract with Yusen Logistics (UK) for their 1.2 million square foot warehouse facility in Northampton.

This cutting-edge Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC) will serve as an automated hub for B2B and B2C operations, with a capacity of 240,000 pallet locations. The warehouse is divided into two chambers, dedicated to Pharmaceutical and Ambient goods.

Logistex’s role includes delivering an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) with Aisle Changing and Fixed Aisle cranes, an Automated 4-way Pallet Shuttle system for Pharmaceutical clients, and an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) Goods to Person solution for both chambers. Their Reflex warehouse system will integrate with all automated technologies to ensure smooth control over inventory and picking.

Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex, said: “The team at Logistex has collaborated closely with Yusen Logistics (UK) during the tender process, forming a strong partnership. The flexibility to implement best-in-class technology underscores Logistex’s expertise as a high-level systems integrator.”

Benjamin Bird, Business Development and Solutions Director at Yusen Logistics, added: “This project is a strategic milestone in our journey towards delivering sustainable logistics services by 2030, offering net zero warehousing solutions to our customers. The SDC’s shared user automation is set to support both B2B and D2C operations, and its location near the rail terminal provides further carbon reduction opportunities. This entire operation is built around ESG values.”

Claridge’s Historical Collection to Be Auctioned

Having just been crowned the UK’s best hotel by The World’s 50 Best Hotels list, Claridge’s is preparing to auction an extraordinary collection of archived items, which also includes pieces from sister hotels The Connaught and The Berkeley.

Maybourne, the group behind these luxurious establishments, is working once again with NCM Auctions to bring this vast and impressive collection to the public.

The collection spans over a hundred years, featuring custom furniture from renowned designers such as Ben Whistler and David Linley, alongside pieces from the Marcus Wareing Restaurant and ceramics by John Wigmore.

Scheduled for 25 and 26 September, the auction will offer a wide range of items, including antique furniture, bespoke commissions, lighting, artwork, and other unique pieces from the three prestigious London hotels.

As part of their ongoing sustainability efforts, Maybourne is embracing a circular economy, extending the lifecycle of these historic items by working with NCM Auctions.

Amy Rutherford, from NCM, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the team at Maybourne again and we can’t wait to bring this collection to a global audience once more with our live hybrid auction. The catalogue features over 600 items and includes iconic pieces from David Linley, exclusively for Claridge’s, seating and tables direct from The Blue Bar, items from the Marcus Wareing Restaurant and many more.”

Bidders can place offers online before the live auction begins on 25 September. The collection will also be available for viewing by appointment on 24 September.

Those interested must register for the auction and arrange viewings by calling 01302 898260. The online catalogue is now available, with pre-auction bids being accepted. The live auction will start at 11am on 25 and 26 September.

Sign up now for further details.

Revitalising Brands: Inc & Co’s Strategy for Business Turnarounds

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Revitalising a struggling brand can seem like a daunting challenge, but Inc & Co has made it their mission to breathe new life into failing businesses. By focusing on key strategies such as customer-centric approaches and aligning with current market trends, Inc & Co successfully transforms brands and boosts their market presence. They delve deep into analysing the root causes of a brand’s difficulties, allowing for targeted and effective solutions.

Inc & Co leverages its team’s expertise to identify unique opportunities that give a brand a fresh and appealing identity. This often involves innovative thinking and imaginative strategies that rejuvenate a brand’s image and offerings. Whether it’s reconceptualising the brand’s identity or tapping into new target markets, they ensure that brands don’t just survive but thrive.

These strategies and approaches are not only effective but essential for any business facing decline. Inc & Co’s success stories offer valuable insights into how struggling brands can be turned around with precise and thoughtful action. Readers will discover how businesses can reinvent themselves even in the face of adversity.

Understanding Brand Decline and the Imperative for Revitalisation

A brand can face decline for many reasons, and the need for revitalisation follows closely when its position in the market falters. Issues like decreased market share and waning brand equity highlight the necessity for a strategic approach to boost a brand’s standing.

Diagnosing Brand Health Issues

Diagnosing a brand’s health involves identifying signs that indicate decline. Reduced market share is a clear symptom, often tied to falling consumer interest and competition pressures. Brand equity loss signals reduced customer loyalty and recognition.

Effective diagnosis requires thorough market research to track changes in consumer perception. Businesses should monitor factors like sales volume, and customer feedback to evaluate brand health. Early detection of these issues allows for timely interventions, limiting potential damage.

Key Factors in Failing Brands

Several factors can contribute to a brand’s decline. A primary cause is the failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Stagnant product offerings in a dynamic market can lead to obsolescence.

Competition also plays a critical role in diminishing brand appeal. New entrants or innovative competitors can overshadow existing brands, stealing market share. Additionally, internal issues like poor management decisions can impede a brand’s ability to respond effectively to market shifts and challenges.

The Product Life Cycle and Brand Mortality

All products have a life cycle that includes introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Understanding this cycle is crucial for recognising when a brand might face mortality. During the decline phase, sales typically drop, signalling the need for revitalisation strategies.

Brands must pay attention to the maturity stage, where growth stagnates, to implement changes that can rejuvenate image and offerings. By anticipating changes and innovating, brands can prolong their relevance and postpone decline, ensuring sustained engagement with their target audience.

Strategies for Brand Revitalisation

Revitalising a brand involves understanding market dynamics and customer desires while making strategic adjustments. Embracing innovation, focusing on customer needs, and refreshing brand identity are key aspects. This revitalisation process aims to strengthen brand recognition and customer loyalty.

Realigning With Market and Customer Needs

Successful brand revitalisation starts by understanding the current market landscape and aligning the brand’s offerings with customer expectations. Gathering data on consumer behaviour and preferences helps refine products and services. Companies can conduct surveys and focus groups to gain insights into target audiences.

This approach ensures that businesses stay relevant in a competitive market. By addressing customer needs, brands can enhance customer response and boost their market position.

Innovating Brand Elements for Contemporary Relevance

To achieve contemporary relevance, it’s vital to innovate brand elements. This could include adjustments to the product line, advertising strategies, or even packaging design. Introducing modern and unique offerings can distinguish a brand from its competitors and capture consumer interest.

Innovation is essential for maintaining brand differentiation. Experimenting with new technologies and keeping an eye on market trends can significantly aid this process.

Implementing A Customer-Centric Approach

Adopting a customer-centric approach places the consumer at the heart of brand strategy. Personalised experiences and a focus on customer satisfaction can lead to stronger brand loyalty. Engaging with customers through feedback channels and rapid responses shows the brand values their input.

This focus not only strengthens relationships but also ensures that the brand evolves with customer expectations, fostering brand loyalty and retention.

Refreshing Visual Identity and Messaging

A brand’s visual identity and messaging often need a refresh for renewed appeal. Updating logos, colour schemes, and taglines can offer fresh perspectives to existing and potential customers. Branding elements should reflect current trends while embodying the brand’s core values.

This refresh should also extend to messaging. Clear, compelling communication resonates better with audiences and enhances brand image.

Revamping Product Offerings and Marketing Strategies

Updating product offerings is crucial for engaging a modern audience. Introducing new products or improving existing ones can ignite interest in a fading brand. Crafting effective marketing strategies is also essential. This might involve launching targeted marketing campaigns that highlight new features or unique selling points.

By revamping both product offerings and marketing activities, brands can recapture lost market share and improve overall market performance.

Stay connected with Inc & Co on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights.

Dubois knocks out Joshua to retain IBF heavyweight title

Daniel Dubois delivered a career-defining performance by stopping fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in five rounds, securing his place among boxing’s elite in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

27-year-old Dubois knocked Joshua down multiple times, retaining his IBF heavyweight title and casting doubt over the future of his domestic rival’s career.

The London-born fighter sealed the victory with a devastating counter right hook, marking the most significant win of his 24-fight career.

Joshua, 34, had hoped to become a three-time world champion and reclaim his spot at the top of the heavyweight division.

However, Dubois’ commanding performance left those aspirations in tatters. This defeat marks Joshua’s fourth loss in 32 professional fights, a stark contrast to his once-dominant reign.

Joshua, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist, had worked his way back to mandatory challenger status, but the nature of Dubois’ win raises serious questions about the next step in his career.

“Are you not entertained?” Dubois shouted to roaring applause after the fight.

“I’m a gladiator. I’m a warrior to the end. I want to reach the top level of this sport and fulfill my potential.”

For Dubois, the victory represents the crowning moment of his career.

After being elevated to world champion status when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt, Dubois had been searching for a defining win to cement his legacy. Saturday’s knockout delivered just that.

Dubois weighs in at career heaviest but still four pounds lighter than Joshua ahead of Wembley shown

Anthony Joshua outweighed Daniel Dubois by four pounds for their blockbuster title fight at Wembley on Saturday despite a career-heaviest weight for his British rival.

Joshua weighed in at 252.5lbs while Dubois scaled 248.6lbs at Nelson’s Column ahead of their world heavyweight title showdown on Saturday.

Greeted to a mixed reception in London, Joshua clocked slightly heavier than his weight against Francis Ngannou, with Dubois almost three pounds higher than his previous heaviest.

Tension between the British duo has raised in the last week and were seen in an intense face-off ahead of the weigh-in.

The bout will settle the holder of the IBF world championship, with Dubois currently the champion after his interim belt was upgraded.

As well as that title, a bout with either Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is also potentiall at stake on Saturday evening.

“You’ve been with me through my ups and downs,” said Joshua. “If I can ask you one favour – pray for me, for my success and for me to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.

“I’m a gladiator and I’m about to step into an arena to perform for the people. I’m pumped and ready to perform.”

“A lot of work and training has gone into this, and I’m just ready to go now,” said Dubois afterwards. “I’m ready to fight. It’s time to get in the ring.

“A win, by any means necessary.”