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Native Manchester and DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE make new appointments as it re-launches the city centre space

Sam Whitear
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Native Manchester and DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE has made a wave of new appointments to mark the re-launch of its stunning space at the Grade-II listed Victorian building in the heart of Manchester’s city centre.

The new appointment includes Takis Melitsiotis, who’s experience springs from lifestyle and luxury properties within Marriott and Hilton Hotels, for the new role of General Manager at Native Manchester. He will be responsible in overseeing the 166-luxury-aparthotels, from studio to a palatial two-bedroom duplex penthouse.

Also making up the wider Manchester operations team at DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE are F&B Operations Director, Mark Clinton, previously General Manager at The Refuge by Volta, and the new Programming and Events Manager, Nathan Wrigglesworth. These appointments will support the new conception which will see DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE repositioning itself in the city.

The all-day kitchen and bar have also appointed Andrew Green as the new Head Chef at DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE. The well-seasoned chef has worked at some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants, including The Lowry hotel, where he achieved a Double AA Rosette recognition.

With a brand-new team and fresh approach to re-launch DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE, Mark Clinton, F&B Operations Director, comments:

“There is so much potential for us to explore in this remarkable space. It’s an exciting time to be part of the team, as we look forward to re-launching and gradually opening the space, in line with the Government’s roadmap plan. We are very keen to bring this space alive and really connect with the city through our programming and offerings.”

Takis Melitsiotis, General Manager at Native Manchester at DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE, also adds:

“This exciting opportunity has enabled us to bring together two of the most impressive spaces in Manchester; our luxury serviced apartments, Native, and our vibrant and social DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE which will unveil its lively new south-facing terrace – accessible for both guests at Native and locals alike to enjoy.”

Native Manchester at DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE is part of the Native portfolio – one of the leading aparthotels operators in the UK, with locations in most of the major cities including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow.

DUCIE STREET WAREHOUSE is an all-day space for guests and locals alike to hang out—with offers ranging from kiosk from local business, takeaway café and deli, kitchen and bar, and entertainment programming from music, art installations, cinemas, workshop, to everything in between.

DLA APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF DESIGN

Sam Whitear
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DLA Architecture, a top 100 UK architectural practice*, has promoted Mark Redfern as Head of Design across all three studios in Manchester, Leeds and London. The newly created role has been generated by the business restructure and succession plan announced earlier this year.

Mark, who joined the practice in 2006, operates across all office locations and drives the design ethos within the practice. As Head of Design, Mark will take the lead in developing a more integrated design culture to deliver the company’s ethos of contextual narrative-led architecture across all the DLA studios.

Mark has contributed considerable design leadership through several high-profile projects including the redevelopment of ‘The Majestic’ which is to become the new HQ for Channel 4, and the Central Square development in Leeds which was one of the first BREEAM Outstanding speculative office developments in the UK.

Chris Levett, Board Director and Head of the London office at DLA, said, “Mark’s skills and experience are perfect for this new and vital role demonstrated by Mark’s passion for contextual and integrated design which is widely recognised in the property sector. He is able to balance the commercial requirements of the client’s brief with the challenges that each site brings to create high quality, award winning civic architecture.”

Mark Redfern, said, “I am delighted to take on this new role at DLA and see tremendous value in embracing the collective design expertise across all our offices to enrich our design culture. This is a very exciting time for the future of the practice and indeed the property industry as we emerge, post pandemic, with an evolved perspective on the effects of the built environment around us.”

DLA Architecture has been established for more than 40 years with offices in Leeds, Manchester and London. The award-winning practice employs over 75 architects, landscape architects, architectural technologists, and graphic designers.

In January DLA announced its succession strategy with a rebrand and has streamlined its core architectural services to focus on core growth sectors. Whilst its HQ remains in Leeds, it has committed to grow its North West presence with larger premises in Manchester city centre.

DLA is recognised nationally for its award-winning work which includes the sensitive, £21 million PPP delivered community project at Hackney Gardens in London and the transformation of the iconic Majestic building in Leeds city centre. Its expertise covers a broad range of sector including learning, sport, industry, care, workplace, housing, retail, conservation and re-use.

Free legal advice available for workers with employment issues

Sam Whitear
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The Employment Legal Advice service is offering support and tips to Greater Manchester workers dealing with employment issues.

This past year has been challenging for many and has put employment issues and the challenges employees can face under the spotlight more than ever before.

People in otherwise secure roles have suddenly found their position insecure, with furlough and redundancy causing worry across many sectors.

Employment Legal Advice, a free service set up by The Growth Company together with Citizens Advice Manchester, Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton, and a network of legal partners, can provide support to Greater Manchester workers currently dealing with employment issues.

Their top five tips for taking control of a difficult situation at work, in association with Linder Myers Solicitors, are:

Keep your own log and account of what has happened, as well as copies of any correspondence.
Exhaust internal processes and procedures and ensure you are fully versed in your employer’s own policies by requesting a copy or outline of the procedure your employer intends to follow.
Seek early independent advice from a solicitor or employment advice service when the issues first arise.
Don’t be put off by potential costs, there may be funding arrangements you can access.
Assert your rights – don’t assume there is nothing to be done about your situation, employment law is there to protect employees.
The Employment Legal Advice service is completely free, with legal experts giving something back and donating their time on a Pro Bono basis.

Enquiries to the service will be passed on to a dedicated triage advisor who will review the case and decide on the correct pathway for the user, including whether to refer them to an expert from the network of legal partners.

Mark Hughes MBE, Chief Executive of the Growth Company, said: “At a time of increased redundancy and unstable employment having a service like Employment Legal Advice available for the people of Greater Manchester is more important than ever.

“By working closely with Citizens Advice Manchester, Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton and legal firms like Linder Myers we are able to offer employment support and advice to those most in need.”

People who think they might benefit from the help of the Employment Legal Advice service can provide details of their issue on the service’s website: https://employmentlegaladvice.org. They can also email [email protected], or call 0161 233 2686.

For a full list of the law firms partnering with Employment Legal Advice, visit https://employmentlegaladvice.org/our-partners.

PRAETURA VENTURES LEADS PIXELMAX’S £2M INVESTMENT ROUND

Sam Whitear
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Immersive communications platform PixelMax has secured £2m investment in a funding round led by Praetura Ventures, with participation from ACT Capital Partners.

Manchester-based PixelMax uses 3D interactive technology to revolutionise the way content is delivered to mass audiences. It enables businesses to create and host their own virtual worlds, and is changing the way organisations inform, educate and engage with their audiences through the use of digital twinning, product or process simulation, and virtual environments.

The business, which is led by co-founders Andy Sands, Shay O’Carroll and Rob Hilton, has already collaborated with an NHS Trust to create a simulation of a hospital department, enabling patients and their families to familiarise themselves with the process and experience they can expect before having to go into hospital. Meanwhile, manufacturing firms are collaborating with PixelMax to create digital twins of machinery and factory sites to help deliver training virtually.

In the past 12 months, PixelMax has also expanded into the events sector and developed its technology to host fully immersive, engaging and accessible event experiences for clients including the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Manufacturing Made Smarter. Interactive functionality has proven to facilitate strong user experience, whereas real time chat, virtual wellness and coffee areas, and live social media links have boosted engagement. Earlier this month, PixelMax hosted Digifest 2021, providing a 3D immersive experience to almost 2,700 participants over four days.

The investment and support from Praetura Ventures and ACT Capital Partners will now allow PixelMax to expand its team and define its go-to-market strategy to drive growth.

Andy Sands, co-founder of PixelMax, said: “Right now there is a huge opportunity for PixelMax, but to get to the next level we need an investment partner that can provide strategic guidance and support, as well as an injection of capital. The team at Praetura Ventures not only share our ambitions, they have a track record of supporting businesses just like ours and this deal represents a significant milestone in our growth journey.”

The funding round was led by Praetura Ventures’ director Mark Lyons, investment director Pete Carway, investment manager Sim Singh-Landa and investment executive Myrto Lalacos. Praetura Ventures’ portfolio director, Andy Sumner, will join the PixelMax board as a non-executive director, alongside entrepreneur Shaz Sulaman, co-founder of Solid Bond Capital, an investor in the business, who will join as executive chairman.

Mark Lyons said: “PixelMax’s innovative technology ensures the business has strong foundations and as the coronavirus pandemic continues to highlight the need for digital innovation across many industries there is a real appetite for the team to capitalise on. The management team is not only incredibly talented and passionate about what they do, they have the grit, resilience and determination that entrepreneurs need to succeed. We’re really looking forward to supporting them as they push forward and accelerate the growth of the business.”

Praetura Ventures, the venture capital business that funds early-stage businesses in high-growth sectors, has invested from its EIS Growth Fund. This deal follows investments in fast-growing cybersecurity business RapidSpike, as well as a series of investments in tech-for-good companies Enthuse, Transreport and Culture Shift.

Irwin Mitchell provided legal advice to Praetura Ventures.

Slater Heelis provided legal advice to PixelMax.

Manchester-based Verastar Creates 150 New Roles

Sam Whitear
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Verastar, the Manchester-based small business service provider, is on the lookout for up to 150 new recruits this year as it prepares to support customers during their recovery from the pandemic.

With a core customer base of small business owners in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors, Verastar is targeting the new hires to deliver on its significant growth plans and ensure customers have the essential tools they need to thrive as the economy bounces back.

Verastar provides water, energy, telecoms, broadband, mobile, insurance and payments services to more than 160,000 small businesses in the UK. It operates several customer-facing brands including kinex, Clear Business, Inspire Payments and The Insurance Octopus.

The company is looking for talent across its sales, customer service, marketing and IT departments, with up to 100 roles being created in Manchester and 50 at its Scottish base in Rutherglen near Glasgow.

At least 10 additional roles are set to be created through Verastar’s successful business graduate scheme, with applications opening from May.

Verastar Group announced the appointment of former TalkTalk MD Lee Hull as CEO in October 2020.

Hull said: “As the government eases restrictions, businesses of all kinds are sure to see an increase in activity. We’ve been working incredibly hard to support the UK high street and hospitality during the pandemic and we’re here to support them as they begin to recover.

“Alongside the pandemic recovery we’re working flat out on the rollout of full fibre broadband, equipping small businesses with the connectivity they need to thrive as part of a modern economy. This project presents a significant opportunity for Verastar and we’ll need the right people on the bus to continue to deliver a great service for our customers.”

Verastar’s HQ is in Sale, Greater Manchester, with 600 colleagues currently based at the head office.

Hull continued: “Manchester is a brilliant place to do business. The city region is developing at pace and there is a rich and diverse talent pool, whether you’re looking for graduates, apprentices, or more experienced individuals. It’s just a great place to find great people.”

North West businessman Drew Cockton has founded the first ever LGBTQ+ Business Awards

Sam Whitear
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The event which takes place on this September will be piloted in the North West of England and then rolled out nationally in 2022 and beyond.

Mr Cockton, of multi award-winning luxury fragrance brand Owen Drew, explained that an awards ceremony for the LGBTQ+ community in business is much needed:

“The LGBTQ+ community contributes enormously to the GDP of the UK thanks to the creativity, ingenuity and resilience of its members. After such an incredibly difficult twelve months in business, I decided to create these awards to celebrate the achievements of our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters.

We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from people wanting to get involved and sponsor. Unfortunately, too many businesses simply offer virtue signalling without properly engaging with and supporting the community so it is fantastic to have had such a great response”

The awards will bring together businesspeople from across the North West of England including Wirral, Liverpool, Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and beyond with all sectors of the economy being represented.

The judging panel for the awards is a powerhouse of the good and great of the LGBTQ+ community including former Lord Mayor of Manchester, Carl Austin OBE, Maggie O’Carrol of the Womens Organisation and human rights lawyer, Hetal Hathiwala.

The awards will also look to support charities including The Albert Kennedy Trust which supports homeless young LGBTQ+ people and the Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation.

There are ten awards up for grabs with categories including ‘Best Young Person in Business’, ‘The LGBTQ+ Tourism and Hospitality Award’ and the ‘Community Impact Award’. Applications will open on Friday 26th March 2021.

The venue for the awards evening will be Heatherfield House in Claughton, Wirral and takes place Thursday 16th September 2021 from 7pm.

For information on how to apply or sponsor, please visit www.lgbtqbusinessawards.com

Social Republic Continues To Support Non-Profit Sector With Fundraising Everywhere Win

Sam Whitear
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Fundraising Everywhere, has chosen Manchester-based Social Republic to deliver its social media campaigns.

The virtual conference and event platform for fundraisers, provides virtual conferences, monthly webinars and virtual support, to help connect fundraisers and raise much needed funds.

The organisation looks to help those in the charity sector become skilled and confident to achieve their targets through support from world-class experts and peers, creating an online community of learning.

Social Republic’s global teams will focus on promoting Fundraising Everywhere’s industry expertise and conference offering as well as its extensive online network through paid campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Google, combined with weekly blogging updates.

Nikki Bell, co-founder at Fundraising Everywhere commented: “The team at Social Republic fully understood our requirements, our ‘human’ approach to campaigns and the vision we have for the future of the industry.

“Our mission is simple. To give the charity sector access to affordable training and an authentic community that they can access anywhere at any time.

“We’re committed to working with those who are keen to make a change in sector, and by partnering with Social Republic we will be able to extend campaign reach and heighten our impact in the industry.”

Ceo of Social Republic, Rob Illidge added: “At Social Republic we are committed to assisting organisations who provide support for others and are honoured to be working with Fundraising Everywhere.

“We will utilise our finger-on-the-pulse knowledge of social networks to create ground-breaking campaigns, continuing to make a positive impact and support the charity sector.

“The announcement is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Social Republic, who are constantly pushing boundaries and striving to make the world of social media a better place.”

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

5 issues that may arise after pausing fire sprinkler maintenance during lockdown

Sam Whitear
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As we approach the thought of a release from lockdown it’s important to consider what may have changed in the dormant buildings whilst we have been away.

Whilst the Alpine Service Team have remained 100% operational across the UK some businesses may have taken the decision to pause their planned maintenance schedules whilst the facilities are empty.

We have gathered the thoughts of our in house technical experts for advice on some considerations to be given where sites have not been fully maintained, tested or checked.

Here are 5 issues that may arise from a pause in the regular tests and checks advised by LPS 1048 and could potentially compromise the operation of a fire sprinkler system.

1. Seized Pressure switches – unless regularly exercised pressure switches can stick causing a number of issues with the sprinkler system. Pressure switches installed on the pump initiation lines would not detect a drop in system pressure and would therefore not start the fire pump(s) preventing the sprinkler system from operating. The pressure switches on the alarm line of the control valves would not send a signal to the main fire alarm, impairing the detection of any issues, either accidental damage or fire related.
2. Water Motor Alarms could be seized – although seen by some as outdated technology the mechanical aspect of a water pressure driven alarm cannot be overlooked as this should still give an audible signal if there was ever a problem with the building fire alarm system. It also enables a hard check on the alarm valves operational effectiveness during regular checks, this would not be possible with an inoperable alarm motor and gong due to failed or seized components.
3. System valves could be stiffer to operate or seized – water flow control valves that are seized or at least stiff would be much more difficult to close in the event of an accidental discharge, potentially leading to excessive water damage if the flow of water cannot be stopped. Individual test valves seized will prevent the normal testing procedure being carried out. However the worst case is that the alarm valves may not open correctly preventing water from flowing into the main sprinkler system in the event of a fire situation.
4. Fire pumps could be seized – As above, if the fire pump is not able to deliver water to the sprinkler system then the effectiveness of that system is eliminated. The ability to provide a continuous flow of water at required pressure based on the design parameters is paramount in the operation of the overall fire suppression system.
5. Undetected frost damage – we have endured some of the coldest days on record in the UK during lockdown. There is a risk within closed sites that there may be frost damage to parts of the system, which could lead to impaired components that could fail on returning to standard operation. These components may not operate as designed and impair their ability to control a fire or at the minimum could cause water damage within a facility in the event of failure.

So, as we all look to Spring for a return to something more like the life we remember, we recommend that your fire sprinkler systems are checked for impairments and correct operation by a competent engineer before reoccupation of buildings takes place.

Local Enterprise Manager, Natalie explains the business builder

Sam Whitear
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In uncertain times it’s good to know that some things never change. When it comes to building a successful business, it’s those consistent relationships with colleagues, customers, suppliers or mentors that keep us in focus, and keep us feeling in control, even when all around is crumbling. That got us thinking internally, ‘how can we help to provide that constant source support for businesses?’ which lead us to launch Business Builder in April 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to hit hard.

Business Builder is our virtual tool to support businesses and business owners to upskill and grow at their own pace. Designed to be an intuitive, self-serve platform, it offers a TV streaming service-like approach to development, allowing you to log into an ever-expanding library of business support content as well as access a UK-wide network of business owners and a set of workshops, allowing you focus on core business topics alongside your peers.

Business Builder includes:
▪ Digital Learning – Whether you want to focus on your Business Model, your Customer Segments or your own Personal Development (to name a few), Business Builder’s modular approach means that you can work through the content alongside your existing business commitments and revisit topics as often as you like. The digital learning portal is a living library of content, with new modules added according to your needs and current affairs on a regular basis

▪ Online Community – Access our network of over 6,000 UK business owners, all keen to share their skills, partner or support with others to expand their offering or add value to yours.

▪ Wrap Around Workshops – We have 10 workshops designed to focus on a wide range of key topics such as how to write a great pitch, to putting a continuity plan in place, all in the company of other business owners, gaining fresh and relevant perspectives.

Business Builder is completely free and available to anybody whether you’re a NatWest customer or not. We understand and recognise the impact SMEs are going to have on our economic recovery over the coming months, and we’re delighted and excited to be supporting as many of them as possible. To take a look at our digital learning, book onto a workshop or access our community, simply register in a few moments by visiting: Business Builder Tomorrow begins today.

With so much going on, it’s so easy for us to find an excuse to cease our own development. That sales call or that employee review that always takes precedence, yes, it’s important, but so are you. As we move into 2021, make sure your development is a consistent focus as your business will flourish as a result.
As your local enterprise manager in Merseyside and surrounding areas, it’s my responsibility to support businesses in the community whether you bank with NatWest or not. I will look to add value and growth to SME’s to stay ahead of the curve, whether it be through one to one mentoring or by attending a local event – I am here to boost your business. Growth means different things to different businesses, so tell me what it means to your business.

Natalie Hughes, Local Enterprise Manager, NatWest, [email protected], 07917 213381

James Burns appointed Head of Global Sales for HiHo Solutions

Sam Whitear
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HiHo Solutions, an emerging and disruptive technology solutions brand, have appointed James Burns as Global Head of Sales. HiHo currently supply the UK corporate market with their portfolio of solutions, ranging from Audio & Video Conferencing to Headsets and Personal Protective Equipment.

Burns will lead the sales strategy across the HiHo Solutions portfolio and will develop relationships with both new and existing partners across the globe.
He brings with him extensive industry knowledge and a wealth of experience in Business Communications and Unified Communications & Collaboration Solutions, having held senior roles at both Exertis and Nimans in a Channel career spanning 20 years to date.

Neil Hinde, MD of HiHo’s leading UK Distributor, NB Data said, “I’ve known James since he joined Nimans circa 20 years ago and he will be a great asset to the HiHo Solutions brand driving new relationships, extending the portfolio and strengthening their position as a vendor of products that have helped us dramatically increase our turnover since they’ve been on board with us.”
James added, “I’m delighted to be heading up the HiHo Solutions team and joining at such a crucial and dynamic period in its growth. We are launching new products throughout 2021 in the Corporate arena. I’m delighted to be working with partners like Neil and his team and to influence the next phase of growth both in the UK and Globally.”

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