Home Blog Page 783

UNITE AND CREATE AIMING TO SHAKE UP THE AGENCY WORLD

Sam Whitear
-
0

Former Managing Director and Client Services Director of HGA, have launched their new creative services agency, Unite and Create.

Offering a new way to ‘create together’ the launch offers a very different take on the traditional agency model, by exclusively working with freelance talent to support a wide range of client briefs.

Founding Director, Dan Laurence commented, “For us the agency model of in-house teams and resources has stood for decades, but we believe disruption is healthy for every industry and having operated in that world for a combined 30 years, believe there is a better way. By working with us, our clients are able to build their dream team, every time – a team specifically tailored to each and every brief. We believe this way of creating not only offers a more bespoke, tailored service but ultimately delivers better results at a better price too.”

Since launch in November the agency has already seen rapid growth and has picked up a string of new client wins, including securing a contract with the agricultural business of BASF UK & Ireland following a competitive tender.

The initial contract is to deliver a range of digital and virtual solutions and Andre Cambeis, Head of Communications, Agricultural Solutions UK & Ireland, said: “By 2050, farmers will have to feed an estimated 9.7 billion people, requiring an increase in productivity of 50%. Digitalization has the potential to make an important contribution to this. The company is therefore advancing its digital technologies and approaches together with other innovations across its whole portfolio. We are excited to work with an agency that brings progressive thinking, creative ideas and agility to the way we engage with our audiences.”

Founding Director, Chris Hobson added, “Starting up a new agency in the middle of a pandemic was always a brave thing to do, especially when we offer such a radically different approach to the way we operate. Our process is unique, but we know it is a better, more agile and customisable way of working. We have access to the biggest creative collective in the UK and as such operate in a world without limits. As great as we know this is, we’re thrilled to see those views shared by an ever-growing client roster too. We’re excited about uniting with many more clients in the months ahead”

SharpFutures & Sky Studios in association with ScreenSkills launch Flip The Script.

Sam Whitear
-
0

Flip The Script is a new creative talent development programme for trainee script editors launched by social enterprise SharpFutures with the support of Sky Studios curated by Cameron Roach and members of the Sky Drama team.

ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK’s screen industries, are also supporting the programme.

The aim and vision of the programme is to inspire and encourage a new generation of scripted professionals, specifically with a focus on individuals in the North West, by offering twelve paid placements for trainee script editors to acquire and hone their skills and editorial voice, enabling them to go forward and apply for positions as researchers, script editors, assistant story editors and dramaturgs in the future.

SharpFutures and Sky Drama started collaborating closely whilst shooting the forthcoming Sky1 show Intergalactic.
The 12 week programme which commences in May is targeted at individuals living in the North West, as we recognise that the broadcast industry needs to provide greater access to careers in the creative sector in this region.

‘Sky have worked in collaboration with Sharp Futures across a number of our shows shot in the North-West in recent years, including the forthcoming Intergalactic, and their passion and commitment for enabling the individual voice is incredibly inspiring.

We’re excited to unearth a new generation of creative talent working in partnership with SharpFutures, and ScreenSkills, as well as the generous industry partners and individuals who have agreed to offer masterclasses and workshops. Script Editing is a powerful industry tool in enabling true diversity of voice, and we recognise that there needs to be more open access into the role going forward’.
Cameron Roach, Director of Drama, Sky Studios
‘For SharpFutures, where we pride ourselves in being a leader in securing opportunities in the broadcast sector, collaborating with the teams at Sky Drama and Screenskills is always a pleasure. Invariably it leads to us discovering new ways to face challenges and ultimately make positive change in our industry and for our community in the future.

Flip The Script is an initiative I know will deliver wonderful openings for a new generation of creative talent. A great reason to get up and get to work every day!’
Elli Metcalfe, Head of Production, SharpFutures

‘We know that there is an industry demand for script editors and associated roles so are really pleased to be working with our partners at Sky and SharpFutures on this programme targeted at finding and developing talent in the North West.
This is a great opportunity for a new generation of script professionals to get practical experience and hone their skills in a way that will be of wider benefit to our thriving industry’.

Kaye Elliott, Director of High-end Television, ScreenSkills
Online applications are now open and the successful applicants will have direct access to a range of industry professionals who have succeeded in making their own literary aspirations come true. They will also have the opportunity to train in recognised Industry software Final Draft.

The initiative will include masterclasses from Nicola Shindler, Paul Abbott, Furquan Akhtar, Danny Brocklehurst, Jerome Bucchan-Nelson, Lisa Holdsworth, Namsi Khan, Lisa McGee, Liz Lewin and Cameron Roach. Every one of these contributors are working in scripted TV in the UK; across the genres of Comedy, Children’s TV, Drama, High End TV as well as Continuing Drama. ScreenSkills will also be providing sessions for the participants along with and to complement the other masterclass leaders.

As well as these named individuals the initiative will also ensure participants have exposure to a wide variety of scripted content and contributors which will include employees and creatives working with Sky, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Netflix, NBC, AbbottVision, Quay Street Productions, Lime Pictures & CBBC.

The deadline for application is Friday April 9th 2021.
The course is open for applicants who are over 18 and resident in the North West
Apply via: https://sharpfutures.org.uk/flip-the-script/
Course info: https://sharpfutures.org.uk/flip-the-script/

NETWORK SPACE ACQUIRES INDUSTRIAL ASSET

Sam Whitear
-
0

Network Space has exchanged contracts for the purchase of a prime 11.4 acre (4.6 ha) site in South Manchester.

The site on Atlantic Street in Altrincham, which comprises 220,000 sq ft of industrial warehouse space, was until recently the HQ and trailer manufacturing site for the Cartwright Group. Acquired from the administrators for an undisclosed sum, Network Space will refurbish and redevelop the site to meet existing and future demand for industrial property.

Richard Ainscough from Network Space, said: “At its peak some 700 people would have been employed by Cartwright in Altrincham. The closure of the business has undoubtedly left a hole in the local economy. There is a well-documented shortage of light industrial space in the urban environment. We are specialists in industrial development and regeneration, and will provide much-needed space for small and mid-box urban logistics, as well as traditional multi-let industrial estate uses. This will hopefully go some way to create new jobs at the site by attracting a mix of local, regional and national occupiers. We aim to be on site as soon as possible.”

Network Space expects to have new space ready to occupy next year.

The site lies eight miles south of Manchester City Centre and a mile from Altrincham Town Centre in the well-established Broadheath industrial area. It is three miles from the M56 and offers easy access to the M6 and M60.

Savills and Gateley acted for Network Space, B8, SIA Group and Addleshaw Goddard acted for the administrators.

First look inside Kampus garden neighbourhood

Sam Whitear
-
0

New images have been revealed of Kampus – the new £250m garden neighbourhood being developed in central Manchester by Capital & Centric and HBD.

The first look showcases the quirky rooftop village of Amsterdam inspired Dutch Houses that sit atop of North Block. With high ceilings, panoramic views across the city and huge suntrap terraces, the Dutch Houses are the penthouse reimagined.

With one and two bedroom apartments to rent, North Block is the first of five individual buildings to complete at Kampus. It makes a bold new addition to Manchester’s skyline, with its distinctive pixel windows, Lancashire red brick and exposed concrete features. Inside it’s all about clean design and sharp interiors crafted by Dezeen award-winning YOUTH Studio.

The building, along with its sister South Block, sits alongside two beautiful Victorian shipping warehouses and a 1960s brutalist tower. At the heart of Kampus lies a canal-side garden, full of trees, plants and flowers, and open to everyone. It will also be a home for the city’s creatives and independents with two floors of independent bars, restaurants and shops.
Adam Brady, Executive Director at HBD: “Each building at Kampus has its own distinct character. So whether you fancy living in a rooftop village with unbeatable views across the city or an exposed brick loft is more your thing, we’ve got something for everyone.

“There’ll be loads of places for you to meet your neighbours. As Kampus grows you’ll find independent shops, bars and eateries by the lush garden. You can catch a film in the rooftop cinema, host a dinner party or have drinks in the lounge or join in a yoga class on the terrace. We’ve even got the Bungalow – an ex-security cabin on stilts overlooking the canal which is our village hall.”

Talking about the interiors, Liam McGroarty, co-Founder at YOUTH said: “We wanted them to feel like home, somewhere you can make your own, so the design is understated with simple details – wall colours that add warm tones, floor colours that don’t dictate what you do with the space, furniture made from natural materials. It’s not a white box, but neither is it too much. You bring your own style.”
With no deposit or hidden fees, pet friendly and tenancies from 12 months to 3 years, prices start at £1,125 for a 1-bed apartment and £1605 for a 2-bed. Along with super-fast broadband, a resident’s app and 24-hour on-site team, other resident perks include a gym, yoga terrace, private cinema and dining room. All 534 apartments at Kampus are for rent with the other buildings becoming available later this year.

STAGECOACH DELIVERS CLEANER AIR FOR GREATER MANCHESTER AS CITY’S FIRST ELECTRIC DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES CLOCK UP OVER 700,000 CARBON-FREE MILES

Sam Whitear
-
0

Stagecoach’s multi-million-pound investment in new electric buses is helping deliver cleaner air for communities in Greater Manchester, with the vehicles clocking up over 700,000 carbon free miles after a successful first year in service.

The fleet of 32 electric double-decker buses was introduced in March 2020 and represents one of the single biggest investments in this technology anywhere in Europe.

They are helping cut pollution from cars on the region’s roads by encouraging people to switch to more sustainable public transport. Previous research shows that pollution from cars sitting in nose-to-tail traffic is four times higher than on free-flowing roads.
Nitrous oxide, particularly from cars, makes by far the most significant contribution to non-CO2 emissions from the transport sector. It is a significant source of local air pollution, with 1kg of Nox equivalent to 298kg of carbon. As a result, the new buses will reduce annual Nox by the equivalent of 4.4 tonnes of carbon a year, further helping efforts to deliver cleaner air in the region.

The buses use state-of-the-art batteries that use regenerative braking to recharge every time the bus slows down. They operate on some of the busiest roads in Europe, connecting Manchester City Centre with the airport, hospitals and universities. They were introduced in partnership with the Mayor, Andy Burnham and Transport for Greater Manchester as part of plans to improve air quality in the region and reduce harmful carbon emissions. Stagecoach has recently announced it is targeting a UK-wide zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.

Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director for Stagecoach Manchester, said: “Buses play a critical role in delivering cleaner air in our towns and cities and reducing the harmful impact caused to our region’s communities through car congestion.

“As the country starts to recover from the pandemic, there is an opportunity to make real progress in cutting pollution by encouraging people to switch from cars to more sustainable public transport. Now is the time to invest in bus priority measures and better infrastructure to help support the shift to a greener region.

“As we mark successful 25 years of delivering services in Greater Manchester, we are proud to be playing a crucial role in supporting cleaner air for our communities through our major investment in electric buses. As one of the most important regions in the country, we now need to lead the way in working together to ensure a boost in bus use to deliver a greener Greater Manchester.”

Buses have continued to play a critical role in Greater Manchester during the pandemic in helping people access jobs, education, training and other essential public services.
Independent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) published last year shows that without Stagecoach bus services, there would be an annual increase of 190,000 tonnes of CO2 through passengers using alternative transport, mainly cars. One double decker bus can take up to 75 cars off the road and a 1% switch away from cars could increase bus use in Greater Manchester by 12% or more.

First look images inside CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s Crusader owner occupier community

Sam Whitear
-
0

Social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC has released new images of the first apartment to complete at their Crusader Mill development off Chapeltown Street in Manchester.

Crusader, which recently featured in the BBC2 documentary Manctopia, hit the headlines in 2017 when locals were given ‘first dibs’ on the loft-style apartments and investors were banned.

The images show how the iconic mill, built around 1830, is being lovingly restored into one and two bed apartments with exposed brickwork, original cast iron columns and wooden beams, and huge windows.

Along with neighbouring owner occupier community Phoenix, Crusader forms part of the emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood, nestled between Piccadilly and Ancoats, which was recently named by The Times as one of the next greatest places to live.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said:
“Crusader is packed with history, but that’s meant it’s been challenging. Stuff that we couldn’t have ever foreseen that’s caused us and our buyers some delays. We can’t wait to welcome our residents and really appreciate how they’ve beared with us.

“But ultimately we weren’t going to cut corners. This building is so iconic, with such great features, we have to do it justice. Once part of Manchester’s Cottonopolis, the building gives the loft apartments tons of industrial character that oozes from the exposed bricks, beams and huge windows that soak the apartments in light. This was the first project we brought forward in Piccadilly East – it’s our baby! – so it’s awesome to see it nearing completion.”

The first residents are anticipated to move into Crusader in March. The final phase of apartments are now available to buy with two-beds starting at £299,000 and one-beds from £200,000, some of which are only available to First Time Buyers using the Help to Buy scheme.

All residents get access to Crusader’s lush, green courtyard, with fire pits and barbeques, while some of the penthouse apartments have private roof terraces. The apartments will be dog friendly and benefit from a 24/7 concierge.

First time Crusader buyer James Lomas said:
“I’d not long started saving for a deposit when I saw Crusader Mill was available with Help to Buy so thought I’d have a nosey. As soon as I saw it I completely fell in love and knew it was the one for me. So, I spoke to my parents and, after a bit of convincing, they agreed to provide the rest of the deposit. I wasn’t expecting to buy something so soon but there was no way I was missing out.”

Crusader buyer Jo Beswick said:
“The design and layout of the apartments are really, really well thought out. The windows flood the room with light, the beams are just gorgeous and the exposed brick gives it character. We knew straight away this was the one for us! The whole aspect of it being for residents only is great. We wanted a community and we’re really excited to be here.”

SUN SHINES ON PROJECT SOLAR UK AS GROWTH TRAJECTORY CONTINUES

Sam Whitear
-
0

A Stockport-based retailer and installer of solar panels is celebrating a decade in business as the move towards green energy moves apace.

Project Solar UK, established in 2011 by Simon Peat, has built a reputation as the go-to supplier in the fast-growing clean energy market. It now employs 130 people at its call centres in Stockport and Burton-upon-Trent and has installation teams located across the country.

2021 is a milestone year for the ambitious team who forecast that their 20,000th installation will take place during their decade celebrations

Since its inception in 2011, Project Solar UK has completed over 18,000 domestic installations saving 3750 tonnes of carbon each year. The solar power systems used derive clean, pure energy from the sun, helping combat greenhouse gas emissions and reducing 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 interest in reducing carbon emissions climbs the agenda in households.

Solar panels are a direct way to reduce ongoing energy bills as they are designed to absorb energy from daylight and convert it into energy for domestic use. Any excess can then be sold back to the energy supplier through a Smart Export Guarantee, a fee paid per KW hour. This sell back scheme, launched 12 months ago, has already seen millions of KW hours paid back to homeowners nationally who have moved to incorporating solar panels on their roofs.

Simon Peat, Managing Director, states, “There is a clear shift to clean, green energy as customers 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 evidenced by the surge in calls we are experiencing from our call centre bases. Our expert team are explaining that we do not need to always have direct sunlight to generate energy and that daylight, even when overcast, plays an important role. Once people understand how solar panels and power work, they can visualise a future using a new energy source, translating into a busy sales pipeline for our national installation teams.”

Project Solar are marking their decade in business by renewing their sponsorship of Stockport County FC and continue to sponsor community football teams at Stockport Vikings. Their relationship with the Hatters includes centre circle sponsorship, personal sponsorship of four players and a dedicated Project Solar Day at the club which will take place when permitted withing government guidelines.

THE INSIGHTS PEOPLE EXPANDS INTO INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES & SOUTH KOREA

Sam Whitear
-
0

The Insights People, global leader in kids, parents and family research are delighted to announce our expansion into Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. The launch follows on from the company expanding its Asian operations in recent years, with the launch of Kids Insights India in 2019, and Kids Insights in Australia and China in 2020, and Parents Insights in all of those countries earlier this year. The company are now surveying c410 different kids (age and gender representative kids between the ages of 3 and 18) and c205 parents of children (between the ages of 1 and 16) in each of the four new countries.

The launch of Kids Insights and Parents Insight in these four new countries sees the business surveying more than 7,000 children every week aged 3-18, totaling more than 362,000 per year and 3,264 parents every week, totalling more than 170,000 per year.

Kids Insights and Parents Insights already operates in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, UK and the US. The company is firmly established as the global leader in kids, parents and family market intelligence with a diverse and hugely impressive client portfolio which includes: Amazon, BBC, Disney, F1, Kraft, Mattel, T-Mobile and Warner Bros, to name just a few.

Nick Richardson, Founder and CEO of The Insights People comments:
“This represents an important development for us as a business, as we have experienced significant demand for our services in this region. Initially we will be running all of our Asia-Pacific operations from the UK initially, but we will be looking to launch an office in the region later this year”

Data collection in the region started on 1st February, so the first reports for both Kids Insights and Parents Insights will be due out at the end of May.
Another announcement, recently made by The Insights People, is the creation of the first real-time global media planning tool focused on kids, which will allow planners and marketeers to choose the right media mix for their campaigns, taking into account 17 different types of media.

Richardson adds,
“It would be impossible to do what we do if we were based in any other city. The access we have to incredible tech, research, data science and commercial talent through the cities universities cannot be underestimated. Our 52 strong, highly talented team are currently made up of 11 nationalities – which is a critical component to our success”

Manchester Chosen as the New Home of Polestar – Sweden’s Electric Car Brand with a Sustainability and Community-focused Ethos.

Sam Whitear
-
0

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, has chosen Manchester to host its revolutionary new Space – where you can look but you can’t buy.

“Manchester has a rich history in technical innovation, not least when it comes to transport, and is leading the way in terms of sustainability and the digital revolution – so it is the perfect location for our second home in the UK,” says Jonathan Goodman, CEO of Polestar UK. “This is an extraordinary time to be opening a new retail proposition, but Polestar is anything but an ordinary brand – and Manchester is anything but an ordinary city.”

The Polestar Space within the Manchester Trafford Centre is situated at the heart of where people go to shop and relax, for a hassle-free customer journey. Minimalist design and integrated digital interactivity ensure the product remains the focus. Non-commissioned Polestar Specialists are there to inform consumers about the brand and its products before using the Polestar website to order their car, Polestar 1 electric performance hybrid GT or the Polestar 2 fully-electric performance fastback, directly from the Swedish manufacturer.

The Polestar Space at the Trafford Centre was initially due to open its doors three months ago, but the national lockdown means it will now launch on 11thMarch but for now the Manchester team is working with the community to help families in need of support.

Tomorrow (Thursday) a fleet of 10 Polestar 2 electric vehicles will assemble atthe Trafford Centre to deliver over four tonnes of food – or 10,000 meals – to families supported by FareShare Greater Manchester. The food has been donated by members of the media and Polestar UK staff, following a campaign inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford.

When the Space’s formal opening had to be cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions closing non-essential retail, the Manchester staff came up with an idea to help others rather than wait for the Space to reopen. Using its London Space opening as the basis, when a launch-in-a-box was sent to the homes of the journalists who would have been invited to the event, the team in Manchester sent out empty boxes to the same people to fill them with non-perishable items for families in need.

The initiative, dubbed #NoWasteofSpace, went viral on social media and a nationwide campaign was quickly co-ordinated, with hundreds of boxes soon being sent in by fans including Jason Manford, the Manchester United and Swedish International footballer Victor Lindelof and Dynasty star Emma Samms.

Overwhelmed by the response, Polestar, who have matched every donation kilo for kilo, had to increase the scale of what they needed to buy.

“We are a new brand of car, a new way to see cars, and a new type of business in the North West,” said Goodman. “And we want to give back, to be a part of the city here in Manchester,” he said. “Our local team have joined with FareShare Greater Manchester to deliver over 10,000 meals to those people who are facing challenges in these very difficult times. We are working with the community now and will continue to do so when we are able to welcome everyone to our Space at the Trafford Centre.”

DARESBURY LAB FRAMEWORK SUCCESS FOR MC CONSTRUCTION

Sam Whitear
-
0

MC Construction has won a place on a new three-year framework for improvement works at the internationally-renowned Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire.

Salford-based MC Construction has been appointed by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Part of the Science & Technology Facilities Council, STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory has more than 300 staff and is located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, which spans nearly 200,000 sq metres.

MC Construction achieved the highest overall score in the tendering process for refurbishment, replacement and maintenance projects worth up to £500,000 in value.
Its first-place ranking means it will be awarded all works up to £15,000 in value under the terms of the framework.

The estimated total spend under the agreement will be up to £2m a year. Projects will range from minor construction works to extensions and lab and office fit-outs.

Russ Forshaw, group operations director at MC Construction, said: “STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory is internationally recognised for its world-leading scientific research.
“We are thrilled by our appointment to improve and maintain this inspiring campus via the new framework, and coming first in the tender process highlights that our experience, processes and personnel are of the highest standard to deliver a wide range of projects.

“The framework will enable us to showcase the flexibility we offer via our core construction business and facilities services division. In addition, our specialist local supply chain, who will be helping to deliver small and large projects, will have an important role to play in the delivery of future schemes.
“We look forward to starting projects in the near future and to building a strong relationship with the client.”

MC Construction undertakes building projects throughout the north west with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors.

Its other framework partnerships include Manchester Airport, Royal Mail Group, Transport for Greater Manchester, the University of Manchester, Salford City Council, Cheshire East Council, STAR Procurement, the Crown Commercial Service, North West Construction Hub and the Rise Construction Framework.

The family-owned business is based on Oldfield Road, Salford, and employs 60 people. It is celebrating its golden jubilee in 2021.

1...782783784...1,095Page 783 of 1,095