| A brand-new Family Hub – Manchester’s fourth – officially opened its doors this week and is set to make a big difference to families in Gorton, providing support and advice to parents, carers and young people themselves through to early adulthood. |
| The Sacred Heart Family Hub is the latest family hub to open in the city and will act as a one-stop-shop where families with tots to teens can access a wide range of services, making it easier to get the help they need, when they need it.
Support and guidance is available through the hub for families with children of all ages, as well as for older teenagers aged up to 19. Young adults who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are able to access advice and support through the centre for longer, up to the age of 25. Services available include everything from birth registration, midwifery and maternity services, to infant feeding and breastfeeding support, and Manchester Health Visiting Service. The hub can also assist families in making applications for nursery, primary and secondary school places for their children, and will be offering youth and play activities for young people. Parents and carers needing practical support and advice to help them deal with wider concerns can also get Early Help and parenting support through the hub, along with debt and welfare advice, and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Families are also able to access Manchester Adult Education courses via the Hub, including classes in English language for speakers of other languages (ESOL), with information also available about other adult education courses in the wider local area. With more than 136,000 young people aged 0-19 in Manchester, Sacred Heart Family Hub is the fourth such hub to open in the city, all of them aimed at making sure families and young adults get the vital support they need when they need it. It follows the opening of three family hubs across the city last year in Longsight, Cheetham and Wythenshawe. They are part of a broader five-year action plan called Making Manchester Fairer, which aims to address inequalities in the city that can start early on in life and even affect how long people live for, and their opportunities around work and housing. The plan also includes work around tackling cost of living pressures and poverty, which are also integral to improving health and wellbeing. The Sacred Heart Family Hub sits at the centre of a wider local network of sites in the Gorton, Abbey Hey and Openshaw area that brings together services for families with children of all ages up to 19 or 25 for young adults with SEND. Councillor Julie Reid said: “As a parent and a grandparent myself I know how hard it can be navigating family life and everything that comes with it. Having all this support in one place and on their doorstep – somewhere they can go for in-person advice and extra support when they need it – is going to make a massive difference to local families in the area.” The Sacred Heart Family Hub is at Glencastle Road, Gorton, M18 7NE. |
Manchester’s fourth family hub opens for Gorton families
Bellway Manchester placements on offer to get more women into construction
Bellway offers on-site placements as part of a national programme to get more women into the construction industry.
The housebuilder is offering work placements at two developments in Manchester as part of an initiative by Home Builders Federation to attract more women into site management.
The sites being considered for the placements are The Putting Green in Little Hulton and Park Gate Village in Knutsford.
Currently, women account for just 16 per cent of the construction workforce and four per cent of existing site managers in the industry.
Successful candidates will attend a week-long online training and insight session, between November 4 – 8, to develop their knowledge of site management, followed by a two-week on-site work placement between November 11 and 22, gaining hands-on experience and the opportunity to connect with potential employers.
Participants will be expected to start and finish on their designated site at the required times, usually 8.30am to 4.30pm, and the HBF will support them with travel expenses and childcare costs.
At the end of this three-week programme, candidates will be supported and encouraged to apply for live vacancies offered by participating employers and the wider industry.
Shelly McLean (pictured) was one of the first women to come though the scheme and is now relishing her role as a trainee assistant site manager at Bellway’s Primrose Grove development in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire.
The 41-year-old, from Huntingdon, said: “Without a programme like Women into Home Building, there’s no way on this planet that I would have considered being a site manager. It is not something that I thought was open to me, so Women into Home Building has been lifechanging.
“My goal is to become a construction director. That is a long way off, but I think it is achievable. My current construction director, Dean Takkou, who has been with Bellway for 25 years, is incredibly enthusiastic and makes you feel like you’re very capable. He is really encouraging.”
Ellie Hall, group resourcing and talent manager for Bellway, said: “We are proud to support this incredibly important programme which has been designed to address and overcome some of the barriers to women entering the housebuilding industry.
“This scheme increases general awareness of management careers within construction and gives women the opportunity to gain practical on-site management experience.”
Applications for the Women into Home Building scheme close at 5pm on Sunday, September 22. Those interested in the programme can apply at: https://www.hbf.co.uk/home-building-skills-partnership/women-home-building/programme/.
Image credit: Bellway
More than 1.7 million overdue invoices in the North West this summer, new research shows
North West firms had over 1.7 million overdue invoices on their books this summer, according to new research from R3.
The UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body’s analysis of data provided by Creditsafe, shows North West businesses had 1,745,091 overdue invoices on their books over the summer months – with 566,558 in June, 583,133 in July and 595,400 in August.
Overdue invoice numbers in the North West increased by 5.2% in summer 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, when 1,658,792 overdue invoices were recorded. This was the fifth largest yearly rise by percentage of all the UK’s regions and nations, surpassed only by the West Midlands (45.8% rise), Scotland (29%), Greater London (9%), and the South West (8.6%).
Fran Henshaw (pictured) chair of R3 in the North West, said: “While the rise in overdue invoices in the North West has been more modest compared to other regions, it remains a warning sign of the financial strain many businesses in the region are still facing. Costs are continuing to rise, albeit at a slower pace, and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to pass on these extra costs to customers or to cut back in other ways.
“As a result, businesses are experiencing tighter margins and cash flow challenges, making it harder to keep up to date with the payments they owe.”
More than 169,300 North West businesses reported that they had invoices which had gone past their payment date on their books this summer – with 55,946 in June, 56,418 in July and 56,985 in August. This is 4.7% higher than the same period in 2023 (161,723) and was the third largest yearly increase of all the UK’s regions and nations.
Fran, who is head of Corporate Recovery and Insolvency at Beever and Struthers, continues: “The number of companies failing to pay bills on time has steadily increased since the beginning of the year and this is creating a growing financial pressure for businesses across the North West.
“Without a consistent improvement in payment practices or cash flow, many companies may find it increasingly difficult to manage their debt and maintain operations, and we could see more and more businesses turning to a formal insolvency solution as a result.
“I would urge business owners and directors that are struggling to manage their cash flow to seek advice as soon as they can. Taking that first step can be hard, but by having the conversation early, you will have more time and more options available to you than if you’d waited for the problem to get worse.”
Man jailed for threatening to kill MP and attack NHS workers
A man has been jailed after sending threatening emails to an MP and telling a 999 call operator he planned to attack NHS workers.
Ryan Breheny (48) of Old Hall Street, Wigan, was jailed for three years and three months for threats to kill at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday.
On June 3, Breheny called 999, where he threatened to kill hospital workers, and claimed he had been “offered an AK47”.
Breheny also sent emails, containing threats to kill, to MP Lisa Nandy’s office.
When police officers arrived at Breheny’s home, he came to the door armed with a crossbow. He was then arrested and a search of his home unveiled air rifles, crossbow bolts and a machete.
He plead guilty to the offences during a subsequent court appearance.
Detective constable Cupitt, from GMP’s Wigan CID, said: “Breheny’s threats were shocking and disturbing, causing distress to those involved. We will not hesitate to act where people make these sort of threats and will seek to secure the appropriate charges.
“We work closely with elected officials to ensure they can carry out their work without the fear of individuals who would cause them harm, and will always do our best to protect them and our communities.”
Two stores set to open first stores outside London at Manchester Arndale
Manchester Arndale continues to see strong interest from retailers as two new stores sign up for leases.
South Korean beauty store PURESEOUL will occupy a 1,662 sq ft space after signing for a 10-year term. Meanwhile award-winning mattress company Emma Sleep has signed a 5-year lease for a 1,789 sq ft space.
Beginning life as an online store in the summer of 2019, PURESEOUL has grown to selling thousands of beauty and skincare products from some of South Korea’s leading make-up brands. The retailer has recently moved from being purely online to opening stores in London and Oxford, but this latest letting will be PURESEOUL’s first physical store outside South East England.
Also starting as an online business, Emma specialises in expertly created mattresses which are aimed to improve sleep quality, through intensive research and testing. Now one of the UK’s best-selling mattress brands, Emma opened its first Emma Sleep showroom in Stratford, London to allow customers to book a personal product consultation and explore its range of mattresses.
This will also be Emma’s first UK store outside of London and Manchester shoppers will be able to discover their exclusive Select range which is only available in physical stores.
The arrival of these two new retailers follows a series of lease renewals and regears at Manchester Arndale. Popular brands including Costa Coffee, Ann Summers, New Look, Swarovski, and Kiko Milano have all signed new lease agreements reaffirming their commitment to the centre.
This latest run of leasing activity caps a very busy first half of the year for Manchester Arndale with several new brands coming to the centre. These include Space NK, Kuoni, B&M, and HOP Vietnamese who all opened their first stores at Manchester Arndale.
Meanwhile, growing brands Trailberg and Represent both selected the centre for their first physical UK stores. These new arrivals have taken Manchester Arndale to near full occupancy and with footfall and sales consistently rising the centre is continuing to attract interest from brands looking to introduce their offering to Manchester shoppers.
Scott Linard, portfolio manager for M&G Real Estate, said: “It is great to see two more fast-growing brands select Manchester Arndale as their first locations outside London.
“Our wide catchment of visitors allows these brands to have access to a diverse mix of shoppers who are always keen to try our new and exciting brands who offer a different type of shopping experience. Alongside these two new arrivals we are pleased to see some of our most popular brands recommit their futures to the centre as it is proof of the confidence they have in Manchester Arndale.”
XplorerGroup Expands with Acquisition of Kall Kwik, Leading UK Design and Print Brand
XplorerGroup, a growing franchise operator, has acquired Kall Kwik, a well-known design and print specialist, from The Bardon Group.
With this acquisition, Kall Kwik joins XplorerGroup’s expanding line-up of brands, which also includes ComputerXplorers, a global leader in children’s computing education; ActiveXplorers, a new children’s multi-sport education franchise; and the innovative lead management platform, Discover My Franchise.
Kall Kwik, founded in 1979, has long held the position as the UK’s leading provider of print, design, and various other business services to local communities.
Stuart Harley, CEO of XplorerGroup, shared his enthusiasm for the brand: “Kall Kwik is a popular, established brand in the world of print and digital and has already proved itself adept at adapting to changing community and business requirements by expanding its offering from printing services to a one-stop design, print and online solution for businesses.”
“We believe Kall Kwik has an exciting future at XplorerGroup, where we can use our knowledge of technology and digital combined with our franchising experience to continue the brand’s success and really bring to fruition its huge potential in the digital space.”
Nigel Toplis, Managing Director of The Bardon Group and Non-Executive Chairman of Kall Kwik, commented: “Kall Kwik is an iconic brand with 45 years of history, success and numerous awards. It is a brand to be proud of.”
“I have always said that we are only ever custodians of great brands and to ensure we develop and grow we need to continually infuse the system with new ideas, younger blood and a contemporary mentality.”
“XplorerGroup’s acquisition of Kall Kwik will bring all these and will open new and exciting opportunities for our centre owners and for new owners to be recruited.”
Toplis, who has been involved with Kall Kwik for 30 years, will remain in the role of Non-Executive Chairman for the next five years.
XplorerGroup, founded in 2023, is quickly gaining traction in the franchising world, thanks to its innovative approach and commitment to sustainable success, creativity, and agility in an ever-changing business environment.
To learn more about XplorerGroup and its latest acquisition, visit www.xplorergroup.org.
Oleksandr Usyk: Zelensky intervenes over Fury opponent’s airport incident
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has intervened to end an incident in which Oleksandr Usyk was detained at Krakow Airport while the heavyweight boxing champion was on his way to begin his preparations for his rematch with Tyson Fury.
Zelensky said he had spoken to Usyk and instructed Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs Andrii Sybiha and minister of internal affairs Ihor Klymenko to “immediately look into all the details”, adding that he was “disappointed” by the “attitude towards our citizen and champion”.
According to an ESPN source, Usyk was stopped in his attempt to board a fight to Valencia for his training camp because the 37-year-old and his trainer, Sergey Lapin, were deemed not fit to travel.
I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained.
I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.
I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, to… PIC.TWITTER.COM/LNKCH0OUPR
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
Zelensky: Usyk ‘released’
The outlet said it had been told that Usyk had explained both were fine to fly and said they were exhausted from a journey from Kyiv including a 557-mile drive, adding that officials had taken action “between the language barrier and Usyk being adamant that they were not impaired in any way”.
Usyk’s wife, Katheryna, was accompanying the duo and said “nothing criminal” had happened while sharing a social media video showing Usyk being led away in handcuffs on the jet bridge.
“Now everything is fine,” added Zelensky. “Our champion has been released and he is no longer being detained.”
Usyk, who beat Fury by decision in May to become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since 2002, described a “misunderstanding” taking place.
View this post on Instagram
Usyk Instagram update
“It was quickly resolved,” Usyk said on social media. “Thanks to all who got concerned. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support.
“And respect to Polish police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia.”
2012 Olympic Games gold medalist Usyk is a national hero in Ukraine and has won all 22 of his professional fights.
The southpaw is expected to be at Wembley Stadium to watch two of the boxers he has beaten, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, fight on Saturday.
Joshua lost to Usyk on points in 2021 and 2022. Dubois suffered a ninth-round stoppage against him in Poland in 2023.
Manchester police officers travel to America for problem-solving accolade
A team from Greater Manchester Police travelled all the way to America to pick up a prestigious award for problem solving.
The Operation Vulcan team won the Herman Goldstein Award which celebrates the very best examples of problem-solving policing from across the globe.
The staff were up against some excellent nominations, but their multi-agency initiative targeting the illegal counterfeit trade and associated criminality in Cheetham Hill prevailed, put them on the world map.
Since launching in November 2022, the dedicated team of officers, combined with support from a wide range of partners, have been able to:
- Shut down 216 counterfeit shops.
- Seize over 1,000 tonnes of counterfeit clothes which have been repurposed and donated to charities.
- Seize tens of thousands of unsafe toys and illicit vapes taken off our streets.
- Made 238 arrests.
- Execute 117 warrants.
- Recover almost 3 million illegal prescription drugs.
- Seize over £500,000 which will be reinvested back into Greater Manchester communities.
- Reduce violent crime by 62%.
Detective superintendent Neil Blackwood, who leads the operation said: “It was a privilege to attend The Herman Goldstein Awards ceremony and highlight the excellent multi-agency work that has been done in Cheetham Hill over the last two years. The results would not have been possible without each and every police officer, police staff, partner, and community member who have given their all to this operation to create a real change in the area.
“Operation Vulcan is about much more than just enforcement. We’ve endeavoured to build back a sense of unity in the area, and we continue to work with the community and our partners to improve the lives of residents who were once impacted by serious crime.
“One of the key ways we have done this is by ensuring the money we seize from criminals is put back into community projects, and we’ve been able to invest in the local primary school and several community initiatives.
“To date, we’ve also re-purposed over 1,000 tonnes of seized counterfeit items, turning items such as hats, t-shirts and gloves into new items for charity organisations to share with those who need it the most.”
Square Gardens welcomes residents as first phase completes
The first residents of Europe’s largest co-living development have moved in as phase one of Square Gardens completes.
The £400 million development, located within the bustling First Street neighbourhood in Manchester, offers a mix of accommodation options and fantastic amenity spaces.
This week marked the official opening of Acer Tower (phase one), which offers renters a choice of shared 3-5 bed co-living apartments, studios and one-bedroom apartments.
With community at its core, Square Gardens will offer more than 1,700 homes across Acer Tower and The Fernley (opening spring 2025). It has been designed to help bring people together, to connect and share experiences.
On-site facilities include a state-of-the-art gym and wellness centre, social lounges, co-working spaces and the largest private outdoor gardens and terraces in the city centre.
Within their rental package, residents have access to super-fast Wi-Fi, a 24/7 onsite management team and extensive shared amenities and services, while all utility bills are also included.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the development will be given BREEAM Excellent rating, an EPC Energy Rating A, plus air source heat pumps will provide hot water.
With construction having started in January 2022, Square Gardens has been created using a vertically integrated approach, with development, construction and ongoing management all being delivered by Downing.
And, following the first phase launch, Downing is looking forward to bringing the next part of Square Gardens to life early next year.
Bay Downing, investment director at Downing, said: “With Square Gardens, we wanted to bring something new to city centre living.
“We know that, when choosing where to create a home, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Residents’ needs depend on a whole range of factors, from their occupation and their daily schedule, through to how and where they like to socialise.
“This new development encompasses these needs with the offering of co-living spaces, individual studios or apartments, with the additional option of community-centred activities and amenities.
“We firmly believe that Square Gardens will fill a major gap in the rental market within the city centre, ensuring residents have a breadth of choice while, crucially, being able to tailor options to their lifestyles.
“We’re excited to be launching the first phase and looking forward to welcoming our new residents and ensuring they settle into their brand-new homes.”
Dave Antrobus Sees AI Shaping the Future of UK Learning: Educational Transformation Ahead
Dave Antrobus is at the forefront of AI innovation in the UK, with a keen focus on how artificial intelligence is transforming the education landscape. As technology director and co-founder of Inc & Co, he leads initiatives to integrate AI into educational frameworks, making learning more accessible and efficient for students across the nation. This push for AI in education could revolutionise how students learn and institutions teach, setting new standards in the sector.
AI’s potential to change the future of UK learning is immense, especially with experts like Antrobus driving these advancements. From personalising student experiences to optimising administrative processes, artificial intelligence offers solutions that cater to both learners and educators. As the educational field evolves, embracing AI technologies may not only enhance educational quality but also prepare students better for a digitally-driven job market.
Moreover, the ethical considerations in utilising AI in learning are central to Antrobus’s vision. By advocating for responsible AI practices, he ensures that technology upholds societal values while maximising its benefits. This approach hints at a balanced future where innovation and ethics go hand in hand, promising a brighter future for UK education.
The Role of AI in Education Transformation
AI is reshaping the education landscape by enhancing accessibility, customizing learning experiences, and providing predictive insights. Innovations in technology are driving significant shifts in how students learn and how educators teach.
Expanding Access Through AI Tools
AI tools have the potential to break down barriers in education by providing learners with accessibility that is unprecedented. AI-driven platforms are enabling people who may have been traditionally underserved by the education system to receive high-quality instruction.
With features such as real-time translation, students from different language backgrounds can participate more fully in classrooms. Additionally, speech-to-text applications assist students with auditory processing challenges, facilitating better comprehension and interaction. AI provides resources that help bridge the gap for students with varying needs.
Transforming the Learning Experience with Generative AI
Generative AI is changing how information is delivered and absorbed in classrooms by personalising content. It offers tailored lesson plans that adapt to the learning pace and style of individual students. These AI systems craft questions and simulate real-world scenarios, enriching the educational experience.
By generating vivid examples and interactive elements, this technology encourages critical thinking and creativity among students. It empowers teachers to focus on more nuanced aspects of instruction, while AI handles repetitive tasks. Thus, generative AI enhances the quality and engagement level of education.
Predictive Analytics and Customised Learning Pathways
Predictive analytics are being used to anticipate educational outcomes and tailor learning paths for students. By analysing data such as past performance and engagement levels, educators can better understand each student’s needs. This leads to more customised curricula that align with individual learning objectives.
Predictive models help identify at-risk students early on, enabling timely interventions. Schools can now use AI for continuous monitoring and adjustments, ensuring that educational methodologies are effective. As a result, students receive a learning experience that is both supportive and challenging, aligning with their unique abilities and goals.
Ethical AI and Data Privacy in UK Learning Environments
Incorporating artificial intelligence in UK learning settings necessitates a balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations. Ensuring data privacy, accountability, and fairness, while complying with regulations like GDPR, is essential in making AI beneficial to education.
Promoting Fairness and Accountability in AI Development
AI systems in education must be developed with fairness as a central focus. Fairness implies that AI tools should provide equal opportunities to all students, regardless of background. It is crucial to be transparent about how AI makes decisions affecting learners.
Accountability is equally important. Teachers and developers need clear guidelines on who is responsible if AI tools fail or discriminate. Establishing a framework for how AI decisions are documented can enhance trust in AI-enabled educational tools.
Data Security and Compliance with GDPR
Data collected from students regarding their learning patterns and progress must be securely stored and processed in compliance with GDPR regulations. This ensures data privacy rights are upheld, preventing unauthorised access and misuse of personal information.
Educational institutions should implement comprehensive data security measures. Encryption, access controls, and regular audits are vital to safeguarding sensitive information. Keeping robust security infrastructure helps maintain the integrity and confidentiality of student data.
Mitigating Bias and Ensuring Ethical AI
Bias in AI can lead to unintended discrimination in educational settings, affecting outcomes for students. It is essential to identify and mitigate bias in AI algorithms to promote fair treatment. Rigorous testing and validation processes are necessary to ensure AI models operate equitably.
Adopting ethical guidelines in AI development ensures that AI decisions align with educational goals, maintaining equality among learners. Ethical AI frameworks guide developers to consider the broader societal implications of AI tools in education, addressing potential ethical issues responsibly.
