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Manchester cloud hosting and data centre operator appoints Rob Wickens as Infrastructure Engineer

Sam Whitear
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Manchester cloud hosting and data centre operator Teledata, has strengthened its technical team with the appointment of Rob Wickens as Infrastructure Engineer. The new hire comes after the company announced growth figures of 20% during 2020, with a 58% increase in its cloud customer base.

Rob joins Teledata following a 10 year stint at Stagecoach where he worked across technical support, networking, and telecoms teams, providing 2nd and 3rd line support to customers. At Teledata, Rob’s focus will be on the firm’s cloud service environments.

Teledata launched a new private cloud platform and a private virtual desktop cloud solution in early 2020 to complement its active-active cloud hosting platform.

Matt Edgley, director for Teledata commented; “As we continue to grow our cloud product set, it is necessary to expand our cloud team to ensure that we can continue, not only to provide our customers with the level of support and service that they expect – and beyond, but also that we have the resources to continue to innovate and develop our cloud infrastructures and products. We welcome Rob to the team, and are looking forward to seeing his career develop at Teledata.”

Commenting on his new role, Rob added; “Working with the latest emerging technologies has always been a passion of mine, and my role in Teledata’s cloud team will put me at the forefront of that. 2020 was an exciting year for the team here, with new product launches, investment into expansion, resilience and energy efficiency projects making this a truly exciting time to be joining the business, and I can’t wait to get stuck to the upcoming cloud projects we have planned.”

Founded in 2005, Teledata provides colocation, cloud hosting, workplace recovery and data centre services to businesses across the UK from an ISO27001-compliant facility in Manchester. The firm’s solutions are designed to enable organisations to protect their applications, data and online presence from the damaging effects of downtime, and to make the most effective and efficient use of technology with secure and scalable hosting platforms tailored to business critical needs. The building has some of the most sophisticated security of any data centre in Europe, with an on-site police-linked, NSI Gold Approved, BS5979 certified control room and alarm receiving centre making Teledata unique in the UK.

New partnership launches to strengthen housing sector’s investor relations and ESG communications

Sam Whitear
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A new partnership has been formed to help housing providers and companies across the built environment deliver on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

Communications agency, Social and corporate finance advisory firm, Newbridge Advisors have come together to support organisations with their ESG reporting and storytelling.

As the ESG and sustainability agendas move further into the mainstream in the financial sector, housing associations and companies are increasingly required to demonstrate their environmental and social performance.

Having recognised their compatibility, shared values and objectives, based around delivering high quality services and advisory to housing associations of all sizes across Great Britain, Social and Newbridge will offer clients an end-to-end service.

Social’s expertise lies in communications, and its specialist division, Social Invest, will provide strategic and practical support on the formation and delivery of ESG communication plans, reports, presentations and other materials.

Newbridge, which already provides investor relations services to several housing associations, offers technical advisory support around ESG frameworks and financial modelling.

Whilst ESG primarily provides funders with a measurable and comparable way to assess performance and material risks relating to sustainability, it is also a powerful way of channelling and communicating what matters to an organisation to a wider audience.

Luke Cross, director at Social Invest, and former editor of Social Housing magazine, says: “Many people across housing say the sector doesn’t always tell its story as well as it could. ESG is an opportunity to do just that. We hope to support the sector in helping housing providers strike the right chord with the right people.

“Along with embracing a standardised sector-wide reporting approach, every housing association has its own story to tell, and it’s critical that it does this well when engaging with funders and other key stakeholders.”

Chris Evans, director at Newbridge Advisors, says: “So many housing associations have such a positive story to share in relation to ESG, structuring the communication in a format recognised by the financing community is the next stage in bringing the two together.

“It has never been more important to describe how proceeds will be used when arranging new funding”

The partnership aims to simplify and smooth out the process, connecting strategy with technical support and communications.

Luke adds: “Newbridge already has extensive expertise and knowledge in investor relations and ESG disclosure. By working together in this area, we’ll add value by aligning that expertise with specialist communications, offering a complete service that delivers value and desired outcomes.”

The Newbridge partnership follows Social Invest’s appointment of Kim Goodall as a consultant. Kim spent eight years at what became Aberdeen Standard Investments, working across global ESG implementation and strategy and has a background in communications and marketing.

SWISS PERFORMANCE CYCLING BRAND – ASSOS – APPOINTS SEROTONIN AS ITS GLOBALLY RETAINED DIGITAL AGENCY

Sam Whitear
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Manchester digital marketing agency, Serotonin, has been appointed by ASSOS following a highly competitive worldwide pitch.

The prestigious cycling wear brand, which was founded in Switzerland in 1974, has handed its global ecommerce brief to Serotonin.

Serotonin will manage, strategise and deliver all of ASSOS’ paid media activity. This includes paid search (across Google and Bing), paid social (across Facebook and Instagram) and third-party activity across programmatic channels.

The agency will carry out the work from its Manchester base while the remit is inclusive of all of ASSOS’ 12 markets, including US, UK, Italy, Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Benelux and Austria.

Speaking of the appointment, ASSOS’ Marketing Director, Bill Fraser, said: “Serotonin’s knowledge of digital platforms and multi-channel ecommerce strategies, alongside their understanding of our brand, really impressed during the pitch process. They were in tune with our need to have a bespoke service and demonstrated a willingness to go the extra mile.

“Since we have started working with the team we have seen significant improvements in results across digital media, we have branched out into new territories, and introduced new channels.

“We are looking forward to a growing partnership with Serotonin, launching new products and campaigns, and delivering our brand and business objectives.”

Dom Carter, co-founder and Digital Director at Serotonin, said: “This win cements Serotonin’s place as a key player in the digital marketing agency arena. We’ve always aimed high and had big ambitions and this appointment is testament to that. We offer world class ecommerce marketing through our bespoke client approach, which combines data and creative to produce results that deliver great returns. We’re a relatively small team, but we think big. Our size allows us to offer a fully personable service while our values mean we are committed to delivering world class work through our tenacious attitude and dedication to true teamwork.”

Serotonin has a wealth of experience in helping brands grow their revenue through digital channels and lists West Tower, HTC Health, Blake Mill, MAPP, LOFT Interiors and Escapism Bar Group among its clients.

Siemens UK is awarded Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification in recognition of high cyber security standards

Sam Whitear
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The government-backed accreditation is a prerequisite for any company dealing with Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) or defence projects in the UK

Siemens UK has been awarded the Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification, a prerequisite for organisations applying for critical national infrastructure (CNI) and defence projects in the United Kingdom.

The certification was awarded by ECSC, an independent certifying body for the Cyber Essentials programme, which conducts assessments and reports the outcome to the scheme administrators – the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) consortium.

Cyber Essentials is a cyber security standard introduced by the UK government that aims to provide organisations with pragmatic protection against the most common cyber security threats. CE+ is a step ahead of the standard Cyber Essentials (CE) assessment, which requires organisations to undertake a series of onsite technical assessments that include internal vulnerability tests against servers and sample workstations.

Siemens was awarded the CE+ following a stringent three-month process conducted at its Manchester and Newcastle premises. The evaluation, which was carried out remotely in view of COVID restrictions, looked at:
● Boundary Firewalls & Internet Gateways
● Secure Configuration
● Patch Management
● Access Gateway (User accounts)
● Malware Protection

The certification is renewable every 12 months and Siemens received its CE certificate in November 2020 followed by its CE+ accreditation in Jan 2021.

Paul Hingley, Business Unit Manager, Industrial Security Services at Siemens said, “The CE+ badge significantly endorses Siemens’ stature as a company that takes cyber security very seriously. It demonstrates our commitment to the UK Government Cyber Security initiatives while also demonstrating to our customers that we are a company they can trust. Siemens has also invested heavily in our global internal policies and procedures where we can demonstrate compliance against the IEC62443 standard. Our product development and services all comply to this global standard allowing us to supply solutions and service provisions our customers can rely on. We are the first global company in the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) space to achieve this certification which is a massive achievement for a company with such a complex IT structure that operates on a global platform. This provides Siemens with the ability to demonstrate our competence and credibility in Cyber Security when we compete for major CNI and Defence projects.”

“The CE+ certification together with our internal IEC62443 compliance and governance procedures implies to our clients they are dealing with a company whose products can be validated and verified into security architectures, solutions, processes and systems. It allows our customers to promote best practices, to enhance and promote cyber security requirements into their own supply chain. At Siemens we are committed to ensuring our stakeholders can rely on the highest standards of cyber security, compliance, and privacy while maintaining the very highest standards of engineering.”

Siemens has over 900 assets at both of the sites that went through the rigorous process and nearly 300 machines connected remotely throughout the UK. Other sites in the UK are following the same route and will all be CE+ certified before the end of 2021.

Sean Fahey, CE Specialist, ECSC said, “Whilst this wasn’t my first experience with a manufacturing company, it was one of the largest tasks we had undertaken. It was very much an adapted team effort from both parties.

“We worked with one goal and along the way found solutions, adapted to issues, all this ensuring we remained compliant to the standards. It’s reassuring to see organisations like Siemens be part of the CE+ certification process and taking the responsibility seriously and it is not simply a ‘tick box’ exercise.”

Edwin James Group aligns brands to support growth.

Sam Whitear
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Edwin James Group is supporting its growth plans with the alignment of Manchester firm Jex Process Services under the EJ Musk Process Services brand.

The move comes as the Group rolls-out its expansion plans with its biggest ever investment in training and technology across the UK.

Both businesses will continue to deliver engineering and services with a more defined offer to the market. No job losses will occur as a result of the integration. Operational teams and people remain unchanged, with a focus on providing a quality service to customers.

Commenting on the growth plans, Christopher Kehoe, chief operating officer of Edwin James Group, said: “It is important that we define our position in the market and the integration of our brands creates a platform to accelerate our growth. A clear focus on engineering excellence in both process and technical services is driving our business forward. Customers will benefit from the strength of our combined capabilities and a clearer offer. We are investing in technology and our people to ensure we continue to provide industry-leading service.”

Musk is a highly respected UK engineering service provider that works in partnership with companies to improve their manufacturing capability and competitive advantage.

Bringing the two companies together will enable better customer service through joint experience and expertise. The investment will continue in both the process engineering turnkey capability and inhouse fabrication function at the Swadlincote and Manchester sites.

EJ Musk Process Services provides a range of services from feasibility studies to asset care and bespoke engineering throughout the asset lifecycle.

MAC Construction Consultants appointed as Disability Access & Inclusion Consultant for the ambitious redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital

Sam Whitear
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The project has received funding through the Department of Health and Social Care’s Health Infrastructure Plan (HIP) initiative

Sheppard Robson, as Lead Consultant and Architect, has been appointed to transform the North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) estate, creating a focal point for the community with integrated health and social care facilities, high-quality new homes and access to better education and training, alongside the creation of major new public open spaces.

Sheppard Robson in turn selected Richard Dryden: Director MAC Construction Consultants (MAC) to support the design team in the capacity of Disability Access & Inclusion Consultants.

The project includes master-planning, complete redevelopment of the acute hospital buildings, as well as the education centre and administration buildings. MAC’s role has also been extended to cover the multi-storey car park and Health & Wellbeing Hub through AFL Architects.

The overarching aim of the masterplan is to promote active and healthy lifestyles and the wellbeing of staff, patients, visitors and the community. The masterplan’s design principle is to create a highly sustainable collection of buildings set around a new “village green.” This high-quality green space will act as a focal point for the local community to use as an extension of the local neighbourhood for their health and care needs.

MAC’s Richard Dryden stated: “This project further strengthens the working relationship between myself and Sheppard Robson, who have been working closely together on major capital schemes for nearly ten years. Our role working as Access & Inclusion Consultant on such a prestigious and complex scheme for NMGH is a privilege, while further strengthening MAC’s burgeoning health sector offering.”

MAC’s role includes design appraisals and guidance, development of ‘Access Strategies’, liaising with statutory bodies and notably consultation with numerous and stakeholder and end-user groups.

Alex Solk, Partner at Sheppard Robson and the practice’s healthcare lead, said: “It’s rare to work on a scheme with such ambition and that will have such transformative outcomes for the local community, and we are pleased to be working alongside MAC on this project. We are radically rethinking the estate, and the services and facilities provided, while also reshaping the relationship the hospital has with its community – a process that will have a far-reaching and lasting impact.”

The project is one of the first to receive funding through the Department of Health and Social Care’s Health Infrastructure Plan (HIP) initiative, a major national initiative to invest in replacing and improving healthcare facilities.

Harbour Freight drives away with national award

Sam Whitear
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Harbour International Freight has shifted into top gear after picking up a coveted national award from logistics giant Pall-Ex.

The firm presented Harbour, from Manchester, with the Business Development award at a virtual ceremony, as it celebrated overcoming the challenges of 2020 while looking positively towards the future.

The event was a significant celebration for Pall-Ex, providing the pallet network with an opportunity to champion all of its staff and the sector, having worked tirelessly as keyworkers throughout the coronavirus pandemic to keep essential supplies on the move.

The winners of the Pall-Ex awards were all selected due to their growth, compliance, quality distribution, communication and partnership with the network as a whole.

Kevin Buchanan, Group CEO of Pall-Ex Group, comments: “Our network members really have gone the extra mile over the last 12 months, and we are proud of their collective efforts to ensure a high level of service was maintained for all of our customers.

“We are proud to highlight the work of Harbour with our Business Development accolade, which celebrates their dedication to maintaining the highest standards.

“Their hard work and support has underlined Pall-Ex’s leading position within the sector and our commitment to the industry.

“While we are disappointed that we could not celebrate together in person, we are pleased to have this opportunity to thank everyone and reward those who provide exceptional service to our customers.

“Pall-Ex celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021 and we look forward to marking this milestone and celebrating our collective achievements later this year.”

Steve Swinburn, UK Director at Harbour, comments: “In what has been the most strange and unsettling time in living memory, the team at Harbour have pulled together to get through everything that has been thrown against us.

“I am thrilled that we have been recognised by our peers for our hard work in supporting our customers and increasing new business through the past 12 months, we could not achieve this without the support of our fellow shareholder members and depots.”

North West Software Consultancy Launches With Aims To Help SMEs Thrive

Sam Whitear
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Hyphen Business Solutions, an independent SME software consultancy, has launched in the North west with the aim of connecting SMEs to the most efficient software companies.

Based in Manchester, Hyphen Business Solutions, works with clients, both local and international, to source and implement software such as CRM and Asset management solutions in order to help businesses thrive and grow.

Josh Probert, founder of Hyphen Business Solutions, says: We aim to effortlessly become part of a businesses team and find the best way forward for them. Once we’ve gathered all the resources we need, we can deliver a flawless software integration plan, acting as an intermediary between the business and the software provider. Our goal is to make sure our clients have the resources and processes in place in order to achieve their goals.

Using their vast experience of software integration, Hyphen Business Solutions works with clients on a case by case basis and adapts their knowledge to meet the needs of the clients.

Ross Turner, CTO of HAKI AB says: “We used Hyphen to implement and integrate a custom-built CRM solution into the organisation. They merged within our business structure and provided a much needed technical bridge between us and the CRM provider.”

Ross added: “Hyphen helped manage the technical distractions allowing us to focus on running the business all whilst having a new system built to our requirements.”

As well as HAKI AB, Hyphen Business Solution clients include Cold Start Coffee Company and Salford based digital media production company, Badger and Combes.

Hyphen Business Solution has also been successful in its application for the Use Space Incubator programme which offers participants investment, networking and business opportunities.

Pixel Kicks appointed by Anatune for major new website project

Sam Whitear
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Pixel Kicks, the Manchester based full-service digital agency, has been appointed by Anatune, which specialises in bespoke, automated systems that improve the accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness of chemical analysis, to create and launch a brand-new web and fully mobile compatible site. It is expected to go live towards the end of Q1.

The Cambridge-headquartered firm was established in 1996. It develops, markets, and sells gas chromatography and mass spectrometry related analytical equipment to some of the UK and Ireland’s leading laboratories.
The core aims of the project, which was won via a non-competitive pitch, are to better showcase Anatune’s product range and services, drive sales and improve overall brand perception.
Matt Hartley – principal sales and account manager at Pixel Kicks – said: “At a time when biosciences are so vitally important, Anatune is an industry leader in its field and needs a website that truly reflects what it does and how it adds value to the clients it works with – both in the UK and internationally. Our focus will be on delivering a cutting edge and responsive site that is easily navigable and that is populated with up-to-date information, application notes, resources and media.”

Martin Perkins – Marketing Manager at Anatune – added: “After lots of research, and then meeting virtually with Pixel Kicks, we were impressed by their experience and ideas. I’m confident their approach and the new site will add commercial value to the business and will help raise our profile amongst existing and new clients.”

Deloitte supports North West schools with tech donation

Sam Whitear
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Deloitte North West has announced it is set to donate 300 laptops to its partner schools in Liverpool and Manchester, as part of its UK-wide drive to address the growing digital skills gap. Whalley Range High School and St Peter’s RC School in Manchester will receive donations, as well as Holly Lodge Girls’ College in Liverpool. Nationally, Deloitte has pledged to provide 5,000 laptops to schools, charities and families across the country.

The news follows an £8,000 donation to all three of the schools in January to help with ongoing COVID-19 requirements as part of Deloitte’s 5 Million Futures programme. Funds have been used to expand digital learning, mental health care and food provision. This is in addition to ongoing tutoring and mentoring the firm provides to young people at its partner schools in the North West, with support provided by Deloitte volunteers on governing bodies and as virtual tutors.

Bridget Hitchings, Assistant Headteacher at Holly Lodge Girls’ College, said: “Without a doubt the biggest barrier to our students learning at the moment is a lack of access to digital education tools. These laptops will make a massive difference to our pupils, we are so grateful to deloitte for this generosity and thank them for the offer.”

Chris Rix, Tax Partner at Deloitte, said: “Purpose is what guides our decision-making at Deloitte and during the pandemic our values have never been more important as we remain focused on helping to overcome barriers to education and employment in the North West and beyond. Our research shows that among those who have an annual household income of less than £13,500, 18 per cent do not own or have access to a desktop or laptop computer.

“Lockdown has shifted the status of many devices from a nice-to-have to a must-have as education becomes virtual and the urgency of getting computers into homes of children who are currently unable to access online lessons ramps up.”

Russell Hobby, CEO of Teach First, commented: “The digital divide remains an immediate and persistent challenge for pupils, particularly those from poorer backgrounds. All schools are doing their best in a challenging environment, yet with unequal access to the tech needed to study at home, the gap between children from wealthier homes and their poorer peers is greatly exacerbated. During this pandemic we all have a role to play to support those most in need, so it’s fantastic to see big businesses like Deloitte stepping forward to help bridge this divide. By coming together, we can help to give every child the best possible chance of a bright future beyond this pandemic.”

By ensuring all Deloitte laptops are reused or recycled, this pledge supports the firm’s global climate and sustainability strategy – to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. In addition, Deloitte is encouraging its people to take action by donating their personal defunct devices. For example, old mobile phones and tablets can be restored, six months connectivity added, and rehomed via Vodafone’s Great British Tech Appeal charity partner, Barnardo’s.

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