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LAW FIRM PARTNERS WITH NFU FOR GREEN ENERGY WEBINAR

Sam Whitear
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National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP hosted the first in a series of energy-focussed webinars, partnering with NFU Energy to look at green energy projects in the agricultural sector.

The Green Energy Diversification event attracted over 230 people from a wide cross-section of industries including farmers, contractors, land and estate agents, funders, green energy consultants and planning specialists.

Chaired by Priscilla Hall, head of green energy at Clarke Willmott, attendees also heard from specialist energy and agriculture sector-focused solicitors Paul Hazeldine and Amy Peacey from the firm, along with Jon Swain, technical director at NFU Energy.

Topics covered included leases and the pitfalls to avoid, feedstock agreements for anaerobic digestion plants and top tips on how the agricultural sector can play its part in helping to reduce carbon emissions through the adoption of green energy technologies and diversification.

Priscilla Hall, who heads Clarke Willmott’s energy and natural resources practice, said: “It was great to see so many people attending the first of our green energy related webinars.
“We were pleased to see so many professionals in attendance and I’m sure they found the content both informative and valuable. Our Q&A session was particularly useful with many issues covered from policy and legal queries to technical questions.
“I would like to thank the NFU for partnering with Clarke Willmott for this event, continuing our long-standing relationship as a panel firm for the NFU.”
Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

The Trafford Centre strengthens senior management team with internal appointment of Centre Director and Operations Manager

Sam Whitear
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Zoe Inman has been appointed as Centre Director of The Trafford Centre, following a career spanning nearly two decades at The Trafford Centre in a number of roles and departments, most recently as Operations Manager.

Inman joined the Peel Group in 2002 to head up The Trafford Centre’s leisure and catering division, following a varied background in leisure and hospitality management as a development and general manager across the leisure industry.

She held the position of Operations Manager for The Trafford Centre since 2013, achieving a number of industry awards.

Inman will be supported by the appointment of Tracy Gilchrist as Operations Manager, who brings a wealth of retail operations experience to the role including senior store management at BHS.

Megan Keany, Savills Director, said: “Zoe is a passionate, highly motivated leader and holds excellent relationships with a number of the centre’s key stakeholders throughout the region. Zoe will bring a wealth of ideas to take The Trafford Centre forward into the future, bolstered by Tracy’s outstanding operational skills and those of the wider management team.”

Zoe Inman, Centre Director, added: “The Trafford Centre continues to be one of the UK’s most iconic and much-loved visitor destinations, as well as being responsible for thousands of jobs across the region. The centre has an exciting and ambitious future ahead and I’m incredibly excited to be part of that.”

Ends

For further information contact Charlotte Cunningham, [email protected], 07779 543 919

NOTES TO EDITORS
At The Trafford Centre we are passionate about creating compelling experiences that make our visitors smile, help our brands succeed and community thrive.

We welcome 30 million visitors every year to our 280 brands, including Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams, Zara, Michael Kors, Five Guys and a 20-screen ODEON cinema.

We are committed to our local communities, supporting over 10,000 jobs (representing about six per cent of the local retail workforce), and to operating with environmental responsibility.

DLA MANCHESTER RELOCATION PREPARES FOR NORTH WEST GROWTH

Sam Whitear
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DLA Architecture, a leading UK practice which employs over 75 people nationwide, has relocated its Manchester office to facilitate future growth plans. The top 100* UK practice has moved its North West team of eight from Albert Square in the city centre to larger premises at 86 King Street.

The move will allow DLA to achieve targets to more than double in size in the North West within the next 12 months as it sets out ambitious plans to grow its business in core areas including education and housing.

Gary Wolstenholme recently joined the practice as Associate to support the North West teams’ growth and is currently involved with the school’s portfolio. DLA is also looking to recruit three more architects in the region.

The announcement follows the company’s recent rebrand and succession announcement where it outlined a more streamlined proposition to focus on high quality, commercial architecture.

Jonathan Knowles, Group Board Director and Head of the Manchester office, said,

“During this last unprecedented year, we have re-evaluated our core values and assets and are delighted to emerge as a well-structured business with reduced overheads and strong cash flow.

“As part of this process, we are pleased to announce our relocation to new premises which not only facilitates growth but also offers flexible, high tech ‘drop in’ workspaces for our clients and partners.

“Having established in Manchester 20 years ago, we already have a firm foothold and reputation for delivering contextual, narrative led solutions for our clients and close collaboration with our Leeds office allows us to provide a more holistic Northern Powerhouse perspective on regionally significant projects.”

Current clients for DLA in the North West include prolific North West developer Network Space for which it has a long-standing partnership, and the Ministry of Defence for which it is designing several carbon neutral housing projects nationwide.

Its education sector work has also increased significantly through three existing schools’ frameworks with a requirement for low carbon, off site modular construction, including the Kings Leadership Academy in Bolton. DLA is also consulting on the complex redevelopment of Shot Tower, a building with strong cultural heritage in Chester, to deliver residential homes.

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

DLA has identified strong growth in the residential sector where it is currently advising on schemes comprising more than 13,000 homes. The industrial sector is expected to increase during the next 12 months with DLA actively looking at over 10,000,000 sq ft of development opportunities and education is also one of the fastest growing sectors for DLA leading into 2021.

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.

NPIF and FW Capital spring into action to support Manchester leisure equipment specialist

Sam Whitear
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Leisure equipment specialist All Retail Limited (All Round Fun) has received a £500,000 investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Based in Manchester, All Round Fun sells a range of indoor and outdoor play equipment including garden swings, trampolines, hot tubs, swimming pools and garden furniture. As lockdown has restricted in-person sales, the business now sells products through its website and other online channels, with revenue expected to reach £6m in 2021.

Following disruption brought about by the pandemic, funding from NPIF-FW Capital Debt Finance is set to provide working capital as the business continues to bounce back.

Now employing seven staff, chief executive Roy Gabbie bought the company in 2012 and grew the business extensively through building up relationships with suppliers from the Far East to add more product lines, developing the website and moving to a new 25,000 square foot facility at Trafford Park, Stretford.

Roy Gabbie, CEO at All Round Fun said: “Lockdown has meant people are spending a lot of time at home and so demand for our products increased significantly. However, the bulk of our stock is sourced from the Far East, particularly China, where there was severe disruption to shipping. A lack of vessels, delays at ports and higher costs has really impacted on business.

“We needed financial support to help with cashflow so that we could substantially increase our stock levels and meet customer requirements. Our USP is that we offer next day delivery, so we need the products on site at our distribution centre. FW Capital and NPIF have been excellent to deal with throughout, the process was seamless, and I was really impressed at how quickly our application was approved.

“Our expansion plans are now back on track and we are in the process of recruiting three new staff, further developing our website and we plan to add new product lines this year. “

FW Capital senior investment executive Andy Traynor said: “The pandemic has had a huge impact on supply chains and companies the world over, and those importing from China have been particularly impacted. All Round Fun is a fantastic business that has faced severe difficulties through no fault of its own and this investment has already made a real difference. We would urge any businesses that have been affected by the pandemic to speak to us.”

Sue Barnard at British Business Bank, said: “All Round Fun are a classic example of a growing business that has been impacted by the pandemic through no fault of their own and NPIF are proud to play a part in their recovery. Even after the pandemic has subsided, NPIF will continue to improve access to finance for smaller businesses across the Northern Powerhouse.”

FW Capital provides loans of £100,000 to £750,000 to businesses based in the NPIF region with a focus on the North West, Cumbria and Tees Valley.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

MANCHESTER-BASED, THE INSIGHTS PEOPLE CONTINUES ITS EXPANSION

Sam Whitear
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The Insights People, the global leader in kids, parents and family market intelligence, is delighted to welcome 8 new starters to its rapidly growing business.

Ricky Myers who joins from Argentina-based kids media agency KidsCorp as Business Development Director for Latam. Georgie Martin joins from the BBC as Research Manager, Rachel Gleave joins from Manchester-based Media More Sales as Research Executive. On the tech side, Jon Parnham, Andy Patterson and Jack McKelvey all come onboard as Junior Developers having graduated from Northcoders. With Gemma Just and Victoriya Holland join to strengthen the marketing team as Graphic Designer and PR & Marketing Executive respectively.

4B598CBE 6D4C 4219 AB3D 00E3C9866AF9 300x289 1 Ricky Myers, The Insights People, Business Development Director – LATAM comments:

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with best-in-class talent, to bring real-time insights into the Latin American kids & teens ecosystem. I hope to see businesses across the region improve their ROI, through a deep understanding of emerging flash trends – as well as gaining a holistic understanding of their target’s way of life”

0D750647 CA7A 44F9 AA22 F4D8408CC154 234x300 1 Georgie Martin, The Insights People, Research Manager comments:

“After such a successful year of growth and development, I’m very excited to be joining The Insights People. As Research Manager I hope to help shape and advance the bespoke research side of the business, building strong client relationships and providing critical insight”

34073430 9A48 40DE 991E 59BA64CCE26C 297x300 1 Nick Richardson Founder & CEO of The Insights People adds,

“We have started 2021 where we left off in 2020, and I am delighted to be welcoming such incredible talent to our business – who share our vision of becoming the business-critical tool for all major brands who operate in the kids, parents and family space”

The Insights People have also extended its Advisory Board with Prof Dr. Ger Graus OBE, Global Director of Education at KidZania; Danielle Davis, former VP Content Partnerships & Revenue at of Discovery; Tony Allen, CEO of the Age Check Certification Scheme; and Dr. Gemma Taylor, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the University of Salford all joining to help shape advise the business with its future development.

Translation provider achieves double digit growth

Sam Whitear
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A Manchester-based translation and language services provider has achieved double digit growth in its client base despite challenging international trading conditions.

The Translation People, which has offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Tunbridge Wells, as well as in Germany, France and the US, welcomed 570 new clients in 2020, which accounts for 11.7 per cent growth across the group. The majority of these new clients are UK-based businesses, including online department store Fruggo, Hitachi Europe and charities Oxfam and Refuge.

The success comes despite the challenges on international trade inflicted by COVID-19 and Brexit, following several years of investment in technology-based workflows and solutions geared towards improving efficiencies and productivity. These include automated transcription tools, website connectors and intelligent machine translation technologies, as well as the rollout of a remote interpreting offering, which enabled businesses to reach overseas teams and customers whilst global travel restrictions were in place.

The Translation People is predicting additional growth in 2021 and aims to double its revenues in the next four years.

Jasmin Schneider, managing director of The Translation People, said: “We had anticipated the last 12 months would be turbulent as we drew closer to the Brexit deadline, however, COVID-19 introduced an unexpected challenge for businesses across the world.

“Thankfully, we’re an agile business and were able to adapt quickly. Boosted by the investments we’ve been making into intelligent translation technology over the last few years, which are designed to improve workflows and increase productivity, we were able to support clients to communicate vital messages to customers and employees around the world, no matter what language was required.

“Additionally, we used this technology to help mitigate the impact of international travel bans, helping clients communicate effectively when the world slowed down, including our remote interpreting platform, which allowed multi-language meetings and conferences to take place without the need for people to travel.

“The pandemic has accelerated people’s trust in technology, and we have been able to demonstrate that using the right software and platforms, travel isn’t always necessary to achieve the same outputs, outcomes or productivity. This capability has attracted new businesses to work with us, including a wealth of household names who have found our translation services vital to ensuring they can protect people and deliver essential services both in the UK and around the globe.

“We are now looking ahead to what 2021 holds. The last 12 months taught us that everything can change overnight, but our ability to acclimatise in the wake of something as extraordinary as COVID-19 gives us confidence to continue on our growth plans this year.”

The Translation People has over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality translation services to clients around the world. With a global network of over 4,500 professional translators, the company offers over 300 different language combinations, operating from nine offices across Europe and the USA to service customers, which range from global brands to smaller, independent businesses.

Belfast Harbour strikes digitisation deal with IBM and SRO Solutions

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-based tech firm SRO Solutions has signed an agreement with Belfast Harbour to provide IBM’s Maximo asset management software licences, as it looks to increase digitalisation across its operations.

The city’s port is Northern Ireland’s principal logistics and distribution hub, responsible for more than two-thirds of all seaborne trade. In excess of 1.75 million people and over half a million freight vehicles pass through the port annually, while 24 million tonnes of goods are managed and carried by ferries, container ships and general cargo vessels.

SRO Solutions, part of the Cohesive Companies and a Gold Accredited IBM Business Partner, carried out a usage review and has transacted additional licenses to Belfast Harbour, more than doubling the number of Maximo licences being used on site. Over the coming months its consultants will help Belfast Harbour expand its use of the software to deliver greater efficiencies.

SRO, which has helped lead IBM’s expansion into the maritime and offshore industries, began working with Belfast Harbour in 2018, implementing Maximo to store information about the port’s assets and manage the maintenance of its equipment.

Tony Lackey, SRO Solutions managing director, said: “Ports are perfectly positioned to benefit from deploying IBM’s Maximo software which is the most advanced asset management software in the world. We originally helped Belfast Harbour move from a largely paper-driven system of asset management to a centralised digital solution. Maximo now holds data on a range of assets at the port, everything from cranes to vehicle traffic lights, enabling greater efficiency in maintenance planning and execution.

“Technicians receive their work orders via mobile devices and once a repair has been completed the system can be updated in real time. It is an always up-to-date, accurate record of the port’s assets – and with no paperwork, the potential for mistakes decreases.

“The scale of Belfast Harbour’s operation means there is great scope for it to use Maximo far more extensively across the organisation. This agreement will give their Information Systems team the ability to harness the full power of Maximo.”

Projects under consideration include using Maximo to manage the maintenance of facilities across Belfast Harbour’s extensive estate. The 2,000-acre estate is home to commercial office space, shops and restaurants, plus hotels, a film studio and the city’s award-winning Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.

Trevor Anderson, Director of Infrastructure and Business Transformation at Belfast Harbour, added: “Centralising data through Maximo and enabling access to real-time information opens up numerous time and cost-saving opportunities. Belfast Harbour has continually invested in the system and we are now at the exciting stage of expanding its use across the wider organisation.”

TALKTALK CREATES 50 NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN NORTH WEST AS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S KICKSTART SCHEME

Sam Whitear
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Salford-based connectivity provider TalkTalk has begun advertising six-month work placements for more than 50 young people, as part of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.

The Kickstart Scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and will last until the end of 2021. It provides funding to create new job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment, having been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.

Department for Work and Pensions data shows that there were 83,000 people aged 16-24 who were unemployed and on Universal Credit in the North West as of June 2020. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, between March 2020 and October 2020, there was also a 75% increase in people on Universal Credit in the North West.

As one of the region’s leading employers, TalkTalk is offering roles to at least 50 young people across all areas of the business. Positions will be available in customer relations, communications, technology, and administration initially, with the potential to extend into other departments later in the year.

TalkTalk began advertising the roles over the weekend and is now accepting applications. The jobs are only available to young people currently receiving Universal Credit.

Advertisements and more information can be found in local job centres and on the TalkTalk careers page: careers.talktalk.co.uk. Applicants are advised to seek advice from their work coach before applying.

TalkTalk will also be selecting applicants with the help of The Prince’s Trust, a charity which supports young people on their journey through education and workplace training. Potential new starters will be taking part in development bootcamps before being directed to TalkTalk for an interview. Aside from facilitating the interview process, the bootcamp also offers sessions and advice on employability, workplace skills and office 101 training.

All placements will be paid Real Living Wage for 25 hours a week over the six-month contract period. TalkTalk will review the placements once the six-month contract ends, with the potential to place those on the Kickstart Scheme into full-time positions.

Daniel Kasmir, Chief People Officer at TalkTalk, said: “We know that the North West has faced some difficult times over the last year, with many young people experiencing unemployment and job losses as a result of the pandemic.

“Thanks to the Kickstart Scheme, we’re able to provide some much-needed opportunities for young people in our area to gain real-life work experience, learn new and transferable skills, and workshop their CVs so they can secure a fantastic job in the future, be it with us, or elsewhere.

“Both TalkTalk and our Kickstart placements will benefit from this great scheme. We welcome fresh blood and new ideas – something a tech company like ours cannot do without.”

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP, said: “It’s great to see TalkTalk backing this Government’s Kickstart Scheme with recruitment for 50 young people to get on the employment ladder in roles across the region – giving local talent crucial work experience in areas from finance to social media in this exciting industry.

“Our Plan for Jobs is creating vital fresh opportunities, boosting job prospects and supporting employers to recruit in key growth sectors, as we push to build back better and level up the country.”

Shenton Homes completes acquisition of No. 1 Chepstow Street

Sam Whitear
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Shenton Homes, the homebuilding division of Shenton Group (“Shenton”), has completed the purchase of No. 1 Chepstow Street in Manchester City Centre from McDonald’s Restaurants.

The 20,000 sq. ft. space occupies a prominent location at the junction of Chepstow Street, Oxford Street and Portland Street, and currently houses a 24hr McDonald’s.

The building was formerly tenanted by The Picture House cinema, and is the last of the four Edwardian cinemas built at this junction.

Shenton will deliver a sensitive restoration of the historic building, bringing forward a low-rise residential scheme on its three upper floors. The existing façade will be retained, and the McDonald’s restaurant will remain open.

Colin Shenton, Shenton Homes CEO, said: “Although this building isn’t listed and is not in a conservation area, we’re keen that our works on No. 1 Chepstow Street be sensitive, and respectful to its storied history.

“With over 30 years’ experience of creating high-quality, design-led schemes, we’re excited to acquire another prime city centre location for our next residential project. We look forward to revealing more details in due course.”

More details on the scheme are due to be released as consultation with key stakeholders progresses.
Founded in 1989 by Colin Shenton, Shenton Group boasts a diverse portfolio across Greater Manchester which includes hospitality, residential and commercial property ventures.

Manchester’s Pankhurst Trust seeks to appoint new Chair

Sam Whitear
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Manchester’s Pankhurst Trust is seeking to appoint a new Chair of Board of Trustees. Having held the role after two very successful terms, Louise Sutherland is stepping down, but will continue to play an active volunteering role within the organisation. The Pankhurst Trust is truly unique, combining as it does both the provision of vital women’s services and the carrying forward of the suffragette legacy that began in the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst, from where its operations are based.

This is a really exciting volunteering opportunity to make a significant and very real difference to the lives of women and their families across Greater Manchester as part of Manchester Women’s Aid. It is also an opportunity to be a part of a team that works to explore and share the story of the suffragette movement and its relevance today, with the museum at the Pankhurst Centre the country’s only dedicated to women’s suffrage.

Gail Heath, CEO of the Pankhurst Trust, says, “We are incredibly lucky to have had Louise at the helm of our Board. For more than six years, with unending passion and energy, she’s given the Pankhurst Trust exceptional expertise and guidance. We are looking for someone to join us with this same enthusiasm and an awareness and understanding of the Trust’s complex work.”

Louise Sutherland, outgoing Chair of the Pankhurst Trust, says, “The Trust was very new when I joined and as I look back now it’s remarkable to see how we’ve grown in influence, started new services, invested in staff, developed new partnerships and grown our supporter network. It’s also been wonderful to see the Trust play its role in key moments such as the centenary of the first women achieving the vote and young activists being inspired to continue the quest for change. This is a broad role, but one that comes with a huge amount of support from a wonderful and dedicated team.”

The Pankhurst Trust has huge ambitions, both in the delivery of its services to women and children, and its vision for the Pankhurst Centre. In the last 12 months the need for Manchester Women’s Aid services have been at levels never previously seen and the impact of Covid-19 continues, making this an ongoing challenge for the organisation. The Pankhurst Centre is looking to the future, with the opening of a new permanent exhibition set to coincide with the museum’s reopening later this year, and with its sights set on ultimately achieving the conservation and restoration of the Grade II* listed building. Helping the team to carry forward these aims will be an important part of the role of the new Chair.

Chair of the Pankhurst Trust Board of Trustees is a voluntary role, with applications open until Friday 26 March 2021. All of the background details and information on the post are available here: https://pankhursttrust.org/get-involved/jobs/chair-board-trustees

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