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LUCID OUTDOOR LAUNCH SECOND LARGE FORMAT, FULL-MOTION HD SCREEN IN STOCKPORT TOWN CENTRE

Sam Whitear
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OUT-OF-HOME digital advertising specialist Lucid Outdoor has unveiled its newest giant LED screen within the heart of Stockport’s £1bn redevelopment.

Lucid’s hi-resolution screens are unique to the region for their full-motion capabilities, meaning that both video and animated content can be displayed, and feature self-brightening technology to counteract increasing sunlight.

The new large format HD display hangs permanently at the entrance to Merseyway shopping centre as part of Stockport Council’s ambitious regeneration plan. Measuring 6m x 3m, its addition is part of an initiative to promote and animate Stockport town centre and increase dwell time in its public areas. The screen operates from 6am to midnight each day, allowing advertisers to pitch brand messages, flash sales and adaptive offers to the town centre’s high volume of visitors.

Stockport town centre is home to a number of well-known high street brands. Outlets for Primark, Office, Tessuti, and Claire’s Accessories are among the highest performers in the North West for each company. They benefit from a weekly visitor footfall of over 150,000 in Merseyway, with approximately 23,000 shoppers visiting the shopping centre every Saturday.

A contract has been signed with Stockport Council to sell advertising packages on the displays. Initially, ads are scheduled to run for ten seconds of every minute, for two week durations, with Stockport’s local businesses and public sector bodies receiving discounted rates and first refusal on screen slots.

More than just an advertising space though, potential future uses of the screen include interactive gaming and social media opportunities, as well as transmitting up-to-date local events, weather reports, traffic updates and even live sports and films to the town’s visitors.

Managing Director of locally-based Lucid Outdoor, Mike Cleary, says: “The addition of the full motion screens in Stockport town centre is a significant development in Stockport Council’s plans. We have pulled out all the stops to get Merseyway up and running pre-Christmas, and have been delighted to deliver another exciting digital platform in the area.
“Outdoor continues to grow in technical capability and stature as an advertising medium. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to maximise their share of the retail and leisure spending power of the area. As a local company we are very proud to have won this contract in such an iconic area and add it to our portfolio of out-of-home opportunities for advertisers.”

Windmill Green becomes first building in Manchester to be designed, built and operated by B Corp certified developer

Sam Whitear
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FORE Partnership, developer of Manchester’s most sustainable office building, Windmill Green, recently announced that it has achieved B Corporation status.

One of a select group of UK real estate firms to become a B Corp, FORE now joins approximately 360 other businesses in the UK that have made this legally-binding pledge to put people, planet, and profit on equal footing.

FORE has demonstrated its social and environmental commitment as part of the certification process, and has accepted responsibility to take into account the interests of workers, the community and the environment as well as its shareholders.

The accreditation means that Windmill Green is the only building in Manchester to have been designed, built and now operated by a B Corp-certified developer.

Windmill Green is FORE’s flagship development in Manchester. Amongst its green credentials, the Grade A office space holds a BREEAM Outstanding rating, a Platinum CyclingScore accreditation, hosts a fleet of the most innovative solar PV panels ever installed in the UK, and partners with both SwiftyScooters and Brompton Bicycles to promote healthy, green travel.

The building is also home to an apiary, giving thousands of bees a safe place to work and thrive, as well as Manchester’s largest green living wall.

Basil Demeroutis, managing partner at FORE, said: “Becoming a B Corporation is a great achievement for us. It signals the success of our mission to contribute positively to our communities and the environment, and recognises the passion with which we pursue these goals.”

He added: “Whilst Windmill Green is not a B Corporation in itself, it is part of the wider vision that drove FORE to pursue B Corp certification. Windmill Green is a wonderful case study for green development, as it exemplifies the sustainable possibilities within commercial real estate and is a real beacon of ecological design.”

Windmill Green recently took home the Innovation Award at this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards 2020, in which it was praised for its sustainable, comprehensive retrofit and refurbishment.

The scheme has welcomed a bevy of future-focused brands, including CBRE’s flexible workspace offering, Hana.

85% of people in Manchester to gift connected gadgets this year

Sam Whitear
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The typical family in Manchester has 30 devices connected to the internet – and their online activity has peaked during the pandemic, new research from BT Full Fibre reveals.

The average household in the North West has four smartphones, four smart TVs, three tablets and two of each of laptops, PCs, bluetooth speakers, smart speakers, games consoles and digital radios.

Their home now also boasts a boiler and thermostat, vacuum cleaner, health equipment like scales, security camera or doorbell and watch, which are also ‘smart’ – all connected to their Wi-Fi.

And homes are only going to get even more hi-tech this Christmas as 85 per cent plan to gift at least one digital device, the nationwide survey for BT Full Fibre found.

With millions of Brits home working and schooling and glued to their gadgets during lockdowns, home internet usage has reached record levels since March.

Three quarters say they have spent more time on the internet as a family during the pandemic and 36 per cent have been online for 50 per cent longer or more.

Daytime traffic across BT’s broadband network has more than doubled year-on-year, the firm revealed.

The time families spend on their smartphones and browsing social media has each rocketed by over 150 per cent since March, the survey of 1,500 adults with children living at home found.

The typical household now spends 20.8 hours per week on their phones; 18.5 hours watching TV or streaming services; 16.5 hours on social media and 13.4 hours video gaming.

And smartphones will be the most popular present this Christmas with a third – 33 per cent – of people in Manchester set to gift one.

Next come games consoles (36 per cent), laptops (27 per cent), tablets (25 per cent), smart TVs (21 per cent) and smart speakers (12 per cent).

Children are apparently the biggest ‘bandwidth hoggers’ on home networks, cited by over half – 51 per cent – of those polled while 27 per cent blame dads and 19 per cent mums.

One in five people in the North West – 20 per cent – expect to add an ultra high definition 4K TV to their home for Christmas and the typical family will have two 8K TVs in five years’ time.

But streaming TV was cited by 58 per cent as the main cause of slower internet speeds with 46 per cent blaming playing video games.

Seven in ten – 70 per cent – admit they ‘double screen’, watching TV at the same time as another screen like their smartphone or tablet.

And four in ten – 39 per cent – say they suffer problems with internet speed at peak times like 8pm to 10pm.

To help meet the growing needs of consumers in the 2020s, both today and in the future as modern families become more connected, BT has developed a range of Full Fibre broadband plans.  Up to 25 times faster than Superfast Fibre, BT Full Fibre boasts a super reliable connection, even at busy periods meaning customers can download a 4k movie in 34 seconds.

BT’s Sharon Meadows said: “With ever more connected devices in the home and Brits adopting technology so readily, we’re seeing a real need by families across the UK to future proof their home broadband connection. Our Full Fibre packages are designed to meet that need, now and in the years to come, providing ultrafast speeds and the best reliability on the market. So, no matter how large the demands of new Wi-Fi enabled devices in the home – whether it’s 8K video, virtual reality gaming or the ever-connected smart home – BT Full Fibre customers will be able to get the very most of them.”

The firm’s Full Fibre plans cost from £39.99 per month. For more information on BT Full Fibre and to check availability in your area, visit www.bt.com/broadband/full-fibre.

Manchester-based Ripe celebrates double win at Insurance Times Awards

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-headquartered insurtech business, Ripe Insurance, is celebrating following a double win at the prestigious Insurance Times Awards this week.

The company, which provides a range of specialist insurance products within the sports and leisure sectors, was awarded Personal Lines Broker of the Year for the second year running.

Judged by an independent panel of experts, the Insurance Times Awards aim to shine a light on outstanding achievements within the UK insurance industry.

Ripe was commended for its innovative and tech-driven approach which continues to disrupt the traditional market. Its products, which range from cover for personal trainers, musicians and golfers to caravan and boat owners, allow customers to build a policy in just a few clicks through mobile-enabled e-commerce websites.

The team also picked up Silver in the B2C Marketing Campaign of the Year category for its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Judges were particularly impressed by the company’s agile thinking, which included swiftly introducing new forms of cover to help customers in their time of need. Plus providing tailored incentives, key worker initiatives and access to money-can’t-buy experiences.

The win comes off the back of further recognition for the business, having taken home Best Specialist Insurance Provider at the Insurance Choice Awards in October 2020. This was a particularly ringing endorsement given that the category was voted for by Ripe’s policyholders.

Ripe also recently posted a rise in revenue for a twelfth consecutive year. For the year ending 31st December 2019, the insurtech specialist reported record revenues of £15.043 million compared to £12.975 million for the prior year. The company has now delivered an average annual revenue growth of over 20% over the past five years.

John Woosey, Founder and Managing Director of Ripe Thinking commented: “We’re thrilled with our double win, to be awarded for the second year in a row is fantastic.

“Our industry-leading technology and insight mean that we deliver top-quality products and excellent customer service. So, to have this recognised by our peers once again is a real achievement, especially after such a challenging year! When we can, we’ll be raising a glass with our dynamic and dedicated team, without whom none of this would be possible.”

Greater Manchester manufacturers, supported by Made Smarter, forecast almost 200 new jobs from £3M technology investment

Sam Whitear
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Greater Manchester manufacturers supported by Made Smarter, the movement helping SMEs join the Industry 4.0 revolution, are forecasting the creation of almost 200 new jobs from £3M of technology investment.

Since it was launched two years ago, the North West technology adoption pilot has engaged with 350 businesses in the city region to help them introduce digital tools and technologies to boost productivity and growth, and navigate the impact of Covid-19.

148 manufacturers have received intensive support including expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, a leadership programme, and funded digital technology internships.

34 businesses have secured £841,000 matched funding for 44 projects which are worth £3M after private sector investment.

The technology adoption projects are forecast to deliver an additional £32M in gross value added (GVA) for the Greater Manchester economy over the next three years, create 191 new jobs, and upskill 455 existing roles.

Some manufacturers are developing projects using technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes. Others are using 3D-printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

Over 80% of SMEs working with Made Smarter to adopt cutting-edge technologies have seen a boost in productivity, and more than 25% reduced their carbon emissions. Businesses will also benefit from increased revenue, profits and exports, and lower energy bills.

Among the latest wave of manufacturers to secure funding for technology projects are: Forest Sofa (Salford); Garton Ltd (Wigan); Norlin Compounding Services (Bolton); Northwest Crankshaft & Machine Ltd (Wigan); Pilot Group Infrastructure (Manchester); Crystal Doors (Rochdale); Rotite Technologies (Stretford); and Visual Architects (Hyde).

Ryan Mohieddin, Managing Director of Forest Sofa, a furniture manufacturer based in Salford, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to invest in a data and systems integration project which will enable us to digitally track our production through the manufacturing process. The increased visibility will enable Forest to better manage resource demands and reduce the likelihood of bottlenecking.

“Significantly the new system will also enable us to provide real time updates to our customers, something that I believe will be a first for our sector. We recognise that customer experience is key to a successful business, and the personalisation and automation of real time updates will enhance our customers journey.“

Ben Horn, Digital Transformation Programme Manager at Crystal Doors, a manufacturer of bespoke vinyl wrapped furniture components based in Rochdale, said: “Made Smarter has been supporting us in launching our Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Platform project. From the first meeting, their insight and advice have been invaluable in refining the project to become as focused and impactful as it is today.

“Very soon, we will be taking the project live, transforming our customer experience and taking our manufacturing data management to the next level. The insights on our operations which we expect to get as a result of the project will allow us to make huge strides in efficiency and in improving the quality of our service.”

Connor Whyley, Design Manager at Rotite Technologies, a designer of bespoke fastening solutions based in Stretford, said: “With the support of Made Smarter we are using additive manufacturing to revolutionise the way we work by offering a product range looking to make life easier through simple and intuitive connections. AM is ideal as it allows us to continually develop our range as we grow, whilst offering bespoke features like mass customisation.

“Made Smarter has been paramount to us being able to adopt AM and we are excited about what further opportunities this affords us.”

Lefteris Angelidis, Managing Director at Visual Architects, a designer and manufacturer of event interiors based in Hyde, said: “Made Smarter has been rocket fuel for our company. With the programme’s support we have not only analysed where we are now but looked well into the future and mapped out a real solid direction.

“The support of the staff has been incredible from advancing us to presenting us with a lot of really helpful information. Besides the support Made Smarter has enabled us to invest into robotics, new machinery and a digital technology intern to assist us in advancing our company to the next level.
“Made smarter has been one of the most valuable assets a company could ask for.”

Peter Durkin, Managing Director of Mini Gears, a manufacturer of supplier of machined parts, gears and gear racks, based in Stockport, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to invest in a data and systems integration project which will help us achieve our aim of a paperless factory and drive growth and productivity.”

Meanwhile, several manufacturers who have experienced the benefits of Made Smarter support, are
taking the next step in their digitalisation journey including: Astropol (Wigan); Fabricon Design (Ashton-under-Lyne); Manchester Manufacturing Group (Denton); and The Bury Black Pudding Co (Bury).

Chris Wright, Managing Director of Astropol, a colour masterbatch and additive specialist based in Wigan, said: “With the support and advice of Made Smarter we have been able to invest in data and systems integration projects which will connect our entire business, helping us achieve complete digitalisation.
“This will transform our business, giving us complete visualisation, transparency and access to real time data, which we can use to improve productivity, find efficiencies, achieve manufacturing excellence, and drive sales in home and export markets.”

Richard Morris, Production Director for the Bury Black Pudding Co. said: “Our ambition is to create the world’s first smart black pudding factory. We have identified a pathway to achieving that ambition which starts with data and systems integration, then analytics, and automation. Working with the team at Made Smarter has accelerated our plan by years.”

Across the North West, the technology adoption pilot has engaged with 1,131 businesses, giving 540 intensive support, and supporting 126 businesses with £3.2M matched funding for 155 projects. This investment is forecast to deliver an additional £118M in gross value added (GVA) for the region’s economy over the next three years, create over 750 new jobs and upskill almost 1,600 existing roles.

Juergen Maier CBE, Chair of Made Smarter, said: “I am delighted to see the positive impact that Made Smarter’s adoption pilot is having on individuals, businesses, the environment, and the UK economy.

“In the tumultuous times we face, it can be tempting to simply cut costs rather than invest. Yet, in the long term, this approach runs the risk of businesses getting left behind. For the UK manufacturing sector to thrive and become a world leader, we need to find ways to encourage innovation and the adoption of digital technologies.”

As well as technology, Made Smarter has supported manufacturers to develop digital strategies and new skills.

Made Smarter’s digital transformation workshops are a rapid and bespoke process designed to accelerate manufacturing growth by identifying digital tools and technologies that can maximise operational processes and enhance business growth.

The region’s business leaders are now equipped with the vision and the skills to pursue smarter manufacturing through the Made Smarter Leadership programme, in partnership with Lancaster University and now also delivered by the University of Liverpool and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Manufacturers have also benefited from Made Smarter’s digital technology internships which offer students and graduates paid placements to work on live technology projects. Some have even secured jobs following their placement.

Donna Edwards, North West Pilot Programme Director at Made Smarter, said: “Over the last two years the pilot has proven the value technology can bring to the manufacturing sector.

“We have helped hundreds of North West makers start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.

“We have seen huge success with Made Smarter-supported businesses reporting growth, productivity and efficiency gains, job creation and high-value jobs. We’re also playing a crucial role in helping the UK reach its ambitious aim of net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

“Reaching 155 funded projects which will support 126 businesses to create over 750 new jobs and upskill almost 1,600 existing roles is a tremendous achievement.

“We are determined to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses. I would encourage manufacturers to contact Made Smarter to ensure they don’t miss out.”

Five-figure signage project completed at luxury Manchester Crown Street Scheme

Sam Whitear
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Leading traditional and digital signage manufacturer Widd Signs has completed a five-figure project to manufacture and install external and internal signage at the striking Crown Street Victoria Residence next to Deansgate Square in Manchester.

The two-month project, which began at the start of September, has seen Widd Signs manufacture and install high-spec internal and external branding and wayfinding signage at the luxury residential scheme, which comprises of two towers which are 21 and 52 storeys high respectively. The signage, which ranges in size and style, includes fingerpost wayfinding signage and totem style identity branding at the entrances to both towers.

The company, which has bases in both St Helens and Leeds, was commissioned by Renaker, the Manchester-based developer behind the scheme, alongside wayfinding consultants f.r.a., who developed the initial high-end signage designs and wayfinding.

The Crown Street Scheme is expected to be complete in 2022 and will consist of 664 luxury apartments and superb facilities, including a swimming pool on the 44th floor (one of the highest in Europe), communal gardens and a 24/7 hotel style concierge.

Commenting on the project, Peter Harris, national sales manager at Widd Signs, said:

“We’re delighted to have supported Renaker on the development of this hugely impressive scheme.

“The scale and complexity of the signage required for this project was significant and provided us with an opportunity to once again showcase our industry-leading capabilities and expertise.”

Established in 1888, Widd Signs provides signage consultancy, design, and production to a range of high-profile businesses operating in the construction, retail, and sports and leisure sectors. Its clients include established construction companies such as Sir Robert McAlpine and Winvic, as well as retailers including Marks & Spencer, Primark and Schuh.

Earlier this year, Widd Signs completed the acquisition of Spectrum Sign & Display and its new 20,000 sq ft site in St Helens as part of the company’s exciting expansion plans, adding additional expertise and boosting its in-house manufacturing capacity and capabilities.

In May, the company launched a range of bespoke hygiene solutions to help retailers to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, including antimicrobial acrylic protection screens, floor and wall graphics and hand-sanitising stations.

Transformation to create a space that will support the ambitions of businesses at Trafford House and enhance productivity and wellbeing for their employees

Sam Whitear
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Bruntwood Works, a leading workspace and leisure provider, has kickstarted the next phase of its transformation of Trafford House, Greater Manchester, as it aims to enhance productivity and improve wellbeing for the businesses and their employees based there.

The project will transform the entrance and ground floor of the building, and Bruntwood Works will break away from the traditional office reception by introducing a host point that encourages collaboration and improves customer experience. Further stand-out features will include the installation of bespoke joinery and pendant lighting in the entrance, alongside external landscaping and solar lighting, to really enhance the arrival experience.

It follows increased demand from businesses for local offices, alongside their city centre workspaces, with more companies seeking a hub and spoke solution that incorporates a city centre HQ and a geographically distributed network of offices in the surrounding suburbs.

The plans at Trafford House will bring nature into the heart of the space through biophilic design. The use of biophilia in the workplace is known to bring a host of wellbeing benefits including increased productivity, better air quality and reduced stress. It will help to create a striking new reception area and external canopy, supporting Bruntwood Works’ mission to create workspaces that meet the needs of its customers and their employees both now and in the future.

Andrew Cooke, strategic director of Bruntwood Works, said: “You have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention and we want to make sure that Trafford House not only offers an environment that supports collaboration, improves productivity and enhances the wellbeing of our customers, but is one they are proud to call home. We want to create a first-class experience for anyone visiting or working at Trafford House.

“In today’s world, the wellbeing of our people and customers is more important than ever and it’s proven that employee wellbeing has a positive impact on productivity. This transformation will create a productive space that really puts people first, and in the process gives our customers an office that truly reflects their own ambitions and helps with talent attraction and retention. We’re committed to investing in our buildings across the region so we can continue to support those who want to work a little closer to home, and in Trafford House we’re bringing city centre quality to the suburbs. I can’t wait to see the end result for such a landmark building in Greater Manchester.”

The project follows the refurbishment of the building’s lounge and communal areas, which gave Trafford House customers access to a state-of-the-art gym studio with virtual classes from the world-renowned Les Mills, cycle storage, shower and changing facilities when it completed last year. It is also set to become the focus of a pilot sustainability project in 2021 as Bruntwood group works towards its net zero carbon commitment.

The landmark building – which is instantly recognisable due to the vibrant, 38 meter high mural on the facade of the building – is in a prominent location between Manchester United Football Club and Old Trafford Cricket Club on Chester Road in Old Trafford. It provides businesses with high-quality, flexible workspaces that are within easy reach of Manchester city centre and the surrounding suburbs by car and public transport.

It is already home to a broad range of companies, from property, engineering and professional services firms to housing associations, public sector and recruitment businesses, that are attracted to the quality and flexibility of the workspaces available. This includes serviced offices for one to 24 people as well as larger leased spaces. All leased workspaces are available as Made & Managed, which allows customers to build a bespoke package of services including utilities, furniture and cleaning for a simple monthly fee.

The news is the latest investment in the area and follows the announcement that Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council are set to transform the former Kellogg’s site in Old Trafford, Stretford, into a vibrant new neighbourhood – Lumina Village – as part of their joint venture, which also includes the development of the Stamford Quarter in Altrincham as well as Stretford Mall.

Deloitte grows consultancy team in the north

Sam Whitear
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Deloitte is today announcing ambitious plans to expand its northern England consultancy practice as it looks to create a further 200 jobs in the region over the next three to four years.

Deloitte’s consulting expansion will create a much stronger regional presence and enhance its consulting capabilities across the North West, Yorkshire and the North East.

The expansion is part of Deloitte’s commitment to further strengthen relationships with clients in the north and offer a greater breadth of services, which includes digital transformation, cloud deployment, analytics and helping clients to adopt new ways of working.

Deloitte will continue to support a number of the most significant retail businesses and public sector bodies to address some of today’s biggest challenges and drive responsible growth in the region.

The northern consulting team currently comprises over 100 staff across the Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle offices. It will launch its recruitment drive in the new year to find the best talent across the region and create 200 jobs. This expansion will be led by partner Richard Bray, who has recently relocated from London.

Richard Bray, partner at Deloitte, said: “I am extremely proud and excited to be responsible for expanding our consulting team in the north.The region is home to a wide range of ambitious businesses and public sector organisations that are looking for support on transformation projects and how to adopt new ways of working. We are already supporting job creation in the region and have access to a wealth of talent, which will help to drive economic growth and recovery.”

Rosina Murdoch, director at Deloitte, added: “Being part of the leadership team to expand our consulting practice in the north means I can combine two commitments – to the growth of my home region and to the clients I love to work alongside. I am hugely passionate about offering consulting careers to those based in the north and look forward to working with our community of talent as we grow.”

Earlier this year, Deloitte completed the acquisition of Keytree, the award winning global technology consultancy, to bolster its digital transformation services.

Manchester based Alexander & Co scoops national award

Sam Whitear
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The award celebrates firms that have really helped and stepped up to make a difference to clients and their businesses.

Manchester Based chartered accountants and tax advisors Alexander & Co has been recognised in the work it has undertook this year by being crowned the best tax advisory firm in the UK in the Accountancy Age Resilience Awards.

The national awards, which were open to all UK firms, aims to celebrate those organisations that have genuinely helped to make things easier for clients and businesses during 2020. It recognises those teams and individuals that have gone above and beyond to help with the many challenges clients and coworkers have faced.

Michael McCaw, Editor of Accountancy Age said:
“Given the difficulties faced by businesses and practices throughout the course of this year, new approaches and standards have been placed on accountancy. Leaders have been forced to show their true qualities while teams have needed to collaborate in the most strenuous circumstances.

“In judging the Resilience Awards, the Accountancy Age judging team looked for those individuals and teams that have really helped bring stability and clarity for those they work with in these uncertain times. This year’s awards were incredibly competitive, making the judging process arduous – and reflecting an industry that has raised the standards across the board.”

John McCaffery, Tax Partner at Alexander & Co said:
“Naturally, we are delighted to win. 2020 has been a tough year for many businesses and this award recognises the lengths the team at Alexander & Co goes to in helping its clients. It is a result of all the hard work the entire team at Alexander & Co has put in this year.

“As we approach 2021, we look forward to assisting clients both new and existing, as Alexander & Co continues to steadily expand our teams across the board”

Over the past five decades, Alexander & Co has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted and dependable business advisors in the region. It provides a wide range of expert services in the fields of accountancy, taxation, corporate finance and business advisory, specialising in helping owner managed businesses.

Free returner programme set to boost tech skills in Greater Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Tech Returners an organisation focused on empowering careers back into technology is launching a seventh cohort of it’s Your Return To Tech programme for individuals in Manchester and Lancashire.

The programme called Your Return to Tech provides skilled tech professionals returning to industry accessible opportunities to refresh their skills and reignite their career but it doesn’t stop at learning and development, the organisation works closely with businesses who recognise the value of industry returners and who are passionate about creating diversity and inclusivity in their teams to provide an innovative tech talent solution.

The 8-week programme recognises the need from businesses growing their teams to bring tech talent to the market quickly and with the skills in place to hit the ground running in mid-senior level technical roles. The entirely remote learning experience boasts a curriculum which includes refreshing existing tech skills, front end frameworks ‘React’ (Hooks, Context, API) alongside Cloud technologies (AWS tooling), delivered alongside platform engineering skills such as infrastructure as code CI/CD and monitoring.

Uniquely the programme will connect with businesses looking to hire from the programme who will provide live briefs for our returners to work on throughout the 8 week period. Interested businesses can sponsor places on the course at more than 50% less than the average technical hire making it an affordable and competitive option versus traditional recruitment agency fees.

This will be the eighth time the programme has run in the North West, since 2017
the organisation has empowered more than 55 returners into mid-senior level technical careers with businesses like AutoTrader, Booking.com, Lloyds Banking Group, ANS and Infinity Works, Alpha, Xero and Eigen Technologies and has worked exclusively with the BBC in Manchester and London respectively, The organisation is currently running a cohort of the programme in London working with businesses including BlackRock, Vodafone, BJSS and IDBS, and in Manchester working exclusively with AO.

The programme is open to anyone returning to a technical career or who have a technical qualification and who have taken a career break from tech for six years or less. Individuals interested in applying for the programme can learn more at https://www.techreturners.com/programmes/your-return-to-tech

Speaking about the programme CEO Beckie Taylor said

“ We’re well aware of the technical talent here in the North West and following our expansion into London we’re delighted to be running our next programme back in our hometown of Manchester. The programme is open to applicants based in Greater Manchester and Lancashire and with a fully remote learning model we’re removing the barriers for the returner talent we know is out there. We’re working with some amazing businesses who are ready to welcome returner talent and who are focused on diversity and taking a fresh approach to how they build their tech teams and grow their businesses”

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