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Slater Heelis celebrated in annual Legal 500 rankings

Sam Whitear
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Slater Heelis has been recommended as a top law firm in 11 practice areas
A series of lawyers at the Manchester and Cheshire based firm have been selected as Leading Individuals and named within its highlights

Manchester and Cheshire-based Slater Heelis Solicitors is celebrating another successful year of Legal 500 rankings, with 11 of its practice areas highly recommended, and a number of fee earners highlighted as top performing individuals.

The Legal 500 has recognised four lawyers at Slater Heelis as Leading Individuals in the 2021 tables. Simon Wallwork, Mark Heptinstall, Katharine Mellor and Ken Salmon have retained their titles as leading lawyers in the country in their respective practice areas.

The report has also named eight additional lawyers within its highlights: Matthew Grellier has become a Next Generation Partner, having advanced from a Rising Star last year. Rhian Owen is recommended for Health, Jonathan Kay for Commercial Property in Manchester, and Daniel Wise is recognised for Contentious Trusts and Probate. Of the eight named lawyers, three have been included in the rankings for the first time – Samantha Tanney is ranked for the first time for Employment, Charlotte Beck is recommended for Family, and Rachel Fletcher, Head of Crime & Regulatory is recommended for her contribution in the Healthcare sector.

The firm’s Managing Partner, Chris Bishop, was recommended in three different practice areas – Property Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Contentious Trusts and Probate. A total of 21 lawyers at Slater Heelis are mentioned by name in the Legal 500 UK commentary for their standout contribution to respective practices.

Among the leading law firm’s top ranking teams is its family team. The report commends its head, Mark Heptinstall, as a “brilliant legal mind”, with Patricia Robinson a Next Generation Partner, Charlotte Beck a “highly regarded lawyer”, and Kim Aucott a “skilled and thoughtful” consultant.

The family team advises clients on a range of matters and has particular expertise in high-value matrimonial finance work and cases involving children, property and inheritance. Its clients include sports and media personalities, and business owners with complex company structures, as well as high-net-worth individuals.

The healthcare team, headed up by Nicky Collins, is also ranked Tier 2, and was praised as “an experienced, close-knit team who deal with queries efficiently”. It advises on a broad spectrum of work, including primary care matters, GP mergers, clinical trial agreements, corporate structures and acquisitions and disposals of pharmacy businesses.

The firm’s property team, headed by Zara Banday and Will Henson, is another ranked as Tier 2 in the North West, and handles both residential work for high-net-worth clients, and commercial property for lenders and developers for national hospitality companies and luxury developments, some of which have been retained for more than two decades.

Chris Bishop, Managing Partner at Slater Heelis, said: “Our practice teams continue to be ranked among the best in the region which is testament to each lawyer’s on-going hard work and commitment. It’s brilliant to see 21 of our lawyers named in the report and eight of those receive highlights, as well as four members of our team retain their Leading Individuals status. Particular praise is given to Matthew Grellier as he is named as a Next Generation Partner in the Construction team.

“Our commitment to providing the best and most personal service continues to see us compete with much larger firms, and the report’s feedback reflects this, with commendation for our responsive, common sense and practical approach, and the cohesive nature of our people and practices. This attitude to our work will put us in the best position to continue to grow and take on new work during these challenging times.”

Slater Heelis Solicitors full Legal 500 rankings 2021 are as follows:

Commercial Property – Elsewhere in the North West – Tier 2
Family – North West – Tier 2
Health – North West – Tier 2
Commercial Litigation – Elsewhere in the North West – Tier 3
Contentious Trusts and Probate – North West – Tier 3
Corporate and Commercial – Elsewhere in the North West – Tier 3
Commercial Property – Manchester – Tier 4
Corporate and Commercial – Manchester – Tier 4
Employment – North West – Tier 4
Property Litigation – North West – Tier 5
Construction – North West – Tier 6

Six new businesses join The Sharp Project’s creative community

Sam Whitear
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Over the past two months, since the initial easing of lockdown, The Sharp Project has welcomed six new tenants to the 200,000 sq ft creative digital production facility located in Newton Heath, Manchester.

The six businesses come from across the North’s creative digital sector and are:

SHOWM – a new tech-focused and image and video led company concentrating on specific, targeted property sales and lets for customers where privacy is paramount.

Marick Live – an integrated creative communications agency producing stand out content and engaging live and virtual experiences.

Risk Box Ltd – an insurance company protecting creative and digital businesses with bespoke, affordable insurance packages. They take care of hundreds of businesses across their five core sectors – Agencies, Media, Tech, Professionals and Entertainment

Nuntiare Media – a new start-up offering their services within pre-recorded announcement production. Primarily working within the aviation and commercial airline market, the company is connected with some of the largest airlines, aerospace corporations and content service providers in the industry.

Shoot Support – TV and film locations supplier focused on supplying sustainable gear and equipment. The company offer everything from tables and chairs to shelter, heating and portable lighting for commercial and corporate shoots. There’s a strong focus on recycling and repurposing too with used clothing going to charity, left over sets and wood being remade into furniture and excess paint going to social enterprises.

Lee Monteverde – a freelance Music Producer, Engineer, Remixer and Composer. Clients include Universal Records / Warner Music / Sony Records, and artists like, U2, Christine and The Queens, Simply Red, P!nk and Craig David.

The Sharp Project’s Business Development Manager, Dunstan Carter, said: “With the country facing so many challenges currently it is incredibly encouraging and exciting to welcome these six businesses to The Sharp Project as our latest tenants.

“We are doing all we can to stand apart from other work spaces by offering ongoing business support and incredibly competitive rents whilst continuously looking to develop and expand the range of services available to our tenants.

“We are happy to meet and discuss requirements with anyone who is interested in finding a new home for their business.”

EY appoints five new Partners and Associate Partners in the North West

Sam Whitear
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EY has appointed one equity Partner and four Associate Partners in the North West from within EY, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Steven Kingham is a Partner in the firm’s Strategy and Transactions team in Manchester having joined the firm seven years ago. He focuses on providing integrated due diligence services to businesses right across the North West, specialising in the technology sector. He has already advised some of the region’s leading technology and fintech firms and has been involved in many high-profile deals and IPOs.

Steven will now be responsible for growing the firm’s presence in the transactions market in the region and strengthening relationships with new and existing clients.

In addition to the new equity Partner appointment, Emma Atkin, Helen Platt, Liz Jones and Onelia Angelosanto have all been promoted to Associate Partner.

Emma works in the Manchester Tax team, specialising in business tax. She joined EY in 2002 after completing a summer internship with the firm. She leads EY’s Group Compliance and Reporting practice in the North West, working with a number of clients across a number of industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, retail, technology, and energy. She advises clients in all facets of corporation tax – including compliance, group reporting and advisory – in order to help them meet their strategic and commercial objectives. Emma has worked in both advisory and industry roles throughout her career and so has a holistic view of the issues that the region’s businesses are facing.

Helen joined EY in Manchester in 2003. She works in the firm’s Consulting practice in the city and also leads EY’s Technology Risk practice across the whole of the North, working with and advising large corporates in the region. She has worked on large EY projects across many sectors and spent two years on secondment in the USA. Closer to home, she co-founded EY’s Women’s Network in the North West Prior to joining EY, Helen worked for PwC for three years and also in internal audit at global investment firm, Axa Investment Managers.

Liz has been with EY for more than five years and is based in the Liverpool Assurance practice. Born and raised in Liverpool Liz is passionate about the city and working with businesses right across the Liverpool city region. Having started in practice, Liz then worked in industry before joining EY and has a diverse sector knowledge. At EY, her audit work is focused on the North West’s private companies with specific experience working with PE-backed businesses across the region.

Onelia works in the Tax team based in Manchester, specialising in Indirect Tax. She originally joined EY as a trainee then moved to BDO for nine years before re-joining EY in 2017. She has more than 20 years’ experience in advising companies on global trade and customs duty matters. She has helped businesses across a range of sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, textile and chemicals, manage their international trade costs and improve the efficiency of supply chain operations. More recently, she has been helping clients plan and prepare for Brexit.

Stephen Church, Office Managing Partner for Manchester commented: “Congratulations to Steven, Emma, Helen Liz and Onelia who have worked exceptionally hard to achieve this career milestone. I know they will bring valuable insights to our clients as they navigate the ongoing uncertainty and prepare for future growth.

“All of these appointments demonstrate EY’s commitment to investing in our people and our service offering to our clients. I’m really proud that we’ve continued to invest in top talent, despite the more challenging economic backdrop.”

Nationally, EY has appointed 65 new equity Partners from 1 July 2019 (the start of its financial year) to 3 October 2020. The appointments consist of 26% women and 19% ethnic minority Partners. This includes 25 Partner promotions from within EY, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, and 40 external hires. The appointments are closely in-line with last year’s intake of 57 equity Partners.

From homelessness to construction job within a year

Sam Whitear
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A formerly homeless man has secured a full-time job and apprenticeship in Salford thanks to a work placement with The Casey Group (Casey).

22-year-old Dylan McKellar, originally from Leeds, was offered work experience at construction firm Casey as part of the support provided by homelessness charity Emmaus Salford. Dylan impressed during his two-week placement and staff at Casey decided to offer him a full-time job and apprenticeship.

Dylan said: “The work is very hands on, there’s lots to learn and I’m really enjoying it. Since I did the work placement, other things have fallen into place and this has made my mental health much better – I’m buzzing!”

The Rochdale-based construction company has been working on the regeneration of Fitzwarren Court for housing association Salix Homes. Local charity Emmaus Salford, based next to Fitzwarren Court, helps formerly homeless people by providing a stable home, meaningful work and individual support for as long as they need it.

Before joining Emmaus, Dylan had previously been sleeping rough and sofa surfing with friends. Prior to becoming homeless, he had completed an NVQ in plumbing but had little work experience, which made finding a job difficult.

Eileen Mckay Crowe, Support Worker at Emmaus Salford said: “I mentioned to Tony Doran, Casey’s Senior Site Manager, that I was looking for some work experience for Dylan to help him gain some much-needed experience and build his confidence up.”

Tony and site manager George O’Neill agreed to help and within a week was able to offer Dylan weekly work experience, first as a labourer but then ad hoc plumbing opportunities.

Eileen added: “We are over the moon and so grateful to Casey, especially Tony and George. They have been amazing and have ensured Dylan is having a positive experience and learning good work practice and site health and safety. We really appreciate the opportunity for Dylan to gain a rewarding experience and re-enter the world of work.”

Paul Mooney, Asset Management Service Director at Salix Homes said: “We have worked with Casey on several projects over the years, including the regeneration of Albion Towers and our Poet’s estate. They have been working on Fitzwarren Court since 2018 and we choose them time and time again for their great work and commitment to improving the communities they work in.

“The main value at Casey is ‘improving lives’, which is what they’ve managed to do for Dylan by offering him valuable hands on experience. We’ve had a number of young people hone their skills at Fitzwarren Court through Casey’s apprenticeships and traineeship, Build Salford. We’re glad to have played a part in Dylan’s first steps towards a new career.”

To learn more and support Emmaus Salford, visit https://emmaus.org.uk/salford/

Social Republic Commissioned By U.S Manufacturing Giant

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-based global social media agency Social Republic, has been appointed by Custom Fireplaces, a bespoke manufacturing business based in the United States.

Custom Fireplaces, owned by eight figure business Materials Marketing, produces a wide collection of world-class, natural stone fireplace mantels and surrounds, having opened its first doors in 1965.

It will work with Social Republic to create and implement social-first content that expresses the brand’s DNA across Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Houzz, to help develop brand-consumer relationships.

Social Republic will also manage the brand’s paid and influencer campaigns to increase reach with new audiences and improve e-commerce sales.

Jim Fanning of Custom Fireplaces commented: “As we continue to increase and develop as a business, we are aware that our social media offering also needs to improve in order to meet the new demands.

“Our team reached out to Social Republic with the request of putting forward a strategy that will help to strengthen our social media presence and in-turn our e-commerce performance.

“We were impressed with the team’s approach to our brief, their thought process and knowledge of our industry. It’s good to be working with an agency that has its finger on the pulse of social media trends, alongside accreditations from the platforms themselves.

CEO of Social Republic, Rob Illidge added: “It’s an honour for us to begin working with Custom Fireplaces. We are looking forward to raising awareness of the brand in key U.S states, and revolutionising their social media activity.

“This new client win is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Social Republic, and further enhances our position as leading social media experts in the United States.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

Social Republic has established itself as a leading global agency, having developed a client base in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and the United States.

Paid Advertising agency Vagabond Digital wins big with Mazuma Mobile contract

Sam Whitear
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The Manchester based agency has been awarded a long-term contract with the UK’s largest mobile phone and laptop recycling company, based in Morecambe.

Following a successful trial period, Vagabond Digital will be working on a number of exciting campaigns for Mazuma Mobile providing strategic input to their PPC and paid social activity as the company moves into a period of high growth.

Craig Smith, CEO of Mazuma Mobile commented on the appointment:

“We’ve been extremely impressed with the team at Vagabond. Their specialist PPC and paid social knowledge, attention to detail and communication are second to none and we’re excited to build a lasting partnership with them.”
Tom-James Lee, Founder of Vagabond added:

“It’s been a pleasure working with the talented team at Mazuma and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to build on the success we’ve already accomplished this year. We have lots of ideas in the pipeline and we’re confident we’ll help propel the growth of Mazuma.”

Manchester tech firm SRO Solutions delivers IT package to support UK’s polar science programme

Sam Whitear
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Software consultancy SRO Solutions is working on a project to replace British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) current asset management system, and help improve the processing and sharing of data between the organisation’s UK headquarters and polar research stations.

The Manchester-based technology firm was tasked with migrating all of BAS’ existing data from its current AMOS asset management system to IBM’s Maximo platform. In addition, SRO has created a number of bespoke applications to handle data covering cargo and freight movements, internal documents, and crew and course planning.

BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica, and each season sends around 300-plus research and support staff to the continent. It operates three research stations in the Antarctic and two on Subantarctic South Georgia, and one in the Arctic on behalf of NERC. Other assets include the RRS James Clark Ross, a fleet of aircraft and specialist vehicles, plus the eagerly awaited new polar ship for Great Britain, RRS Sir David Attenborough.

Ashish Patel, SRO Project Delivery Manager, said the new system will allow data recorded at all of BAS’ remote stations, as well as on board the ships, to be made available across the organisation’s entire network.

He said: “Being based in the Antarctic, BAS’ sites are in incredibly remote locations, yet we are enabling them to get as close to live data as possible. Our unique data replication engine works in tandem with Maximo and is specifically designed to tackle issues associated with replicating information over low bandwidth, high latency networks. As soon as there is some network available, the data gets replicated, providing a like-for-like copy once the process is complete. As a result, BAS’ remote research stations will obtain the same quality of service that a connected site receives.”

As well as overseeing the migration of BAS’ existing data to Maximo, SRO was tasked with creating a number of applications to support the handling of new data. A cargo management solution is under development for BAS Logistics that involves building new custom applications to record packing notes, packing cases, packing lists and manifests for all cargo and freight going to Antarctica.

Crew and course planning functionality was developed in the system to create crew records, track crew leave and movements, store certificates and appraisal reports, and hold job roles with a pre-defined list of training courses required for that role. A custom application was created to provide a list of courses, with the ability to schedule training and book people onto courses, plus a Gantt view and a report function to track progress. SRO also created a document distribution solution to allow BAS to manage and control policy and procedure documents within its various research stations, ships and aircrafts.

Jonathan Ritchie, Senior Consultant at SRO Solutions, added: “All these applications are linked to the implementation of Maximo. That is really the key project because once BAS’ data has been fully migrated they can start using it as their maintenance system. It has required a lot of effort to get to this point but we are close to signing off.

“Training has posed a challenge because it is not realistic to get everyone over from Antarctica, teach them to use the new system and get them back out there – there has to be an overlap. Pre-COVID, our consultants spent a lot of time at BAS’ headquarters in Cambridge going through the system and leading workshops. We have also been in Merseyside training engineers who will be working aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough on how to use Maximo.”

The IBM Maximo platform has been live for a number of months now and is considered operationally ready for the RRS Sir David Attenborough sea trails in the coming months.

New programme launched to help start-ups enhance their e-commerce offer

Sam Whitear
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ENTREPRENEURS and start-ups looking to take their businesses online can get help to launch and grow an online business from their mobile, laptop or tablet thanks to a new programme from GC Business Growth Hub.

Business on the Go is fully funded for eligible businesses that have either not yet launched or are in the early years of trading and want to get to grips with the challenges and opportunities of e-commerce.

There are limited places still available with a deadline of 5 October for businesses to register their interest at businessgrowthhub.com/business-on-the-go.

The programme will be delivered by GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and will take businesses through a number of interactive webinars and tailored one-to-one business support.

Offering practical advice and business fundamentals, Business on the Go will ensure participants consider the technical aspects needed to successfully launch and grow an online business.

A series of workshops will be delivered fully online in accordance with social distancing guidelines and will be supported with electronic resources, covering the following topics:

Workshop 1: Log on to launch

  • Company structure
  • Setting up a website
  • Costing and finance
  • How to buy and sell overseas

Workshop 2: The apps to stop mishaps

  • The best apps to save time and work more efficiently
  • Social media and marketing
  • Time management tools

Workshop 3: Safety net

  • Cyber Security – Staying safe on-line
  • GDPR legal requirements
  • Regulations

Workshop 4: Search Engine Marketing

  • The Basics – an introduction to SEO
  • How to engage across all digital marketing channels
  • Paid search (Pay per click)
  • Analytics

The programme will also include ‘fireside chats’ with successful founders, where participants can hear their real-life experiences, understand their journeys and the challenges they have overcome as well as having the chance to ask questions about what they’ve learned and getting their tips for growing a successful online business.

Hilary Centeleghe, Growth and Start-up Lead, GC Business Growth Hub, said: “Even during challenging times like these, there are still entrepreneurs and start-ups out there taking their first steps towards growth. Business on the Go is here to give them the tools to achieve that, whether they’re working from a laptop, a tablet or even their mobile.

“So, if you’re still deciding how to make your online business idea a reality or want to grow your business by adding e-commerce to your offer, Business on the Go will guide you to the next level.”

For more information and to register your interest in the programme ahead of the deadline of 5 October, visit businessgrowthhub.com/business-on-the-go.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.

Amafest goes online for 2020 event

Sam Whitear
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Digitl – the Manchester based eCommerce and marketplace agency – has joined forces with Online Seller UK to stage the fourth Amafest conference which will be taking place on Thursday 8th October. The event will give valuable insights and tips for any person or business who is already trading on – or thinking of selling on – Amazon. Due to the current situation, the organisers have decided to make this year’s event entirely digital.

A broad range of speakers have been confirmed including Matt Anderson, Marketplace Amp; Timo Bock, dragonflip.com; Duncan Barraclough, Onlinestar.co.uk; and Chris Mole, molzi.com.

Topics will include: how to build an unbeatable online brand on Amazon; how to accurately target your consumer using digital signal processing; how to maximise sales on Amazon with the right PPC strategy; how to comply your product with European Product Safety Legislation; and how to turn Amazon data into sales.

There will also be various panel discussions debating issues including the use of private white labels and how to become an Amazon success story which will feature several leading entrepreneurs. The full programme is detailed in the notes to editor* below.

Virtual attendees will be able to network with their peers and meet new suppliers who will be on hand to share their hints, tips and insights.

Darren Ratcliffe – founder of Digitl – said: “We all know that 2020 has seen a massive surge in online shopping at the trend is only going to get stronger – especially as we are all facing another six months of restrictions, lockdowns and uncertainties.

Darren added: We have carefully curated this year’s Amafest so we deliver practical advice that will add real commercial value to those who attend. We want to help sellers to learn and then use that knowledge to grow their businesses.”

Chapel Wharf buzzing to be named as the first location for Manchester’s 50 Windows of Creativity project

Sam Whitear
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Dandara Living’s Chapel Wharf development has been announced as one of the first locations for this year’s 50 Windows of Creativity – a new art trail showcasing the work of the city’s artists and makers.

Organisers, Wild in Art, the team behind 2018’s Bee in the City event, will transform one of the windows at the Chapel Wharf apartment development into a creative display and will be one of 50 windows and spaces, across Manchester taking part in the event this Autumn.

The displays will feature multiple art forms from fine art and photography to mosaics and murals, all curated by well-known and emerging artists and collectives and all with a connection to Greater Manchester.

Wild in Art has teamed up with Manchester City Council to launch the project and Dandara Living will join Autotrader as one of the event’s key partners, with other businesses also stepping forward to support the project.

Vicky Robinson, City Operations Manager at Chapel Wharf, said: “Supporting the communities we work within is very important to us at Dandara Living and this project not only celebrates Manchester’s creativity, it highlights the integral role that arts and culture plays in the heart of city life.

“We are incredibly excited to be involved, not just as an event partner but also by having our development form part of the creative trail. This is a really exciting project and we can’t wait to see more local businesses and creatives get involved and make this a truly landmark event.”

Each display will be available to buy from the artists involved, supporting the city’s creative sector, with select pieces to be auctioned off and proceeds going to the artists that created them and to The Lord Mayor of Manchester Charity Appeal Trust – We Love MCR Charity registered charity number 1066972).

Artists and makers taking part include: Welcome Trust prize winner Benji Reid, Manchester born mixed media landscape artist Sarah Connell and contemporary creative studio Lazerian.

Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art said, “We are so pleased to have the backing of Dandara Living as one of our main event partners for 50 Windows of Creativity. This project will transform the city’s windows and spaces into an innovative art gallery and we look forward to working with them to develop the display at Chapel Wharf.”

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