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New hire for digital agency Fablr

Sam Whitear
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Northern digital agency Fablr has seen considerable growth in 2020, working with a number of high profile clients across mobile development, web development, design and digital marketing. To support their expanding business, Fablr are excited to announce the addition of talented digital product designer Aly Sébastien to the team.

Aly joins Fablr after six years at Cheshire-based digital agency, Venn Digital, where she worked on a range of high profile projects across recruitment, FMCG, manufacturing, and technology.

Geoff Bretherick, creative director at Fablr, said: “We are excited to welcome Aly to the Fablr family. This year, we’ve seen substantial growth in our workload and our service offering, so we’re extremely pleased to be in the position to bring in another talented senior designer who is passionate about user-centric design.

“Aly has a great understanding of digital product development and a laser sharp commercial focus. She is extremely creative and has an excellent knowledge of wider digital strategy, so she is a perfect fit for our team.”

Aly will be working closely with the Fablr team across design, front-end development, UX, UI and ecommerce implementation.

She said: “The opportunity to work with a very talented and experienced team was what attracted me to join Fablr. Being able to solve business goals across many different sectors and platforms was a real driving force in this decision.

“Fablr believes in delivering a competitive advantage with their digital products, services, and marketing. They take pride in the services they offer and go the extra mile to make sure they meet and exceed client expectations. These values are aligned with my own standards and goals, and it has been a pleasure to come on board.”

Fablr, which has offices in Leeds and Manchester, has recently launched websites for consumer food brands and manufacturers Ye Olde Oak, Struik Foods and Sonnen Bassermann. The team also works with arts organisations, such as East Street Arts and CuratorSpace, as well as professional service providers such as the Proco Group.

Last chance for Greater Manchester creative industry businesses to benefit from Creative Scale-Up programme

Sam Whitear
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THE Growth Company is looking for creative industry businesses in Greater Manchester who are ready to take the next big step in their growth journey to join the final cohort of its highly successful Creative Scale-up Programme.

There are a limited number of places left and creative SMEs need to apply before 25 Septemberfor the chance to learn all the tools needed to scale up, access investment and grow their business, as well as recover from the impact of Covid-19.

With a vibrant community of more than 8,500 creative industry businesses, generating £1.4 billion of economic growth annually, Greater Manchester boasts one of the country’s leading creative industry clusters outside of London. However, a report by Oxford Economics has projected that the sector will be hit twice as hard as the wider economy in 2020, with a projected GVA shortfall of £29 billion.

More than 250 creative industry businesses applied to the programme following its launch in January and 40 businesses – including The People’s History Museum, CTConsults and Global Grooves – have taken part since the programme, with hugely encouraging results.

Some participants have reported growth of more than 50% while there have been new investments and funding accessed as well as the forming of useful new relationships and increased business opportunities.

Alex Saint, Managing Director, CTConsults said that the programme had proven to be crucial: “We joined the Creative Scale Up Programme ahead of the COVID-19 crisis with plans for ambitious growth and big thinking. Things changed – but John Moore and his colleagues across the programme have been instrumental in helping me steer the business through the crisis.

“There has been a mix of specialist advice, key information and 1-2-1 mentoring. John has played the part of critical friend brilliantly and as a result we are still here – looking ahead, ready to get back to a growth mindset and that is in no small part to the programme. I highly recommend it.”

Sarah Miguel, Head of Business Development – People’s History Museum, added: “The Creative Scale-up Programme has been helping embed a spirit of cultural entrepreneurship at People’s History Museum to support recovery.

“The training programme has equipped us with the strategic pillars needed while planning for growth. Sector expert knowledge from the training providers has connected us with like-minded creative business and help us strengthen our resilience.”

The programme is delivered by GC Business Growth Hub and is fully funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, aimed at businesses from sectors including: advertising & marketing; architecture; arts & culture; craft; createch; design; fashion; gaming; music; publishing; TV & film and AR/VR.

All modules are delivered virtually, in line with social distancing guidelines, and is aimed to help creative industry businesses to tackle gaps in investment and growth in the sector, while empowering them to realise their full growth potential, providing the training and tools necessary to take them to the next level.

Sarah Novotny, Digital, Creative and Tech Sector Business Support Lead, GC Business Growth Hub said: “This has been a challenging year for creative industry businesses in our region, but I’m delighted by the results we’ve seen so far for those who have taken part in Creative Scale-Up.

“There has never been a better time for SMEs to work on their business plan for the future and build resilience.  We are urging them to sign up so they can stabilise their business, recover and get back to growing.

“There may well be more difficult times ahead, which is why it’s so crucial that businesses in this sector are equipped to access the funding and plan the strategies that will help them survive and thrive as the whole region seeks to Build Back Better.”

Eligible businesses in the creative industries in Greater Manchester can still sign up for the few remaining places by 25 September at www.businessgrowthhub.com/creative-scale-up-programme.

Manchester’s first Hybrid exhibition announces an exciting line-up of key speakers from across the globe.

Sam Whitear
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UVM EXPO 2020, the annual pioneering hybrid exhibition and conference for the events industry, has announced an inspiring programme of speakers ahead of October 1st, when it is set to be held virtually and physically, in Manchester.

The UVM Expo 2020 organisers have now released their official event programme, featuring keynote speaker Martin Fullard, editor of Conference News.

Other speakers are set to include: Kerrin MacPhie from Visit Britain, Event Blogger Juliet Tripp, Mike Kershaw, Co-Founder of Concerto Group and Paula Kelsey; Managing Director of Cloud 9 Event Management and Chair of AIEA (Association of Independent Event Agencies). There will also be a range of international perspectives from the likes of Ursula Winterbauer; Head of German Convention Bureau, and Mónica Sánchez-Núñez from the Spanish Tourist Board.
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Hosted by Swapcard virtual event providers, the event encompasses a full day of networking, speaker sessions, presentations, panel discussions and video. There will also be the chance to schedule a one-to-one appointment with live and virtual exhibitors and to get involved in the day’s engagement session – alongside plentiful chances to network.

A session on the Future of Events will look at the challenges and opportunities the industry faces in the months ahead; another panel will consider the impact of technology on events, while another will examine how we can build confidence in the industry whilst safeguarding against the backdrop of coronavirus. It will assess how venues can ensure safety, and the implications for insurance and other costs.

This unmissable showcase for hybrid events will bring together UK-wide and international industry experts, with confirmed partners set to include PA Life, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Gusto Restaurant, Captive North, Clear Agency and Venue Seekers among others.

Hotel partners include Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Regency Manchester, Kimpton Clocktower and Hotel Football. Representatives of Manchester’s top venues and industry suppliers will also be there, showcasing world-beating technology.

Delegates can join for the whole day or dip in & out of sessions at this thought-provoking Unique Venues of Manchester (UVM) event, either in-person at Chamber Space, central Manchester, or alternatively virtually, between 9.30am and 4.30pm (either is free for events planners).

Keynote speaker Martin Fullard added:

“It has never been more important for the events industry to work together. Competition is something of a footnote these days, and I am delighted to see the industry come together in so many different ways. Events like this are critical for our future.

This event is another example of what we do best: bringing together communities. I am confident the industry will find the content useful as we ready ourselves for the reopening of events. Much has changed and it is vital everyone stays up to date with the latest guidance and trends. I’m delighted to be presenting a keynote for Unique Venues of Manchester, and know that they will put on a great hybrid show.”

Brought to you by Unique Venues of Manchester and a number of partners, UVM EXPO 2020 will be a conference and exhibition style event, combining both live and virtual experiences, in what promises to be an unmissable showcase for hybrid events, as it aims to attract MICE professionals from the city region, around the UK and beyond.

Free for event planners to attend physically or virtually, UVM EXPO 2020 takes place on Thursday 1st October between 9.30am and 4.30pm in Manchester’s Chamber Space, comprising 16 meeting spaces on Deansgate in the heart of the city.

Visit http://uvmexpo.co.uk/ to register your place and view the full programme.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2020 North West finalists announced

Sam Whitear
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EY has announced its EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Northern finalists today, with four businesses from the North West making the shortlist.

This year’s finalists highlight the vibrant diversity of the North’s entrepreneurial landscape, with companies from sectors including retail, hospitality, construction and social care represented across the region.

The North West finalists are:

· Jamil Mawji and Faisal Lalani, Co-Founder and Director of National Care Group Limited, a leading provider of care and support services to vulnerable adults throughout the UK. Based in Lancashire.

· Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Cottages, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent holiday cottage rental agencies. Headquartered in Chester.

· Paul Baker, Founder of St Pierre Groupe, an international market leader in European bakery products. Based in Manchester.

· Richard Barlow, Founder and CEO of wejo Limited, which collects, processes, analyses and licenses connected vehicle data into insights. Based in Chester.

Victoria Price, Partner and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year leader in the North, said: “It’s fantastic to see another group of finalists from the North. This year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme recognises the achievements of six of some of the best businesses from across the North West and Yorkshire, all helping to grow the North’s economy.

“Entrepreneurs are facing one of the most challenging environments’ we’ve seen and so I continue to be impressed by their relentless determination and resilience in an uncertain climate. The calibre of all our Northern applicants has been truly inspiring. While some of our finalists have had to navigate a very turbulent year, some have been able to seize unexpected opportunities to accelerate growth.”

Marked against six criteria by an independent Northern judging panel in July, the shortlist celebrates business leaders who showcase real entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering ambition in solving tomorrow’s challenges. Similar events were also held in Scotland, the Midlands and South West, and London and the South East.

The regional finalists make up the 25 UK business finalists that will progress to the UK judging and final, vying for the title ‘EY UK Entrepreneur Of The Year’. The overall winner will then represent the UK at the ‘EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year’ in summer 2021, a forum which attracts the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries.

Last year’s Northern finalist, Steve Jackson OBE DL of Recycling Lives, went on to be crowned EY Entrepreneur Of the Year™ 2019 Overall Winner, the Preston-based founder also took home the ‘Societal Impact’ category award for the positive contribution the business made to the wider community.

North judging panel
· The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 Northern judging panel was chaired by Clare Roberts, CEO of Kids Planet and Kids Allowed, who was joined by:
o Imran Hakim, CEO of Hakim Group
o Martin Wardhaugh, Group CEO of Arran Isle
o Neil Inskip, Director of BGF
o Simon Wilkinson, CEO of Mobica

Full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 North finalists:

· James Parker, Owner and CEO of Gym King, which specialises in ath-leisure wear available in over 1,000 stores worldwide. Based in West Yorkshire.

· Jamil Mawji and Faisal Lalani, Co-Founder and Director of National Care Group Limited, a leading provider of care and support services to vulnerable adults throughout the UK. Based in Lancashire.

· Steve Parkin, CEO of Moores Furniture Group, a leading manufacturer and installer of kitchen and bathroom furniture in the UK. Based in Wetherby.

· Graham Donoghue, CEO of Sykes Cottages, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent holiday cottage rental agencies. Headquartered in Chester.

· Paul Baker, Founder of St Pierre Groupe, an international market leader in European bakery products. Based in Manchester.

· Richard Barlow, Founder and CEO of wejo Limited, which collects, processes, analyses and licenses connected vehicle data into insights. Based in Chester.

Sponsors
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year’s national headline sponsor is global wealth management firm LGT Vestra.

Updated Northern Gateway plans for Collyhurst taken out for consultation with local people

Sam Whitear
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A further round of consultation has begun with local people, businesses and groups on the Northern Gateway proposals for Collyhurst before final plans for the first phase of new housing development in the neighbourhood are drawn up.

Residents are invited to give their feedback on updated and more developed proposals following an earlier round of consultation in February this year.

The ambition will be to provide around 270 new homes split across two neighbourhoods – Collyhurst Village and South Collyhurst. This phase of development will also include 130 council homes for social rent.

Through previous consultation on the plans, local people have expressed a preference for a mix of new homes, including accessible housing, family-friendly and age-friendly designs, alongside attractive residential streets, with a focus on safety and security. And this phase of engagement will provide more detailed information about the different types of homes that will be available – from apartments to houses.

Proposals for Collyhurst Village also include a new park and as part of the consultation, local people are asked to consider what should be included within this space.

The majority of the land required for the first phase of development is ready to build new homes on. The wider proposals for the area – including the new park – could require the demolition of up to 28 existing homes. Residents who are affected by the plans have already been contacted and they will be supported to move into the new homes.

However, no existing homes will be demolished in Collyhurst until the new replacement homes have been built, which will ensure existing residents can move seamlessly into the new properties without moving out of the area.

In line with Covid-19 public health regulations, this phase of consultation will take an innovative approach to ensure Collyhurst residents can safely view the proposals and participate in the consultation process in a number of ways – including a virtual exhibition.

Final proposals that will form the planning application for the first phase of development within Collyhurst will be presented to the local community later this year ahead of planning submission.

The consultation will close on Friday 16 October.

BGF announces six-month exits success in the North West

Sam Whitear
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BGF’s North West team is celebrating a strong run of investment activity after completing three exits and two multimillion-pound deals over the last six months.
Last month, BGF successfully exited a subsidiary of Hobs Group when e-discovery business, Anexsys was acquired by US PE-backed Xact Data Discovery (XDD). BGF invested in Liverpool-headquartered Hobs Group back in 2014. Anexsys revenues grew by 250 per cent in this period, with EBITDA rising from zero to £2.5 million at the point of sale.

This deal follows BGF’s exit from vehicle manufacturer Woodall Nicholson in April, which generated a 2.5x return. BGF backed the business in 2016 with funding supporting the business’ product development and acquisition strategy. Woodall Nicholson grew three-fold in four years and during this time the business made four acquisitions, which accelerated international expansion and broadened its market reach.

BGF also exited web hosting company, Miss Group in February 2020. Revenues rose from £8 million to £25 million in the 18-month investment period with EBITDA of £11 million at the time of exit. The deal delivered an IRR of more than 100 per cent for BGF.

Neil Inskip, head of BGF’s North West team, said: “This trio of exits demonstrates the strength and flexibility of BGF’s model. We backed three North West businesses at different stages of their evolution and from a range of sectors. We have facilitated several acquisitions, built out well-rounded management teams and expanded internationally. All three companies have proven to be fantastic investments, delivering excellent returns for all shareholders.

“The average investment hold period was 3.5 years, and ranged from 18 months to nearly six years, facilitated by our investment model. Our flexibility has also allowed us to retain an investment in two of these businesses, providing future upside potential.”

BGF has also announced two new investments in the region as it continues to support the economy in uncertain times. Lead generation technology company, ROI received £3 million to accelerate its UK and European expansion. Miss Group CEO, Mattias Kaneteg and Non-Executive Chair, Phil Male both join the ROI board.

A Wilderness Way (AWW), a provider of specialist residential childcare and crisis intervention services, also secured backing from BGF. Fiona Lowry was appointed as Non-Executive Chair, having founded and sold several successful businesses in the healthcare sector, including The Good Care Group, a former BGF portfolio company.

Neil Inskip added:“Our recent investments clearly show the long-term value creation and the strength of the network we’re building with the appointment of two non-executive chairs from businesses we’ve already had successful exits from.

“The past six months have been a testing time for most entrepreneurs, but we have seen impressive resilience and reinvention from the businesses we work with. It has also been a time for entrepreneurs to take stock of their long-term goals. Our combination of flexible capital and access to experienced Non-Executive Directors through our Talent Network means we’re perfectly placed to support the ambitious business leaders driving the growth economy – even against the most challenging backdrop.”

Leisure Guard Security: Your full-service security provider

Sam Whitear
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Digitl appointed by ChannelUnity for new site project

Sam Whitear
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Digitl, the Manchester based eCommerce, marketplace and web design agency, has been appointed to design and build a new website for ChannelUnity – the multichannel integration platform aimed at high growth online retailers.

ChannelUnity provides integrations for shopping carts and back-office systems with online marketplaces such as Amazon, Ebay, Etsy and Wayfair, focussing on organisations operating at scale. The company provides a robust SaaS based platform and wrap-around service package for implementation and ongoing support.

Digitl’s brief includes creating a more modern look, helping to better convey the services and expertise on offer as well as highlighting how ChannelUnity adds value through detailed and comprehensive case studies. The aim is to also increase the number of clients using the firm’s
SaaS platform.

The new site is expected to launch is the last quarter of 2020.

Darren Ratcliffe, founder of Digitl, said: “We are really excited to be working with ChannelUnity on this project. It is a leader in its market and is a great fit with us thanks to our background in eCommerce and work with the likes of ebay and Amazon.”

Harry Manley, Commercial Director at ChannelUnity, said: “Digitl has first class experience in our field so it was a natural choice for us to partner with them.”

Bruntwood teams up with TfGM to launch new active travel hubs in Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Leading property company Bruntwood is being supported by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in launching a new city-wide active travel initiative which will encourage the people of Manchester to return to the workplace safely and sustainably and support the city’s economic recovery.

New pop-up hubs have been established to encourage people to consider more active methods of travelling into and around the city and promote physical and mental wellbeing.

The Active Travel Hubs are support services for multi-modal transport, including opportunities for new and established cycling commuters to get support and guidance for safely travelling into the city and access stop-off points with engineers to help with maintenance. They will also provide maps, routes and advice to those walking and using other active methods of commuting including scooting and skating in place of cars and public transport.

Each hub will offer a Bicycle Bezzie scheme, which will enable new and less experienced cyclists to team up with keen bikers for guidance and support. Discounts and giveaways will also be available on essential bike kit, cycle hire and equipment from leading road cycling brand Rapha while other partners include Bike Right, Manchester Bike Hire and See.Sense.

The initiative, launched to coincide with global bike challenge Cycle September, will see the Active Travel Hubs pop up across the city centre and Trafford, including at the Bright Building at Manchester Science Park, Manchester Technology Centre on Oxford Road, Centurion House, Riverside, Manchester One, Trafford House and Lancastrian Office Centre.

Jessica Bowles, director of strategy at Bruntwood, said: “Manchester is focussed on bouncing back better and the city has already made huge strides in supporting people to return to the city with the introduction of new cycle routes, pop up cycle lanes, and socially distanced walkways.

“We can play a big role in supporting the thousands of people working across Greater Manchester to return to the workplace actively and safely but also sustainably in line with the government’s desire for a green recovery.

“Our goal is to help make sustainable travel more accessible so that many more people feel confident about commuting into the city without their cars or on public transport, and at the same time can look after their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Richard Nickson, Transport for Greater Manchester’s active travel director, added: “We are thrilled to have been able to support Bruntwood’s Active Travel Hubs. This is a once in a generation opportunity to enable hundreds of thousands of people across Greater Manchester to get about by bike or other types of active travel, especially for everyday journeys. Having a hub to visit to get support and buddy up is a great asset. We want to make Greater Manchester the best place in the UK to get about on foot and by bike and it is initiatives like this one that will help us on the journey.”

Bruntwood customers can also take part in a scheme to pool employees’ active travel distances together to win free energy for their business for a year.

How Business Leaders Can Reduce Absenteeism in Their Workplace

Sam Whitear
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How Business Leaders Can Reduce Absenteeism in Their Workplace

Absenteeism is the term used to describe when members of staff are consistently not coming into work. This isn’t the same as paid time off work, such as holiday leave or sick leave. Absenteeism only applies when it comes to unexplained or unauthorised absences. Business leaders have likely struggled with employee absenteeism at least once in their career. It’s a notoriously difficult situation to navigate and leads to things like understaffing, decreased productivity and conflicts between co-workers. In 2020, it’s important for business managers to reduce absenteeism however much they can in the workplace. But how exactly does one go about doing so? We’re going to be answering this question in our article – so keep reading to find out what we have to say.

Understanding Staff

Business leaders often misconstrue absenteeism with laziness, rather than digging deeper into what is causing their member of staff to behave this way. For instance, many people struggle with their mental health nowadays. Depression can cause excessive fatigue and lead some workers to feel everything is pointless; whereas anxiety might make them feel too scared or overwhelmed to come into work, which can be a stress-inducing environment. Rather than judging your employees for these things, find out the reasons behind their absenteeism. Extend your understanding. If staff aren’t scared to talk to you and feel that they’ll be supported at work, they are far less likely to be absent.

Rewards Schemes

Employee benefits are often implemented by business leaders to reduce absenteeism and improve rates of staff retention. These schemes give staff incentives for working at your company (in addition to their usual salary). For example, some construction companies give their workers free health insurance because of the physical ailments they may have developed from the job, while other businesses give their employees more paid time off work for holidays or childcare purposes. This helps staff feel valued and supported, thereby reducing absenteeism. What’s more, this could help attract human capital and motivate everyone to work harder. Check out Zest Employee Benefits to see how you could go about implementing a rewards scheme like this into your workplace.

Attendance Policies

Setting expectations is important in staff management. This means employees know exactly what you want them to do, giving them something definitive to work towards. The same can be applied to absenteeism. If employees know exactly how many days they can take off work, most will stick to this number. By also introducing attendance policies with a structure of consequences, this should further deter employees from unexplained absences. It gives them fair warning, too. Should it come to dismissal, managers will have sufficient evidence that they haven’t unduly fired a member of staff.

Workplace Stress

As we mentioned before, the work environment can be incredibly stress-inducing. Much of absenteeism comes down to unhappy staff or anxious employees who are trying to avoid negative stimulus. So, reducing the stress of the workplace is an effective way to improve absenteeism. To do this, business leaders should identify which factors are negatively impacting their employees and implement strategies to tackle them. For example, if there is bullying in the workplace, then managers need to intervene. Training or programs for health and wellbeing are also useful. These can teach employees tactics for stress management or provide a safe platform which allows everyone to discuss what they’re struggling with. By encouraging openness and addressing what is causing stress, you can significantly reduce absenteeism.

By following our tips, business leaders can reduce absenteeism in their workplace. Never underestimate the importance of being empathic and providing support.

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