The Great British Food Festival is going ahead as planned on the 26th & 27th September at Arley Hall near Knutsford in Cheshire, and has recently been awarded the Visit Britain ‘We’re Good to Go’ certification.
The ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark shows that the event has implemented Covid-19 government guidance, and put in place measures to ensure visitor and staff safety. Daniel Maycock, a director from the Great British Food Festival said ‘We are really looking forward to putting on this new, covid compliant, version of our Food Festival at Arley Hall. The event has been a regular in our summer calendar for a number of years and we can’t wait to be back out on the event field.’
The event has been modified due to the current climate, with online pre booking of tickets now required, limited capacity on the event site, a one way system around the stands and all traders asked to wear face coverings. Daniel added ‘We wanted to keep as much of the event as possible, but unfortunately some of our regular elements can’t work but we are bringing over 100 amazing food and drink stalls, a chef demo stage, BBQ demos and a live music stage. We will also have some children’s entertainment and our popular forager walks – best of all it’s all in the open air, with a lovely view of Arley Hall and lake.’
Tickets for the event have been reduced in price, due to the limited line up, to just £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for kids, all tickets must be pre booked and contact details given.
The event is open from 9.30am-5pm on both the 26th & 27th September and tickets are now available on www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com, where you can find out more details.
One of the biggest influencers in the world of beauty NikkieTutorials has collaborated with online beauty destination Beauty Bay to launch a new makeup palette, which is being backed by a multi-channel digital marketing campaign.
The YouTube sensation, who has more than 14m Instagram followers world-wide and 13.5m subscribers, worked with Manchester brand and design studio MERó (worksbymero.com) who developed her personal ideas into artwork for both the packaging and branding concept.
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MERó’s creative director Andy Culbert explains how they took meaningful aspects of Nikkie’s life to create the stunning and unique packaging concept:
“The packaging design is a clever combination of different aspects of Nikkie’s life and personality while staying true to the Beauty Bay brand.
“It’s based on the idea of a Temple, the name Nikkie gives to her studio where she creates her globally acclaimed makeup videos. The concept of the temple wraps around the packaging design and features illustrations and colours that are very personal to Nikkie.
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“One side of the gate fold plays on the colourful, happy and sweet side of Nikkie’s individuality – it’s bright, bold and beautiful. Under Nikkie’s guidance, in contrast we then show a darker side of the temple to reflect that most people have worries, fears and ups and downs in life.
“We also took inspiration from Nikkie’s tattoos, which portray these two contrasting but connected sides of her life, and her famous approach of showing two different looks on each half of a face.
“On the reverse, further illustrations show more of Nikkie’s life journey and personality, set within the 3D illustration of a Roman-style inspired temple. Some of the colours from the playful side were carefully introduced on the dark side so that it could show the connection between them.
“An outer sleeve portrays the idea of being able to peek into Nikkie’s life and this exciting new product ‘through a cut out key hole’ which reveals more.”
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Andy added: “It’s been amazing to work with both Nikkie and Beauty Bay on this project. Nikkie inspires so many people and is one of the most popular and beloved beauty make-up artists in the world, in part thanks to her honest and open approach. Being able to create something that’s so personal to her has been a phenomenal opportunity for us and we look forward to seeing the response to the new product and design.”
The new design was unveiled by both Nikkie and Beauty Bay on 27th August (6pm) and products are available from 31st August.
MERó has worked with Beauty Bay for more than three years. During this time the agency has created its full brand identity, digital experience and designed brand and packaging concepts for previous influencer collaborations.
The A-Class range has been a huge success for Mercedes. It’s now one of the most popular cars available in the UK. Rivalling similar cars like the BMW1 series and the Audi A3 Sportback, it’s currently the only top of the range hatchbackthat is available as a plug-in hybrid. The Mercedes A-Class combines a 1.33 litre petrol engine with a 15.6kWh battery and electric motor,making it a brilliant choice for businesses wanting to reduce their emissions and cut their costs.
If you’re interested in making the switch from manual to an electric vehicle to be more environmentally friendly, you may be wondering about affordability. Always read your Mercedes Benz manuals before making a choice. Whilst there are some amazing electric cars out there, it can be hard for the average person to afford them. Luckily, there’s Fleet Evoution – electric car lease salary sacrifice! In exchange for a fully-maintained electric company car, you forgo a small amount of your pre-tax salary each month. Not only does this allow you to save on income tax and national insurance contributions, but it also gives you the option of leasing an electric car. Contact Fleet Evolution for more information today!
But these aren’t the only reasons why you should consider driving this amazing car. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider the Mercedes A-Class Electric as your next business car:
1. The Impact on Benefit in Kind
One of the main reasons why so many business owners are choosing to purchase the Mercedes A-Class electric is because it can have an impact on their benefit in kind. Electric or hybrid cars that have emissions below 1-50g/km and a pure electric mile range of 130 miles or more pay 0% tax on benefits in kind. Also, company car drivers are taxed at 0%.In light of these incentives, lots of businesses in the UK are considering purchasing or hiring all-electric or hybrid vehicles.
2. The Battery Life
The Mercedes A-Class has one of the largest batteries of any PHEV. In actual fact, it measures a huge 15.6kWh, which is much larger than batteries used in similar rival cars.Remember, in a hybrid vehicle, the amount of fuel you use and the amount of money you save is dictated by how many miles you can travel usingthe electric battery. This car can manage a huge 45 miles on electricity alone.
And that’s not all –what’s more is that the Mercedes A-Class Electric can also charge faster than any of its rivals. It takesapproximately half an hour to fully charge the electric battery in this vehicle.
3. The Running Costs
When it comes to choosing a business car, the running costs are often one of the first things we look at. And thanks to the Mercedes A-Class battery being so long-lasting, you’ll be able to achieve some ridiculously low running costs with this car (as long as you remember to charge the battery). Also, if youchoose aMercedes A Classlease from Vantage Leasing,your monthly payments will likely be lower compared to other forms of finance. Vantage Leasing will help to find you the most suitable Mercedes for your budget. Whatever your requirements, you can be assured that they’ll find the perfect car for you.
4. The Performance
While the A-Class electric may not match up to other models of Mercedes in terms of performance, it’s still one of the best hybrid options available. The Mercedes A-Class electric can reach 60mph in 6.4 seconds and it can run on electricity at speeds up to 87mph.
5. The interior
The A-Class was first released in 2018, though if you look at the inside of the vehicle, you certainly won’t be able to tell that it’s already a couple of years old.This amazing car comes with a touchscreen display and an infotainment system that is simple to use. It has a modern and stylish interior, whichyou’ll be happy to show off for years to come.
The A-Class has been a roaring success for Mercedes. It’s the only premium hatchback available as a plug-in hybrid option. There are lots of reasons why you should consider driving this amazing vehicle, including the performance and the battery life. Why not book your test-drive today?
Manchester’s Consensus Workspace (“Consensus”) has been appointed by an institutional client of Barings Real Estate to provide the interior office fit-out for Orega’s brand new flexible business centre in Glasgow.
The contract for the circa 14,000 sq ft three storey space is the second appointment with Barings and Orega for Consensus, after the team successfully completed an office fit-out at 20 Old Bailey, London.
Ian Mayhew, Managing Director, Real Estate Asset Management at Barings, says, “Consensus completed the Orega serviced offices at 20 Old Bailey – also the site of Barings’ European HQ – on the part 5th floor to a really high standard, under budget and on time. We were delighted with their professional, can-do attitude and the quality of their work and look forward to seeing the completed office space in Glasgow.”
Andy Plastow, Managing Director at Consensus Workspace, commented: “Orega offices are located throughout the UK and each one differs very slightly from the next, because of different building specs, demographic requirements and date of completion – but they all bear the hallmark of quality, with contemporary styling and functionality, and well thought out facilities. We were delighted to complete the Old Bailey centre and then be appointed on Glasgow, our second contract with Orega and Barings.”
Laura Walker, Sales Director, Orega, added: “This is our third Scotland office, which we aim to open at the end of September / early October, and based on Consensus’s previous work, we are highly confident that these timeframes will be met. The whole interior is in keeping with the Orega brand and Consensus worked with that through the whole process, from pre-construction to design and full site management during the fit-out stages.”
The site is located in Glasgow’s key business district, close to Buchanan Street Subway Station, Central and Queen Street Railway Stations and the M8 – and will feature all of Orega’s first class facilities including parking, managed reception, private and communal working areas, a business lounge, kitchenettes with free refreshments, meeting rooms and showers.
Consensus Workspace is a commercial fit out company based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. The team offers over 25 years of expertise and specialises in retail and office interiors, with a second office in London working with leading architects, designers and building professionals all over the UK.
Branding agency, Shoot the Moon have relocated to the Northern Quarter to a new 7500 sq. ft workspace after 16 years in Ancoats. The £250k investment forms part of a strategic plan to develop wider creative talent, as well as facilitate collaborative and flexible working between teams and clients.
The space has been designed to aid creativity and collaborative working, with creative, content and photography and video teams working seamlessly across one open plan floor. The team pride themselves on producing engaging content, with the flexibility and agility required by the pacy sectors they work within. The new Manchester space supports this ethos, with plenty of open space as teams come back together in the City Centre.
Phil Marshall, Managing Director comments, “A happy, engaged team is a proactive, enthused team. A great place to work is much more than a physical space. Combine it with flexible working, new technologies and a culture of continual learning and recognition, it comes together to create a positive environment for the team to perform and grow.”
Dan Hough, Head of Creative adds, “We’ve been really enjoying settling in and putting our stamp on the space. Our new coffee shop brand ‘Sadler & Swain’ was born during lockdown from a few conversations around the history of our new building. As creatives it’s important to take inspiration from your surroundings and the new space allows us to think, spark ideas and get together to produce awesome work.”
The agency has also announced future plans to host a series of events in the space, continuing to play an active role in the industry and share knowledge from their specialist teams and visiting thought leaders.
Shoot the Moon’s specialist photography and video team, Eat & Breathe, also have a North West base adjacent to the new Manchester space. Complementing the Leeds City Centre facility, it features new, airy studios and a content production kitchen and is led by specialist food photographer Chloe Warde.
The team works with food, retail and leisure brands including Pets at Home, Lakeland, Stoves, Morrisons and TUI.
The family-owned business, which specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of combustion equipment and boiler rooms across the world, described construction of the 35,000 sq ft unit as a ‘landmark day’ in their 56-year history.
The two-bay industrial unit was built by Heywood-based PLP Construction while the four 60 tonne cranes were supplied by another Rochdale business in Granada Material Handling.
Eddie Kuligowski, operations director at Dunphy, said the company had been ‘bulging at the seams’ until construction of the new assembly centre.
“Previously we’d had a fabrications centre and assembly area under one roof,” he said. “The R&D facility completed in 2015 has allowed us to expand the bio energy centre side of the business. This new centre will allow us to double our capacity.
“Until now we’ve had to turn down work. There’s nothing worse than taking an order and not being able to deliver it so we turned work down.
“Around 50 per cent of our work goes to export and this opens up new markets for us. This is a long-term investment for us.”
Dunphy employ 110 people and have an annual turnover of £14m. Customers include Shell and Rolls Royce. The new building is expected to be open in October.
Kuligowski said he was delighted to have been able to use two other Rochdale companies in the project.
“Like us, PLP Construction and Granada Material Handling are long-established Rochdale businesses,” he said. “Rochdale is a good place to do business. We have the welders, electricians, fabricators and fitters to be able to do everything that we need.”
Laurie Bradley is the construction director of PLP Construction, which directly employs 45 people and has a £15m turnover. By coincidence he was in the same class at school in Rochdale as Kuligowski.
He said: “We had a three-week delay because of Covid-19 so it took 43 weeks in total but other than that it was relatively straightforward. Also we had to leave elements of the roof open so we could bring the cranes in through the roof.
“As a local business it’s great to be involved in schemes like this in Rochdale.”
Richard Lewis is the sales engineer at Granada Material Handling, which designs, manufactures and installs heavy duty lifting equipment. The company is 40 years old, employs 90 people and has a £20m turnover.
He said: “Our customers would typically be anyone who lifts heavy loads. It could be a car manufacturing plant or a company in the aerospace sector.
“We’ve installed four 60 tonne cranes into the new Dunphy building across two bays. The cranes work in tandem so can lift as much as 120 tonnes.
“The cranes were only manufactured a mile away so it’s fantastic that something as impressive as this can be delivered 100 per cent by Rochdale businesses.”
Greater Manchester is now home to 1,375 fast growing companies that can help the area overcome the economic challenges created by Covid-19.
Their importance to the local economy is underscored by the fact that they are employing a total of 143,623 staff and generating £24.9bn in turnover, according to the ScaleUp Institute’s analysis of the most recent official data.
These 1,375 are part of an innovative and productive scaleup community across the UK of businesses that have grown their turnover or employment by 20% a year over a three-year period.
However, with headwinds created by COVID-19 and Brexit these scaleups need effective support to remove a range of barriers that could challenge their long-term growth and the role they can play in helping Greater Manchester flourish economically.
ScaleUp Institute Chief Executive Irene Graham said: “Scaleups have remained resilient in the face of the Covid-19 emergency and continue to be critical to local economies with many still planning to grow.”
“But this is no time for complacency, with scaleups citing challenges on accessing markets and appropriate finance dialing up, as they face into the uncertainties that Covid and Brexit create. We must double down on efforts to create a supportive environment or risk losing the benefit of their enterprise and productivity.”
“And that would be a huge loss as scaleups are 54% more productive than other businesses, twice as likely to offer apprenticeships, are more than twice as innovative, and, significantly, they create high quality jobs.”
“Now is the time to also bring on those firms that are in the ‘pipeline’ – whose performance puts them just outside the definition of a scaleup – of which there are 700 in Greater Manchester.”
“In Greater Manchester scaleup leaders particularly highlight access to talent, access to UK markets, and access to infrastructure/ premises and broadband as key issues. We recognise that Greater Manchester offers a number of services for scaleups, which we will continue to monitor in how they are addressing their concerns.”
The ScaleUp Institute has also carried out research with Arup to understand what factors most influenced the local growth of scaleups. Using a range of variables and regression analysis this research has shown 3 key local factors make a vital difference: access to equity finance (growth capital), access to skills and the existence of sectoral clusters.
Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth, The Growth Company said: “Through GC Business Growth Hub we are proud to support Greater Manchester’s scaleup community through programmes like Global Scale Up, Creative Scale Up and Greater Connected.
“Even during lockdown, we have been able to continue offering these services remotely and have seen the impact that they are having on businesses in our region. We’ve empowered them to grow in incredibly challenging circumstances by reaching new markets national and globally, pivoting to meet the needs of these times.
“As we move out of lockdown, we will see the positive impact that Greater Manchester’s scaleup businesses will have in helping the economy to recover from the effects of Covid-19.”
Prominent North West developer and construction company Legacie Developments have secured a deal to acquire a landmark site close to Salford Quays for a £40million residential scheme.
The new development will see Legacie, who have delivered a variety of successful residential developments in Liverpool, expand operations into Greater Manchester.
The site which is located on the junction of Ordsall Lane and Dyer Street and adjacent to the River Irwell, has already been granted planning permission for 196 residential apartments and a commercial unit.
The multi-million pound development, which will complement the significant investment already underway in the burgeoning Salford Quays district, will be known as ‘Merchant’s Wharf’ in a nod to the industrial heritage of the area.
John Morley, Managing Director of Legacie Developments, said:
“We are incredibly excited to announce plans for Merchant’s Wharf. The area between Salford Quays and Manchester City centre is experiencing a real renaissance with huge investment and regeneration underway and we are pleased to be playing our part. Our development, comprising 196 state-of-the art apartments, will add further quality to the residential offer in the area. This is Legacie’s first development in Greater Manchester and we are looking forward to starting work.”
Legacie Developments is partnering on the project with investment consultancy RWinvest. Together they have developed a long-term strategy that will see them targeting further development opportunities in Greater Manchester in the coming years.
Michael Gledhill, Director at RWinvest, said:
“Merchant’s Wharf will be a high-quality project delivered in partnership with Legacie Developments, who have an excellent track record of completing their developments in good time.
Our long-term strategic vision is to expand our activities in Greater Manchester. The target for our partnership with Legacie is to commence construction for 2,000 units in the area within the next three years. We have been active in the local market since 2012 and will be opening a new office in MediaCityUK shortly to add to our existing offices in Central London and Liverpool. We are in a very strong position to ramp up our activities in this area.”
Salford has seen the second highest population growth in Greater Manchester over the last 30 years and is becoming an increasingly more desirable place to live. Billion-pound developments like MediaCityUK Phase 2 are drawing in countless young professionals and creatives. Large-scale developments such as Merchant’s Wharf play an essential part in supporting the area to meet its goals for accommodation as this growth continues.
Paul Baker, founder of St Pierre Groupe, explains: “How Taking an Optimistic Approach Helped Us Thrive During Covid-19”
International bakery business, St Pierre Groupe, has grown its team by 33% during lockdown. The Manchester-based company recently became the UK’s fastest growing branded bakery supplier, with Baker Street, Paul Hollywood and St Pierre in its portfolio (52w/e May 2020, Nielsen data for the UK’s Top 10 Branded Bakery Suppliers). Founder, Paul Baker, shares his insight into growing a business and a team amidst a global pandemic.
We faced new challenges thanks to the global health crisis. COVID-19 didn’t come with a manual and so, like everyone else, we had no choice but to face issues head on. We’re an ambitious company with big plans, so in order to maintain our pace of growth, we adapted quickly. From leadership styles, operations and communications, we decided to make the best of a bad situation, using the crisis to take a step back and look at the business overall. What could we learn from this situation to improve our company? This optimistic approach is part of the reason our business and brands have continued to thrive
Since lockdown began in March, we reported an increase in sales. Consumers were looking for comforting, convenient foods which meant an uplift for all three of our brands. This increase in demand meant that it was more important than ever to work strategically with all of our suppliers, ensuring that our most popular products were readily available for customers. As a result, we reviewed our processes across the business and decided to streamline our offering. This had a knock-on effect with production partners, haulage companies’ warehouses and customers, reinforcing the need for team work, which already plays a huge role in our company culture.
As an international company with teams in the UK, France, the US and beyond, we were already utilising video calling methods but responding to COVID-19 meant that we took time to dig deeper into how we could use our systems more efficiently.
We enjoyed significant growth of 30% year-on-year in 2019 and despite COVID-19 we knew it was vital to continue our investment in good people. Restrictions meant we were unable to hold face-to-face interviews and whilst in-person has always been our preference, we were already set up to recruit via video calls. You actually get a little more insight into a person when they’re relaxed in their own environment and video interviews with potential new team members meant we had the type of conversation starters that you can’t prepare for. Microsoft Teams had the added benefit of being able to share documents so candidates were able to present to us as they would normally. We also conducted office tours and inductions via video link which provided a new perspective for us. We relocated just before lockdown, so our video tours gave us a chance to show off our new space too. We’re keen to show candidates that we’re a great place to work and being able to demonstrate the benefits of our new Didsbury premises gave us a renewed excitement about our new home!
Over lockdown, we actually hired 18 new candidates. It’s testament to the team we already have in place that we were able to continue adding more talent and now we’re looking forward to a big reunion as soon as possible.
When I take stock of the past few months and the challenges we’ve overcome, I’m prouder than ever. Businesses who made sure they were flexible in their approach before COVID-19 will now be in the strongest position when life begins to return to normal. Remaining agile is key – pandemic or not – to building a strong, dynamic team who can drive new thinking. These are the vital ingredients that businesses must have if they are to achieve future growth. We’re as excited as ever about what the future holds.
Testimonials:
Scott Oakes, Commercial Manager at St Pierre Groupe, started in April, said: “Starting a new job at the beginning of April during a global pandemic and a national lockdown I was obviously nervous and for a short while I was apprehensive that the role would still be going ahead, but everyone at St Pierre Groupe has been amazing. All induction programmes went ahead online, within a week I had ‘virtually’ met the entire team and all fears were gone. It was clear from the first teams call that there is a real family closeness at St Pierre Groupe and a feeling that everyone is in this together. Working in the Food service sector the lows have been clear for everyone to see, entire industry sectors closed, unable to have face to face meetings with key buyers etc. In a positive reaction to this though it has enabled us to adapt and pivot to a new way of working, focus on new different markets and opportunities, as well as plan for the future and how we tackle the new normal.”
Sam Elmidoro, Social, Content & Community Manager at St Pierre Groupe, started in June, said: “Starting a new job during the pandemic has been surreal and daunting to say the least, but St Pierre Groupe has made the whole process very smooth. Not only have they approached this from a practical angle, but they are extremely conscious of the emotional impacts of joining a new company during lockdown.
“They’re very aware that it’s not a normal situation and it may be affecting people in different ways. But they’re extremely supportive and I think that’s testament to the company culture and something that’s encouraged from the top down. It has also been really refreshing to be told to take the time and space to do what I need to do, to learn what’s important in the early days of a new job and to get my head around the company. Regular chats with my line manager and the rest of the team to talk about both work and life has felt reassuring that they are looking out for you as a new team member. I’m looking forward to a point when we can all eventually work together in the office and celebrate the growing team.”
A Manchester-based healthcare investment company has acquired a £4.5m care and education provider as part of its ongoing growth strategy.
Tristone Healthcare, a subsidiary of Tristone Capital, has acquired Southampton-based Sportfit Support Services which offers care and education services to vulnerable young people including those with learning disabilities and requiring supported living.
The acquisition is one of a number planned this year as Tristone targets £35m revenues and £7.5m EBITDA in the next 18 months through its buy, build and hold strategy. The deal increases the number of vulnerable young people currently supported by Tristone businesses to 98.
Tristone was advised by business advisory and accountancy firm MHA Moore and Smalley’s Corporate Finance and Tax Advisory teams who provided financial and taxation due diligence support alongside wider deal advisory services.
Tristone founder and CEO, Yannis Loucopoulos, said: “Sportfit is a fantastic business that perfectly aligns with our values and helps us further deliver on our purpose of providing safe, essential care, while enriching lives through education for vulnerable children, young people and adults.
“It’s an excellent example of our strategy of acquiring profitable social care businesses with a track record of success and a strong management team.”
As part of the acquisition, Sportfit founder and managing director Ashley Vickers will retain a minority shareholding and continue to manage the business.
MHA Moore and Smalley’s acquisition team was led by tax partner David Bennett and corporate finance director Simon Carruthers.
Simon Carruthers said: “The Tristone team are passionate in their plan to build a significant social care group delivering positive social change through the alignment of commercial returns with social impact.
“Assisting the team to shape and deliver a transaction that will help Sportfit progress to the next level and provide exceptional support for even more disadvantaged young people has been extremely pleasing.
“This is the second transaction in the social care sector that our Corporate Finance team has helped deliver from start to finish during lockdown, based on the team’s deep understanding of and strong credentials in children’s and young person’s services in particular.”
