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Manchester Agency Campfire welcomes Three New Hires

Sam Whitear
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Campfire, the Social Media Marketing Agency, welcomes three new hires to the business to work on global TikTok campaigns, expanding paid social plans and increasing influencer scope.

Sophie Angell, previously of The Hut Group, joins as Account Director taking charge of key accounts such as The INKEY List, Missguided and Myprotein as well as overseeing the accounts team and driving further new business.

Alex Ighalo joins the agency from Mediacom and Custard Digital as Account Manager, coming on board to manage all SMB clients with the focus of expanding the category even further.

Chloe Millward who was Influencer Executive for Bella Design & Marketing will be responsible for handling all influencer relationships for new and potential clients, with particular focus on the global TikTok campaign for The INKEY List.

Joe Gradwell, CEO, says: “Both Alex (CCO) and I are absolutely thrilled to witness the expansion of the agency; we pride ourselves on the talent in our team and their capabilities. It’s also particularly exciting watching our growth continue during what we would have anticipated a difficult period due to the current climate.”

Alex Brown, CCO, adds “Getting the right people with the right knowledge and experience is so important in a young company like ours. They’re the people that help lay the foundations for your business and culture. We’re incredibly excited to have people join that have such an extensive wealth of knowledge and experience in different facets of our industry, sharing the same vision as Joe and I.”

Campfire stated a previous revenue target of £400,000 at the beginning of 2020 which the agency surpassed by May. Due to expansion, the team have now challenged themselves by almost doubling its target to £1,000,000 with further hires on the agenda.

Private equity set to bolster North West dealmaking

Sam Whitear
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Private equity transactions are likely to play a significant role in the recovery of the North West deals market over the next 12 months, according to DSG Chartered Accountants and YFM Equity Partners (YFM).

Both firms suggest that historical downturns, such as those experienced in 2008, could provide an indication of the potential outcomes of the next couple of years as businesses navigate through the impacts of Covid-19.

Data gathered from Experian MarketiQ showed that North West private equity dealmaking saw a 58 per cent drop from 2008 to 2009, with deal volumes not returning to pre-recession levels until 2014.

In contrast, the current economic crisis arguably offers a unique opportunity for private equity buyers. This is due to a surplus of dry powder among investors, with trade buyers also more likely to be focusing on survival and consolidation than making acquisitions.

Both firms also believe that the post-COVID environment represents an opportunity for companies that are already backed by private equity to pursue a buy and build strategy. With smaller companies struggling to achieve organic growth, strategic acquisitions can deliver immediate value improvements and provide a more secure footing for the future of the business.

Iain White, partner at DSG Chartered Accountants, said: “While the 2008 crisis was sector agnostic, with few businesses emerging unscathed, the 2020 situation is very different – there will be clear winners and losers. With trade buyers likely to be focussing on restoring their own houses to order, in the short to medium term, businesses in the North West could consider private equity as a viable option, either to supercharge growth or achieve a full or partial exit.

“While we expect that private equity transactions will take centre stage in the North West deals market, it could also be a trend seen nationally over the coming months.”

The North West could also see a rise in flexible deal structures, with options like structured earn out arrangements and partial exits likely to rise as vendors look to take some cash off the table but retain some value in the business, generating value for all parties.

“Being open to agile deal structures and applying the best management information will give businesses options that simply would not have been available during the 2008 financial crisis,” White added.

Andy Thomas, partner at independently owned YFM, which specialises early-stage and late-stage investments, said: “Striking the right deal with the right private equity firm could provide business owners with both an opportunity to take cash off the table now and an investment partner that could help unlock future value.

“Having said that, it is important that owners get advice at the earliest possible stage, to help them understand the challenges they are facing and their prospects for future growth, either organically or through acquisition. An adviser will be crucial to finding that ideal partner to maximise the value of the business.”

Cereal-sly good apprenticeship opportunity at Kellogg’s UK head office

Sam Whitear
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Cereal giant, Kellogg’s UK, has an exciting opportunity for two apprentices to join its team at the MediaCityUK based headquarters in Manchester.

This will be the first time the business has offered an apprenticeship scheme at its head office, and it comes in addition to the apprenticeship programme that has been running at its Trafford Park factory since 1957. Those who apply will have the chance to gain three years’ experience with Kellogg’s – which was last month named as the UK’s most reputable company*.

The newly introduced roles will provide apprentices with hands on experience in several commercial teams including sales, marketing and supply chain.

Chris Jones, Kellogg’s HR director UK & Ireland said: “I am very pleased to introduce the first ever commercial apprenticeship scheme to the Kellogg’s MediaCity office. This is a great opportunity for two apprentices to get hands-on and varied experience with the UK’s favourite breakfast brand – gaining invaluable qualifications along the way.”

The successful candidates will gain two qualifications with ‘Apprenticeships at Salford City College’, completing a Business Admin Level 3 Apprenticeship in the first year. The apprentices will then determine their final two years and decide to join the sales or marketing team – resulting in either a Sales or Marketing Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship.

Allan Milne, Head of Apprenticeships and Business Development at Salford City College, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kellogg’s on this innovative apprenticeship programme. The opportunities available will ensure that the successful candidates will receive a fantastic experience with a great organisation.”

Kellogg’s is encouraging applicants to think outside the cereal box when applying for the roles, suggesting candidates choose a format of application that suits them. Suggestions include an interactive digital CV, a video or a traditional CV and cover letter. Applicants must meet the following criteria: Grade C in Maths, English and one other subject at GCSE and 3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above.

Applications and further questions should be sent to [email protected]before the deadline on 31st July 2020.

 

Small firms hope face coverings announcement will bring confidence back to shoppers

Sam Whitear
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Responding to the announcement from the Government that face coverings are to be made mandatory in shops across England, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Greater Manchester Area Leader, Phil Thompson, said:

“All small firms that are planning to or have already opened back up again have the health and safety of their employees as well as customers at the very forefront of their minds. A lot of businesses are already introducing screens, cleaning more regularly and engaging in a contact-free way where possible, and many are already making use of facemasks for staff.

“Facemasks and coverings can provide a certain level of protection to people you come into close contact with, which could help to stop the spread of the disease and to help get back to business as soon as possible. They will also hopefully give some sections of society the confidence they need to safely emerge from the stricter type of lockdown many have been observing. Businesses need consumers to start returning to their old habits, especially in our towns and cities where footfall remains stubbornly low.

“As mandatory face coverings are introduced, small firms know that they have a part to play in the nation’s recovery both physically and financially, and I’m sure this will welcomed by them.”

He added: “Of course, we know that facemasks cannot be worn by everyone, and wearing them can pose significant challenges for certain groups, such as those who are deaf and reliant on lip reading. We also must be careful that this does not become a trigger for abuse against shop owners and their employees, even though the majority of customers have so far proved accepting of social distancing measures. Understanding and empathy should be important watchwords for all if this does happen.

“But at a time when we want to encourage footfall to increase in our town centres and high streets, councils and government should help small firms either by delivering masks or by offering funding for the purchase of masks so that customers aren’t turned away.

“While some shoppers may still be nervous, small firms will be hoping that these new measures will inject new confidence into customers and get them back into town centres and high streets across the nation.”

MANCHESTER’S VENTURE FURTHER COMPETITION SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Sam Whitear
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Students from across The University of Manchester have taken part in the city’s Venture Further Awards, a unique competition that showcases the entrepreneurial talent of Manchester’s students and alumni.

Now in its 15th year, the annual business start-up competition is open to all current students, researchers and recent alumni across The University of Manchester, and supports budding entrepreneurs with expertise and a prize fund of £75,000.

Led by a team from the Masood Enterprise Centre at Alliance Manchester Business School, the competition gave students the chance to gain practical business planning skills and receive expert support in progressing their business ideas. Over five categories – business, creative, environmental, social and technology – the finalists submitted detailed business plans and pitched their proposals to panels of expert judges.
One of the standout winners included the socially responsible production company, Blue Shoes Productions, which scooped the prize in the creative category. Founded by three MA History students from the University, Blue Shoes Productions creates audio and visual content based on underrepresented voices in society. Recent work includes a documentary on an asylum seeker experiencing homelessness in the North West, and a podcast series based on mental health in the South Asian community.
A notable entrant in the environmental category was the Green Energy Guru, an initiative that allows businesses and homeowners to research and buy products that promote a sustainable future. Founded by Finn Lawton, an alumnus of Alliance Manchester Business School, the business compares prices on products such as heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.
Electric Bazaar, an ethical fashion social enterprise aiming to empower artisan workers in Pakistan, also impressed the judges. The company promotes ‘slow fashion’ – producing pieces that will last longer and value fair treatment – by partnering with small, local producers to source fabrics. It also runs a Sewing Machine Project to enable women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab regions to start self-sustaining tailoring businesses.

Lynn Sheppard, director at the Masood Enterprise Centre, said: “Venture Further continues to evolve, and as it does it plays an important role in highlighting and nurturing the wide range of entrepreneurial students and alumni at Alliance Manchester Business School and The University of Manchester.

“Manchester is a global hub for entrepreneurship, and the competition has helped to launch many successful new ventures and careers. It’s especially inspiring to see ventures with ethical and sustainable issues at the core, and we will continue to support the development of real talent and uncover the responsible business leaders of tomorrow.”

The competition is the latest spotlight on entrepreneurial talent that has been supported by the Masood Enterprise Centre, after Alliance Manchester Business School alumna Christina Taylor was named in a list of 10 female entrepreneurs to watch in 2020 by Business Insider.

Christina founded dance company Aim Sky High, which works to help socially mobilise children and young people and address social issues through their dance classes. With an average of 500 children attending a week, the group has danced for high profile celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Stormzy, and starred in a CBBC documentary about the dance school.

Sustainability business appoints sales director

Sam Whitear
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Craig Walker has joined green initiative In the Circle, which is hosting a conference in Manchester in the spring, as sales director.

With a 25-year track record working in a range of sales and management roles, Craig has experience in a variety of sectors including automotive, home renovation products and construction. In his new role, he will be responsible for attracting sponsors, exhibitors and delegates to In the Circle’s three physical and virtual sustainability conferences that are being held next spring.

The series of regional events, sponsored by Music Magpie and Squire Patton Boggs, has been designed to help businesses of all sizes to move towards becoming part of the circular economy and to demonstrate the business benefits this will deliver.

The inaugural In the Circle conference will take place on Wednesday 24th February 2021 in Leeds, with conferences also scheduled at the NEC in Birmingham on Tuesday 9th March 2021, and at Manchester Central on Thursday 22nd April 2021. Delegates will be able to attend the conferences, either in person or via live streaming and each event will bring together more than 30 speakers and 50 exhibitors, showcasing best practice plans and initiatives to help all businesses build and develop their own sustainability policies and programmes.

“While the COVID-19 outbreak initially disrupted our plans, we are now finding that the crisis has made many companies re-think their priorities and the desire for sustainability has moved higher up the business agenda,” explains Alec Walton, chief executive of In the Circle. “With his solid experience of developing sales and working across diverse industries, Craig will be a real asset to the team, helping us to connect with delegates, exhibitors and sponsors across Yorkshire, the North West and the Midlands.”

Craig commented, “Sustainability is an issue I feel very strongly about. Many people still don’t appreciate the scale of the damage being done to the planet and this is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness and educate companies about sustainability. The conferences will bring people together to learn from some of the leaders in the field about how they can incorporate sustainable practices into their own businesses and the commercial benefits this will bring.”

The three regional conferences are expected to attract hundreds of business leaders, directors, managers and sustainability experts from across the UK.

JMW advises on £3.9m sale of Stockport’s Homa House

Sam Whitear
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The Real Estate team at JMW Solicitors has advised Sina Assets Limited (SINA) on the £3.9m sale of Homa House, Stockport.

The Marriott Street building has been acquired by a housing association.

The new build residential scheme was developed by SINA, comprising 20 one-bed and 12 two-bed apartments close to the centre of Stockport.

Stockport will benefit from extensive regeneration in the coming years, particularly its “Town Centre West” area, where the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation is set to deliver a 20-year vision to create a new ‘walkable community’ with 3,000 new homes.

Reza Negarestani, Director at SINA, said: “The need for affordable housing is well documented, so it’s positive to be able to contribute to closing that gap, particularly with such high-quality homes. The apartments have proved very popular, with the building completely let on completion.”

Ruth McCarthy, Partner and Joint Head of Real Estate Commercial at JMW Solicitors, said: “This is the latest in a string of positive deal announcements for Stockport, and provides much-needed affordable housing stock. There is a huge amount of interest in the town, which will continue to accelerate as the regeneration of Stockport Town Centre West moves forward.”

NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED AS UNIQUE VENUES OF MANCHESTER PLAN FOR REBRAND AND ROLL-OUT

Sam Whitear
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Unique Venues of Manchester (UVM), established in 2013, was set up with a clear vision to offer a collaborative community and a platform to promote high-quality event spaces and facilities in some of the city’s most exceptional and inspirational settings. Since then, it has grown to offer services for unique venues in both Liverpool and Leeds.

Beccy joins Mathew Jayne as a director, as they plan ahead for the next 12 months. Together they have already been working on a number of projects including a ‘soon to be launched’ re-brand.

While continuing to support Manchester’s most exciting and unique venues for conferences and events, such as the People’s History Museum, Royal Northern College of Music, Contact Theatre and Halle St Peters, they are now planning for a rollout in further cities, including Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Mathew, founder of Unique Venues of Manchester Ltd says;

‘Beccy is an incredible talent, so I’m absolutely delighted that she has agreed to join, and at a point where we are really starting to move forward with the development of Unique Venues as a brand and as a community. This will include the delivery of Unique Venues of Great Britain, as the umbrella site to our city regions.’

Unique Venues of Manchester promotes venues through a variety of marketing activities – from listings and articles to social media features, special offers, direct mail and networking. They provide venues, hotels, restaurants, bars and industry suppliers with a simple and cost-effective tool to market. They encourage collaborative marketing opportunities and shared presence at industry exhibitions such as CHS and Venues + Events Live.

Beccy says;

‘I’m delighted to officially come onboard and drive the Unique Venues brand forward into new markets across the UK. I’ve known Mathew for a while now, and I think our skills complement each other’s’ brilliantly. Exciting times ahead as we complete the rebrand process and build additional websites, and with this, communities’

Beccy also runs a hospitality and events marketing & PR agency, Tempt and is on the national board for The Female Hospitality Network.

A new campaign supporting reuse in the built environment

Sam Whitear
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Sponsored by Had & Co

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‘The greenest building is the one that already exists.’ So said Carl Elefante, former president of the American Institute of Architects

Having for years worked on renovation and change of use projects for existing projects, especially in Lancashire HAD & CO who are a Lancashire & Manchester based Architecture & Property company are supporting the Architect’s Journals ‘Retro First’ campaign. 

Saira Hussain, one of the founders of HAD & CO Property Consultants has endorsed the campaign and will actively work towards the retrofit option where possible with any new projects, she said ‘’ by the time we come on board, a decision has already been made based on very limited information, that a new building will be cheaper, less risky and easier to build. The three demands by AJ are based on sound science. It is ironic that those who care about renewing and upgrading existing buildings are reprimanded financially when they try to do so. We have worked on many change of use projects with existing buildings over the years, one of the most notable projects is the ex Lava & Ignite Nightclub in my home town Burnley which we converted to luxury apartments.’’ 

Amid the escalating climate crisis, the AJ campaigns to prioritise retrofitting existing buildings over demolition and rebuild.

If there’s one significant thing we can do to help mitigate the climate crisis, it is to put retrofit first. To work, where possible, with what’s already in our built world.

The three demands of RetroFirst:

Cut VAT rate on refurbishment, repair and maintenance from 20 per cent to 5 per cent.

Promote the reuse of existing building stock and reclaimed construction material by introducing new clauses into planning guidance and the building regulations.

Stimulate the circular economy and support a whole-life carbon approach in construction by insisting that all publicly funded project look to retrofit solutions first.

Throughout the world the construction industry consumes virtually all the planet’s cement, 26% of aluminium output, 50% of steel production and 25 % of all plastics. The industry’s carbon emissions are sky-high. While the UK construction industry has much to be proud of, it produces no less than 35-40% of the country’s total emissions. As the government’s chief environmental scientist, Ian Boyd, has said of our current economic system, ‘emissions are a symptom of consumption and, unless we reduce consumption, we’ll not reduce emissions’. We lose more than 50,000 buildings through demolition every year and, while more than 90 per cent of the resulting waste  waste material is recovered, much of this is recycled into a less valuable product or material, rather than being reused material is recovered, much of this is recycled into a less valuable product or material, rather than being reused.

HAD & CO are committed to the AJ campaign and where possible will advise clients ‘’The greenest building is the one that already exists’’

HAD offer change of use planning applications for existing buildings, including Industrial Mills, with a large portfolio of works completed, recently completed projects include a grade two listed commercial to HMO (House in multiple occupation) conversion in Burnley town centre and projects in Deansgate and works to the Royal Exchange building in the city centre.   

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LANDMARK BRIDGE LINKS WYTHENSHAWE WITH MANCHESTER AIRPORT SITE

Sam Whitear
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A giant foot and cycle bridge linking Wythenshawe to the Manchester Airport campus was installed this weekend.

The 380-tonne structure spans the M56 spur airport approach road and its installation marks a major milestone for the Airport City Manchester project, which will deliver more than 15,000 jobs in the years to come.

Costing £6m, it was rolled into position overnight by a specialist team of eight people using two 800 tonne, 20 axle, self-propelled modular transporters.

The bridge – part-funded by Manchester City Council – will serve as a valuable pedestrian and cycle link between the Woodhouse Park area of Wythenshawe and the airport site, benefitting the thousands of local people who work there.

It will also provide direct access to the employment opportunities being created by Airport City Manchester, as well as enabling people to walk or cycle to the airport’s train, tram and bus station.

The bridge was fabricated by Cleveland Bridges who, working closely with main contractor BCEGi, were also responsible for undertaking the complex 12-hour installation.

There are around 25,000 people working on the Manchester Airport site. It also has its Airport Academy training centre within its Ground Transport Interchange, which provides employment and training for local unemployed people. Earlier in the year, a state-of-the-art AeroZone interactive classroom opened, which will be used by all schools in Woodhouse Park and the wider Wythenshawe area.

Mike Kane MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, said:

“I am delighted to see this finally open at Airport City Manchester. A dedicated pedestrian and cycle bridge gives safe and convenient access to many types of public transport arriving to and departing from the airport’s hub and crossing our region. I am a determined to improve active travel for all and am delighted Airport City Manchester is providing the opportunity of new jobs and new connectivity for both businesses and residents alike.”

Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester Airport, said:

“Manchester Airport is proud of the role it plays in providing employment for so many local people, either directly or with the dozens of different companies that operate on our site.

“This new bridge will give those living in surrounding neighbourhoods a safe and sustainable way to travel to the airport campus, whether they work here, are using our Ground Transport Interchange or are accessing other facilities like our new AeroZone education centre or Airport Academy training hub.

“As excitement builds around the Airport City vision becoming a reality in the months ahead, this link will help give local people the best possible access to the opportunities being created.”

Airport City Manchester has the capacity to deliver a diverse range of more than 15,000 jobs across a number of sectors. Already, the first phase of The Hut Group’s £1bn THG business campus is underway and, upon completion, this 1m sq ft global headquarters site will support up to 10,000 jobs.

Work on Airport City Manchester’s new £180 million hotel district is also gathering pace, where three new hotels and 1,500 new beds will be delivered by 2022.

The wider site also has the capacity to accommodate further development, including two 92,000 sq ft Grade A office buildings and a multi-story staff car park, planning consent for which has been granted.

The brand new bridge at Airport City Manchester is set to open to the public in November this year and when fully complete will blend into the neighbouring buildings with extensive landscaping and public realm, as well as providing feature ramps and passenger lifts to ensure it is accessible to all.

Designed by Manchester architects 5Plus and structurally designed by RoC Consulting, the 52.5m long and 6m wide bridge is a striking addition to the landscape at Airport City Manchester. Featuring more than 21,000 perforations across its length, it has been constructed from Cor-Ten steel which develops a rust-like aesthetic after several years’ exposure to weather and eliminates the need for painting.

Jonathan Haigh, Managing Director of MAG Property and Airport City Manchester Development Management Leader, said:

“The new bridge is a key component of the Airport City Manchester masterplan and capitalises on the exceptional connectivity to multiple modes of public transport at the Manchester Airport Ground Transport Interchange. In turn this will underpin increased usage of public transport to more sustainably facilitate occupier needs and enhance convenience for employees, visitors and neighbouring residents alike.

“It’s a striking addition to the local landscape, with the architecture reflecting our ambition to create a real sense of place and signal a high quality of environment. The bridge connects the emerging hotel district south of the M56 spur road to the larger swathe of development-ready land to the north, which is earmarked primarily for office and ancillary uses. It also enables car parking to be decanted away from the heart of the scheme helping to enrich the amenity value of public open spaces.

“Together with significant additional investment in enabling infrastructure and the live construction activity underway to deliver our first two hotels and the THG HQ campus, we continue our pursuit of the many lasting positive benefits of the scheme.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“This bridge is a landmark in the development of Airport City which will link Wythenshawe people with the jobs and opportunities being created there. It’s a symbol of that connection as well as another boost to walking and cycling facilities in this city.”

Chris Droogan, Managing Director of Cleveland Bridge UK, said:

“We are very proud to be part of such an important stage of the development of Airport City Manchester, which is such a significant location for the North of England. The unique design of the bridge, with its extensive collection of perforations, required the extensive experience of our skilled engineers and fabricators who have transformed the architect’s vision into a structure that can be enjoyed by visitors and local people.”

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