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HMG Paints’ hand sanitiser, helping businesses get back to work

Sam Whitear
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The UK’s largest independent coatings manufacturer, HMG Paints Ltd has expanded its production capabilities on its 70+ alcohol containing hand sanitiser. The expansion comes just in time to support businesses across the UK re-opening and implementing measures in line with government guidelines.

HMG have been providing key workers, care providers and charities throughout the pandemic with hand sanitiser, based on World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended formulations after a national shortage was announced. Rebecca Bentham, Head of Income Development at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, who were one of many companies to receive hand sanitiser from HMG Paints, commented on their donation “We are very grateful to HMG Paints Ltd for their kind donation of hand sanitisers to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. In these unprecedented times, our patients and staff’s safety is paramount, the donation has contributed to our nurses being able to take all relevant precautions when providing necessary care within the community.”

The Manchester Based company has been issued a permit from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) allowing the supply and manufacture of sanitiser because of the SARS-CoV-2/coronavirus pandemic. As the UK enters a new phase with workplaces beginning to reopen, implementing health and safety measures in accordance with government guidelines, HMG have expanded production to supply local organisations in Manchester and across the UK. Authorised by the HSE the First Thing Sanitiser, which contains over 70% alcohol, can be purchased in boxes of 250ml bottles, ideal for use by individual employees as well as 5 litre refills.

“Many of our current customers have placed regular supply orders with us for hand sanitiser as they begin to return to work and implement ways to protect their employees.” Said John Falder, Managing Director. “The First Thing Sanitiser being approved by the HSE has meant we have increased our production capabilities on the sanitiser line and therefore welcome companies to get in touch with us to order sanitiser from a UK Family Business. By manufacturing right here in Britain, we can guarantee our customers a fast and continuous supply which will allow them to utilise First Thing Sanitiser in their Working Safely policies during this current time.“ Continued John.

The paints made by HMG Paints are also being utilised during the current crisis with their Commercial, industrial and decorative coatings being used on everything from hospital beds, workbenches, communication equipment, the Nightingale temporary Hospitals and buildings to the trucks and commercial vehicles keeping goods moving across the country.

Global cities pave the way for Manchester’s return to work

Sam Whitear
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Greater Manchester is set to mirror actions taken by other cities across the world as they look to transform their roads, public footpaths and transport links in light of the coronavirus, according to Deloitte.

This comes after Deloitte’s research, conducted in partnership with Google, found that workers in Greater Manchester are opting for other ways of commuting, with public transport usage down 62 per cent in favour of a 22 per cent rise in cycling across the region.

Whilst these figures reveal changing attitudes towards travel, other figures show that many professionals are working from home entirely, with the number of people using workplaces down by 56 per cent since the UK entered lockdown.

To support the Greater Manchester ‘Build Back Better’ campaign, Deloitte has outlined ways in which local authorities will have to adapt in order to accommodate social distancing guidelines and new attitudes to commuting. Some of these measures include pedestrianisation of some streets to reduce motor traffic; new speed limits on town centre roads; introduction of heavy-duty barriers in busy areas to extend pavements; and maps and information packs for those walking or commuting by bike.

Examples from other parts of the world include Barcelona, which has set aside 21 kilometres of new bike corridors by replacing traffic lanes, and has committed €4.4m to adapting public spaces to facilitate more journeys by foot, bicycle or public transport. Amsterdam is encouraging citizens to walk or cycle and reduced speed limits from 50kph to 30kph.

In Sydney, buses are running at 14 per cent capacity, whilst trains will run at 24 per cent capacity. However, six pop up cycleways have been rolled out across the city, extending to 10 kilometres at a cost of $4m.

Simon Bedford, partner at Deloitte in the North West, said: “Cities across the world are facing one of the most extraordinary challenges in that their city centres will need a complete transformation. Manchester is facing a particularly tricky scenario as it is compact when compared to other European cities, and so we expect to see drastic changes to our roads and public footpaths to allow for social distancing between pedestrians.

“What will be interesting to see is how businesses, large and small, across GM and indeed the UK rise to this challenge and adapt to a potentially new way of life. It is essential that we address these issues quickly in order to minimise the threat that the virus poses to Manchester’s everyday worker, and the spotlight will be on government and local authorities over the next few months as we await to see the measures put in place.”

Sharon Thorne, Deloitte Global Board Chair, said: “The burden is not solely on the councils to make changes, but also employers as many workplaces will require completely new layouts to ensure social distancing measures can be adhered to. Larger office spaces may be required and new attitudes towards flexible working patterns may prove essential to keeping the risk of spreading infection to a minimum. Many businesses will have found success working from home during the lockdown, which will provide further challenges to management teams as they continue to rethink their real estate strategy.”

K7 MEDIA STRENGTHENS INTERNATIONAL OFFERING WITH NEW HIRE

Sam Whitear
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Global media consultancy, K7 Media, has bolstered its international expertise with specialist media consultant, Hannah Barnes joining the business.

Based in Melbourne, Barnes will act as K7 Media’s presence in the region. As Australian Consultant, she will utilise her knowledge of the country’s TV to contribute to K7’s highly sought-after industry resources.

With over 20 years’ industry experience, Barnes has enjoyed an extensive career working across the UK, US, and Australian media markets, including time spent working for Sky and Channel 5 in London.

A highly regarded industry professional, Barnes has held roles in format development, TV strategy and commercial partnerships, for both networks and VOD platforms. Most recently, she was Group General Manager for Lifestyle Channels at Foxtel working across linear, SVOD, BVOD and digital platforms.

The appointment follows significant investment in expanding K7’s global presence. Most recently, with the opening of a permanent base in Singapore and the expansion of its local language offering.

Keri Lewis Brown, Founder and CEO of K7 Media, added: “Hannah brings with her an enviable network of industry contacts across Australia, the UK and North America. We believe having such an accomplished consultant based in Melbourne will help us continue to grow our global presence.”

Barnes added: “I am so pleased to be collaborating with Keri and the team at K7 Media. I have been so impressed with the wealth of experience within the team and look forward to contributing to telling the stories of the great work that is being produced by our industry across Australia and in New Zealand.”

K7 Media offers bespoke research and media consulting services to broadcasters, streaming platforms, distributors and production companies. K7 continues to expand its current range of client services, while maintaining the delivery of highly sought-after media reports.

Greater Manchester firm secures NPIF & CBILS loan to protect its future

Sam Whitear
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Specialist social impact lender GC Business Finance has provided AWT International with a five-figure Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) loan using backing from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Radcliffe-based AWT International manufactures racking trolleys specifically for glass handling equipment. Its products include a range of glass and profile handling equipment ranging from racks, tables and trolleys used for industrial purposes. The business began trading in 2016 and employs eight members of staff.

The firm supplies its products to clients across Europe, and to the largest glass companies in the UK.

Due to the effects of Covid-19, the business was forced to close its factory on the 23rd of March. The firm contacted its local MP James Daly for advice regarding loans during the crisis to support its cash flow and wages. Through GC Business Finance, the firm was able to apply for a CBILS loan, which it received within a week of completing the application.

With the loan, AWT International will be able to support its cash flow and will be able to resume business as usual once lockdown is eased.

Kath Cameron, Director at AWT International, said: “Having seen orders drastically decline since January with businesses uncertain about their future, we had to temporarily close our factory in March. Our local MP, James Daly, recommended getting in contact with GC Business Finance to secure a loan from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme which, without, we would not have been able to continue.

“Matt and the team at GC have been incredibly helpful and so easy to deal with, especially at a time of such uncertainty. The process was simple to follow with their guidance and we received the money within a week of applying. I cannot thank them enough for their help and we now look forward to re-opening the business when safe to do so.”

Matt Robinson, Fund Manager at GC Business Finance, said: “It’s been a pleasure to help Kath and the team at AWT International with this loan, which was vital for the business going forward. At GC Business Finance, we are committed and passionate about supporting North West businesses during this time, and I would encourage more businesses needing our support to get in touch as soon as they can.”

James Daly, Member of Parliament for North Bury said: “It has been an extremely busy couple of months and helping support constituents through this tumultuous time has been a key priority. Businesses such as AWT International were forced to make swift decisions, with little notice, as the global pandemic became apparent and trading restrictions were announced back in March.

I was delighted to help guide constituent, Kath Cameron, Director at AWT International through the process of applying for a loan from Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme via GC Business Finance. This loan offered her business a lifeline in what we know have been really challenging circumstances.

The Government has provided a wealth of financial support and backing for businesses and I have been on hand to assist my constituents navigate the process through the various schemes of financial support.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Manager at British Business Bank said: “It’s great to see GC Business Finance supporting businesses across the North with loans that are essential in the current situation. We are proud that GC Business Finance has been able to support AWT International with this NPIF & CBILS loan, which is clearly so important to its future growth and potential as a Greater Manchester business serving international clients.”

GCBF is committed to supporting North West-based SMEs, providing NPIF backed CBILS loans to those that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus. GCBF is positioned to lend to businesses that otherwise couldn’t access funding from mainstream lenders with a fast and responsible approach to lending.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Manufacturing output starts its long climb back to health as UK begins to emerge from coronavirus lockdown

Sam Whitear
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Manufacturing output across the UK increased significantly in May from its record low level as manufacturers started to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, according to figures from the latest BDO Business Trends report.

BDO’s Manufacturing Output Index, which provides the most comprehensive snapshot of business output by weighting macroeconomic data from the UK’s main business surveys, jumped by 16.58 points to 69.55 in May, regaining around half of the losses sustained between March and April as manufacturers benefited from the easing of UK lockdown measures.

Despite this jump, the index remains at historically low levels and well short of the 95 level which indicates positive growth overall. BDO’s Services Output Index saw a more modest increase, rising by 9.65 points to 53.53 points in May.

BDO’s forward-looking Optimism Index suggests businesses anticipate a long and difficult path to recovery. The overall index increased by just 1.94 points in May, driven by an increase of 4.32 in the Manufacturing Optimism Index. The figures show the scale of the challenge facing businesses even as they emerge from the worst of the crisis, as they grapple with social distancing restrictions and attention begins to re-focus on Brexit negotiations and international trade relationships.

This difficult path to recovery is also reflected in BDO’s Employment Index. The index sank a further 6.96 points to 89.22 in May, leaving it at a record low. The weak scores across all indices of BDO’s Business Trends report highlight the intensely challenging economic circumstances that the UK finds itself in, and suggests that the Employment Index will not recover for some time.

Commenting on the results, Ed Dwan, Partner and head of BDO LLP in the North West, said: “While the jump in manufacturing output offers a glimmer of hope, early signs point to this being a long road to recovery. The North West continues to be synonymous with manufacturing excellence and we’ve seen huge innovation and resilience from the sector in recent weeks. The UK is experiencing the deepest economic contraction in living memory, and possibly in its history. 

“Output remains drastically below where it would be in ordinary times, but the latest readings suggest we have passed the rock bottom of this crisis. I’m optimistic for further gains in the Output Index in June if the government proceeds with plans to gradually open up the economy.”

 

Major restructure and rebrand at It’s Gone Viral geared towards future growth

Sam Whitear
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It’s Gone Viral – the Manchester headquartered social media marketing company – has restructured to become a two divisional agency business consisting of dedicated social media and marketing teams. It has also rebranded to KOMI group under which each of these offerings fall.

Under the KOMI group umbrella is: KOMI Media, which creates and builds bespoke social channels; and KOMI Social, which focusses on content production, content distribution and social media management for brands.

The decision to restructure and rebrand follows a lengthy strategic review process and aims to both simplify its offering in the minds of clients and to help grow its market share in each of its two core areas. The firm’s dedicated gaming and sports communities are also being expanded and branded KOMI Gaming and KOMI Sport respectively.

After careful consideration and analysis, KOMI was selected for the group’s new name. It was inspired by the Haitian Creole word ‘kominote’ which translates to ‘community’ in English. Creating engaged communities that make a difference, that bring people together, and build brands that audiences love and are a force for good are at the very core of the business.

It’s Gone Viral, now the KOMI group, was founded in 2016 and is led by Andrew Trotman and Ryan Williams. Over the past four years, its team of content creators, analysts and video producers have made and then distributed video content and viral campaign adverts for international brands such as BBC Films, O2, Universal, Bud Light and Disney.

Content has been shared across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts including the It’s Gone Viral main page, which will be retained and is dedicated to relatable, informative and educational content; as well as Go Fetch, a platform for dog lovers to connect with one another; Happiest, which focusses on bringing the most entertaining and uplifting content and real life stories; and Ultimate DIY which is all about sharing fascinating and clever DIY, crafts and hacks followers can do at home.

The last six months has seen the company reach various milestones including delivering over six billion across its portfolio of pages, relocating its HQ to Beehive Mill in Ancoats, reporting its highest ever NewsWhip results, acquiring social media brand Happiest Media Ltd and appointing Urban Splash’s Sam Lenehan as its new non-exec director.

Andrew Trotman said: “It’s Gone Viral’s trajectory has been fantastic since we launched. However, we realised that we needed to adapt the business if we wanted to work with more brands and to deliver sustained and real growth. I’m confident this new group structure will allow us to do just that.

Andrew continued: Our ability to make people fall in love with brands is what truly sets us apart. We are here to build real, engaged communities that make a difference, to bring people together and to help build brands which audiences love and are a force for good. We are proud that we can utilise our communities to drive real measurable change to brands online. This is done by identifying opportunities that enable us to create innovative, creative and effective campaigns.

Andrew concluded: The rebrand and our new group structure is a pivotal moment in our journey and will, I’m sure, act as the nucleus for the company’s expansion over the coming years.”

Healthcare brand consultancy expands

Sam Whitear
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Strategic North that works with global healthcare and pharmaceutical clients, has over the last three years outgrown its existing offices at Westgate, Hale Road and has taken a further 2,756 sq ft in Richmond House, Hale. It has agreed a three year lease on a first floor suite in this three storey office building in the centre of Hale Village.

Steve Padgett, Managing Partner, Strategic North, said: “Ten years ago, Strategic North began with 4 partners. Today, we are delighted to move into this light, bright, extra space which provides more room for our growing team of 50 with new space to meet clients and an environment to inspire our thinking about healthcare brands.

“The location is ideal, with quick access to Manchester airport to connect with our global clients, just 20 minutes into the business, cultural and scientific hub of central Manchester and no doubt we’ll once again be enjoying the local buzz of Hale in the not too distant future!”

Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions, who acted on behalf of the landlord CBRE Global Investors, said: “This letting was agreed and in solicitors hands pre-Covid so it’s very positive news that it was completed during lockdown.

“Encouraging though this deal is the lockdown by the government has arguably been the most serious threat to business in a generation and could conceivably be worse than the 2008 financial crisis.

“As a firm of commercial surveyors with a management portfolio of over 100 buildings and estates we saw an element of panic from some tenants before any government announcements so it was fundamental not to rush into decisions.

“One of my first sentiments as this pandemic evolved was that both tenants and landlords must share some pain along the way to come out of this successfully and with a business intact. To open up lines of discussion of we have been communicating regularly with those involved which is proving a key element in allowing all parties to arrive at a mutually sensible position.

“The assistance from central government has been plentiful, with the grants for rateable business premises, rates holidays, furlough, tax deferment and sensible loan schemes all of which have been made available to a multitude of businesses up and down the country and given businesses time to reflect, reconsider and adjust their business plans.

“However, the hurdles for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are the hardest to resolve and a safe and successful strategy for the easing of the lockdown restrictions for this sector to open up is crucial.

“On a more positive note in the last fortnight or so, we have experienced improved activity levels, albeit nowhere near normal or what we would like them to be, but we are hopeful these will continue and grow over the course of the year.”

SEASHELL SIGNS DEAL WITH BLOOR HOMES FOR NEW HOMES IN CHEADLE HULME

Sam Whitear
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Seashell has today announced that it has agreed the sale of land to housebuilders Bloor Homes who are to build new homes in Cheadle Hulme.

The Trust, which last month secured planning permission for a new school, campus and 325 new homes following an appeal to the Secretary of State, has agreed a deal which will see Bloor Homes buy a piece of land owned by the Trust and develop the houses on the site.

The land sale will allow Seashell to press ahead with plans for the redevelopment of the school and campus for their children and young people with profound special needs. It will also see the development of new, high-quality homes in Cheadle Hulme and sporting facilities which will be shared with the local community.

Jolanta McCall, Seashell Chief Executive and Principal, said of the news: “I am absolutely delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with Bloor Homes which will not only provide a significant funding boost to Seashell’s school and campus redevelopment project, but will also see a development of quality, local homes.

“The sale of the land for housing was always absolutely central to our plans to redevelop our desperately outdated school and campus because we were not able to raise all the funds ourselves and despite our best efforts, we couldn’t secure the funds from anywhere else. This sale allows us to start work on our exciting transformation project and offers a bright future for our children and young people.

“It is, however, important to stress that today’s news is not the end of the story. We still need to raise a further £12 million for the transformation project to deliver the school and campus our community needs and deserves.”

Rhys Nicholson, Regional Managing Director of Bloor Homes said: “This land acquisition is great news for Bloor Homes and we are delighted to be associated with such a worthy project as the Trust’s essential redevelopment. Cheadle Hulme is a highly desirable residential area and a natural fit for Bloor Homes’ expanding portfolio of high-quality family homes in first rate locations. We will be working closely with the community and Stockport Council to agree the detail of the scheme and to press on with the delivery of these important new homes as quickly as possible.”

Bloor Homes will be consulting on the specific details of the plans for the new homes in the coming weeks.

Pugh’s rolls out national estate agent partnership network

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-based national property auctioneer Pugh & Co has launched an initiative that will see the firm partner with estate agents across the UK.

Via the new network Pugh’s will work on a formal basis with agents, enabling them to securely sell properties that are unsuitable for sale by private treaty or require an immediate, unconditional sale.
The service is designed to provide agents with a client-focused partnership and additional revenue stream via an online or in-room auction, supported by Pugh’s 11 UK offices.

Pugh’s associate director Will Thompson, who heads the new network, said: “Whilst covid-19 has inevitably presented challenges, successfully moving our entire auction function to our pre-existing online platform during lockdown is a great source of pride for our team. The fantastic results of our recent online auctions have proved we can truly offer our partner estate agents a flexible and reliable auction partnership.

“Pugh’s has been providing a reputable auction service to estate agents for years now, and by formalising the arrangements we’re aiming to provide the best service possible. With more than 40,000 investors subscribing to our auction alerts, the sales we have generated for
our clients, even during lockdown, are a testament to our success.”

He added: “Due to our consistently strong performances, we are able to tailor bespoke agreements with agents that suit their business models and requirements. We recognise that estate agents have had to overcome an array of challenges during lockdown and that reaffirms our commitment to flexibility and collaboration when forming our auction partnerships: enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.”

Pugh’s reported sales of £5m for its April property auctions, which were switched from auction rooms in Manchester and Leeds to its online platform after the introduction of social distancing regulations in March. In 2019 it offered more than 1,000 lots for sale, generating more than £90m for clients including private individuals, charities, corporates and public sector organisations.

Acquired in 2016 by property consultant Eddisons, Pugh’s was founded in 1992 and has grown to
become the largest commercial auctioneer in the UK, selling residential and commercial properties as well as land.

FW Capital Debt Finance hits £20M investment milestone in Manchester

Sam Whitear
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FW Capital has announced it has now invested £20M to support Greater Manchester-based businesses through NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance which launched in 2017.

This brings NPIF’s total Microfinance, Debt and Equity investments in Greater Manchester to £45.3m, with 176 investments into a total of 141 businesses across the region. Additional investment from private sectors investors alongside the NPIF investment amounts to an additional £51.2m bringing the total amount to £96.5m

Businesses across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, creative and life sciences, have all benefited from the debt fund. However, its Manchester’s thriving technology-sector which has seen the most significant investment. Many of these businesses are based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a hub for new and growing technology businesses.

Notable investments include Radio.co which offers internet-based services to radio station broadcasters. The cloud-based platform allows anyone to create a radio station easily. The company initially received £300,000 NPIF loan which allowed them to develop and launch a podcasting platform with tools that allow the customer to record, upload and publish on demand podcasts. The podcasting platform, podcast.co, was launched in June 19 and created seven jobs with another six planned.

In December 2019 Radio.co, which now employs 24 staff, received a follow-on loan of £240,000 for working capital to support the business through its next growth phase.

Userconversion, a company that works with e-commerce and retail clients to improve their website conversion rates, received a £250,000 loan in 2018 which it used to recruit new staff and move to bigger premises to accommodate its growing team. The company now has a turnover of £1.6m and employs 24 staff.

Gary Guest, fund director at FW Capital North West said: “£20m invested in the Greater Manchester area alone is a significant achievement and it’s really encouraging to see the positive impact it’s having on the local economy.

“There is a strong and vibrant technology sector here in Manchester and as an important part of the local economy we are keen to support it. We are finding many businesses need finance to recruit new talent or move to bigger workspaces which sits right within NPIF’s remit.

“When making lending decisions we look at whether there is a good business model in place with growth potential. This is particularly important for technology companies, especially younger ones, as they can find it difficult to get debt funding from traditional sources because many do not have physical assets to pledge as security or are unable to provide evidence of years of strong performance.

James Mulvaney managing director of Radio.co said: “Without the funding from NPIF-FW Capital Debt Finance we would not be where we are today. We didn’t want to give up equity and wanted to work with a lender that understood us and the industry. Another technology business we work with recommended them to us and we knew straight away that they were the perfect investment partner. The process was quick and transparent and the follow-on support we’ve received has been invaluable.”

Gary continued, “We are currently in an unprecedented situation and we want businesses to know that we are here to support them and that we are still investing. It’s really important that lenders and the business support community continue to work together to ensure that Abusinesses have the vital support they need. I’d like to thank the team, the businesses and the intermediaries we work with who have helped us achieve this milestone.”

Grant Peggie, Director at the British Business Bank said: “I’m delighted to see that FW Capital has reached this milestone in Greater Manchester, bringing NPIF’s total investment to over £45m with additional private sector investment of £51m . The hard work and dedication shown by our fund managers mean that we have been able to support over 140 businesses, ensuring the regional economy can reap the rewards of increased job opportunities and a more prosperous economy in the long term. In the current environment, it is important that businesses across Greater Manchester know they can approach NPIF in order to gain capital to safeguard their business and prepare for future growth.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

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