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SME manufacturers tap into tech talent with Made Smarter

Sam Whitear
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An SME manufacturer, supported by Made Smarter, is tapping into digital talent to help put technology at the heart of their growth plans.

With many internships and placements being delayed or cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak1, Made Smarter – a national movement helping SME manufacturers in the North West to adopt digital technologies – is bucking the trend by offering undergraduates, master’s and PhD students, and graduates from UK universities a golden opportunity to gain valuable hands-on practical experience, a taste of a potential career path, and a foot in the door of a forward-thinking company or industry.

Fabricon Design, an Ashton-Under-Lyne-based business which uses advanced manufacturing methods to produce innovative plastics, aluminium and steel component designs, was matched to Luke Hickson, a master’s postgraduate studying Industrial Digitalisation at Manchester Metropolitan University.

After impressing on projects using CAD design and 3D printing, he secured a permanent job as design and development engineer.

Mark Bushdyhan, managing director of Fabricon Design, said: “Luke is an incredibly fast learner, who takes direction well and can act on his own initiative. His suggestions have proven invaluable and we are incredibly thankful for all his help as part of the Fabricon team. He is a great addition to our business.”

Luke Hickson, a master’s postgraduate studying Industrial Digitalisation at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), secured a job as design and development engineer following a successful internship at Fabricon Design, an Ashton-Under-Lyne-based business which uses advanced manufacturing methods to produce innovative plastics, aluminium and steel component designs.

Luke, 22, said: “Ever since I was young, I’ve had ambitions to become an engineer. This was my first experience of an actual manufacturing facility and was just what I hoped it would be.

“The placement was focussed on CAD design, 3D printing and product development.

“Fabricon gave me the freedom to learn and apply my design skills, while taking me through the ropes of learning all the functions of their operation.

“I have been able to incorporate some of my experiences as proof points in my academic work, and ultimately secure a job.”

Interns are working on live projects across the North West which are having a real effect on the business’s long-term success.

 

Projects range from implementing new hardware or software to developing a digital road map and strategy to support their digital transformation.

SME manufacturers are benefiting from the fresh insight of a digital native to help them adopt technological tools that result in a raft of benefits, including increased revenue growth, reduced production time, and produce the data and insight for new product and market development.

Meanwhile, interns are benefitting from paid work experience, valuable hands-on practical work experience, a taste of a potential career path, and a foot in the door of a forward-thinking company or industry. A number have even secured permanent jobs.

Made Smarter, the industry-led, government-backed national movement, has a wealth of students and graduates ready to take up the 480-hour internships which can be carried out through full-time or part-time options.

Donna Edwards, programme director for Made Smarter, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many talented students and post-graduates helping to realise the technology ambitions of many of the region’s SME manufacturers.

“It’s a win-win for the interns and manufacturers. Students and graduates gain industry knowledge, transferable skills and real-life experience, while being paid the national living wage, and businesses can benefit from a fully funded digital native to help them to understand how new technology can transform production.

“Internships and work placements are a vital tool for students making that transition from university to employment.

“The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of opportunities, and a lot of uncertainty as to what will be available in the future.

“Made Smarter has been successful in linking digital technology interns to manufacturers all over the North West and I would encourage undergraduates in their second and third year, postgraduates at any stage of their course and recent graduates from any UK university to register their interest.”

MANCHESTER CYBER TECH FIRM APPOINTS GLOBAL SPORTS AMBASSADORS Mike Tindall MBE & Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE

Sam Whitear
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Former England Rugby Captain and 2003 World Cup Winner Mike Tindall MBE and his wife the former World Champion and 2012 Olympic Silver medalist Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE have today announced that they are to join the British cyber security technology company VST EnterprisesTM (VSTE) as its global sporting ambassadors.

The announcement will see both Mike and Zara appointed to the British tech company with its ground breaking VCode® and VPlatform® technology. As ambassadors, the couple will represent the British technology company across the UK sports sectors in rugby, horse racing, equestrian, golf and luxury lifestyle brands.

The Manchester based cyber security company which was founded by Louis-James Davis has also developed a unique digital health passport – V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM – which has been designed for professional athletes and sports teams to use as part of “Project Restart” in getting all sports back to professional competition in the UK and globally .

The VCode® and VPlatform® technology has being hailed as the cyber security’s version of ‘human DNA’. The technology has a number of applications and uses across rugby, golf, horse racing and equestrian pursuits from health passports to ticketing, identity provisioning and authentication. The technology’s innovative capability in the horse racing and equestrian world are vast and include the use of VCode® in bloodstock sales, digital horse passports to provide a unique authentication of ownership, previous owners, blood lines, vaccinations and veterinary records. In the rugby, football and golf world the technology can be used for ticketing and event purposes, security, health passports for players and fans, content delivery and sponsor /brand activation.

Commenting on their appointment; VSTETM CEO Louis-James Davis said:
“We are honoured to have both Mike and Zara onboard to represent British cyber technology here at VST EnterprisesTM to the sports world. Together they are the perfect ambassadors to represent us at the highest levels in sport at a global level.
Mike’s success as a world class rugby player, former England Captain, World Cup winner, and Zara’s winning attitude as a former World Champion and 2012 Olympic silver medalist represent the very best of British sportsmanship. They are the perfect ambassadors to represent VST EnterprisesTM globally as we go through this exciting phase in our growth.”

VSTETM also recently announced along with its partner RED STRIKE – the International sports marketing and rights holder founded by former Manchester United FC International MD Mike Farnan – that it was in discussions to kickstart the £24 Billion UK sports economy back into professional competition games by using its V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM

The partnership has been engaged at the very highest level with sports governing bodies and regulatory bodies across football, rugby, Formula 1, Formula E cricket, tennis, snooker and horse racing. Using V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM along with approved COVID testing kits, VSTE and REDSTRIKE believe it holds they key to get all UK sport resuming their sporting fixtures and events.

The technology and use of a V-HEALTH PASSPORTTM in UK sport and in particular the Premier League has also been given the public backing and seal of approval of former Sports Minister Richard Caborn. Caborn believes that the technology would play a crucial role in getting UK sports back to professional competition and televised in a phased comeback. As Sports Minister in 2005 he played a crucial role in securing London to host the 2012 Olympic Games and is one of the longest serving and most respected Sports Ministers.

Former England Captain and 2003 World Cup winner Mike Tindall MBE said;
“I am delighted to be joining VST EnterprisesTM as a global sports ambassador and to represent this groundbreaking cyber security technology developed by Louis-James and his team. The potential applications of VCode® across so many UK sports are immense.

I was also impressed to learn of how the VCode® technology can be used across so many applications across all sports from ticketing and merchandise to brand experiences and content delivery. The work that VSTE are doing with health passports to help get UK sports teams back into professional competition is also a great idea. I think everyone from across the sporting world would be delighted if this technology could help get sports teams back to their respective competition leagues and complete their seasons.

Zara Tindall (Phillips) MBE, former World Champion and 2012 Olympic Silver medalist said;
“I think the potential of this technology is really interesting and has so many uses across the horse racing and equestrian worlds from horse passports and bloodstock sales to tickets for the horse racing season. We have the opportunity with VCode® to help make many aspects of our industry more efficient and this groundbreaking cyber technology could really have a positive impact. I look forward to working with the team on its introduction and where we can really make a difference. ”
VSTETM is currently using its VCode® cyber security technology to work with the UNITED NATIONS as part of their SDG Collaboratory (Sustainable Development Goals) program – to provide a wide range of unique identifiers and technology services to 9 Billion people by 2030.

BUSINESS DONATE TABLET PCs TO DIDSBURY HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO STUDY ONLINE DURING COVID-19

Sam Whitear
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St Pierre Groupe, an international leader in the bakery industry, with its UK head office in Didsbury, has donated tablet PCs to Didsbury High School for some of its pupils during the current pandemic.

The newly built school, part of the Laurus Trust, opened its doors in September 2019. It has continued teaching remotely during lockdown and has maintained daily contact with all pupils. Much of this work and communication is online

Head of Didsbury High School, Dr David Woolley said: “At the outset it became apparent that not all pupils had access to a PC or Wifi to be able to do their work. Some children had issues with trying to share technology in order to get work done, meaning they were not getting to do their work until late at night, which obviously is not beneficial.

“We’d like to thank St Pierre Groupe who kindly donated the new tablets which has really made a difference to five pupils and their families. The simple fact they can continue with school work effectively is a major benefit to their education.”

Chris McLaughlin, Commerical Director at St Pierre Groupe said: “St Pierre Groupe sells the St Pierre, Baker Street and Paul Hollywood brands in the UK. We recently relocated our UK head office to The Towers Business Park in Didsbury. We were keen to get involved with and support the local community, then lockdown came.

“Like the majority of businesses, we had to mobilise office teams to work from home. This has been relatively straight forward, thanks to technology. We were made aware things weren’t quite so straightforward for all the pupils at Didsbury High School, so we were more than happy to donate tablet PCs to some of the pupils, so they can continue with their vital school work whilst they are not attending school.

MAJOR SALFORD QUAYS BUILD-TO-RENT SCHEME LAUNCHES VIRTUAL ALL ACCESS TOUR AND VIDEO VIEWINGS

Sam Whitear
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Moorfield Group’s Duet superenting scheme, one of the newest build-to-rent developments to join the MediaCityUK skyline, has developed an all areas fly-through video to illustrate its facilities and offer virtual viewings for prospective residents during lockdown.

The video released by Duet showcases one of Greater Manchester’s newest build-to-rent developments, a premium complex of 270 apartments, which spans across two 15-storey buildings and is situated on the picturesque waterfront of Salford Quays.

The development is releasing the video content and hosting virtual apartment viewings to replace traditional property viewings for those looking to find new accommodation in MediaCityUK.

The fly-through content delivers a virtual tour of the building and its facilities including the reception area, communal spaces that are exclusive to residents, as well as exploring its one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

As a build-to-rent residence, the apartments together with the Duet service offering have been designed specifically to provide renters with a better quality private rental experience – including a calendar of resident-only social events and pet-friendly accommodation.

Residents enjoy impressive facilities designed to deliver both convenience and a community feel, including a free on-site gym and fitness centre, 24-hour concierge, communal podium garden with waterfront views and a complimentary co-working space and residents’ lounge with a free coffee bar.

Dougie Orton-Wade, general manager at Duet Salford Quays says: “In order to support our property offerings and continue helping prospective residents find a new apartment that caters to their specific needs, despite the challenges of the lockdown, we’ve launched a fly-through video tour of our award-winning development.

“The virtual viewings provide clear visuals of the space, layout and also high-quality finish of the development, as well as the additional facilities that are exclusively available here at Duet.

“It’s a great solution for anyone considering moving to MediaCityUK and becoming a part of Duet’s vivacious community, meaning those who are hoping to find their next home can conduct viewings and make plans without leaving their home.”

Duet’s modern apartments are available as furnished or unfurnished, offering a variety of layouts with inbuilt appliances and the offer of premium furniture packages.

The build-to-rent development was delivered by Moorfield managed funds, working with developer, Glenbrook Property, and is professionally managed by specialist rental operator, Allsop.

Duet is Moorfield’s third ground-up BTR development following The Trilogy on Ellesmere Street, which opened in April 2019 and is now fully occupied and The Forge in Newcastle, which opened in September 2018.

Didsbury Gin sets sights on US expansion following NPIF investment

Sam Whitear
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Dubbed ‘one of the most exciting new British gin brands’, Manchester-based Didsbury Gin has announced plans to expand into US markets as a result of £420,000 investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Launched in 2017 by gin lovers Liam Manton and Mark Smallwood, Didsbury Gin, which also made a successful pitch on Dragon’s Den in January 2019, boasts a range of six different flavoured gins.

The business received £100,000 investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance in 2019 A5332E3D E5DA 47AC 8B9B 605DEECBE245 300x200 1 and £320,000 in early 2020 to fulfil its retained orders with major stores and bars, including Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Wetherspoons. It also set out ambitions plans to take on more staff, grow its client base in the UK, expand overseas and bring new products to market.

Since the investment, Didsbury Gin has launched two new products and secured contracts with popular supermarket chains Aldi and Co-Op, as well as with several additional multi-site bar chains around the UK. It also doubled annual its turnover to £1.5million in 2019.

Liam and Mark have used the NPIF capital to grow the team with four full time members of staff and recruited several consultants. It is also funding the production for a large supermarket deal due to be announced in the coming months.

Currently based in a co-working space, Didsbury Gin is actively seeking new premises in Manchester to accommodate that growth and allow for future expansion.

The company is now in talks with distributors in America and is continuing to expand its product range with new partners to be announced in the coming months.

Liam Manton, Co-Founder of Didsbury Gin, said: “The NPIF investment came at a pivotal time for us – we had ambitious growth plans but needed more cash up front to make it happen. The funding has helped us to surpass all expectations and secure a number of significant new contracts with leading outlets, as well as bring new people on board and create new product flavours.

“To build on that momentum, we are now looking to take this success overseas and expand into wider European and US markets initially, with a long-term plan to extend that to Canada and Australia in the coming years.”

Grant Peggie, Director at the British Business Bank, said: “The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund continues to provide vital funding to support innovative businesses in the North. This investment demonstrates how funding can make a real and measurable difference to businesses like Didsbury Gin, whether that is through market expansion, team growth or bringing new products to market. We would encourage other businesses across the North to consider whether NPIF finance could support their growth plans as it has done for Didsbury Gin.”

Elaine Yarwood, Investment Director at FW Capital said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with the team at Didsbury Gin at this exciting time in their growth, and to see them go from strength to strength. The rounds of funding we provided have enabled them to expand their product range and reach new markets. We look forward to seeing them continue their journey and to help with their future growth plans.”

Since the Covid-19 crisis hit, Didsbury Gin has halted its gin production to manufacture hand sanitisers for Greater Manchester Police.

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.

For more information about Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, please visit www.npif.co.uk.

Specialist SME funder sees further growth with another appointment

Sam Whitear
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North West-based business lender Reparo Finance is further strengthening its team with the appointment of Daniel Jones as business development manager.

Daniel joins from Lloyds where he spent over ten years as a local business manager. With extensive experience in financial services and a focus on commercial lending, he has worked across a variety of sectors, including hotel, retail and leisure.

In his new role, Daniel will be responsible for developing new business for Reparo in the South West and South East as the firm builds its presence across the UK.

Daniel comments: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-growing, boutique firm that has carved out a niche for itself as a specialist lender, helping SMEs with their funding challenges. In the current difficult conditions, it is going to be more important than ever that businesses are able to turn to lenders who have a flexible, performance-based approach and can act quickly to provide support.

“I am a firm believer in building strong relationships with clients and look forward to working with businesses and brokers across the region to help provide lending solutions.”

Steve Richardson, sales director at Reparo, comments: “With his understanding of the needs of small businesses and his commitment to helping them thrive, Daniel is a perfect fit for Reparo. His skills and passion will make him a welcome addition to the Reparo team as we continue to extend our footprint, providing a much-needed alternative to mainstream lending across the UK.”
Reparo Finance Group provides flexible loans of between £20k and £1m with loan terms of between three months and five years. Focussing solely on the SME market, the firm offers secured and unsecured lending based on rapid assessment of businesses by its expert team of relationship managers.

LAW FIRM BROMLEYS EXPANDS LOCKDOWN SERVICES WITH FREE VIRTUAL SURGERIES

Sam Whitear
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Law firm Bromleys has expanded its range of lockdown services by launching free legal surgeries for clients via Zoom and Skype.

Bromleys has for many years provided free consultations twice weekly at its offices in Ashton-under-Lyne, as part of its Access to Free Legal Advice programme.

Now, in line with current guidelines which mean face-to-facemeetings are not taking place, the firm has begun offering free 15-minute video calls with a member of its team. These are in addition to free phone calls which are also provided as part of the legal surgeries offering.

The virtual legal surgeries are being held from 3.30pm-5.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays, and the use of modern technology means they can be on a one-to-one or group basis.

Clients are attending the virtual surgeries to discuss a range of matters, including employment, divorce and family issues, wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Senior partner Mark Hirst said: “Being accessible, caring and effective is core to our values and we are pleased to be now holding virtual surgeries to help our clients during the lockdown.

“The use of Zoom and Skype means we can continue to offerface-to-face contact with our team, and individual clients can invite relatives, friends and others to the meetings to assist them when required.”

Bromleys has produced a guide to help clients who may be unfamiliar with online conferencing.

Members of the public who want to book a free video or telephone consultation can contact the firm via [email protected]. They are then allocated a day and time slot along with their personal meeting identification details.

The move follows other adaptations at Bromleys to remain fully operational during the coronavirus lockdown. The firm has introduced remote working for all its lawyers and has set up dedicated helplines so they can be contacted by clients.

Since the lockdown, Bromleys has seen a marked increase in instructions for its Wills, Probate and Planning for the Future department.

There has also been a surge in the number of people seeking advice on domestic issues, and company owners looking to restructure their businesses amid the crisis.

CHAMBER LAUNCHES GM BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Sam Whitear
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Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is offering all businesses who are not currently Chamber members free access to a new initiative launched in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The GM Business Community powered by the GM Chamber will allow non-members free access to the network and support of the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

Lucy Mulligan, Head of Member Services and Patron Development at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “In these difficult times it is even more important that we support and listen to our Chamber members, but we also want to reach out to the wider business community across Greater Manchester.

“Businesses are facing a range of daunting issues from falling sales and orders to furloughing staff and switching to working from home. By offering them membership of the GM Business Community we are showing them they are not alone and can get help and support from the Chamber and its members.”

What will you get?

  • Access to an exclusive online group where you can network with, connect with and support other GMBusiness Community participants.
  • An update on the evolving situation, three times a week, with the most up to date and relevant information on support from the government, support from fellow members and access to ongoing news
  • Access to our digital MyGMCR platform – a mobile app where you can connect with and direct message fellow business users – an online networking platform
  • Access to any digital events hosted by the Chamber during this time
  • Online training and free workforce development
  • Access to International Trade Support – including an International Trade Readiness Assessment, one-to-one import/export strategy consultation and a FX consultation with Chamber partner AFEX
  • Complimentary token to access one of our local networking events, free of charge – when we’re back (and we will be back) – we’ll connect you with our wider network and generate new contacts

Don’t forget, this means you’ll also be a part of the wider British Chambers of Commerce network (BCC). BCC is in continuous contact with central government, feeding back our issues and allowing us to be the real voice of business for the region.

What do you need to do? Complete this simple form: https://www.gmchamber.co.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/gm-business-community/

BRABNERS HIRES ANOTHER NEW PARTNER FOLLOWING RAPID GROWTH FOR PENSIONS PRACTICE

Sam Whitear
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Independent law firm Brabners has appointed a new partner to its pensions team as that practice group continues to experience significant revenue growth.

Caroline Curran joins from PwC’s Manchester office where she was a director and head of pensions legal in the North as part of PwC’s 15-strong national pensions legal team. Prior to that she spent nine years in the pensions practice at Eversheds Sutherland.

The appointment comes as Brabners seeks to maintain the strong growth of its pensions practice. The team, headed up by partner Ian Mylrea, increased fee income by 85% over the two-year period ending March 2020.

Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “Caroline is a vastly experienced lawyer and will be crucial to the continued growth of our pensions practice. The team has gone from strength to strength recently, demonstrating the breadth of our offering by referring work into our corporate, commercial, litigation and property practice groups.

“The outbreak of Covid-19 has caused major challenges for many businesses and there is increased demand for a number of our service lines as a result. I have no doubt that Caroline’s expertise in helping businesses and pension trustees manage their pension schemes will be invaluable in the coming months.”

Caroline Curran, partner at Brabners, said: “Brabners’ pensions practice has made great strides in just a few short years and it’s a privilege to be welcomed into a team with such significant potential.

“We’ve seen the challenges of an ageing population and, consequently, expanding pension liabilities come to a head for a number of high-profile firms in recent years. In the face of a new crisis, an effectively managed pensions scheme remains essential for businesses looking to support their people and ensure financial resilience.”

Brabners’ pensions practice launched in 2014. Major brands including Panasonic, Fujifilm and The Very Group are among its list of clients.

BGF’s North of England team to donate £12,500 to Variety, the Children’s Charity

Sam Whitear
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BGF has announced that it will make donations totalling £100,000 to support local community-based charities across the UK & Ireland following the onset of Coronavirus. Each BGF regional office has nominated a charity that does vital work to support vulnerable people within the communities BGF’s teams live and work in. In the North of England, Variety, the Children’s Charity has received £12,500 from BGF.

Variety exists to improve the lives of disabled children and young people living in poverty. The charity provides practical support such as wheelchair and equipment grants, days out and children’s hospital grants. The charity has been working hard to continue to deliver services to families and adapt to their emerging needs. Covid-19 has created immense challenges for families and the charity itself which faces fundraising income being reduced by 50 per cent this year.

Neil Inskip, head of BGF in the North West, said: “The impact of Coronavirus has been devastating for charities. Many charities now face a huge funding shortfall because the usual calendar of fundraising events have been cancelled. At the same time, the children Variety helps have an enhanced and urgent need for support.

“We recognise that, with the support of our shareholders, BGF is in a fortunate position to be able to do more and significantly extend our charitable donations to assist. We’re really proud to have been given the opportunity as regional teams to nominate the charities we feel make a real impact here.”

Variety covers the Northern regions with teams across Merseyside, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and North Wales.

Joel Voysey, Head of Fundraising from Variety added: “We are incredibly grateful for the gift BGF have given to support Variety’s work in the North of England, especially at a time when we are hearing from families that they need us more than ever as the impact of coronavirus restrictions takes its toll on their daily lives. With the money so generously donated by BGF, we will be able to provide funding for families in the north who may have been waiting for several months already to get a wheelchair, assistive technology or other specialist equipment that their child desperately needs. At the moment this funding is even more vital to ensuring those families still have their needs met and aren’t left behind due to the effects of this terrible pandemic. Thank you from all of us at Variety.”

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