Home Blog Page 894

INVESTMENT IN GREATER MANCHESTER SUSTAINED DESPITE CHALLENGING YEAR

Sam Whitear
-
0

Figures just released by MIDAS, Greater Manchester’s inward investment agency, show they supported the creation of 3,458 jobs across the city region in the last financial year, generating £231m GVA.

More than half (58%) of successful investment projects in 19/20 were from companies that are new to Greater Manchester – a 48% increase from 18/19. The remaining projects and associated jobs created were expansions of existing business operations.

Of the total project volume, 75% (60) were from foreign-owned companies, accounting for 2,793 jobs – the two highest numbers for foreign direct investment (FDI) projects and jobs in MIDAS’ history. The majority of FDI projects were from companies headquartered in USA, Germany and India.

MIDAS, part of The Growth Company, works on behalf of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester and is responsible for attracting investment to the city region that ultimately creates jobs.

MIDAS attracted investment to Greater Manchester from innovative companies and global brands across all the city region’s key sectors – creative digital and technology, financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, and life science and healthcare.

The financial, professional and business services sector performed strongest in terms of job numbers, accounting for 37% (1,292) of the annual figure – a 34% increase on the year previous. Firms expanding or setting up in Greater Manchester include Fitch Ratings, Slalom and Interactive Investor. There was an even split of new to the city region and expansion projects within the sector.

The highest number of projects (30) came from the advanced manufacturing industry, a sector that 34% (1,173) of total jobs were created within. Key new to Greater Manchester projects include Sampa Automotive and Smart Yarn from Turkey as well as USA low carbon firm Ameresco. Numerous companies already operating within Greater Manchester’s advanced manufacturing industry, such as Saica and Hilti, also expanded their operations, reinforcing their commitment to the city region.

The creative, digital and technology (CDT) sector accounted for a third of projects (26) and 24% (830) of jobs created, with investors including BAE Systems AI, Huawei and Altus Group amongst those creating the highest volume of jobs. Another 23 CDT firms invested in the city region during the period, including Black Nova, Thirteenthfloor and Invisible Systems, firms that will leverage Greater Manchester’s strengths in digital technologies. Overall, the majority (77%) of successful CDT investment projects were from companies that are new to Greater Manchester.

Similarly, 83% of successful life science and healthcare projects were from companies that did not already have a presence in the city region. The sector saw a 50% increase in the number of investment projects closed, including LumiraDx, McCann Health and Marion Surgical, and the city region’s strengths in precision medicine helped secure investment from Affinity Biomarkers – contributing to the creation of a total 163 new jobs within the sector.

Tim Newns, CEO of MIDAS, said: “Due to the investment and support from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and MIDAS’ private sector developer partners, we have been able to proactively stimulate an increasingly volatile market and retain significant levels of investment into the city region.

“The uncertainty of Brexit and the general election resulted in low investor sentiment towards the UK last year, which delayed the progression of numerous projects, but after market confidence returned briefly following the December election, MIDAS closed 46% of its annual investment projects in the final quarter of 19/20.

“This could have been even higher but for the COVID-19 crisis, which caused a little more caution in the scale of job creation forecast by some new investors in the final quarter compared to earlier in the year as well as the delaying of a few larger projects in to the 20/21 financial year. We could have seen an additional 1,000 jobs created but we still hope to capture the majority of these over the longer term.

“COVID-19 is changing the world as we know it, including the investment landscape, and we have redirected our efforts to ensure we support the city region’s recovery. Looking ahead, although we face challenging times, we are primed to leverage Greater Manchester’s strengths in sectors that have risen in prominence as a result of the situation; such as cyber security, eCommerce, life sciences, low carbon and digital technologies, to ensure Greater Manchester retains its status as a leading destination for high-value inward investment.”

Cllr Elise Wilson, Greater Manchester Portfolio Lead for Business and Economy and Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Greater Manchester has developed a strong global reputation as a leading business location and MIDAS’ performance is really promising, considering the economic uncertainty of the last financial year.

“The agency has done a fantastic job of attracting more businesses to the region, supporting the expansion of existing operations, as well as creating new jobs. Their role will be crucial in supporting Greater Manchester’s economic recovery in relation to COVID-19. “

Throughout the financial year, the agency also safeguarded 1,622 jobs, the second highest number on record, across 15 projects.

Manchester welcomes a new Strategic Director of Growth and Development

Sam Whitear
-
0

Louise Wyman has been confirmed as Manchester’s new Strategic Director, taking up the mantle from Eddie Smith following his retirement from the City Council after 20 years of service to the city.

Louise will provide strategic direction for development across the city, along with oversight of the Local Planning Authority, housing strategy, work and skills, and driving forward growth and economic recovery following the Covid-19 outbreak.

Louise joins Manchester City Council following previous roles as Director of Design and Inclusive Growth at the West Midlands Combined Authority and as Director of Strategy & Engagement at Homes England. She was central to Sir Edward Lister’s team that established the government’s housing agency.

Throughout Louise’s career she’s been involved in major projects both in the UK and in America. She undertook her Masters studies at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and spent time at Harvard as an Instructor for their Career Discovery Programme. She led urban renewal projects in San Francisco following the 1989 earthquake and has been a member of the Planning Committee for London Legacy Development Corporation with responsibility for developing London’s 2012 Olympic Park.

Louise is a member of the National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Group, established to embed great design and environmental responsibility in future infrastructure projects of national significance. She has also held positions as Director of Strategy at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and was responsible for founding the Garden Towns & Villages programme across government.

Louise is a high profile speaker, author and inclusion advocate. She will take up the Strategic Director of Development role on 22 June 2020.

Louise said:

“Manchester is a progressive global city of cultural leaders, businesses, citizens and educators whose influence reaches well beyond the city boundary. I’m really delighted to bring my passion for inclusive growth and designing a decarbonised future to Manchester and playing my part in developing the city’s future.

“In the moment of a global health crisis, civic leadership matters more than ever. The health and wellbeing of Manchester’s communities will be at the heart of our development plans. There’s so much talent in Manchester’s Universities, research institutions, businesses and creative industries. I’m really looking forward to engaging these organisations, Manchester’s diverse communities and the construction sector in shaping Manchester’s growth.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “It goes without saying that this is one of the most demanding roles in local government, in one of the fastest growing and exciting cities in Europe. But Louise’s previous experience working with both Homes England and the West Midlands Combined Authority puts her in the upper echelons of strategic development in the UK. I look forward to working with her and seeing what she brings to Manchester.”

Mason Advisory recognised as one of the UK’s best workplaces

Sam Whitear
-
0

Mason Advisory, independent IT consultancy, has been recognised by Great Place to Work UK ®as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces 2020.

Based at MediaCityUK in Salford, the company placed 22nd in the ‘small business category’ (up to 50 employees), which highlights it as having a high-trust, high-engagement workplace culture.

The Best Workplaces™ awards represent the largest survey of workplace cultures and people practices, and the methodology behind the rankings is one of the most rigorous and highly regarded in the UK. The opinion of employees is key, as staff feedback makes up the results of the Trust Index, and a separate Culture Audit survey analyses and evaluates the company’s HR, leadership practices, policies and culture.

The report is determined via a thorough evaluation process based on employee experience and feedback on credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie within their workplace.

Mason Advisory is continually investing in and implementing improvements in workplace culture, employee wellbeing, career development, recognition and innovation.

Steve Watmough, Mason Advisory CEO, says: “It’s a great accolade to receive and is certainly a morale-booster for our whole team under these circumstances. We’re proud to have received this recognition as understanding how our employees feel about our business is key to building a successful working environment. It highlights our commitment to putting employees at the heart of our business.

“This is our highest ranking to date, as in 2018 we achieved 23rdplace, so we’re delighted to move up a position. The results give us insight into our team culture, engagement, and satisfaction and we thank all our employees for their commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work.”

With offices at MediaCityUK, Salford, and London, Mason Advisory provides IT consultancy and advisory services, solving complex business challenges through the intelligent use of IT resources including IT strategy and transformation, sourcing, architecture, cybersecurity and IT delivery. It operates in sectors such as emergency services, education, retail, finance and banking, health, insurance, government, not for profit, and private security.

This is the third time Great Place to Work has recognised Mason Advisory; in 2019 it was awarded an Excellence in Wellbeing award. Earlier this year, Mason Advisory was also listed in the Financial Times’ Leading Management Consultancies 2020 report.

Hundreds of free Huawei tablets for care homes and hospitals

Sam Whitear
-
0

AJ Bell is making hundreds of Huawei tablets freely available to care homes and hospitals to help residents and patients stay in contact with their families and loved ones during the COVID-19 crisis.

It is the second initiative to be funded by the AJ Bell Wage War on COVID Fund which was launched at the beginning of April under the umbrella of the AJ Bell Trust, a UK registered charity. Staff at AJ Bell have donated all or part of their wages for April, May and June to the fund and further donations have been made by customers, financial advisers, the AJ Bell Trust and members of the public.

Over £150,000 has been raised so far in the first month. All funds raised will go directly to charities or other causes supporting people affected by COVID-19. More details of the initiative can be found here.

Care homes and hospitals can now apply to receive a free tablet via a simple form on the AJ Bell website and members of the public can also nominate a care home or hospital they think would benefit from a free tablet. AJ Bell will simply require a main point of contact at the care home or hospital who is happy to take delivery of the tablet.

The tablets will have popular communications apps such as Zoom, Houseparty and Skype preloaded by AJ Bell’s technology team with instructions enclosed, making it as easy as possible for care home and hospital staff to use with those in their care.

AJ Bell has been trialling the initiative with four care homes and hospitals in and around Manchester over the past two weeks. Staff at the care homes and hospitals are finding them invaluable as a way of connecting residents and patients with their loved ones that are not able to visit them due to the nationwide lockdown.

Andy Bell, chief executive for AJ Bell, says:

“Many people feel disconnected from their loved ones during the lockdown and technology is often the only way people in care homes or hospitals can communicate with their families and friends. We are providing devices to care homes and hospitals with apps like Zoom, Houseparty and Skype pre-loaded on them to give people the opportunity to see and speak to the people they are missing and hopefully bring some joy at an otherwise difficult time.

“Our Wage War on COVID fund was initially set up by staff who wanted to donate part of their wages to help people affected by the coronavirus crisis but it has also received amazing support from our customers, financial advisers and the public. It’s one of many examples of people coming together in desperate times to help those in need and anyone can now nominate a care home or hospital to benefit from this community spirit.”

Manchester based Code Nation partners with City of Bristol College to further their nationwide growth

Sam Whitear
-
0

Digital education providers and apprenticeship specialists Code Nation announced their partnership with The City of Bristol College this week, expanding their reach into the UK’s booming South West.

Code Nation, head-quartered in Manchester’s city centre, provides Software Development Apprenticeships and private training courses – in their physical campuses and virtual learning environment – to create a viable solution to the digital skills gap; business-ready digital talent.

Having harnessed funding from the Apprenticeship Levy and the Adult Education Budget, Code Nation can provide training in software development free of charge to their students – and have created great coding careers for their graduates, 89% of whom had no prior experience in the field.

Co-founders Andy Lord (CEO) and (Chairman) David Muir are bringing their innovative approach to creating employable tech talent to the region, creating further employment opportunities for residents and providing employers with access to software developers at no cost.

The region boasted a number of impressive statistics last year, receiving the third-most investment of all UK cities, with only Manchester and London raising more, according to the Digital Economy Council.

The growth of technology and digital in the region saw over 30,000 digital jobs created and over £8bn digital-tech turnover.

Bristol is also home to notable employers such as Hewlett Packard, EE, and Just East, a growing tech community with meetups like Techspark and Venturefest,, and leading digital gaming company SG Digital, who are already creating their new software developers through Code Nation’s apprenticeship programme.

Having trained over 900 students in campuses based in Manchester, Trafford, Chester, Ellesmere Port and Cambridge since their inception in 2018, Code Nation is already the UK’s fastest growing Software Development Apprenticeship provider.

Working directly with employers with requirements for software developers, Code Nation engineer their training courses around the skills that modern businesses look for – problem solving, communication skills, commercial awareness, and of course, full-stack technical knowledge.

Paul Rogers, City of Bristol College’s Head of Business Partnerships said: “The College welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with Code Nation in the rapidly growing Bristol tech community. It will enable the college to continue to raise the aspirations for all learners with higher level, well-paid apprenticeship opportunities”.

“The partnership will create an innovative way of establishing a long-term career pathway in one of the areas that is guaranteed to show huge growth for new talent. Bristol will be at the forefront of digital activity with many global brands establishing a base here, so whether you are starting your career or looking for a career change – becoming a software developer could be just the answer”.

Having harnessed funding from leading sector organisations through the apprenticeship levy and local funding streams, the partnership will provide training in software development.

The partnership between Code Nation and City of Bristol College comes after months of planning following the region’s status as one of Europe’s booming tech hubs, and Code Nation’s CEO is very pleased with their latest venture.

Andy Lord of Code Nation comments, “we’ve always had the South West on our radar and we’re delighted to have partnered with City of Bristol College to create a space to train the region’s next generation of digital talent. Bristol sees more and more individuals moving here to find work with their impressive digital employers – as well as being home to two billion-dollar tech firms”.

The CEO continues, “ Despite the current circumstances, we have the ability to run our courses for Bristol’s residence in the next few weeks thanks to our E-Learning platform. We’re proud to be able to bring our outreach programme here, running our 3-week course at no cost to those who are unemployed, or earning £16k or less. For many it’ll be the first step in finding a career in the digital sector – and what better place to look for their first role.

“We’ll also be hosting our free 1 and 2 day introductory courses for people who want to give coding a try. Next on the list will be our 12 week coding bootcamp and our apprenticeship programme delivered through the fantastic facilities in City of Bristol College – or our state of the art virtual learning environment.”

Bristol is leading the way in the development of robotics and autonomous vehicles – what many describe as the future of technology – and is home to two tech unicorns; tech-enabled energy provider ‘OVO’, utilising software engineers to develop their proprietary technology platform, and artificial intelligence specialists ‘Graphcore’, using machine learning to help innovators in the sector achieve important breakthroughs.

Code Nation’s partnership with City of Bristol College will enable the residents of the region to access the transformational training needed to access roles with leading employers, starting future-proof careers in the fastest growing industry in the world thanks to their business-led programme.

Siemens partners with Cyber Resilience Centre to help Greater Manchester businesses combat surge in COVID-19 related online crime

Sam Whitear
-
0

Siemens has teamed up with the Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) for Greater Manchester to help businesses stay secure after surge in COVID-19 related online crime.

The CRC for Greater Manchester are offering a free three-month membership for any business in the region with up to 100 employees.

Membership includes tailored advice, regular news updates and useful tools to help businesses improve their cyber resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The initiative has been launched after Action Fraud reported a 400% increase in COVID-19 related crimes and scams in March, coinciding with the beginning of lockdown.

Cybercriminals are looking to exploit vulnerabilities in businesses’ cyber security during this chaotic time as many companies have fewer members checking online systems and more employees working remotely.

The Cyber Resilience Centre for Greater Manchester is a not-for-profit venture between Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Digital, an independent trade organisation for the city region’s digital and tech businesses.

As a partner Siemens, which is headquartered in Manchester, is offering its extensive knowledge around cybersecurity and the industrial threat landscape. Siemens applies IEC 62443 the highest industry standards globally for industrial cyber security. It is also creator of the Charter of Trust at the 2018 Munich Security Conference which has multi-national corporations such as AES, Airbus, Allianz, Atos, Cisco, Daimler, IBM and Dell Technologies among many other companies as signatories.

Cyber-attacks on Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which help run Operational Technology (OT), can interrupt production, damage physical assets, and even result in injury or death to employees and public alike.

Siemens is offering specialist consultation for business leaders on how they handle the two-fold challenge of safety and security.

This starts with understanding the increased exposure to cyber risks with home-based work through less-reliable internet connections and honest mistakes made in unfamiliar workflows, and establishing which tasks pose unacceptable risks and which can be adapted for remote work. For example, many monitoring tasks can be done remotely and safely with the right procedures, while testing or servicing safety and backup systems remotely cannot.

Siemens has also offered advice on establishing appropriate defences for businesses to reduce the consequences of cyberattacks. This could involve reengineering or revamping the security architecture by introducing layers of defence such as firewalls or creating a protected secure zone.

Paul Hingley, Security Services Business Manager at Siemens, responsible for Industrial Cyber Security, said: “Siemens is happy to be supporting the business community through the Cyber Resilience Centre of Greater Manchester.
“The cyber threat landscape is evolving at a phenomenal pace and has been exacerbated by the impact on industry by COVID-19. It means the tools businesses need to defend against attacks and combat also need to evolve. While these circumstances are challenging and worrying, it does present an opportunity for businesses to reassess their cyber security strategy.”
Cybercrime is already estimated to cost the Greater Manchester economy a £860 million a year. Many businesses struggle financially to cope with the aftermath of breaches and attacks.
Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “’During this time of crisis, businesses of all sizes are falling victim to online crime. The Cyber Resilience Centre’s offer of support will help many become more resilient against cybercrime.’’

MUCH-LOVED MANCHESTER RESTAURANT DELIVERS HOT MEALS TO KEY WORKERS AT SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITAL

Sam Whitear
-
0

STAFF at a popular Manchester restaurant which was forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic have still been busy in the kitchen preparing hot meals for frontline workers at Salford Royal Hospital.
Cosmo Manchester, in Deansgate, temporarily closed its doors to customers last month but the much-loved restaurant is making 50 hot meals a day for doctors and nurses in the critical care departments.
The restaurant’s chefs decided to return to the restaurant to show their support for NHS staff as they battle through extraordinary long shifts in exceptional situations.
Cosmo spokesman Kan Koo said: “We couldn’t sit back and do nothing when so many keyworkers are working around the clock to save lives.
“This is our contribution to the huge community effort occurring all over Manchester. Cosmo has always offered a discount to NHS staff and this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for the work everyone at Salford Royal is doing.
“We hope it gives staff a little morale boost to know that we are thinking of them and that a hot hearty meal gives them the energy to face their shifts with renewed vigour.”
The family restaurant, which serves more than 150 dishes from around the world, is delivering a variety of tasty oriental and Indian dishes.
Dr Pete Turkington, Chief Officer and Medical Director at Salford Royal, said: “We continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by the local community and businesses who have been so generous with their donations for our staff during these incredibly challenging times.
“Our hard working staff have been incredibly grateful to Cosmo for donating such delicious meals for them to enjoy while they are on shift. A huge thank you to all at Cosmo.”

A fully-funded programme tailored to help digital, creative and tech companies stabilise, adapt and grow.

Sam Whitear
-
0

You need to adapt. We need to adapt. Let’s adapt together.

Running a digital, creative or tech business right now isn’t easy. With so much uncertainty around, its easy to be overwhelmed trying to figure out the next step. The market demands adaptation, and fast.

We’ve already adapted our services – why we help you adapt yours? Specifically designed and delivered by industry experts who’ve got the battle scars from previous tough times, Greater Connected gives you the time, skills and space you need to re-focus, and take practical steps to stabilise, adapt, and grow.

And best of all, right now, we’re delivering it all online.

 

To check if your business is eligible for this fully funded programme click here.

 

What do you get from the programme?
Virtual learning days

In two online learning days spread across five weeks, we’ll give you the tools you need to stabilise and adapt your business, so that you can move beyond survival to growth. Under our advisors tuition, you’ll gain clarity on your route forward.

Small group coaching

Through strategic online sessions with your own growth advisor, we’ll work with you on your bespoke journey. You’ll develop and implement a tailored plan that will allow your business to come out of these tough times fighting.

Ongoing community

As a Greater Connected alumnus, you’ll remain connected to a wide network of fellow leaders. That not only means continued invitations to events and skill-shares, but ongoing opportunities to partner and grow together. After all, community and collaboration is more important than ever right now.

[maxbutton id=”2″ ]

 

 

Creative Scale-up programme – Closing date 5th June 2020

Sam Whitear
-
0
Creative Scale-up programme – Closing date 5th June 2020

Apply now for cohort 3 programme

Creative Scale-Up is an exciting new initiative designed to empower creative businesses in the Greater Manchester region to realise their full growth potential and gain investment to take their business to the next level.

 

With a buzzing community of creative businesses, the Greater Manchester region boasts one of the country’s leading creative forces and contributes an estimated gross value added (GVA) revenue impact of £1.4bn to the UK economy from culture and creative industries. 

The Creative Scale-Up Programme is fully funded by the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) and has been created to further develop what is already a thriving industry, helping creative organisations based in the Greater Manchester region attract investment to grow their business sustainably. Creative Scale-Up is open to a variety of Greater Manchester region businesses operating in the creative industry, including but not limited to; gaming, film, music, publishing, art and design. 

Applications close for the next cohort on 5th June 2020:

To be eligible for the programme, businesses need to:

  • Be a Creative Industries business – such as: Advertising & Marketing; Architecture; Arts & Culture; Craft; Createch; Design; Fashion; Gaming; Music; Publishing; TV & Film
  • Be based in Greater Manchester
  • Have scaled by 10% in the last year (turnover or employees)
  • Have a minimum of 8 employees, up to 4 of whom can be regular freelance staff
  • Have not received more than €200,000 in government funded business support in the last 2 years

To view the contents of the programme please click the Apply now button

[maxbutton id=”1″]

AO PARTNERS WITH WHAT3WORDS FOR STREAMLINED DELIVERY

Sam Whitear
-
0

Online electricals retailer AO.com has partnered with the innovative location company what3words so that all customers across the UK can benefit from AO’s fantastic customer service and delivery proposition. AO customers will soon be able to provide a what3words address for their desired delivery place – be it the front door, side entrance or a safe place.

The partnership will shortly be rolled out nationwide, with all drivers having access to the app and all customers able to share their what3words address. Known for going above and beyond for customers, AO’s expert delivery crews will bring hassle-free delivery to even the most remote locations, with customers receiving orders faster and without the need to provide additional directions.

Close to 46 million people in the UK have an address that does not lead directly to the door of their home or business property, according to research conducted by what3words. Using a traditional street address for delivery will only take the driver to the precise front door for 30% of houses, with the majority directing people to an inexact point outside a building or on a road. The problem is even more pronounced in rural areas, with delivery drivers often left searching for the correct property.

what3words, which is also used by emergency services across the UK, has divided the world into a grid of 3m squares, and given each one a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. AO began piloting the technology earlier this year, asking customers to provide the keywords over six weeks in Leeds and Avonmouth, testing how the system made it easier for drivers to reach tricky locations. The location technology will make life easier for both customers and drivers by improving the efficiency of deliveries and further enhancing customer experience.

Dave Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “It can be difficult for our drivers to find certain addresses, due to duplicated road names, the UK’s many unnumbered houses and single postcodes covering extensive rural areas. Our new partnership with what3words means we can always deliver to exactly the right location and guarantee our customers the excellent AO experience, regardless of where they live.”

Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words, said: “I grew up in a rural part of Hertfordshire, and constantly felt the frustrations of poor addressing. I’d have to flag down delivery drivers who drove past our house, and as we shared a postcode with our neighbours, spent my childhood running their parcels over to them. It’s great to see AO, who are often delivering large appliances and need incredibly accurate drop-off locations, roll out what3words.”

With a what3words address, AO deliveries can arrive in precisely the right place and on time. Using what3words will also reduce delivery times, meaning customers get their products quicker and drivers can save on mileage.

1...893894895...1,106Page 894 of 1,106