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American Golf appoints Big Brand Ideas for online campaign during lockdown

Sam Whitear
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American Golf has launched a gaming platform to maintain brand prominence and engagement to keep people connected to their love of golf.

‘Home in One’, developed by Big Brand Ideas, builds on the successful American Golf Pressure Putt Challenge where participants have just 60 seconds to steady their hand and sink as may putts as possible. The distance to the hole grows after each putt.

Now, in a version created specifically for the Coronavirus lockdown, the ‘Home in One’ game enables golfers to play a 10ft version, compete in national/regional leagues, and build a league of their own for their club, friends or family.

A long list of golf pros and celebrities have already taken part in the Pressure Putt Challenge including Niall Horan, Jamie Carragher, AP McCoy and Dan Walker.

American Golf is now inviting others to join in, test their skill, or have a go at golf for the first time.

The campaign includes a how-to video showing how to make a ‘Home in One’ green, a digital leaderboard and a high impact launch film that will be seeded across multiple channels using social media, influencers, email and PR.

Conrad Edkins, Marketing Director for American Golf, said “With connected behaviours up, and people spending 40% more time than usual on their smart phones, we spotted an opportunity to bring golfers back together using our popular celebrity putting challenge, whilst giving an enjoyable practice ground for improving their game and inspiring new players too.

“Thanks to our friends at Titleist the challenge will offer spot rewards to all players each week, including top Ladies and Junior entrant, with a national ‘Home in One’ champion crowned at the end of the five weeks.”

Commenting, Jon Butler, MD for Big Brand Ideas said: “This activation sits at the heart of our business. We develop content solutions that drive deep brand engagement, created to achieve results across multiple channels. Our experience in the sporting arena and our interactive content capabilities have enabled us to act at speed to create the ‘Home in One’ platform and supporting video assets in less than two weeks.

“There’s a huge opportunity for brands to remain relevant during lockdown. With many large sporting events cancelled, interactive content is a great way to still own a part of that moment between brand and consumer. Evidence from past downturns shows that companies who have maintained activity have generated higher growth than those who went quiet.

“Whilst in lockdown, it’s clear that brands still have a role to play.”

The ‘Home in One’ challenge is live now and can be played via homeinone.americangolf.co.uk.

Brands can also access Big Brand Ideas’ latest research report ‘Navigating a new world, turning upheaval into opportunity’, here.

ZEAL is The Drum’s Most Recommended Agency

Sam Whitear
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The Drum has just announced the winners of its annual survey of Most Recommended marketing agencies and ZEAL has being judged as the very best in the UK.

The awards, driven 100% by independent ratings from clients and testimonials gathered by The Drum’s anonymous system, compares all type of UK marketing agencies on their core skill set and on the universal areas of agency delivery.

First of all ZEAL has once again been recognised as the The UK’s Most Recommended Agency for Promotional Marketing.

That news would ordinarily be good enough but this year the team have also been specifically named as:

Most Recommended Agency for Strategic Thinking
Most Recommended Agency for Client Service
Most Recommended Agency for Effectiveness

All of the above achieved in the 40-99 people agency size bracket.

As a result of these wins, ZEAL was also given the biggest news that it has been named as the winners of the Grand Prix for Most Recommended UK Marketing Agency (40-99 people.)

Co-founder of ZEAL Stewart Hilton was delighted to take the call earlier today:
‘With CV19 there’s no glitzy awards dinner this year but to get an early morning call from the Drum instead was just as special. The whole team work tirelessly to deliver on our mission to be the Most Recommended Agency in the World and this is another giant leap towards that goal. The work they have created this year for some of the world’s biggest brands has been highly EFFECTIVE and creatively stunning. It’s lovely that so many of our clients recognise this and take time out to say thank you and well done.’

Managing Director, Rachel Roberts, is proud of the progress the agency has made this year:
‘This is the first time that we’ve competed in the mid-sized agency category so we weren’t sure how tough the competition would be. The team have really focussed on strategic thinking and on measurable campaign effectiveness this year so it’s wonderful to see this reflected in our client ratings. The level of client service delivery the team provides is always second to none and comes from having an amazing group of superstars who have a real ZEAL for what they do. I couldn’t be happier for them to receive these awards.’

Co-founder, Robert White, is keen to recognise the role ZEAL’s clients play in this particular awards scheme:
‘At ZEAL we work with clients that have ZEAL. They care passionately about their brands, they treat us as real partners and we fight every battle side by side. We are also blessed that so many of them are prepared to take time out of their busy days to write a review or send us a testimonial. It’s feedback like this that drives passionate agencies forward and to be recognised in this way by the brilliant people we work with is truly humbling. Thank you to all of you’

In the absence of an official awards evening ZEAL will be holding their own virtual celebrations via ZOOM and then getting straight back to work delivering with excellence for clients from our own homes.

Prestozon Announces Premier White Label Partnership with Add People

Sam Whitear
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Amazon Advertising partner and leading software platform Prestozon announce a new white label partnership with Add People, part of the Thrive Media Group, and one of the UK’s largest digital marketing agencies. This collaboration will extend support for Amazon Advertising services to leading ecommerce brands looking to efficiently invest and scale their presence on Amazon.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we embark on this partnership with Prestozon to provide Amazon PPC management and expertise to our ecommerce clients” said Peter Marshall, CMO of Thrive Media Group. “After a thorough review of Amazon Advertising find-a-partner directory, Prestozon was the clear choice as a strategic partner for Add People given their depth of expertise and focus on transparency which are core to all of our partnerships”.

Add People brings a depth of expertise and proficiency in providing digital marketing services for small to medium-sized businesses.

“We’re thrilled for Add People to join the Prestozon Agency Partner Network and to launch a white label of our Amazon PPC software to better meet the needs of their evolving and growing ecommerce client base” said Sanaz Limouee, CRO of Prestozon. “Add People’s particular strengths in digital marketing and servicing SME’s, as well as their reach in the UK and Europe, give us a great opportunity to introduce the platform to a wide variety of ecommerce brands looking for Amazon PPC managed services and support.”

Add People and Prestozon look forward to collaborating and combining the skills and software across the teams to help accelerate how brands launch, manage and help drive profitable growth across Amazon.

Walkden-based Manufacturer Launches Organic T-Shirts with 100% Profits Going to the NHS

Sam Whitear
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Walkden-based t-shirt retailer, KPN Merchandise, has joined forces with artist Rebecca Osborne to produce a specially designed collection of t-shirts called #CapelessHeroes to help raise vital funds for the NHS.

The collection includes a range of designs depicting our modern day heroes – one being a special version honouring Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old war veteran that raised over £28 million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden.

The t-shirts are available from www.capelessheroes.co.uk and are priced at £13.50 for children’s t-shirts and £19 for adults, with 100 per cent of the profit going to the NHS. They are available in a wide range of sizes, starting from three years up to 14 for children, and XS to 5XL for adults.

Phil Fitton, managing director of KPN Merchandise said: “We’ve been so inspired by the frontline workers of the NHS that we really wanted to help raise funds to help the heroes at the NHS.

“We saw the incredible designs by Rebecca via her social accounts and instantly knew we wanted to work with her on our campaign and were lucky enough that she gave us permission to use her artworks.”

Rebecca Osborne, artist and designer of the #CapelessHeroes campaign added: “Every day the media is showing us all how key-workers are selflessly working around the clock to help people affected by Coronavirus – putting their own health at risk and in many cases – having to leave their family behind so not to increase their risk of catching this deadly virus.”

“I used my skills to show that so many of us think they are true real-life heroes. When Phil got in touch and told me the idea of turning my images into t-shirts to then raise money for the NHS, I thought it was a great idea and I hope we manage to raise loads of money to help the heroes who work within the NHS.”

The T-shirts are 100 per cent organic cotton (GOTS certified), PETA Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and a certified by FAIR WEAR Foundation. Mailbags are made from sugarcane and are fully biodegradable. The inks used in for printing are ECO PASSPORT by OKEO-TEX® certified and CPSIA compliant. The innovative packaging uses less plastic thanks to the new replaceable pouches so there is less waste and less impact on the environment.

Phil added: “It’s incredible to think that we came up with the idea – sourced the creative – launched an e-commerce website and printed our first samples of t-shirts – all within seven days. Massive thanks to everyone that has helped make this happen – especially the team at Code + Create who worked tirelessly to develop and launch the website within the such a short amount of time.”

If other small charities, not for profits, schools, clubs/associations etc are struggling to stay afloat financially and would be interested in a similar partnership to raise funds then please get in touch with KPN Merchandise via email [email protected]

Made Smarter manufacturers use emerging technologies to navigate COVID-19

Sam Whitear
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SME manufacturers supported by Made Smarter are using emerging technologies to navigate the impact on business from the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses signed up to the North West pilot to support the Industry 4.0 revolution have adapted in a variety of ways, including switching production to make medical scrubs, ventilator parts and PPE to help the front-line fight against the disease.

Others from across the region have harnessed new capabilities to ramp up production to meet increasing demand and continue operating while staff self-isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While Made Smarter has shut its offices to do its bit to combat COVID-19, its team of expert business and technology advisers have continued to offer support and advice virtually.

Alain Dilworth, Made Smarter Programme Manager, said: “The COVID-19 outbreak has widespread repercussions for the economy, which will have most likely led to uncertainty in terms of the way businesses operate.

“It has been impressive how manufacturers have reacted and adapted to the different circumstances they find their businesses facing.

“Made Smarter has been able to continue offering help and advice over Skype and telephone.

“Our advice is fully funded, meaning you can understand the digital tools available to help boost processes and grow your enterprise without the financial barrier. On top of this, you can apply for up to 50% match-funding for technology implementation and access a digital technology intern to support you with the research, development and implementation of emerging technologies.”

Technology being put to good use

Fabricon Design uses advanced manufacturing methods to produce innovative plastics, aluminium and steel component designs for a range of sectors. It has responded to the UK’s need for vital equipment by making headbands for facial masks used by NHS staff and designed and manufactured a respiratory port for a hospital’s CPAP machine.

The business, based in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, is using a new 3D printer, adopted using Made Smarter support, which made the switch between materials quicker.

Mark Bushdyhan, Director of Fabricon Design, said: “We wanted to use our internal expertise and technology to help with the call for vital equipment. We already utilise 3D printers within our operations. They are incredibly effective at prototyping designs quickly. It’s fantastic that we have been able to utilise them to print headbands which will support the protection of NHS staff. We are also looking at other options such as using our injection moulding machines which can produce over 7,000 of these components a week.”

Textiles manufacturer Tibard, based in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, was forced to close their operations producing work wear and uniforms but reopened to start making PPE equipment and scrubs for hospitals.

With help from Made Smarter the business replaced its two-decade-old CAM cutting machine with a modern IoT-connected machine. It now has access to advanced features which minimise downtime and guarantee predictive maintenance which helps meet demand.

Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Tibard, said: “Given the current impact on our customers, we have changed our production to focus on responding to the vital needs of the NHS and carers for protective clothing during these difficult times. It is rewarding to see our business responding to help to support our medical professionals and key workers whilst they are working tirelessly to support people across the UK.”

While many industries have been forced to pause their activity to play their part in helping the country defeat coronavirus, the government has acknowledged that it is important manufacturers maintain their operations to keep supply chains moving.

ATEC Engineering Solutions, a Salford-based business which designs, manufactures and repairs complex electronic and electro-mechanical equipment, is still running its production as a vital part of the defence supply chain.

Andrea Hough, Managing Director of ATEC and member of the Made Smarter National Commission and North West Pilot steering group, said: “I am so proud of my team at ATEC. They have responded to the current climate with dedication, energy and compassion. In addition to maintaining the smooth running of our existing operations, the team have adopted remote-working tools such as Zoom to enable social distancing. We have also utilised our 3D printers to produce protective visors for local care homes and care home trusts.”

Made Smarter has also produced an essential guide about how a manufacturing SME can try and maintain continuity and future-proof the business. The PDF can be downloaded fromhere.

A new Made Smarter LinkedIn forum for the manufacturing community to share their challenges and help solve problems with the support of peers, is also due to launch on May 4.

Leading family law firm makes significant hires for Manchester office

Sam Whitear
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In a key move designed to bolster the award-winning McAlister Family Law Children team, Melissa Jones has joined as associate and Charlotte Francis as assistant solicitor; both will be based in the firm’s Manchester offices.

Melissa brings to the role a wealth of experience, having been Head of the Family Department at IMD Solicitors where she specialised in provided legal advice and assistance for clients from migrant communities. Highly experienced in conducting divorce, financial and children matter cases with international elements, particularly cross-border issues,

Melissa has a vast amount of experience in dealing with all aspect of family law, and particularly children matters. She started her career at a specialist, niche firm dealing with legal aid matters and predominantly care proceedings, representing parents in the Family Court.

She is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving family law issues in a constructive and positive manner; for those cases involving children matters, she encourages a child-focused approach, putting the needs of the children first.

Charlotte, who studied at Huddersfield University, achieved a Masters in Law and Practice, and qualified in August 2019. She has always specialised in Family Law, and has worked in various areas of that specialism, including private law children, and divorce and finances, always guiding clients to a result that would be beneficial for the whole family. Prior to joining McAlister Family Law, she held the position of solicitor at Makin Dixon Solicitors, an established niche firm specialising in Family Law matters.

She now focuses primarily on care matters, handling a varied caseload including domestic abuse, children issues and public law children matters.

McAlister Family Law, which has offices in Manchester city centre, throughout the North West, and London, has won multiple awards for its work; it is part of Manchester-based Beyond Group.

It is one of the very few firms in the country that specialises not only in divorce and family disputes, but also in children law. In 2018 it took a five-strong Children Law team from Slater and Gordon and a 10-person Child Care legal team from Stephensons, trebling the size of the business and creating a unique offering designed to be disruptive to traditional family practices in the North West.

Melissa said: “This is a very exciting move is for me, as the firm continues its rapid growth and increasing dominance of the family law market in the region. The firm’s reputation as experts in Children law is outstanding, and I am delighted to be able to join the firm as they build something very special in the industry.”

Charlotte said: “McAlister Family Law is a firm not only committed to divorce and related finance work but is also unique in its dedication to the welfare of children. Its work in taking care of those vulnerable members of society, who need legal representation in some of the most harrowing of cases, is one which really resonates with me and I am very pleased to be part of such an excellent team.”

Amanda McAlister, managing partner, added: “As a firm that is passionate about the welfare of children, we believe in recruiting only those people who share our vision and values, so we are delighted to welcome two such excellent solicitors to McAlister Family Law. Our Children law division is one of the most highly respected in the country, and I am confident that Melissa and Charlotte will make a significant contribution to the team.”

North West Agencies Join Forces to Raise Money with Marathon Relay

Sam Whitear
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Over 30 North West creative, marketing and digital agencies have teamed up to raise money during the Covid19 crisis, by running a marathon between each business in one day; Thursday May 7th.

Spearheaded by Oli Hopkinson, joint founder of digital marketing agency, Bind, and supported by the Agency Leaders Network, the initiative hopes to raise £10,000 which will be split between Forever Manchester and the Manchester University NHS Trust. £5,000 is the target for the agency group’s Just Giving page, which will be matched by the Hoppy Trust to make up the full amount.

Forever Manchester is helping the city’s most vulnerable during the Covid19 outbreak with food banks, mental health initiatives and check-ins for older people or anyone who needs a helping hand. The money raised for the Manchester University NHS Trust will be used to buy tablets for patients to speak to loved ones, as during the crisis, hospital visits have been banned, so the value of a video call during this time cannot be measured and will give comfort to many affected families.

Each agency will assemble a team who will run the marathon between them in a relay style race on the same day. Progress will be tracked and proven using a running app and all participants will have to submit their times and distance with a screen shot.

Oliver commented: “The effects of lockdown are being felt far and wide. We wanted to launch an initiative to support those in greatest need of help and to encourage folks to reach out to one another.

“As a proud Mancunian, Forever Manchester is a charity close to my heart and the Hoppy Trust is doing some amazing work to support those directly affected by this terrible illness, including raising money for the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

“We’d love for more agencies and businesses to get involved and make this initiative even bigger. Join us! Be a force for good for those who may be struggling with lockdown and compete in our race. If you don’t want to run, donate money via our Just Giving page, or donate an old tablet to the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. If any business leaders would like to submit a team and get running, they can contact me via [email protected]

“The winning team will receive a pack of party rings and have nationwide bragging rights. The losing teams will receive positive vibes for getting involved, and for helping to raise some cash for those in need during this very difficult time.”

Steve Thompson, Founder of the Agency Leaders Network and MD of Forward Role, the North’s largest Marketing & Digital recruiter, commented: “The Agency Leaders Network was created in 2019 with the idea of creating a community to share best practice, collaborate on projects or problems and be a force for good in the north west region.

The group has grown quickly with over 50 agencies now involved across the creative, digital and marketing sectors. We are so proud to get behind the region with this initiative, so please dig deep to support us.”

Anyone can donate to the cause via the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/agency-leaders-network

Fresh Perspective Resourcing unlocks NPIF & CBILS loan following a joined-up Lancashire approach

Sam Whitear
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Specialist social impact lender, GC Business Finance (GCBF) has provided a £35,000 Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) loan using CBILS backing to recruitment agency Fresh Perspective Resourcing following a referral from Lancashire’s Access to Finance Team.

Lancashire-based Fresh Perspective was founded by sisters Emily and Laura with the aim to have a ‘fresh perspective’ on recruitment by guaranteeing to fill every vacancy they take on and charge clients for time rather than percentage placement fees. The business employs six people and operates across Lancashire and the North West, as well as nationally and internationally. Current clients span a range of sectors and include Anderton Centre, Guide Security and Heaton Group, all of which are actively recruiting in the current environment.

With the current pandemic affecting most industries, FP Resourcing knew they had to diversify in the face of COVID-19 planning to shift focus to those sectors that are currently thriving, and create virtual training for candidates and businesses through webinars, as well as working on social media and their own market visibility.

Determined to keep their staff fully employed and passionate about continuing to grow the business and trade effectively, the sisters approached Lancashire County Council for support in accessing funding having been unable to obtain CBILS funding from their bank. After recently participating in the new scale-up programme for female entrepreneurs Two Zero, Fresh Perspective were aware of the support offered across Lancashire and sought specialist financial advice through the Access to Finance team. Working with their advisor, they pulled together a comprehensive application package for CBILS funding and, despite being declined by the bank, were successful with their application to GC Business Finance.

Government backed alternative finance provider GC Business Finance, being specifically geared to support businesses unable to obtain mainstream lending, were able to offer the flexibility and understanding needed so that FP Recruitment could secure funding and withstand COVID-19 interruptions.

With the help of the £35,000 CBILS backed loan provided by NPIF – BFS & MSIF Microfinance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, the company has been able to maintain its workforce rather than utilising the furlough scheme.

Laura Leyland, Founder and Managing Director of FP Resourcing said: “The loan has allowed us to continue the work we do and knowing we have the loan feels like a safety net in these troubling times. The process was really simple, and the team at Lancashire County Council and GCBF were extremely helpful in delivering the loan efficiently and providing sound advice.

“By creating webinars and social media content, as well as supporting clients in changing their interview processes digitally, we have been able to push our own visibility which will help the business positively going forward as we look to grow from this time.”

Raj Dehel, Senior Loan Manager at GC Business Finance said: “Emily, Laura and the team have a great business model in their approach to recruitment, which is why they are standing so strong in the current climate. We are proud to offer CBILS, working with the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund to support businesses in which receiving a loan is critical to safeguarding existing operations and securing their future growth.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank said: “We are pleased to see the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund support a family-run business alongside CBILS, which is aiming to really make a difference to its clients in these testing times. It’s great to see GCBF working closely with Lancashire County Council in order to help businesses in need and we continue to work with more businesses across the Northern region to support them in the current crisis.”

The company received support from Lancashire County Council’s Access to Finance service in receiving the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund loan. The service works with Lancashire businesses to assist them to raise finance.

Mark Gibbons, Senior Access to Finance Adviser said: “It’s great to see a Lancashire business be resilient in their approach during what is a tough time for all businesses. Working with Fresh Perspective Recruitment on their CBILS application, unlocking finance outside of the bank and supporting continued growth of a viable Lancashire business is at the heart of what we do.”

Lancashire County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning said: “Lancashire County Council are proactively and tirelessly working with our delivery partners and extended network to ensure Lancashire businesses can access the necessary support and funding during these unprecedented times to enable them to continue trading.

This is a great example of cross working between our Access to Finance team and GC Business Finance to ensure a Lancashire business, that under normal circumstances would be profitable and growing, is receiving support to adapt in these trying times. Also our Access to Finance team are on hand to further support and guide businesses in partnership with our Boost #AskForHelp campaign.”

GCBF is committed to supporting North West-based SMEs, providing 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 in 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.

New international collaboration support for MedTech

Sam Whitear
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SMEs and start-ups developing medical devices in Greater Manchester have been boosted by a new and fully-funded support programme, which aims to bring healthcare innovations to market more efficiently through facilitated international collaboration.

The transnational MATMED programme, launched at the end of 2019, is already supporting Manchester MedTech firms to innovate with advanced materials for medical applications.

GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company, is one of 10 partner organisations delivering the programme across Europe, which offers Greater Manchester firms:

Free access to potential business partners, research bodies and investors through its easy-to-use transnational network
Voucher funding of up to €40,000 for specific collaborative projects, such as conducting product validation studies
Expert advice on the 2020 regulatory framework for medical devices.
QV Bioelectronics, a Manchester-based start-up developing electrotherapy devices for the treatment of brain tumours, has already accessed the full scope of support provided through MATMED.

Dr Chris Bullock, MD and Co-Founder of QV Bioelectronics, said:

“Bringing new MedTech innovations to market can be extremely challenging; we’re trying to make efficient progress with products that we know will eventually save lives, while overcoming major regulatory barriers – all without very much money available.

“As a company in the early stages of delivering a new medical technology, the MATMED programme has really helped with our initial research and development. The support on offer through the transnational network and advisors in Manchester has been invaluable.

“MATMED is currently funding a collaborative project between ourselves and a much more established company in Belgium, who are real experts in this arena. Being supported to access this unique international expertise has really accelerated our progress and growth.”

Yvonne Grady, Innovation Lead at GC Business Growth Hub said:

“We’ve launched the MATMED programme to help break down the barriers that prevent new medical innovations from reaching patients efficiently; like shortfalls in either early stage funding, expertise or specialist resources.

“Our growing transnational network is the only forum connecting MedTech firms with academia, investors, and healthcare experts specialising in this arena – helping them to accelerate innovations, validate new products and demonstrate technologies quicker”.

Greater Manchester-based firms using advanced materials for medical applications can access fully-funded support through the MATMED programme to nurture collaboration, commercialisation and funding opportunities, by visiting www.matmed.eu.

MATMED is an Interreg North-West programme funded by the European Commission.

Businesses looking to access specialist health and life sciences support can also visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about GC Business Growth Hub’s extensive range of services.

The Alternative Board launches in South Manchester to support businesses during lockdown and beyond

Sam Whitear
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An experienced senior manager who led a multi-billion-pound operation is now offering his services to South Manchester businesses after launching The Alternative Board (South Manchester).

Mark Kane is launching The Alternative Board (South Manchester) in May to provide local businesses with management board-style support, advice and mentoring not normally available to independent SMEs and entrepreneurs.

Recognising that peer support can make a significant difference in ensuring that businesses continue to thrive through lockdown and beyond, The Alternative Board (South Manchester) will bring business owners and leaders of independently owned companies from non-competing sectors together in a group setting, similar to a board of directors, where they help each other to identify opportunities and solve challenges they each face in their own companies.

Prior to launching The Alternative Board (South Manchester), Mark worked in financial services for almost 20 years, principally as a senior manager in an investment management company, managing an ISA plan that was worth several billion pounds, and responsible for an investment helpdesk which administered investments for clients worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

He ran numerous operational teams of all sizes through periods of great change, achieved an Executive MBA through Keele University, served on the board of trustees of the company pension scheme as a company nominated trustee, and was the operational lead for an award winning online discretionary investment service.

Originally from Dublin, he moved to the UK in 2005 after meeting his wife, an NHS doctor. The couple have two girls and live in Cheshire.

Launching The Advisory Board (South Manchester) is a way of sharing his experiences and skills, he said.

“From talking to many other business owners, I know there are many leaders out there who are feeling isolated, anxious, and alone. I want to contribute and be a real help to owners and leaders who need a hand not only with their challenges, but also with the opportunities that will present themselves over time.

“This is a particularly difficult time for everyone but I have full faith in the support offered via TAB, in our process and what we can deliver.

“I am also hugely positive about the prospects for businesses in South Manchester. Businesses in the area will grow, develop and come out of this period much stronger.”

TAB works with independently owned businesses, with a turnover in excess of £500,000, that do not typically have a board of directors to provide advice, expertise, and accountability to company leadership. What TAB offers is an ‘alternative’ board of between 5 to 7 business owners from non-competing sectors who meet monthly (although in some cases that has been more often recently).

Mark explained: “At the meeting they each bring a topic relating to their business; perhaps ideas have dried up, or they need advice on what to focus on. We then spend time on each topic drawing on the huge amount of experience and knowledge around the table, or on the Zoom/Teams call.”

The Alternative Board (South Manchester) will work with South Manchester businesses who are eager to learn, who acknowledge that they do not have all the answers, who are open minded and also open to change. Board membership is not guaranteed, as Mark is keen to ensure that any new board member is willing to help others and that he/she is prepared to share their experiences and challenges.

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