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Manchester Central named as ‘Best Conference Venue’ for second consecutive year

Sam Whitear
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Manchester Central has been named ‘Best Conference Venue’ (over 1,250 theatre style) for the second consecutive year at the 2019 Conference Awards. 

It’s been a successful couple of months for the venue, which has also recently been recognised as ‘Best Exhibition Venue’ at the Exhibition News Awards and ‘Best Venue Team’ at the AEO Awards.

The largest gathering of conference professionals in the UK, the Conference Awards recognise and celebrate achievement within the conference and events industry. The venue impressed the judging panel with a record year in the corporate sector, it’s commitment to working with organisers to deliver exceptional (and often award-winning) events and continual investment in new facilities.  

CEO Shaun Hinds said: “As we know, retaining titles can often be harder than the initial win. To be named as Best Conference Venue for the second-year running is simply fabulous and testament to the professionalism and attitude of the whole team here at Manchester Central. To be recognised in this way by our industry peers is wonderful.  

Above all, it shows that we’re not resting on our laurels and are actively seeking new ways in which we can improve both the client and delegate experience. This win makes it one of our most successful years for awards and I’m delighted that everyone’s hard work at the venue is being recognised.”

Bigtank Completes Films for Northern Industrial

Sam Whitear
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Bury-based video production company Bigtank has completed a series of short films for Blackburn-based industrial automation spare parts and repair supplier Northern Industrial.

Northern Industrial is a multi-award-winning provider of new, reconditioned and obsolete parts and repair services, exporting to 146 countries.  Sourcing from over 1,350 manufacturers, the company covers over 200,000 part numbers and holds approximately £7m in stock.

Northern Industrial commissioned Bigtank to produce a series of films for use across multiple media to tell the company’s story and to promote specific specialist products and services.

Shot over three days, the filming was a combination of interviews with members of the team and action footage of all areas of the business including indoor and outdoor drone filming.

Bigtank managing director Rob Hallam said: “The passion of all the employees we interviewed matched to the sheer scale of the business and the variety of the filming opportunities made this a successful and enjoyable project from the outset.

“We delivered a total of seven films for Northern Industrial, that they can now rollout across their website, email campaigns and on social media to really engage with their audience.”

Bigtank was established in 2005 and has worked with hundreds of companies across the UK and beyond, including start-ups and established businesses as well as global brands such as Mercedes-Benz Trucks, NHS, Yealink, MK Illumination and Manchester United FC.

NPIF FUNDING FEEDS GROWTH FOR LEADING EDIBLE CROPS SUPPLIER

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-headquartered, Cocogreen, has received £500,000 funding from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Cocogreen® is a leading international brand of speciality coir substrates for edible crops. Operating and manufacturing from within the UK, Sri Lanka, India, the Far East, Asia, USA, Spain, Portugal, Australia and Africa the rapidly growing firm produce growbags and bespoke commercial products for the berry substrates and other speciality crop markets across the globe. They are the first and only growing media producer externally recognised for its Sustainability, Social, Ecological and Environmental Assurance -traceable from beginning to end.

Launched nine years ago and now employing 12 people, the firm has a turnover of £5million, a figure that is expected to rise to around £50million during the next 5 years. The investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance will support the firm’s ambitious expansion plans and will be utilised to acquire new stock and recruit additional team members.

The company’s advanced substrates use their trade marked Moisture Control Technology which greatly improves the products water holding capacity and air filled porosity. They have gained a strong foothold overseas with commercial growers of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries as well as high value tree citrus, avocado, macadamia nuts and high value salad crops grown hydroponically.

With headquarters in Manchester, Cocogreen serves clients via its offices and operations in the UK,.

Cocogreen received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise presented by Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Paul Griffiths DL in recognition of six years of outstanding growth in International Export Trade.

Thomas Ogden, Group Commercial Director at Cocogreen commented: “In order to meet demand and sustain this level of growth, additional funding is essential. This capital injection will help provide the infrastructure through which we can take our business to the next level and press forward with our ambitious growth plans.”

He added: “We have had an incredibly positive experience working with FW Capital who have taken a holistic and long term view of the business and our ideas. It’s been a refreshing and positive partnership and their support is very much valued.”

FW Capital investment executive Loz O’Connor said: “Cocogreen is a really exciting business that is making a huge impact within its specialist sector throughout the world.

“I was really impressed with the management team. They know their market, have a clear vision for the future growth of the company and are driven and professional businessmen.

“It is great that we have been able to support such a successful export business with a substantial amount of finance which will make a real impact on future growth and FW Capital are looking forward to working with Cocogreen through this next phase of development.”

Sue Barnard at British Business Bank, said: “We are pleased that NPIF has continued to support high-growth businesses in the North, providing vital funding to enable job creation and expansion into new markets. This investment demonstrates how this funding can make a real and measurable difference to businesses across the Northern Powerhouse region, which helps create a more prosperous regional economy.”

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.

GB Vehicle Leasing Awarded LeasePlan Platinum Franchisee Again

Sam Whitear
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GB Vehicle Leasing has rapidly expanded since it was first established in 2005. We currently work with a wide range of the biggest funders in the UK, including LeasePlan UK. Our leasing consultants are highly experienced and trained to an exceptional standard as customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. We have worked hard to become a LeasePlan Platinum Partner and our team are dedicated to ensuring leasing a vehicle is as simple and straightforward for our customers as possible. With unrivalled customer service, we are here to help both businesses and personal customers with all your car and van leasing needs.

Chris Smith, our Commercial Director at GB Vehicle Leasing said:”We are delighted to have continued our Platinum Franchisee status with Leaseplan UK for the third successive year . This achievement acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our sales and administration staff who work tirelessly to ensure that here at GB Vehicle Leasing we always strive to maintain our proud reputation for excellent customer support. Leaseplan UK are one of the leading funders in the vehicle leasing sector and we are proud to work closely with them to give our customers competitive and flexible products coupled with outstanding service standards.”

Vodafone has switched on its live 5G network in Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Vodafone has launched its 5G network and will become the first company to offer unlimited data on both 5G and 4G with the launch of Vodafone Unlimited on the 10 July 2019. Vodafone will not charge a price premium for access to its 5G network and all unlimited SIMs are 5G ready.

The new unlimited data plans also extend to the new Vodafone Together service, which combines mobile and broadband in one bill. Vodafone also becomes the first UK provider to offer customers 5G roaming in four European countries in some of the most popular tourist and business locations over the summer, at no additional cost.

Vodafone UK Chief Executive Officer Nick Jeffery said: “5G will transform the way we live and work. Our customers are streaming over 50% more content today than they did last year, and with 5G the demand for data is only set to increase. That is why we want to remove the limits on data, so that customers can unlock the full potential of 5G, and we can really propel the UK into the digital age. By offering unlimited plans to our consumer and business customers, we will revolutionise the market. We will give customers all the data they need, when and where they want it.”

With 5G and Vodafone Unlimited, a user can have gaming on the go, high definition streaming on the sofa, uploading, downloading, vlogging, blogging, virtual reality, augmented reality, connected cars, cows and coffee machines – all with fast connectivity, low lag and no worries about your data limit.

Today’s switch-on was marked with the world’s first demonstration of the power of 5G to transmit touch using haptic technology. Two players from Wasps rugby team were able to run a training session despite being more than 100 miles apart. The impact of a rugby tackle made by Will Rowlands at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry was transferred via 5G to teammate Juan de Jongh on stage in London. Juan, in a specially developed haptic Teslasuit, was able to feel the force of the tackle in real-time thanks to Vodafone’s high speed and super low latency 5G. Vodafone recently announced a new sponsorship and technology deal with Wasps rugby and netball teams.

Formula 1 Five-Time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, officially opened Vodafone’s new 5G service. As a British sporting icon, tech fan, gaming enthusiast, global roamer and someone synonymous with speed, Lewis was the natural choice to switch on the Vodafone 5G network. He will act as a 5G ambassador for Vodafone, helping to bring to life the potential of 5G to be a real game-changer.

Manchester firm listed in London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2019 report

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-based cladding specialist Vivalda Group has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2019. Despite the current economic uncertainly and the impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy on the building industry, Vivalda has continued to push for greater transparency and leadership within the cladding sector by maintaining its policy of supplying only non-combustible facades to high rise buildings.

The £34m turnover company was founded in 1999 and has a strong track record of investment in both people and equipment. Working closely with building contractors and architects across the UK and Ireland, Vivalda has campaigned for a more robust, evidence-based test regime for cladding systems.

A celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), the Stock Exchange award further confirms Vivalda’s enviable reputation as the UK’s largest independent supplier of high-performance cladding to buildings across the UK, Scotland and Ireland. With offices in nine locations, the business has pioneered the use of off-site fabrication within the construction supply chain – providing modular housing manufacturers with complete cladding solutions.

Peter Johnson, chairman of Vivalda, said: “Our policy of supplying only certified, non-combustible claddings to high rise buildings has given our customers peace of mind by simplifying what was previously a complicated specification process. This has given us credibility, positioning us in the market to provide non-combustible cladding to the 400 high rise buildings that still require remediation work.”

“Industry experts estimate that the total repair bill will be as high as £2bn as landlords strip off inferior cladding and replace with fully tested materials, providing long-overdue peace of mind to their anxious residents,” concluded Johnson.

The business currently boasts an annual turnover of £34m and continues to outgrow construction industry norms, based on its uncompromising focus on product safety combined with added value services to both architects & contractors.

Group chairman, Peter Johnson, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have had our efforts noticed by the LSE for a third year running. This recognition is a real feather in our cap and is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion demonstrated by Vivalda’s people up and down the country. We pride ourselves on going that extra mile for customers, supplying cut-to-size, fully prepared cladding that is both safe and aesthetically pleasing.

“All of our fabrication facilities are equipped with the latest CNC cutting machines, dust extraction systems and our new delivery fleet conforms to the latest emissions standards – we believe that sustained profits only follow planned and long-term investment in people, skills and equipment.”

Convene IT opens Salford office

Sam Whitear
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North West IT support company, Convene IT, has established an additional base in Salford, its second office in the North West.

The office, on the outskirts of Trafford Park, will serve as a base for both engineers and technicians, asConvene IT looks to better service its Greater Manchester clients, including accountants, solicitors, charities, engineering firms and recruitment companies.

The new Salford Office will also act as another important strategic location for the IT specialist, as it grows its current portfolio of 170 organisations across the North West.

With its headquarters in Chorley, Convene IT specialises in the delivery of full support IT, including bespoke B2B consultancy, hardware configuration, disaster recovery, network services and server support services.

Kevin Edmond-Greene, Sales and Marketing Manager, Convene IT, said: “Opening an office in Salford highlights our dedication to providing the very best full support IT offering. The Greater Manchester base will allow our engineers and technicians to be closer to our clients in the area, meaning we can provide a quicker and more hands-on service.

“The process of finding an additional office started 18 months ago, since we wanted to be certain that the location and facilities were right for both ourselves and our clients. A physical presence in Greater Manchester gives us the opportunity to position up to 12 IT engineers and technicians in Salford, with the potential to acquire more space on the site when required.”

Unity Radio champions innovative project for disadvantaged youngsters

Sam Whitear
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Unity Radio is to launch its ground-breaking social enterprise ‘I Believe’ project, after securing funding through the NHS Salford CCG Innovation bid.

The ‘I Believe’ project will deliver a programme of workshops that will bring together young people who are facing different issues in their lives affecting their mental health and wellbeing, such as knife crime, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy.

The project will engage 45 vulnerable young people from Salford to participate in workshops to explore and debate their own views on the issues that matter to them, using radio as a platform to share these in an expressive, creative and personal way.

Unity Radio, based in the Landing@MediaCityUK, will run the ‘I Believe’ workshop sessions twice a week, with a live two-hour radio broadcast once a week titled ‘NGY’ (Next Gen Youth). NGY will provide local communities with an opportunity to engage in dialogue on various issues that affect their lives, providing a platform to those who have been marginalised by society.

‘I Believe’ will evolve a young person’s interest in urban music and music creation, from a hobby into skills for life, working towards an accredited arts award. The workshop sessions will provide vocational training in radio skills and tackle underlying issues that affect young people’s emotional well-being and encourage the reporting of incidents as well as providing victim support.

Unity Radio will invite public service representatives as well as music industry figures to animate and add depth to the sessions. Using broadcast and social media to consider real life stories and messages to create a powerful social narrative about the issues young people face in their communities

The project comes at a time when support for young people’s mental health and well-being is needed more than ever. Young people with mental health problems are less likely to be in employment, education or training and are more likely to be in receipt of benefits. They are also eight times more likely to have contact with the criminal justice system. (Knapp et al 2016 report).

Lee Dinsdale, Director of Unity Radio said: “The project acts as an enrichment program which not only enhances their current education needs but also gives vulnerable young people the opportunity to improve their confidence as well as develop new digital and creative skills.

By coming into the heart of MediaCityUK and working within a real life broadcast facility it will open up new thought processes that they belong here too and therefore raise their aspirations for the future.”

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK added: “Unity Radio is a fantastic social enterprise which has been successfully engaging disadvantaged youngsters and nurturing their talent for some time. This latest project will really make a difference to local, young people who may not ordinarily have the confidence to speak out and pursue their interest in broadcasting.”

Trafford manufacturer wins new business and enjoys turnover boost after Growth Hub support

Sam Whitear
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A safety and security manufacturer has experienced a 20 per cent turnover boost and created three new jobs following support from GC Business Growth Hub.

Cardea Solutions, based in Trafford Park, has designed and produced an innovative range of safety and security products for the last 20 years.

They include its award-winning Fingershield door safety guard which is used in thousands of schools and nurseries, a buggy lock for public spaces and buildings, a British standard approved window restrictor and a police-approved window security shutter.

Its range is used by leisure attractions, healthcare premises and commercial properties all over the globe, with UK customers including the Imperial War Museum London, Virgin Active Leisure and the Travelodge Group.

The company approached GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, looking for support with its growth ambitions to launch a new product and enter new domestic and international markets.

It now boasts a team of 15, including three new staff, and has seen a turnover increase of 20 per cent over the last three years.

The business also has a patent pending on a new product and is about to start manufacturing, targeting new contracts in Scandinavia and South East Asia.

Paul O’Carroll, Managing Director of Cardea Solutions, said the support from the Hub has been vital.

“It is fantastic that SMEs can access this support at no cost to their business,” he said.

Paul contacted GC Business Growth Hub in 2016.

He explained: “Our focus as a business is firmly on innovation and we have built an international reputation as a quality producer of pioneering and competitively-priced products.

“We had developed a prototype which had potential to open up new markets for us, but we needed to invest significant time and finance in order to achieve this.”

The first step was to enrol Paul and his Commercial Director, Claire Lepine, on the Executive Development Programme (EDP), a course which enhances leadership skills to support the demands of a growing business.

Claire said the workshops and coaching sessions deepened her skills as a business leader.

“The impact of this can be seen first-hand,” she said. “Operationally we have defined the roles and responsibilities of the senior management team, introduced new processes and procedures and reviewed our approach to people management.

“This has led to greater autonomy for our business leaders and we have seen increased focus and motivation amongst our workforce.

“The EDP programme also helped us to review our strategic planning process. This was pivotal in us developing our growth plan and assessing our business development opportunities.”

The business was then referred to experts in the Business Growth Hub’s Manufacturing and Digital teams to focus on its new product.

Cardea was encouraged to apply for a grant from the Manufacturing Growth Fund to bring in a tooling design expert to develop the manufacturing process.

Using its £5,580 grant Cardea appointed another GC Business Growth Hub client, Wheatley Plastics, to deliver the project.

Andy Hinton, specialist Manufacturing Advisor at Business Growth Hub, said: “It was fantastic to see two local firms collaborating on this project. This is just one of the opportunities for SMEs working with the GC Business Growth Hub.”

Simultaneously, Digital Growth advisor Doug Tracey worked with the business to help them reach new markets.

This included a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and a review of Cardea’s website Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), to increase its organic traffic.

The final support was an introduction to the University of Salford where Cardea secured a student placement to support the company’s export strategy. The result was a new Amazon store to sell Cardea’s products online.

Paul O’Carroll said the support from the Hub has been crucial in realising its ambitions.

“By moving quickly to apply for the grant, receiving the financial support and identifying the right supplier for the project, we will soon begin to manufacture and secure lucrative new contracts in Scandinavia and Singapore,” he said.

“Since working with the Hub we have applied for a KiT patent for the product and we have taken on three new employees including a new Business Development Executive to help us grow in new markets.

“Our business has really benefitted from being able to work with specialists in such different fields.”

Heated Tobacco launches In Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Manchester has become the first city outside London to see the launch of IQOS Heated Tobacco technology. Two new IQOS stores have opened in St Ann’s Square and Princess Street, with heated tobacco sticks (called ‘HEETS’) now available in 50+ retailers across the city. A specialist local team has been recruited to help Greater Manchester’s 360,000 smokers understand how best to switch from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

Expansion in Manchester follows the successful launch of IQOS in London with device sales reaching a total of 100,000 over the past two years.

IOQS heated tobacco is a new technology that allows smokers to heat rather than burn tobacco. This removes on average 95% of the harmful toxins found in traditional cigarette smoke. IQOS is the result of £4bn research and development investment by Philip Morris International over the past decade. There are now over 10 million IQOS consumers globally.

Recent research by Frontier Economics estimates that Greater Manchester will not go completely smoke free until 2034. Other parts of England, such as Bristol and York, are due to go smoke free a decade earlier.

Peter Nixon, Managing Director of Philip Morris Limited, believes expanding IQOS will help the 1 in 6 people who smoke in Manchester switch from cigarettes to smoke-free alternatives at a much faster rate.

He said: “I am confident that IQOS will be a game changer for smokers in Manchester with heated tobacco technology offering a better alternative to cigarettes. This new product has been developed following £4bn of investment and a decade of research. I believe the impact of IQOS could accelerate Manchester into becoming a smoke-free city.”

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