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Greater Manchester foodbanks benefit from generous donations from Equilibrium Asset Management

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Foodbanks across Greater Manchester have recently received donations from Equilibrium Asset Management.

Equilibrium, which provides free breakfast for its staff, in May decided to instead donate this cost for one week, every month, to a foodbank in the Greater Manchester area.

Every month this comes to a £200 donation, with Equilibrium staff also donating various foodstuffs and toiletries – including tinned goods, rice pudding, pasta and other non-perishables.

For the last four months the Wilmslow-based company has made these donations to the Brick in Stockport, Atherton foodbank and Leigh foodbank. Most recently, Equilibrium made a donation to The Trussell Trust.

These foodbanks provide much needed supplies for local families who are struggling to make ends meet and put enough food on the table.

People are more likely to donate to foodbanks during the winter when it is cold outside, but the summer months are crucial as children are at home during the school holidays.

Debbie Jukes, Partner at Equilibrium Asset Management, said: “We know that foodbanks in the Greater Manchester area are well used and need donations to ensure their shelves are kept well stocked with essential supplies.

“As a company we go a long way to providing the best possible working environment for our employees and this includes a healthy breakfast. We also wanted to reach out and support foodbanks in the local area.

“We hope our funds will go a long way towards helping these organisations continue the excellent work they do.”

The generous donations from kind-hearted Equilibrium staff have been warmly received by the organisers of the foodbanks and are particularly welcomed in the summer months when donations often fall. Each foodbank is run by a team of volunteers.

They rely heavily on donations from businesses and individuals to provide this vital service for those in the local community who may be living in crisis or who simply need a helping hand.

Stagecoach reveals ambitious £56m plans to deliver Europe’s biggest investment in electric buses for Greater Manchester

Stagecoach has announced ambitious £56m plans to deliver Europe’s largest single investment in electric buses for Greater Manchester.

The first of the planned 105 new zero emissions double-decker buses and associated infrastructure is hoped to go live from summer 2019, delivering a massive boost to local air quality and UK manufacturing, with the new fleet fully in place by early 2020.

Stagecoach, Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator, has pledged to invest £34.6m in the ground-breaking project, which is backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Transport for Greater Manchester and other key organisations.

New Enviro400 EV City vehicles, each with a range of up to 190 miles and capacity to carry around 80 passengers, would be built by the UK’s leading electric bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis using battery and power electronics expertise from automotive company BYD.

Multi-million-pound Investment will also be made in delivering infrastructure and power requirements at depot level. Intelligent chargers will be used to limit loadings on the electricity supply and maximise vehicle availability.

Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “This game-changing initiative is the biggest single investment in e-bus technology anywhere in Europe. It is a clear sign of our bold ambition to transform Greater Manchester’s bus network.

“Our plans will put Greater Manchester at the forefront of the drive to improve local air quality, and help cement Britain’s position as global leader in manufacturing low-emission vehicles. It is also part of our wider partnership proposals to maximise the potential of the bus network to drive the region’s economy and better connect its communities.

“By working together, bus operators, the Mayor and the region’s local authorities can deliver the quick and sustained improvements we all want to see in Greater Manchester’s bus network, building on the major progress we’ve already made and avoiding unnecessary extra costs to local taxpayers.”

Gary Nolan, chief executive of OneBus, added: “I very much welcome this investment by Stagecoach. This is a clear demonstration of how a genuine partnership between a private sector operator and a range of public sector stakeholders, including the Mayor, TfGM and other local authorities – can have a hugely positive impact on the region’s bus services. I’ve no doubt the travelling public of Greater Manchester will benefit from a greener, quicker, more efficient bus service.”

Mobile tech entrepreneur receives honorary Doctorate in Technology

Howard Simms, Co-Founder of Manchester-based mobile technology group Apadmi and CEO of their investment arm Apadmi Ventures, has received an honorary Doctorate in Technology.

25 years after graduating with a Mathematics degree, Howard donned a cap and gown to receive an honorary Doctorate in Technology (DTech) from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), in recognition of his significant contribution to enterprise and the development of innovative technologies.

Howard commented: “When I first began my career in tech, I never would have thought my career path would have led me into the entrepreneurial world and to where I am now, with the chance to stand in front of hundreds of hopeful students and deliver a speech. It was an amazing day for my family and I, a real honour from such an esteemed university as MMU, and an incredibly proud moment in my life.”

Since the company’s conception in 2009, Howard has been a driving force behind Apadmi, overseeing the delivery of some of their most iconic and popular mobile solutions, including those with the BBC, NHS, X-Factor, BT and Range Rover.

In 2016, Howard became CEO of Apadmi Ventures, a strategic technology partner to some of the UK’s most exciting start-ups. This role sees him work with entrepreneurs from many different industries, as well as with a wide investor network.

Howard said: “Being based in Manchester, a booming tech hub in the UK right now – there’s so much opportunity for entrepreneurs. It’s perfect for us, as we get to meet some of the country’s brightest digital talent early on, help them to shape their ideas and nurture their potential.

“RealityMine, Bidooh, JigTalk, these are just a few of the businesses we’ve invested in so far from very different industries. It’s been incredibly fulfilling watching them grow from strength to strength, and we’re excited for what’s to come – partnering with more start-ups and investors who want to shape the future of the technology scene.”

After graduating from the LEAD leadership development initiative, Howard was selected to join the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Ambassadors Programme with Oxford University in 2014 – a programme for key individuals within the UK’s fastest growing organisations. He also sits on the advisory board of a division of the Manchester Growth Company, the Greater Manchester Steering Group, and the Manchester Tech Trust.

Working with MMU, he’s sat on the Degree Apprenticeship Advisory Board since 2015. He’s also spoken in Westminster and at several events aimed at informing the next generation about the value of digital skills.

Building Equality leads North West’s construction industry’s biggest ever celebration of diversity and inclusion at Manchester Pride Weekend

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On Saturday, Building Equality, an alliance of construction companies working to build LGBT+ inclusion, came together to create the biggest show of equality, diversity and inclusion the North West construction sector has ever seen at Manchester Pride.

In its second year at Manchester Pride, Building Equality doubled in size since 2017; with even more senior leadership visibility than ever before and a more than 100 representatives from 18 different organisations taking part.

On Friday at Exchange Square Manchester, hundreds of members of the public enjoyed a photo opportunity with the rainbow JCB and the opportunity to find out more about the work Building Equality is doing in the construction sector to make it more diverse and inclusive sector as well as to discuss careers and opportunities.

Then in Saturday’s Weekend showcase celebration, Building Equality was joined by sponsors; Flannery, A-Plant and Hays to march together alongside the rainbow JCB to help increase awareness of LGBT+ employees working in the construction industry.

Building Equality comprises representatives from; construction consultants, engineers, developers and contractors who are passionate about working together and harnessing their collective power to drive LGBT+ inclusion in the construction industry.

Building Equality is giving LGBT+ employees a voice and a platform to promote the positive contribution they make to the industry, whilst demonstrating the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion, in order to retain and attract the best talent to a sector short on skilled workers, whatever their background. Building Equality offers greater diversity within the industry through its involvement in many built-environment initiatives aimed at promoting fairness, inclusion and respect at grassroots, including attendance at a record number of pride events; Manchester, London, Newcastle, Leeds and Student Pride.

In addition to our great work as a collective, many member companies have created their own internal LGBT+ networks. This approach is fostering an environment of inclusion throughout the industry and over the next 12 months Building Equality will continue to drive change, not just through main contractors but also through their supply chains. This aims to bring about a truly inclusive industry where all regardless of age, race, religion, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, ability or sexuality can be their true selves at work so that both individuals, and the industry, can flourish.

Luke Ives, Chair of Manchester Building Equality and Co-Chair of the Balfour Beatty LGBT+ & Allies Network, said: “What a wonderful weekend. We’re immensely proud to be able to highlight the ongoing work Building Equality’s work does in paving the way for an open and inclusive industry, which promotes discussion on equality, diversity and inclusion – opening channels for issues and opportunities to be acted upon. Allowing all in the construction industry to be their true selves benefits everyone – not only to attract and retain the best talent but by providing access to a wide range of perspectives, encouraging creativity and improving performance.”

Mark Baybutt, Co-Chair of Manchester Building Equality and Social Secretary for WSP’s LGBT+ employee network: “Over the last few years, we have expanded the reach of Building Equality from its genesis in London, to other major UK cities such as; Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds. Pride matters because discrimination still exists in various forms across the globe; be it in the form of hate crimes, workplace discrimination or the death penalty. Pride gives us an opportunity to celebrate our diversity and to show the world that the construction industry, promotes diversity and inclusion so that you can be authentic and the best version of yourself.”

John Doyle, Co-Chair of Manchester Building Equality and RICS North-West Regional Board Member: “Everyone has the right to come to work and be their very best selves. No one should ever have to hide who they are, or accept discrimination. Building Equality provides a platform to show future generations that line the streets of the parade route, that you can be whatever you want to be, and not just be proud, but be fully supported and respected within the construction industry here in Manchester.”

 

Foodie fans flock to biggest festival yet

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Bolton welcomed around 270,000 people for the town’s biggest ever Food and Drink Festival.

Figures collected by Transport for Greater Manchester at key locations around the town centre show that there were 270,278 visitors over the four days.

The festival celebrated its 13th anniversary this year, and is organised by Bolton Council in association with Aldi UK.

Last year the event welcomed 267,000 and while the rain did deter some from visiting the outdoor stalls, more people watched the free celebrity chef demos and enjoyed the interactive kitchen in Crompton Place and the free Egyptian activities in the Market Place Shopping Centre.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, thanked everyone involved in the festival for contributing to its success. She said: “I know every year we wonder how we can make the event better and more special but we did – and even with the rain the figures just show how much the public love it.

“We had visitors from all over the country and further afield such as Germany and France, some who come every year for the festival. It is great news that we have topped last year’s visitor numbers – it shows what a brilliant attraction we now have annually.

“We’ve had some fantastic feedback from visitors, traders, chefs and our sponsors and partners. It is without doubt – as James Martin himself said – the biggest and best food festival in the country and I would like to thank everyone for making this the best one to date.”

James Martin made his 10th appearance at the festival for three live demos at the event in the heart of the town centre, and also walked around the festival site. He said: “It is the best food festival in the UK, and it is a privilege to have seen it grow into the event it is now.”

Nikki Wilson-Cook, Market Place Centre Manager, added: “This is a really important event for the town and the centre and we are very proud to have been a part of it. Every year we aim to push the boundaries and put on activity that complements what is happening in the town, and this year we believe we achieved exactly that.

“The Egyptian theme was totally unique and really wowed our customers. A special thanks to everyone involved, particularly Bolton Museum and Bolton Council, who really helped us to bring a lot of our Egyptian ideas to life.”

Visitors came from across the UK and Europe to sample food and drink from more than 200 traders and watch celebrity chefs including James Martin, Nadiya Hussain, Ainsley Harriott, Michael Caines, Andrew Nutter and Simon Wood in action.

Angie Reeh, the Chair of the Anglo-German Club in Paderborn, said: “I love it. It was a really great festival with very good food. People are really friendly and I’ve never seen such a happy atmosphere in a town. We’re so glad we made it and we will definitely return.”

Jackie Heaton, aka The Baking Nanna, from Higher Irlam in Manchester, said: “It is the first time we have been to the festival and it won’t be the last. What a fabulous festival, Bolton should be proud – so much fun for all the family.”

David Howells from the Cumbrian Pie Company said along with the Manchester Christmas Markets, the festival is the “best and most profitable event we do all year”.

Virgil Simpson, Logistics Director at Aldi UK, added: “It was fantastic to see the Bolton community again for drinks and nibbles at our fourth year of sponsoring the event. Our gins and real ale tastings, along with our Exquisite range of wines went down a treat with festival-goers.”

CPC’s Adam Richmond appointed as pro-manchester Transport & Infrastructure Chair

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The largest networking organisation in the North West has appointed CPC’s Adam Richmond as Chair of its Transport and Infrastructure sector group.

With over 280 members from the region’s business community, pro-manchester is dedicated to providing business development opportunities and insight across key growth areas, through its twelve sector groups.

The Transport and Infrastructure (T&I) steering group is represented by key industry providers including Manchester Airports Group, Transport for Greater Manchester, Deloitte, Transport for the North, DLA Piper and the University of Manchester. Adam Richmond will chair his first steering group meeting in September.

The group will seek to ensure that transport and infrastructure issues in the North West are properly debated by bringing together and engaging with business communities, industry bodies and government representatives.

CPC’s Adam Richmond, an experienced Project Director said, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected as the new chair of pro-manchester’s Transport and Infrastructure group. It’s an exciting time for our sector right now, with the Northern Powerhouse at the forefront of the national political agenda. Modern transport is at the heart of the region’s future growth and I’m really looking forward to helping pro-manchester to drive professional excellence through knowledge sharing and better industry collaboration.”

Sam Booth, Deputy CEO, pro-manchester said “Adam will be a great addition to our team. We appointed Adam as Chair because of his and CPC’s experience and commitment to improving opportunities in transport and infrastructure. Adam’s passion and drive will ensure that our members can play an active part in the development of our region”

GVA brings the buzz to Manchester  

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Leading real estate advisor, GVA, has installed bee hives on three of its managed schemes in Manchester and Salford, building on its 2017 bee initiative, which saw the introduction of two hives to Ship Canal House on King Street.

As part of the initiative, hives have now been fitted on the roofs of Piccadilly Place, Piccadilly Gate and The Soapworks. With two hives containing around 40,000 bees placed on each building, it brings the total number of GVA bees in the city to around 320,000.

GVA’s hive initiative was introduced last year in response to declining bee numbers in Britain and was designed to protect the species and create new habitats. 

The honey produced from the bees will be sold to the occupiers in each of the buildings, and all money raised will be donated to The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. 

A trained beekeeper will visit each hive once a month, to ensure the welfare of the bees and answer any queries that occupiers might have. 

Matthew Mears at GVA said: “With the ‘Bee in the City’ project currently creating a buzz throughout the city and the colourful bees getting the attention of visitors and locals alike, it’s a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the bee and its declining population.

“The bee has become a powerful symbol of Manchester’s community spirit, and our hive initiative is an extension of this, bringing the buildings’ tenants together, through events and charity fundraising.” 

Venturefest North West 2018 announces Innovation Showcase Competition finalists

Twelve businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Innovation Showcase Competition at Venturefest North West 2018 on September 13th.

Now in its fifth year, the contest was open to small and medium-sized businesses from across the North West and attracted a record 173 entrants competing for four awards: Product Innovation, Service Innovation, Digital Innovation and Innovative Established Business. There’s also an Overall Winner and Audience Winner, which will be chosen by attendees after the finalists make their pitches at the Manchester Central event.

Each award comes with thousands of pounds worth of business support for the winner, provided by organisers GC Business Growth Hub and its partners. The competition is one of the highlights of the Venturefest North West 2018 programme, sponsored by NatWest, Dehns, Manchester Metropolitan University and Pomegranate Consulting.

A full programme includes keynote speeches from Jenny Tooth OBE, CEO of the UK Business Angels Association, and Richard Noble OBE, project director of the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car project, which will attempt to break the land speed record next year.

Speaking about the importance of innovation to businesses, Richard Noble commented: “President Kennedy said of the Apollo moon programme, ‘We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organise and measure the best of our energies and skills.’ Like the US in the 1960s we need technical successes for the UK and our 2019 Bloodhound record challenge will be a big one.

“Nothing about the Bloodhound project is easy and it never will be, but success here will bring great rewards in terms of education and confidence. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my learnings and experiences, as innovation is something that should apply to all businesses, large or small, in the north-west and across the country.”

More than 1,000 attendees are expected at the event, where they will have access to business leaders and entrepreneurs, potential new partners, collaboration opportunities and a wide range of support.

Heather Waters, National Enterprise Manager at headline sponsor NatWest, said: “We know that entrepreneurs and small business owners are looking for more than a provider of financial services. They want a bank that helps them to concentrate on what’s important to them – establishing and growing their business.

“That’s why we’re delighted to support Venturefest North West 2018 and be part of an event which gives businesses in the region the opportunity to innovate, grow and access the knowledge, finance and expertise they need to progress to the next stage of their business journey.”

The full Innovation Showcase Competition shortlist is as follows:

Product Innovation finalists:

 

  • Radic8 – This Bolton-based independent air purification company has created INBair O2, the world’s first recreational oxygen purifier, delivering 40% more oxygen through a sleek headset.

 

  • Reach and Rescue – This Wigan-based manufacturer produces long reach telescopic poles and other associated equipment for use in rescue missions.

 

  • Redman Racing Boats Ltd – This Chester-based organisation aims to bring game changing technologies to rowing boat design and manufacturing.

 

Service Innovation finalists:

 

  • Clyz Labs – This laboratory based in Macclesfield uses technological innovation to improve the quality of life and survival of cancer patients through personalised clinical and pre-clinical cancer therapies.

 

  • Million Stars Sustainable – This Liverpool-based company has a five-year plan to eradicate 23,000 tonnes of waste from UK festivals by recovering and reusing it.

 

  • Urban Chain – This Trafford organisation created a blockchain-based platform to link consumers directly to energy generators and facilitates, switching to the best deal in almost real-time.

 

Digital Innovation finalists:

 

  • Brain in Hand – Working out of Hulme, this organisation has created a mobile application to provide personalised mental health strategies.

 

  • Call Me Help – This Stockport-based company has developed a well-being monitor for elderly people who live alone, that analyses their activity levels based on their electricity usage and alerts a designated guardian.

 

  • Corporation Pop – This Manchester company has created the Xploro mobile app, which uses augmented to prepare children for going into hospital, reducing their stress and anxiety.

 

Innovative Established Business finalists:

 

  • Fulfilment Crowd – This Chorley-based firm provides fulfilment technology to help with the picking and packing of orders across the UK.

 

  • Telcom – This Manchester firm has developed Node, a secure, supplier agnostic telecommunications point of presence for buildings, giving the best connectivity solution for both landlords and tenants.

 

  • Whitham Mills Engineering – Based in Middleton, this manufacturing company has come up with a food waste tipping solution that uses a state-of-the-art hydraulic system to reduce cost and downtime.

 

To see the full programme and register for the event and breakout sessions, go to www.venturefestnorthwest.com.

UMIC reveal plans to open co-working space as part of £1.5m investment in facilities

Plans to open a co-working hub for start-ups inside the University of Manchester Innovation Centre (UMIC) have been revealed.

The space, currently being renovated as part of a wider £1.5m UMIC investment programme, will house a variety of companies connected to the University’s Innovation Optimiser (IO) initiative as well as budding entrepreneurs beginning their start-up journey.

IO provides support for aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to develop start-up businesses, social ventures and research student enterprises. So far over 20 start-ups have graduated through its programme in less than three years.

Head of UMIC Yvonne Loughlin said the co-working hub is on track to open in November this year.

She said: “We are extremely excited to be launching a co-working hub here at UMIC.

“We already house a fantastic variety of innovative businesses, both at the Manchester Incubator Building and Core Technology Facility on Grafton Street as well as at our North Campus Incubator closer to Manchester city centre.

“The co-working hub will once again take our approach to a new level. We’re looking forward to giving a home to some of the many young ambitious enterprises that are passing through what is a fantastic Innovation Optimiser Programme run by Tony Walker.

“Initially the area will house around 10 people / businesses, but we anticipate growing that number to 18 soon after.

“The great thing about the space is that it will also cater for external entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

“UMIC will also host a competition in due course, the winner of which will win up to 12 months free of charge rent in the hub.”

Baroness Fairhead visits North West

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Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion at the Department for International Trade has visited Sci-Tech Daresbury, a campus based in the heart of the North West, internationally recognised for world-class science, innovation and enterprise.

Her visit follows the government’s announcement of its Export Strategy. Speaking to North West businesses including The Virtual Engineering Centre, she outlined the government’s long-term ambition to increase total exports as a proportion of GDP to 35%. The Minister set out how the government will support businesses across the Northern Powerhouse to maximize their exporting potential through better use of our overseas network, new online tools and building an extensive network of ‘export champions’, who can share best practice and advice.

The latest HMRC figures show exports of goods rose by 3.6% (to £28.8bn) in the North West during 2017, compared to the previous 12 months. The stats also show the North West has more than 13,000 exporters with an average value per exporter of £2.1m.