Home Blog Page 946

Family law expert Keith raises the bar

Sam Whitear
-
0

The head of Bromleys’ family law team has achieved a milestone by becoming the only solicitor in Greater Manchester to be accredited by the Resolution organisation in four different specialist areas.

Resolution is an organisation of family lawyers and other professionals who are committed to constructive, non-confrontational ways to resolve divorce, separation and other family-related legal issues.

Keith Bull already held Resolution accreditations in the fields of domestic abuse, finances and private children matters.

Now he has also been accredited as an expert in cohabitation disputes relating to land and financial issues.

He is one of just five lawyers in the Manchester area to be recognised by Resolution for the cohabitation specialism.

Mark Hirst, senior partner at Bromleys, said: “Keith’s latest accreditation strengthens his position as one of the region’s leading experts in family law.

“It’s a significant achievement because Resolution’s accreditation scheme is immensely challenging and is a quality mark which sets Keith apart from his peers.”

Keith said: “I am delighted to be recognised by Resolution as a specialist in four areas after passing rigorous assessments of my knowledge, abilities and the manner in which I deal with family law cases.

“Upholding the Resolution code of practice is at the heart of the work I do and I’m proud to be part of an organisation working to transform the way that family law is practised.”

BGF expands North West team with new hire

Sam Whitear
-
0

BGF, the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing companies, has appointed Spencer Woods as an Investor in its Manchester office.

Spencer joins most recently from Wheatsheaf Group, part of the Grosvenor Estate – where he held the role of Senior Investment and Portfolio Manager, taking a lead on M&A activity, guiding strategy and monitoring the performance of the portfolio. In his time at Wheatsheaf Group, he undertook an operational role within a portfolio company and was seconded to the US for six months to support the establishment of Wheatsheaf’s first US office.

Prior to this, Spencer trained at PwC in Manchester, becoming an Assistant Director in the corporate finance team. Spencer’s role at BGF will see him working across all areas of the investment process, from initial meetings with entrepreneurs and management teams, through to deal completion and continuing to actively work alongside portfolio businesses in the region after completion.

Commenting on his appointment, Spencer said: “BGF has built an excellent reputation in the market for supporting high quality, growth businesses and the success stories in the portfolio reflect this. It’s fantastic to be joining a talented team after a period of record growth and I look forward to working in partnership with management teams in the region to help them achieve their growth ambitions.”

BGF’s team in the North West has now invested more than £230m across 24 businesses since it launched in 2011. Most recently, the team announced a £3.5m investment into Manchester FinTech business Planixs, which recently ranked 22nd overall in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100. This comes after BGF experienced a record year in the North West in 2018 with new investments including Mission Mars, Evoke Creative and Miss Group.

Neil Inskip, head of BGF’s Manchester office, added: “It’s great to be welcoming Spencer to the team in Manchester to strengthen our presence in the North West. He brings an excellent investment track record and the proven ability to add value to portfolio companies.”

Next phase of work-leading Manchester genomics hub takes shape

Sam Whitear
-
0

Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) has announced that work has started on Citylabs 2.0, the first phase of its £60 million extension of the Citylabs campus, which will be at the heart of Greater Manchester’s new globally-leading genomics campus for innovation, precision medicine, translational science, and molecular diagnostics.

Principal contractor Sir Robert McAlpine has been awarded a £22m contract for the 92,000 sq ft development, a Joint Venture partnership between MSP and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) which is due for completion by the end of 2020.

Designed by architects Sheppard Robson, Citylabs 2.0 has already been 100% pre-let to global molecular diagnostics company QIAGEN and will become its European Hub for Diagnostics Development. QIAGEN’s expansion and relocation from their existing base at Manchester Science Park will see them become the anchor industrial partner in the global genomics campus where they will connect in with a diverse community of businesses including those working in medtech, clinical trials, data management, and will gain access to the MFT’s specialist clinical resources and expertise from researchers, clinicians and procurement teams.

Located within Europe’s largest clinical-academic campus, Citylabs 2.0 is surrounded by the Manchester Royal Infirmary, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and will build on the success of Citylabs 1.0 which has been fully let since its completion in 2015 and has already showcased a unique new way of collaborative working between industry, academia and clinicians.

Manchester’s new genomics campus will create more than 1,500 high value jobs over the next decade, adding over £150m to the city region’s economy. Crucially, it will positively impact the lives of over three million people by providing access to new diagnostics and more targeted treatments through pioneering research, and will see these products and services adopted into the city’s health service at a much faster rate.

Tom Renn, Managing Director of Manchester Science Partnerships, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Sir Robert McAlpine as the main contractor on this project and to be announcing the start of works on Citylabs 2.0 with our Joint Venture partner, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

“This is an important milestone in our journey to create a world-leading precision medicine campus in Manchester, strengthening the region’s standing as a global centre of excellence in life sciences and diagnostics, bringing real health benefits to millions of people, and supporting the creation of thousands of high-quality jobs.

“We look forward to supporting our long-standing customer QIAGEN as they continue with their ongoing growth and expand into Citylabs 2.0 once it completes at the end of 2020. We’re incredibly proud to be working with QIAGEN and be part of the partnership which is creating a globally-leading genomics hub in Manchester, and look forward to working with other life sciences and medtech businesses as they join our cluster at Citylabs.”

Sir Mike Deegan, Chief Executive of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “Securing and expanding QIAGEN’s future on the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust site is a pivotal component of our vision to create an internationally-leading research and innovation campus focused on integrated diagnostics leading to better care for our patients. Modern healthcare requires us to handle massive arrays of data from a huge range of technologies in order to come up with the right answer for patients. This has never been clearer than with genomic medicine, QIAGEN’s immediate focus, which holds the power to deliver transformative clinical benefits at the level of individual patients–the heart of precision medicine.”

Simon Trevor, Central, Wales & West Regional Managing Director for Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We look forward to working with Manchester Science Partnerships on the extension of the Citylabs campus. Building on 150 years of technical excellence and innovation, we take pride in delivering complex projects that make a positive impact on communities and leave a lasting legacy, such as this state-of-the-art medical facility.”

MEPC reveals plans for latest office development at NOMA

Sam Whitear
-
0

MEPC has unveiled plans for its latest office project at NOMA, as they seek to capitalise on soaring demand for high quality office space in Manchester.

Named 4 Angel Square, the new 11-storey office building will sit on the corner of Corporation Street and Miller Street and is NOMA’s first speculative new build office development.

The city broke a new record for office take-up in 2018 according to the Manchester Office Agents Forum, which predicts another strong year of occupier demand in 2019 as major employers look to tap into the growing pool of talent.

Designed by Manchester-based architects SimpsonHaugh, the new Grade-A office building will bring over 2,000 new workers into the 20-acre neighbourhood, joining the community of businesses, residents and creatives who have already made NOMA their home.

In addition to providing 200,000 sq. ft. of premium office space, shops or restaurants will be provided on the ground floor and new public realm as part of a much-improved link to One Angel Square, which will be crucial to unlocking the other new-build development opportunities.

A consultation event is being held at the Old Bank Residency, on Hanover Street, on Thursday 21 March from 3pm to 7:30pm, where visitors will be able to view the plans and talk to members of the team.

Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, said:“Off the back of significant investment in the listed estate, NOMA continues to go from strength to strength and we are excited to bring forward these proposals for a high quality commercial development on such a prominent site, which we intend to develop speculatively, underlining our continued confidence in Manchester as a city.

“As part of 4 Angel Square, we will be creating an extensive area of new high quality public realm on what is currently surface car parking plus bar and restaurant space at ground floor to bring life to this area.  We have a clear vision and aspiration to provide physical and visual connection between this part of NOMA and the listed estate and Sadler’s Yard.”

The unveiling of the new-build office development follows recent commitments to invest in the extensive refurbishment of Redfern, a Grade II listed former warehouse and office building, which is being redeveloped into contemporary workspace

Construction work at Dantzic, another listed building being transformed into modern offices, is due to complete in Spring this year while the first apartments in Angel Gardens, a 35-storey tower by build-to-rent developer Moda Living, will be available for rent this summer.

Meanwhile global tech giant Amazon announced last year it would be opening the company’s first UK headquarters outside of London at Hanover, another recently renovated listed building at NOMA.

In total, NOMA will provide 2.5 million sq. ft. of both new-build and renovated office space situated alongside housing, public realm as well as retail and leisure opportunities.

NOMA has been tipped as one of the UK’s first ‘innovation districts’ by the Brookings Institute, a leading US think-tank, thanks to the scheme’s mix of high-quality office space and housing, both seen as crucial to helping drive Manchester’s future growth.

Peter Gallagher, director at Colliers, said: “Manchester is booming and needs high quality new office space like 4 Angel Square to sustain its growth and help the city remain competitive and attractive to major occupiers on both a domestic and global scale.”

James Devany, director at JLL, said:  “There is pent up demand for high quality office space demand in Manchester and projects such as 4 Angel Square will be crucial to meeting this demand while also helping expand the city centre.”

Water treatment company Arvia extends remit with RMS

Sam Whitear
-
0

Water treatment company Arvia Technology has extended the scope of its brief with Altrincham agency RMS.

Arvia, a successful spin-out from the University of Manchester, eradicates micropollutants from water.  It works with companies around the globe in a range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, oil and gas.

It initially appointed RMS to handle its media relations and design but was so impressed with the agency’s work, it extended the brief to also include digital marketing.

Eilish Carson, marketing manager at Arvia, said: “Everyone in the team at RMS is switched on and really gets our commercial objectives.

“We knew about their PR credentials when we appointed them but when we were introduced to their digital team, we were equally impressed and had with no doubts about moving that to RMS, too.

“It makes sense to have everyone who supports us working together because it improves communication and means we can take a strategic and fully integrated approach to our marketing.”

Clubhouse Golf hits hole-in-one with fast-growth award

Sam Whitear
-
0

Salford e-commerce business, Clubhouse Golf, has won a prestigious regional business award for its dramatic sales growth.

Led by Managing Director Ben Reeves and backed since February 2017 by Foresight Group, the leading investment company, Clubhouse is set to break through the £20m turnover milestone this year for the first time.

The company, based in Irlam, Greater Manchester, was honoured at TheBusinessDesk.com’s annual North West Masters Awards, held at The Monastery, Manchester and hosted by the BBC presenter Nina Warhurst.

Founded in 2005 by Ben Reeves’ father Paul, a former professional golfer, Clubhouse Golf has 45 staff and prides itself on its passion for and understanding of the game. It offers an unrivalled choice of more than 5,000 products, ranging from the latest golf clubs and clothing to high-tech gadgets to help golfers improve their game.

Chair of the independent judging panel Mike Ribbeck, Editor of TheBusinessDesk, said: “Our Masters award for fast growing business is always a highly competitive category – there have been some great previous winners – so Ben and the team at Clubhouse deserve a huge pat on the back for driving revenue growth at such a strong rate.

“It’s clear to see the partnership with Foresight Group is flourishing as the business scales up and goes from strength to strength.”

Ben Reeves said: “We are really thrilled to have won this award, which is the result of the hard work form a passionate and dedicated team. We are really excited about our future prospects as we look at new markets. Our passion for golf and to bring the best products to golfers is as strong as it was when we first launched the business.”

Matthew Pomroy, Investment Manager at Foresight Group and a director at Clubhouse Golf added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Clubhouse team, which continues to deliver great results. November was out best ever month with sales up 66% on 2017.

“We look forward to continuing to support Ben and his dynamic team during what will is shaping up to be a milestone year for the business.”

New training to tackle STEM skills shortage

Sam Whitear
-
0

A new initiative launching at the Science and Industry Museum this month will tackle the STEM skills shortage which costs UK businesses around £1.5 billion per year.

The Science Museum Group Academy, which launches on 18 March, will provide training and resources for teachers to support STEM learning outside a classroom environment.

The aim is to encourage more young people into STEM careers in order to fill roles such as the 700,000 additional STEM technicians the Gatsby Charitable Foundation estimate will be needed to meet demand within a decade.

From its two sites, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester and the Science Museum in London, the Academy will provide free courses for primary and secondary teachers, made possible by funding support from BP.

Susan Raikes, Director of Learning for the Science Museum Group, said: “Helping more people find meaning and relevance in science is at the heart of the Science Museum Group’s mission to inspire futures. The Academy’s vital work – which is only possible thanks to BP’s support, is a critical part of this mission. Each STEM practitioner supported by the Academy will gain the tools to create incredible science engagement opportunities for a much wider audience, helping to address the challenges of low engagement with science across the UK.”

Peter Mather, Group Regional President, Europe and Head of Country, UK at BP, said: “Continuing BP’s 50 years of support for STEM education in the UK, we are delighted to be working with the Science Museum Group to build deeper engagement across the UK with the STEM subjects. As we make the transition to a lower carbon future, the STEM skills essential for our future sustainability are in scarce supply. Our work with schools, communities, families and teachers has an important role to play in helping to maintain and grow the talent needed for our shared future.”

Simpson Millar appoints new Partner and Head of Conveyancing

Sam Whitear
-
0

Law firm Simpson Millar has announced the appointment of Sarah Ryan as Partner and National Head of Conveyancing.

Joining the firm’s 43-strong conveyancing division with immediate effect she brings 20 years’ conveyancing and strategic management experience to the national role, which will see her based in Liverpool, and operating across the firm’s Liverpool, Manchester and Kingston-Upon-Thames offices.

Formerly Chief Executive Officer for Jolliffe and Co LLP in Chester, as well as Head of Conveyancing and Regional Head of Probate Operations Co-operative Legal Services, Sarah is the latest in a string of senior appointments for Simpson Millar which has recruited a new Director of HR, as well as a Head of Public Law in Leeds, a Head of Industrial Disease and a new National Head of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence over recent months.

Earlier this month the firm also announced plans to expand its team by nearly 20% by the end of 2019 – filling an initial 47 new roles in the North West as part of a wider recruitment drive across the country which will create almost 100 new positions.

Commenting on Sarah’s appointment Greg Cox, Simpson Millar’s Managing Partner and CEO, said: “I am delighted that Sarah is joining our team of legal experts – she comes during a very exciting and ambitious period for growth for Simpson Millar further to two recent acquisitions, as well as significant investment in our people, our marketing and our technology.”

Sarah added: “I am really looking forward to working alongside the team at Simpson Millar, and taking on my new role as Partner and National Head of Conveyancing.

“The Conveyancing industry is evolving to meet client demand for a more transparent, open and quality service.  Simpson Millar has such a prestigious reputation in the industry and I consider it to be a great opportunity to continue with the team’s excellent work.”

Three new occupiers choose 16 Kingsway in Altrincham

Sam Whitear
-
0

Ainscough Industrial Services, one of the UK’s largest privately owned industrial engineering companies, has leased the ground floor and basement accommodation comprising 1,060 sq ft on a five year lease at a rental of £22,000 per annum. The office will act as a satellite location for Ainscough Industrials senior management and will also be the head office of Ainsco, which has been set up as an incubator for start-up businesses. 

Deborah Ainscough, said: “We are very excited to take space in Altrincham and utilise its excellent transport links to recruit top talent from the surrounding areas in the years to come.

Commercial Kitchen and Bar has taken Suite 6 on a 12 month lease at all-inclusive rent of £350 per month.  It is relocating from offices at the airport.

Property development and investment company Petros has moved its Manchester office and taken Suite 1 comprising 290 sq ft for 6 months  It was previously based at Station House, Altrincham.

Daniel Lee of Regional Property Solutions, who acted for the landlord Eighteen Fifty Investment Group said: “16 Kingsway continues to be popular with its refurbished well equipped office space offering the option of a traditional lease or an all-inclusive rent, which has enabled businesses to grow and develop.  This is reflected in the smooth transition of these three vacancies to the new tenants taking occupation. All the lettings were completed in a quick time frame with an uplift in rental growth”.

Manchester Central launch virtual tour of the venue

Sam Whitear
-
0
Manchester Central launch virtual tour of the venue

Manchester Central has launched a new 360o virtual tour of their venue, allowing clients to fully immerse themselves within the iconic venue and support them in the planning process.

Developed by Virtronix, the tour allows event planners to see what the venue’s event spaces look like in a variety of different set ups, with each space tagged with useful information, including hospitality options, room measurements and AV facilities.

Shaun Hinds, CEO. said: “When we first looked into the world of virtual reality, we wanted to create something practical that event organisers could use right throughout their journey with us.

This new 3D interactive model not only allows our clients to explore the venue before coming on- site, but also helps them visualise what their event will look like. The model can be accessed online but we’ve also developed it for use with VR headsets for a completely immersive experience.

Everyone at the venue is constantly looking at ways to help our clients deliver the best event possible and we’re delighted with the feedback that we’ve had so far. We might be one of the oldest venues of our kind in the UK, but innovation is at the heart of everything that we do, and we can’t wait to show our venue off to as many people as possible, whether that’s virtually or physically!”

1...945946947...1,106Page 946 of 1,106