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Multi-million pound business, GBM Digital Technologies, injects £100,000 into online retail store

Sam Whitear
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GBM Digital Technologies, nationwide provider of IT services and solutions for businesses and schools, has recently invested over £100,000 into the launch of an online offering for its existing retail store, Sync.

For the last 25 years, GBM Digital Technologies has been helping businesses to increase productivity and reduce business costs through the implementation of the latest technology.

GBM Digital Technologies decided to expand on its foundations by launching its retail offering to bring its technology expertise to more people than ever before. GBM Digital Technologies is an Apple Authorised Reseller, Apple Authorised Service Provider, Apple Authorised Training Centre and Apple Solution Expert for Education, which means it is accredited by Apple themselves to sell its products and services.

Although Sync was only launched last March in Manchester, GBM Digital Technologies, which has twice been featured in the Tech Track Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the UK, has already invested more than £500,000 into the retail offering.

Sync is also continually looking at ways it can innovate and evolve.

Both Sync and GBM Digital Technologies have been born and grown out of Greater Manchester, a city that was recently announced as the UK’s tech capital outside of London, and fittingly, Manchester was also the birthplace of modern computing.

Chris Costello, Director of Sync and GBM Digital Technologies, said: “For the last 25 years, we’ve been transforming businesses with technology to improve productivity and reduce their business costs.

“To really enhance our services, we knew we needed to give everyone the chance to access tech, not just business owners. The result is the launch of a fully accessible e-commerce website, which allows us to take Sync to the next stage by communicating and providing services and products directly to a UK audience.”

Manchester startup in the top 150 of the European Startup Prize for Mobility season 2

Sam Whitear
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Following the call for submissions launched on 13 December last year, 600 European startups entered the second edition of the European Startup Prize for Mobility, with the aim of becoming the European mobility champions of tomorrow. Supported by both the European Parliament and the European Commission, the programme aims to promote European startups developing sustainable, safe and inclusive mobility innovations in Europe and beyond.

Manchester-based Libralato is one the startups shortlisted in the 150, established in 2008, Libralato is an innovation specialist in low carbon vehicle technologies. The company has expertise, knowledge and new concepts for the development of hybrid systems, validated through European Green Cars Initiative and Innovate UK projects.

In the first stage of the selection process, which picked out 150 projects to go on to the next stage of the competition, all 600 candidates were judged three times by a team of over 50 European experts, based on criteria such as economics, innovation and ecological benefit. Among the top 5 countries participating, the Top 150 feature a strong UK contingent with 14 entries and various innovations ranging from a blockchain-powered mobility solution, to a personal travel assistant for people with disabilities, to a sharing travel service app.

“With nearly 100 more applications than last year, the second edition of the European Startup Prize for Mobility is set to be another success and confirms our conviction that Europe must be the continent of innovation, harnessing its talents for a better quality of life for all”, said Karima Delli, President of the Committee on Transport and Tourism at the European Parliament and head of the initiative.

From data used to measure development since the first edition of the prize, we can see a 15% increase in startups participating on a B2B level, that is, 75% of overall entries. Similarly, the gap between service offerings and product offerings is narrowing, reaching 56% and 44% respectively; in fact, a large number of product solutions are integrating software and data innovations for greater impact.

“By moving from a B2C model to a B2B model and from online services to a hybrid model, startups are recognising that they need to be part of a bigger solution by drawing closer to large groups and public players. Cooperation between all these players, which lies at the heart of our initiative, is becoming essential these days and further reinforces the unique place our prize occupies”, explains Joël Hazan, Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group, Fellow of the BCG Henderson Institute and co-founder of the European Startup Prize for Mobility.

Meanwhile, the second edition of the prize has attracted more established startups, both in terms of size and finances. Indeed, 58% of the startups have been active for over 3 years and the average team has 14 employees. With regards to funding, 85% of startups have raised funds and 75% have paid clients.

“This is partly explained by the maturing and expansion of the mobility ecosystem in Europe which promotes startups and accelerate their growth” said Jean-François Dhinaux, Director of Strategy at Via ID, and co-founder of the prize.  “The success of this second edition is a strong indicator that the European mobility market is thriving.”

Bardsley Construction wins hat-trick of contracts across Greater Manchester worth a total of £15.6m

Sam Whitear
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Bardsley Construction has won three contracts worth £15.6m in total to provide homes and a specialist extra care facility in Greater Manchester.

In a return to its tradition of providing homes for market sale, the family-owned firm in Tameside, Greater Manchester, is developing 24 executive three and four-bedroom homes on the site of a former industrial mill at Bleaklow Mill, Hawkshaw, Bury.

The £4.1m contract on behalf of Silver Lane Developments sees Bardsley deliver a courtyard-style scheme with individual gardens and parking to maximise available space whilst allowing the best possible view of surrounding countryside.

Due for completion in August 2019, the development builds on Bardsley’s long-standing relationship with Silver Lane following completion of a scheme at Fairhaven Road in Lytham, Lancs.

The design team includes Radcliffe Grove Partnership as architect and engineering practices, Booth King and WML.

On behalf of Trafford Housing Trust, Bardsley is designing and constructing 29 apartments and ground floor commercial space at Gatley Road, Sale. The £6.6m project also involves the demolition of existing retail units and apartments to provide nine three-storey houses with communal parking and highway improvements.

The scheme will be delivered over five phases with completion of the entire development scheduled for May 2021.

Bardsley won the contract via the JV North Framework for Trafford Housing Trust.

Samantha Lafferty, director of customer experience at Trafford Housing Trust, said apartments were for affordable rent and the houses for shared ownership with the commercial units offering a mix of new retailers and some of the existing commercial units being demolished on completion of the apartments.

She added that the scheme would improve the area by providing new housing and commercial space with secure off-road parking while transforming the old flats and shops into a modern and welcoming environment.

The design team consists of AEW Architects, Bell Munro Civil and Structural Engineers, ESD Mechanical and Electrical Engineers with Statutory Services support from Utility Connections.

The Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor (QS) for Trafford Housing Trust is AAP.

The third of the contract wins for Bardsley involves the provision of a specialist extra care facility for Onward at Oaklands House, Fallowfield, procured through the then Cutting Edge Framework.

The £4.9m scheme on the site of a former Contour Homes sheltered scheme is due for completion in January 2020 and will consist of 36 one and two-bedroom apartments. The scheme will provide accommodation for older people with dementia.

Bob Pleasance, project manager at Onward, said: “We are very pleased to be on site with Bardsley Construction in the development of this extra-care scheme. We believe that it will provide a valuable addition to the services offered to older people in Manchester with dementia’’.

The design team includes BTP Architects, AJP providing civil and structural engineering design and ESD providing mechanical and electrical performance specifications.

CPC is acting as Employer’s Agent and QS on the scheme.

Bardsley Construction has extensive experience of providing extra care facilities, with the Fern House extra care and dementia unit and day centre it delivered for The Abbeyfield Society at Bingley, Bradford recently winning the residential category at the 2018 Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards Grand Final.

Adrian Rooney, housing and development director at Bardsley Construction, said: “Our historic commitment to provide trained and skilled staff at all levels of Bardsley allows us to deliver demanding schemes across the private and public sectors in areas of specialism including education, elderly care and all aspects of residential development.”

Manchester signage company scoops four trophies at global awards

Sam Whitear
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The Manchester centre of global signage and graphics specialist, FASTSIGNS, is celebrating after collecting a string of accolades at the FASTSIGNS Global Awards 2019.

Held at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida, the awards form an integral part of the franchisor’s annual international convention.

FASTSIGNS Manchester was recognised in front of more than 700 FASTSIGNS franchisees, securing awards for the highest percentage growth in sales and the highest overall sales growth in pounds. The centre also won the UK’s Project of the Year accolade in recognition for the digital signage solution they provided for Micheldever Tyre Services and Franchisee, Richard Wedgwood, was personally recognised for his contribution to the FASTSIGNS Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) – a steering committee for the entire global business.

Commenting on the evening’s successes, Richard Wedgwood, FASTSIGNS Manchester director, said: “It’s such an honour to have been recognised amongst our international peers. Each award is a testament to the hard work of every member of the Manchester team, who all work tirelessly to ensure we provide our customers with excellent levels of customer service, and I couldn’t be prouder. These awards have kicked off what is set to be a fantastic year and we can’t wait to see what the next 12 months has in store.”

John Davies, FASTSIGNS UK managing director, added: “Each year these awards serve as a great reminder of the efforts of all our franchisees from around the world. Every one of our franchisees works extremely hard throughout the year but I’m incredibly proud of FASTSIGNS Manchester for being recognised at an international level too.”

EHL Ingredients invest £1m in new Stockport site

Sam Whitear
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EHL Ingredients has expanded its premises and invested £1million in a new 8000 square foot site on the Broadstone Industrial Estate, Reddish, Stockport, in a bid to keep up with growing customer demand for its products.

With two facilities already on the estate, this is EHL’s third unit, taking the total space to 40,000 square feet. The third site houses new machinery, including a vertical form filler which fills pillow bags and tubs for dried herbs and spices, seeds and powders, as well as other products. It will allow the company to process greater volumes of food ingredients, driven by an increase in customer requests and from existing clients placing larger orders.

In addition to the new premises, the supplier of international food ingredients is celebrating several key achievements; in the last 12 months it has launched a new foodservice brand, Lähde, it has made several key staff appointments in blending and packing departments, and once again achieved Class A BRC (British Retail Consortium) accreditation in its recent audit. The firm currently has 46 employees, its largest headcount to date, and is recruiting for several roles across the business. It also rebranded and launched a new website with more exciting developments in the pipeline.

Tasneem Alonzo, joint managing director at EHL Ingredients says: “We’ve outgrown our capacity in terms of storage, staff, machinery, administration and loading areas so needed a space to allow us to expand the business longer term. We decided to stay local and on the same industrial estate instead of moving our whole premises so when this unit came up, we were keen to review it.

“Over the last 12 months we’ve been taking orders for larger quantities which means we need to increase capacity. This new site will allow us to process more orders and higher volumes, more efficiently and quickly and the installation of the new machinery will enhance production and allow us to continue to innovate further.

“The food ingredient sector is certainly in a period of growth and with the rise in popularity of organic, free-from, vegan and vegetarian foods, we’re continuously innovating to bring retailers, brands, manufacturers and caterers the right ingredients to suit consumer trends.

“Despite the uncertain times we are in, we’re confident in our position as a company. We’ve strengthened our teams, developed many new herb and spice blends, broadened our product portfolio and expanded our customer base into new territories, especially in Scandinavia. “We’ve had some landmark achievements in the last year, and indeed over the 23 years of operating, and we’re looking forward to further growth and to building on our reputation as a leading supplier of food ingredients from around the world.”

The Samuel James Group forms partnership with The Telegraph

Sam Whitear
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The Samuel James Group and its media brand, Business Manchester, has been selected by the UK national newspaper, The Telegraph, to be its regional media partner for a series of events, including the Festival of Business Manchester.

The Festival of Business Manchester will host over 250 North West SMEs at the Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel, Manchester on 4 June 2019.

As part of the partnership, the first event saw Business Manchester promoting the free to attend Business Digital Transformation Forum on 26 February 2019 at The Landing, Manchester, in association with Vodafone.

The Forum explored how business leaders in the North West can effectively implement new technology and processes, and ensure that their businesses are well equipped to thrive in the digital economy.

Opening with a debate from trusted industry voices, local business leaders and Vodafone experts, attendees also had the opportunity to drill down into key topic areas and gain practical advice in their choice of exclusive workshop. Both sessions provided actionable takeaways and solutions to help power businesses.

Luke Toudup from The Telegraph, said: “We are very excited to announce our media partnership with Business Manchester. The quality of their business content, coupled with their impressive reach across the North West region, sets the partnership with our Manchester events up for success!”

Added Sam Whitear, Group Commercial Director, The Samuel James Group: “This is a tremendous honour for us to be asked to partner with a media organisation of the standing of The Telegraph.

“Business Manchester was only launched in September 2018 and it illustrates the great progress we have made to establish a good news business newspaper in Greater Manchester and the level of support we have received.”

 

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MBO secures future of construction products company

Sam Whitear
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A long-established building products business has undergone a management buy-out backed by a £500,000 loan from Mercia Fund Managers.

Quantum Profile Systems, which employs 90 staff at its headquarters in Oldham, is a leading supplier of contract flooring accessories and plastic extrusion products to builders’ merchants and window manufacturers. The deal gives control of the business to the management team consisting of the Managing Director Clive Bowen, Operations Director Simon Crossley and Sales Director Steve Kean.

Quantum manufactures its own brands including the Quantum range of stair edgings, treads and flooring accessory products, the Dacatie range of cavity wall closers and fire barriers, the Qwood range of timber composite glazing beads and QLean bespoke profile  extrusions. The company is a ‘lean’ manufacturer which aims to make what the customer wants, when they want it, whilst providing outstanding customer service through its loyal and long serving team of employees.

Established over 50 years ago, the company underwent a management buy-out in 2000 in which Clive Bowen took part. In the latest deal, he and his two fellow directors have acquired the interests of a range of retired, retiring and inactive shareholders.

Clive Bowen, said: “Quantum’s success has been due in no small part to our team of loyal employees. We are delighted to conclude this deal which will allow us to take the business forward and secure the long term future for all our staff.”

Mercia is one of the few loan providers able to fund management buy-outs in small firms. Its EV SME Loans fund provides loans between £150,000 and £1.0million to established and growing SMEs across the UK.

Chris Pestell of Mercia Fund Managers, said: “In a space of just 15 years, Quantum has moved from being a traditional mass manufacturer to a modern company where the ‘lean approach to business’ is embraced by every employee. With continuous improvement in efficiency and ongoing investment in IT, sales and profitability have been growing. This funding will allow Clive and his fellow directors to take full control of the business and continue its success story.”

Signia Corporate Finance provided corporate finance, deal structuring and fundraising advice to the company, while Weightmans provided legal advice to Mercia Fund Managers. Lloyds Bank provided an invoice finance facility.

Stuart Lees of Signia Corporate Finance, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Clive, Simon, Steve and the rest of the team in helping them to secure Quantum’s future as an innovative and independently owned manufacturing business in the heart of Oldham.”

Manchester start-up Dsposal cleans up with government backing

Sam Whitear
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A fast-growing clean tech start-up launched in Manchester is celebrating after winning a five-figure government contract to help combat waste crime.

Dsposal, set up by CEO Tom Passmore and COO Sophie Walker, was launched in March 2018 with a mission to make it easy for everyone to find the right place for their waste and tackle the national fly tipping epidemic.

The company has won an £80,000 contract to research how to develop a smart waste tracking system for the entire UK.

Dsposal is one of five companies across the UK to have been awarded this contract. The start-up is also in the running to be one of two potential projects that could be chosen for an additional £500,000 of second phase funding under the new GovTech Catalyst scheme; which if successful, would start later this year.

Sophie Walker, co-founder and COO, said: “Dsposal is the first interconnected, collaborative waste management platform for everyone. We’re on a mission to help tackle waste crime, promote waste as a valuable resource and drive the circular economy.

“Winning this contract is a testament to all the work that we’ve put in and reassures us that we’re on the right track. It’s a huge challenge, the waste industry is very complex, but it’s also an enormous opportunity. We need to be bold and use this chance to do something transformative. Waste is in the public eye like never before and we must seize this chance to deliver solutions that move the country towards resource efficiency and help us deliver on the Government’s ambitious Resources and Waste Strategy.”

Schroders adds to city tower team with agent appointment

Sam Whitear
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Schroders has appointed Cushman & Wakefield as joint leasing agent on City Tower, Piccadilly, Manchester.

City Tower is owned in a joint venture held between Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust, the actively managed UK REIT, Schroder UK Real Estate Fund and Immobilien Europa Direkt.

The mixed-use scheme comprises 615,429 sq ft of office, retail, leisure and hotel accommodation and 456 car parking spaces across three acres.

The property is let to over 70 tenants including the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE), the Ministry of Justice, The University of Law, M&S Food, Starbucks and Hays Specialist Recruitment.

Schroders received planning permission for the redevelopment of the podium level space in 2018. Plans for the project will see the 2,645 sq ft space transformed to create a new, co-working offering and external terrace for existing tenants.

The podium level will also provide indoor and outdoor event space, with a focus on creating a health, mindfulness and wellbeing centre and offering business networking and private function opportunities.

Cushman & Wakefield will focus on marketing the remaining office space within the tower alongside joint agents, Edwards & Co. Office space is available to satisfy requirements from 1,500 sq ft up to 50,000 sq ft.

Rob Yates Head of North West Office Agency at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “City Tower has a major presence in Manchester city centre. We are delighted to have this opportunity to work on this landmark instruction for Schroders with their existing team. The plans to enhance the current offering are very exciting and this presents a major opportunity to enhance the scheme marketing. The building offers highly attractive accommodation to a market which currently is facing a severe shortage of quality supply.”

Rob Cosslett, Investment Manager at Schroder Real Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cushman & Wakefield to the team at City Tower. We are continuing to invest in the asset both aesthetically and experientially with further plans for development alongside a robust tenant engagement strategy.”

New £35 million development could see 258 homes built in Bolton

Sam Whitear
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A £35 million homes development featuring plans for private cinemas and gyms for residents has been proposed for Bolton town centre.

The new build, which is subject to planning permission, would feature 258 apartments and four town houses.

It is the latest in a series of announcements as part of Bolton Council’s £1bn masterplan to redevelop the town centre.

The residential development, proposed by Bolton-based company Forshaw, would be built on land fronting St Georges Road between Bark Street and Back Bark Street.

Lyndon Forshaw, managing director of Forshaw, said: “This project will set a new benchmark for high quality residential schemes in Bolton town centre.

“It will provide much needed new homes in the heart of Bolton and feature unrivalled facilities for residents.

“These will include fully equipped gymnasiums, private cinemas, residents’ lounges and roof terrace.

“The site is located at an important gateway to the town which has been derelict for years and in need of the regeneration opportunity this development proposal provides.”

Mr Forshaw added: “As a Bolton-based company, Forshaw are fully behind the council’s ambitious masterplan for the town centre.

“We anticipate this will be the first of several schemes to come forward in coming months and years which will ultimately help to revive the town centre economy.”

Bolton Council is working with investors and developers on its ambitious £1bn blueprint which will see five key areas redeveloped in the heart of the town centre.

This development sits within the Croal Valley intervention zone. Other announcements that have been made so far include £48m plans for Trinity Gateway unveiled last week by Bolton Regeneration Limited, who are also involved in plans to redevelop Crompton Place Shopping Centre.

In addition, details of Muse Development’s £150 million project for a new neighbourhood in Church Wharf were revealed last month.

Cllr Ebrahim Adia, Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, said: “This state-of-the-art proposed development is the latest piece in the council’s masterplan jigsaw, and will regenerate another key gateway to the town centre.

“It demonstrates yet more investor confidence in our strategy and in Bolton’s growing economic position within the city region.

“As well as transforming how the town centre looks, we are committed to adapting to what residents want and that is clearly high-quality homes close to jobs, services and good transport links.

“This development will provide top quality homes and ultimately create more footfall to help shops and businesses nearby.

“It is yet another example of how our strategy to transform the centre of Bolton is really gathering pace.

“It will deliver much needed homes on a brownfield site helping reduce the pressure on less sustainable locations.”

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