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PushON to bring its first Hyper-commerce event to Manchester

Sam Whitear
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PushON, an award-winning full service e-commerce agency, has partnered with leading e-commerce platform Magento to deliver a series of marketing and e-commerce seminars across the country.

Hyper-commerce, the first event of its kind, will visit Bristol and London, before heading to Manchester on the 18th July, where top digital and online marketing experts will discuss a range of issues affecting the e-commerce sector.

The Manchester event, which takes place at 11am at the UKFast offices in Birley Fields, features an impressive line-up of keynote speakers including; Sam Rutley, managing director of PushON, Jonathan Bowers, managing director of UKFast, Neil McKay, CEO of Endless Gain and Richard Gregory, ex-director of Tech North and NED.

They, along with the rest of the event’s speakers, will be providing advice on how e-commerce businesses can better service customers, with topics including; rapid personalisation, social proof, life after GDPR, the evolution of optimisation and how businesses can equip themselves to capitialise on hyper-commerce.

Sam Rutley, managing director of PushON, who helped organise the event, said: One of the key issues we often come across when speaking to B2B or B2C businesses is that they are struggling to take their e-commerce offering to the next level, which is stagnating their online growth. In this instance, businesses should be turning to hyper-commerce, which teaches companies how to meet consumer demands, whilst also maximising omnichannel e-commerce.

“However, many businesses aren’t fully aware of how hyper-commerce can drive forward online growth. That’s why we’ve set up these events to provide professionals with valuable insight, so they can understand the benefits and make significant improvements to their e-commerce offering.”

The event is free and open to all e-commerce businesses. Spaces are limited. Additional events in the series will run in Bristol on the 21st June and in London on the 12th July.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hyper-commerce-a-magento-ecommerce-strategy-and-marketing-seminar-tickets-46524201138

Growth Spurt for UKFast as Firm Delivers 18% Organic Revenue Jump

Sam Whitear
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Long-term investment in R&D and consistently outstanding customer support are driving explosive growth at leading British hosting provider UKFast, as the firm today declares an 18% organic increase in revenue in 2017.

Revenue of £47m represents an increase of more than £7m on the previous year, bolstered by a massive 30% growth in the firm’s cloud offering, which now accounts for more than 43% of overall revenue. A number of significant contract wins with large enterprises helped private cloud revenue in particular to grow by 40%.

Launched in 2013, UKFast’s flagship eCloud range offers public, hybrid and private cloud solutions, as well as cloud desktops; drag and drop vault storage; and flexible, OpenStack development space.

Founder and CEO Lawrence Jones MBE said: “We place huge focus on innovation and it’s clearly paying off. Not only within the applications we’ve built to run the business like the telephone system, launch platforms and CRM software, but also the range of innovative products we’re launching. 

“eCloud has grown at such an amazing rate because users are realising the benefits of the level of automation we’ve built into the platform and they’re expanding their solutions. We’re continuing this focus on innovation and expanding our R&D team even further, rather than resting on our laurels.”

With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) placing increased focus on data privacy and security, Jones says UK-based hosting firms are at an advantage.

“Businesses and consumers understand the importance of hosting their data securely and within the UK.  

“UKFast offers a really strong alternative to some of the giant cloud providers. Having UK data centres is extremely important. Our network and infrastructure are incredibly closely monitored and we guarantee that data won’t be held outside the UK.”

UKFast has enjoyed 18 consecutive years of double-digit growth and recently doubled the size of its campus HQ in Manchester.

Jones added: “I’m really proud of the team. This type of growth demonstrates our commitment to our customers and to delivering innovation to help them grow faster than their competitors. 

“The best thing about our service is that you can pick up the telephone and we’re here for you. It’s about being helpful and being supportive as much as is humanly possible, and our clients really respond to that.”

The portfolio of businesses owned by Lawrence and Gail Jones now employs more than 450 people across a number of brands, including building company UKFast Space, headhunting firm Mysort, technology magazine BusinessCloud and cybersecurity and ethical hacking specialists Secarma.

BGN eye £500k turnover after solid first year

Sam Whitear
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BGN is targeting the £500,000 turnover mark following a successful first year in business.

It comes after the Manchester-based strategic, brand-led design agency this month landed global outfit NETSOL Technologies – listed on American stock exchange The Nasdaq Stock Market – as a client.

BGN has also delivered work for high profile companies including Carlsberg, Accent Housing and Lancashire Farm.

Since launching in April 2017 the company, based in studios within Bruntwood’s flagship digital space Neo, has established a strong and diverse client base which includes Brand Attic, V1BE, Radio.co and Natural Therapy London.

Antonio Giansante, BGN Founder and Operations Director said the £380,000 turnover achieved in year one will also lead to a boost in headcount.

“Following our first year in business we have a solid platform to now push on and hit £500,000,” said Antonio.

“It’s been a strong first year for BGN and we’re proud to have completed projects for several big-name companies.

“We are now looking to grow the team to eight after recently winning both repeat business and the likes of NETSOL Technologies. NETSOL employs well over 1,000 people, is a leader in providing innovative IT solutions to the global asset finance and leasing industry, so we’re delighted to have been appointed to work on its brand and website.”

Key projects completed by BGN in the past 12 months included the launch of new spirits division Distilled for Carlsberg, brand evolution packaging and website for Lancashire Farm, strategy launch and overseeing a film called ‘So Far’ for Accent Housing and a rebrand for Brand Attic.

The agency was founded by Antonio, 33, from the Wirral, Paul Bailey, 33, from Stockport and David Newton, 36, from Oldham. All three left Ahoy in 2017 to start BGN.

Antonio said: “We offer great value compared to London agencies which is an attraction for bigger more established businesses and brands like Carlsberg and Accent Housing as we have the capacity and skillset to deliver quality work efficiently.

“Myself, Paul and David have been together for a long time and all have exactly the same view on how an agency should be run and structured.

“Moving straight into Neo with six staff was quite a bold move for an agency start-up. But we did it because we wanted to give the type of clients we were trying to attract the same level of service that you get at a large agency.

“What we now have at BGN is all the process of a 100-man agency with the view for it to scale.”

Taco Bell UK launches restaurant on Deansgate, Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Following the success of Taco Bell’s expansion in the North East, franchisee QFM Group are spreading more love to the world’s favourite Mexican-inspired restaurant and opening the doors to a new branch in the heart of Manchester’s City Centre, on Friday 29thJune.

In traditional Taco Bell fashion, the brand will be showing extra love to the first 100 fans on opening day. Those fans can look forward to receiving a free, limited-edition Taco Bell Deansgate t-shirt to wear with pride at the opening.

The restaurant is set to open on busy Deansgate, a lively area surrounded by bars, accommodating up to 70 people. Similarly to other Taco Bell restaurants across the UK, the restaurant will have an urban esthetic that represents the Live Más style, with a local touch. With a family friendly atmosphere and open kitchen, Taco Bell encourages everyone to come in, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the atmosphere while tapping into the free Wi-Fi. Free charging stations are also on hand for those on the go, perfect for students and young professionals on a sociable night out.

The menu will feature sought after  famous craveable eats in Taco Bell restaurants all over the world, including the Crunchwrap Supreme, quesadillas, burritos, and the famous Big Bell Box. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, from warm nacho cheese sauce, to boldly marinated seasoned beef. Customers are encouraged to witness their food masterpiece being created thanks to the open-kitchen style restaurant. Fans can pair their delicious meal with an ice cold Sol Cervezas beer, or a frozen cocktail.

Ellen Gault, Marketing Leader, Taco Bell UK & Europe said, “We’ve seen so much love for Taco Bell throughout the UK, especially in the north. We are excited to announce even later opening hours until 4am everyday – and to welcome more people in Manchester through our doors to experience our delicious Mexican-inspired food!”

Arjun Patel, QFM Group added, “Following the successful opening in Liverpool in March we are incredibly excited to be bringing Taco Bell to the heart of Manchester City Centre and driving the Live Mas spirit in the North East”.

As well as the grand opening, there will be an exclusive VIP Pre Opening Party on Thursday 28thJune 2018. To win your way in, tune in to Hits Radio this week for your chance to be there!

The new restaurant will be open from 11.00am on Friday 29thJune, usual opening hours will be 11:00am – 04:00am every day and will be found at Taco Bell, 45 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2AY.

DECISION TIME FOR LIDL’S £2.5M REGENERATION PLANS FOR VACANT STRETFORD UNIT

Sam Whitear
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Lidl’s regeneration plans for the former PC World site on Chester Road in Stretford will take a big step forward this Thursday when the plans are due to go before Trafford Council’s Planning and Development Management Committee. The £2.5m plans will regenerate a derelict site, enhance the local economy; and deliver 40 employment opportunities for local residents.

Planning officers at Trafford Council have recommended the scheme for approval and Cllr Mike Cordingley, one of the local ward members for the site, has also lent his support to the plans. It comes on the back of a public consultation undertaken by Lidl in September 2017 which saw 95% of respondents support the principle of the development, with hundreds of residents taking part in the consultation exercise.

The regeneration scheme will significantly increase shopping choice in the local area, by delivering an award-winning, discount supermarket brand in Stretford. The store will provide a clean and fresh shopping experience to meet the needs of customers, whilst ensuring a contemporary building design that complements the surrounding area.

Lidl currently has over 670 stores across Britain and has ambitious investment plans for Greater Manchester and the wider North West, which could see hundreds of new jobs and a real boost to the local food retail sector.

Nick Harvey, Head of Property at Lidl UK said: “Our £2.5m regeneration scheme will deliver significant benefits for Stretford. The plans will benefit local residents with greater shopping choice and job opportunities, as well as boosting the local economy and increasing shopping footfall in the local area. I hope that the committee
members support our plans, which are backed by council officers and the local community”.

Cllr Mike Cordingley, Ward Member for Gorse Hill, Trafford Council said:
“I am fully supportive of the plans for a new Lidl store in Stretford and I know that many local residents will be happy to see the former PC World site regenerated and brought back into use.

The plans will bring more jobs to the local area and I’m looking forward to Lidl being part of our amazing local community”.

Vernacare appoints new Chief Financial Officer

Sam Whitear
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Infection prevention specialist Vernacare, based in Bolton and Chorley, has appointed Nicola Boulton as Chief Financial Officer, with responsibility for finance, business planning and HR.

She joined the business four years ago as Financial Controller and has helped manage a phase of rapid growth for the company. This includes Vernacare’s 2015 management buyout – led by majority shareholder Palatine Private Equity –  and the recent acquisition of Chorley-based Synergy Healthcare Consumable Solutions (HCS).

Nicola is an ACCA accountant and a graduate in Business Administration and Management from Sheffield Hallam University. She was previously Senior Accountant for Johnsons Apparelmaster.

 She succeeds Paul Wright, who was performing a dual role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and can now focus more fully on business strategy.

 Paul Wright said: “Nicola has a strong record of achievement as a financial and commercial leader. Her promotion comes at an exciting time for Vernacare as we enter a rapid phase of growth following our recent major business acquisition.”

 Nicola Boulton added: “Vernacare has huge ambitions and it is great to be part of a professional and innovative company that never stands still. I look forward to contributing to our continuing success story as we expand the business both in the UK and internationally.”

The recent acquisition of HCS has almost doubled Vernacare’s turnover and provides the company with two major UK manufacturing facilities in Chorley and Bolton. From these locations, Vernacare produces its safe and hygienic care products, which reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections in hospitals and long-term care facilities across the globe.

Vernacare’s single-use system of toileting and cleansing is  providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic ‘wash and re-use’ methods.

Predator Nutrition hunts down international opportunities with Ingenico

Sam Whitear
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Predator Nutrition is one of the largest supplement companies in the UK today, with a commitment to innovation, information and excellence in fitness and supplementation. The company was established in 2009 by British entrepreneur, Reggie Johal, who observed a growing demand from fitness fanatics for nutritional supplements to boost their fitness levels and performance.

A former top-level American footballer in the UK, Johal decided to quit his job at Deloitte and take a new entrepreneurial path, armed with just £6,000 of personal savings. The company quickly grew a loyal following but needed a payment provider that could help it deal with declined transactions and grow internationally.

Predator Nutrition looked at a number of payment providers and ultimately felt that for its type of customer and product, Ingenico was the best fit to help it compete in a competitive market, which Euromonitor International estimates was worth almost £800m last year – more than double the £350m recorded during the London Olympic year of 2012.

“Although the market has grown, most of our rivals actually seem to have disappeared or shrunk to a tenth of their original size,” explains Johal. “What’s happening in the UK industry right now is a lot of consolidation, where the manufacturers are selling directly to consumers, or Amazon are coming in and taking away a lot of business.”

Predator Nutrition also noticed that it was being hindered by a substantial number of transaction declines, all of which came with the vague “DO NOT HONOUR” message from its payments provider. “We could see that customers were trying twice, three times, four, five, six times! They wanted to shop with us, but our payment gateway was turning them away for reasons we just couldn’t understand,” says Johal.

“Since we moved to Ingenico, our sales conversion has definitely increased,” says Johal, “and the best thing is that this is only the start. Later this year, we hope to work with our ecommerce platform provider to build our international websites. We will then need the additional payment methods Ingenico can provide, so that we can convert more traffic into more sales across these markets.”

In the last 12 months, Predator Nutrition estimates that its UK conversions have grown by around 20%, and the company has noticed a drastic reduction in complaints that staff face from customers having their transactions declined. In the same period, the business has also seen revenue growth of over 100% in the United States, Sweden and Italy, among others. Currently, 40% of the company’s revenue comes from outside the UK, but a multi-currency option would provide the opportunity to increase this further.

“Next for us is further growth throughout Europe and the US, where we’ve identified more opportunities to offer products that customers in those regions typically can’t find elsewhere,” adds Johal. “That’s an opportunity for us as we aim to grow our business by at least a third over the next year. As entrepreneurs, we never rest; already I’m developing a cosmetics business that we believe we can turn into an international success. As and when we take this to market, it’s fantastic to know that experts like Ingenico are available and committed to helping us grow, both at home and abroad.”

Amir Jati announces ground-breaking recruitment initiative for Edwardian Hotels London’s new Manchester restaurant

Sam Whitear
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As part of a multi-million-pound investment by owners Edwardian Hotels London, the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester hotel on Peter Street – one of only three five-star hotels in central Manchester – will launch a concept that has already blazed a trail through the capital’s dining scene.

Based on Edwardian Hotels London’s Kitchen concept, which embraces shared dining, guests at Peter Street Kitchen will be able to choose from an array of small plates from two different cuisines, in this instance contemporary Japanese and Mexican.

The new restaurant and bar will open this October in a blaze of publicity, and as part of an ambitious drive to recruit up to 60 new staff, Amir Jati, Service Excellence Director of Edwardian Hotels London, has announced a ground-breaking recruitment initiative.

Jati has drawn on a wealth of experience gained from senior roles at Nobu, co-owned by legendary actor Robert De Niro and where he established global private dining during his ten-year tenure, Disney Cruise Lines and The Savoy Hotel to develop a plan that will attract the crème de la crème of the UK’s hospitality personnel. As he explained: “I did not want to recruit through the normal channels. So instead, we decided to hold one of two aptly named “casting” days, on 19th June and 16th July, at Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester. From this, we will choose between 80 and 90 of the most impressive candidates and send them on a seven-week training programme that will be divided between London and Manchester.”

Part of this course will involve an immersion into Japanese food and drink, culture and etiquette.

“The Kitchen concept has proved enormously successful in London, with Leicester Square Kitchen recently voted one of the top restaurants for both Peruvian and Mexican cuisine in the capital. We know that Manchester is going to embrace it too, but we need to make sure that the ambience, style and service is on a par with May Fair, Leicester Square and Monmouth Kitchens. Crucial to this will be the staff, and this initiative will ensure we find the very best”, concluded Amir.

Manchester agency Trunk launches charity World Cup sweepstake for agencies and brands

Sam Whitear
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Content marketing agency, Trunk, is calling for agencies and brands to take part in a charity World Cup sweepstake to raise funds to help send 11-year-old Isabella Lyttle to America for life saving cancer treatment.

Aiming to raise £3,200 towards Isabella’s £150,000 target, each entry is £100 per company and teams will be chosen by lucky dip at 1pm on 14th June, the first day of the tournament. HomeServe, No Brainer, Principles and Plott are just some of the businesses already in the running.

The winning team will receive one full day’s film shoot and edits from Trunk, up to the value of £4,000. The video can be anything from a case study, a piece of branded social media content or a film to sell a service.

The sweepstake for Isabella Lyttle, follows Trunk’s ‘The C-word’ campaign. The award winning video went viral and gained over 20 million views helping towards fundraising efforts for Isabella, who has been battling neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, since she was just three years old.  So far, over £85,000 has been raised.

Adam Britton, Managing Director of Trunk, said: “Isabella’s journey is one that has been close to our hearts ever since we heard about her story. Since then, we have strengthened our fundraising efforts to help her get the treatment she needs. The sweepstake gives agencies and brands the opportunity to come together and help Isabella whilst having a bit of fun at the same time.”

Trio of partner promotions at Brabners

Sam Whitear
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Independent legal practice Brabners has promoted three of its senior associates to partner across its corporate, family and private client teams.

David McGurnaghan is a private client lawyer with more than 10 years’ experience. He specialises in wills, estates and tax planning for high net-worth individuals, trusts and owner-managed businesses, and has significant expertise in power of attorney and Court of Protection work. David will work closely with Duncan Bailey, head of the private client department, which was named Private Client Team of the Year at the Liverpool Legal Awards 2017, to drive the future growth of the team.

Joanne Radcliff, who was a finalist in the Lawyer of the Year category at the Made in Manchester Awards 2018, is a specialist in family law and has considerable experience in complex and high value financial settlements. She supports clients with separation, divorce, civil partnerships, prenuptial agreements and issues relating to cohabitation and child matters. Joanne is also a trained collaborative legal practitioner, which offers an alternative method of dispute resolution to her clients.

Nikki Whittle, who was recently named Lawyer of the Year at the North West Business Insider Young Professional Awards, is a corporate lawyer who also leads the firm’s corporate team in Preston. She supports a broad range of clients, from SMEs to large corporates, with transactions including M&A, MBOs, JVs and retirement sales. She also deals with non-contentious and contentious insolvency matters.

Alongside these partner promotions, Brabners has also confirmed that its current cohort of seven second year trainees will all remain with the firm as newly-qualified solicitors in September – they are Will Eggleston (commercial), Adrian Horne (employment), Russell Kaminski (private client), Elke Kendall (litigation), Joshua Oxley (litigation), Alexander Thow (corporate) and Felicity Wimbush (planning and environmental).

Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “Making sure we invest in the brightest talent is a vital part of our long-term growth strategy. Attracting quality lateral hires to the firm is a key part of that, as is ensuring that we nurture and promote the talent, ambition and success of the many great commercially-minded people already in our business. This latest round of promotions is testament to that and I’m also delighted that we are retaining 100 per cent of our second-year trainees on qualification. This reflects the quality of the young people we are bringing on board and also our positive growth mindset, all of which will help us to drive the firm forward into our next phase of growth.”

These promotions follow a period of investment in talent at the firm, which has recently announced the senior hires of corporate partner Jon Close, financial litigation partner Phil Sheard and his team, in addition to Lisa Robinson-Behnejad as director of marketing and business development and Ruj Dev as head of commercial finance and project management.

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