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Outsource UK named as one of Britain’s most inspirational companies

Sam Whitear
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Independent recruitment business Outsource UK has been listed in the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report for the second time.

The London Stock Exchange Group’s report is published annually and identifies the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across the country.  To be included in the list companies must significantly outperform their industry peers and show consistent revenue growth over at least three years.

Outsource UK is one of the country’s largest independent recruitment companies, supplying highly-skilled technology, change and engineering talent. Founded in 1991 Outsource UK has grown to become one of the country’s leading independent recruitment businesses, now with five offices across the UK (Birmingham, Manchester, London, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon) and employing 80 people.

Nick Dettmar is Outsource UK’s CEO and said that he was delighted with the news.  Nick said:  “This is the second time that we have made this prestigious list and it really is a great achievement for us.  I would like to thank all of our colleagues, customers and candidates who have helped us maintain consistent growth throughout our 27 years of trading. As our industry changes, we will continue to innovate and look for ways to take care of our customers’ challenges.”

Outsource UK specialises in supplying highly-skilled technology, change and engineering staff to clients across many sectors including financial services, defence, engineering, cyber security, logistics & supply chain and the public sector.  The company sources, selects, organises and presents clients with the best specialist candidates and in order to do so Outsource staff must be adept at understanding their client’s businesses and roles as well as maintain expert knowledge of the pools of talent available.

Nick Dettmar added: “Our success is built on a uniquely consultative approach and we are committed to working in partnership with our clients, our candidates and each other. We listen. We understand. We offer forward-thinking, efficient strategies and deliver tailor-made permanent, contract and interim recruitment solutions. Above all, we enable the companies and organisations we work with to thrive.”

Committed to the Tech Talent Charter, Outsource is an award-winning consultancy and is just one of a handful of technology and engineering recruiters in the country to have gained REC Gold Audited status.  Outsource is accredited to ISO9001, FSQS, Cyber Essentials and CERIS and supplies WiredGov, GCloud8, Public Sector Resourcing and NMNC supplier

Nikhil Rathi, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc said:  “We warmly congratulate all of the companies identified in this year’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report. Five years on, the report continues to demonstrate the strength and diversity of British businesses across the country. These dynamic companies are the backbone of our economy, playing an important role in the UK’s ability to innovate, export and grow. This report is a significant part of London Stock Exchange Group’s broader campaign to support UK high growth companies. We are committed to championing British businesses and Britain’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.”

FASTSIGNS® Manchester appoints inside Sales and Customer Service Manager

Sam Whitear
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FASTSIGNS® Manchester is honing its customer offering by welcoming Allison Bingham to the team. She will be taking on the company’s first Inside Sales & Customer Service role, designed to ensure that new and existing clients continue to get what they need.

Having already built a reputation for providing fast, high-quality signage solutions, with a complete service that includes design and installation, FASTSIGNS Manchester created the position to take their customer service to the next level.

Allison arrives with a background in education, retail and publishing. As the company grows, she will be playing a key role in directing its commercial strategy, as well as fine-tuning the support of and contact with the branch’s customers.

Of the appointment, Director Richard Wedgwood said: “We are delighted to welcome Allison to the team. Continual improvement of our customer service levels is a key component to our core offering. Allison will provide support to the sales team whilst being a key point of liaison between them and our marketing and production departments.”

A dedication to customer service has enabled FASTSIGNS Manchester to take precedence as one of the UK’s leading branches of the franchise group. By getting involved in the local community, the company has also gained a reputation for living up to the motto: More than fast. More than signs®.

The Inside Sales & Customer Service role was created in an effort to maintain the quality standards and turnaround times that have spurred the company’s success to date.

Allison will be taking charge of account management, handling inbound enquiries and overseeing projects to ensure customers’ needs are met. She will be drawing from her expertise to support the branch’s sales and marketing plan.

“I am really looking forward to working with the team at FASTSIGNS Manchester and the new challenges ahead, as well as learning the role and using my past experience to succeed,” Allison adds.

As the first point of contact for emails, calls and walk-ins at the FASTSIGNS Manchester centre on Dakota South in Salford, Allison will be getting to know both new and existing customers over the coming months.

UKFast CEO Jones Backs Exciting eCommerce Startup

Sam Whitear
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Ambitious eCommerce startup Mercarto today announces a deal to bring UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones on board as a business partner and 50% shareholder.

Serial entrepreneur Jones is set to provide ongoing financial support, alongside business guidance and mentoring, as Mercarto plans the next phase of its growth.

The Mercarto platform offers up-and-coming entrepreneurs the opportunity to create an end-to-end online retail business without the risks normally associated with launching a business. Mercarto founder and CEO Sean Brown is enrolled in the Tech Manchester mentoring programme, backed by UKFast.

Brown said: “When Mercarto joined the Tech Manchester mentor programme in March, the level of support was beyond all expectations. Through Tech Manchester I had the opportunity to meet Lawrence. He has a real interest in eCommerce, so there was synergy from the first time we met. He understood what I’m doing and immediately saw the opportunity.

“Lawrence’s track record as a business leader speaks for itself. There aren’t many investors who can add as much value as he does, particularly in this sector. UKFast is full of amazing people, so to plug into their talent pool is an exciting prospect.

“There are a number of other investment funds interested in Mercarto, but it’s not just about the cash injection. I want a business partner who adds genuine value and has equal interest in the business.”

The investment is already paying off, with the startup creating more Manchester jobs and bringing in its first two hires: a full-time UX developer and full-time PHP developer. Mercarto is expanding further and is now on the lookout for talent, including a marketer, to join its growing team. Mercarto is the first business signed up to move into the FastForward accelerator at UKFast Campus later this year.

Mercarto enables you to launch an eCommerce website in minutes. It’s quick and painless and is set to rival Magento and Shopify.

The platform manages every aspect of ordering and customer service, with store owners taking up to 40% profit on products sold. All users have to do is name their store, select the products they wish to stock, and launch – they then drive sales by marketing the store through their own networks.

Lawrence Jones said: “Sean is an exceptional young entrepreneur and Mercarto has the potential to be a massive success. In the short term it enables entrepreneurs to spin up small businesses with zero friction and we see opportunities to use our agility and innovation to challenge the enterprise platforms like Shopify and Magento.

“UKFast has hundreds of eCommerce partners specialising in platforms like Magento and they’re always looking for new and improved ways to market their products.”

Mercarto now boasts more than 100 stores, following a soft launch earlier this year.

UK’s largest personal debt company chooses Greater Manchester to expand

Sam Whitear
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The UK’s largest personal insolvency provider has announced its expansion with the opening of a new office and subsequent recruitment drive in Greater Manchester.

Creditfix, which looks after tens of thousands of people who struggle with their money each year, has confirmed significant expansion in their office in Lowry Mill in Swinton, Salford.

The new 4,500ft2 space has been refurbished to accommodate the creation of up to 50 new jobs in the city. The company is now looking to recruit in a variety of departments, including sales, management and digital marketing.

Pearse Flynn – CEO at Creditfix, explains how these new premises signify a real commitment to investment in the city.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking professional help to get a handle on their finances, across the entire country. Though we’re currently supporting over 80,000 people from our offices in Glasgow, the need to reach more vulnerable people up and down the UK has never been more important. A new office in Greater Manchester will enable us to do so.

“The North West was the clear front runner in which to locate the company’s future growth. The region has such a diverse pool of talent and now, our priority is attracting and recruiting within our teams. There are roles for entry level Customer Account Managers, as well as for an experienced Head of Sales – it really is a great opportunity to join a growing, successful British business which works hard to guide people through their journey out of debt.”

Creditfix’s new Salford-based premises is former spinning mill, originally built in 1883. Accessible just off junction 16 of the M60, Lowry Mill’s amenities include an on-site gym, conference room facilities, car parking and restaurant.

Club 13 explores the future of sport and business in Greater Manchester

Sam Whitear
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Building on the success of the first two events, Club 13, the business networking club, has announced the details of their third event. In true Club 13 tradition, the networking event will take place on the 13th working day of the month – Friday May 18th and will see leading industry professionals discuss the future of sport and business in Greater Manchester.

The event will take place at Social 7, the recently refurbished meeting space at Media City, and will host four guest speakers.

Andrew Rosler, the chairman of Salford Red Devils RLFC, who played a crucial role in placing the club back into the hands of the fans will be speaking at the business networking event. Uniquely qualified, as the founder of Club 13, and at the helm of two successful businesses, Andrew will discuss the symbiotic relationship between business and sport.

Mike Perls, chairman of GreaterSport, actively promotes sport within Greater Manchester and will be talking about his role as non-executive director of the Rugby League World Cup 2021. Forming a fascinating discussion point, Mike will discuss the heritage of Rugby League across the UK.

Chris Standish and Malcom McPhail will complete the bill of guest speakers. Chris, who has been developing and delivering regeneration projects across public, private and voluntary sectors for more than 20 years is also an independent board member of Active Lancashire. Chris holds the view that developing cross disciplinary partnerships are crucial to creating new opportunities for businesses and communities alike.

Malcom McPhail, who sits on the board of the Chartered Institute of Management of Sport and Physical Activity, leads Greater Manchester sports trust Life Leisure that boasts over 17,000 members. The not for profit social enterprise has been positively impacting local communities for over a decade now, Malcom will openly discuss the ways in which businesses can benefit from getting involved with sport.

Speaking on May’s upcoming event, Andrew Rosler, director of Salford Red Devils RLFC, said: “Sport is a universal language, and it provides the perfect opportunity for businesses to reach a wider audience.”

“The next Club 13 event will look ahead at the growth we hope to achieve in the coming decade. The rights to the Rugby League World Cup have already been bought by the BBC; this is an incredible opportunity to advance Rugby League across the UK.”

Greater Manchester pipeline firm targets £7m turnover

Sam Whitear
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A fast-growing Greater Manchester business which supplies gas and water pipeline products is aiming for further growth after reaching sales of £4.5m in just three years.

PE Pipeline Specialists, based near Ashton-in-Makerfield, is aiming to increase turnover to £7m within the next two years and grow staff numbers from 11 to 16.

Founded in 2015 by Paul Evans, Jane Bishop, Paul Quin and Clifford Lloyd, the business supplies pipeline products, fittings and accessories across England and Wales and attributes its rapid growth to strong demand from the housebuilding and construction sectors.

Paul Evans, managing director of PE Pipeline Specialists, said: “We supply predominantly to utilities contractors that work on behalf of the bigger utilities firms and major housebuilders to connect new developments to the network.

“We’ve built up the business mainly by word of mouth referrals and hard work. Demand from the housebuilding sector has been strong, but we’re also working with commercial developers, golf courses, caravan parks, landfill sites – pretty much anywhere that has a demand for pipe products.”

PE Pipeline Specialists is being advised on its ongoing growth by regional accountancy and business advisory firm MHA Moore and Smalley. The firm has advised Paul in areas such as accounts, tax and auto-enrolment for workplace pensions.

Colin Hughes, corporate services manager at MHA Moore and Smalley, said: “Paul is vastly experienced in the sector. It’s a great example of someone spotting an opportunity to create a business of their own because they know an industry so well.

“Paul and his team have a clear plan to grow and we look forward to helping the business further as its impressive growth continues.”

Paul decided to set up the business after 15 years working in the industry. The firm has won customers including Aptus Utilities, Connect It Utilities and T&K Gallagher Ltd.

Paul added: “We’ve achieved phenomenal growth but we couldn’t have done it without our staff who have been excellent. They’re the reason we’ve got so many loyal customers.

“In terms of further growth opportunities, we’re doing a lot more down in the south, places like Portsmouth and Southampton, so we haven’t ruled out opening another base down there in future if we need it.”

Manchester online fashion retailer expands with support from HSBC

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-based online fashion retailer Missy Empire is set to expand to new premises with support of a six-figure funding package from HSBC.

In response to increasing customer demand, Missy Empire is using the bank’s funding to expand into a larger warehouse facility of 30,000 sq ft.  The new premises will provide 200 per cent greater stock capacity, as well as larger offices to house Missy Empire’s growing sales and marketing team. The new enhanced warehouse will support the business’s ambition to grow its position in the UK as well as expanding into overseas markets, including the USA, Europe and Australia in the coming months.

The expansion will create 30 jobs and is expected to increase turnover by 250 per cent over the next 12 months.

Ash Siddique, Managing Director and Co-founder of Missy Empire, said: “The fast fashion industry has grown significantly since we started in 2015. Our new warehouse gives us the capacity to stock and release entire ranges across the country and receive instant feedback. We really value our growing social media following and look forward to introducing a wider range of products in the future.”

Zubayr Atcha, Relationship Director for Manchester at HSBC, added: “Missy Empire is a great example of a company adapting to a new industry. The speed at which the business can bring new products to market and their use of online influencer campaigns is establishing Missy Empire as a household name. We’re delighted to help the business grow and bring more jobs to the North West.”

Missy Empire was launched in 2015 and has since grown to become an internationally recognised online fashion retailer. The business specialises in fast fashion, introducing new lines of clothing within short spaces of time via social media channels. Missy Empire is a market leader in the sector and has been endorsed by influential women such as TOWIE’s Lauren Pope and Chloe Lewis, as well as winning the North West Business Masters 2018 awards in the category of Best Newcomer. In addition to this, they have been recognised by the Insider Media as one of the top 25 most exciting companies in the North West.

Property professionals urged to help young homeless overcome stress of not having a place to call home

Sam Whitear
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Not having a place to call home is one of the most stressful situations a person can find themselves in, and as ‘stress’ is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May) the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is urging property firms in the North West to get behind its campaign to deliver more homes for young homeless people.

The Duke of Cambridge attended the launch of the campaign – known as Pledge150 and in partnership with property industry charity, LandAid* – which aims to unite those working in the region’s property sectors in raising funds to deliver at least 150 bed spaces for young homeless people by December 2018.

Pledge150 and Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May) are all the more poignant following a recent ‘Young & Homeless’ research report by Homeless Link* which revealed that over a third of young people aged 16-24 suffer from poor mental health (35%), and 44% are not in education, employment or training, which combined with being homeless must make stress in their lives even harder to bare.

The Homelessness Reduction Act came into play last month which means all young people who are homeless are entitled to support from their council, regardless of whether they are considered ‘priority need’. However, of the 188 local authorities and providers that took part in the Homeless Link research, a lack of affordable housing, and supported accommodation options along with welfare benefit reform were highlighted as barriers to helping house young homeless people in the North West.

Vickki Hampson, RICS Regional Director commented: “The Homeless Reduction Act is a crucial step in the right direction, but on its own, it isn’t enough. This is why our Pledge150 campaign is so important as it will see us working together with property professionals and companies along with charities through LandAid to help young vulnerable people get back on their feet by gaining a safe and secure place to call home.”

Paul Morrish, CEO at LandAid added: “Our everyday stresses are nothing in comparison to what a person who is homeless has to deal with, which can include theft of their belongings, sexual exploitation, or physical assault and abuse to name but a few. Suffering any such harm or injustice can be overwhelmingly stressful when also having to deal with trying to find a safe place to call home.

“Nobody today should be homeless, and we hope through the Pledge150 campaign we can encourage the wider property industry to make a real positive difference by raising funds to deliver more homes for young homeless people, and give them the fresh start they need to then gain employment or training and improve their overall well-being.”

Since the launch of the RICS Pledge150 campaign earlier this year – which coincides with RICS’s 150th anniversary in 2018 – professionals working in the region’s land, property and construction sectors have raised funds through a variety of fundraising events including sporting tournaments, tours of historic buildings as well as corporate dinners and networking events.

For more information on the RICS Pledge150 campaign – including the tools available to get you started fundraising – from brochures and posters along with suggestions of fundraising activities – visit www.rics.org/pledge150

Cariocca Enterprises support children’s climbing lessons

Sam Whitear
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Cariocca Enterprises has funded climbing lessons for over 20 pupils from schools in Manchester.

The funding ensured that 22 pupils from School of The Resurrection in Beswick and Medlock Primary School in Brunswick could take the 10-week NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) at the Manchester Climbing Centre.

Cariocca provided the funding as part of a scheme from Manchester-based social enterprise YP Potential’s ‘One Mile Project’, which aims to link businesses with local community initiatives.

Cariocca Enterprises is a black and minority ethnicity organisation (BME) formed to help support and encourage entrepreneurship in inner-city Manchester. It was Manchester’s first ever managed office space provider and now has 200 office units across sites in Ardwick and Miles Platting.

YP Potential, a division of The Apprentice Academy, is developing a model which delivers corporate social responsibility schemes for employers across Manchester – partnering with them to secure funding for community groups and schools less than one mile from their location.

Bukky Balogun, Deputy Manager at Cariocca said: “We are delighted to support local schools and help nurture the next generation. The climbing lessons were designed to encourage co-operation and trust in pupils and give them the opportunity to build their confidence.

“It’s vital that children have access to opportunities like this no matter what their background.

“A big part of our ethos is to encourage and support local enterprises, and we are privileged to partner with YP Potential to help inspire the pupils.

“We wish the pupils the best of luck in the future and we’re sure they all have bright futures ahead of them”.

Sports specialist and Valuation Office Agency (VOA) executive joins Colliers International Manchester as rating director

Sam Whitear
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Jim Gallagher is joining the Manchester office of real estate advisors Colliers International as a rating director from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

With more than 30 years’ rating experience, including litigation in the Lands Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, Jim was most recently Head of Commercial Leisure and Civics in the National Specialists Unit at the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), where he was responsible for overseeing properties for non-domestic rating purposes, running a team of 20.

Prior to that he headed the Specialist Rating Unit for the North and was Group Valuation Officer for the North West.

Throughout his career Jim has obtained specialist experience in advising the sports industry, most notably through his involvement in lengthy negotiations in respect of the Etihad Campus and its City Football Academy.

Until recently, he carried out most of the rating work for Premiership football grounds and training grounds in the North and agreed a scheme of valuation for rugby grounds with shared pitches for the RFU.

Jim brings specialist litigation experience to Colliers, having been involved in important cases around the valuation approach to be taken on niche assets including doctors’ surgeries, ATMs and places of religious worship. A career highlight includes his work on Gallagher v Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is still the leading case on religious exemption – a topic on which he lectures to RICS Rating Diploma candidates.

Jim’s reputation within the VOA is second to none; he was named the VOA’s Outstanding Leader in 2017 in their annual people awards.

John Webber, Head of Rating, Colliers International, said: “Businesses are crying out for decent advice on how to deal with their rate bills given the fallout from the 2017 Revaluation, where sudden increased bills have hit many companies for six. And adding to a new appeals system (CCA), which many acknowledge is not fit for purpose, many businesses need urgent professional support to negotiate the new system.

“This appointment will help keep Colliers at the forefront in looking after our clients and lobbying the government for reform. We now have over 90 rating professionals in our team, working from nine offices across the UK. I welcome the expertise that Jim brings to our already experienced team and look forward to working with them as we continue to strengthen our offering and provide quality all round business rates advice in these difficult times.”

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