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Law firm scores top marks with new education service

Sam Whitear
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Greater Manchester law firm Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors has recruited specialist solicitor Taibah Khan to head up an innovative new education service that helps schools convert to academies.

Taibah, who comes from Bury and lives in Radcliffe, will lead WHN’s dedicated education advisory team that enables schools to benefit from the firm’s expertise in key areas such as compliance, governance, commercial, employment, and property law.

Her specialist knowledge will enable her to advise on compliance and governance for a range of organisations, including schools looking to become multi-academy trusts (MATs).

David McCann, senior partner at WHN Solicitors, said: “We took a strategic decision to set up this new specialist service in response to the rising number of schools seeking to convert to MATs.

“We are thrilled that Taibah has joined us and are confident she will lead the team with dynamism, enthusiasm and professionalism. These qualities are essential to our new service, which is designed to help people in the education sector by providing expert guidance in complex and technically challenging areas of law.”

David continued: “In order to complete the MAT conversion procedure, schools need specialist legal advice on issues including the incorporation of their trust, governance and compliance issues, funding requirements, and negotiating their commercial transfer agreement.”

The new team will advise on key areas of employment law, TUPE regulations, and pensions. Property law is another crucial aspect of the conversion process and the team will support title investigations on land, buildings and estates, as well as agreeing new leases or transfers, and dealing with land registrations.

David added: “An equally important role will be advising on vital issues that must be considered before converting. These include the alignment of visions and values, representation at board level, budgetary matters, and how the MAT will engage with staff and curriculum development, along with the MAT’s long term development strategy.”

Taibah joined WHN from a Preston law firm where she worked as a corporate and commercial solicitor, specialising in areas including MAT conversions and transfers.

Previously she worked as a non-practising solicitor at renewable energy developer Green Switch Solutions, which enabled her to gain valuable commercial experience.

She completed her solicitor’s training contract in-house at Green Switch, which involved completing a secondment at a large regional law firm. Before this, Taibah studied in Manchester and completed her legal practice course (LPC) at the University of Law.

Taibah said: “Working with the friendly, professional team at WHN is tremendously fulfilling and I’m both excited and inspired by the challenge of developing our new service for schools looking to convert to MATs.

“I will also use my experience as a corporate and commercial solicitor to advise on matters such as business sales and acquisitions, management buyouts, shareholder agreements, joint ventures, partnership agreements and other general commercial matters.”

Manchester’s Fletcher-Rae appointed to massive warehouse scheme

Sam Whitear
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Fletcher-Rae has been appointed by Bowmer and Kirkland for the design and build delivery stage of a massive warehouse and distribution facility comprised of a custom 360,000ft² building with associated service yards and office space. This follows successful planning approval made by Fletcher-Rae on behalf of Muse Developments.

The site, known as Logic Leeds, is located on the northern edge of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone, which is supported by Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Leeds City Council, the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Andrew Rae, Co-Founder of Fletcher-Rae, details the firm’s appointment on the project.

“This latest appointment on the Logic Leeds development maintains Fletcher-Rae’s ongoing involvement on the project, following planning consent being granted, through to completion and overseeing delivery from an architectural point of view, working with external partners to ensure all components are being executed to the highest standards.

The technical delivery teams at Fletcher-Rae are strong and this trend of remaining on projects whilst work is being carried out is becoming increasingly common with the larger builds we’re involved with.”

The industrial site is situated off Pontefract Lane (A63) close to junction 45 of the M1 motorway. It is being developed for technology distributor Premier Farnell after they have outgrown their current facilities in Armley in Leeds. Once complete the site will stock over 420,000 products and provides the foundation for continued growth.

This new build is set to be the one of the largest warehouse development in Leeds city area and will support jobs in the region. Work started on site early February 2018 and the distribution warehouse is scheduled to be complete by the end of this year.

UCFB and Kick It Out launch The Next 25 scholarship

Sam Whitear
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UCFB is delighted to announce a new scholarship in partnership with Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation.

‘The Next 25’ fund, named in recognition of Kick It Out’s 25th anniversary, will give 25 recipients full tuition fee scholarships – worth up to £54,000 – on an undergraduate or postgraduate university degree at UCFB Etihad Campus, based inside and around Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

This incredible scholarship will offer students a once in a lifetime opportunity to earn a world-class degree at UCFB as well as act as an official ambassador for Kick It Out across UCFB and the wider football industry. Each Kick It Out scholar will also become a peer educator on behalf of Kick It Out. In addition, students will take part in Kick It Out’s annual research project, leading on and delivering a research project in the area of diversity and inclusivity in football, with the assistance and guidance of Kick It Out and UCFB.

Kick It Out and UCFB are looking to identify the future leaders of tomorrow from a diverse range of backgrounds and walks of life, so applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding and passion for diversity and inclusivity. Recipients will then use their skills and knowledge post-graduation to make a positive impact in the football industry.

As Kick It Out prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary, their attention is once again on the future of the sport – seeking to develop and encourage a generation of future leaders from diverse backgrounds and who can demonstrate their commitment to diversity, inclusion and fairness.

UCFB’s Chief Marketing Officer Sharona Friedman commented: “UCFB is committed to inclusion and diversity within the football industry at all levels, so we’re delighted to be able to partner with Kick It Out to offer this incredible scholarship opportunity. The recipients of this award will not only receive a first-class education to begin their career in the football industry, but the opportunity to represent Kick It Out and UCFB around the country is truly a one off experience that shouldn’t be missed.”

Roisin Wood, Chief Executive at Kick It Out, added: “Kick It Out and UCFB are dedicated to educating the leaders of tomorrow in the importance of diversity and a level playing field at all levels and in all sectors of the game. This unique scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition fees, is the perfect way to promote inclusion and help spread the word on diversity in football.”

Greater Manchester Mayor backs Farnworth vision

Sam Whitear
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The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham met with more than 40 key people to discuss creating a bold new vision for Farnworth.

Public and private landowners, councillors, businesses, developers and community groups were present to discuss the challenges to unlocking the potential of the town centre.

Bolton Council has nominated Farnworth for the Mayor’s Town Centre Challenge – a new initiative which strives to breathe life into areas across the region.

Work has already started to improve a major junction and a busy shopping street as part a multi-million pound redevelopment of Farnworth.

Improvements to the junction of King Street and Market Street are part of the £1.9m Farnworth bus station redevelopment project being delivered in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.

This work is expected to complete in summer 2018, which is also when the bus station is due to reopen.

Nearby Brackley Street repaving work has also started as part of a £450,000 scheme funded by Bolton Council.

Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Ebrahim Adia, said: “Farnworth is an important part of our borough and the Town Centre Challenge provides us with an opportunity to unlock its potential.

“The event has helped us to make a start with creating a new vision for Farnworth. We will get the key representatives from the community and our partners together again to build on the momentum the event created.

“Investment is already underway in Farnworth and we understand the difference that regeneration in neighbourhoods can make to local people’s lives.”

Mr Burnham added: “It’s been excellent to come to Farnworth and see first-hand the ambitious plans the council has for the regeneration of the area.

“Revitalising town centres is a key aspiration for me as mayor – developing new homes, building on brownfield land and changing how town centres are used.

“The Town Centre Challenge is a very real opportunity for all 10 of our districts in Greater Manchester to focus attention on areas in need of support, and with my new powers as mayor I am confident we can make real and lasting change.”

Leader of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, added: “We hope this demonstrates what I have been stating – that there is a commitment to giving priority status to regenerate Farnworth and are really pleased to be collaborating with Andy Burnham to speed up the process.”

New national mentoring programme launches in Greater Manchester and Greater Birmingham

Sam Whitear
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Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company, and its Birmingham equivalent have become the first regions in the country to pilot a mentoring initiative developed by Be the Business.

The free pilot programme pairs mentors from some of the UK’s biggest companies – including BAE Systems, Siemens, GSK and Sharing in Growth – with regional business leaders from the manufacturing sector. Over the course of six months, mentors will offer personal expertise, inspiration and practical advice on a one-to-one basis, from decision-making and business planning to talent acquisition and risk management, to help firms become more productive and overcome any potential barriers to economic growth.

Janine Smith, Head of Growth Services, Business Growth Hub said: “Our Greater Manchester mentoring programme has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with both mentees and mentors reporting on the huge benefits that the relationships have made to them – both personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to collaborate with other growth hubs and some of the UK’s biggest businesses to share our mentoring expertise is very exciting. We’re looking forward to seeing the results in September.”

The mentoring project is the brainchild of Be the Business, a new business-led organisation created to close the UK’s productivity gap. Chaired by Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, Be the Business is spearheading a business-led drive to help companies across the UK improve their performance.

Tony Danker, Chief Executive, Be the Business, said: “Mentoring is a fantastic way for some of the UK’s most productive companies to share what works with business owners in Greater Birmingham and GreaterManchester. Improving management skills and learning how to best engage with employees can create huge improvements for businesses, and these are some of the skills the mentors will pass on to companies in the pilot programmes.”

The sessions – which are fully funded – will initially be held face-to-face, and will include mentors from Be The Business and also Hub programmes like Greater Manchester’s Manufacturing Champions. There will be 36 mentors working across Greater Manchester and Greater Birmingham & Solihull, supporting 43 mentees.

Arunima Dhar, Advanced Manufacturing Programme Lead, GSK, said: “Having had the luxury of mentors at GSK, I personally know how valuable their advice can be. I often reach out to my mentors to bounce ideas, learn from their varied experiences. Greater Manchester and the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Growth Hubs have been our partners since the inception of this idea and I am delighted to see the pilot come to fruition. I am sure our mentees and mentors will mutually benefit from this experience.”

 

Hundreds Visit E3 Business Expo

Sam Whitear
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More than 700 visitors attended the E3 Business Expo at the Macron Stadium in Bolton.

The event is a showcase for businesses throughout the North West. Designed to deliver as much activity as possible in a single day, it comprises a series of seminars, speed networking sessions and the exhibition itself, which this year featured 60 stands.

Attendance broke previous records, as visitors came to make new contacts and hear presentations on a diverse range of business topics. Others were drawn by the chance to take advantage of special show offers, as the event organiser, Mubarak Chati, MD of 1 Events Media explains.

“This year, we’ve been helping exhibitors to get the best possible results from their time at the Expo,” he said. “Last month, we provided exhibitor training for all those taking part and, to help ensure maximum attendance, we encouraged them to provide a variety of show offers – discounts and giveaways that visitors would really value. The stand-holders certainly embraced the idea and we estimate they came to the Expo offering more than £18,000 worth of free reports, free security checks and significant discounts on things like hotel bookings and flights.

“Helping exhibitors to prepare more effectively is good news for everyone. It means better results for those on the stands, but it also means better deals and better customer service for our visitors. The early feedback from this year’s Expo has been particularly positive, so we’ll definitely use people’s experiences here to shape the look and feel of future events.”

One of the biggest draws of the day was the seminar programme. This featured presentations on fleet management, customer engagement and business development through referral marketing.

The seminars took place to one side of the main hall, where, on around 60 stalls, exhibitors demonstrated new products, new technologies and new solutions to the challenges of business. Throughout the day, visitors and exhibitors alike were also able to take advantage of free food and drink. This encouraged visitors to stay longer, spending more time networking and talking to stand-holders, and its obvious popularity on the day means it will almost certainly become a standard feature of future events.

Other parts of the exhibition hall were devoted to particular industries. In the Energy Zone, for example, exhibitors were on hand to offer advice on all aspects of energy cost reduction. Visitors requested utility supplier comparisons, booked appointments for energy efficiency surveys and learned about the savings resulting from the latest energy efficient lighting and control products.

Likewise, in the Fleet Zone, members of the recently formed National Fleet Partnership provided free advice about keeping company vehicles safe, secure and running efficiently. Inside the hall, they helped visitors with issues such as insurance, purchasing and security, while outside in the car park, safety specialists offered free tyre checks and vehicle reports.

Another popular feature of the day’s events was the opportunity to take part in networking sessions. These ran throughout the day and were very well attended.

Apple experts open state-of-the art technology hub in Manchester

Sam Whitear
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A new technology experience has arrived in Manchester with the launch of a purpose built space for people and businesses to shop, learn, share, create and collaborate.

Sync is the ultimate technology hub and the new home of all things Apple, located right in the very heart of Manchester city centre in Barton Arcade, Deansgate.

Offering the very best in Apple products, along with other leading tech brands, Sync’s friendly team of knowledgeable experts, who have over 25 years of experience, provide a range of services, including walk-in and pre-booked repairs.

With regular training and seminars from leading tech professionals, and a co-working space, combining a well-equipped meeting room and a cosy snug, Sync enables people to connect and work effortlessly with other tech and business professionals all under one roof.

Sync is powered by GBM Digital Technologies, the largest Apple Service Provider in the North. In the last two years, they have been the largest Apple Authorised Reseller based on revenue and are also in the Top 20 of the Tech Track Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the UK.

Chris Costello, director of GBM said: “As GBM, we have been working with small businesses, multinationals, schools and creatives to provide great Apple solutions and services for over 25 years. We felt it was time to build on our foundations to bring our technology expertise to consumers, giving them access to the latest technology, underpinned by experts who genuinely know their stuff.

“Sync isn’t just another tech shop. It’s where technology meets collaboration. We work with customers to help them use tech to make their personal and professional lives better, as well as providing them with a space to work, network and learn. Whether you’re looking for advice about the latest iPad or want to upgrade your MacBook, our friendly team are there to help. We also offer a range of support services, including data recovery, out of warranty services and repairs, while-you-wait upgrades and Mac recycling.”

The store officially launched on Thursday 8th March, and guests were treated to an exclusive audience with Manchester United legend and leading digital entrepreneur, Gary Neville. On the night, he shared his vision for the tech sector in Manchester and answered questions from the audience on his thoughts on the future of technology in Manchester.

283 new trainee engineers for the North West in Openreach’s biggest ever recruitment drive

Sam Whitear
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Around 283 trainee engineers will be hired across the North West as part of the largest recruitment drive ever undertaken by Openreach.

The announcement follows news that Openreach, Britain’s leading digital network business, will accelerate plans to build more ultrafast Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband across the country.

The 283 North West roles, part of more than 3,500 being recruited across the UK during the next 12 months, will be located in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.

Trainees will join the UK’s largest team of telecoms engineers working to expand, upgrade, maintain and install new services over Openreach’s national broadband network.

Openreach’s ‘Fibre First’ programme will deliver expanded ‘full fibre’ FTTP networks in up to 40 towns, cities and boroughs, setting it on a trajectory to reach ten million British premises by the mid-2020s. It has committed to making FTTP available in three million British homes and business by the end of 2020 and, if the conditions are right, intends to go significantly further, bringing the benefits of FTTP technology to the majority of homes and businesses in the UK. The roll-out will commence in eight cities: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Speaking ahead of the official opening today of Openreach’s new fibre engineering training centre in Bradford, one of 12 new regional centres built to support the fibre roll-out, Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said:“These trainee engineers will be playing a vital role in the future success and prosperity of the UK. Over the last year our 22,200 engineers have been the driving force behind Government reaching its target of making ‘superfast’ broadband available to more than 95 per cent of the country, whilst also improving our customer service performance – but we want to do more.

“Every day, Openreach engineers are working in all weathers across the length and breadth of Britain, connecting homes and businesses and making sure people can access the high quality broadband services they need. We are already investing in upskilling our engineering team and today’s announcement of new jobs, including 120 in the East Midlands, underlines our commitment to make our ‘Fibre First’ programme a reality – future-proofing Britain’s broadband network and supporting emerging mobile technologies like 5G.”

Matthew Hemmings, infrastructure delivery director for Openreach in the North West, said: “This latest recruitment represents a further major investment in the North West. It’s very exciting news for our region. We’re looking forward to men and women from all walks of life applying for these roles at Openreach as we’re keen to engage with the aspiring engineers of tomorrow and to build a diverse workforce that reflects the hugely diverse communities we serve.

“Becoming an engineer can be an incredibly rewarding career, and we’re constantly improving our training and recruitment programmes to make sure we attract and keep the best engineers in the business. This year we’ve invested heavily in upskilling our people, so they can now do more for customers in a single visit and we recently launched new career pathways to give our engineers a clear sense of the skills, accountabilities and experience they need to get where they want to be.

“We’re committed to helping people realise their potential so we’re also delighted to be offering work experience placements, under the Movement to Work programme, to 18-24 year olds who are currently not in education, employment or training. North West courses are often held in places like Accrington, Salford and Stockport.”

Competition seeks to find ‘big idea’ to improve quality of life in Manchester

Sam Whitear
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The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has launched a global competition* – known as the Cities for our Future Challenge – calling on young people to come up with new ideas, using technology, to boost Manchester resident’s quality of life.

Manchester, Glasgow and London are among 24 global cities chosen for the competition, which asks entrants to provide practical, innovative solutions to address specific challenges in each of these cities – around urbanisation, climate change and resource scarcity – to be in with a chance of winning the generous prize of £50,000.

Whilst Manchester entrants have been tasked with submitting ideas for how we can use data and technology to improve residents’ quality of life in the city, Glasgow entrants must find solutions to tackle the city’s high levels of homelessness, whilst London entrants are to come up with ideas on how to improve the city’s air quality.

The Cities for our Future Challenge is part of the RICS’s 150th anniversary celebrations this year, and is open to all, but the organisation is particularly looking to attract entries from students, young property professionals, as well as entrepreneurs and innovators such as prop-tech start-ups.

The best 12 entries from around the world will be shortlisted for the global prize and receive support and advice from RICS qualified professionals (mentors) to develop and refine their idea(s), before an overall winner is announced in November 2018.

Victoria Hampson, RICS Regional Director commented: “The rapid growth of Manchester is one of the biggest challenges facing the city today as it puts ever more strain on urban infrastructure, housing and vital healthcare services.

“We’re already seeing property firms increasingly using technology and data to deliver and maintain smart, efficient buildings, whilst such intelligence is also making many jobs faster, safer and less costly. It is our hope with this competition that we encourage others to think about how we use the latest technology and data to further improve Manchester’s communities, and potentially deliver a practical solution that will have a real positive, lasting impact on the city’s people and local businesses.”

Sean Tompkins, RICS CEO added: “The world’s cities are growing all the time, creating a range of challenges that will need to be addressed if they are to become safe, clean and attractive places to live. Throughout our 150 years, chartered surveyors have been crucial to urban development and improving communities all over the world.

“Therefore, we are proud to be running this competition in our anniversary year, and to be actively searching for practical ideas to advance not just UK cities, but also many other cities across the globe including Beijing, Mumbai and Lagos, With the help of our RICS mentors, we hope the overall winning solution can be developed and delivered to significantly benefit its respective city’s people, communities and local businesses.”

Hurst raises over £9,000 for Mustard Tree

Sam Whitear
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A charity which helps to tackle homelessness and poverty across Greater Manchester has received a cash boost of more than £9,000 from accounting and business advisory firm HURST.

Mustard Tree was HURST’s charity of the year for 2017 and staff raised a total of £9,560.65 for the organisation, smashing their target by more than £2,500.

They undertook fundraising activities ranging from a staff sleep out and a cycle ride through Belgium, the Netherlands and France to a football tournament, raffles and bake sales.

Mustard Tree provides food, furniture, clothing and training for people across the region. It has its headquarters in Ancoats, Manchester, and sites in Eccles and Little Hulton, Salford.

Sophie Appleton, the charity’s corporate partnership manager, said: “HURST has been a truly valued corporate partner of Mustard Tree. The staff have been innovative with their fundraising ideas, which were inclusive of all. The team were fully behind our cause and the money they have raised will make a big difference.”

HURST partner Simon Brownbill said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Mustard Tree over the past year. Homelessness is a big problem in Manchester and, as a firm, it was really important to us to give back to the community and make a difference to those trapped in poverty.

“We’re extremely pleased with the amount we have raised, and we thank everyone who helped us to exceed our target of £7,000.

“It’s great to know that these funds will enable Mustard Tree to continue supporting those in need in and around Greater Manchester.”

HURST staff have chosen MedEquip4Kids as the firm’s charity of the year for 2018.

MedEquip4Kids raises money to provide paediatric medical equipment and facilities for hospitals and community health teams.

Simon added: “MedEquip4Kids plays a vital role in helping to improve the health of children and babies across the UK and we are looking forward to playing our part in assisting the charity with its great work.”

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