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Visualsoft creates new head of onboarding role

Sam Whitear
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Manchester-based e-commerce and digital agency, Visualsoft, has appointed Chris Fletcher as head of onboarding – a brand new role for the business.

In his new position, Chris will take responsibility for overseeing the process by which new clients are brought on board to Visualsoft’s e-commerce platform, including website build and ongoing projects, training and partnerships. He will also be working closely with Visualsoft’s business development consultants to ensure that all clients receive the best possible service and are fully satisfied at every stage of the process.

Chris previously spent two years as channel development manager at Visualsoft, where he created a new division within the company to help clients grow their business on marketplaces such as eBay. He later took over responsibility for managing all partner relationships, ensuring that the Visualsoft offering is completely up to date with the latest functionality offered by the likes of Sagepay and Amazon.

Prior to joining Visualsoft, Chris counts over 12 years’ experience working as an e-commerce manager for a number of large UK retailers including Berghaus and Barker & Stonehouse.

Headquartered in Teesside, with bases in Newcastle and Manchester, Visualsoft has a growing team of over 200 staff who specialise in the design, build, support and marketing of online stores for retailers across the UK.

Chris commented: “My experience in managing multiple websites for leading brands on the Visualsoft roster means I know exactly what’s required for a successful online business to flourish. I have previously overseen huge projects for the business, so am well-positioned to offer genuinely valuable support and guidance to our projects team. I’m very much looking forward to getting started.”

Dean Benson, CEO of Visualsoft, said: “Chris has a proven track record of providing unique and effective e-commerce solutions for our clients, and this has proven key to his success at Visualsoft over the past two years. He has a great work ethic, strong digital expertise and an excellent client-driven approach. This will be increasingly important as we look to expand the business, ensuring that all new clients receive the same high level of service. I am confident that this new position is one in which he will thrive.”

FS Legal invests in Altrincham office building to facilitate company expansion

Sam Whitear
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FS Legal Solicitors has acquired the freehold of Alpha House, 12 Oxford Road, Altrincham, from a private client of Regional Property Solutions, to relocate its business from 45 The Downs.

A specialist firm of award-winning lawyers, FS Legal advises high net worth individuals and corporate clients in commercial business and private investment.

After winning a raft of new clients during a highly successful 2017 FS Legal believes the investment in a prime piece of real estate in the heart of the town centre will enable further growth.

The 2,200 sq ft space in Alpha House spans the basement, ground and first floor – with the team set to take occupancy in spring following refurbishment.

The Manchester office of FS Legal is led by company partners Kit Sorrell and Julia Norris.

Julia Norris, Partner, FS Legal Solicitors said: “We are really pleased with the acquisition and look forward to moving the team into our new premises later this year.

“The essential ethos of the firm remains as it has from the outset: do right by the clients and do right by the staff – the rest will follow. We have carried this through our real estate strategy and have designed an office space that will concur with facilities to accompany the company’s growing staff count and client base.

“The team has been involved in many significant, multi-million-pound litigation cases and has seen huge growth over recent years as a result. We are looking to build upon this and with our growing client base we’re incredibly excited to continue our expansion into 2018.”

The office refurbishment at FS Legal’s Alpha House is being carried out by Vantage building consultancy and will involve enhancing the existing period features of the building whilst creating a contemporary office environment including bespoke client suites and breakout space.

Paul Wood, Director, Vantage Building Consultancy said: “Altrincham is becoming an ever-more attractive place for businesses. The town has received significant investment in the past year and continues to develop at pace with a variety of amenity at its core.

“The real estate market is an extremely competitive one in the town and we are delighted this deal has come to fruition. The refurbishment will create an office environment that we know fits the team’s ambitions and plans for growth. We are really looking forward to watching the process complete.”

Daniel Lee, director, Regional Property Solutions, who acted for the vendor, said: “This was an off-market transaction with a premium paid for this increasingly rare town centre freehold with the bonus of adequate parking”.

Greater Manchester businesses up for the challenge in 2018

Sam Whitear
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The fifth Greater Manchester Business Survey has revealed that a majority of local firms are cautiously optimistic about the 12 months ahead – but many recognise there are still barriers to growth.

The Greater Manchester Business Survey reveals:

  • Almost half of businesses (45%) expect turnover to increase in the next 12 months, while 40% expect no change
  • Fewer businesses reported they had increased employment in the last 12 months – but more than nine in 10 (93%) anticipate employee numbers will remain the same or increase in 2018
  • Nearly a third (30%) see business finance as the top barrier to growth, up from 22% in 2016 – yet just 15% sought investment and funding in 2017
  • A fifth of GM businesses (20%) reported that they exported (up from 12% in 2014) – however only 5% of GM businesses reported planning to export in the future
  • Fewer businesses believe a lack of staff or skills was a barrier to growth in 2017 (down to 19% from 30% in 2016) and more respondents said workforce and skills were the main driver of growth (32%)
  • Four out of five businesses (81%) report no barriers to innovation (up from 71% in 2016), reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the city region

The research, conducted on behalf of the Business Growth Hub, part of the Growth Company, focused on business performance over the last 12 months, and the outlook for the 12 months ahead.

Commenting on the findings, Richard Jeffery, director of business growth, Business Growth Hub, said: “It’s very encouraging that Greater Manchester firms are, on the whole, cautiously optimistic about the future, but it’s also important to address the things that are stopping businesses achieving their full potential. I was interested to see that there’s often a disconnect between the perceived barriers to growth and what companies are doing to overcome them.

 “For example, around a third said business finance is the top barrier to growth, yet just 15% sought investment and funding in 2017. And while it is encouraging that 22% of companies would consider seeking finance through a government-backed loan or investment scheme, the type of which the Hub can signpost you to, turning to the bank still remains the first-place businesses think of going to for funding. In contrast very few businesses think that venture capital or angel investment could be an option.

“Across these areas Business Growth Hub and The Growth Company has specialist advisers, mentors and programmes which can help firms overcome these barriers – many of these services are fully funded, meaning there is no cost to the business receiving the support.”

Donna Edwards, Managing Director of Business Support & Business Finance at The Growth Company, said: “This year’s survey is the first completed after the referendum result on Brexit. It is interesting to note the key findings broadly reflect insights and feedback we are getting from a lot of the businesses we work with relating to Brexit. Businesses are becoming more cautious.”

The report was based on the responses of 1,500 companies interviewed in 2017. The sample was designed to reflect the different sizes, types and locations of the 105,000 companies which make up the Greater Manchester economy.

UK city leaders to meet with Michel Barnier in Brussels

Sam Whitear
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Distributed on behalf of the core cities

Leaders and Mayors representing the Core Cities UK, the ten UK cities at the heart of the biggest urban areas outside London, are to meet with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier today.
The meeting in Brussels will see Core City politicians discuss how the shared interests of their cities, local communities and businesses can be best met in the lead up to and after Brexit.
Core Cities UK will attend the European Commission Headquarters with the president of the European cities network, EUROCITIES, meaning roughly 200 urban centres will be represented at the meeting.
The Core Cities urban areas are home to 20m people and generate 25% of the UK economy. They are home to more than a quarter of UK businesses, deliver 29% of UK international trade and host 37.5% of UK university students.
They are also the UK’s most significant international centres for trade outside London. It is estimated Core Cities exported over £72 billion in 2016, of which 48% was to the EU, and 52% to non-EU countries.
Cllr Judith Blake, chair of Core Cities UK and Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Negotiating the UK’s exit from the EU is a matter for the UK Government and our meeting with Michel Barnier isn’t to discuss that process.
“Our joint meeting, together with EUROCITIES, is to promote the interests of our local communities, businesses and institutions in future links with other European cities. We already have strong links with these cities which are important for local jobs.  We also have a responsibility to make sure the voice of local people is heard.
“Growth from the Core Cities will play a critical role to the success of the UK’s post-Brexit economy. The UK needs to increase its productivity by giving our cities the freedoms they need. If all our cities performed just at the national economic average, it would put an additional £70-£90 billion into the economy every year.

“International evidence suggests that the most productive cities have the most power over spending on local priorities. Our message to the Government is to deliver a domestic reform agenda that allows cities to take back control on issues such as skills and local economic development.”

Cllr Sue Murphy, Manchester City Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “This delegation is not about undermining Brexit. It is about maintaining links and good relations with European partner cities following the UK’s decision to leave the EU. This is vital for future trading – regardless of what the Brexit deal looks like – and we want to ensure we can ensure our relationships remain open and positive, to share ideas and opportunities.”

Through its partnership with EUROCITIES Core Cities will also be urging other European urban areas to highlight to their Governments the importance of a positive relationship between cities.
Core Cities plans to share the outcome of the discussion with ministers and shadow ministers.

Equilibrium supports Bramhall youth centre

Sam Whitear
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The Mill has been awarded a £300 grant after applying to Equilibrium Asset Management’s Cheshire East Community Support Scheme.

The Bramhall-based youth centre relies on donations from individuals and charities to enable it to provide a safe and friendly environment in which young people can meet safely, learn new skills and socialise with their friends.

The Mill was set up in September 2000 for 11 – 18-year-olds as a Millennium Project of Churches Together in Bramhall and Woodford. It offers free weekday drop-in sessions at The Hub, as well as providing music, games, food and drink at its increasingly popular Saturday Night Fever.

Mark Sweeting, Chair of Trustees of the Millennium Youth Bar Trust said: “The grant will go towards the refurbishment or renewal of items of equipment and continue providing this very worthwhile service to the young people of Bramhall.

“The generous donation from Equilibrium will help fund the shortfall and contribute to helping us continue our valuable work. On behalf of The Mill and all its Trustees, may I take this opportunity to thank Equilibrium for their kind contribution.”

Equilibrium Asset Management’s Community Support Scheme awards grants ranging from £100 to £500 to community organisations and charities across the region.

Projects that promote party political activities or religious causes, projects that benefit or involve animals and commercial enterprises are not accepted.

The wealth management company has run the scheme since 2015 and awarded over £11,000 in funds to community groups to date.

Wilmslow-headquartered Equilibrium Asset Management says applications to the first round of this year’s community support scheme can be submitted up until March 25.

Wood wins government backing to bring space technology to nuclear decommissioning

Sam Whitear
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Wood is leading research to make nuclear decommissioning safer, faster and more cost-effective by innovatively applying new technologies developed in space exploration, car production and medicine.

The company has secured approximately £1.5m funding from the UK’s government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Innovate UK after winning a prestigious competition to find the best new ideas.

Wood and its supply chain will combine new data and control systems with state-of-the-art robotics to design a demonstrator system for cleaning and dismantling highly radioactive rooms or ‘cells’ at Sellafield in Cumbria, UK, Europe’s most complex nuclear site.

The technologies used in Wood’s project include novel material handling solutions to reduce the risks of working at height, mixed reality headsets, a multi-fingered gripper allowing robots to grasp different objects, and a navigation system designed for missions to Mars that enables autonomous mapping where human access is impossible.

Bob MacDonald, CEO of Wood’s Specialist Technical Solutions business, commented: “Our innovative proposal for a fully remote solution removes the operator from a hazardous environment and is adaptable enough to tackle different tasks, many of which present unique challenges.

“Wood’s role is as an innovation integrator, bringing together ingenious ideas from industry and academia to define a new approach to the nuclear decommissioning challenge.”

Melanie Brownridge, the NDA’s head of technology, said the response from suppliers and academic institutions had been so promising, that the total amount available to the five chosen projects has been increased from £3m to £8.5m.

She added: “We were all incredibly excited by the quality and diversity of the submissions, which came from established nuclear organisations as well as industries working with us for the first time – such as space and defence sectors.”

Wood’s research partners are Airbus Defence and Space Ltd, Clicks and Links Ltd, Damavan Imaging SAS, Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd, IS-Instruments Ltd, I3D Robotics Ltd, The University of Lancaster, The University of Salford, Kawasaki UK Ltd and TWI.

Wood’s nuclear business employs more than 1,300 people in the North West of England, mainly at Knutsford and Birchwood in Cheshire and at Sellafield and Whitehaven in Cumbria.

Salford Red Devils launch business club

Sam Whitear
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A new business club will launch next month following the takeover of Salford Red Devils by SRD Holdings. Club 13 is the brainchild of Andrew Rosler, a director of the new holding company.

The intention is to build on the strong network of businesses and professionals already associated with the Super League club and provide a forum where they can exchange ideas and create opportunities.

The Club will host events and guest speakers through out the year at both the AJ Bell Stadium and other venues across the City.

“I believe Club 13 will assist the Salford Red Devils in a number of ways. We’ll be able to introduce current and retiring players to a professional and academic network which will aid their post career transition.  We will also provide support to international players and their families arriving in the UK from overseas clubs”, said Andrew Rosler.

The club will have a number of other specific objectives, including promoting Rugby League in Salford & Greater Manchester and to facilitate funding opportunities for grass roots sports.

“In addition, The Rugby League World Cup is coming to the UK in 2021 and Club 13 will also help us build on some of the opportunities that will bring.” Andrew added.

Club 13 will officially launch on 13th February, with the club website going live. The first event will take place on the 13th March, at the AJ Bell stadium.

GRAHAM Construction has appointed Stephen Hand at its new Preconstruction Director.

Sam Whitear
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Stephen joins GRAHAM from VolkerFitzpatrick where he was Head of Precontract, leading on winning work and preconstruction activity in the business’s Rail division. He has been influential in the management and delivery of bids on major rail projects including for Network Rail, Transport for London and other major rail clients.

As part of his role, Stephen will be involved in leading work winning within the key sectors of Rail, Highway, Marine and Energy for GRAHAM. He will be based at GRAHAM’s offices in Pacific Way, Salford Quays.

Stephen is a highly experienced construction professional who has managed bids and delivery on a host of major capital programmes in the construction, rail and civil engineering sectors with a track record of unlocking innovation within the supply chain, enabling innovation and delivering efficiency for clients. Previously he also has worked in senior roles for Laing O’Rourke in Ireland, UAE and the UK.

Leo Martin, Managing Director of GRAHAM, said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Stephen to GRAHAM as our newest director. He brings vast experience in procurement strategy and supply chain management and his knowledge of our key sectors will be influential to success in his new role.

 

“GRAHAM continues to grow as a business and we are developing our service offering to extend to many high-profile projects in the rail, construction and civil engineering industries. Stephen’s appointment signifies our ambition to deliver on exciting opportunities and to further develop our win strategy.”

 

On joining GRAHAM, Stephen said: “I’m delighted to be working in GRAHAM’s growing civil engineering division and look forward to leading the team’s preconstruction activity proposals strategy. GRAHAM is an ambitious business that continues to work with traditional values. The company has collaborated on some prestigious projects in various regions nationwide, and I look forward to supporting our strategic growth strategy.”

Thailand UK Ambassador visits UMIC to forge collaboration links

Sam Whitear
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The Ambassador of Thailand to the UK visited The University of Manchester Innovation Centre (UMIC) to discuss opportunities for transnational education and the creation of research centres in the Southeast Asian country.

Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata also showed an interest in Graphene during the tour of UMIC’s facility on Grafton Street.

Speaking after the visit The Ambassador of Thailand to the UK said: “The University of Manchester is a world-renowned institution.

“During a fascinating tour of The University of Manchester Innovation Centre I was given insight into the state-of-the-art laboratory spaces which are home to a number of start-ups and SMEs.

“Fortunately, I was able to meet UMIC members of staff and some of the people behind a few of the start-up companies housed there.

“UMIC is certainly helping Manchester to further bolster the city region’s culture of enterprise and innovation.”

Mr. Suvanajata was joined by Mr. Rithavee Plikarnon, Thai Airways Assistant General Manager and Ms. Piyapathu Ruktanonchai, First Secretary.

UMIC has three core facilities; the Manchester Incubator Building, 86,500 sq ft, the Core Technology Facility, 173,000 sq ft and the North Campus Incubator, which is known as ‘The Arches’ and houses Kaya Travel, Greenlight Computer, Frontier PR, Dexter Intelligence, App Focus and Siyemi.

Yvonne Loughlin, Head of UMIC, described the Thailand UK Ambassador’s visit as “inspirational.”

“After a short tour of the UMIC facilities we sat down and discussed ways we could collaborate and work together, which is fantastic,” Yvonne said.

“We are very excited about what this collaboration will bring to both UMIC and to Thailand.

“For the staff at UMIC, as well as the innovative companies based here, it was certainly inspiring to meet the ambassador and his team and to share stories too.”

Manchester UK’s Top Data Centre Hotspots 

Sam Whitear
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Thanks to modern technology, the physical location of a business is less important than it used to be. These days, clients, consumers and staff can access data no matter where they are. That said, choosing the right place for your data centre remains a priority. Here’s why according to Bidwells. 

There are several factors to consider before setting up a data centre, with location and proximity being two of the most important. Businesses will need easy access to their servers for maintenance or upgrades, while proximity to staff and clients is also crucial. IT staff may need to visit to replace equipment, make adjustments, or expand operations. With colocation services, businesses retain ownership of all their hardware and software, therefore it is important to have good transport links to and from the data centre. 

WHAT MAKES A GOOD DATA CENTRE LOCATION? 
 

In addition to a convenient location, data centres require plenty of space in which to operate, especially if clients decide to expand their business. Servers take up space, and if your data centre does not have sufficient space, clients may move their business elsewhere. 

Another consideration for data centres providers to take into account is energy consumption. According to NRDC’s research, data centres are expected to reach 140 billion kilowatt-hours by 2020. This is equivalent to 50 power plants. That said, many data centres are looking into green energy and renewable resources like solar, wind and tidal power as alternatives to sustain operations. In the long run, alternative energy will not only help the environment but also be more cost-effective. More and more data centres are therefore looking at locations where they can make the best use of these alternative energy sources. 

 

DATA CENTRE HOTSPOTS IN THE UK 
 

The UK is a thriving area for data centres thanks, in part, to the fact that it is a major digital and technology hub. The demand for data centres in the UK is high, with some of the most popular areas including: 

The capital, which forms part of the Golden Triangle, leads the pack as the most popular data centre location in the UK. There are 71 data centres in the city – the highest in the UK. There are many reasons for providers setting up data centres in London, with its proximity to digital businesses and excellent transport links being two of the main drivers of demand.  What’s more, some of the best universities and colleges are situated in London, giving data centres easy access to highly skilled graduates to ensure the highest level of performance and innovation. 

Manchester has become something of a technology hub and data centre providers have definitely noted its potential. Manchester is becoming a viable option for data centre operators to set up their businesses, boosted by the government’s Tech North start-up initiative in the city. Again, this location also means access to individuals from some of the best universities and IT colleges, while the city’s internet speeds are also comparable to the best in the country, which is essential for providing a strong hosting service. 

David Bainbridge, Divisional Managing Partner of Planning at Bidwells  comments: “With cities like Manchester, the UK remains one of the largest data centre markets, with the 2017 Colocation Report stating that the country is becoming the go-to location for data centres in Europe. For businesses, the Investment interest also continues to grow.  

“That said, Brexit could strongly influence the decisions of investors to look outside of the UK towards places like Dublin, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Until then, Manchester continues to contribute as a highly valued city for data centres. With the Finance and Investment Forum monitoring new opportunities for emerging data centres and ecosystems in the country, it looks set to thrive.” 

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