The University of Salford Business School is proud to spotlight its enduring partnership with Peninsula UK, especially as the HR consultancy celebrates their milestone 40th anniversary. To mark this landmark event, Peninsula UK has announced an unprecedented giveaway, committing over £1 million in specialist HR services to 400 businesses.

To ensure the initiative reaches its intended audience, Peninsula UK is particularly keen on applications from start-ups, small businesses, and charities in the UK and Northern Ireland. Eligibility requires being new to Peninsula UK and having a workforce of no more than 20.

400 small businesses across the UK and Northern Ireland are set to benefit from Peninsula UK's world-class services for free. The comprehensive package includes:

·       24/7 HR and Health & Safety advice: Empowering businesses to make well-informed decisions anytime, day or night.

·       BrightHR software: A time-saving toolkit for HR tasks, inclusive of online rota planning and absence management tools.

·       Documentation support: Expertly-crafted HR paperwork, policies, and communication tools, all vetted by employment law specialists.

·       Legal insurance: Shielding businesses from hefty legal costs when adhering to Peninsula's advice.

·       Tribunal representation: Fortified legal support for businesses facing employee tribunal claims.

As part of this initiative, Salford Business School is offering six masterclasses focusing on topics including digital transformation, change management, and sustainability. These themes align perfectly with the January 2024 launch of Salford Business School’s brand-new Centre for Sustainability and Innovation.

Building on our accreditation of the Small Business Charter Award, a national recognition that celebrates institutions that actively support small businesses and foster student entrepreneurship while enhancing the local economy the centre will provide a new front door to regional small businesses who want to work with academics on supporting their productivity and growth.

Since 2017, the partnership between Salford Business School and Peninsula UK has been marked by mutual growth and innovation. Since its inception, various collaborative projects have been undertaken, highlighting their shared commitment to knowledge dissemination and business empowerment. Central to this has been the opportunity for HR professionals to undertake the postgraduate certificate in Employment Policy and Practice.

In 2022, our collaboration with Peninsula UK flourished further with the launch of the 'HR Unpacked' podcast series. This initiative brings together expertise from both institutions, delving into UK labour laws and HR practices, the series has been a beacon of knowledge for many. With the upcoming release of 'HR Unpacked 2', we look forward to deepening our discussions and continuing to enlighten listeners later this year.

Dr Francine Morris, Associate Dean for Enterprise and Engagement at Salford Business School, said:

"Our journey with Peninsula UK has always been about innovation and shared growth. I congratulate everyone at Peninsula they mark their 40th year with such a magnanimous gesture, it reaffirms the values we've collectively championed over the years."

Reflecting on the partnership's inception in 2017, it was noted:

"The synergy between Peninsula UK and Salford Business School is more than just collaboration; it's about moulding the future of HR and making a tangible difference in the Greater Manchester region."

For further insights on Peninsula UK's 40th-anniversary initiative, please visit:
https://www.peninsulagrouplimited.com/million-pound-giveaway

Salford-based MC Construction is blazing a trail after teaming up with environmental business Play It Green to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company is the first construction business to join Play It Green’s Climate Positive Workforce programme as it steps up its drive to lower its carbon emissions and to progress towards becoming a net zero operation by 2038.

MC Construction has signed up its entire 60-strong team to Play It Green’s online subscription service. For a monthly fee, every staff member will receive weekly tips, discounts, education and tools to help them and the business reduce their footprint. A total of 780 trees will be planted each month on behalf of its staff.

In addition, as part of the same subscription, the North West Air Ambulance Charity will receive a regular donation as the company’s charity of the year. Ten per cent of Play it Green’s revenues go to each member’s chosen good cause.

Play It Green, which was launched in 2021 by Chris Thair and Richard Dickson, is based in Manchester. The B Corp accredited business has grown to have subscribers across nine countries, including Sri Lanka, Germany and Australia as well as the UK.

Among Play It Green’s members are Warrington Wolves RLFC, basketball team London Lions, Shire Leasing, Ecoegg, Levitex, Ikonic Technology, Affirmative Finance, Dains Accountants, Manchester Central and The Regency Club London.

Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “The impact of the construction industry is widely documented on the global stage. World leaders have committed to shifting towards a more sustainable future. This is a responsibility for everyone in the industry, regardless of size, and we are determined to play our part.  

“As a long-established business, our success has always been anchored to our core values, including taking responsibility for our actions. 

“By joining forces with Play It Green, we are showing our commitment to building upon our existing initiatives to tackle and reduce the environmental impact of our work. 

“We recognise that there is no quick fix, and that positive results will come from concerted effort, but we are fully committed to a strategic and determined approach to achieve our net zero target by 2038. Our partnership with Play It Green is a positive step on that journey and will help us make a tangible difference.

“Play It Green shares our values and has a straightforward and transparent approach, making it a natural fit for us. I have no doubt that our fantastic team will engage with the Climate Positive Workforce programme, ensuring that environmental and sustainability considerations are further embedded in our culture.”

Chris Thair, chief executive of Play It Green, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome MC Construction into our community.

“The Climate Positive Workforce service now moves them to the next level by continually educating and rewarding their staff, giving them the knowledge, drive and tools to bring innovation and further positive action within the business.

“Our model significantly boosts our members’ ESG credentials, helping them move to net zero and make a positive ongoing environmental and social impact.

“We look forward to working with MC Construction and creating a brighter future for their business, local community and the planet.”

North-West-based contractor, Seddon, volunteered time from 17 of its newly recruited apprentices, together with senior team members, to a restoration project at Peel Park. The work was delivered through legacy organisation, CommUNITY Little Hulton, across two days, at the historic Peel Park in Salford.

The work saw Salford Council collaborate with Seddon, ForHousing, Kenny Waste Management and Suez, as part of a larger campaign aimed at restoring the Peel Park Pavilion to its former glory.

The group of 17 apprentices, ranging in age from 16 to 27, accessed their courses through various local programmes, including Salford College’s Industry Partnerships, which aims to develop talent for the workforce of tomorrow. The team engaged in a number of activities, including constructing compost bins, treating the site’s sleeper wall, and carrying out various painting tasks on the park's gates and railings. Kenny Waste Management employees and volunteers carried out a significant amount of groundwork, helping to clear the site.

The collaborative two-day project not only emphasised the significance of community involvement to the apprentices but also fostered teamwork and camaraderie among them.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“A big thank you goes to Seddon for providing these important opportunities for apprentices to learn in our great city. The park was originally opened in 1910 and is one of Salford’s oldest parks. It will benefit from this much-needed maintenance work, while apprentices learn new skills on site.”

The park has been a touchstone of the community since it opened over 110 years ago. Recognising the site’s community value, Seddon was eager to get involved with its clean-up initiative. It reinforces the contractor’s mantra that ‘people make places.’ 

Priyanka Mistry, creative project apprentice said:

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“I'm a fine art graduate and I never for a million years thought I'd work in construction. I’ve since realised that it is a really creative industry and I’m enjoying it. Being part of a community project at Seddon feels rewarding, too.“

The works provided the opportunity for the new recruits to work alongside senior members of the Seddon team. With owner and director of Seddon, Nicola Hodkinson, also in attendance, the apprentices worked across a previously disused area of the park, enabling it to become accessible to the public.

Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon said:

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“We’re committed to continually investing in the next generation of construction workers and are equally committed to improving the communities we work in. We’re proud to welcome the new apprentices into the business by supporting a key asset to the Salford community.”

The essential maintenance and revitalisation tasks delivered by the volunteers at the Peel Park Pavilion, align with the Seddon ethos of giving back to the community. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the ongoing redevelopment initiatives at the site.

The city-region’s Places for Everyone plan for housing and development across Greater Manchester has been approved by Inspectors from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

They have recommended that the nine authorities consult on a set of recommendations to clarify the wording of the policies however the vision, objectives and Spatial Strategy for the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan of nine Greater Manchester districts remain unchanged.

The plan which sets out how the region will determine the kind of development that takes place in their boroughs, maximising the use of brownfield land and urban spaces while protecting Green Belt land from the risk of unplanned development has already been rejected by one of the region’s borough’s Stockport and earlier this summer saw the 74-acre Chat Moss site north of Irlam station removed from the plans.

Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford City Council and GMCA Portfolio lead for Places for Everyone said:

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“I am pleased that after a vigorous process of public examination, the Planning Inspectors have supported the overall ambitions in the city-regional spatial plan of the 9 Local Authorities: Places for Everyone. I would like to thank the Inspectors and everyone involved in this process and many consultations that have happened since Greater Manchester embarked upon this ambitious and strategically important work back in August 2014.

“It has been a long road to get us here, but the prize at the end of more homes, more jobs and sustainable growth rejuvenating our green spaces, reshaping our town centres and integrating new developments with our transport infrastructure to unlock new opportunities and tackle inequalities looks ever closer.

“Moreover, having a city-regional spatial plan has always been about providing clarity about future development within our city-region to ensure that we genuinely work towards meeting housing need, avoiding to the best of our ability costly planning by appeal, ensuring we meet the government’s requirements on land-supply for housing need, whilst also utilising this clarity on future development sites as a framework to assist in tackling the housing and homelessness crisis through new housing supply, acknowledging that every residents and family in Greater Manchester should have a place to call home.

“Ultimately, having a city-regional spatial plan of the nine Local Authorities will be a critical tool in supporting Greater Manchester’s case for further devolution from central government, whilst also providing us with a strategic blue-print, along with district’s Local Plans to further advocate for the residents, families and communities of Greater Manchester with national government, the investment and development communities and within a global economy.

“We now move into the next phase of Council approvals and a public consultation on the plan, and I hope that by next year we can move towards adoption of the plan and turn our vision into a reality.”

 

An expanded senior leadership team has been unveiled at MC Construction as the buoyant firm heads for a record year.

Turnover for the Salford-based business is on track to reach £22m for the 12 months to September, an increase of almost 50 per cent on last year’s figure of £15m.

MC Construction has made strides across its Greater Manchester and Cheshire heartlands over the past year while also expanding its geographical reach with projects in Cumbria, North Wales and Shropshire. Its current forward order book stands at a record level of £18m.

Founded in 1971 by Charlie Lowe and John Purcell, the multi-award-winning, family-owned company delivers complex construction projects, specialising in internal and external refurbishments, structural alterations and new builds for a wide range of clients across multiple sectors.

Earlier this year, the company made an historic change by promoting Russ Forshaw from group operations director to managing director, the first time that a non-family member has held the role. He succeeded David Lowe, son of co-founder Charlie, who has become executive chairman.

Now the company has promoted Jason Houghton from commercial manager to commercial director and Karl McDonald from contracts manager to operations manager.

The duo, along with human resources and business services manager Sophie Houghton, have now joined the senior leadership team which includes Russ, pre-construction director Chris Purcell and finance director Gary Glendenning.

Russ said:

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“We pride ourselves on being a business where learning and development supports internal promotion and career opportunities, as well as personal growth.

“Our commitment to investing in and empowering talented young staff members has helped us to achieve great progress and success as a business.

“Jason has made a significant difference to the business since he joined us three years ago and fully deserves his promotion.

“Karl and Sophie joined us as apprentices and have progressed through the ranks and increased their levels of responsibility to the stage where we are now delighted to appoint them to the senior leadership team.

“Expanding our leadership team is a significant milestone for the company. The team will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business while also enabling us to be more future facing, as we work on initiatives to further strengthen the company, with a focus on developments such as process improvement, digital innovation and sustainability.

“These latest promotions mean we are extremely well-positioned to support a period of record turnover and expanded geographical coverage, as we look to the future with confidence.”

 

The ink has dried on a landmark deal for Kingsland Drinks to import and distribute Bolgrad wine from Ukraine into the UK drinks market.

From August 2023, six premium wines from Ukraine will be available to UK supermarkets, retailers and independent wine merchants via the Irlam-based importer and distributor. The Bolgrad range is varietal led with a Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay (with 15% Aligoté) and a Chardonnay Sukholimansky (an indigenous relative of Muscat) in white wines, along with a Pinot Noir rosé. And in red wines, the brand offers a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Saperavi (native of Georgia).

A project wine Odesa Black (Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon crossing) will join the range later in the year.

The wines will be priced around £10 RRP and are presented in an iconic bottle shape with branding featuring an elegant vine trellis growing from the letter B intertwined with a fine yellow and blue thread – all designed in Ukraine.

Against the odds, Kingsland Drinks and Bolgrad have succeeded in harvesting, producing, bottling and finding logistical solutions to import the wines, bringing these specially selected six premium variants from the Odesa region to the UK market. Bolgrad is the leading brands for still wines in Ukraine and Odesa is one of the emerging territories in Eastern Europe, an area known for its unique terroirs, diverse range of grapes and growing conditions, microclimates and high quality wines.

Kathryn Glass, buying manager at Kingsland Drinks says:

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“This has been a huge endeavour for all parties involved against the backdrop of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in bringing these wines to the UK. All six wines are distinctive, elegant, of a high quality, and really show the breadth of wines available from Ukraine. Bolgrad wine is a well-known favourite in Ukraine, and is the number one brand for still wines, so we know British audiences will welcome it with open arms and will be astounded by the high quality of both the native and international varietals.

“Our business relationship with Bolgrad is based on mutual respect and appreciation and we were impressed with the quality and calibre of the wines being produced, so we’re confident British drinkers will buy the products primarily because they enjoy the wines. They’re brilliantly unexpected, because of their origin, but we know the taste profiles and styles of the wines will match consumer preferences, and we’re confident they will perform well when compared to internationally produced wines already available in the UK.

“We have forged a special bond with Ukraine here in the UK, and British interest in Ukrainian produce and culture has developed out of these turbulent times. We know the UK public will want to show their support for the range, and indeed the Ukrainian people, and we’re truly excited about the potential of Bolgrad in the UK.”

 

The deal was brokered with Alcoline, distributor of Bolgrad wines and one of the largest drinks producers in Ukraine.

Vitaly Shmulevich, СEO at Alcoline, adds:

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“Bolgrad is a brand that has gained consumers not only the Ukrainian market, but also in the European Union, Central Asia, Japan and China. Entering the UK market is a significant step for us, and we are delighted to have forged a strong partnership with Kingsland Drinks. It is always very important for us that the values of our partners’ businesses match our own so we know it will result in a mutually beneficial result for both sides. As Ukrainian wines makes their mark in the UK, we’re keen to inspire confidence in the premium quality of our products, owing to over 50 years of experience in wine production, and we’re excited for Bolgrad to be many people’s first experience of Ukrainian wine.”

The Southern Ukrainian region has a favourable climate for wine growing, with hot summers and low rainfall. Bolgrad’s vineyards are densely planted on fertile, non-irrigated soils and the yields are strictly controlled at five tons per hectare. This distinctive terroir benefits from two airmasses – the salinity from the Black Sea and freshness from the Yalpug – Ukraine’s largest natural freshwater lake.

Breakdown service and insurance giant the RAC has committed to relocating 300 employees to a 23,000 sq. ft space within Peel L&P’s The Vic, in Salford, MediaCity; making it one of the largest letting deals in Manchester this year, to date.

The RAC will bring its Manchester call centre facility, currently based in Stretford, to the entire second floor and part of the first floor of The Vic, which underwent a significant refurbishment three years ago and has been third party verified net zero carbon.

The signing coincides with multi-award-winning, independent videogames developer and publisher Team17 Digital committing to a further five years within the 6,000 sq. ft ground floor space in The Vic, while The Department of Work and Pensions has signed a 10-year deal for a 9,000 sq. ft office space within Peel L&P’s neighbouring Alex building.

Dave Hobday, RAC Chief Executive said: 

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“We’re very excited by our move to Salford Quays and MediaCity as it demonstrates our continued long-term investment in the RAC, our colleagues and Manchester.

“The Vic’s best-in-class sustainability and well-being credentials offer colleagues a better working environment, first-class facilities and an all-round greater experience in a modern and vibrant city setting.

“RAC colleagues will also be able to benefit from excellent transport links, parking, a host of shops on the doorstep, and plenty of eateries and bars for after-work socialising.”

 

Simon Lovegrove, Senior Asset Manager for Peel L&P added: 

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“We’ve seen a real flurry of activity in recent months with almost 40,000 sq. ft of lets in total across The Vic and Alex buildings which are experiencing a real renaissance in popularity. Occupiers are attracted by the buildings’ highly sustainable credentials, attractive waterfront setting and the vibrant MediaCity community with all of its amenities.”

CBRE acted on behalf of RAC, Cushman and Wakefield acted for The Department of Work and Pensions and Canning O’Neill acted on behalf of Peel L&P at MediaCity.

Salford’s Living Wage Action Group is celebrating after three successes in the national Living Wage awards 2023.

The group which works to boost the pay of local residents won the Campaign of the Year category for its Greater Manchester-wide campaign to encourage housing provider Anchor Hanover to accredit with the Living Wage Foundation. It was also shortlisted in the Living Wages Places Champion category.

Salford CVS won Third Sector Champion for continuing to promote the real living wage amongst voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises. It’s the second time the organisation has won an award for its work on Living Wage.

And Salford businessman Chris Smallwood, owner of Anchor Removals* won Advocate of the Year for his tireless work in championing the importance of the real Living Wage, which is the only UK hourly wage rate calculated to reflect the true cost of living. (*Anchor Removals has no connection with Anchor Hanover.)

Mr Smallwood’s company was also shortlisted in the Living Hours category which aims to tackle insecurity in the job market by guaranteeing minimum hours of work for employees and adequate notice of shift patterns with payment if the shift is cancelled within that notice period.

Chris Dabbs, Chief Executive of Unlimited Potential, one of the organisations which makes up the Salford Living Wage Action group, said:

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“I’m delighted that our joint work to increase the number of Salford employers paying the real Living Wage has been recognised once again.

“Accredited employers not only commit to paying that rate but to working with their suppliers to encourage them to do the same. That spreads the benefits even further, putting more money into our local economy.”

 

Councillor Bill Hinds, Lead Member Lead Member for Skills and Work, Business and Workforce, Salford City Council added:

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“The real winners in all this are local people. This is the only wage rate in the UK which is calculated to take the true cost of living into account and that has never been more important.

“There are real benefits too for employers who report better retention and productivity, easier recruitment and praise from customers who are keen to see ethical behaviour in business.

“Our campaign will continue, and I hope we see many more Salford businesses and organisations becoming accredited Living Wage employers.”

 

Recruitment is underway for a new business compliance service for Greater Manchester.  

All ten local authorities across Greater Manchester have come together to support the project with funding secured of £503,728 from the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy via the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund.  

The new service will see the creation of 10 new jobs, five Environmental Health Graduates/Postgraduates and five Regulatory Compliance Apprentice Trainees.  

Over the course of a two-year contract graduates and trainees will be supported to gain further qualifications whilst working alongside dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable trading standards, environmental health, and licensing officers across Greater Manchester and helping businesses navigate complex legislation and regulations, crucial for their growth.  

The last two to three years have not been easy for businesses in Greater Manchester with lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis affecting their ability to continue to trade.  This new project will provide a consistent and readily available business compliance service offering free training, support, and advice to local businesses across Greater Manchester.

Now is also an amazing time to join and shape this new team, spearhead the next generation of hands-on enforcement professionals, and help ensure businesses, their products and premises are safe and compliant. 

Find out more about the exciting opportunities available at: 

https://www.greater.jobs/content/15031/gm-business-compliance-service

New additions include two bag in box wines and a new Spanish Sauvignon Blanc variety.

Kingsland Drinks Group has expanded its popular Campaneo range of wines with the addition of a new Spanish Sauvignon Blanc variety and a new, convenient Bag in Box (BiB) format. 

The announcement comes as the Salford-based drinks supplier focuses on driving education of the benefits of stocking BiB options, such as sustainability, retained freshness and value for money. Campaneo’s new white variety taps into UK’s love of Sauvignon Blanc as its popularity continues all year round.  

The full range has been welcomed by Morrisons, rolling out into stores in the North West region and nationwide from 10th July.  The Sauvignon Blanc (75cl) and BiB formats (2.25L) for the Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc – will be completely new offerings to UK consumers from the brand, with the Garnacha (75cl) and Tempranillo (75cl) currently available in Tesco. 

Hailing from the lesser-known Campo de Borja region, Campaneo’s branding was refreshed in 2021 to give the range more shelf appeal with clear, contemporary branding with Spanish cues alongside some of the major brands in the category. It’s built real momentum and a cult following of fans among consumers and wine critics, as well as £1 chef and brand ambassador, Miguel Barclay. 

Jade Fowles, Senior Brand Manager at Kingsland Drinks Group, said:

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“Campaneo wines have the look, feel and taste of a premium wine brand, but at an affordable price point. We are investing in the brand to tap into the ever-growing wave of consumers seeking quality products on a budget. 

“Growing the range, with the launch of the Sauvignon Blanc and Bag in Box formats, also demonstrates increasing consumer thirst for exploring both Spanish wines and more eco-friendly, yet good value packaging options. 

“With the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, today’s consumers are shopping more cautiously, with value wines becoming more important to the category. Campaneo’s brand proposition - centred around its outstanding reviews, affordable price points, and exceptional quality liquid – helps cement its place on wine aisles as an option savvy sippers will love and is helping recruit more shoppers into the brand.” 

 

The new listings will be supported by consumer PR, marketing and influencer campaigns, an ongoing partnership with Miguel Barclay, social media, on-pack endorsements and an all year-round two for £10 deal at Morrisons.  

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/campaneowine/

Made Smarter has launched a whitepaper to help Salford manufacturers accelerate their net zero plans.

‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation: manufacturing made smarter and greener with technology’ is a practical guide to industry’s biggest challenge and opportunity.

The free-to-download document from the government-backed and industry-led technology adoption programme, aims to simplify a complex and fast-evolving topic by demystifying some of the terminology and analysing the latest research.

Crucially, the whitepaper offers insights about how a variety of technologies enable manufacturing and engineering businesses to make things smarter and greener, while powering growth and creating new highly skilled jobs.

The whitepaper showcases makers who have started their decarbonisation journeys with Made Smarter and signposts manufacturers to other initiatives including, Race to Zero, a campaign led by the United Nations, and the SME Climate Hub,  a non-profit global initiative that empowers companies with tips and tools, including its Business Carbon Calculator.

Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme, said:

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“Manufacturing is vital to the UK economy and our daily lives. But it also has a colossal impact on our environment. 

“The pressure and scrutiny on the sector to be more sustainable is ramping up, and coming from all directions. It is our biggest challenge, but it is also a significant opportunity. 

“Decarbonisation is not a distraction. It is an imperative. Talk needs to stop and make way for action and a concerted commitment to change. UK manufacturing must get behind the mantra that the future is decarbonised and digital.

“Made Smarter is committed to help small and medium sized makers get there with vision, technology, leadership and collaboration. Our hope is that our ‘Decarbonisation through Digitalisation’ whitepaper will become a valuable part of any manufacturer’s toolkit to support their net zero journey.”

 

Over the last four years, Made Smarter has provided impartial, tailored and expert advice to thousands of manufacturers of every size and shape, and from every sector. 

Digital transformation workshops offer practical steps towards digitisation and a clear digital roadmap to follow. There is also funding to help SMEs invest in technology and a variety of support to enable businesses to adapt to the green skills and digital leadership a net zero future demands.

Donna Edwards added:

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“In recent years we’ve seen technology play an incredibly important part in tackling disruptive and emerging challenges. It has helped businesses navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and recover, negotiate supply chain disruption and labour shortages, as well as focus on solutions to mitigate the energy crisis.

“For the climate emergency, digitalisation offers manufacturers a huge opportunity to deliver operational efficiencies, decarbonise heat and power, optimise design and materials, and improve logistics and transport, benefitting their business, their bottom line and the environment. Then there is the reputational gain which helps secure customer loyalty, as well as attract new talent and investment.

“While decarbonisation might feel overwhelming, and it is by no means a simple task, it is vital manufacturers recognise they are not alone. Combating climate change demands collaboration, and that is exactly what Made Smarter is here for.”

 

To download the whitepaper visit: https://www.madesmarter.uk/resources/decarbonisation-through-digitalisation

For more information visit madesmarter.uk

A £3.3m refurbishment and extension project undertaken by Salford-based MC Construction at a school in Cheshire has won a national award.

The scheme at Park Lane Special School in Macclesfield scooped the best private sector project accolade at the 2023 Social Value Awards.

MC Construction received the honour at a gala dinner held in central London during the Social Value Conference, an event which brings together experts and practitioners from the public, private and third sectors to share best practice and ideas.

The awards recognise organisations, individuals and initiatives which are breaking new ground in their delivery of social value to communities.

Park Lane Special School provides education for pupils with severe learning difficulties and additional physical, sensory and medical difficulties.

MC Construction remodelled an existing building to provide more accessible classrooms, staff rooms, a skills-for-independent living area, toilets and a hygiene room.

As part of the project to provide an additional 40 school places, the company also constructed a two-storey extension with classrooms, a sensory room, a common room and ICT and food technology suites.

Through various initiatives, MC Construction delivered a range of social values which benefit the local community and its client, Cheshire East Council. 

MC Construction staff built a sensory garden on the site of an old car park to create an experiential area and green space for the pupils at no additional cost. 

Volunteers from the company and the client team erected pagodas, a pavilion and a swing, planted flowers, herbs, trees and a vegetable patch, installed a water feature and created a sensory wall from excess materials such as handles and wheels.

The team involved the pupils and staff at every stage of the entire project, organising frequent site visits, tours, an art competition and a special outdoor assembly to incorporate the scheme into their learning. They also buried a time capsule for pupils to open in 50 years’ time.

The company organised workshops for construction students at Macclesfield College and donated surplus supplies to the department.

Eight local apprentices were employed by subcontractors working on the school scheme and all were subsequently kept on full-time.
The project – procured through the North West Construction Hub – achieved a 95 per cent recyclability rate on all waste materials, and 90 per cent of suppliers used were based within a 15-mile radius of the school. In addition, a local foodbank benefited from collections among operatives working on the site.

Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said:

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“Working closely with our client, the school and other stakeholders, we exceeded our target for social value delivery and received excellent feedback.

“Our team engaged with the pupils and staff at every stage throughout the works, and undertook numerous initiatives to bring long-term benefits to the school and the wider community, including promoting local skills and employment, helping the environment and supporting local businesses.

“This fantastic award is tremendous recognition for all the efforts put in by our team and our partners involved in the project to generate social value while also creating superb and much-needed physical improvements to the school. 

“We’re thrilled to win this accolade as it demonstrates that our purpose statement of ‘Enhancing the Built Environment and Improving Lives’ is not just a tag line – we live and breathe it.”

 

Meanwhile MC Construction has also picked up the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value Award. The honour was awarded by the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership in recognition of the company’s achievements at Park Lane Special School and other schemes in those areas.
 

A new venture focusing on passive fire protection and health and safety training in the property and construction sector has been launched in the north west with virtual reality at its heart, in what is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK.

Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon have set up trainingEXP as a sister company to their construction and project management business RECOM Solutions, which is based in Salford Quays.

The duo have invested a six-figure sum in the venture and have recruited experienced fire protection professional Adam Steed to head its team of trainers.

Adam has joined trainingEXP from Warringtonfire, a testing, inspection and certification company. He was an inspector of fire protection systems registered under Warringtonfire’s Fire Certification Scheme (FIRAS).

The new venture is providing in-depth passive fire protection training aimed at the residential, health and social care, commercial, leisure, education, heritage and industrial sectors as well as fire and rescue services, professionals such as architects, tradespeople and operatives.

VR training that replicates live environments to raise awareness of common fire protection hazards in buildings is a key feature of the courses.

Jason McKnight said:

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“We have developed innovative and bespoke software which is unlike anything else available in the UK and Europe.

“It works in a similar way to the hazard perception section of the driving theory test. By replicating live environments, such as hospitals, users can take virtual walks around buildings to carry out passive fire surveys and identify fire protection hazards in an immersive way. Unlike other available software, this is entirely interactive and our delegates can interact with the simulations we have created.”

 

He added:

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“We are committed to improving fire safety awareness, knowledge and skills across the built environment and to help raise standards. It’s a growing industry and there has been recent legislation which has made the provision of quality hands-on training even more necessary.

“We initially created a training academy for our own specialist passive fire protection operatives, supervisors, project managers and surveyors. However, in response to client demand we decided to expand it into a full-scale venture.

“We believe there is a great need for this service, and we are using VR as a central component of the training to enhance the experience.

“Given our project management and construction experience, the new venture aligns well with what we do as RECOM and we are confident our experienced trainingEXP team led by Adam will deliver a compelling service to the sector.”

 

The range of online health and safety courses launched by trainingEXP focus on construction environments and cover areas such as asbestos, design, regulation, first aid and manual handling.

All courses are recognised or accredited by industry bodies such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection.

Adam said:

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“It’s an exciting opportunity to head trainingEXP. Our mission is to help companies and organisations better understand their obligations and provide industry professionals with specialist knowledge that will improve fire safety

“The training aims to create an in-depth understanding that passive fire protection is a life safety feature and compliance within this industry needs to be fully understood to move forward.”

 

RECOM’s own passive fire protection division is the fastest-growing arm of the group. A raft of contract wins has seen it expand into a nationwide operation, and it has doubled the size of its team of directly-employed installers to over 40 in the past 12 months. The team undertake projects at locations including NHS trusts and hospitals, schools and universities, government offices, social housing schemes, apartment blocks and office buildings.

RECOM is an approved contractor under FIRAS for its fire protection services, which include passive fire protection installation, fire door surveys and installations, repairs and upgrades, fire strategy reviews, compartmentation surveying, advice and guidance, training, development and support.

The company, which was founded in 2015 by Jason and Joseph, also undertakes construction project management and main contracting work across sectors including healthcare, education, retail and leisure, commercial and residential. It also provides consultancy services to assist in the design and delivery of health and safety, sustainability and cladding projects.

For more information please visit the trainingEXP website.

Refreshing new Spanish wines aim to appeal to younger drinkers and tap into summer drinking trends and rosé boom   

Award-winning Spanish winery, Barón de Ley has created a new range of wines under a new Seduction brand, featuring a youthful, stylish look and modern, contemporary flavour profiles.  The Seduction range features three new lines – Rosado de Lágrima, Blanco sobre Lías, and Tinto Selección. All are available to retailers via Salford-based Kingsland Drinks Group.  

Rosado de Lágrima (13.5% abv) is in ASDA stores across the North West region now with an RRP of £10. Made from Garnacha Tinta grapes from the Finca Los Almendros in the Rioja Oriental subregion, the wine brings a sophisticated rosé wine rivalling the super-premium, desirable French styles, at an affordable price point. 

Pete Fairclough, brand manager at Kingsland Drinks, says:

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“We know there’s clear appetite for enjoyable, palate-pleasing rosé wines and overall rosé sales are in growth among many demographics. According to the WSTA, rosé continued to show the most growth from three years ago (up +9%) and is showing the smallest decline in volume and value over last 12 weeks and 12 months*. Younger drinkers look for the paler hues and lighter styles, which our Rosado de Lágrima appeals to, while established Rioja fans will enjoy this fresh new take on the region.” 

“We know the world of wine is changing and consumer preferences are evolving and becoming more sophisticated when it comes to wine. We wanted to create wines that carry the weight of the Barón de Ley brand heritage and the Old World expertise, yet reach out to modern drinkers looking for contemporary, uncomplicated wines that fit into their lifestyles, bringing a sense of aspiration, indulgence and luxury to drinking occasions.” 

 

The Seduction range leans heavily on the world-renowned reputation of Barón de Ley and the wine-making credentials of the region, with a refreshed new style, making use of modern and innovative winemaking techniques, changing climatic conditions and high-altitude vineyard sites.  

Blanco sobre Lías is a Garnacha Blanca and Tempranillo Blanco blend using grapes from Barón de Ley’s high-altitude vineyards, providing cooler climatic conditions to produce a medium-weight white wine with crisp acidity and saline notes.  

The red wine in the new range is Tinto Selección, a blend of Garnacha Tinta and Tempranillo grapes from the Los Almendros estate in Ausejo. It’s a semi-Crianza, crafted from grapes from carefully selected plots with a specifically designed winemaking process.  

Kingsland Drinks’ Master of Wine, David Gill, said: 

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“The Rosado de Lágrima is set to be a real hit this summer, either for aperitivo with crisps or salty snacks, as a food pairing with fish, chicken and meat-free dishes, and for enjoying outdoors during picnics and pizza nights, garden parties and sports viewings. It is an elegant, dry, pale rosado with a delicate aroma of white flowers and strawberry, and the palate is fresh and tart with a burst of gentle red fruit and minerality. Direct and light pressing of the whole grapes, including the stems, is a natural extraction process known as teardrop or ‘lagrima’ in Spanish, giving the wine its name.”     

Barón de Ley is a multi-award-winning, heritage-rich, family-owned winery located in Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Rioja. Located in the shadows of a centuries-old monastery, where the monks made wine more than 500 years ago, Barón de Ley was founded in 1985 in DOCa Rioja: a vineyard-focused winery inspired by the French châteaux. 

The Baron de ley Rosado de Lagrima 2022, (13.5% ABV) is available now in Asda stores and online priced at £10. 

For further details, contact info@kingsland-drinks.com or visit the website: https://kingsland-drinks.com 

(*WSTA April 2023) 

University of Salford Business School has pledged its support to social enterprises in the region, following its recent ‘combining purpose with profit’ event, which shone a light on the challenges those across the sector are facing in the current economic climate.

The School currently covers the concept of social enterprises within the first few weeks of students’ higher education journeys to ensure they’re well-versed on the breadth of businesses that currently operate in the UK marketplace, including businesses built on a foundation of social values and enterprise beyond the traditional corporate realm, from the outset. However, plans are currently being put in place to amplify this by further embedding the significant impact of social enterprises on society within the School’s curriculum to help nurture the region’s ethical business leaders of tomorrow.

All Salford Business School students also currently study business ethics and sustainability in their final year and engage with SMEs in the social enterprise space on industry collaboration projects and internships. Additionally, the School’s Launch@ Salford purpose-built incubator has supported several social enterprises to get their business off the ground. 

The event, which took place in May, welcomed leaders, experts and impact investors from across the industry to discuss the action required to ensure some of the most important social enterprises in the region aren’t lost due to financial hardship.

According to Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), there are now more than 100,000 organisations operating in this space across Britain, each of whom are battling for their fair share of the limited funding available. In addition, a recent report from the organisation also indicated 18,000 social enterprises are at risk of closure, due to the tough economic climate[ii].

From cash flow challenges, budgets being cut, interest rates being the highest they’ve been in almost 15 years and high inflation resulting in times of economic uncertainty, many social enterprises feel they have been forced to focus more on commercials and less on their socially-driven foundations. However, according to those in the sector, namely those participating in the panel, there is a balance and social entrepreneurs shouldn’t see focusing on driving revenue as a negative, as it’s this that enables them to fund their cause.

The panel event ignited the conversation on the action that’s needed to ensure social enterprises have the support required to thrive amidst the current challenging landscape.

Key takeaways and actions included:

Helping social enterprises to diversify their offering to drive growth and profitability

Making your social value your USP to not only drive revenue but also to attract and retain talent

Ensuring social enterprises are set up to quickly pivot and remaining agile should a crisis hit

Educating the next generation on ethical business practices and preparing students for careers in the social enterprise space

Supporting anchor organisations to pledge a percentage of their procurement budget to social enterprises

Helping social enterprises to better utilise research to bridge the gap between industry and academics

Further highlights from the event and guidance from the experts in the space, included:

Diversifying into new revenue streams.

Nile Henry, Founder and CEO, The Blair Project, commented:

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“It’s essential for social enterprises to adapt during times of crisis. Grant funding is drying up, we’re in the midst of a cost of living crisis and then there’s inflation, so it could be an opportunity to diversify your offering.

“To ensure we survived during the pandemic for instance, we moved into adult skills training, teaching them new and emerging skills. This also enabled us to apply for tenders through the Department for Work and Pensions and we landed our first contract delivering this type of training, which has since led to us applying for similar government contracts and really enabled us to become more commercial when it comes to delivering our social mission. It’s not bad to be commercially driven as a social enterprise – you have to be in the current economic climate.”

 

Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE, Principal Founder, Black United Representation Network, continued:

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“We should really be encouraging large organisations and corporates in Greater Manchester to become social businesses, so they have greater awareness of the impact they could have. We could become the first city region that has only social businesses which is such an exciting prospect.

“Beyond this, I would really like to see anchor organisations pledging to spend a percentage of their procurement budget with social enterprises. This will be a gamechanger for the sector and will really enable us to continue doing the work we’re doing. We’ve seen it happen in Chicago and it would be great to see similar success on this same front here in the north west of England.”

 

One ongoing project the University is collaborating on is ‘Economies for Healthier Lives in Salford,’ a programme centred on local economic development strategies to improve health and reduce health inequalities, in partnership with Salford City Council. The project is focused on creating a fairer and more inclusive local economy that delivers greater social and environmental justice, where wealth is shared more widely across all communities. One strategy to help achieve this, led by Salford-based social enterprise, Unlimited Potential, is using procurement data and future trends from large anchor organisations in the city. The objective is to inform the strategic creation of new Salford social enterprises to take on contracts that will help retain more investment in the local economy.

Driving capital to support the cause

Stuart Vaughan, Third Sector Development Business Advisor, The Growth Company, said:

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“Within social enterprises a lot of focus goes into the social and it’s sometimes at the neglect of the enterprise element of the business. It’s important to remember you are a business and there’s a real need to be trading, and to be making some form of independent income outside of grants. However, some social entrepreneurs see driving profit as bad, but it’s essential you generate a surplus so you can continue doing the good work you actually want to do and really achieve the mission you set out to accomplish.”

Ed Siegel, Chief Executive, Charity Bank, added:

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“As a social investor, I frequently reaffirm the fact that people shouldn’t see commerciality as a bad word. We know social enterprises aren’t designed to make as much money as possible, but they do need to be commercial. Even with grant revenue, it’s important to be very business led. In addition, make your social value creation your USP. This in itself has real commercial value and sets you apart.”

Elaborating on this and delving into using your social mission to attract talent, moderator, Claire-Marie Boggiano, Director and Coach, Lurig Leadership and Change, continued:

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“There’s a real war for talent at the minute and so many people are now purpose-driven. Many want to work for an organisation that’s making the world a better place and as much as your social value is a great sales tool, it’s also a great tool to attract and retain talent – which is essential in the current climate.”

Remaining agile during times of crisis

Cat Chrimes, Head of Investments, GMCVO (Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation), commented:

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“If I think about the people we’ve invested in across the region in recent years, the ones that are really thriving are those who pivoted their way through the pandemic and continue to pivot their way through the cost of living crisis. They’ve also got boards that really support them and will allow them to make changes rapidly. They’ve got those real commercial frameworks front of mind still and focus on that business mindset, as well as their social missions.

“Beyond this, through effective collaboration, I think we can really create a thriving social economy in Greater Manchester where every organisation is a social enterprise. I firmly believe we can make this happen, which is really exciting.”

 

Dr Kitty Rostron, Lecturer in People and Organisations, Salford Business School, continued: “When thinking through how to organise your board, think about where your blind spots are. Instead of bringing on likeminded people, perhaps reflect on the fact that you need somebody with a lot of commercial experience and skills to provide that direction, as well as individuals who are not afraid to challenge you.”

The pre-mixed canned RTDs will go into Morrison’s and Tesco stores nationwide 
 
Mix Up - Kingsland Drinks Group’s range of ready-to-drink (RTD) premium spirit-based pre-mixed drinks – will be launching into selected Morrison’s stores nationwide and Tesco stores in the UK and ROI this summer, as it builds on its UK retail footprint.  

The brand has also introduced three new flavours for summer 2023; Mix Up Coffee Rum & Cola, Pink Gin & Diet Lemonade and Apple Rum, Lime & Ginger Ale are available now. 

Since launching, Mix Up has proved popular among the Gen-Z market, fuelled by major campaigns making a play for summer drinking occasions, its accessible price point and award-winning taste, alongside growth of RTD cocktails in the UK.  

The new variants tap into established and emerging flavour trends in cocktails and RTDs. Coffee is now one of the biggest growing segments in the beverage industry and total rum sales now amount to 13 percent share of the overall spirits category. As consumers seek out more diverse flavours, Mix Up’s NPD appeals to a broader audience and attracts younger shoppers to the sector with popular and up and coming drinks.  

Jade Fowles, Senior Brand Manager at Kingsland Drinks Group, said

“With the RTD market booming, Mix Up is perfectly positioned to attract Gen-Z drinkers to Morrison’s and Tesco stores as they seek out convenient, on-the-go drinks with flavour profiles that will attract new consumers into the category.  

“At an affordable price point that doesn’t compromise on great taste and quality, the core range and NPD has been developed for informal drinking occasions with flavours that play into major drinking trends.” 

Morrison’s stores will be stocking 250ml cans of the Gin & Tonic, Gin & Diet Tonic, Pink Gin & Tonic, Vodka Lime & Lemonade and Pink Gin & Diet Lemonade, while Tesco’s UK will stock the Mix Up Coffee Rum & Cola and Apple Rum, Lime & Ginger Ale from May 2023. Tesco Ireland has listed the Gin & Tonic and Vodka Lime & Lemonade from now. 

Mix Up Gin & Tonic and Vodka Lime & Lemonade will continue to be available in selected Co-op stores nationwide. 

In 2023 Kingsland Drinks is investing in a multi-channel Mix Up marketing campaign called “Hack your Summer” that taps into trends on social media centred around at-home tips cand tricks to elevate your drinks experience, along with sampling, events, PR and influencer activity. 
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mixupdrinksuk/
 

Family-owned MC Construction has made an historic change by promoting group operations director Russ Forshaw to managing director as successor to David Lowe, who has become the company’s executive chairman.

It is the first time in the Salford-based company’s 51-year history that a non-family member has held the managing director role.

Russ, 37, joined the company in June 2017. Initially he was the head of a new facilities services division before being promoted to group operations director.

He moved to MC Construction from Manchester Central, where he was director of facilities management. Earlier in his career he spent eight years at Shepherd Construction.

David has served as MC Construction’s managing director for more than 11 years. He joined the business in 1981 as an apprentice bricklayer.

His father Charlie Lowe founded the business with John Purcell in 1971. John’s sons Mike and Chris alongside David are the current owners.

David will remain actively involved with the business and continue to focus on customer satisfaction and new opportunities, as well as sharing his experience and expertise via the MC Academy, which seeks to up-skill staff, transfer knowledge and share best practice across the company’s workforce.

MC Construction is a £20m-turnover business with more than 60 staff. The company delivers complex construction projects throughout the north west, specialising in internal and external refurbishments, structural alterations and new builds for a wide range of clients across multiple sectors.

It also undertakes facilities management services and has a development arm called Victor, whose first housing scheme – Paradise Mews – is in the emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood of Manchester city centre.

Russ said:

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“I am proud and excited to be given this opportunity to become managing director and look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors to drive positive change within our business and to see our brilliant team develop further in the years to come.

“I’m extremely grateful to Dave, Mike and Chris for placing their trust in me and for enabling me to continue the fantastic work of the Lowe and Purcell families.

“MC Construction has over half a century of history, with a proud record of successfully delivering projects for multiple clients across a variety of sectors throughout the north west. We have established a wonderful company culture, and the future is bright.”

 

David Lowe said:

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“Russ has been an integral part of our senior team for a number of years, showing great leadership qualities, a deep understanding of the business to grow our capabilities, and working extremely well with colleagues, clients and suppliers.

“This has been a planned succession and we know Russ is the right person to step into the managing director’s role, building on the founding families’ legacy to take the business forward.

“I have been privileged to be managing director for over 11 years and now is the right time to become executive chairman, which enables me to continue to add value to the business.

“We can assure clients that it is ‘business as usual’ and that we have a structure in place to ensure the business will continue to flourish in the future.”

 

SME lender iwoca publishes annual ‘Top 25 Towns & Cities for SME Jobs’ ranking, revealing the best places in Britain to work for a small business.

Salford has emerged as the second best city to work for a small business in Britain, according to new research compiled by iwoca - one of Europe’s largest small business lenders. 

iwoca’s annual ‘Top 25 Towns & Cities for SME Jobs’ list, which ranks areas using ONS data on average wage, commute, job density, house price and growth of the number of small businesses, found that in 2023, Glasgow, Salford and Liverpool are the top three areas to consider if you want to work for a small business.

Salford came in second place, ranking highly for its short average commuting time and job density. Salford residents typically spend 28 minutes travelling between work and home, compared to 40 minutes for those living in Greater London. The pioneering media hub, and home to the BBC, also boasts a boom in SME growth in recent years, as the number of small businesses in Salford grew by 25% between 2017 and 2022. 

As a growing hotspot for creative and media industries, with significant investment pouring into urban regeneration and commercial development projects such as the Salford Quays regeneration project and MediaCityUK , Salford continues to be an attractive place to work and put down roots. 

Salford beats Liverpool for the top spot in the North West, while Manchester falls 14 places

Salford ranked ahead of Liverpool and Manchester, emerging as a key centre for small businesses. 

Liverpool rose one place since last year’s ranking, placing third, thanks to a short commuting time and median house price of £150,000 – more affordable than many towns and cities in the North West.

Manchester, which secured last year’s second place, dropped to 16th, with slower SME growth since 2017 of just 4%. Salford, by comparison, saw a 25% increase in its number of SMEs over the last five years.

London missing from top 25 for SME jobs

Greater London failed to feature in the top 25 list for the second time, despite traditionally being considered the most important destination for UK jobseekers. While enjoying a high hourly wage, Londoners face among the highest house prices in the UK with median house price of £582,289, and a typical daily commute of 40 minutes. This combination pushes London down the ranking of towns and cities, suggesting workers seeking small business jobs could broaden their search to other parts of the country. 

Colin Goldstein, Commercial Growth Director at iwoca, said:

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“SMEs both nationally and locally, are creating thousands of jobs and providing the goods and services that keep Britain ticking. Job seekers looking for a fulfilling, dynamic career should consider looking beyond large corporations and to the SMEs in communities right across the UK. It is fantastic to see a wide geographical spread in our top 25 list this year, highlighting the range of thriving towns and cities that best support SMEs and their employees.”

Bridgewater Manor Care Centre, on Walkden Road, has been recognised as one of the Top 20 Care Homes in the North West by leading care home reviews website carehome.co.uk.

There are 1,799 care homes in the North West, and the Top 20 award is based solely on reviews of the care home written by residents and their family and friends on carehome.co.uk.

The reviews cover all aspects of everyday life in the care home including its overall facilities, quality of care, support, cleanliness, food and drink offering and safety and security.  The staff team, activites programme and individual care for residents are also covered, and if residents feel that they are treated with compassion and dignity.

To be chosen by residents and their families as one of the best in the North West is a huge achievement.  It is the first time Bridgewater Manor has won this prestigious award.

Bridgewater Manor home manager, Tina Blake, comments:

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“We are thrilled that Bridgewater Manor has been named one of the Top 20 Care Homes in the North West.  It is super news for the whole team. 

“To receive such impressive reviews from residents and their loved ones is a true testament of the outstanding care and support they receive at Bridgewater Manor.”

 

Reviews manager of carehome.co.uk, Amanda Hopkins, adds:

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“We now have over 260,000 reviews of care homes so we are able to give people a real insight into what a care home and its care staff are like. Our reviews reveal if the care home is value for money as well as the standard of its facilities and the quality of their care, activities and nutrition.

“Reviews of Bridgewater Manor show they provide an excellent standard of care and we would like to congratulate them on being a Top 20 care home in the North West. It is such an achievement to be named as a top rated care home by the residents who actually receive the care as well as their family and friends.”

 

Bridgewater Manor is a stunning 71 bed state-of-the-art care facility.  Part of the McGoff Group, New Care is one of the UK’s leading care home providers.  Its portfolio of purpose-built ‘new generation’ care centres is fast gaining an enviable reputation for outstanding care that is second to none. 

University of Salford Business School will host the Young Enterprise UK Start-Up Final 2023 at its Peel Park campus on 10 May 2023, with several high-profile guests including The Princess Royal, the Civic Mayor of Salford, Diane Hawkins JP LLB, the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and the High Sheriff in attendance.

The prestigious event, which recognises and rewards student entrepreneurs who are paving the way in innovation and pioneering business concepts, will see 15 student teams from across Britain compete for a place in the coveted European final in Istanbul, Turkey in July.

Amongst those competing will be second-year Salford Business School students, Thalia Guest, Oliver Scragg and Samuel Ball with their business, Making Sense, which provides sensory toys for adults with disabilities.

They will be up against teams from institutions across the UK, including UA92 (University Academy 92), University of Chester, University of Hertfordshire, Truro and Penwith College and University Centre, Blackburn.

This year’s Start-Up Final coincides with the 60th anniversary of Young Enterprise, a national financial and enterprise education charity that motivates young people to succeed in the changing world of work by equipping them with the work skills, knowledge and confidence they need.

During her visit, The Princess Royal will meet University students, stakeholders and partners at the

Institution where her father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the first Chancellor.

Gabi Round, Lecturer in Enterprise at Salford Business School, who works with Young Enterprise at the University alongside module leader, Dr Jonathan Owens, commented: “To have The Princess Royal and several other high-profile guests, including the Civic Mayor of Salford, join us for this important event is amazing and real credit to our fantastic students who are already making waves in the world of business.

“Our students won the top prize at the European final in Tallinn, Estonia last year and we have no doubt this year’s team, Making Sense, have a great chance of following in their footsteps. Our ethos here at Salford Business School really does embody empowering the ethical entrepreneurs of tomorrow and the success we’ve experienced with Young Enterprise really showcases that.”

The foundation for Making Sense is driven by an incredibly important cause which is close to the team’s heart. The inspiration for the business comes from 22-year-old, Renee, who is Thalia’s boyfriend’s sister and has Angelman Syndrome, a genetic condition affecting the nervous system which causes severe physical and learning disabilities. The business’ mission is to empower adults with disabilities, while removing any stigma by creating positive awareness of conditions of this nature.

Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise, added: “The Start-Up Programme is a fantastic way for university students of all backgrounds to apply their learning in a truly practical way through running their own business. We are incredibly grateful to the University of Salford Business School for hosting the UK final during our charity’s 60th anniversary year and for providing a platform for these amazing young people to showcase the talent, skills and mindsets they have developed throughout the programme.  Congratulations to all this year's Start-Up teams and best wishes to the finalists.”

In 2022, Salford Business School students, Jake Naylor, Jordan Hall and Arran McDonald, won for their biodegradable and affordable ear protection business, hearNprotect, beating competition from 375,000 students from 42 countries across Europe.

Those competing at the UK final will present their business idea to a panel of respected judges from the likes of The Marketing Trust, The Institute of Leadership and Management, the Institute of Export and International Trade and Avanade.