Salford-based MC Construction has been honoured for its fundraising efforts in aid of North West Cancer Research.

The company won the charity’s Corporate Supporter award at a gala dinner and ceremony held at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Liverpool.

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to tackling cancer across the north west and North Wales. Its team aims to tackle the causes of the disease and prevent it, to improve the care of those who are diagnosed with it and, ultimately, to find a cure.

Staff at MC Construction voted for North West Cancer Research as the firm’s charity of the year for 2021, which was the company’s 50th anniversary year.

They undertook a variety of fundraising activities, including a skydive, the National Three Peaks Challenge, the Great Manchester Run, Tough Mudder, the company’s annual Golden Trowel golf tournament, raffles and a Bake-Off.

The company smashed its target of £10,000 to raise a total of £11,169. The money is being used to fund a year’s laboratory costs for research into early detection of prostate cancer, the most prevalent form of male cancer in the region.

In addition, MC Construction undertook an extensive campaign to raise awareness among staff, their families and friends and the company’s supply chain. This included the distribution of leaflets and posters at its offices and site cabins, and social media postings on healthy living tips and early warning signs.

Alastair Richards, chief executive of North West Cancer Research, said:

Quote

 

“MC Construction chose to support the charity to mark its golden jubilee and the entire workforce got behind the fundraising with a great variety of events throughout the year.

“Not content with smashing its target, the company set about raising awareness of cancer prevention among its staff and clients, making it a very worthy winner of the North West Cancer Research Corporate Supporter Award 2022.”

 

MC Construction, which employs more than 60 people, undertakes building projects throughout the north west with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors.

The company was founded in 1971 by Charlie Lowe and John Purcell. John’s sons Mike and Chris and Charlie’s sons David and Ian Lowe are currently serving as directors.

David, who is MC Construction’s managing director, said:

Quote

 

“North West Cancer Research raises vital funds for painstaking research which saves lives, and we were proud to support the charity in our golden jubilee year.

“It’s a local charity which is close to the hearts of everyone in the business, and the whole team got behind our fundraising efforts from day one.

“Thanks to their tremendous efforts we smashed our fundraising target and the money is funding laboratory research at the University of Liverpool which will hopefully make a huge difference in years to come.

“Most cases of prostate cancer are discovered too late, mainly because men are too afraid or embarrassed to go for a check-up.

The lab project hopes to discover ways to improve detection rates through urine samples. “We wish the research team every success, and we are thrilled that our efforts to support them have been recognised with this award.”

 

Cult local spirits brand, Salford Rum, is uniting Manchester’s rum lovers once again to create a Rum Map of the city, in partnership with Salford Lads Club.

Last year, Salford Rum launched the map - which celebrated the best rum joints, cocktails and sensational serves in the city - to local and national applause. Designed by Dave Draws and powered by the people, and venues across the city, the map gave locals and visitors to Greater Manchester a first-hand guide to finding and sampling the very best that the area has to offer

James Harrison, co-founder of Salford Rum, said:

Quote

“This year, the map is back and Salford Rum plans to make it bigger and better than before; so for the second time, Greater Manchester’s rum fans can tell us their favourite bars, venues and serves by visiting Salford Rum on Facebook or Instagram and looking out for the posts calling for nominations. We can’t wait to hear what people have to say so we can make the map really special, drive people into venues to sample the best drinks and support Salford Lads Club once again.”

The Salford Rum Company was created in 2018 when James Harrison and Tommy Gaughan - rugby-league-playing high school friends - took inspiration from the growing gin category, which was flying high due to buckets of innovation and creativity and set out to make a local premium rum that would rival the luxury gin products on the market. 

Salford Rum’s premium spiced rums - which include an Original Spiced, a Dark Spice and a Honey Rum - were created as a passionate celebration of the history, heritage and people of Salford Docks in Greater Manchester throughout the late 1800's and early 1900's. An era whereby the city’s Salford Docks grew to be the third largest port in the UK, the spirits take inspiration from the rums, fruits and spices from the Caribbean which were landing on British shores for the first time.

James continues:

Quote

“As an extra incentive to get behind the rum map, we plan to offer some special serves and discounts at our soon-to-be-open Dirty Old Town Distillery on Viaduct Street, Salford, for anyone who shows the downloaded map on their phone.  We can’t wait for Manchester and Salford to enjoy the Rum Map Rumble!”

Find Salford Rum on Instagram @SalfordRum and on Facebook by clicking https://www.facebook.com/SalfordRum

IN4 Group in partnership with Salford City Council has delivered over £4.6 million of social value back into the community in the last year, and has been awarded the Social Value Quality Mark level two for its transformational impact in the region through its flagship innovation and skills hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology.

This means that for every £1 IN4 invests in services and support, there is a £4.69 return of social impact into the Salford regional economy. Hub operator IN4 Group has been working closely with Salford City Council as part of its investment into skills and innovation, and ongoing commitment to establishing Greater Manchester as a leading digital city region.

The Group works with local authorities, academic institutions, the private sector and national government, operating specifically in Key Cities (second cities) and large towns to unlock potential and drive a high skilled high growth economy.

Led by technology entrepreneurs Mo Isap and Andy Beaden, IN4 which operates HOST in MediaCity, provides skills, innovation and start-up growth services, and is focused on driving regional prosperity through innovation.

The value IN4 offers is broken down into five key areas: health and wellbeing (£1,030,802.36), education and skills (£1,353,803), employment and volunteering (£974,308), social and community (£146,519.16) and economic (£1,114,515.70).

With offices based at MediaCity in Salford and Preston, IN4 has supported over 450 businesses from across the North West through its innovation and growth programmes, including the award-winning FreelanceHER 100 accelerator.

Women remain largely underrepresented in the tech sector (17 per cent in the UK), and in a bid to drive gender parity in the industry, over 40 per cent of the participants IN4 has supported through its programmes are female.

IN4 is committed to breaking the barriers to the tech industry and ensuring those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds have fair access to technology careers through its digital skills powerhouse, Skills City.

It successfully secured £1.2m from the Department for Education (DfE), one of the largest digital Skills Bootcamp contracts in the North, to fast-track 450 people into technology careers every year.

IN4 Group’s three core values centre on humanising, belonging and culture – with the aim of humanising technology so it’s relatable to all, creating a sense of belonging in the places where it works and championing culture by supporting inclusive and diverse communities. 

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, said:

Quote

“We exist to ensure there is fair access to technology futures to all, individuals and organisations alike. Measuring the tangible success is critical to ensuring we remain accountable to our mission and we continue to deliver the social and economic return desired by our partners and clients. Most importantly, technology has a transformational quality not just to be able to do more, but for more people to be able to do more.”

Richard Dickins, founder of the Social Value Quality Mark, said:

Quote

“We are pleased to present the Social Value Quality Mark Level 2 Award to IN4 Group as it joins other illustrious organisations to achieve this accolade. IN4 Group is absolutely committed to driving social value and local economic benefit through all its activities across the three pillars of skills, innovation and start-ups, and delivering positive outcomes through operating skills and innovation environments such as HOST in MediaCity.”

Social Value Business in partnership with the Social Value Quality Mark CIC (SVQM), carried out the independent review, evaluation and verification of the social value created, influenced, and delivered by IN4 Group in Salford and the North West during 2021.

The full Social and Local Value Report can be viewed here.

Having won Best New Consultancy in 2021, Mason Advisory has this year been selected as a finalist in the Projects category for Change and Transformation in the Public Sector with client London Ambulance Service, and for two individual awards – Ben Gibbins for Young Consultant of the Year and Paul Atherton for Team Leader Consultant of the Year. 

This is the fourth time Mason Advisory, independent digital and technology transformation consultancy, has entered and been shortlisted in the MCA awards – the biggest event in the consulting industry calendar. Now in its 25th year, the awards demonstrate the true value of consulting to both the public and private sector. They are the benchmark for quality within the sector, attracting the very best submissions and celebrating high quality results. 

Steve Watmough, Mason Advisory CEO, says:

Quote

 

“It’s a real honour to be shortlisted alongside such major industry players. Despite challenges, disruptions, and uncertainties, we have managed to successfully implement many high-profile projects this past year and we’re immensely proud of our work with London Ambulance Service providing critical digital upgrades.

“We’re delighted that Ben and Paul have been recognised too – they are both highly valued members of our team and have delivered outstanding work for our clients in the public and private sector. We know we’re lucky to have such a high calibre of consultants on our team and we wish them both all the best on the night.”

 

The winners will be decided by an independent panel of judges and announced at the MCA Awards Dinner in November 2022 where winning projects, consultancies and individuals will be invited to collect their prizes. 

Earlier this year, Mason Advisory was listed in the UK’s Leading Management Consultants 2022 report, published by the Financial Times and secured 19th place in the UK’s Best Workplaces medium business category rankings 2022 in April. 

For more information on Mason Advisory, visit https://www.masonadvisory.com and find out more about the MCA at https://www.mca.org.uk. 

It’s a really exciting time to be developing innovative business ideas in the Salford area, as Salford Innovation Forum, who provide flexible workspace solutions, are making positive steps to elevate innovative start-up and scale-up businesses in the north and help to reduce the gap between north and south.  

In January 2022, Oxford Innovation, a key player in the innovation space, began managing and supporting Salford Innovation Forum. With over 30 years’ experience managing the UK’s largest network of innovation centres, the partnership with Oxford Innovation is already bringing new ideas and opportunities to the Forum. 

Salford Innovation Forum’s newly appointed Innovation Director, Artur Grzybowski said,  

Quote

“It’s my job to support the businesses at the Forum by utilising my own business experience and knowledge, combined with the wealth of opportunities and support from the wider Oxford Innovation network and their extensive experience of linking businesses with funding opportunities. This is a gamechanger for Salford and the wider Greater Manchester area.”  

With 30,000 sq. ft of flexible office space, Salford Innovation Forum is home to innovative businesses in health tech, science, robotics, and engineering. Ideally located in the heart of Salford’s thriving ‘innovation triangle’ consisting of the University of Salford, Salford Royal Hospital and MediaCityUK, this innovative community enables businesses at the Forum to get the traction they need early on through collaboration and pilots of innovative products. 

The partnership with Oxford Innovation provides access to a national network of opportunities with a number of centres across the UK as well collaboration between the innovation directors and over 700 businesses within their network.  Within the first few months of the partnership businesses at the Forum have already benefitted from successfully receiving grants to develop their products further. 

Artur Grzybowski added,  

Quote

“What’s unique about Oxford Innovation’s approach is that it offers dedicated, impartial, and bespoke support to each and every business. This may be identifying skill gaps and finding relevant support or accessing grants or strategic business growth planning. We provide a friendly ear, as well as strategic support. In addition, being part of the Oxford Innovation network enables our businesses here in Salford to benefit from the wealth of knowledge, experience and funding that is available. With one phone call to my colleagues, I can now link Salford businesses into new opportunities nationwide with global impact. It’s brought all this to our doorstep which is really exciting and, in time, will have a knock-on effect for the whole area in terms of economic growth, job creation and will further elevate Salford position on the innovation map. ”   

Centre Manager, Claire Kellett said,

Quote

“We have seen the occupancy of the Salford Innovation Forum increase by 15% in the last few months, which is a sign that companies are taking advantage of the available opportunities, support and the great community we are building here."   

Photo:  Centre Manager, Claire Kellett and Innovation Director, Artur Grzybowski

Inventya, is partnering with HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology in MediaCity, to provide diverse SMEs and start-up businesses with access to funding, commercialisation and internationalisation support to accelerate growth and innovation.

Innovation management consultancy Inventya is HOST’s exclusive partner for Innovate UK EDGE services and specialist R&D tax credit advice across its business growth programmes, including FreelanceHER, the Your Tech series and IN4 Access.

Innovation hub HOST, operated by IN4 Group, recently collaborated with Inventya to deliver the Fund Your Tech series, which provided businesses with tailored information and training on how to successfully receive grant funding. They also spoke at HOST’s Prepare to Raise event, advising businesses on how to prepare themselves for equity investment.

Inventya’s clients will also benefit from accessing HOST’s programmes and labs to boost their opportunities, further growing the innovation ecosystem collaboratively across Greater Manchester.

As one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in Europe, Manchester has an economy worth an estimated £5 billion, employing 58,000 people in more than 10,000 businesses. While the North West has the highest creative cluster outside of London.

With a presence in the UK, Ireland and India, Inventya is committed to delivering tangible success and social, environmental and economic impact. It strategically links market knowledge, technology and finance through a range of tailored services that deliver impact and add value to their clients.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, said:

Quote

“We are thrilled to be working with Inventya, a dynamic innovation management consultancy with vast experience in supporting businesses with the development and commercialisation of their products and services. This partnership will help us on our mission to support the growth and scaling of the most innovative businesses in the North.”

Aldo De Leonibus, CEO at Inventya, says:

Quote

“At Inventya we are continually developing and expanding our offering to support the commercialisation and growth journey of innovative diverse companies. We are excited to start on this partnership with HOST which will allow us to support our clients to further accelerate their growth and the growth of the innovative ecosystem in the North."

Discount supermarket chain Lidl is launching a bid to overturn a council planning decision which previously rejected its plans for a store on the corner of Littleton Road and Cromwell Road.

Salford Council refused the scheme which would have seen a 23,500 sq ft store built back in July 2021, citing a failure to contribute positively towards local identity and distinctiveness. A similar store was allowed by planners to be constructed on the former Mocha Parade in Lower Broughton, which has been well received by the local community after opening in February 2022.

The store would have been built in close proximity to Castle Irwell where Salboy acquired land from the University of Salford to build a new homes development upon.

At the time the council said the store would, “weaken the positive and high-quality urban design attributes of the emerging [Castle Irwell] neighbourhood”. 

Photo: Lidl

A pioneering, free to access, immersive technologies programme will help Gateshead residents to develop the most in-demand digital skills and fast-track them into technology careers in this growing sector.

Innovation hub HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, and Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley are launching the Immex City Immersive Technologies Skills Programme at PROTO, the first digital production facility of its kind in Europe, and the Northern Design Centre in Baltic Quays.

Based at MediaCity in Salford and operated by IN4 Group, HOST is home to the only Unity Centre of Excellence in the UK as it expands its operations to the North East of England.

HOST, in partnership with Target3D, is delivering the unique 6-week programme to support learners with gaining skills across a broad spectrum of immersive tools and technologies, including Unity and Unreal Game Engines.

The programme includes learning sessions, mentoring, hands-on workshops, networking and the opportunity to meet prospective employers, so they are inspired to pursue a career or start up a business in the immersive industries.

The full-time programme explores skills in immersive technologies, software management, games engine development, virtual production, soft skills, personal development, and workplace readiness.

In 2021, the UK video games market hit a record high of £7.16 billion and the sales of virtual reality hardware also saw significant growth, with headset sales rising by 42 per cent to £183 million as society is continuing to embrace new technologies.

Simon Benson, Head of Immersive Technologies at HOST, said:

Quote

“It’s fantastic to be working in collaboration with Digital Catapult to bring this unique programme to life, boosting jobs and skills in immersive technologies across the region. Alongside our fellow partners including tech giant Unity, the largest immersive development platform in the world, we plan to help even more people in the North forge careers in the digital tech industries,”

Alex Cook, Immex City Programme Lead, Digital Catapult NETV, said:

Quote

“The Immex City Immersive Skills pilot is a really exciting opportunity for local people to learn skills that will help them to find opportunities in our growing immersive sector. We’re delighted to be working with HOST to deliver this unique programme as they have a track record of delivering fantastic skills programmes. Through this UK Community Renewal Funded pilot, participants will learn game engine development, virtual production skills and be supported with career advice to help them find work in the sector.”

Co-op is set to serve-up its newest convenience store later this month (Thursday, 26, May) when it opens in MediaCity, Salford.

The Co-op’s new 5,300 sq ft store is to be powered by 100% renewable electricity, and has created 20 local jobs.

The new MediaCity store brings the number of Co-op stores in Salford to seven – including its ‘store’ in Weatherfield which, as part of a landmark partnership with ITV sees Co-op on the cobles of Coronation Street.

Opening from 6am-11pm Monday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm on a Sunday, Co-op’s new Media City store includes a host of added services for ease, speed and convenience including: John Lewis parcel collection and return, Amazon and DPD parcel collection, Deliveroo, a free ATM, and the Click & Collect of groceries through Co-op’s own online shop – coop.co.uk/shop

The store also offers Co-op’s own-brand Fairtrade coffee dispenser – Ever Ground, a bakery, hot food, Yo Sushi, freshly baked pizza, local suppliers and a focus on fresh, healthy products, meal ideas, food-to-go, award winning wines, ready meals, free-from, vegan and plant-based products – including Co-op’s exclusive vegan range, GRO and, everyday essentials.

MediaCity’s Co-op also includes a recycle unit for ‘soft plastics’ including: crisp packets, bread bags, lids from ready meals and yogurt pots, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches. Compostable carrier bags – which were first trialled by Co-op in Salford before being used UK-wide to eliminate single-use plastic bags - are also available for shoppers who forget their reusable bag. There is also a free water refill station where shoppers can fill up their own water bottles.

A funding boost is provided locally through Co-op’s Membership programme. Membership of the Co-op unlocks additional value through in-store offers, and sees Members rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products which is added to their own personal Membership account balance. The Co-op also donates the same amount to local causes and community organisations. The store also supports and is a collection point for Salford Foodbank.

Simon Williams, Co-op’s MediaCity Store Manager – who has worked for Co-op for approaching 30 years, said:

Quote

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to serve MediaCity and welcome the community into their Co-op. Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, whether it is food-to-go, something for the evening meal, parcel collections or online delivery and click & collect we have been working to develop the range, choice, products and added services which will create a really compelling offer to serve MediaCity, conveniently.”

Students in MediaCity who are TOTUM cardholders – the new name for NUS extra – also receive a 10% discount at the Co-op.

Co-op has around 4.6M active Members, and alongside Food, it operates: Co-op Funeralcare, Insurance and Legal Services. 

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting https://www.coop.co.uk/membership

Salford’s Mason Advisory has been ranked one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ securing 19th place within the medium-sized business category, alongside 104 others, with 290 organisations listed in total.

Despite the challenging economic climate, this is the fifth time Mason Advisory has entered and ranked in the annual report. The Best Workplaces™ report celebrates organisations displaying high levels of trust and represents the largest survey of workplace cultures and people practices. The opinion of employees is key as staff feedback makes up the results of the Trust Index, and a separate Culture Audit survey analyses and evaluates the company’s HR, leadership practices, policies and culture. Businesses who achieve the highest scores after evaluation receive Best Workplaces™ status.

The independent digital and technology transformation consultancy is continually investing and implementing improvements in all areas of the business to optimise employee experience, enjoyment and engagement to expand their reach in the market and sustain credibility as an industry leader and great employer.

Steve Watmough, Mason Advisory CEO, says:

Quote

 

“As an organisation that promotes trust, pride, high performance, creativity and ambition, we are delighted to accept the Great Places to Work Award for the fifth year running.

“We are continually investing in and implementing improvements in workplace culture, employee wellbeing, career development, recognition and innovation and this award is a great morale-booster for our whole team after the last two turbulent years. The results give us insight into our team culture, engagement, and satisfaction and we thank all our employees for their commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work.”

“Even in times of uncertainty, at Best Workplaces™ the shared mantra of ‘purpose over profit’ has stood firm,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “We’re incredibly proud to recognise the 290 companies on our list for their outstanding workplace cultures, and unwavering commitment to supporting employees so they can deliver the best strategic solutions to ever-changing business opportunities and challenges.”

 

Click here to see the full report: 2022-UKs-Best-Workplaces-Publication3.pdf (greatplacetowork.co.uk)

Earlier this year, Mason Advisory was listed in the UK’s Leading Management Consultants 2022 report, published by the Financial Times and secured 22nd place in the UK’s Best Workplaces for Wellbeing 2022 in February.

For more information on Mason Advisory, visit https://www.masonadvisory.com

Donard Affordable Homes is proposing to redevelop the disused former Buzz Bingo Hall on Hankinson Way opposite Salford Shopping Precinct, in a move which could create 270 flats across a trio of blocks. 

A public consultation is to take place which will run until Wednesday 4th May.

The disused Bingo Hall which covers a 0.35 acre site has been closed since 2020 and was previously the site of Larch Court before it was itself demolished in the 1970's. Before that, a cinema once stood on the site before the area was completely demolished as part of the Hanky Park slum clearances which made way for the precinct and surrounding tower blocks.

Paul Thornton, a spokesperson for Donard Affordable Homes, said:

Quote

 

“Our proposed plans in Pendleton will deliver a transformational development with sustainability and high-quality design principles at its heart. 

“Our ambition is to bring forward a scheme which can revitalise this important site and help address the local housing shortage with much-needed affordable homes.”

“There is a shortage of affordable homes in Salford and across much of the region.

“Albion Court will help address the housing crisis by delivering 270 new homes, each of varying size and tenure.”   

 

It's bad news for those who share a friend or family members Netflix account as the streaming services provider could soon be putting an end to account sharing which it says is costing it millions in lost revenue and subscribers.

The company has reportedly lost over 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 and shares have fallen by more than 35%, leaving the California based entertainment behemoth looking at ways to raise revenues.

During the Covid pandemic the company saw a huge growth but as countries across the globe have opened back up for business, customers have changed their habits and spending fewer hours looking at their screens.

The outbreak of war in Ukraine has also had a negative effect for the company which was pressured to pull its streaming services in Russian territories which saw a loss of 700,000 subscribers.

As a result the company has once again hiked it's prices in the UK with the top tier Premium 4K plan now costing as much as £15.99, with a Standard plan now costing £10.99 and a Basic standard definition plan costing £6.99 per month. The increase has led to some customers cancelling or reducing their subscriptions, with the company estimating that up to one million more customers could cancel this year, with one and a half million already having cancelled since the start of 2022.

Times are looking increasingly hard for the company which for the first time since 2011 has  reported a loss in customers as it faces an ever increasing competition from the likes of Disney, Amazon and Apple and a world-wide economic downturn.

The company is already trialling a system in Latin American countries aimed at dissuading password sharing.

Last month, account holders in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru had to start paying for user profiles used by people outside their household.

If the same system is brought in across the rest of the world then it would mean families who shares their password with their children etc.. could see them cut off and having to pay for an additional account.

Construction project management consultancy RECOM Solutions is celebrating a major boost with its latest framework appointment.

RECOM has been appointed following a tendering process to a £600m framework for ethical regeneration schemes across northern England and North Wales.

It is the latest to be launched by Liverpool-based framework operator Rise. RECOM has won places for general construction, refurbishment, safety and compliance and project management work.

Users of the new framework will include NHS Foundation Trusts and clinical commissioning groups, schools, academies and universities, social housing providers, local authorities, community-led housing organisations, charities, emergency services and third sector groups across the north west and North Wales, Yorkshire and Humber and Lincolnshire.

Rise is a pro-social business procurement group which provides agency services to construction frameworks, and supports communities by investing profits into local initiatives.

RECOM director Jason McKnight said:
 

Quote

 

“Securing places on the new Rise framework is a tremendous endorsement of the quality and range of work that we currently undertake, and presents a fantastic opportunity for the company.

“It’s a very prestigious and significant initiative for our client base, as well as ourselves.

“Rise is very focused on social value, which chimes with our own ethos as a company. We are involved with a number of local organisations as a way of giving back to the community, including The Broughton Trust to offer employment opportunities to disadvantaged young people, and Salford Lads Club, where our head of operations James Holmes is on the board of trustees.”

 

RECOM, which has 30 staff, recently moved to new headquarters on the Waters Edge Business Park at Salford Quays.

The company, which was founded by Joseph Dillon and Jason, 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 delivery of projects, such as design, risk, quality, health and safety and sustainability alongside passive fire protection and cladding. Clients of the company include Barry’s Bootcamp, Pot Kettle Black, Urban Village Bars, WUKPG, Arrowsmith Investments, The Derwent Group, Fletcher Bond, the University of Manchester and the NHS.

RECOM already has places on frameworks with the University of Manchester, NHS Shared Business Services and Fusion21. RECOM’s roles on these frameworks involve project management, passive fire protection, facilities management, main contracting and building safety and compliance work.

Some of the North West’s most impressive recent building projects have been shortlisted for the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2022, included in the list is the Broughton House Veterans Care Village which provides nursing care, residential care, residential dementia care and respite care to the ex-service community.

The projects, which also include a new regional Government hub in the heart of Liverpool city centre for over 4,000 employees and the conversion of a Grade II listed old library building into a new nursery and a community hub, will be judged by an expert judging panel, with winners of the North West regional awards announced virtually in May.

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. They recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies.

Amongst the North West’s shortlisted schemes are building projects from Liverpool, Blackpool, Preston, Oldham, Salford, Carlisle, Chester, Manchester, Lancaster and elsewhere.

They include the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West on the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone, Warwick Bridge Corn Mill in Carlisle, and Crossford Court residential scheme in Sale.

The entries are shortlisted across five categories – Commercial Development, Community Benefit, Heritage, Public Sector, and Refurbishment-Revitalisation

Companies still have the opportunity to enter an additional four categories – to be judged nationally – and have until 29th April to submit their entry.

Chair of the RICS Awards judging panel, Peter Gilliland MRICS, said:

Quote

“Despite much uncertainty and challenging conditions over the past couple of years, property professionals in the North West continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact on our cities and towns. I wish the teams behind them all the best of luck in gaining recognition for their skills and hard work.”

Further information is available at: RICS Awards UK

HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, is on a mission to drive forward the next generation of MediaCity’s global capabilities and reach as it looks to harness new technologies in the creative digital industries.

Building on the pedigree that MediaCity has established over the last 10 years as one of the world’s leading media and tech hubs, HOST is launching Gametech MediaCity, a next level accelerator that will scale 30 of the most exciting start-ups innovating in technologies such as the metaverse, XR and virtual production.

MediaCity is home to over 250 creative and tech businesses and an 8,000 strong community, with plans for a £1 billion investment in the next decade which will see the internationally recognised destination continue to grow.

In response to the lack of diversity and inclusivity in the gametech and esports sectors, HOST, operated by IN4 Group, has committed to ensuring everyone has access to the skills, jobs and business opportunities that exist in the thriving creative industry.

Ukie has found that there is still more work to be done to build an equal, diverse and inclusive sector in the UK games industry with 67 per cent of the workforce being male, 30 per cent female and 3 per cent non-binary. While representation from ethnic groups remains similar to two years ago, with 66 per cent of the workforce reporting that they are White British, 24 per cent as White Other, 5 per cent as Black, 2 per cent as Asian, 2 per cent as mixed/multiple ethnicities and 2 per cent as other.

The initiative aims to bring together the gametech, esports and creative digital communities, so there are tangible opportunities made available for individuals and groups, such as women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, who would not normally have access to traditional funding and support.

This includes the creation of 3,000 new highly skilled jobs over two years, the upskilling of diverse local talent through Skills City’s bootcamps and apprenticeships, and the securing of public and private sector investment into the rapidly growing sector.

At HOST’s inaugural Esports Festival, held as part of Digital City Festival, it announced Gametech MediaCity, where 30 start-ups in the UK will be immersed in a three-month growth and innovation programme to develop their cutting-edge technologies, IP ownership and prepare for investment. 

As well as a training ground for esports, including professional teams and local tournaments, HOST will act as a central gateway for stimulating skills and employment routes for young people to get into these emerging sectors.

The UK market for video games is continuing to grow at a rapid rate as it reached a record £7 billion in 2020, an increase of 29.9 per cent from 2019, beating 2018’s previous record by more than a billion pounds.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, said:

Quote

 

“Building on the incredible success of MediaCity, we’re now attracting the best global leaders and partners in gametech and creative digital sectors to achieve this great vision, which will ensure that every person has fair access to the immense skills, jobs and business opportunities that the industry provides.

“Our ambition is to create an international beacon of creativity, innovation and prosperity. A place where we can start to converge this community and evidence the transformational impact of what gametech, esports and immersive technologies can bring to the region, the economy and society.”

 

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCity, said:

Quote

“The scale of the new and inclusive opportunities for growth generated from the gametech and esports campus will be transformational for MediaCity as we look forward to welcoming some of the most forward-looking enterprises in this sector. Our continued partnership with HOST provides a unique offering, as the most exciting and long-term impact of this journey will be the creation of sustainable jobs and the development of professional skills in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the world.”

The Aldi supermarket chain has announced it is looking to hire 304 colleagues in Greater Manchester this year.

Aldi, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket, is looking for people of all levels of experience to fill roles at its stores across the region, with salaries of up to £63,000.

Stores in Eccles, Didsbury and Bolton are among those looking to fill positions including caretaker and store assistant, all the way up to deputy manager.

The recruitment push is part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the chain expecting to create more than 2,000 new jobs nationwide which adds to the 7,000 permanent roles already created over the past two years.

Recruitment director at Aldi UK, Kelly Stokes, said:

Quote

 

“As we continue to grow and make Aldi accessible to even more shoppers this year, we need thousands more amazing colleagues across the country to make that possible.

“That includes job roles at current and new stores across Greater Manchester.

“Our colleagues are central to everything we do at Aldi and remain one of the key factors in our success, so we look forward to welcoming even more great people to the team to become a part of our success.”

 

Store Assistants at Aldi can earn at least £10.10 an hour nationally. Aldi remains the only supermarket to offer paid breaks, which for the average store colleague is worth £750 a year.

Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.

Green Energy provider EcoSal has been given planning permission to install three of its cutting edge diesel wind turbines on Winton Park in Salford.

The innovative design features a backup diesel generator to ensure the wind turbines keep spinning even when the wind drops and has proven itself to be efficient and reliable during tests in Wales.

Just one of the generators can produce an output of up to 4 Megawatts of power which is enough to boil enough kettles for the whole of Lower Broughton and some parts of Agecroft when under wind power alone, with an additional Megawatt of power available when the backup diesel engine is deployed in EcoSpin mode.

Glen Kennedy who is lead technologist on the project, said:

Quote

 

"Our ground breaking new design ensures that even in times when the wind is not blowing strong, the sails of the windmills remain spinning and generating renewable eco power to feed back into the grid.

"Adding a diesel generator to the top of each of the windmills is a game changer which allows us to maintain a steady flow of reliable green energy in less than favourable weather conditions.

"We partnered with well known firm, FlynnCo Renewables who will be supplying the generators cheap, which can be ran on either red diesel or as an alternative, a supply of used oil from local chip shops and restaurants. 

"FlynnCo Renewables is an industry specialist in power generation and tarmac laying and so it is only logical to take advantage of their years of experience by partnering with them on this vital eco infrastructure project."

 

*The graph above clearly shows that the stronger the wind, the more power that is generated.

A spokesperson for FlynnCo Renewables, said:

Quote

 

"With energy prices going through the roof, it is important to take advantage of new tech in order to supply demand for clean, cheap renewable energy for the country.

"We are proud to be part of this important project and even more so to be part of ensuring that through renewable wind power generation we can help reduce the cities carbon footprint.

"The technology is sound and has proven itself during testing, although it does have one obvious major flaw which we need to iron out, mainly that due to the height of the windmills we have had to employ a second diesel generator to each of them to ensure that the diesel can be pumped efficiently to the top, which can be as tall as 120 feet."

 

Fast-growing RECOM Solutions has moved to new headquarters to accommodate its expanding team.

RECOM, a construction project management consultancy which also acts as a main contractor, fire protection and cladding specialist, has relocated to Salford Quays after acquiring a three-storey building on the Waters Edge Business Park.

The 4,000 sq ft building provides scope to further expand RECOM’s team, which currently stands at a record high of 30 following recruitment across its operations.

Its move marks a return to Salford Quays, where it was based until 2020 when it relocated to Trafford Park.

RECOM enlisted chartered surveyors Fletcher Bond to assist in the search for new premises after outgrowing its base in Trafford Park.

A fit-out of its new headquarters is under way. The ground floor will feature a reception area, showers and changing facilities and three meeting rooms.

On the first floor will be breakout areas for staff and RECOM’s new fire protection training academy.

The academy will be a live environment for the training of operatives in the latest industry measures, legislation and new products, as well as being a showcase for this specialism to its nationwide client base, in the residential, care home, healthcare, commercial, leisure, education, heritage buildings and industrial sectors.

RECOM is an approved contractor under the UK’s Fire Accreditation Scheme (FIRAS) for its fire protection services, which include fire door surveys and installations, repairs and upgrades, fire strategy reviews, compartmentation surveying, penetration sealing, advice and guidance, training, development and support.

The company is also a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, a trade association for the passive fire protection sector.

The second floor of RECOM’s new HQ on Modwen Road will house office space and the firm’s accounts department.

RECOM, which was founded in 2015 by directors Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon, 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 delivery of high-quality projects. These services include design, risk, quality, health and safety and sustainability alongside passive fire protection and cladding.

Clients of the company include Barry’s Bootcamp, Pot Kettle Black, Urban Village Bars, WUKPG, Arrowsmith Investments, The Derwent Group, Fletcher Bond, the University of Manchester and the NHS.

Jason McKnight said:

Quote

 

“It is the right time to buy a permanent home for the business, and the new premises gives us the scope for further growth in the team across our passive fire protection division and our other services, including our construction offering.

“The Quays is an ideal location and is popular with our staff. It has excellent transport links and amenities, and is a desirable area in which to live, with a number of developments springing up offering private rented accommodation.

“Additionally, our new building is close to the Manchester Ship Canal and it’s only a short walk to Manchester city centre.

“This investment shows our willingness to retain a firm foothold in Manchester and to attract the best possible talent within our sectors. We are currently going through a period of growth and need the best facilities we can provide for our expanding team.”

 

Photo: Jason McKnight, left, and Joseph Dillon outside RECOM Solutions' new headquarters

Colliers has brought to market a circa 1.2 acre residential development opportunity, Wavelength, on behalf of DeTrafford, located in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester.

Planning consent was granted in December 2019 for the demolition of the existing three storey office building and construction of 421 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, 408 sqm of ground floor commercial space, along with associated access, landscaping works and parking spaces.

The site is in close proximity to the Salford Quays metro link and provides rapid connections to Manchester City Centre (1.75 miles away), MediaCityUK (0.7 miles away) and regional towns throughout Greater Manchester.

Colliers is inviting offers from developers which can demonstrate an exemplary track-record of acquiring and delivering high quality development on similar opportunities.

James Strong, senior surveyor of Residential Development at Colliers commented:

Quote

 

“Wavelength offers an exciting opportunity for a developer to create a new development within an area that has experienced extensive redevelopment over the past few years, resulting in what is now an outstanding business, cultural and residential hotspot. Destinations such as The Lowry, Quayside Shopping Center and IWM North in addition to employers such as BBC, ITV, University of Salford and Bupa having a strong presence has attracted a diverse range of residents, occupiers and visitors to Salford Quays.

“In addition, Salford City Council has recently launched its new blueprint, entitled Salford Quays: A New Vision in 2030, which details five guiding principles set around ensuring the area evolves even more over the coming years as a place that works for everyone, that puts people at its heart, that is dedicated to wellbeing and where creativity brings people together. Colliers is seeking a developer who really wants to be part of the Quay’s future, helping to celebrate communities and the history of the locality. ”

 

Gary Jackson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at DeTrafford added:

Quote

‘This is a unique opportunity for a developer to acquire a successful waterside development opportunity with similar layouts and cost effective facilities to our Manchester City Centre schemes where we are concentrating.

It also benefits from being in close proximity to the metro for easy access to the city centre's / stations and airport. ”

The Energy Innovation Agency (The Agency) will officially launch in Manchester on 28 April 2022 at Bruntwood Circle Square

Bringing together leading academic, private, and public sector partners, The Agency vision is to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral economy via innovative energy solutions in Greater Manchester and beyond, to speed up the reduction of carbon-emissions.

The Agency will launch with a series of challenges aimed at attracting innovators and entrepreneurs from varied backgrounds to come forward with new commercial ideas  

The first challenge will focus on solutions to decarbonise heat in non-domestic buildings - with a deadline of Monday 18th April to apply for the chance to pitch an innovation.       

The Energy Innovation Agency (Agency) will officially launch next month, bringing together world-leading academic, private sector and public sector expertise to help bridge the energy innovation gap and find solutions to make sure Greater Manchester can reach its carbon-neutral targets. 

By leveraging the potential of the region’s world-class growth and innovation assets, the Agency aims to lead the way, opening up opportunities in all parts of the city-region, to accelerate energy innovation across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Based in Greater Manchester, the Agency has been established by three leading universities (Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Manchester and the University of Salford), property specialists Bruntwood, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Growth Company, Hitachi Europe, and energy firm SSE. 

The Agency will focus on four core challenge areas, attracting and supporting energy innovators on their journey to commercialisation. The Agency will launch with a series of challenge events based on each focus area, which are designed to engage innovators from across the country and beyond, to solve some of the industry’s greatest problems and accelerate the journey to net zero carbon. 

The first challenge will focus on finding new solutions to decarbonise heat generation in non-domestic buildings.

David Schiele, Director of the Energy Innovation Agency, said:

Quote

 

“Twelve per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions are produced from heating non-domestic buildings, of which sixty per cent still generate their heat by gas. Reducing these emissions will be essential for the UK and, indeed, the rest of the world to speed up the progress of creating carbon-neutral cities and towns. 

“As the home of The Energy Innovation Agency, Greater Manchester will be our testbed for this challenge, as well as the three challenges to follow. The potential prize extends far beyond the confines of our city-region and as such we’re looking globally as well as locally to find solutions that can help to bolster this transition. We need innovators, entrepreneurs, and rainmakers to come forward with their brightest responses to this challenge - the world literally depends on it.” 

 

Rising energy costs and increased legislation on commercial landlords, such as the 2023 requirement for all rented commercial properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated E or above, have already created a strong market driver for solutions that can help to lower carbon emissions.

Solving these issues will require innovation in technology, processes, partnerships, business models and financial structures. The Agency is inviting individuals and organisations, from within and outside Greater Manchester, to apply to pitch their solutions to the Agency and key representatives from its partner organisations at its launch event in Manchester.

Those who would like to pitch can apply for a pitching slot at the Agency’s launch event on 28 April. 

Pitch applicants will be asked to describe their innovation, outlining how it responds to the challenge of decarbonising heat in non-domestic buildings, the current stage of innovation development, as well as the support required to help the innovation commercialise. 

The deadline to apply for pitching is 6pm on Monday 18th April. Successful applicants will be invited to deliver a five-minute pitch, in private, to a panel of representatives from the Agency and its partner organisations. 

Those with the most promising pitches will be supported by the Agency to develop a complete roadmap to commercialisation, with the aim of accelerating deployment to make the biggest impact on reducing emissions both in Greater Manchester and beyond. 

Craig Morley, Energy Manager, of Energy Innovation Agency partner organisation and commercial property specialists Bruntwood, said:

Quote

 

“Our company owns and operates over a hundred buildings across Greater Manchester and the UK, and we're proud of our heritage of developing sustainably - from the very beginning choosing to recycle rather than rebuild, bringing new value and life to existing buildings.

“In addition to developing all of our new buildings with a sustainable focus, we're actively embracing the opportunity to retrofit our building portfolio to improve efficiency and sustainability and doing so in a way which benefits our customers and communities. We’ve joined the Energy Innovation Agency to find, develop and embrace innovations that help us accelerate our journey to net zero, and to offer insights into the opportunities and to overcome barriers we're all facing as we work towards a low carbon future.”

 

The Energy Innovation Agency (Agency) will launch in Manchester on 28 April 2022 at Bruntwood Circle Square. The event will include an opportunity for entrepreneurs and organisations to apply to pitch their innovation to the agency team and partners, and to apply for tours of a Bruntwood-managed premises requiring solutions that contribute to the decarbonisation of heat. 

There will also be a chance to hear from leading experts in the field on:   

•   UK and Greater Manchester’s net zero ambitions and current progress on decarbonisation
•   The importance of innovation to achieving net-zero
•   The support available to innovators through the Energy Innovation Agency
•   Specific challenges faced by Bruntwood, as one of Greater Manchester’s largest commercial landlords, who own and manage over 100 office buildings in the North West and Midlands regions.

For more information on the challenge event and to register your interest:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/energy-innovation-agency-launch-and-challenge-event-registration-295078586997

*The four areas of focus for the Agency are decarbonisation of heat, energy generation and storage, low-carbon transport, and energy diversity and flexibility. 

For more information:  https://energyinnovationagency.co.uk/areas-of-focus/