Monthly Archives: February 2024

News

Elan Enlists Local Agent To Sell Final New Homes in Glastonbury

Offering a rare opportunity to own a detached new build home in a great part of Somerset, the final countdown is on for Elan Homes in Glastonbury.

The homebuilder has enlisted the support of property agents Killens to market the last few homes at its Avalon development.

Elan regional sales director Tracey Ball said: “We’ve worked closely with Killens since we released the first homes at Avalon for sale off plan from their offices in 2021. Their knowledge of the local market has been a real asset and they’ve helped several of our homeowners sell their previous properties to enable a move here. We’re confident that with their support, we’ll soon be celebrating a sell-out success at Avalon.”

The majority of the 42 private sale homes at Avalon are now build complete and occupied, with the final few homes under construction.

Bradley Parry, branch manager at Killens, said: “We’ve been fortunate to see the site from start to finish. New Build properties have a high demand in our area as the South West property market is proving to be very strong. New build properties, like the ones Elan is building, give buyers the perfect opportunity to move into a property that requires no work to fully enjoy their time in the area.”

The final homes available at Avalon include a three-bedroom detached Russett Special, priced from £380,000 and a pair of four-bedroom detached Broughton style properties, priced from £465,000.

The Russett Special will soon be able to view by appointment only.

“Currently there’s not a huge amount of detached, new build properties on the market in the local area. Elan’s new homes at Avalon provide a rare opportunity to buy a detached new build home, in a great location, perfectly located on The Old Wells Road. This means it is only a short drive into Glastonbury or Wells, close to many good schools, shops and busy high streets, while still enjoying the benefits the peace and quiet the South West offers,” Bradley added.

“We’re quite fortunate in the area to get a mixture of buyers, both locally and from out of area. The area is very desirable so people who have lived here all their lives, typically wish to stay here. We also get an influx of people wanting to move to the area to enjoy towns like Glastonbury or the city of Wells and the busy high street life, mixed with the semi-rural family life.”

For more information about the final homes at Avalon, call Killens on 01749 671172 or see https://www.elan-homes.co.uk/developments/avalon.

News

Introducing Ibanista Savvy Currency Solutions For The French Property Market

Ibanista, a specialist Anglo-French content-creation-led currency broker, announces its official launch. The business offers competitive and secure international payments for private clients and ex-pats navigating the complexities of the French property market.

Co-founded by entrepreneurs Benjamin Small and Maxime Guibert, Ibanista is headquartered in London UK. The business emerged from the fusion of Ben’s and Maxime’s networks in France – transforming the pair’s former rivalry into a strategic partnership. Recognising the overlap in their key clientele, and a shared ethos towards exceptional customer service, they opted to unite capabilities, addressing the inefficiencies and user-hostile experiences that are all too common among leading brokerage firms.

Benjamin distinguishes himself in catering to the needs of the English-speaking expats in France, while Maxime’s tenure at a corporate brokerage allows him to extend sophisticated currency management solutions, traditionally the preserve of professionals, to private high-net-worth individuals. This joint approach has driven the business to secure a foothold within the luxury client segment, positioning Ibanista as a pioneer in French wealth management tools for non-resident clients – a service that remains a rarity in a market flooded with currency brokers.

Commenting on the launch; Benjamin Small, Co-Founder says “Ibanista was a long time coming for me, addressing the hugely ignored needs of the expatriate community. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship – the joy of assisting remarkable individuals on their unique adventures has made the journey worthwhile. Redefining financial services for expatriates is an intricate and sizeable mission. We are committed to providing seamless and secure solutions tailored to meet the distinct needs of expats globally.”

Maxime Guibert, Co-Founder adds “The flexibility provided by Ibanista enables us to handpick partners and tailor our services specifically for non-resident clients. This is a significant shift from the status quo model where clients have to conform to pre-existing industry offerings. This strategic change is instrumental in drawing in high-profile individuals, including U.S. television celebrities and leading corporate executives.”

The business collaborates with fintech firms located in the UK and France, all of which are regulated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).  Ibanista ensures its clients have access to competitive wholesale exchange rates while also providing a safeguard against fluctuations in currency.

In addition, Ibanista offers comprehensive care packages that streamline the relocation process, simplifying tasks such as bank account openings, utility service setups, and securing telecommunications contracts.

News

World Leading Asian Dining Concept, Panda Restaurant Group, Chooses Luminance’s AI

A global leader in Asian dining experiences, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Panda”), has adopted Luminance’s award-winning technology to bring AI to every aspect of its contracting processes.
The restaurant group, which has over 2,500 locations worldwide and includes beloved brands, such as Panda Express, Panda Inn, and Hibachi San, deals with hundreds of leases, purchase agreements, NDAs and engagement letters every year. As a result, the organisation’s corporate legal team sought an end-to-end AI platform capable of enhancing and augmenting their high-volume commercial contracting. After an extensive evaluation of the legal technology market, Panda turned to Luminance for its ability to bring next- generation AI to every stage of the contract lifecycle.
As the parent company of some of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States, Panda’s legal team now uses Luminance’s AI as its primary tool for negotiating and reviewing contracts, utilising the technology’s revolutionary ability to take a first pass review of any incoming contract to ensure that critical business deals are closed quickly and the company can maintain its exponential growth. Further, with essential l legal and enterprise knowledge now centralised within Luminance, Panda’s growing legal team can rapidly get up to speed with the company’s standards and better inform future decision-making.
With Luminance’s AI-powered contract repository delivering instant insight into any contract type, the technology is helping Panda to maximise revenue opportunities by ensuring that Supply Chain and Business Partner teams are alerted to impending contract termination or renewal dates. Meanwhile, Luminance AI-powered search functionality ensures Panda’s team can answer critical business questions from Finance and other teams across the organisation in minutes.
David J. Kim, Executive Director of Corporate Legal at Panda Restaurant Group, said: “As a best-in-class Asian dining concept, we know the importance of maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and our legal processes are no different. We’re excited to partner with Luminance to enhance and improve our productivity across our commercial contracting processes, empowering our team with the tools they need to focus on our mission of delivering exceptional dining experiences for our guests.”
Eleanor Lightbody, CEO of Luminance, added: “It’s fantastic to see yet another household name join the ranks of industry leaders using Luminance’s award-winning AI. Efficiency is best achieved by deploying one end-to-end AI solution across the entire contracting process. Luminance’s specialist AI allows Panda to do just that. I’m incredibly excited about the future of our partnership.” 
News

Unity Trust Bank strengthens Yorkshire team

Unity Trust Bank has announced the appointment of a third Relationship Manager in its Yorkshire & North East team, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to support and expand its growing customer base in the region.

Experienced commercial banker, Matt Coatsworth, brings a wealth of expertise to Unity, across a range of sectors including corporate, healthcare and education.

In his new role, Matt will support and grow a diverse portfolio of customers, working alongside Relationship Managers Michael Wicks and Jenny Lehan, who joined last year, and Regional Director, John Copping, who leads Unity’s North & Scotland team.

Commenting on his appointment, Matt Coatsworth said: “For the past 11 years I’ve worked for a commercial bank in a variety of roles, most recently as a Relationship Manager supporting SME Healthcare clients within the South Yorkshire area. I’m so pleased to bring my experience to Unity, and I look forward to working for an organisation that makes a real difference to local communities across the UK.”

Jenny Lehan, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, added: “I’ve worked in commercial banking for over 20 years, and I’m delighted to now be a part of Unity’s Yorkshire & North East team. Alongside Matt and Michael, I’m committed to help grow the regions’ business customer portfolio.”

Michael Wicks, Relationship Manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Having joined Unity in 2019, I’m so pleased to see the continued investment in our regional team, enabling us to provide best-in-class services to our growing customer base. Collectively we help to strengthen our portfolio and support Unity’s continued growth in the region.”

John Copping, Regional Director (North & Scotland) at Unity Trust Bank, said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt, a highly experienced Relationship Manager, to our growing team.

“Matt will join Michael and Jenny in providing the very best support to organisations across Yorkshire and the North East, enabling them to deliver positive social impact in local communities across the region. As we continue to expand our customer base across a range of sectors, we’re committed to investing in our people and strengthening our regional network, and I’ve no doubt that Matt will be a real asset to the team.”

Unity, whose mission is to help create a better society for all, was founded by the trade union movement in 1984 to serve the common good. Celebrating its 40th birthday this year, it reported a record level of lending in its half-year results in 2023 – exceeding £900m for the first time and growing 9% from the previous year.

News

Howorth Air Tech cleans up as awards flow in

A clean air technology business is celebrating another accolade after scooping an award for best company culture.

Howorth Air Technology’s latest honour was awarded by business coaching and mentoring organisation ActionCOACH Bolton.

Jim Liptrot, managing director of Howorth, received the accolade from ActionCOACH Bolton managing director Paul Limb.

It is the fourth award for the Howorth business in less than a year.

Last May, the company won the Best for Employee Engagement and Most Improved SME categories at the Greater Manchester Good Employment Awards, in recognition of its workplace culture that prioritises the growth and development of its employees.

In September, Howorth was named company of the year at the Bolton News Business Awards.

In addition, Jim was named 2023 Board Member of the Year by The Alternative Board Manchester.

The Alternative Board is a franchise network which provides peer advisory and coaching to business owners and leaders.

Jim’s award was based on his achievements during the year, the help he gave to fellow board members, and the quality of his contribution and advice. It was the second time he has won the honour since becoming a member in 2018.

Howorth, which has its headquarters in Farnworth, Bolton, and a facility at Raven Locks in Little Hulton, Salford, designs, manufactures and assembles ultra clean air equipment for use in operating theatres, and for the pharma, biotechnology and life science industries.

The company designs, assembles and supplies containment equipment for the pharma industry, such as isolators and downflow booths, to create pure air working environments for the safe handling and processing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Howorth turns over more than £20m a year and employs more than 130 staff across its operations in the UK and the United States.

Paul Limb said: “Our annual client awards celebrate and reward their efforts and achievements across a range of categories, recognising success in all of the building blocks which make a great business even better.

“I cannot think of a more worthy winner of our Best Company Culture Award than Howorth Air Tech. Its core values of integrity, collaboration and excellence are exhibited in the behaviours of its employees across the business and make up what is called ‘The Howorth Way’.

“It has shown that people are at the very centre of a company’s performance and having a fantastic culture can lead to fantastic results.”

Paul Winterbottom, owner of The Alternative Board Manchester, said: “Jim is passionate about Howorth’s purpose of changing lives for the better, which not only relates to the ultimate beneficiaries of the medical and pharma products, but also the whole team at the company.

“He is passionate about people development and provides wise counsel to the other Board members about ‘all things people’. His recognition is really well deserved, he’s a fantastic member.”

Jim said: “Winning these awards is a massive recognition of the success that can be achieved by creating, developing and embedding a culture of good employment right across the company.

“Everyone at Howorth knows how important their role is, how much their contribution is valued, and how important everyone who walks through the doors is.

“Howorth has a phenomenal purpose and a team of great people who are all aligned behind the values of ‘The Howorth Way’.”

News

STADA renews global contract with CTI Digital to drive digital transformation

STADA Arzneimittel AG, the Germany based global pharmaceutical giant, has extended its relationship with CTI Digital, a leading UK technology, experience and digital marketing agency, in a multi-year global deal.

CTI has worked with STADA since 2018 and in that time has launched and now maintains over 184 websites in numerous markets. This new multi-year contract sees a continuation of the core website build and maintenance remit and also opens the door for other services from CTI to be deployed – including data analytics, SEO, PPC, digital and branding design and social comms.

Commenting on the extended global partnership, Frank Staud, Executive Vice President of Global Communications, Branding, and Sponsorships at STADA, said, “Establishing a clear brand architecture with “One Design” for all websites has been instrumental in strengthening the STADA brand and enhancing our digital global presence. Our collaboration with CTI Digital has been the foundation for global brand consistency while maintaining strong local hero brands. With their expertise and support, we are well-positioned to drive a meaningful impact and deliver exceptional digital experiences for our customers.”

Chris Woodward, CEO at CTI Digital, commented, “We are proud to partner with STADA in their digital transformation journey. Working with ambitious, high growth organisations like STADA is exactly the type of opportunity we excel at. The fact we are able to do this for a brand like STADA across multiple markets is a testament to the quality of our people and strength of the work they produce.”

Yorkshire

Law Firm Opens 19th Regional Office

A leading Yorkshire law firm has opened its first regional office in Bradford, taking its total network of offices to 19.

Based in Queensbury, Ison Harrison’s new office, on Brighouse Road, will be managed by Susan Ram, a solicitor, specialising in residential conveyancing, who completed her training contract with the firm and has recently re-joined in January to manage the Queensbury branch. 

Susan has over 20 years of conveyancing experience and specialises in residential sales and purchases with comprehensive experience of transfer of equity deals, re-mortgages and declarations of trust.

The team at Queensbury also includes: Sarah Laughey, director and head of the firm’s family law division; Sarah Zahid, a wills and probate solicitor; Louise Shuttleworth, licensed conveyancer, and Zoe Wogan, a conveyancing assistant.

Sarah’s family law experience is diverse, offering the full range of family legal services, from divorce and separation to related financial remedies, children and domestic abuse. After joining the firm in 2017, she was appointed as a partner in 2019 and a director in 2022, when the business became the first law firm in the region to transition to full employee ownership. 

Ison Harrison became a 100% employee-owned business in January 2022. Since becoming owned by its employees, the firm has experienced significant growth in the number of clients that it acts for, with this latest office launch further cementing its significant presence in the region. 

Queensbury is the third new office the firm has opened since becoming entirely employee-owned, after Doncaster last year and Wakefield in 2022.

Ison Harrison Queensbury office is offering a comprehensive suite of legal services for both business and private clients, ranging from new build and conveyancing to family law and wills and probate matters, as well as being able to draw on the wider expertise in the firm for commercial clients. 

Queensbury’s new manager, Susan Ram, commented: “The whole team is looking forward to building a presence across Bradford and beyond. Opening our new office is the next phase of Ison Harrison’s ongoing success and it also enables us to connect with the local community, create relationships and provide full legal support, mirroring what we’ve achieved across the region. As part of our local relationship-building activity, we are offering our first 100 customers a £20 voucher that they can spend at selected local businesses.”

Ison Harrison managing partner Jonathan Wearing, said: “Opening our 19th office in the region is very exciting and gets the year off to the best possible start. It’s also our first office in Bradford so we’re very much looking forward to growing our presence here. 

“This latest office sees us further strengthening our growing stature in Yorkshire. It continues our growth strategy, allowing us to offer an even broader range of legal expertise through our expanding network of offices. It remains vitally important to us that clients can easily access high-quality, local legal advice by approaching a large and established modern law firm thanks to our prominent high street presence. We’re looking forward to grasping the opportunity to firmly establish the Ison Harrison name in Bradford.”

Ison Harrison employs more than 270 staff across Yorkshire, offering the broadest range of legal services in the region. 

The firm has over 10 Law Society accreditations including Lexcel, Clinical Negligence, Family Law, Immigration & Asylum, Conveyancing Quality and SRA Higher Courts Rights – civil and criminal. 

Sport

Legendary chester fc goalkeeper shows business leaders how our city’s footballing fortunes are in safe hands

Legendary Chester FC goalie Dennis Reeves showed business leaders the future of the city’s football team is in safe hands.

The 79-year-old Scot joined a party of guests from the Chester Business Club to  watch the Seals beat Scarborough.

Dennis, who played 139 times for the Blues, was also joined by Mark Tanner, the Bishop of Chester at the game on Saturday Feb 10.

And the Gods were smiling on Calum McIntyre’s team as they ran out 3-0 winners.

Jan Chillery, the chair of Chester Business Club (CBC), said “It was great to see Chester FC win in such a style. The team is a credit to the city, and we will be cheering them on in the hope they can win promotion.”

Explaining the growing relationship between the CBC and Chester FC, Ms Chillery continued: “The football club is an integral part of our city, which means a lot to so many people and the CBC is in full support of the work they are doing both on and off the pitch.

“We are making it an annual tradition to bring a party of members and guests to CFC for lunch in the Legend’s Lounge. We were lucky to have premium seats in the directors’ area to see such a great win. And it was super special to have a genuine Blues legend with us in Dennis for the day. To hear such great stories from Dennis over lunch made it a day to remember.

Also in attendance was Will Lamb, a Director at Chester FC, Bob Ellis formerly of Meadow Foods, James Brown of Savitas, Rosalind Ellis who serves on the CBC Executive Committee, Ian Cooper and Trevor Dollemore

Ms Chillery added: “I was proud to present guests Bishop Mark Tanner and Lindsey Tanner with Chester FC scarves.  We had great fun and even enjoyed a bit of  friendly pre-match chat and banter with directors from Scarborough Athletic who joined us for a picture.

“I’m really looking forward to our next visit to Chester FC and hope we see the same success from the Blues again. The CBC wishes the team the very best for the rest of the season.”

Food & Drink, Hospitality, News, North of England, North Wales

Hydes Brewery To Invest Millions In Its Pub Estate Throughout The Year

Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes has committed to a multi-million, seven-figure investment programme across its pub estate throughout the remainder of 2024.

The family-owned independent business, which marked its 160th anniversary last year, will begin the investment programme with a refurbishment of its award-winning pub and boutique hotel, The Abel Heywood, based in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.

Acquired by Hydes in 2015, The Abel Heywood will close on 25th February for a full interior refurbishment including new booth seating, modernisation of existing Victorian-style decor, new external signage, lighting and a revitalisation of the bar areas.

Hydes is committing £200k investment to the project and will re-open the characterful pub to customers on 9th March. The on-site boutique hotel, which is popular with visitors to Manchester, has a 99% occupancy rate and will remain open throughout the renovations.

The investment forms part of a wider multi-million-pound programme planned for other key sites in Hydes’ portfolio including significant investments at The Boat House at Parkgate on the Wirral, The Nursery Inn at Heaton Norris, Stockport and The Mount Inn at Chester. The investment total will run into seven figures for the year including smaller-scale refurbishments at a number of additional Hydes pubs.

Last year Hydes committed over £4 million worth of investment in its estate. The Jolly Thresher in Lymm and The John Millington in Cheadle Hulme both underwent extensive refurbishments. Further investments were made at various other sites including The Sam Brooks in Sale, The Golden Lion in Rossett and Alfreds in Macclesfield.

In October 2022, Hydes completed its first freehold acquisition since 2015, purchasing the former police station in Heswall. Named after the architect of the original building, The Harry Beswick, cost over £3.6m and opened its doors as Hydes’ newest premium pub and dining venue in November 2023.

Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes commented: “The Abel Heywood is a key venue and kicks off a series of investments that will see us continuing to commit to the ongoing refurbishments of all pubs in our estate. This follows significant investment programmes for the previous two years, resulting in the revitalisation of multiple sites. The Abel Heywood, with its adjoined 15 room boutique hotel, is a firm favourite in the city’s Northern Quarter and this investment will enable it to build on the success and reputation it has established since we first acquired it nearly a decade ago.

“Starting with The Abel Heywood, our ongoing investment in the estate not only highlights the commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience, products and services but also underpins the integral role in the communities it serves. Investment in our pubs and our people is top priority at Hydes and this will continue throughout the coming year, strengthening our offering and enhancing the overall experience for all our customers and guests.”

Hydes operates nearly 50 pubs ranging from Lancaster in the North to Stoke-on Trent in the Midlands and across to North Wales including a wide selection of premium dining destination outlets and traditional community pubs.

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Pictured: The Abel Heywood pub and boutique hotel, Manchester

News

Renewable energy business celebrates record numbers and team growth ahead of first solar expo

AN ACCLAIMED renewable energy business is celebrating another award-winning and record-breaking year.

Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph and Mochdre – has announced its highest ever annual accounts.

The firm has also taken on new employees, including a personal assistant, videographer, sales, and finance staff, taking the team to 25, and there are plans to recruit more in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Managing Director Gareth Jones has picked up yet another trophy, a Lifetime Achievement accolade from the prestigious Clean Energy Awards.

With recent developments also including a fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and the launch of two popular YouTube podcasts – Eco Talk Rewired, and the Managing Director Diaries – the company continues to go from strength to strength and has secured major contracts with large organisations nationwide in past months.

“In 2023, we became a National Contractor, securing projects across the UK,” said Gareth, a Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council’s Net Zero North Wales network, and Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders in Wales.

“Solar and battery installations have surged over the last few years, we have a £5million order book and that looks to increase with more clients coming on daily.

“We’ve installed solar energy systems for some fantastic businesses recently, especially here in North Wales – Zip World UK, Mostyn Estates, and Palins Holiday Park among them – and there are exciting partnerships underway, and on the horizon, as more and more people are lowering their carbon footprint and focusing on long-term sustainability.

“With the new sales representatives we have in place bringing a wealth of experience to our existing team, I am confident we will support even more private and public sector organisations in 2024.”

He added: “On a personal note, to win a lifetime achievement award is a huge honour, as I am so passionate about this industry and helping as many people as I can on their journey toward net zero.

“That’s a big reason for us launching the podcasts, particularly Eco Talk Rewired as we discuss, debate, and shine a light on the big issues facing the sector, what homeowners can do to lower their bills and there is a particular focus on health and safety given there are so many unscrupulous installers and rogue traders out there.

“So much so, we have organised the region’s only Solar and Battery Expo over two days from February 23 at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay.”

A leader in the renewable energy arena, Gareth says they take that position more seriously than ever before.

“Sometimes people don’t know which way to turn, so whether it’s the podcasts, the free energy surveys we offer or my role as a Net Zero Ambassador, we will continue to beat the drum for ‘safe solar’ using the latest technology,” he added.

“The response already has been fantastic, people are watching and giving us their feedback, so we are very thankful for that and hope more and more viewers join us in the future.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

To watch the podcast, visit YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EcoTalkPodcast.

To attend the Solar and Battery Expo visit: Solar and Battery Expo Tickets, Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite.