Category Archives: Manchester

Business & Property News, Business Investment, Construction News, Manchester, Training News

Construction skills provider sold for more than £2.2m amid housing push and labour shortage

A Glasgow-based construction skills provider has been sold for more than £2.2m, almost £400,000 above its original valuation.

The deal was secured following a competitive sale process led by M&A advisory and business finance firm Hilton Smythe.

The sale of Competence Matters was completed in just six months, with strong buyer demand at a time when government housebuilding targets collided with a UK skills crisis.

Hilton Smythe managed the deal from valuation through to completion, securing a price well above market expectations.

The business had been owned by David Hanley for more than 20 years, achieving consistent turnovers of £1.2m to £1.3m. With Hanley looking to retire, Hilton Smythe was appointed to bring the business to market and quickly attracted a pool of qualified buyers for this niche business.

As a result Hilton Smythe, secured three serious offers within four weeks.

 

David Hanley, founder of Competence Matters, said: “As I approached retirement, I was bombarded by brokers who felt pushy and overbearing. Hilton Smythe stood out for their straight-talking, yet conscientious approach and willingness to listen.

“They came back with a clear, data-backed valuation in 24 hours and were flexible from the start. Katie Holt managed the whole process, navigating team dynamics, negotiating solicitors clauses and everything in between; all while I was able to have a clear head to keep the business running.

“Having Hilton Smythe in my corner made a stressful process so much more manageable and far more successful than I could have achieved on my own.”

 

Gareth Smyth, co-founder and CEO of Hilton Smythe, commented: “Our industry doesn’t always have the best reputation – with too many business owners feeling pressured and underserviced. At Hilton Smythe, we pride ourselves on doing things differently.

“With Competence Matters, we took the time to understand what mattered most to David, from preserving team culture to ensuring the right buyer would drive the business forward for long-term growth and shaped a deal strategy around that.

“We supported him throughout the process, acting as the ‘bad guys’ when needed during tough negotiations and ensuring he had the right legal and financial advice to protect his interests.

“This deal is a great example of how the right advice can lead to a brilliant outcome, not just for the seller, but for the future of the business too.”

 

For more information on Hilton Smythe’s corporate finance services, visit www.hiltonsmythe.com

Creative & Marketing, Greater Manchester, Manchester, Marketing & PR, News, Sport

Soul Padel lands PR ace with Smoking Gun

Soul Padel has appointed PR, influencer and social media agency Smoking Gun to launch Stockport’s first-ever padel club – putting the UK’s fastest-growing racket sport firmly on the regional radar.

Briefed to raise awareness, drive footfall, and shift perceptions that padel is only for the well-heeled, brand-building PR, influencer and social media agency Smoking Gun is delivering a bold, community-focused campaign designed to showcase the sport’s social appeal and growing accessibility.

From targeted media relations to grassroots storytelling, the campaign is set to capitalise on padel’s soaring popularity and make a racket in the Greater Manchester sports scene. Plans include media taster sessions, a high-energy launch event, and a spotlight on the people and communities behind the padel movement.

 

Soul Padel’s Stockport site is a big step forward in making the sport truly accessible and affordable. After almost a year with two temporary courts and a buzzing local community behind it, the team is gearing up to open four permanent courts and a brand-new clubhouse this June – and the early buzz has been huge.

The club’s strong community spirit comes from its relaxed, accessible vibe and inclusive programming. Soul Sisters is a holistic initiative encouraging women of all ages to play, while Americanos offers fun, competitive sessions for all skill levels. Plus, What’s That Racket? invites schools across South Manchester to get involved and discover the sport for free.

 

Rick Guttridge, CEO at Smoking Gun, said: “Padel is fast, fun and seriously addictive – and we’re delivering a campaign that channels every bit of that spirit.

“Manchester is a city that lives and breathes sport, and through our partnership with Soul Padel we’re helping open up an exciting, sociable game to communities right across the region – breaking down the usual barriers around cost, culture and confidence.”

 

Mark Hewlett, CEO and founder of Soul Padel, said: “At Soul Padel, we’re on a mission to make padel accessible, inclusive and genuinely fun for everyone, not just the few. Smoking Gun instantly understood that vision. Their grassroots mindset and creative firepower are exactly what we need to show that padel isn’t just a sport, it’s a community. The early buzz we’re seeing proves we’re building something special in Stockport – and this is just the beginning.”

With the Stockport club opening this summer – and more venues on the horizon – Smoking Gun is now set to continue building Soul Padel’s momentum, region by region, rally by rally.

Accountancy & Accounts, Manchester, News

Historic Black Country accountancy practice joins DJH

A long-established Halesowen accountancy practice has become the latest company to join rapidly expanding DJH.

 

Nicklin, which is located in Church Court, has been bought by the private equity-backed business as part of a growth strategy that aims to position it in the sector’s top 20 UK firms.

 

The partnership also strengthens DJH’s presence in the West Midlands and builds on existing offices in Stoke-on-Trent and Walsall, with a 230-strong team now in position across the region to support SMEs, owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

 

“This is a great move for our team and our clients, who will now have access to the wider range of services and resources DJH offer,” explained Mark Howell, Managing Director of Nicklin.

 

“We’ve been serving the Black Country for more than 90 years and we’re fiercely passionate about giving companies, owners and GP surgeries transparent financial support to help them grow and create jobs across the region.”

 

He continued: “Joining DJH gives us the autonomy to continue doing what we do best, with the benefit of additional capacity and access to experts in corporate finance, commercial funding, HR and private client planning, such as wills and probates.

 

“There is also the additional infrastructure that comes with being part of a group. I’m excited that having more operational support will release our team of 38 accountancy experts to spend even more time with our clients.”

 

DJH, which is backed by private equity investor Tenzing, is one of the UK’s fastest-growing professional services and accountancy groups.

 

Following a series of twelve acquisitions in four years, the firm has grown into a multidisciplinary team of 600 people with offices outside the West Midlands in Altrincham, Bexley, Bury, Chester, Derby, Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, Nantwich and Sheffield.

 

The firm provides access to audit, accounting, tax, and specialist business advisory services, combining local expertise with national reach, while maintaining personalised service at its heart.

Scott Heath, CEO of DJH, added his support: “We are firmly committed to supporting businesses in the West Midlands, so – when the opportunity came up to partner with one of the Black Country’s most respected and longest standing firms – we jumped at the chance.

 

“Continuity is extremely important to us, with members of the senior leadership team agreeing to stay on to lead Nicklin in this exciting next chapter of its story.”

 

For further information, please visit www.djh.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.

 

Caption for image: (l-r) Paul Clayton (Director at Nicklin), James Beardmore (DJH Chief Operating Officer), Mark Howell (Managing Director at Nicklin), David Wright (Director at Nicklin), and Scott Heath (DJH Chief Executive Officer).

 

Health, Manchester, Marketing, Menopause, News, PR and SEO, Wellbeing

Theta finds its flow state with Smoking Gun

New-to-market natural menopause supplement Theta has appointed brand building marcomms agency Smoking Gun to spearhead its launch.

Tapping into the biohacking trend, Theta contains a specific blend of Dong Quai, Red Clover and Vitamin E that aims to help women reduce hormone imbalances, hot flushes and sleep disruption caused by night sweats – among other issues often associated with menopause.

The brief will see Smoking Gun lead media relations, influencer marketing and paid social media to support the D2C launch and e-commerce via Amazon.

Theta Managing Director Lisa Gawthorne – herself a Team GB Athlete, and advocate for natural and herbal remedies, said: “We have been working really closely with GenM on this launch and the product line has been certified with the MTick, which features on pack to give women the confidence that this product does what it says and delivers on efficacy – which is hugely important in a market that contains so many brands that are ‘menowashing’ and not offering any real benefit.”

“We were impressed by Smoking Gun’s strategic approach to launching our innovation and the agency’s absolute focus on delivering business impact.”

 

Smoking Gun CEO Rick Guttridge said: “In a time of such deserved scrutiny of women’s health – and high growth in the health and wellness market – the Theta brief instantly caught our attention.

“Our launch campaign will generate visibility, trust and traction, creating a surround sound effect across channels to reach the target audience with relevant content and credible voices.”

 

To find out how Smoking Gun can get your brand seen, heard and remembered, get in touch here or visit smokinggun.agency

Charity & CSR, Charity Events, Charity News, Manchester, News

Manchester Christie Cup Tournament Confirmed For 2025 After Event Raised Almost £80k For Cancer Hospital

A thriving Manchester rugby tournament is set to make a comeback after raising almost £80,000 for the Christie Charity.

In light of the phenomenal success of last year’s event, the tournament will return bigger and better for 2025, and has been christened as the inaugural Christie Cup, kicking off on Sunday, 6 July 2025.

The initial idea for the tournament came after rugby veteran Chris Bamber’s wife received a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Chris, who is chairman of the Manchester Select Rugby League team, teamed up with rugby pals to host the event at the Manchester Regional Arena last September.

The tournament saw a series of matches pitting Manchester Select against GB Police Men’s, while GB Police Women’s faced down the Keighley Cougars, in front of almost 1,000 fans.

This year’s effort is set to be a major step up from the previous, consisting of two events starting with a Family Fun Day on Sunday, 6th July at the Aldwinians RUFC.

This will feature a men’s and women’s rugby tournament, in which teams will compete to take home the all-new Christie Cup; along with children’s coaching clinics hosted by rugby league experts; food, drink, and cake stalls; and children’s entertainment.

A ‘Legends of Rugby League’ dinner will also take place on Wednesday, 17th September at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.

An all-new Christie Hospital Hall of Fame will be established at the dinner, into which one male and one female member will be inducted annually.

Chris said: “What started as one incredible day of rugby has grown into a movement. We’re proud to support The Christie with even bigger events this year, because every pound raised helps us to save more lives.

“The Christie Charity has touched the lives of so many, including our loved ones. The Christie Cup is about giving back, celebrating community spirit, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing the toughest battles.

“Our goal now is to build on the momentum from last year and turn these events into something the community can look forward to year after year.”

The 2025 Christie Cup will expand on last year’s programme of events, with men’s and women’s tournaments, children’s coaching clinics by seasoned rugby league professionals, plus food, drink, and entertainment.

Chris’s wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer and began treatment at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, with a prognosis of between five and eight years.

Her husband, along with Director of the event’s main sponsor The City Recruiter, Nick Ryan, were inspired to do something positive, and used their passion for rugby to give back to an organisation that has done so much for Sarah and others like her.

Speaking about the 2025 Christie Cup, Nick said: “After last year’s success in terms of both turnout and money raised, we knew we had to host it again and have gone bigger and better this time.

“This isn’t just rugby. It’s resilience. It’s remembrance. And above all, it’s the power of our community coming together to change lives.

“With every event, we’re not just raising funds. We’re building a legacy of compassion and connection that will endure for years to come.”

A spokesperson for the Christie Charity added: “We are incredibly grateful to Chris and the Manchester Select Rugby League team for their commitment to this fundraising event. Last year they secured fantastic fundraising support from businesses nationally to generate nearly £80K.

“Their achievements have enabled the Christie Charity to make a difference to cancer patients by supporting the charity’s vital work.

“We hope that the 2025 event is an equal success and appreciate the amount of effort that goes into organising such events.

“With the passion of the organising team and the support of the Manchester communities we look forward to another great day.”

This event is still seeking sponsors. To find out more and register email: c-bamber@manchesterselectrl.co.uk.

Businesses interested in providing a stall for the Family Fun Day event are also encouraged to email the above address.

Commercial Property, Manchester, News, North of England

Gilbanks opens for business at Manchester’s landmark St Michael’s development

Premium workspace operator Gilbanks will officially open the doors to its new serviced offices at No.1 St Michael’s in Manchester on 2 June,  becoming one of the first businesses to launch within the £400m city centre development.

 

The launch marks a significant milestone for both Gilbanks and the wider St Michael’s scheme, which is led by Relentless Developments. Designed with professional services in mind, the Gilbanks workspace spans 34,000 square feet over 1.5 floors. It offers a tailored environment that combines high-spec design with a focus on flexibility, sustainability and customer experience.

 

The site has already attracted major occupiers, including insurance group AXA, which is relocating its Manchester team to the building. AXA will occupy space designed to accommodate 70 people, benefiting from cutting-edge technology and a workspace that enhances productivity and well-being.

 

Alex Duckett, managing director of Gilbanks, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the interest in our new offices at No.1 St Michael’s, which we believe set a new benchmark for design and luxury. If companies want to call this fantastic building home, they need to act quickly, as we have the last vacancies in the development.

 

“Gilbanks’ offices are designed to provide an unparalleled working environment for professional firms in the heart of this fantastic city. We’ve been looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming customers to this landmark building.”

 

The Gilbanks offer at No.1 St Michael’s is part of a wider strategy to develop service-rich environments for professional firms. The company’s expansion is driven by high service levels, thoughtfully curated events, and a strong business community ethos.

 

With viewings now open, Gilbanks has reported record levels of interest from prospective clients. The company already operates successful locations in Leeds and at 11 York Street in Manchester, and recently announced expansion into Birmingham with a new site at Five St Philips.

 

The new workspace at No.1 St Michael’s supports the development’s Net Zero Carbon goals, incorporating recycled materials and a considered approach to waste reduction. The building is expected to become Manchester’s first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development in both construction and operation.

 

For more information or to book a viewing, visit gilbanks.com.

 

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About Gilbanks

Gilbanks is an experienced, professional, serviced office operator. Founded by property professionals who have built accomplished careers in the office leasing market for the past decade. With an accomplished track record in property management, it began to question whether the mass of serviced offices offered clients the most valuable asset – productivity.

Food & Drink, Leeds, London, London News, Manchester

Champagne for £10 a glass with brunch at The Ivy

 With bottles of Veuve Clicquot for just £60, guests can make the most of spring socialising with friends and family, for less.

 April 2025 – With spring in bloom and the sun temptingly peeking through the clouds, The Ivy Collection is inviting guests to celebrate the May Bank Holidays and upgrade their brunch with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for just £60. Perfect for celebrating any occasion, even if it’s just the changing of the season, the offer will mean guests can enjoy a chilled Veuve Clicquot at £10 a glass* when dining on the brunch menu.

 

Recently refreshed with new dishes for spring, the Brunch Menu at The Ivy Collection restaurants includes brunch-time delights such as fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes topped with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and Greek yoghurt, with a lemon balm garnish and a generous drizzle of warm red berry sauce. This dish is accompanied on the menu by dishes including Eggs Royale with The Ivy Cure Smoked Salmon, served with crispy thick cut chips, and Chargrilled Halloumi with Harissa Grains, served with red peppers, courgette, red chilli, pine nuts, micro salad cress and herb dressing.

 

To take advantage of the offer, guests simply need to book for brunch on a bank holiday weekend in May and ask for the Veuve Clicquot Brunch upgrade. The Brunch Menu at The Ivy Collection is available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 11:00am – 4:00pm*.

 

To book, visit https://ivycollection.com/book-a-table/.

To become a member of The Ivy Premier Rewards App, join here: https://theivycollection.app/

 

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*Guests dining on the Brunch Menu will be able to add a 75cl bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label for £60, the equivalent to £10 a glass with 6 glasses per bottle. Not applicable on Veuve Clicquot served by the glass.

*The offer will be available on the May Bank Holiday weekends in 2025.

*The Brunch Menu at The Ivy Collection is available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between 11:00am – 4:00pm. In some restaurants, the Veuve Clicquot upgrade will be available from 12:00pm.

The Veuve Clicquot Brunch Upgrade will be available in all The Ivy Collection restaurants, excluding:

  • The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin
  • The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh
  • The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow

The Brunch Menu may differ between locations.

 

About The Ivy Collection:

A dining experience where every aspect inspires, whilst flawlessly meeting expectations. The Ivy Collection brings the renowned dishes and inimitable service of the original West Street restaurant to a select group of sophisticated brasseries and neighbourhood cafés, in 43 handpicked locations across London, the UK and Ireland. Open seven days a week, our brasseries offer a full service from breakfast through to dinner. Our menus feature contemporary and classic signature dishes from The Ivy’s extensive menu and are designed to meet the needs and desires of any occasion. With a passion for seasonal, classic food and a devotion to service wrapped up in the art, the stories, and the glamour of over 100 years at the forefront of British hospitality, The Ivy Collection remains true to the values of the original Ivy restaurant.

 

Data & Analytics, Law, Manchester, News

North-West Law Firm Scoops Coveted Award for Pioneering Work in Data Protection.

Manchester-based Barings Law has been awarded Data Protection and Privacy Law Firm of the Year – Manchester 2025 by Legal Insider, recognising its leadership in the rapidly evolving field of technology and data breach litigation.

The accolade adds to Barings Law’s growing reputation as a legal trailblazer in data protection, data misuse, financial mis-selling, and AI-related privacy issues. The firm has garnered national attention for its innovative legal strategies and high-profile cases.

Among its recent cases, Barings has taken a leading role in representing approximately 8,000 claimants in a major High Court case against outsourcing giant Capita over its 2023 data breach.

The firm also launched legal action against tech giants Microsoft and Google, alleging the unlawful use of personal data to train their AI models without proper consent.

Head of Data Breach at Barings Adnan Malik shared his thoughts on the win: “This has been a collective effort; a claim type takes input from the whole office, from client services to the tech team, to the social media team, and many more.

“Winning this award isn’t just a recognition – it’s a rallying cry for every individual whose data has been misused. At Barings, we turn breaches into battles, and silence into justice.

“In a world where technology often outruns accountability, Barings Law stands as a shield – ensuring that power is met with responsibility, and that every digital footprint is protected.”

He added: “Taking on giants like Microsoft and Google is about reminding the world that consent matters, that privacy is a right, and that anyone can be held accountable for alleged wrongdoing.”

Last year Barings was named as a finalist for Best Use of Technology in Legal Services by the British Insurance Technology Awards following its migration to Zoho CRM, a programme that facilitates the streamlining of services leading to faster case resolutions and increased client satisfaction.

The prestigious Legal Insider Awards recognises the achievements and milestones reached by law firms, legal professions, and businesses in the legal sector, and celebrates innovation, excellence, and leadership.

Pam Adekunle from Legal Insider’s awards department, said: “We are delighted to recognise Barings Law for its excellence in the legal sector.

“Their dedication to client advocacy and industry innovation truly sets them apart, earning them the title of Data Protection & Privacy Law Firm of the Year.”

Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Barings has sought to achieve justice for all rather than a select few, with a dedication to honesty and transparency with both its clients and team of passionate legal specialists.

Adnan added: “Being honoured like this reminds us that justice doesn’t just live in the courtroom – it lives in the systems we build, the people we empower, and the rights we protect every single day.

“To be recognised on this level reinforces our belief that doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, matters. Our fight for fairness in the digital age is only just beginning.”

Hospitality, interior design, Lifestyle & Travel, Manchester, News

Hydes Brewery unveils new look to boutique city centre hotel following further investment

Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes has completed a £235,000 refurbishment of the boutique hotel at The Abel Heywood, located in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.

This investment follows a multi-million, seven-figure investment programme across its pub estate in 2024, which included a £200,000 refurbishment of the award-winning Abel Heywood pub 12 months ago.

The refurbishment of the Abel Heywood’s boutique onsite hotel involved a complete redecoration of all 15 rooms. Each room now features new beds, fixtures, and fittings, along with contemporary decor designed to appeal to modern city break guests.

Over the past year, Hydes has invested over £430,000 in modernising and refurbishing The Abel Heywood.

Acquired by Hydes in 2014, The Abel Heywood’s hotel facility underwent a rolling closure in January, with no disruption to the pub, bar, and dining facilities during the refurbishment. The on-site boutique hotel, popular with visitors to Manchester, consistently maintains a 99% occupancy rate and is one of the best-reviewed hotels in the city.

Alex Allan, appointed as manager of the Abel Heywood in December 2014, has played a crucial role in establishing the Hydes brewery-owned pub as a star attraction in Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter. He helped secure its reputation as one of the city centre’s favourite places to stay.

 

Hydes have transformed the premises from an almost derelict, fire-damaged former textile warehouse into the eye-catching landmark building it is today. The Abel Heywood first opened its doors to customers in December 2014.

Over the past decade, the Abel Heywood was one of the first dining pubs to provide boutique hotel accommodation in Manchester. Since opening, it has maintained its reputation and is fully booked with guests every week, despite stiff competition from numerous hotels in the city centre.

The refurbishment of the pub in February 2024 included modernising all existing Victorian-style decor, new external signage, lighting, and a revitalisation of the bar areas. These refinements proved to be a big success with customers, significantly boosting takings post-opening.

 

Alex noted: “The Abel Heywood is a beloved destination for city centre drinkers and visitors seeking a unique overnight stay. After a decade at the helm, I’ve seen it become an integral part of the Northern Quarter’s identity. The recent refurbishments have been a resounding success, and I am confident that our hotel’s modernisation will have a similar impact, further enhancing our customers’ experience.”

 

Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes, stated: “The Abel Heywood is a cornerstone of our estate, and this latest investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to refurbishing our pubs. With its adjoined boutique hotel, it remains a favourite in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and this investment will help build on the success it has achieved since we acquired it over a decade ago.”

 

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of 40 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

Bristol, Food & Drink, Leeds, London, Manchester, News

The Ivy Collection Launches First Ever Easter Egg

Priced at £22.00, the Easter Egg consists of a beautifully designed collectable tin filled with Belgian chocolates.

 Just in time for Easter, The Ivy Collection is launching its first ever Easter egg; a beautifully decorated, collectable Egg-shaped tin, filled with melt-in-the-mouth Belgian chocolate truffles and white and milk chocolate bunnies. Available to pre-order on The Ivy Collection website now, The Ivy Easter Egg is the perfect spring sweet-treat or special Easter gift for friends or family.

The decorated tin is filled with a selection of indulgent, Belgian chocolate truffles, each dusted with dark cocoa powder and with an oozy dark chocolate centre. The truffles are joined with milk and white layered chocolates bearing an adorable and edible Ivy Bunny.

The Ivy Easter Egg has been carefully created to not only provide a taste of The Ivy at home this Easter but to also serve as a beautiful ornament once the chocolates inside have been finished. The tin, which has been adorned with a bespoke design from The Ivy, is designed to stand on a flat surface and be reused for storage or decoration in the home.

Laura Mills at The Ivy Collection said: “When creating our first ever Ivy Easter Egg, we worked hard to craft something truly special for our guests, that not only tastes amazing, but is a beautiful piece of The Ivy they can keep at home. We hope that, whether dining at an Ivy restaurant, at home or elsewhere this Easter, those who would like to celebrate with us can do so with our new Easter Egg, whether as a treat for themselves, a thoughtful gift for a loved one – or both!”

 

The Ivy Easter Egg is priced at £22.00 and will be available to pre-order from The Ivy Collection Store now. Guests are also invited to dine at The Ivy Collection restaurant across the Easter season, making the most of the newly launched Lamb Roast Dinner or Easter specials such as the Easter Nest dessert and the Easter Goblet cocktail.

 

To book, visit https://ivycollection.com/book-a-table/.

To become a member of The Ivy Premier Rewards App, join here: https://theivycollection.app/

 

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Easter menus may differ at The Ivy West Street, The Ivy Belfast Brasserie and The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin.

The Ivy Easter Egg is available to preorder for April delivery here: https://the-ivy-shop.com/products/the-ivy-easter-egg