Category Archives: Regional News

Manufacturing, Midlands News, News

Cope Technology’s electric with reshoring win

Latest News from Business Growth West Midlands

A leading manufacturer of PCB assemblies is enjoying the fruits of employee-ownership after it reshored a significant product range.

Cope Technology, which employs 40 people at its facility on the Pensnett Trading Estate, has successfully won back a contract that had left the UK for production in China after demonstrating world class quality and speed of response that couldn’t be matched in the Far East.

It’s a significant victory for the 40-year-old firm, who supplies low and medium volume electrical assemblies for use in CCTV monitoring, traffic management, emergency vehicles, vending machines and automotive accessories.

 

The Black Country-based manufacturer was recently sold by the company founders to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), giving staff the opportunity to gain a share and voice in its future direction.

This pivotal transformation has been supported by the Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley Programme (BGWM), who has provided the new management team with strategic planning advice and support in employee engagement.

 

“We have a very strong history and track record in providing world class contract electronic manufacturing, with all of our attention, capital investment and supply chain management dedicated to building assemblies for our customers,” explained Production Director Adam Holmes, who has been with the company for more than two decades.

“These core values will continue under the Employee Ownership Trust, but there is also a focus on how we modernise the business and continue to digitise our operations so we can become even more efficient and potentially take our PCB knowledge into new markets.”

Adam continued: “When you are taking steps into the unknown for some of us, that’s when you need a good sounding board and Business Growth West Midlands has been a fantastic resource for us.

“Our Business Growth Adviser has been with us on the entire journey, providing strategic advice around planning, structure, forecasting and, importantly, building a strong employee engagement strategy. The transition has certainly been smoother with their involvement!”

 

Cope Technology tapped into the GROWTHmapper® tool, a free business diagnostic which SMEs benefit from when participating in the Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley programme.

This helped the new management team identify strengths and weaknesses within its operations and prompted honest discussions among the team. The insights grained have been instrumental in taking the business forward, securing the recent reshoring win and accessing additional support and grants.

Adam also attended a workshop on digital manufacturing and a factory tour hosted by Thomas Dudley, who is one of its clients.

This event not only provided practical insights into automation and digitalisation, but also enhanced the firm’s understanding of the end-product assembly process, bridging the gap between different stages of production.

 

Donna Watkins, Business Growth Adviser for the BGWM in Dudley Programme, went on to add:

“It has been a pleasure to work with the senior management team at Cope Technology, who has built upon the honest communication they were having, taking our recommendations onboard and moving the business to the next level.

“What is really pleasing is the determination to get even better at what it does, and we’ll be helping them to achieve this through one-on-one support and identifying potential grants for new equipment and technology.”

 

Business Growth West Midlands in Dudley, which is funded by Dudley Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is supporting more than 600 companies based in the borough with advice from local Business Growth Advisers.

Run by Oxford Innovation Advice, the initiative delivers an information, diagnostic, brokerage, and account management service to support local businesses to thrive, innovate, and grow, whilst also supporting entrepreneurs to progress their ideas.

A special focus is placed on helping firms in key local sectors and engaging with harder to reach groups, such as women-led and ethnic minority-led businesses.

 

Adam concluded: “I can’t praise the support we’ve had enough and would recommend other growing SMEs in Dudley to tap into what is on offer. The external expertise has been instrumental in helping us through a period of significant transformation and laying down the foundations for the next forty years in our history.”

 

For further information, please visit www.cope-technology.co.uk or www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org

Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, News, North of England, Tech, Technology

SPG enhances cybersecurity capabilities with Saviynt.

SPG is enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities in a new partnership with Saviynt, a leading provider of cloud-native identity and governance platform solutions.

 

The move comes as the digital transformation firm strengthens its cybersecurity capacity across all areas of its operations with investments in strategic partnerships, training and expanding the team.

 

The SPG and Saviynt partnership will provide enterprises with a converged solution encompassing identity management, privileged access management (PAM), and application governance. The comprehensive approach secures digital assets and data across hybrid ecosystems, ensuring enhanced cybersecurity for internal and external applications.

The combined capabilities of SPG and Saviynt are designed to support enterprise-wide cloud-based cybersecurity infrastructures, accelerating deployment cycles and enabling faster, more efficient solutions for managing user identities, access privileges, and security risks.

 

Charlie Grey, partner director EMEA at Saviynt, commented, “Our partnership with SPG offers a powerful combination of identity governance and administration solutions that help organisations optimise security, reduce complexity, and maximise their return on investment.”

 

Saviynt’s Identity Cloud platform helps organisations orchestrate workforce and enterprise applications while managing privileged and third-party identities. The Identity Cloud platform supports automated risk management and actions powered by machine learning to provide value and scalability.

By leveraging Saviynt’s platform, SPG will deliver a more resilient and secure identity ecosystem to its clients, allowing them to streamline identity governance processes and reduce costs. The platform’s ability to converge IGA, data access governance, PAM, and third-party access governance empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of modern hybrid IT environments.

 

Gareth Humphreys, SPG CEO, said: “SPG has a holistic approach to digital transformation, where cybersecurity plays an integral role in every step of the process. The partnership with Saviynt and our broader investment will ensure we continue offering customers the best solution.”

“We are equipping organisations with the tools they need to manage security, compliance, and access risks across complex environments. Our collaborative approach allows us to deliver faster, more scalable identity management solutions, enabling businesses to innovate and thrive in a secure environment.”

 

SPG has a multi-disciplined team of experts who deliver digital transformation projects across the public and private sectors. It is part of the Solution Performance Group, which also offers technology talent recruitment and software development.

 

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Pictured: Gareth Humphreys, Group CEO at SPG.

 

Solution Performance Group helps companies achieve digital transformation goals by providing technology consultancy, software development, and talent recruitment services. It consists of SPG and SPG Resourcing and provides solutions, services and people to many businesses, from insurance and financial services to health, housing and large FTSE 100s.

Visit: http://thinkspg.com and https://spgresourcing.com/

Awards, Diversity & Inclusion, News, Wales News

Mastering Diversity Awards 2024 Celebrates Inspirational Champions of Inclusion at the Senedd

The Mastering Diversity Awards 2024, held at the prestigious Senedd in Cardiff, brought together Wales’ most influential voices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sponsored by Hon Mark Drakeford MS, the awards recognized individuals and organizations driving meaningful change across public, private, and community sectors. With the support of Senedd Ministers, including Hon Julie Morgan MS and Hon Jane Hutt MS, the evening highlighted the Welsh Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.

Bernie Davies, founder of the Mastering Diversity Conference Wales, opened the event by expressing gratitude to sponsors, judges, and attendees. Davies emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships, which she believes are fundamental to achieving long-term success in the diversity space. She also commended the Finalists who made it to the Senedd from north, west and mid Wales, in one of the worst weather conditions in Wales in recent times.

“Diversity is not just a tick box exercise—it’s the foundation upon which we can build more inclusive, thriving communities,” said Bernie Davies. “Tonight, we celebrate those individuals and organizations who are leading by example, not just talking about change but making it happen.”

Hosted by S4C’s Natalie Jones, the awards ceremony recognized champions across nine categories, each sponsored by a key organization committed to advancing the diversity agenda. Below is the complete list of winners and runners-up:

Diversity in Public Sector (Sponsored by Browne Jacobson)

  • Gold: Sarah Brewer – Public Health Wales
  • Silver: Rajma Begum – WCVA
  • Bronze: Hussein Said – LGBTQ + Law

Sarah Brewer, Head of People Experience at Public Health Wales, was recognized for her outstanding contributions in improving staff recruitment, diversity, and inclusion practices. Judges praised her innovative work in creating staff networks, introducing inclusive recruitment practices, and partnering with Swansea University on a groundbreaking internship scheme.

Diversity in Business Champion (Sponsored by NatWest)

  • Gold: Nathan Vidini – Altra Law
  • Silver: Akmal Hanuk – Assadaqaat Community Finance
  • Bronze: Deb Barrow – Barrow HR

Nathan Vidini, founder of Altra Law, was celebrated for his business model, which integrates diversity and community investment into every aspect of its operations. The judges noted that Altra Law has set a high standard for other businesses in Wales by demonstrating how impactful diversity can be on both a business and societal level.

Cognitive and Neurodiversity Champion (Sponsored by Toni Clarkstone Global)

  • Gold: Julian John – Delsion
  • Silver: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
  • Bronze: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC

Julian John, CEO of Delsion, was recognized for his tireless advocacy for cognitive and neurodiversity in the workplace. Following a brain injury over a decade ago, Julian founded Delsion to drive inclusion-led innovation and has become a leading voice for disabled business leaders in the UK.

Diversity in Sports Champion (Sponsored by Team Wales)

  • Gold: Rajma Begum – WCVA
  • Silver: Sadique Maskeen – Umbrella Faith
  • Bronze: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC

Rajma Begum was honoured for her work in increasing sports participation among ethnically diverse communities. Judges commended her for leading the US Girls – Street Games UK project, establishing the Women & Girls Sports Forum, and lobbying for £1.5 million to address inequalities in sports for underrepresented groups.

Digital Inclusion Champion (Sponsored by S4C)

  • Gold: Sophie Mason – Think EDI
  • Silver: Philipa Knowles – Centre for Digital Public Services
  • Bronze: Michelle Alexis – BBC

 

Event Sponsors

Sophie Mason, CEO of Think EDI, was recognized for her groundbreaking software that helps organizations better understand and accommodate their employees’ digital accessibility needs. Judges praised Sophie’s vision, which is set to transform how businesses support diverse teams in a digital landscape.

Gender Equality Champion (Sponsored by OGI)

  • Gold: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
  • Silver: Anna Cooper – #BattleWithEndo & The Menstrual Health Project
  • Bronze: Lesley Williams – Welsh ICE

Molly Fenton, founder of Love Your Period, was celebrated for her ongoing work in destigmatizing menstrual health and championing gender equality in schools and communities across Wales. Her advocacy has opened the door to important conversations around menstrual health for women, non-binary people, and trans men.

Diversity in Representation Champion (Sponsored by Positive Imprint)

  • Gold: Blessing Mutamba – NatWest
  • Silver: Akmal Hanuk – Assadaqaat Community Finance
  • Bronze: Sophie Mason – Think EDI

Blessing Mutamba from NatWest was honoured for her work in improving representation in the financial sector. Judges commended her for influencing positive change within her organization and across the sector, despite significant challenges along her personal and professional journey.

Diversity in Education Champion (Sponsored by Scouts Cymru)

  • Gold: Michelle Alexis – BBC
  • Silver: Mfikelea Jean Samuel
  • Bronze: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period

Michelle Alexis was awarded Gold for her outstanding contributions to diversity and education. Her work within the BBC and higher education sectors has left an indelible impact on policies and practices related to equality and inclusion.

Community Champion (Sponsored by Velindre Oncology Academy)

  • Gold: Molly Fenton – Love Your Period
  • Silver: Craig & Stacey Bowles – Rosehill AFC
  • Bronze: Julie Cornish – Every Woman Festival

Molly Fenton’s Love Your Period campaign earned her yet another Gold Award, this time in the Community Champion category. Her work in building supportive communities around menstrual health and chronic illness was highlighted by the judges as exceptional and transformative.

Lifetime Achievement Awards (Sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors)

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors, were presented to two remarkable individuals who have made a lasting contribution to diversity and inclusion:

  • Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE – for her pioneering work on racial equality and advocacy
  • Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE– for her trailblazing work in healthcare and genetics

Additionally, Michelle Alexis was Highly Commended for her extensive contributions to advancing diversity in education and media, further solidifying her role as a key influencer in Wales’ diversity landscape.

The event concluded with an emotional tribute to Bernie Davies, who has made an outstanding contribution to diversity in Wales

The evening concluded with an emotional tribute to Bernie Davies, who was presented with an inspirational painting by Mfikelea Jean Samuel, and honoured by the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Janey Howell, for her outstanding contributions to diversity in Wales. The event reflected the collective effort of individuals, organizations, and government bodies to build a more inclusive future for all.

Commercial Property, Commercial Property News, London, London News, News

Canvas Offices and Hagag Group excites with prime central London plans for deluxe, 40,000 sqft flexible office space

Canvas Offices, recognised as one of the UK’s top flexible office space providers due to their bespoke, inspiring workspaces, has announced their newest project in collaboration with real estate giant, Hagag Group.

 

Scheduled to open in the spring of 2025, the latest acquisition to the ever-growing Canvas Offices’ community builds on the success of their recently restored period building 88 Kingsway, located above Holborn Tube Station. which epitomised Canvas Office’s unique “homeification” design style. This blurs the lines between home and work, so that employee productivity, comfort and mental wellbeing are prioritised.

The 40,000 sqft building will be Canvas Offices largest to date and is located only four minutes walk away from the newly transformed Tottenham Court Road underground station and thriving start-up capital Holborn. The area has seen high demand, attracting many tech, creative, and media businesses, including Google’s London headquarters, dubbed “the landscraper”, and that of global management consultancy McKinsey & Company.

This development represents a new and bold direction for the award-winning flexible office space provider. While Canvas Offices has become well-known for their transformation of characterful period buildings into fully customised, vibrant, home-like workspaces, their latest project is a stunning mid-century modern, mirrored architectural masterpiece.

Covering eight floors and offering over 40 luxurious offices equipped with the latest access controls, and workplace technologies, the building is expected to become a sought-after destination for high profile start-ups, creative scale-ups and global unicorns.

Its “pay as you grow” model and demountable wall systems allow businesses to easily take more space within the building as they expand, avoiding the lengthy processes and exorbitant cost of relocation. Furthermore, its location boasts direct access to underground transport links including the Elizabeth, Northern, and Central lines. This will make journeys significantly easier for busy clients and employees, especially as it is in within easy walking distance of Soho, Covent Garden, and Seven Dials.

Yaron Rosenblum, Co-Founder of Canvas Offices said: “This building is a beautiful addition to the period architecture that has defined many of our previous projects. Working with a new type of mid-century modern design, offers Canvas the unique opportunity to showcase how we can adapt our homeification style into all of our buildings, no matter the architectural style.”

“We are also delighted to be continuing our successful; relationship with the Hagag Group. who understand our vision, philosophy, and the value in creating beautiful commercial spaces that seamlessly integrate into thriving, vibrant communities.”

Eido Hagag Co-owner, director and CEO of Hagag Group stated: “We are enormously excited to once again be working with Canvas Offices on another prestige development which will showcase the talent, experience and insights of both our companies within the real estate industry. Together we are mission of transforming London’s office landscape, one building at a time.”

Interior design firm Daytrip Studio, who are renowned for creating contemporary spaces that blend comfort with style, have been tasked with transforming the building in line with Canvas Office’s “homeification” design philosophy, while Quarterback Real Estate (QBRE) will ensure the building meets the highest standards of design and functionality. This will include BREAM certification, highlighting Canvas Offices’ commitment to environmental excellence.

Established in 2018, Canvas Offices is situated across 16 central London locations including Holborn, Mayfair, Shoreditch and Farringdon. Its community, which is supported by an ever-growing team of industry experts, consists of ever-expanding businesses including influential brands like Rough Trade, Patchwork, Malin+Goetz, and Augustinus Bader.

For more information, visit: https://canvasoffices.co.uk

Property, Property & Construction, South East

Hassle-Free Moves with Oxfordshire Homebuilder’s Moving Scheme

For house-hunters seeking a stress-free move, leading housing developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes is offering a helping hand at its Brookside Meadows development in Grove.

To help home buyers speed up the moving process and potentially receive financial benefits, Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Part Exchange Guarantee scheme is available on selected properties at the development off Denchworth Road.

As part of the scheme, the developer acts as a safety net for purchasers who are selling their existing home. If a buyer’s current property does not sell on the open market, Barratt and David Wilson Homes will step in and purchase the home to ensure customers can move forward in their property journey.

 

Emma Hawkins, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “Home buyers who are keen to move but worried about the time it can take to sell an existing property can make best use of our Part Exchange Guarantee scheme to save them hassle.

“We are encouraging anyone who is keen to learn about our moving schemes to visit our expert team of sales advisers at Brookside Meadows, and discover how they can join the first buyers who are now settling into their brand-new homes at the development.”

 

There are four key benefits to the Part Exchange Guarantee scheme:

 

  1. Safety Net – Home buyers can attempt to sell their property on the open market for a potentially higher price, with the assurance that Barratt and David Wilson Homes will act as a guaranteed buyer if the property doesn’t sell within a specified timeframe.

 

  1. Market Exposure – The scheme gives second steppers the opportunity to achieve a higher sale price for their current property by marketing it at a value greater than what might be offered through a direct Part Exchange.

 

  1. Guaranteed Buyer – The housebuilder’s commitment to being a guaranteed buyer alleviates the stress and uncertainty typically associated with selling a home, allowing buyers to focus on transitioning smoothly into their new property.

 

  1. Potential Higher Price – Depending on the market conditions, those using the scheme have the opportunity to achieve a better sale price for their property while still enjoying the security of a guaranteed sale through Barratt and David Wilson Homes.

 

Nestled in Oxfordshire’s countryside, Brookside Meadows boasts a wide selection of three, four and five bedroom homes across the two Barratt and David Wilson Homes brands.

Set amongst plenty of open space, residents at Brookside Meadows can enjoy the perfect balance between modern living and natural beauty. Conveniently located nearby to the historic market town of Wantage, residents also have simple access to a range of local amenities just a short walk away.

The development ensures that the upcoming community can keep the bustling city life close by with Oxford city centre located just over 15 miles away.

 

To discover the range of properties available, visit the websites at Barratt Homes at  Brookside Meadows or David Wilson Homes at Brookside Meadows.

For details about any developments in the area, call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8495 or the David Wilson Homes sales team on 033 3355 8487.

Alternatively, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Oxfordshire and David Wilson Homes in Oxfordshire.

Wales News

Exciting programme of special films at The Magic Lantern in Tywyn

The Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn is planning an exciting programme of special films and events as part of the BFI Art of Action Season.

 

The season, which runs from October to December, celebrates the incredible skill and creative energy that goes into making live action films that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

 

Cinema manager Sara Hulls said: “We are so excited to be able to bring our audiences some absolutely brilliant films and special events, ranging from the 1926 classic silent film The General starring Buster Keaton to the recent The Raid 2 from Welsh writer and director Gareth Evans.”

 

In addition to the films themselves, there will be other events alongside the screening. On October 20, the screening of the Buster Keaton classic will feature a live musical accompaniment by Andrew Harrison King.

 

“Watching a classic Buster Keaton film in a cinema as old and iconic as The Magic Lantern is a thrill in itself but having a pianist there to play the score in time to the film means people will experience it just as they did all those decades ago when it was originally released,” added Sara.

 

“Not only that, but Talyllyn Railway is offering ticket holders to The General a 20% discount on all steam train trips the following week.”

 

The audience can also take part in an Action Film Quiz after a screening of Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story or take part in a Martial Arts Workshop between two films – Polite Society and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

 

There is also the opportunity to learn the art of sword fighting at The Princess Bride Swashbuckling Party and enjoy a hilarious night of surf themed fun at the Point Break Cocktail Night.

 

The Art of Action season is a BFI FAN initiative supported through National Lottery and The Magic Lantern has been supported with funding from Film Hub Wales.

 

“Without the support of Film Hub Wales, many of the events and films we show at The Magic Lantern simply wouldn’t happen,” said Sara.

 

“Their support allows us to be more creative and adventurous with our programming and it’s thanks to the years of working with them that our audiences for Welsh, foreign language and independent films have really grown and our regular audiences very much appreciate the eclectic range of films we show.”

 

The Magic Lantern is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation which represents around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia (Eryri).

News, South East, South East England News, Sport

Pickleball aces set to make a racket in Farnham with £2.5m new sports hub

Ambitious plans for THE HOPP pickleball and padel club given the green light by Waverley councillors

A Surrey town is set to become the home of Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club under a £2.5-million transformation of a disused warehouse.

Ambitious plans for a new base in Farnham for the fastest-growing sports gained momentum following local authority backing for proposals to transform a 57,600-ft² warehouse.

THE HOPP – The Hub of Pickleball and Padel – will soon start taking shape with the creation of more than 25 jobs after Waverley Borough Council granted the project planning permission.

Based on the Farnham Trading Estate, Hurlands Close, THE HOPP will breathe new life into the former warehouse with 10 indoor pickleball courts and four padel courts when it opens its doors in mid-2025.

With planning permission now in place, Sally and Andre will focus on transforming a building that has stood vacant for the last two years and they aim to create a variety of full-time and part-time jobs. 

As well as the pickleball and padel courts, THE HOPP will feature luxury social spaces, changing and catering facilities along with a club shop and expert coaching. There will be 176 parking spaces and 18 spots for bicycles.

Local authority approval is the second cause for celebration for entrepreneurs Sally Grace and Andre Strachan who are driving forward THE HOPP as the pioneering pair won the Skechers Pickleball English Open mixed doubles gold medal.

Sally, who lives in Chawton, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that THE HOPP has been given the go-ahead because it means Farnham will soon play host to Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club

“THE HOPP was born out of our passion for pickleball which is a sporting phenomenon that’s taking over the world and quickly growing in popularity across the South of England.

“And we’re keen to give people across our community the opportunity to experience a fun, accessible and addictive sport which we know is great for all ages and abilities.

“We’ve already been overwhelmed by the positive public reaction to our plans and we’re excited by the prospect of turning our vision into an exciting reality in Farnham.”

Pickleball, which is being championed by tennis legend Andre Agassi, is a low-impact game for two to four players, combining elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis on a badminton-sized court. 

Padel, a mixture of tennis, squash and badminton, is played as a doubles game on an enclosed court, a third of the size of a tennis court enclosed by walls. 

But while both sports are growing in popularity, there remains a very limited number of places to play to meet the rising demand of both sports, a trend which prompted Sally and Andre to team up off the pickleball court.

Andre, who lives in Aldershot, revealed the “project cost is around £2.5 million”, adding: “There’s a new craze for both padel and pickleball and we can’t wait to open up THE HOPP’s doors to new players. 

“THE HOPP will be a fantastic family-friendly place for people of all ages with comfortable surroundings to socialise with friends after a game of pickleball or padel.

 

 

Cheshire, Hospitality, News, North of England

Drinkers bowled over after historic Stockport pub reopens following £250k investment

Hydes Brewery has re-opened the doors of its popular Stockport pub, The Nursery Inn, following a £250K refurbishment.

The refurbishment of the 1939-built pub, a Grade II listed building owned by Salford-based Hydes, includes a full interior overhaul including a respectful redecoration, new furniture and fixtures totally in keeping with the pub’s original build, incorporating comfort and convenience with traditional durable standards of construction and a clean, spacious and unembellished design.

The interior refurbishment has been carried out to fully complement the building’s Listed status and heritage, enhancing its charming features and retaining all the character of its lounge, smoke room and vault, making the Nursery Inn a hugely popular community pub for decades.

A refresh of the exterior has been completed, further enhancing the establishment’s outside experience for spring and summer weather. The Nursery also boasts an immaculately maintained and well-used bowling green at the back of the premises, and is home to several bowling teams.

The pub has an unusual sporting claim to fame having been the first headquarters of Stockport County AFC, when the club’s ground was nearby in the late 1800s on the site of the pub’s bowling green.

This latest refurbishment forms part of an ongoing multi-million investment programme across the Hydes’ estate over the next few years. Over the last two years, Hydes has committed over £10m to refurbishments of pubs across its estate and intends to continue with supporting and investing in its pubs throughout 2025.

Jordan Nolan is the new manager of the Nursery Inn, taking on his first full managerial role for Hydes.

Managing director of Hydes Brewery, Adam Mayers said: “The Nursery Inn is a great pub of historical and sporting significance and continues to go from strength to strength. The refurbishment is respectful of the pub’s original character and intricate features, requiring a delicate and fully considered approach from our dedicated team of design and build specialists. It’s great to see it re-open having undergone such a sensitive refurb, fully retaining the heritage of the building, which is very important to us and our customers. As a hugely appealing community pub, which has always been popular with local drinkers, we’re confident that customers old and new will love its welcoming look and feel.

“Hydes remains totally committed to all of the pubs across its estate and this latest investment is part of an ongoing programme of planned redesigns and refurbishments. Providing our customers with a quality, memorable experience is top of our list of priorities.”

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 over 40 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.

To find out more about Hydes Brewery visit https://www.hydesbrewery.com/.

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Image caption: Newly Refurbished, The Nursery Inn

Awards, News, Scotland

Fife marketing guru shortlisted for prestigious business award following support for ‘Local Heroes’

Fife based business leader, Guy Hayward, has been recognised for his unique and community-led approach to supporting local SMEs after being shortlisted by the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The Founder and Director of Local Heroes, a marketing company dedicated to helping locally owned businesses grow, thrive, and invigorate their communities, Guy was inspired to launch the consultancy following a 30+ year corporate career in the advertising sector.

Fed up with making ‘rich corporates richer’, Guy moved to Fife in late 2023 in pursuit of his business goals and has since supported many business owners in building a brand framework and driving revenue growth.

 

The Grammy’s of Entrepreneurship, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards champion the hard work and incredible stories of passion, tenacity, innovation and disruption from business leaders across the UK.

In being shortlisted for ‘Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year 2024’, Guy joins a group of impressive entrepreneurs soon to be celebrated on a national scale and comes just nine months after launching Local Heroes.

 

Commenting on this latest achievement, Guy said: “I established Local Heroes with a clear vision to distil my global advertising experience into immediately accessible and affordable marketing action that helps local businesses grow.

“In just nine months, I have welcomed the opportunity to work with multiple businesses within Fife, across the wider Scotland region and in Europe and Asia, and I am incredibly excited about the results achieved to date. To be recognised for my approach to market, my love for local business ecosystems and the level of service delivered to my client base at such an early stage is a real honour and I am genuinely very proud. I now look forward to the awards ceremony this November and extend the best of luck to all other finalists.”

 

Taking place on 18th November 2024 at Grosvenor House Hotel, London, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is one of the biggest events on the business community calendar for founders and entrepreneurs across the UK.

 

Inspired by local businesses who are conscious of the products they make, the resources they use and who they serve, Local Heroes is headquartered in Fife, Scotland and supports SMEs on a regional, national and international scale.

 

For more information, visit:

https://www.localheroes.marketing/

https://greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com

Hospitality, News, South West

BWH Hotels shares a golden moment with Royal Chase Hotel

A Dorset hotel is marking a momentous milestone after 50 years of partnership with BWH Hotels, Britain’s largest group of independent hotels, operating under the Best Western GB, and WorldHotels brands.

The Royal Chase Hotel, in Shaftesbury, has been working with the global BWH Hotels group since October 1974 – when the average price of a pint of beer was 22 ½p, a brand new Ford Cortina would set you back £1,519 and the average house price was £10,000.

It is thought to be the longest such partnership in British hospitality and demonstrates the support and market advantages offered by BHW Hotels.

BWH Hotels is Great Britain’s largest group of independent hotels with brands – including Best Western and luxury World Hotels – supporting hoteliers with commercial operations, and giving them global reach.

Tim Rumney, BWH Hotels CEO said: “This amazing anniversary is testament to the quality of the service offered by BWH Hotels and the great relationships that our team nurtured over the years.

“The Royal Chase Hotel and all of our partners enjoy a range of benefits to allow them to connect to customers globally but remain local and independent. Not many hotel groups can say they have partner hotels they have been working with for half a century!”

Lesley Drew, General Manager of The Royal Chase Hotel, said: “We are proud to be an independent Best Western hotel with all the charm of our 18th Century setting and the convenience of 21st Century facilities.

“Our partnership with BWH Hotels has clearly stood the test of time and their outstanding service to our hotel has meant a very long and successful relationship.”

The Royal Chase Hotel is part of Pullman Premier Leisure.

Worldwide BWH Hotels operates out of more than 100 countries with 4,200 hotels and 60 million rewards members. The group is looking for new partner hotels across the UK – more information on BWH Hotels visit www.joinbwhhotels.co.uk.