Category Archives: Regional News

Art, London News, News

Quintain Doubles Affordable Artist Space For Second Floor Studios &Amp; Arts At Wembley Park

Quintain, the award-winning developer behind Wembley Park, is strengthening its ties with Second Floor Studios & Arts as it confirms a new lease which will see the number of affordable artist workspaces more than double at Wembley Park, consisting of 56 studios, housing 80 artists.

The partnership between Quintain and Second Floor Studios & Arts began in 2016, with the first studios opened in 2018. This initial phase saw 6,880 sq. ft. of studio space built at Wembley Park. A long-term partnership, starting out as a ‘Section 106’ planning requirement, has already successfully ensured over 60% of the artists and makers are residents from the local London Borough of Brent.

The new lease will see the second phase of the affordable workspace launch, with a further 8,293 sq. ft. of studio space later this year, 25% more than required under Quintain’s planning permission. A total of 30 studios are to be provided and will be purpose-built for the visual arts, becoming home to local artists, makers and designers. Ground floor and first floor studios are provided along with a breakout area where artists and designers can come together and exchange ideas as well as a gallery wall where artwork, ceramics and designs can be displayed. All spaces are fully wheelchair accessible.

 

James Saunders, CEO of Quintain commented:

“It has been a privilege to work with Second Floor Studios & Arts to successfully support and boost the local creative community. We are committed to establish Wembley Park as a place for art and culture and have ensured that affordable space is provided so that local creatives can thrive.”

 

Nichole Herbert Wood, CEO of Second Floor Studios & Arts said:

“I am heartened to see the Quintain partnership that we have established since 2016 go from strength to strength, supporting an additional 40 artists. Thanks to backing from Quintain and Brent Council, we are pleased to provide affordable, long-term and high-quality studio spaces for artists which I believe is vital in order to protect the creative and cultural aspects of London and its communities.”

 

Councillor Shama Tatler, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Growth at Brent Council said:

“Our borough is brimming with creative talent and we’re committed to supporting local creatives to thrive in their hometown. Partnering with Quintain and Second Floor Studios & Arts, we’re delighted to be delivering 30 additional affordable workspaces in Wembley Park supporting even more local people to flourish.”

Healthcare, HR, News, North of England, Training, Training News

PAM Group takes a leap forward with new training academy

Occupational health and corporate health services provider PAM Group has opened a dedicated training academy to enhance the learning and development of its workforce.

The PAM Academy is based on the ground floor of a two-storey building at Mandarin Court in Warrington.

The 4,000sq ft building houses client services teams for PAM’s Wellness Solutions division on the first floor alongside the group’s IT support staff.

PAM Group founder and chief executive James Murphy said the academy fulfils a long-held ambition to create a bespoke training centre for clinical and non-clinical staff. It features a series of fully-equipped replica clinics and an audio booth where PAM Group specialists can train in a realistic setting.

The academy space will also be used to stage training courses and sessions for clients, covering topics such as mental health awareness, neurodiversity and health and wellbeing in the workplace.

PAM Wellness Solutions’ client services teams have relocated from the group’s corporate headquarters in Warrington and other sites, bringing together under one roof those running the group’s employee assistance programme, physiotherapy and occupational health advisory services. The open-plan upper floor can accommodate 50 staff.

James said: “I’m passionate that PAM becomes the employer of choice for people wishing to start or develop their careers in the fields in which we operate, and the academy is a leap forward for this.

“It’s common, for example, for people from the nursing profession to join us to start their journeys as occupation health professionals.

“We are developing a new career path framework for our colleagues, branded as the Elevate Programme. This will enhance routes for career development across the group, and the facilities at the new academy provide an effective and engaging space to host the learning opportunities on offer through the programme, in a bespoke environment.”

He added: “It’s a very versatile building where we can also hold departmental and inter-departmental meetings, planning sessions and workshops.

“In terms of the client services teams, the building provides a tremendous space to bring people together and improve efficiency by inspiring greater collaboration, engagement and teamwork in a stimulating working environment.”

The Mandarin Court site is a high-spec office building which PAM Group has fitted out to include a breakout area and meeting rooms as well as office space and training facilities. It has parking for 20 vehicles.

PAM Group is a major provider of occupational health, health screening and wellbeing services across the UK and Ireland. It offers a range of integrated services to public and private sector clients, supporting more than a million employees at over 1,000 businesses and organisations.

Its services include psychological support, corporate health assessments, ergonomic and assistive technology products, mobile health screening, drug and alcohol screening and a pathology laboratory. The group operates a network of 25 clinics. It also has a retail arm which supplies fitness, exercise and rehabilitation equipment to consumers, sports clubs and sports and physiotherapy professionals.

PAM, which employs more than 750 people, posted revenues of £53m for 2023 and is on track to reach £68m this year. PAM is looking to grow turnover to £90m over the next few years through continued organic expansion and further acquisitions.

The group is backed by private equity firm LDC to support its growth and the launch of new products and services.

Digital Transformation, News, North of England

EJ Peak Technology Solutions wins place on United Utilities framework.

United Utilities has appointed EJ Peak Technology Solutions to its Digital Services – Monitoring & Control, Design & Build framework following a competitive tender. Part of the Edwin James Group, EJ Peak is a digitalisation and industrial technologies specialist that helps clients to modernise and achieve their digital transformation goals.

The framework runs for an initial three-year period with the option to extend by up to five years. The framework aims to enhance Digital Services Monitoring and Control (DS M&C) capability to ensure United Utilities can produce year-on-year improvements through innovation and business improvement.

The scope and scale of the works will vary from simple ICA (Instrumentation, Control and Automation) installations to large complex design and build projects. The DS M&C scope of delivery will range from first-time install to upgrade, development, integration and optimisation of existing monitoring and control infrastructure.

Commenting on the appointment, Michael Thomas, executive director, EJ Peak Technology Solutions (pictured above) said: “We’re very pleased to secure our place on this framework and are looking forward to working collaboratively with United Utilities and their partners to deliver improvements. We work with a number of utilities firms and understand the broad scope of work that is required and the complex environments that they operate in.

“To support the sector, Edwin James Group recently launched our Digital Academy, which aims to plug the skills gap by building capacity.  It supports our commitment to apprentices and the training of existing staff in modern industrial technologies.”

United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. It delivers 1.8 billion litres of water a day to more than 3 million homes and businesses in the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Matthew Fildes, Commercial Business Manager at United Utilities said: “We’re pleased to welcome EJ Peak Technology Solutions on to this digital Services framework. The team demonstrated a clear understanding of our business challenges in their bid, and their commitment to supporting apprentices aligns with our drive to boost skills and support growth in our region. We are looking forward to working together over the coming years.”

News, North of England, Packaging

Jobs saved as eco-friendly packaging manufacturer is sold in pre-pack deal

A company which manufactures eco-friendly packaging for takeaway food items as well as wooden cutlery, paper straws and cups has been bought out of administration, saving the jobs of its 14 staff.

Steven Wiseglass, a director at Manchester-based Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency, was appointed administrator of Eco Packaging Products Ltd on Thursday, February 15.

Following his appointment, Mr Wiseglass completed the pre-pack sale of the business to EP2 Packaging Ltd.

Eco Packaging Products was founded in February 2020 and operated from a 25,000sq ft facility in Little Hulton, Salford. The premises are accredited with grade A status by the British Retail Consortium. EP2 Packaging is operating from the same premises.

The company supplies wholesalers with a range of corrugated cardboard and solid board takeaway food boxes which are free of plastic, responsibly sourced and biodegradable. They are used for snacks and meals as well as cakes and baked goods, pizzas, burgers and chips.

Its wooden cutlery is produced from ethically sourced birchwood and all items are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, as are its paper straws and cups.

Mr Wiseglass said: “Eco Packaging Products showed great potential and spent a lot of money on research and development, but unfortunately business did not go quite the way its owners wanted.

“We are pleased that the business has been sold and that the jobs of its employees have been safeguarded, and hope it flourishes under its new ownership.”

Business Advice, International News, News

Startup Sherpas Ready to Empower One Million Teenage Entrepreneurs Globally by 2029 with Proven Startup Training Platform.

Barcelona, Spain – 20th February 2024: In a significant move to globalise its startup training platform, Startup Sherpas has unveiled its new Barcelona office within the vibrant Tech Barcelona.

This strategic expansion marks the beginning of its mission to extend its successful combination of junior apprenticeships, paid work experience and Young Founder Training beyond the UK, targeting young entrepreneurs across the Mediterranean – with the aim of venturing into Latin America. The exciting news of who will be heading the Barcelona office will be released shortly.

This move has been supported by the British Embassy and the Spanish Government, who see the global need for entrepreneurial education as a key priority.

Startup Sherpas has crafted its educational approach with global scalability at its core. The model, which merges practical paid work experience with startup training, has already celebrated remarkable success in the UK. To date, nearly 5,000 young people have completed the programme – and Startup Sherpas is on track for a further 10,000 participants in 2024.

Startup Sherpas equips young individuals with the tools necessary to emerge as the next wave of innovators, poised to tackle global challenges such as climate change, sustainable food systems and a stable global economy.

Katherine Walker, Chief Impact Officer at Startup Sherpas, said: “Having proven its effectiveness in the UK, our platform is now set to make its mark globally – beginning with the Mediterranean and Latin America.

“The Barcelona office embodies our commitment to fostering a generation equipped to create the future we all envision,” she added.

The organisation is keen to adapt and customise its highly successful UK-based model to align with the distinct cultural and economic contexts of the Mediterranean and Latin American regions. This expansion underlines Startup Sherpas’ dedication to forming a global network of one million young entrepreneurs by 2029.

Hugo Pickford-Wardle, Co-founder of Startup Sherpas, highlighted: “Given that 40% of our participants access the platform via mobile phones, it’s fitting to launch our next phase at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on Thursday 29th February.”

“The support from the British Embassy and the Spanish government also underscores the timeliness of our expansion.”

Sarah Roles-Ndibe, Head of Technology & Financial Services at the British Embassy, shared her enthusiasm. “Supporting Startup Sherpas’ expansion into Barcelona aligns perfectly with our mission of promoting innovation and collaboration between the UK and Spain,” she said.

“Its venture into the Mediterranean and Latin America underscores the universal demand for entrepreneurial education and the global influence of innovative UK enterprises.”

The organisation’s work in the UK, including partnerships with the Tax Office and Accenture to address Cyberbullying and scams, sets a precedent for its international efforts.

Its impactful work has garnered acclaim from partners and media alike, including Allianz and the Financial Times. A testament to its success, a group of teenagers from the programme is shortly showcasing their work at the Financial Times headquarters in London.

Startup Sherpas invites media, potential partners, and interested parties to support its mission to empower the next generation of global innovators.

Bristol, E-Commerce, Kent, London, News, Retail, Warwickshire

Bodyshop announces store closures and jobs cuts, some from today

The Body Shop has announced today that half it’s UK stores would close, with the first seven closures happening today.

It will also be cutting staff by up to 40% at it’s London-based head office.

The seven stores announced as closing today include:

• Surrey Quays (London)

• Oxford Street Bond Street (London)

• Canary Wharf (London)

• Cheapside (London)

• Nuneaton (Warwickshire)

• Ashford Town Centre (Kent)

• Bristol Queens Road (Bristol)

Administrators said that the brand’s current portfolio is no longer viable after “years of unprofitability” and administrators reassured customers that more than half of the remaining 198 outlets will remain open.

The brand’s global franchise partners are reported unaffected.

Wales News

Archaeologists make exciting discovery at Strata Florida Cistercian Abbey

Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery at Strata Florida, the famous 12th century Cistercian abbey in Mid Wales.

Radiocarbon dating suggests that there may have been a pre-Cistercian monastery, possibly Celtic, on the site before the abbey was established in the Cambrian Mountains near the village of Pontrhydfendigaid, between Devil’s Bridge and Tregaron.

Archaeological excavations on the site began in 2004 and will be continuing this summer at the Strata Florida Trust’s Archaeology Field School which runs from June 17 to July 14.

Over the past five years, the archaeology field school’s excavations have focused on the courtyard of Mynachlog Fawr farm buildings which stand next door to the abbey and are being refurbished by the trust.

These excavations have revealed structures and features under the courtyard, including a major aqueduct and medieval buildings which once formed part of the abbey. The remains of one stone building, however, appear to be earlier than the rest.

Following last year’s field school, three charcoal samples were collected from the medieval buildings and sent to specialists for radiocarbon dating. The samples provided dates between 1166-1268 AD, 1028-1172 AD and, most intriguingly, 1017-1158 AD.

“The last two of these dates are from the earlier building and, given that the Cistercian abbey was not founded on this site until 1184, they seem to suggest that the building is pre-Cistercian in date,” said Carys Aldous-Hughes, trust director.

“One of the main focuses of the upcoming 2024 excavations will be the further examination of this building by attempting to find its original floors and any features associated with its earlier use and function. These will offer a glimpse into the history of this site before the Cistercians arrived.

“On the basis of certain aspects of its siting and related features, there has long been speculation that there was a pre-Cistercian, or Celtic monastery at Strata Florida on top of which the abbey was founded, perhaps even incorporating parts of the earlier buildings.

“Could these recent discoveries and this year’s work provide the evidence which will confirm this?”

Anyone seeking information about how they can join this year’s exciting excavations, which could uncover the hidden secret of the site’s history, should visit the trust website at https://www.strataflorida.org.uk/archaeology-field-school.html .

Places are available for a choice of one to four week courses and digger day experiences. Bursaries available, including a mental health and wellbeing bursary, to people living in Ceredigion. There is also a bursary for students.

Strata Florida Trust is restoring Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse and farm buildings, bringing new economic, social and cultural life to the area, whilst also celebrating Strata Florida’s unique landscape and history.

A free ‘Mynachlog Fawr Exhibition’ is currently being held in a building on the site, giving visitors of all ages a chance to explore the social and agricultural history of the house and the local area.

The exhibition also contains an interactive Virtual Histories educational experience, which allows visitors to travel back to see a day in the life of Mynachlog Fawr farm in 1947 and the abbey in 1238.

Strata Florida Trust is a member of MWT Cymru, a independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Ceredigion, Powys and Southern Snowdonia. For more information, visit https://www.mwtcymru.co.uk/ .

Picture caption:

Excavations by members of Strata Florida Trust’s Archaeology Field School have unearthed abbey’s pre-Cistercian history.

Apprenticeships, Awards, News, North of England

Mechanic Lewis crowned apprentice of the year by Kinaxia Logistics

A young mechanic who helps to service and maintain Kinaxia Logistics’ fleet of lorries has won the company’s apprentice of the year award.

Lewis Brockbank, 20, joined Kinaxia in September 2021 on a three-year apprenticeship leading to a qualification in heavy vehicle maintenance.

He is based at Kinaxia group company Bay Freight in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Lewis was nominated for the accolade by his line manager Dave Turnbull, who presented him with a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon voucher.

Dave said: “Lewis is always willing to learn and is a key team player. He works hard in all weathers and never complains. He’s willing to do any job at any time of the day and always keeps himself busy.

“He’s very competent at his job and has had glowing reports from college. He’s a very worthy winner of the apprentice of the year award.”

The training provider for Lewis’s apprenticeship is Mantra Learning. He is one of eight apprentices currently employed by Kinaxia. The group is recruiting for up to 10 apprentices this year.

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Lewis, who lives in Mottram, Tameside, Greater Manchester, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win the award but I’m very happy to have done so and very grateful. It really means a lot.”

He added: “Initially, I wanted to be a light vehicle mechanic, and I completed a Level Two qualification at Tameside College. Then the opportunity came up to join Kinaxia, and I was thrilled to join the company.

“I’ve found myself really enjoying learning the job and helping to keep our vehicles roadworthy and maintained to a high standard.

“I think apprenticeships are the best option for people fresh out of school or college to get into an industry. I find that hands-on learning is more effective than just classroom learning. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who may be considering one.”

Kinaxia is a gold sponsor of Generation Logistics, a government and industry-backed campaign highlighting the opportunities and career prospects available in a major national drive to attract young people to the sector.

Debbie Blackwell, people services director at Kinaxia, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the future of our industry. We need to invest in our colleagues and create new opportunities for diversified talent to support the growth and productivity of our business and create a skilled and qualified workforce.”

Bristol, News, Property, Property Rentals, Proptech, South West, Technology

PyTerra has been awarded an Innovate UK R&D grant to develop an online solution which empowers tenants to initiate home energy improvement measures

 

PyTerra, the Bristol-based company, today announces it has been awarded a grant under Innovate UK’s ‘Net Zero Living: User Focused Design’ competition. This project will engage tenants across Bristol to understand how they can be incentivised to initiate energy efficiency measures in their rented homes.

Recognising that tenants are more likely to live in energy inefficient dwellings, and that the retrofit industry is failing to tap into the massive private rented sector, PyTerra is developing a solution called MyGreenDoor to bring these two markets together for mutual gain.

MyGreenDoor gives tenants more agency over their comfort and wellbeing, while at the same time opening up a significant market for the retrofit industry.

MyGreenDoor creates ‘smart’ landing pages on the websites of retrofit installers and suppliers, where tenants’ needs are assessed using customer intelligence tools, and where tenants are matched with solutions that suit both them and their landlords. Other products will be brought into the mix if needed, effectively creating multiple mini marketplaces across participating websites.

In effect, MyGreenDoor exchanges ‘hard sell’ for ‘soft sell’, brokering a space that emphasizes the building of trust-based relationships with potential customers – essential for the tenant market.

The impact will be to accelerate the delivery of more comfortable living environments and net zero targets. Tenants will receive information about solutions that are deliverable and affordable. Retrofit companies will open up the lucrative rental market and improve their customer conversion rates.

Tenants are being targeted because landlords currently have little incentive to invest in energy improvements. Last September, the Prime Minister scrapped new EPC targets which would have required landlords to improve the energy performance of their properties. Landlords still expect this legislation to be reintroduced in the future, but the timing is uncertain. However, the new Renters (Reform) Bill promises to help tenants become more secure to pursue energy improvements, building on rights they have had since 2015.

David Arscott

“Over the past two years we’ve focused on where MyGreenDoor can best bring consumers and suppliers together in the rapidly changing UK retrofit market. The product is being designed to improve tenants’ lives by giving them realistic choices as to how the comfort of their homes can be improved,” comments, David Arscott, founder and CEO at PyTerra. “This grant from Innovate UK validates our innovative thinking, allowing us to fully engage the tenant market in order to develop a successful product.”

During the project, PyTerra is working with expert market researchers Timmus Research. Advice is also being provided by Retrofit West CIC, whose MD Simon Andrews added, “ Innovation in this area, particularly where it drives data-driven insights into both buyer and seller markets, is wholly supported by Retrofit West.”

Retrofit installers and suppliers can sign up to hear more about MyGreenDoor via https://www.mygreendoor.io. Join the movement towards healthier homes for tenants through a thriving retrofit industry with MyGreenDoor.

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