Tag Archives: event

Business, Charity Events, Charity News, Events, News from Wales, South Wales, Swansea

Howden official Swansea office opening flanked by rugby star

The official opening of a new Howden office in Swansea was flanked by Welsh rugby legend Tom Shanklin at an event last week, Thursday February 22. 

Howden, the international insurance intermediary group, began trading from the new office in Axis Court, Riverside Business Park, Swansea, last month, with this event marking the official opening of the new location. The office has already welcomed 14 skilled brokers since the beginning of the year, with plans to recruit more talent in the coming months.  

The official opening event saw Tom, who won 70 caps for Wales between 2001 – 2010, share his experiences with Welsh rugby and the British & Irish Lions—an association that aligns with Howden’s headline sponsorship for the upcoming Lion’s tour. 

Guests at the opening event also participated in a raffle in aid of Wales Air Ambulance Charity, with prizes including 4-ball at the Celtic Manor, a £250 Gaucho voucher, and a Fortnum and Mason hamper.  

The creation of an office in Swansea is part of Howden UK & Ireland’s commitment to further strengthen its foothold in the South and West Wales region, providing risk advisory services to businesses. 

On the event, Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, said: “Embracing the spirit of Welsh resilience and teamwork, the official opening of our Swansea office alongside rugby icon Tom Shanklin signifies not only our commitment to the region but also our shared values of excellence and community. Just as in rugby, where teamwork and strategy are paramount, at Howden, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to navigate risks and achieve success together. 

“The swift momentum of our Swansea office speaks volumes, and we’re thrilled to have assembled such a skilled and seasoned team, with more to join in the coming months.” 

 

About Howden  

Howden is a leading global insurance intermediary group with employee ownership at its heart.  Founded in 1994, it operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employing 16,000 people and handling $38bn of premium on behalf of clients. 

  

For more information, please visit www.howdengroupholdings.com 

Food & Drink, News

Altrincham based Hip Pop expands functional drinks range in Booths

A Cheshire based drinks business has increased their product selection in renowned food and drinks grocers, Booths, less than two years after securing their first retail listing.

Originally stocking four products from Hip Pop’s range of functional kombucha, consumers can now browse up to 10 products, soon to be 12, including their recently launched Living Soda, infused with apple cider vinegar and living cultures.

Hip Pop products have also been moved from the back of the store to the front, now including multipacks consisting of four cans in each pack.

Hip Pop’s co-founders, Emma Thackray and Kenny Goodman, secured the brand’s first major retail listing with Booths in the summer of 2021, following an impressive period of online growth. Their second retail listing was secured in 2022, with London’s leading department store, Harrods.

On the expansion, Emma said: “We are always looking for new ways to grow our business and achieve more brand recognition. One of the best ways we’ve been able to do this is by working directly with leading retailers, such as Booths.

“Our product range has grown substantially over the last 12 months, and we are excited to see an increasing number of Hip Pop products on the shelves.

“With new products in the pipeline, as well as moving into a larger brewery later this year, we hope this will open doors to further discussions with other retailers as our production capacity increases, allowing us to build long lasting relationships.”

Originally founded in 1847, Booths is now a leading grocery chain with 27 stores located across Northern England. Having secured second place in the list of the World’s greatest Food Retailers, the firm prides itself on working closely with British suppliers.
Based in Altrincham, Hip Pop’s team has grown substantially, and they now employ a team of 16, including Juliet Barratt, co-founder, and previous chief marketing officer of Grenade.

In the latter half of 2022, Hip Pop permanently slashed their prices by up to 50% to support new and existing customers throughout the cost-of-living crisis, and cemented a partnership with Manchester homelessness charity, Lifeshare, with one meal donated for every 24 cans sold.

The brand has received several industry accolades, including two stars at the Great Taste Awards, and the title of ‘Independent Drinks Producer of the Year’ at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival in 2022.

For more information, visit: www.drinkhippopr.com

Construction, Construction News, News, Property

Homes by Esh seeks to grow supply chain with Meet the Developer event

Subcontractors are invited to meet the Homes by Esh team and learn about future work opportunities.

North of England housebuilder, Homes by Esh, is hosting a Meet the Developer event in Darlington to give local subcontractors the opportunity to join its supply chain.

The event will be held at Blackwell Grange Hotel on 31 January and subcontractors can attend any time from 15:30 until final registrations at 18:00.

Homes by Esh’s commercial, construction, customer care, design and technical teams will be on hand to ‘meet and greet’ attendees and discuss future work opportunities linked with upcoming developments.

Malcolm Stewart, construction director at Homes by Esh said: “We are passionate about investing in a local supply chain and are keen to build long-term relationships that all parties can rely on to ensure mutual success. We have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline and local subcontractors are a vital part of ensuring we can deliver for our customers.”

Subcontractors from the following traders are encouraged to attend; roads and sewers, groundworks, bricklaying, roofing, window and door installation, scaffolding, joinery, decorating, plumbing, ceramic tiling, drylining, electrical, appliance suppliers, garage door installation, mastic, cleaning, landscaping, fencing and kitchen and wardrobe installation.

Homes by Esh is a private housebuilder and part of Esh Group, a privately-owned construction, development and property services group. The firm prides itself on customer service and its range of quality homes that incorporate modern innovations in housing technology and design.

It is free to attend, but spaces are limited so a reservation should be made through the Eventbrite booking system. Book your place now: https://lnkd.in/eMq4QrSX

News

Fast-growing kombucha brand slashes prices by up to 50% to support customers during cost-of-living crisis

Functional drinks brand, Hip Pop, has dramatically reduced product prices for the foreseeable future, following their recent Black Friday sale.

Putting customer happiness at the forefront of their business, the Manchester based brewers have cut prices by up to 50% on their award winning kombucha and apple cider vinegar infused beverages.

As well as supporting their customer base, Hip Pop have also increased their partnership with Manchester homelessness charity, Lifeshare, by donating one meal for every 24 cans sold.

In October 2022, the annual rate of inflation reached 11.1%, putting cost-of-living in the UK at a 41 year high. The crisis has affected affordability of goods and services for households, with growing concerns for further inflation during 2023.

With factors such as the rising cost of goods, underpinned by consumer demands and supply-chain bottlenecks, food and energy prices have risen sharply throughout the last year, partially due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In order to support new and returning customers, Hip Pop made the decision to keep their reduced prices following a successful Black Friday sale, ensuring consumers can still enjoy their products without worrying about higher prices. Whilst a case of 24 x 330ml cans previously cost £49.99, it is now £29.99 with free UK mainland delivery.

Kenny Goodman, co-founder of Hip Pop, said: “As a small business, our customers are extremely important to us, and we want to show our support during the cost-of-living crisis wherever we can.

“While many brands have decided to raise their prices to offset supply chain demands, we have taken steps to reduce ours. For example, we have made more sustainable changes to our packaging, which have allowed us to keep costs low for consumers during these difficult times.

“We want to ensure new and returning customers can continue to enjoy our products without worrying about rising costs, while increasing our partnership with Lifeshare to support those less fortunate.”

Launched in 2019, Hip Pop as grown substantially over the last 12 months, not only in the UK, but also on a global scale. Their functional drinks are now available in 42 of 50 American states, as well as in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman.

Now employing a growing team of 16, Hip Pop has received many accolades, including two stars at the Great Taste Awards, and Independent Drinks Producer of the Year at the renowned Manchester Food & Drinks Festival earlier this year.

For more information, visit: www.DrinkHipPop.com.

News

Manchester brewer, Hip Pop, partners with IMBC 22 to showcase non-alcoholic alternatives

Award-winning kombucha brand, Hip Pop, will be partnering with the Independent Manchester Beer Convention for their 2022 festival.

At an event that celebrates all things beer, Hip Pop’s inclusion as an exhibitor is monumental in showcasing the growth of the no and low alcohol sector, particularly with an increasing number of people opting for alternatives.

Locally known as IndyMan Beer Con, the event will run between Thursday 29th September and Sunday 2nd October. Located in the city’s prestigious Victoria Baths, attendees will have the opportunity to sample and purchase Hip Pop’s range of functional beverages.

Here, the brand will also be showcasing their Original kombucha, a specially brewed Apple Pie kombucha, and the latest addition to their recently launched Living Soda range, Peach and Mango.

To mark the occasion, Hip Pop have also created exclusive cocktails, specially crafted for their collaboration with IndyMan. These include: White Wine & Elderflower kombucha blend, Dark and Stormy slushie cocktail with Ginger and Yuzu, and Margarita slushie with Strawberry and Pineapple.

Kenny Goodman, co-founder of Hip Pop, said: “We are incredibly excited to be apart of the Indy Man Beer Con, it’s an exciting festival that really brings Manchester to life.

“We love learning about different beverages on the market, their brewing processes, flavour combinations, and much more. It’s also a great year to showcase no or low alcohol alternatives, meet new people, and taste new beers.”

IndyMan is one of many events Hip Pop has attended during 2022, including Lunch! at London’s ExCel arena earlier this month, where the brand exhibited their expanding range of products.

Originally launched in 2019 as ‘Booch & Brew’ by friends Emma Thackery and Kenny Goodman, Hip Pop has experienced rapid growth and success throughout the past three years, securing listings with popular northern supermarket, Booths, and London’s leading department store, Harrods.

The brand has received a number of industry accolades, including two stars at the Great Taste Awards, and earlier this month, was awarded ‘Independent Drinks Producer of the Year’ at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival.

For more information, visit: www.drinkhippop.com

Events, News

APDO Announces Presence at Major Household Industry Event

The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) has announced its presence at major household industry event, the Clean & Tidy Home Show, which brings celebrities, experts and major brands within the home-tidying space together to connect, collaborate and share insight.

Taking place 8th and 9th October at ExCeL London, the Clean & Tidy Home Show aims to create a unique community for those who seek a clean home with more space and less clutter.

Exhibiting at the show, APDO will be helping attendees find organisers in their area to meet their specific needs, as well as providing professional organisers with the opportunity to sign up to become a member of the association. Alongside the APDO stand will be an ‘Ask the Expert’ area, enabling visitors at the show who are interested in embarking on a career in professional organising to seek advice and information, as well as consult decluttering experts on various different specialisms throughout the day in a one-on-one setting.

APDO Board Members Jacqueline McLeod of Bancrofts Organisation Services and Siân Pelleschi of Sorted! will be speaking at the event, and participating in panel discussions alongside high-profile influencers and industry leaders such as Officially Hinched, Mrs Peachy Clean, and Property and DIY Interiors TV Presenter Georgina Burnett, who will be hosting the main stage.

Jacqueline McLeod, APDO’s Communications Director commented, “APDO is all about helping others to declutter and organise their lives. Through our many specialisms we aim to meet the individual needs of our existing and potential clients.”

Jacqueline added, “We are also passionate about supporting the growth of the industry, and we look forward to sharing our expertise at the Clean & Tidy Home Show with those who are interested in learning more about the decluttering and organising profession.”

APDO, the UK’s membership association for decluttering and organising professionals, sets standards, provides professional development and supports the growth of the industry. Founded in 2004, APDO is a non-profit organisation and belongs to a global community of professional organising associations which foster collaboration to advance the industry through sharing information and ideas.

For more information, visit https://www.apdo.co.uk/

Events, Manufacturing, Midlands News, News

Global metalforming event returns to Birmingham after eighteen years away

More than 120 of the world’s leading sheet metal pressworkers will be heading to Birmingham in October as part of a major global manufacturing event.

The 20th ICOSPA (International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations) Congress will return to the UK for the first time in 18 years, with the emphasis firmly on ‘New Tech, New Skills and New Challenges.’

Held over two days (19th-20th October), delegates from China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the US and the UK will meet to discuss some of the biggest topics facing their sector, including innovative technologies transforming metalforming, how to deliver sustainable performance, bridging the skills gap and remaining profitable in the face of economic struggles.

They will hear keynote addresses from Francisco J. Riberas (Executive Chairman of Gestamp), Ian Harnett (Chairman of Tevva Electrical Trucks), Antonio Costa, (CEO of Congress Diamond Sponsor Kaizen Institute) and Gianfranco Ruggiero, (Senior Product Manager of Congress Gold Sponsor AutoForm Group).

Insights will also be delivered by Dan Hurd (EY-Parthenon) on global supply chain issues for the future and from Jianguo Lin (Imperial College London) on vehicle light-weighting.

Stephen Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming, is in his fourth and final year as President of ICOSPA.

“This is one of the biggest industrial events in the calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming more than a hundred delegates from across the world to the original birthplace of the industrial revolution.

“Despite the challenges, Birmingham and the UK still has a strong and prosperous sheet metal and presswork sector and there is an appetite to understand the new technologies that are developing and how we can make the most of them.

“Our congress is headlined by some of the world’s leading voices in the sector, including the man who shaped the creation of Gestamp and the Chairman of one of the UK’s pioneering manufacturers of electric trucks.”

He continued: “This is very much a global event and is set to attract sheet metal pressworkers, suppliers, academics and metallurgists all keen to share best practice, views and ‘hacks’ on how to move forward as an industry. There’s a limited number of spaces still available if people are interested.”

The International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations is the main platform for the cross-national exchange of the sheet metal engineering industry.

Over the past 50 years, the six member associations have represented the voices of over 12,300 companies and 600,000 employees throughout the world.

This year’s congress, which is also sponsored by Dayton Progress and AutoForm, starts on Wednesday 19th with two company visits to Brandauer in Birmingham and Gestamp’s new factory in Four Ashes, Wolverhampton.

The next day will see the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich host the main Congress, followed by the evening dinner at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham.

Stephen went on to add: “Our company visits are always a highlight of proceedings as delegates love getting out on the shopfloor and seeing how different firms operate.

“In Brandauer, we have one of the region’s most progressive and exciting SMEs and a manufacturer that is leading the way in the production of thin gauge laminations for electrification.

“Gestamp is a major tier 1 automotive supplier, and it will be great to see how its landmark new factory has come together to create a truly world class manufacturing environment.”

The presidency of ICOSPA will be passed to the Japan Metal Stamping Association during the two-day celebrations.

Other organisations present include the Precision Metalforming Association, The Confederation of Chinese Metalforming Industry, FIM Metaux en Feuilles and Industrieverband Blechumformung.

 

News, North of England

UK Container Maintenance Celebrates a Highly Successful Presence at RWM & Letsrecycle Live

Leading container repair and refurbishment firm UK Container Maintenance (UKCM), based in Cheshire, is jubilant after receiving stellar feedback from attendees at RWM & Letsrecycle Live 2022 on 14-15 September.

With an impressive stand, located in the demonstration area, UKCM showcased its innovative range of solutions to bring containers of all types and sizes back to life, promoting a circular economy. With asset management and health and safety also front of mind, the company shared an insight into container tracking devices and  advised on the importance of undertaking statutory tests such as LOLER surveys.

RWM & Letsrecycle Live event serves as the UK’s largest event for the recycling, resource and wider environmental services sector.

The event welcomed 12,000+ visitors, more than 800 exhibitors and 200 speakers across indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, 10 conference theatres, live demonstration areas, and much more.

Established in 1998, UKCM, the UK’s largest family-owned container repair and refurbishment company is dedicated to the refurbishment of all types of waste and recycling containers. UKCM works across the country offering waste companies and local authorities’ mobile repairs, as well as factory-based services at its head office located in Winsford, Cheshire.

The process brings old, and often unwanted, waste containers back to life instead of them going to scrap. The business model – refurbishment over replacement – is simple and for a third of the price of replacing a container, UKCM can restore the unit to full working order.

 

For more information on UKCM, visit www.ukcontainers.co.uk

To find out more about RWM & Letsrecycle Live, visit www.rwmexhibition.com

Events, Job Opportunities, Jobs, News, North of England

Liverpool ONE recruitment drive event returns with hundreds of hospitality and retail roles available

Liverpool ONE is gearing up to stage its annual recruitment day to help local people land a job within retail and hospitality.

The event, which takes place on Tuesday 6 September, will see stores and restaurants from across the retail and leisure destination offering hundreds of vacancies across all levels, from store managers and supervisors to sales assistants and baristas.

Those looking to secure a new role will also have the chance to get interview tips from the experts in Liverpool ONE’s HR team, while a printing service for CVs will also be offered at the Information Centre on Wall Street.

Among the brands taking part are JD, who are offering over 150 positions, John Lewis & Partners with 100 vacancies, Tessuti’s brand new flagship store offering 50 roles, Guess, Bierkeller, MAC and many others, with a mixture of full and part-time roles available.

The recruitment drive aims to encourage more people to consider a career within retail and hospitality and explore the opportunities for development within the sector.

 

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming local people of all ages and backgrounds as we host our second recruitment drive following the success of last year’s event.

“We know there’s lots of untapped talent across the Liverpool City Region, with students coming into the city and looking for a part-time role, to more mature candidates looking for a change or a new opportunity.

“The opportunity to develop an exciting career in retail and hospitality are here and we’re really keen to talk to local people who are looking for roles at all levels. Visitors can work with our HR team on the day to perfect their interview technique and make sure they have the best chance at securing the job they want.”

 

Anyone considering vacancies on the day is invited to pop in to stores across Liverpool ONE who display signage indicating they are hiring.

Donna added: “With Christmas just around the corner, it’s more important than ever to attract – and retain – local talent and help them to hone their skills. There’s more than 3,500 people already working across Liverpool ONE and we’re looking forward to increasing this number in the coming months and helping to build long-lasting careers.”

Charity & CSR, News, Sport

Glorious golf day putts smile on charity’s face

A fundraising golf day organised by a leading financial specialist for a children’s charity has been hailed a huge success after raising £7,000.

Q Financial Services – which has bases in Wellington and Shrewsbury – staged the special day at Wrekin Golf Club in aid of the Little Rascals Foundation, with former Wolves manager Dave Jones joining fellow football star Jay Bothroyd and around 100 players for the event.

Q director Stuart Mackintosh said the day and evening meal could not have been better, with players and guests coming from across Shropshire and the Midlands to boost the fundraising effort.

“We had the most marvellous day and I cannot thank everybody enough for giving up their time to support both the Little Rascals Foundation and all of us at Q Financial Services,” said Stuart.

“Having people of the calibre of Dave Jones give our after-dinner speech, and also being supported by former Wolves star Jay made the day all the more special. We particularly enjoyed the Pro Challenge, in which Q’s own Mike Barton used his skills as a tennis coach to volley balls onto the 14th green and challenge the golfers to get closer.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Wrekin Golf Club for their excellent support and to everyone who sponsored the day, donated prizes for the raffle and the lots for our charity auction.”

The Little Rascals Foundation was set up by former Wales, Wolves and Shrewsbury Town star Dave Edwards and Q mortgage partner Ben Wootton to support children with disabilities and their families.

The foundation works to provide the help the children need to enhance their lives and increase their independence so that they can realise their potential.

 

Dave, himself a director at Q, said: “The foundation is hugely grateful to Q and everybody who took part in what was a very special day. Every penny raised will go towards helping give youngsters the best possible opportunities in life and putting smiles on some truly deserving faces.”

For more information about Q visit  www.qfinancialservices.co.uk/