NW business briefs: Urban Splash; GM Levy Matchmaking; Athlete Factory; Home Instead Charities; Cavern Walks Hotel; Recycling Lives
The co-founders of Manchester property group, Urban Splash, have been recognised by two of the region’s universities.
Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), an innovative collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester, has appointed Tom Bloxham, Urban Splash chairman, as a Visiting Professor of Urban Regeneration, joining recently appointed author and SOM architect Mina Hasman, alongside a roster of five other renowned industry leaders.
Prof Kevin Singh, head of Manchester School of Architecture, said: “Tom needs little introduction due to the incredible success of Urban Splash both in promoting quality architecture and design but also their role in the regeneration of East Manchester and elsewhere. Tom will bring a fascinating perspective of development and regeneration to our students across a range of our programmes. We are very excited to see the contribution he will make to our already world-class School of Architecture.”
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, Jonathan Falkingham has been recognised, with the University of Liverpool awarding him an Honorary Degree – one of 10 recipients who were awarded for their “significant contributions to the city”.
University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dame Janet Beer, said: “Drawn from very different areas – politics, sport, music, culture and business – each of the honorands has excelled in their chosen field and it was a pleasure to welcome them and hear their inspiring stories. These individuals would have had their degrees conferred as part of graduation ceremonies in 2020 and 2021, which were unfortunately postponed due to COVID. Despite the wait, it was wonderful to be able to honour them in a special ceremony in front of an audience of civic guests, alumni, students and staff.”
Both Bloxham and Falkingham have received recognition from across the sector throughout their careers. Both have been awarded MBEs for services to architecture and regeneration as well as receiving individual awards. Falkingham was elected a RIBA Fellow in 2016 and became a board member of the British Architectural Trust, he has also received honorary degrees from the University of Wolverhampton and a fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
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Tom Fletcher
More than £10m has been transferred through The Greater Manchester Levy Matchmaking service since it was launched in August 2019. In excess of 1,000 apprenticeships opportunities in small and medium sized enterprises would not have been made possible without this money and the help of this ground-breaking scheme.
The service helps smaller employers to benefit from fully-funded apprenticeship training by connecting them with large employers which have funding to share. The Apprenticeship Levy means large employers are required to pay a percentage of their annual salary bill into funding apprenticeship training. If they cannot spend the money themselves, they can transfer up to 25% of the amount to other employers looking to train apprentices.
The Greater Manchester Levy Matchmaking Service helps facilitates this transfer and connect larger employers to smaller employers – who don’t pay an apprenticeship levy – so that they are able to fund apprenticeship training in their organisations. Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester portfolio lead for education work and skills, said: “We have to ensure that everyone can access the very best career and training opportunities, across a broad spectrum of industries, right here in Greater Manchester. That’s exactly why we set up the Levy Matchmaking Service, so we could make sure that every pound available is invested in creating the right opportunities for people and businesses alike.”
Among the apprentices and businesses that have benefited is Stockport-based Firstplay Dietary Foods and Rite Directions. Managing director, Tom Fletcher, said: “The Greater Manchester Levy Matchmaking Service really helped me convince the board here that an apprentice was the best option for us. It has taken the pressure off us as a smaller employer to continue Sadia’s apprenticeship onto the next level.”
Sadia Naseem, 29, is undertaking a level 3 AAT accounts assistant apprenticeship in accounting and finance while working at Firstplay. She said: “I’ve gained confidence and experience, as I’ve taken on more tasks and responsibilities. This has helped me to become an integral part of our team, where my input is valued. Studying whilst working can be a challenge, trying to balance the two, but if you’re prepared to make the effort it will be a great experience.”
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Athlete Factory
High-level fitness and elite sports performance company, The Athlete Factory, has opened the doors to its new class and PT-based concept, AF Urban, inside The Annex Building at 15 Quay Street, Manchester.
The concept is the brainchild of former professional international rugby player and international performance coach, Phil Greening, along with other elite coaches. The Athlete Factory has more than 100 years of combined team experience in the elite sports and sports facility industry. Classes at AF Urban will be delivered by highly qualified strength and conditioning coaches, who have worked with top athletes and teams.
The business said it prides itself on being the most innovative fitness company in the world, setting new standards in both athletic-based personal training and sports performance equipment, designed by its coaches and manufactured exclusively for its facility. AF Urban presents members with custom, industry-leading equipment that cannot be found or accessed anywhere else in the UK.
Phil Greening said: “With our national HQ in Chester, Manchester was a great, natural next step for us in terms of expansion. Manchester is a vibrant, upcoming city and we are delighted to have put roots down here. Our vision is to share our knowledge with everyone who is serious about their health, fitness or sport through world class equipment, programming and coaching that is proven to get results. We can’t wait to get people through the doors and get training.”
The AF Urban team comprises Phil Greening, founder of The Athlete Factory and Former England and British Lions rugby player who is also current international performance coach for USA Rugby, and Paul Reed, performance director at AF Urban with more than 25 years’ experience in delivering people performance in sport, business and life. It also includes Stefan Gill, lead coach at AF Urban, ex-professional and England international basketball player, and current head of sports performance at The Manchester Giants Professional Basketball Club and semi-professional boxer.
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Piers McLeish
The Access Foundation has awarded a £43,750 grant to Warrington-based Home Instead Charities (Home Instead UK’s charity) to open six new companionship cafes to help bridge the digital divide for older adults in the UK. The grant will be used for equipment including brand new tablets and internet access.
The cafes will be located in York, Southampton, Lewes, Dudley, Doncaster and East Herts, with more locations planned for 2023. Run by volunteers, members of the public will be offered good company, a hot drink and free help and support with using the internet and online services available to them.
One of the main objectives of the Access Foundation is to bridge the digital divide by making computer equipment and support readily available to all. Piers McLeish, Trustee of The Access Foundation, said: “Our Foundation is delighted to support the work of Home Instead Charities which makes a real difference to the older generation, many of whom rely on home care services and find themselves vulnerable and isolated from society.”
According to Age UK, 42% of over-75’s don’t use the internet because of lack of knowledge and/or mistrust and a lack of access to equipment.
Penny Hamer, executive director of Home Instead Charities, said: “We are so grateful to the Access Foundation, as this grant will make a huge difference in local communities. These cafes will provide a fantastic source of advice and support and also an opportunity for those seeking companionship to meet up in a warm, friendly environment. We can’t wait to promote these cafes and we hope to increase the number of volunteers locally.”
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Craig Greenwood
Business leader Craig Greenwood is offering 20 paid apprenticeships at his Cavern Walks Hotel site in Liverpool City Centre.
The venue, purchased in 2022 by Greenwood Developments, will occupy the upper floors of the shopping centre, previously rented as office space. Greenwood has been granted permission for more than 125 rooms, spanning 300 beds over seven floors, as well as a large function space, bar and cinema room. The Cavern Walks Hotel will have a gross development value more than £35m when completed.
The project is under way, but Greenwood is offering the chance for 20 young tradesmen to join his team in the New Year and be mentored by experienced workers in their field while renovating an iconic Liverpool venue. Greenwood is offering paid apprenticeships for plasterers, dry-liners, electricians, air conditioners, carpenters, glaziers and others interested in learning their trade on a major regeneration project.
Craig, who owns leading air conditioning firm Everkool, said: “I am incredibly excited to help develop the next generation of Liverpool talent at The Cavern Walks Hotel. This is an iconic venue, rich in Mathew Street history, and the ideal environment for young, passionate and skilled workers to learn a trade in a real, fast-moving and exciting environment.
“We offer all apprentices free health and safety training and pair them with an experienced mentor in their chosen field to help hone their skills. I am proud to give back to my city and I am really looking forward to working with our apprentices in the New Year.”
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Preston-based recycling and waste handling specialist, Recycling Lives, which is behind a prisoner work-placement programme which has successfully cut reoffending rates by up to 95% and changed lives, has launched the scheme in Scotland.
The firm has partnered with Police Scotland and HMP Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow to introduce the acclaimed scheme, which has already been successfully delivered across English prisons over the past six years. The National Top End Work Placement scheme will offer offenders the chance of day-release opportunities with the organisation when they near the end of their sentence – giving people emerging from the justice system the chance to learn valuable skills and work experience to support their rehabilitation.
The pioneering scheme is an innovative approach by Recycling Lives to tackle employment outcomes for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) – and Recycling Lives Social Sustainability manager, Barry Flanagan, said the organisation was delighted to expand the programme into Scotland to become a UK-wide prisoner support service: “We are passionate about giving people second chances, strengthening local communities and helping to rehabilitate people to live fulfilled lives.
“I know from both the national statistics and from working with the justice system for a number of years, that unemployment is a key driver in re-offending rates across the UK. Through upskilling and employing those transitioning to society from custodial settings, we can help keep people off the streets and cut reoffending rates while continuing to make a positive contribution to Scotland’s circular economy by recycling and upcycling waste materials.”
Recycling Lives, the UK’s largest processor of end-of-life vehicles, recently opened its second base in Scotland, with the acquisition of Glasgow recycling firm John R Adam and Sons, based at the historic George V docks – a move that saw the Recycling Lives business hit more than £300m in turnover and take its employee count to more than 550.
