NW business briefs: EDM; Urban Village Bars; UCLan; Cavity Extraction; SCI-MX; Barnfield Construction; Everton Stadium
A move into new markets and a series of contract wins have paved the way for a raft of new roles at Manchester-based EDM, which makes and assembles training simulators for clients in sectors including civil aviation, defence and rail at its 100,000 sq ft site in Newton Heath, where it also has an aviation training academy.
The group has created 20 posts this year across its production, project planning, customer support and administrative teams. A number of these have been filled through internal promotions. The new arrivals also include a cohort of apprentices, who began their four-year training programme last month. EDM’s recruitment programme means its workforce has increased to 134 this year.
Managing director, Tony Bermingham, said he was confident that EDM would perform strongly over the next 12 months, and as a result could seek to recruit up to 40 engineers and other professionals to support client projects. He said the board undertook a strategic review following the pandemic and this has led to complementary acquisitions alongside the development of new products and a move into additional manufacturing sectors, such as aircraft parts, composites and steel fabrication.
He said: “All these additional revenue streams will provide opportunities for further job creation as the business continues to grow. We are confident that 2024 looks like being a busy year for EDM, and this could mean recruiting between 30 and 40 engineers and professionals to support ongoing projects.”
EDM added to its portfolio in 2021 by acquiring RGF Support, a training and infrastructure support business operating at major UK airports, and earlier this year by acquiring SkyPeople, which provides training for airline cabin crew.
Tony said: “EDM has always had very low staff turnover, with many of our team having worked in the business for over 30 years. I think this is attributable to the variety of interesting work, the possibility to travel the world, the ability to develop one’s skills and the opportunity to grow. In addition, with a family and teamwork philosophy and great people to work with, it’s a fantastic place to be.”
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Adam Husband, Mike Dillon, John Platt, PMD Business Finance
Urban Village Bars has opened its doors to a new Manchester pub, The Wayfarer, after receiving a £250,000 funding boost from NPIF-FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Brothers Martin and Mike Dillon are the team behind Manchester-based Urban Village Bars, which has a number of bars and brunch spots located across Manchester including Affleck & Brown, West Village, The Freemount and Another Heart To Feed. FW Capital’s loan support was utilised to help create this latest offering to Manchester’s food and drink sector and is located on the corner of Oldham Street and Swan Street at the edge of the Northern Quarter. The Wayfarer’s location was formerly a cocktail bar called Mecanica and has undergone extensive renovations across two floors to bring a new modern pub to the Manchester hospitality scene.
Martin Dillon, director Urban Village Bars, said: “The Wayfarer is a ‘wet-led’ pub that is geared, first and foremost, to selling beer and other drinks, however a small selection of handmade classic pub snacks such as pork pies and sausage rolls are available. The location is one we’ve had our eye on for some time because it is the perfect location for a landmark corner pub. It’s the kind of pub that London has in abundance and it’s a gap we want to fill in Manchester, a modern pub with DJs and live music that is open late.”
Adam Husband, FW Capital, senior investment executive, said: “Urban Village Bars has a great reputation in the Manchester hospitality sector and The Wayfarer is their latest exciting project. I’m thrilled to help Martin and Mike to access funding to assist the growth of their business and the opening of this new pub. The Wayfarer brings a modern style of pub that is sure to be very popular with visitors to the Northern Quarter and Ancoats area of Manchester.”
Debbie Sorby, senior manager at British Business Bank, said: “The hospitality sector is back on the rise and it’s great to see the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund supporting this addition to Manchester’s thriving pub and bar scene. To see investment into its recuperation is incredibly important, not just for the businesses but for the communities who enjoy its services, too.“
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Shaun Wane and Bryan Jones
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is backing England Rugby League this autumn, with its logo to feature on the upper back of the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair teams in the forthcoming internationals.
The new partnership with Rugby League Commercial was launched ahead of the start of the Men’s three-Test series against Tonga in St Helens last Sunday, which England won 22-18, with England Women to face Wales on November 4, and England Wheelchair preparing for a rematch of last year’s World Cup Final against France on November 5, and all five internationals to be shown live by BBC Sport.
The university has a strong and long-running history of successful partnerships with rugby league. It has been the official University Partner of Wigan Warriors since 2009 and was the training base for the Wales Men’s team in last year’s Rugby League World Cup. UCLan’s links with rugby league do not end there. Amanda Wilkinson, the trailblazing coach who recently led her hometown of Barrow to promotion to the Women’s Super League, is in her second season as the coach of UCLan’s men’s rugby league team, and Angela Powers, the popular former Sky Sports Rugby League reporter, recently joined its hugely respected journalism department.
Shaun Wane, the England Men’s head coach, met with Bryan Jones, the Dean of the School of Health, Social Work and Sport at UCLan, to launch the partnership. Shaun said: “As a proud Lancastrian myself, I’m delighted to welcome the University of Central Lancashire as new partners for all three England teams. It’s been exciting for us to get back together as a squad this week after the momentum we built in last year’s World Cup, and we’re all pleased to have UCLan as part of our team.”
Dr Bryan Jones said: “The University has a rich history of supporting and developing rugby league coaches and support staff at all levels of the game and has worked with most of the top British coaches in Super League since 2009. I am looking forward to building on this for the future.”
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Cavity Extraction drone in action
Leyland-based Cavity Extraction has expanded its operation, with a £50,000 investment in top of the range drone technology which promises to reduce cost, time, risk and carbon footprint, when looking to identify inefficient cavity wall insulation.
Using thermal imaging technology to identify potential heat loss in homes and buildings, its drones are able to canvas an entire street at one time, making it up to 10 times faster, and up to 75% more cost effective than traditional methods. Due to its ability to survey homes on a mass scale, the company is expected to be an invaluable resource to housing associations and property developers alike, who will benefit from the reduced carbon footprint it facilitates, in addition to the time and cost savings.
Director of Cavity Extraction, Damian Mercer, said: “Our new drone technology offers unparalleled precision, speed and cost effectiveness, making it the go-to first step in identifying any damp or insulation issues within a home. It really comes into its own when canvassing banks of houses, providing a safer and simpler solution than traditional methods, removing the need for scaffolding and workmen when first assessing a building, and providing the added bonus that no physical access to the property is required.
“The accurate data provided from one of our drone surveys would enable a housing association or property owner to see exactly where a property is losing heat, effectively ruling in or out damp and/or poor cavity insulation, and enabling them to make an informed decision as to what to do next.”
In addition to thermal imaging, the drone is able to create 3D models, providing data for dilapidation surveys, compliance checks, and it’s all geo-fixed meaning it cannot be altered or brought into question.
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Davide Sanclimenti
British sports nutrition brand SCI-MX, based in Trafford Park, has forged a collaboration and partnership with Davide Sanclimenti, entrepreneur and Love Island Season 8 winner, in a six-figure deal – the first of its kind for the brand.
The Italian-born, but fellow Manchester resident, Davide, was chosen as the brand’s main ambassador due to his shared dedication to developing sports performance. James Williams, SCI-MX general manager, said: “Davide is a perfect example of what SCI-MX stands for – a shared dedication to developing sports performance, enhancing physical appearance, and positively aiding health and wellbeing to live your best life.
“He’s a natural fit, as he perfectly aligns with our brand values and identity. We believe that Davide and his passion for fitness and wellbeing will inspire individuals across the country to push their limits, stay healthy, focus on their wellbeing and perform at their peak, whatever the goal. We are delighted to welcome him as our very first brand champion.”
Launching in October, the year-long project starts with a product launch of X-PLODE, the brand-new pre-workout and energy nutrition drink, an activation of Ultra Mass Bar, a press and media launch party and continued collaboration across the brand’s social media, website and content channels. Davide said: “Being SCI-MX’s first brand champion means a lot to me. Manchester is now my home, and I feel really proud to support a fellow Manchester business with great aims to rise to the top of their game – just like me.”
Founded in 2007, SCI-MX describes itself as “helping nurture, support and inspire sportsmanship in everyone” Based on the latest research, its products are developed in-house by its team of qualified nutritionists. SCI-MX is now owned by Supreme, which bought the SCI-MX brand from previous owners, Samworth Brothers, in 2021.
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Barnfield Construction, a Nelson-based contractor, developer and investor, has confirmed its commitment as a Gold Patron to Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone.
Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a key cornerstone of the local community, providing a safe and inspiring environment for children and young adults to spend their leisure time. Open to individuals aged five to 19 (and up to 25 through the Youth Hub), the Youth Zone offers a range of activities and programmes that align with its three key pillars – skills and aspirations, cohesion, and health and wellbeing.
With a Gold Patron status, Barnfield Construction joins a prestigious network of 64 businesses that help fund 50% of the Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone’s operational costs. This philanthropic commitment contributes to sustaining and expanding the valuable services offered by the Youth Zone to the young people of Blackburn and Darwen.
Tim Webber, chairman and managing director of Barnfield Construction, ssid: “We have completed many projects in the area, particularly within commercial and industrial sectors, and supporting our local economy and communities in which we operate is high up on our agenda. Our commitment to Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone means we are a part of making sure the young people of Blackburn will get the support, opportunities and activities that allow them to flourish in life, and we are honoured to support the Youth Zone in their work.”
Wayne Wild, trustee and chair of the Darwen Town Deal, said: “The support of local businesses like Barnfield Construction is instrumental in the success of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone. We are immensely thankful for their commitment and look forward to working together to enhance the lives of young people in our borough.”
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Abbigail Green
The first seat installations have finally brought a vibrant splash of blue to Everton Stadium. The milestone moment came less than 24 hours after another key moment in the project saw the final piece of steelwork hoisted into place to complete the roofing structure at the £760m new ground.
The first permanent rows of blue plastic seats – which follow previous tests to assess rail seating – have been fitted in the north east corner to kick-start the next phase of the bowl development, which will see 52,888 seats positioned over the coming six months. The installations come following detailed work that included bolting supportive handrails to the concrete terracing and then installing a seat carrier system on each individual row, for the seats to sit upon.
Paul Harvey, construction manager for Laing O’Rourke, who is responsible for coordinating all the works within the stadium bowl, said: “We have a lot of activities that have to knit together and a lot of risk involved, so all of that needs coordinating. Although the seal installs might look like a simple operation, there are 50,000 holes to drill and a lot of safety issues, with hand and arm vibration.
“Bluecube, who are installing the seats – and led by our engineered safety team – have come up a really good new method using new drill rigs and a suction system, and with some independent analysis it’s pretty much taken away the risks of hand-arm vibration and the dangers of dust inhalation, so that’s a massive move to a different level of safety. The last seats will be installed around about Easter of next year.”
And it was proud moment for Laing O’Rourke employee Abbigail Green, whose role as social value manager is to ensure there are a healthy number of local employees working on the project. Abbigail, who is also training to be a construction manager, was invited to be the first person to sit in the stadium. She said: “It’s an amazing day really. If you think back 117 weeks ago this was a dock, and now we are in the top tier installing the first seat, so it’s a really big achievement for the project.”
