NW business briefs: Preston Tram Bridge; Latimer; Kingdom People Manchester; Robinson Brewery; Alcedo Care Group

The much-anticipated demolition of Preston’s iconic Tram Bridge began yesterday (August 20). This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era for the bridge, which has long been a key transport link between Preston and South Ribble.

The replacement of the Tram Bridge, announced in spring 2024, is being delivered by Preston City Council using part of its £20m grant awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), with an additional £1m from Lancashire County Council.

The Demolition of the Tram Bridge will take a number of weeks, divided into carefully managed phases by principal contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering and the demolition sub-contractor and Preston based, Pete Marquis.

The method of the demolition, agreed with the Marine Management organisation and the Environment Agency, will involve creating an access track into the river and using a large excavator to cut the bridge into sections before lifting out and removing from site. The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-September.

Preston City Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, said: “This is a significant moment for the project which I’m sure will attract interest from the public. Given the rich history of the bridge, the demolition will bring mixed emotions to local residents. This is an important step in delivering a new bridge that will serve the community for decades to come and restore this key transport link for people between Preston and South Ribble.”

The Tram Bridge will be replaced with a new bridge that supports sustainability and minimises any environmental impacts of the new structure, boasting a projected life span of 120 years. The design, created by DYSE Structural Engineers and visualised by local architect Studio John Bridge, was unveiled earlier this year and reflects both the needs of the local community and the picturesque setting of the bridge. The Tram bridge is expected to open to the public in early 2026.

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Latimer, the development arm of social landlord Clarion Housing Group, has been announced as Manchester Pride’s low-income ticket sponsors for its Bank Holiday 2024 event this weekend.

The low-income ticket programme for this year’s Manchester Pride Festival provides half-price tickets to the Gay Village Party for individuals who may not otherwise be able to attend.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are core to Clarion Housing Group’s identity, reflected in its long-standing support for initiatives like Pride celebrations nationwide, including in London and Brighton. Latimer’s sponsorship of Manchester Pride’s low-income tickets this year further reinforces Clarion’s unwavering commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

Catherine Thomas, group director of corporate affairs at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We’re very proud to be helping to make Manchester Pride accessible and we’re proud to be playing our part in building an even more inclusive city.”

Farhana Hemani, Director of Engagement & Development at Manchester Pride, said: “It’s so important for all our events to be accessible and to ensure everyone can celebrate Pride, regardless of their circumstances. It’s brilliant to have Latimer on board this year, with their support we can offer even more low-income tickets to Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.”

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Mike Rogers and Scott Owen

Recruitment agency, Kingdom People, has consolidated its Kingdom People Oldham and Kingdom People Bury branches to create a new superhub: Kingdom People Manchester. This strategic move aims to enhance the provision of industrial and commercial recruitment and staffing solutions across the North West.

Scott Owen has been appointed as Sales Director for the new Manchester branch. His leadership is expected to significantly contribute to the company’s ambitious growth plans. 

Mike Rogers, Chief Operating Officer of Kingdom People, welcomes the merger and Scott’s appointment, saying: “Kingdom People Manchester is a key player in our branch network, which Alex and Scott will steer. The network now sits at five locations, with plans to increase to six or seven by the end of the year.”

Alex Thompson, Operations Director at Kingdom People, who oversees all operations, said of the merger: “Following several key strategic acquisitions across the UK, merging our two Manchester recruitment businesses was a logical step. This consolidation allows us to combine the strengths of our talented teams, share best practices, and leverage our brand more effectively across the North West.” 

The merger will also enhance the agency’s coverage and streamline processes, making Kingdom People Manchester more efficient in its daily operations.

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Stockport-based Robinsons Brewery has completed a refurbishment at The Alexandra, a Grade II-listed pub in Edgeley, which has breathed new life into the pub, ensuring it remains a cherished part of the community while enhancing the overall customer experience.

The Alexandra, steeped in history, has undergone a refurbishment of the bar area and toilets, with a focus on preserving and celebrating its Victorian heritage. One of the most remarkable discoveries during the renovation was the uncovering of the original black and white Victorian tiled floor in the gents’ toilets which had been hidden behind modern tiles.

In the bar area, the removal of a low false ceiling has revealed the original ceiling and coving, restoring the space to its former grandeur. The transformation has opened up the area, creating a more inviting and spacious environment.

This architectural revival extends to the uncovering of an original glazed screen that once separated the bar from the pub’s original ‘Off License.’ This historic feature will now serve as a striking backdrop to the new back bar.

A Roinbons spokesperson said: “We’re excited for the community of Edgeley and beyond to experience the new-look Alexandra. This refurbishment is a fantastic thing for the local area, and we’re proud to have maintained the Alexandra’s character as a true community pub whilst keeping its historical charm.”

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Ruth Bellis, Andy and Jo Boardman, of Alcedo Care Group

Specialist home care provider, Alcedo Care Group, has been recognised and rewarded by the Princess Royal Training Awards for the provision of impressive and impactful complex care training.

The awards are open to organisations of all sizes and sectors in the UK and Ireland who can prove their training and development programmes have resulted in a positive impact for their business. 

Evidence-based, the Princess Royal Training Awards seek figures and statistics that showcase increased staff and client satisfaction, and all entrants must clearly demonstrate the impact the successful training and development programmes have had on turnover. In-depth details of North West-based Alcedo’s in-house training department, plus its investment in training, development, resource and equipment was also provided.

Andy Boardman, Alcedo Care Managing Director, said: “More and more clients are looking for complex care, so we have introduced a specialised nurse-led training course with over 80 modules currently, and to date we have upskilled 275 members of staff to provide clinical care for a diverse range of complex needs.” 

Acknowledging Alcedo’s achievement,Kirstie Donnelly, Chief Executive at City & Guilds, told the company: “This remarkable achievement has been confirmed by HRH The Princess Royal, placing you among 51 other recipients in the Class of 2024. Congratulations.”