NW business briefs: Network Rail; AO Arena; Factory International; AlphaBiolabs; DGB Hospitality; Innov8 Technology; Bathgate
The second phase of Network Rail’s multimillion-pound project to rebuild Castleton bridge over the M62 in Rochdale takes place this weekend.
This important upgrade, as part of a £20m investment, is crucial for both the railway and road networks, ensuring the safe transportation of passengers and freight. The work will see the M62’s new, bespoke bridge which is 42 metres long and weighs 350 tonnes, being transported into its permanent position for years to come.
To facilitate this work the M62 will be closed from 21:00 on Friday, 20 September, until 06:00 on Monday, 23 September in the following locations: Junctions 18 and 20 eastbound, junctions 20 and 19 westbound. During this time, motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and expect delays if they choose to travel. Outside of this full road closure, the motorway will be reduced to three lanes with additional nightly closures to support the ongoing work.
Rail services will also be affected, with the railway remaining closed between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale until 25th September. Passengers are encouraged to check before they travel and make use of rail replacement buses, which will be in operation throughout the period.
Network Rail, National Highways, and Rochdale Council have established diversionary routes for the motorway closures, with detailed information available for road users. However, motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible, and check before travelling as significant delays are expected.
Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “We understand this motorway closure this will cause disruption, and we thank passengers and motorists for their patience and cooperation. Please check before you travel on the M62 or between Manchester and Rochdale this weekend.”
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The North &Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has forged a new partnership with AO Arena in Manchester.
AO Arena will collaborate closely with the Chamber to provide exclusive opportunities for its members, enhancing the business community’s access to premium hospitality and bespoke event experiences.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and capacity to host events of all sizes, members can take advantage of this iconic venue for their own business needs.
Gemma Vaughan, director of sales and marketing at the AO Arena, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and bring our world-class venue to the attention of its members.”
Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the chamber, said: “This partnership with AO Arena represents an exciting opportunity for our members. The Arena is a landmark venue that offers unparalleled facilities and services, and we’re pleased to bring these benefits to our business community.”
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Adidas Originals and Factory International have announced the launch of the Originals Creator Network (OCN) North, a six-month development opportunity for 20 young creatives living in and around Manchester.
4OCN North builds on the success of the London Creator Network programme, established to provide opportunities to under-represented talent within London’s creative scene. The extension of the programme comes off the back of research that found the North of England represents just 15% of creative industries employment despite being home to 23% of the British population The programme will look to provide pathways into the industry for aspiring creatives based in the North without them having to move away from the region.
Based at Manchester’s Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, successful applicants will receive a bursary of £600, mentorship, masterclasses from industry experts, and work experience opportunities with adidas and Factory International, culminating in a creative showcase at Aviva Studios.
Chris Walsh, adidas Vice President, Brand, North Europe, said: “Launching the Originals Creator Network North project is a testament to the strength of the programme and the impact it has made within London’s creative scene over the past three years. Together with Factory International, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of emerging creatives in the North of England.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, Factory International, said: “At Factory International, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire, excite, and engage, and also provide the basis for rewarding, lifelong careers. Partnering with adidas on the Originals Creator Network North project is a fantastic opportunity to build on this work and connect with ever wider groups of young creatives.”
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Rachel Davenport
AlphaBiolabs has been appointed the sole provider of forensic testing services for Bedford Borough County Council, following a competitive tender process.
Under the 12-month contract, Warrington-based AlphaBiolabs will provide DNA, drug, and alcohol testing services for the council, including sample collection and back-to-lab analysis in support of family cases.
The company owns and operates purpose-built genetics and toxicology laboratories from its Cheshire headquarters, and has extensive experience working with Family Courts and local authorities across the UK.
Rachel Davenport, Director at AlphaBiolabs, said: “Our in-depth knowledge of the challenges facing local councils – particularly when it comes to making time critical safeguarding decisions – stems from over 20 years’ experience working with family law professionals, social workers, and local authorities across the country.
“We know all too well the sensitivities involved, especially when working with vulnerable children and adults, and will work hard to ensure we deliver the highest possible standard of service for the people of Bedford over the next 12 months.”
The appointment is the latest in a slew of contract wins for AlphaBiolabs, having recently been re-appointed sole provider of drug, alcohol, and DNA testing services for Warrington Borough Council, and awarded the No.1 spot on the Forensic Testing Framework for Surrey County Council.
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Sneak peek of new venue
A new venue is launching in Liverpool this autumn. Gloria’s is DGB Hospitality Group’s 10th site and its most ambitious to date, with more than £1m invested into the latest project in the city.
Bringing the old MOJO location in Back Berry Street into a new chapter, DGB said Gloria’s is set to be Liverpool’s hotspot for all things disco and pop and launches on Friday, September 27, in the process, creating more than 20 jobs, with the potential for more opportunities over the busy Christmas period.
Gloria’s joins DGB Hospitality Group’s existing portfolio of venues including Petit Café, Pogue Mahone, Motel and Teddy’s. Design work at Gloria’s was provided by R2A Studio, through the team that designed Liverpool venues such as Korova, Mowgli and Alma de Cuba.
Sean Singleton, from DGB Hospitality Group, said: “We’re immensely proud to be bringing Gloria’s to Liverpool and it feels really special being the tenth part of the DGB Hospitality family. It’s a huge project with our biggest investment to date, with over £1m going into making this Liverpool’s hottest new destination.
“We put huge effort and investment into planning each of our DGB Hospitality locations. Gloria’s is the fruition of months of planning to bring this wonderful location back into life, working with R2A Studio to help realise our ambitions.”
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L-R Dominic McMullan (Acorns), Carl Maher (Innov8), Declan Bradey (Acorns)
Acorns IT Solutions, based in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, has been acquired by Stockport’s Innov8 Technology, for an undisclosed sum, in a transaction supported by DTE Transaction Services in Manchester.
Innov8, a provider of software and IT infrastructure, continues to expand its market presence across the UK and into Ireland with the acquisition of Acorn, one of the largest fully accredited Sage Business Partners in the UK and Ireland.
Carl Maher, Managing Director of Innov8, said: “The partnership of Innov8 Technology and Acorn IT Solutions is a significant milestone in Innov8’s growth strategy. Acorn’s expertise and market presence will complement our existing offerings, allowing us to deliver even greater value to our clients across the UK and Ireland.”
Lewis Pearson, Associate Director at DTE, said: “This acquisition exemplifies our commitment to supporting Innov8 Technology in their strategic growth journey. Our long standing partnership, now marked by three successful collaborations, underscores the trust and expertise DTE brings to facilitating significant acquisitions in the IT sector.”
The DTE team comprised Matt Beckley, Lewis Pearson and Ben Fallows.
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The Bathgate Business Finance team
Bathgate Business Finance, the West Kirby-based finance specialist, has continued its support as Founder Patrons for The Hive Youth Zone in Birkenhead, with its team rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into refreshing the facility ready for the start of the new school year.
Eight members of the Bathgate team, as well as sector peers DSG Accountants, Handelsbanken, Bridging Finance Solutions and Langton, attended The Hive’s first volunteering day alongside other patrons and supporters, to clean, tidy, repaint and refresh the facility ready for an exciting season of activities and support sessions.
Bathgate has supported The Hive for the past four years with an unrestricted annual donation that the organisation uses to address its greatest needs. Gordon Andrews, MD at Bathgate Business Finance, said: “As founder patrons and members of the Hive 100 business club, we have long supported the fantastic work that The Hive does for young people in Wirral and were excited to be invited on-site to provide some extra elbow grease to get it sparkling on its first ever group volunteering day.”
The Hive’s CEO, Jayne Wilson, said: “We really can’t thank Bathgate Business Finance enough for all their hard work and for giving up their time to help. This is a huge building and so to have all this incredible support to give it a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint is invaluable to us. The Bathgate team were unfazed and just got stuck in.”
The Bathgate Charitable Trust is the charitable arm of Bathgate Group, the parent company of Bathgate Business Finance. Established in 1979 by Rod and Ann Walker, it supports charities through financial donations and volunteering not only locally but also across the UK and internationally.
