NW business briefs: Salford Uni; Ye Olde Fleece Inn; Everton FC; Portland Fish & Chips; Xeinadin Preston; Yum Cha
The University of Salford’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation has received £101,000 of funding from Innovate UK, to help educate SMEs across Greater Manchester on the intersection of AI (artificial intelligence) and cybersecurity.
According to the World Economic Forum, executives estimate that 40% of their workforce will need to reskill in the next three years as a result of implementing AI. To add to this, recent research from Accenture found 74% of organisations have seen investments in generative AI and automation meet or exceed expectations. However, cybersecurity attacks continue to be among the most common threats facing businesses, with government data released earlier this year revealing half have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months.
The grant will help tackle the key challenges businesses are facing when it comes to the adoption of AI, helping to increase the security of AI systems, as well as using the technology to enhance cybersecurity practices.
Through accessible and user-friendly educational resources, the project will help SMEs to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, but also understand and mitigate the risks associated with integrating the technology into their business operations.
Dr Angel Jimenez-Aranda, Associate Professor in Digital Transformation at the university’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation, who is leading the project, said: “Many businesses are at a critical point in their AI journeys and, while the technology presents great scope to drive innovation, efficiency and productivity, it’s essential those at the helm of leading adoption are educated on these opportunities as well as security risks.”
The three-month project will commence in early 2025, with the first workshop scheduled for the week commencing January 27, and completion planned for March 31, 2025.
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A forward thinking duo has invested heavily in green energy at an historic South Lakeland inn. Chris Moss and Josh Macaulay, directors of Ye Olde Fleece Inn at Highgate in Kendal, have installed a 50-solar panel system on the roof of the pub at a cost of around £30,000.
Chris said: “It was something we were very keen to do for several reasons. Obviously it will help the efficiency of the business and reduce costs. But we are also acutely aware that pubs use a lot of energy and, as responsible business owners and with all the issues surrounding energy and global warming, we need to be seen to be doing the right thing.”
The owners have worked closely with Westmorland and Furness Council, as the Fleece is a listed building. Chris said: “It is great to see the council’s forward thinking attitude when it comes to listed buildings and sustainability.”
He added a big review focusing on sustainability was now taking place at the duo’s other hospitality ventures in Kendal – The Gateway Inn near Plumgarths roundabout, The Duke of Cumberland at Appleby Road and Bootleggers in Market Place.
Chris said: “We want to reduce our costs but also because it makes sense to do all we can to be more sustainable to help the climate.”
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Virtual Venue view
Ahead of Everton’s move to its 52,888-capacity Everton Stadium, the club is elevating the fan experience with Ticketmaster’s Virtual Venue, a state-of-the-art 3D view that offers an immersive preview of every seat.
This innovative tool gives fans an unparalleled ‘view’ of their future seats, helping them transition seamlessly from Goodison Park to their new waterfront home at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The Virtual Venue platform offers an immersive 360-degree perspective of the stadium, enabling fans to compare seating options and choose the section that best suits their preferences. This innovative tool simplifies the decision making process, giving Evertonians a clear vision of their matchday experience before setting foot in the stadium.
Season Ticket sales for Everton Stadium begin in January 2025, when the platform is set to receive a significant upgrade to introduce views from every seat in the stadium. This enhancement will provide an even more personalised experience, allowing supporters to pick their perfect spot with ease and confidence.
Lee Newman, Senior Ticketing Manager at Everton, said: “Virtual Venue is more than just a tool, it’s an invitation to explore and envision your matchday experience in our state-of-the-art stadium. This innovative platform reflects our dedication to putting fans at the heart of everything we do, making sure that your journey from Goodison Park to Everton Stadium is as seamless and special as it should be.”
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Mubinul Hoque
Portlands Fish and Chips, a recipient of the prestigious Good Food Award for 2024/25, is giving back to the Liverpool community this Christmas Day, as owner, Mubinul Hoque, and his dedicated team at open their doors from 10am to 2pm on December 25 to provide a free, hearty lunch to those who need it most.
Portlands said it is keen to support NHS staff, key workers, police officers, older individuals, vulnerable members of the community, and anyone who is unable to spend the day with their families and loved ones.
Mubinul said: “This Christmas, we want to give back to our customers and our neighbourhood. As Muslims, we don’t celebrate Christmas, but we see it as a perfect opportunity to come together with the community and ensure no one feels left behind.”
On offer will be favourites like chunky cod fish fingers and fish and chip barms, along with free tea and coffee – all provided to customers completely free of charge.
Portlands, which is located in Sefton Street, Liverpool 8, has flourished under its new management after Mubinul took ownership in February 2023.
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Mathew Forshaw with Ruth Jackson
The team at Xeinadin Preston has gathered a wide range of food donations for the Ribble Valley Food Bank during the festive period. The collection, made possible by the generosity and teamwork of Xeinadin staff, will help to provide essential supplies to individuals and families in need during this challenging time.
Xeinadin Group is a network of business advisory and accountancy practices across the UK and Ireland. The donation was organised by Ruth Jackson, Payroll Administrator of Preston.
She said: “Foodbanks are an invaluable support to families in need, not just over the festive period but throughout the year. Local supermarkets often have a collection point where you can drop items off whilst doing your weekly shop so if you can spare anything then please donate when you can. Thank you to Xeinadin for supporting this cause and for those who contributed this year.”
Mathew Forshaw, director at Xeinadin Preston, said: “At Xeinadin, we’re not just about helping businesses succeed, we’re also deeply committed to supporting our community. The work done by Ribble Valley Food Bank is invaluable, and we’re proud to contribute to their mission. This donation is a small way of showing our gratitude for the vital role they play in supporting those who need it most.”
The Ribble Valley Food Bank, part of the Trussell Trust network, provides emergency food parcels and support to people facing hardship.
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Dim Sum kitchen, Yum Cha, has opened its doors in the Foundation building in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.
The 2,166 sq ft unit is styled in the brand’s statement neon pink and blue colours and will include seating for 65 guests. The independent Chinese food specialists will join the Foundation building’s burgeoning hospitality and leisure community alongside the newly opened Nell’s, Starbucks and Lane 7.
Yum Cha’s handmade menu focuses on hand-crafted Dim Sum, roasted meats, classic big plates, noodle soups and traditional Chinese dishes. The Stamford Quarter restaurant will be the brand’s fourth venue as it follows successful sites in city centre Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington. Adam Wan, Yum Cha owner, said: “The Stamford Quarter is the perfect location for our latest site and we can’t wait to open our doors and bring our dishes to new guests here in Altrincham.”
James Tootle, Head of Retail and Leisure at Bruntwood, said: “The addition of Yum Cha complements a raft of new openings this year and completes an exciting hospitality offering in the Foundation building.”
Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, said: “This new restaurant is the latest addition to Altrincham’s buzzing Stamford Quarter. It’s testament to the transformation of the area that it is now attracting independent businesses and global brands.”
