North West business briefs: LSH Auto; Urban Chain; Liverpool BID Co; Star & Garter; Airframe Designs; TRIBE Table

LSH Auto has launched BYD Bury, a new store at Mill Gate Shopping Centre in the heart of the town centre.

The high-tech experience store showcases the full range of BYD models, with five cars on display and test drives of all models available from the centre.

Current models from the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer include the BYD ATTO 3, a spacious C-SUV, BYD Dolphin, an agile and versatile electric hatchback, BYD Seal, a dynamic and intelligent saloon, BYD Seal U, the ultimate family car, and BYD SEAL U DM-I, an all-new plug-in Hybrid SUV for families.

Angela Tierney, Shopping Centre Manager at Mill Gate Shopping Centre, said: “We are thrilled to welcome BYD Bury to our shopping centre. We look forward to showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge vehicles and making electric motoring more accessible for our shoppers.”

As one of the first dealers in the UK to have the BYD franchise, LSH Auto has already opened BYD stores in West London, Stockport, Macclesfield and Tamworth. The new location in Bury is the fifth BYD store from the group to showcase all the new BYD models.”

Mark Taylor, Head of Business, BYD Bury, said: “BYD provides exceptional value and is committed to making electric motoring accessible for all. Our new Bury store will provide an outstanding experience for guests to see and test drive the full range of amazing BYD vehicles.”

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New Urban Chain sales team

Manchester-based energy disruptor, UrbanChain has launched a new sales division to drive further UK growth, having recorded 10x revenue growth to £25m in 2024.

The new sales division, led by Kelly-Marie Lovesy, will play a pivotal role in expanding UrbanChain’s customer base. Keith Hayhoe, Head of Direct Sales, Joe Wadsworth, Strategic Partnerships Lead, Indi Burton, Senior Direct Sales Manager and Indirect Sales Managers Nick Evans and Val Horrocks, have also been recruited.  

UrbanChain has also expanded its Corporate Development team with the appointment of Aisling Wright-Goff as Corporate Development Manager – Partnerships.

Kelly-Marie Lovesy, previously of Opus Energy, said: “To be leading UrbanChain’s sales division is something I’m very excited about as the individuals within it have vast industry experience and are passionate about bringing positive and necessary change to the UK’s energy landscape.”

Backed by investors including leading European investment group Eurazeo, UrbanChain creates local energy markets where participants buy and sell renewable energy amongst themselves – without being exposed to wholesale market prices. 

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Bill Addy, CEO, Liverpool BID

Business representatives from the nation’s flagship high streets have come together to launch High Streets UK, a new partnership which aims to tackle the most pressing issues facing high streets and unlock fresh opportunities for growth.

The group’s core objective is to develop programmes and policy recommendations which will enable flagship UK high streets to drive local and national growth, aligning with the Government’s focus on creating a productive and sustainable economy.

The group will meet quarterly to share learnings and discuss solutions to common challenges faced by high streets across the country – from the rise of retail crime and anti-social behaviour to an unwieldy business rates system and rigid planning laws.

Founding members of High Streets UK include Business Improvement Districts from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds and London.

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Business Improvement Districts across the larger cities represent the UK’s flagship high streets, who are facing similar challenges and opportunities. Together, through High Streets UK we have the opportunity to add our collective voice of over 5,000 UK businesses to support targeted policy change that will help our high streets rise to the occasion.”

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The historic Star & Garter, a cornerstone of Manchester’s music scene, will continue to operate as an independent music venue and pub, thanks to a new operator who has committed to honouring the legacy of its much-loved landlord, Andy Martin.

Broadwick, a global events business behind many award-winning venues, including Depot Mayfield, will immediately invest in The Star & Garter, a Grade II-listed building that opened in 1877, by focusing on essential infrastructure improvements while preserving the venue’s iconic atmosphere and unique charm.

Nat Lea, Broadwick Head of Venue, Depot Mayfield, said: “Working closely with Andy, Helen, and their team to deliver events over the past few years has been a privilege. We at Broadwick are grateful for their trust in us, and we will honour the legacy of our friends who made the Star & Garter legendary: Andy, Ian and Stu.”

The Star & Garter was safeguarded by the Mayfield Partnership in 2019 as part of the broader transformation of Mayfield, making it the oldest building in the emerging city district.

Helen Kitchen, wife of the late Andy Martin, said: “The relationship with Broadwick has evolved over time, and I know Andy would be happy to see the team stepping in to support The Star & Garter. I’m confident this partnership will protect everything Andy loved about the venue.”

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Apprentices Adam Snelson, left, and Ben Porter

Apprentices at Lancashire aerospace firm, Airframe Designs, are using the latest technology to help develop their expertise with a project on the famous World War II Spitfire aircraft.

They have conducted an exercise at Blackpool Airport to complete a 3D scan of part of the iconic Spitfire to create two new wing supports which will help moving the aircraft for shows and exhibitions.

Based at Hangar 42, the project is being used to help apprentices on the Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at Blackpool and the Fylde College with practical and academic learning.

Mick Smith, of Blackpool and Fylde College, who runs the programme, said: “This exercise will add a new dimension to the skills of the apprentices as they see how the digital technology can help with design.”

The apprentices on the project, Ben Porter and Adam Snelson of Airframe Designs, are developing new skills in stress analysis and design, respectively. In all, six apprentices from Airframe Designs are going through the apprenticeship at Lancashire Energy HQ.

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Manchester’s biggest 4-star hotel, TRIBE Manchester Airport, has introduced a boldly designed social hub to the airport dining scene with an exceptional range of food and drink experiences.

Featuring TRIBE Table, an all-day dining destination celebrating Dolce Vita-inspired cuisine, TRIBE Bar, a lively spot for signature cocktails and curated wines, and Grab & Go, offering 24-hour convenience with barista coffee, handmade treats and snacks for life on the move, TRIBE brings together striking design, useful details and thoughtful spaces.

With an £80m investment, TRIBE Manchester Airport boasts striking interiors with inviting warmth. Its 412 stylish guest rooms feature sleek finishes, abundant natural light, and Manc-inspired artwork, while carefully designed social spaces provide the perfect balance of functionality and tranquillity.

Daniele Pampagnin, F&B Creative Director, said: “The menu at TRIBE Table captures the essence of Italian cuisine, with each dish evoking the flavours and spirit of the Amalfi Coast. From the warmth of wood-fired pizzas to the elegance of artisan pastas, our aim is to provide an exceptional dining experience that transports guests to Italy, all while making dining a social, relaxed occasion.”

Born in Venice, Italy, Daniele Pampagnin brings extensive experience working with top hospitality brands such as Soho House, Nobu, and Park Plaza Hotels. His impressive career includes roles as Executive Chef at Cecconi’s, F&B Operations Director for Park Plaza Hotels, and consultancy projects for luxury brands across Ibiza, Mykonos, and London.

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