Author: Sam Allcock

LSH Auto recently hosted its third networking event in support of the Women of the Year Awards, attracting over 70 delegates to its flagship site on Brighton Road, Stockport. The sold-out event aimed to empower women and create connections across different sectors, reinforcing the importance of female representation in business. Among the guest speakers were notable figures such as Bea Armstead, Belonging and Engagement Manager at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Nicole Sealey, CEO and star of Real Housewives of Cheshire, and Alexa Cherry, Group Director of Sales for Dakota Hotels. Their presence lent valuable insights to the…

Kinaxia Logistics has announced a three-year extension of its nationwide distribution contract with SPL Foods, a family-owned supplier of ambient food products. This contract is managed through Kinaxia’s Bay Freight depot located in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, which was the company’s first acquisition back in 2012. SPL Foods, headquartered in Chadderton, Oldham, provides a diverse range of products, including pasta, rice, grains, herbs, spices, beans, pulses, sauces, and condiments. The firm caters to a broad clientele, including food retailers, cash and carry depots, national food wholesalers, manufacturers, and end-users such as industrial kitchen operations in schools and prisons. The business, boasting…

New research from the University of Manchester highlights a pressing issue regarding women’s safety in the city, particularly for those experiencing homelessness. Academics Isis Barei-Guyot, Dr Alison Briggs, and Dr Elizabeth Ackerley argue that the scarcity of women-only temporary accommodation presents a critical threat to the safety of vulnerable women, including trans women. In their article published by Policy@Manchester, the researchers’ detail how women placed in mixed-gender temporary housing often feel unsafe, especially when they are housed alongside men with criminal backgrounds, including domestic violence offenders and sex offenders. The report indicates that this situation creates significant risks for women…

As the 5th October registration deadline for Self-Assessment approaches, experts urge taxpayers to be wary of common misconceptions that could lead to costly mistakes. Pauline Green, Head of Product Compliance and Programs at Intuit QuickBooks, emphasises the importance of understanding the facts surrounding Self-Assessment to avoid unnecessary complications and penalties. Navigating the Self-Assessment process can be challenging, especially with a plethora of myths circulating about who needs to register and when. Many individuals may assume that the upcoming deadline applies only to those filing a paper return. Green clarifies, “This deadline is crucial for everyone who needs to complete a…

Aldi has been named the supermarket with the best value own-brand products in the UK, according to new research conducted by saving experts at BravoVoucher.co.uk. The analysis of 15 items from each of the UK’s major supermarkets revealed that Aldi offers the most competitive prices, with an overall cost of £5.64. The research evaluated various products, including staples such as brown bread, butter, beans, and milk, comparing prices per 100g, litre, or item. Aldi’s affordability shone through as it outperformed competitors on seven of the 15 items assessed. Notably, Aldi’s brown bread is priced at just £0.06 per 100g, while…

The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, is set to wrap up a series of events at this year’s party conferences with four key discussions at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. The programme, which began at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton and continued at the Labour conference in Liverpool, aims to share academic research with policymakers and politicians. On Tuesday, 1st October, two panel debates will take place at Birmingham Library, starting at 10:30am with a session addressing the question: “Is antimicrobial resistance the next big healthcare risk?” The panel, chaired by Ryan Henson, CEO of the…

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver three specialist education needs (SEN) projects for the London Borough of Brent, helping to address the rising demand for SEN facilities in the area. The £6 million investment will fund expansion works at Newman Catholic College, Preston Park Primary School, and St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School. The projects, procured through the SCAPE framework, will see the construction of new classrooms and sensory areas, with each school benefiting from outdoor play areas and soft landscaping, such as vegetable gardens. The improvements are designed to enhance the learning environment for students with special…

A Leicester pensioner has secured a £9,000 settlement from Walkers, the renowned crisp manufacturer, after suffering partial hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to noisy working conditions without adequate protection. Petronia Greene, 77, worked at the Walkers factory for nearly two decades, experiencing the toll of noise on her hearing throughout her career. Ms Greene began her employment at the factory in 1975, seeking to support her two young children. Over her 19.5 years in roles including packing, quality control, and production, she became accustomed to the noisy environment, often struggling to communicate with colleagues. “I did find it to…

British pottery specialists Habulous  have unveiled an enchanting new range of plant decorations designed to delight gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers alike. The innovative Plant Hugger Collection, featuring quirky characters crafted from British clay and recycled glass, offers a charming way to enhance houseplants. Each of the 22 unique varieties in the Plant Hugger range showcases a variety of whimsical designs, including dinosaurs, sea creatures, insects, and birds. Handmade in Habulous’s Devon studio, the Plant Huggers are fashioned from leftover clay and assorted pieces of recycled coloured glass, ensuring that no two pieces are alike. This commitment to sustainability and…

A new study by Yubico underscores the pressing necessity for enhanced education and a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, both at work and at home. The findings come in light of increasing cyber threats and the evolving landscape of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The survey results are timely, coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which begins next week. Conducted by Talker Research, the 2024 Global State of Authentication survey included responses from 20,000 participants across countries such as Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The aim was to assess public perceptions and…

WeDo Business Services has bolstered its trade finance division with the appointment of John Rourke as Senior Commercial Manager. In this newly created national role, Rourke brings over 16 years of experience in business finance, having previously helped establish the trade finance department at 4Syte, where he was a senior manager. Rourke’s arrival comes as WeDo continues to expand its trade finance arm, which provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with crucial funding ranging from £25,000 to £2 million. The service is designed to ease cashflow pressures by financing the purchase of finished goods from suppliers, enabling businesses to fulfil…

Arighi Bianchi, the well-known Macclesfield furniture retailer, has revealed a series of events and special promotions set to take place from September through to October. Among the highlights are new product launches, an autumn sale, and the introduction of a limited-edition, Alps-inspired homeware collection. These activities provide a chance for shoppers to enjoy significant discounts and participate in exclusive events both in-store and online. The store’s Wellbeing Within campaign is currently underway, offering special discounts and expert advice to help customers create a healthier, more harmonious home environment. This initiative promotes the idea that well-designed interiors can support overall well-being,…