Author: Danielle Trigg

UK and US dining cultures are converging at an unprecedented pace, and hospitality operators risk falling behind if they fail to adapt. Modern diners increasingly seek experiences that feel authentic, narrative-driven, and aligned with their values, marking a major shift in global hospitality expectations. Harrison, specialists in crafting memorable hospitality experiences, have leveraged their international expertise to produce the whitepaper “Redefining Global Hospitality: The Cultural Crossroads of the US & UK.” The report explores how evolving cultural forces are reshaping consumer expectations and offers actionable insights for operators to future-proof their brands on both sides of the Atlantic. The insights…

Blackmont Legal, a Manchester-based law firm that began as a fully virtual practice, has opened its first city centre office in response to increasing demand for physical workspace. Founded last year, the firm specialises in corporate law, intellectual property, and emerging sectors. The move marks a new chapter for Blackmont Legal as it balances the benefits of remote work with the advantages of a physical presence. Founder and CEO Zohaib Hashim said: “When we started Blackmont Legal, operating fully remotely allowed us to scale quickly and serve clients nationwide.” “As the firm has grown, we realised the value of having…

Manchester has long been known for its music, football, and nightlife but in recent years, it’s also become a hub for gaming enthusiasts. From immersive VR arenas to retro arcade bars, the city offers a diverse range of venues that cater to casual players, competitive gamers, and social groups alike. Whether you’re looking to challenge friends in person or enjoy the thrill of a live casino from home, Manchester’s gaming scene has something for everyone. Here are the most popular gaming venues in Manchester that fans should explore in 2025. Immersive Gamebox – Arndale, Manchester Located in the heart of Manchester Arndale, Immersive Gamebox offers…

In recent weeks, the sports and music worlds have been buzzing almost non-stop about one unexpected pairing: NBA rising star Cam Whitmore and Hollywood rapper BIA. What began as background whispers quickly became front-page chatter after a steamy Instagram story showed the 21-year-old forward kissing the 34-year-old artist, sending timelines swarming like digital bees converging on a single drop of honey. By choosing a simple video rather than an official press statement, the couple offered a remarkably effective soft launch of their relationship, allowing fans to draw their own conclusions while still making their bond exceptionally clear. The age gap,…

A Manchester-based solicitors’ firm has strongly criticised would-be fraudsters after discovering that a fake business had been using its name and regulatory details. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) issued a scam alert on Wednesday (26 November) regarding a fraudulent website promoting housing disrepair claims. The site unlawfully used information belonging to Veritas Solicitors, including its SRA ID and the name of its Managing Partner, Faraz Fazal. Mr Fazal said: “This was a deliberate, calculated attempt to mislead potentially vulnerable consumers by posing as a regulated law firm. Veritas Solicitors will defend its name vigorously. “Protecting our clients and colleagues is…

easyJet has continued its strong growth trajectory in Manchester, operating its largest-ever flying programme from the airport in FY25 — adding more than 300,000 seats year-on-year and carrying over 7 million passengers. The announcement comes as the airline reports 9% earnings growth for FY25, delivering a headline profit before tax of £665 million. easyJet holidays saw particularly strong demand from Manchester travellers, with beach packages to mainland Spain — especially Costa Blanca — and trips to Tenerife and Dalaman topping the list of favourites. For city breaks, Amsterdam, Paris and Prague proved most popular. The airline has now confirmed further…

In recent months, the global travel scene has felt like a restless organism—constantly shifting, occasionally stumbling, yet steadily regaining its strength. Industry analysts, who have spent years watching demand rise and fall like unpredictable tides, are now quietly suggesting that this year might deliver the most turbulent peak rush in over a decade. The idea sounds dramatic, but when you look closely at the forces swirling beneath the surface, the picture becomes exceptionally clear. During the past year, travellers have been returning to the skies with an enthusiasm that feels almost defiant, fueled by revived wanderlust and expanding access to…

Employers across Greater Manchester are being called upon to play an active role in shaping the region’s future talent pipeline as the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is relaunched. Jointly delivered by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the LSIP strengthens the voice of business in addressing skills shortages and developing clear pathways into good-quality employment. The plan also underpins inclusive growth across the city region’s six designated growth locations, identified as priority areas for investment and job creation. As part of Greater Manchester’s broader ambition to create a prosperous region where…

Onlayer has secured $8.2 million through a Series A round, giving the company the means to push ahead with ambitious plans for rapid international growth. The funding will support expansion throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, while allowing continued refinement of its AI-powered risk management platform. Operating from Türkiye, Onlayer serves banks, PSPs and enterprises with an end-to-end merchant management system. The newly obtained investment will help the company widen its global operations and strengthen its AI technologies that underpin risk evaluation, compliance frameworks and merchant performance management. New and existing investors The round was led by Oleka Capital,…

Clarion Wealth Planning Ltd, based in Alderley Edge, has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director, marking 40 years since the firm was founded by Ron Walker and one year on from a major management buyout. Business Development Director John Winstanley, who began his advisory career in 2007, will take up the role on 1 December. John has spent six successful years with the firm, during which he played a central role in the 60% management buyout completed in October 2024. “John is the ideal person to lead our team into the future, continuing the legacy and client-focused culture…

Myers La Roche, a specialist consultancy helping opticians to grow, acquire and sell independent practices, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Over the years, the firm has facilitated transactions exceeding £150 million and has recently expanded its services to support independent audiology and podiatry practices. Founded in 1985 by Patrick and Christina Myers, the Altrincham-based business operates across the UK and Ireland. The company’s name incorporates Christina’s maiden name, Roche. Today, the family-owned firm is led by their daughter Georgina, practice sales director, alongside business development director Dominic Watson. Georgina said: “The company began as a general business consultancy supporting local…

Two former senior leaders at Manchester-based AI company Peak AI have launched a new venture to help ambitious SMEs accelerate growth by implementing effective share option schemes. John Fraser, previously Peak’s finance director, and Rachel Westwell, its former head of legal, have founded equiCraft to design, manage and optimise equity-based reward structures for growing businesses. The pair oversaw Peak’s sale to US-listed AI software group UiPath earlier this year and previously built and operated the company’s equity schemes through $120m of investment rounds, including backing from SoftBank. Drawing on this experience, equiCraft will work with start-ups, scale-ups, C-suite leaders, founders,…