Business Connect Magazine - October/November 2022

Accounting for the global online selling marketplaces

Julia Shaw, Founder and CEO of J&P Accountants based in Manchester with offices across the world, talks about their Global expertise in specialist e-commerce VAT solutions as well as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Trademark advice and many other International services.

Construction: All the latest news from the sector

Reports from across the UK on the Construction industry.

Property: Top 10 Landlord tips

Specialist property lawyers PM Law offer their insight into managing properties in the current legal landscape.

Apprenticeships: Seddon recognised as top 100 employer

Salford City College industry partner commended for their commitment to apprenticeships and the next generation construction workforce.

Exporting: Exporting in the Carolean Age

Tony Goodman MBE shares his insight into the impact both a new government and new monarchy will have on International trade.

From across the UK and beyond.

- 10

from across the sector, including

on Krol Corlett

- 13 :

Top 10 tips for Landlords with Helen Laycock from PM Law Solicitors

-

APPRENTICESHIPS

ACCOUNTANCY

with Julia Shaw, Founder and

of J&P Accountants, specialist

of e-commerce VAT solutions

many other International services.

in the Carolean Age

from Tony Goodman MBE.

changing relationship between

UK and EU Editorial from Marie Boyer from France Line International Transport Ltd

- 23 : SAFEGUARDING

briefing from Saj Kadva from Leisure Guard Security

: OUT & ABOUT

review.

ENERGY

into renewable energy with Stephen Jones from EnviroTech Energy Management

DIGITAL MARKETING

on top of current marketing trends with

importance of managing Microsoft

with

Leigh

do you think of quiet quitting?

business networking events.

venues supporting

subscribe

Subscription is easy and FREE. Simply visit BusinessConnectMagazine.co.uk/ subscribe where you can register your details to receive an electronic link to the magazine as soon as it is published.

editorial

Here at Business Connect Magazine we are on the lookout for both news articles relating to business activity across all sectors, and educational articles that can help businesses at any level.

If you regularly send out press releases, or if you are looking for press coverage of a newsworthy event, please get in touch either by phone or send an email to editorial@BusinessConnect Magazine.co.uk

advertise

We offer a fantastic range of advertising opportunities, from double page spreads through to eighth pages that offer advertising at extremely reasonable rates. The rates are the same for editorial and adverts.

Discounted packages are available on request for series bookings. For more information please download a copy of our media pack found on our website: BusinessConnectMagazine.co.uk/ advertise or alternatively please email: advertising@BusinessConnectMagazine. co.uk or phone:

DISCLAIMER

Connect Magazine

a

business to business bi-monthly magazine

of business news, articles, interviews

regular

to

on BusinessConnectMagazine.co.uk

SMEs prioritise cost of living ahead of being making tax digital compliant

Owners are more likely to prioritise tackling rising costs (42%), chasing late payments (28%), and hiring new staff (28%) than becoming compliant, according to new research from Intuit QuickBooks.

HMRC’s online VAT portal closes on 1 November 2022. This will be

ANS launches £2m fund to help SMBs deliver their digital ambitions

Digital transformation specialist ANS has created a £2m pot of funding to ensure SMBs can thrive and fulfil their digital ambitions.

The ‘ANS Ambition Fund’ is designed to help small and medium-sized organisations deliver on their digital ambitions and drive their businesses forward during challenging economic conditions.

Businesses can apply for funding to cut the costs associated with digital transformation projects across a range of technologies, including Public Cloud platforms and Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

ANS has mobilised its huge ecosystem of suppliers and partners to contribute to the pot, while offering direct discounts itself. The £2m funding pot is available for the next 12 months and businesses with fewer than 300 employees can apply

for a contribution to eligible projects contracted to be undertaken by ANS.

Three-quarters of small and mediumsized UK companies are worried about the long-term impact of the cost-of-living crisis, soaring energy bills and rising inflation, according to a recent survey by Barclays.

ANS CRO Richard Thompson said: “With the current economic conditions, it’s understandable that some SMBs are considering pausing digital investment.

“But these projects are often absolutely critical for businesses to compete during the tough times.

“Thanks to the strength of our relationships up and down the channel, we’ve been able to activate our partners to release a huge amount of funding that SMBs simply wouldn’t have been able to access alone.”

Google’s bitesize training helps teach digital skills for the time-poor

Google is partnering with Ian Wright, Steven Bartlett, Patricia Bright and Holly Tucker to encourage Brits to use daily pockets of time to learn new digital skills that could help them earn more money, get a new job, or grow a business.

Google’s Skills to Go bite-sized training sessions are free and take from as little as 5 minutes to complete.

The short bursts of content, which provide tips on a range of topics including, how start a business, write a CV and be your own boss,

have been developed in response to new data which reveals that lack of time is the number one barrier stopping people from learning new skills which could help them find new jobs, further their career or grow a business.

This is closely followed by concerns about the cost of training courses and the inertia caused by not knowing which skills to prioritise.

Skills to Go training courses are available for all to view online: g.co/grow/skillstogo

Data reveals companies with female CEOs are more profitable

In spite of this being a significant change, it can be achieved according to Zoë Morris, President of Frank Recruitment Group, has explained three simple yet effective steps that can be taken to help bring this about. Increase the visibility of women

AI start up to improve accuracy mapping global climate changes

Permutable AI, a UK start-up in the field of ESG data, has been awarded a grant by the UK’s innovation agency Innovate UK, to improve accuracy in predicting the world’s CO2 emissions trajectory.

Permutable will use AI technology - specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP) - and data from Permutable’s global data partners, to fill in data gaps caused by companies’ failure to disclose carbon emissions, and use this to improve prediction accuracy.

Recent research has revealed that companies with female CEOs are more profitable than others.

Pulled together by Frank Recruitment Group, the data showed that 87% of 2021’s Fortune 500 companies with female CEOs reported aboveaverage profits.

In comparison, for those without a female CEO, this same statistic dropped down to 78%. The corporate world has made considerable strides in the right direction in its journey towards equality and diversity. However, there is still a long road ahead.

Despite what the data suggests, when adding the ‘female CEO’ filter to the Fortune 500 list, the results drastically reduced. Only 39 out of all 500 featured fell into this category.

As a gender diverse C-suite is still a far cry from the norm, this suggests there is still much work to be done. Before this becomes a reality, many companies require a culture shift.

“It may seem like an obvious statement, but to build an inclusive team you have to actually build an inclusive team. When a woman is looking at your leadership team, is she seeing any other women? If not, this could be the thing that stops a female employee from moving up into a senior position.”

Offer suitable career progression opportunities “Think about what opportunities you are offering to your female employees. Are you giving them a chance for career progression? Is the opportunity one that they will be interested in, or actually able to take? These are such simple questions, but actively putting more thought into the answers can make a massive difference.”

Promote equality within the workplace “Just as people will notice if you aren’t promoting equality within your company, they will notice if you are. If the language used within your workplace communicates sexist stereotypes, regardless of whether this is unintentional, it could discourage female employees.”

The UK was the first G20 country to make it mandatory for Britain’s largest businesses to disclose their climate-related risks, but this omits SMEs. Most large company carbon emissions come from their supply chains and the SMEs in them. Supply chain emissions are on average 11 times higher than those produced by a corporation’s own direct activity, according to CDP.

The project’s aim is to improve the accuracy of estimates of carbon emissions generated by the highest polluting industries and the many companies in their supply chains.

£6.1m funding boost to accelerate digitalisation among Greater Manchester manufacturers

Made Smarter has helped 2,500 small and medium-sized companies across the region start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice and a digital roadmap to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.

Now with a further £6.1m funding from the government, Made Smarter can accelerate its drive to support hundreds more SME manufacturers in Greater Manchester to embrace the industry 4.0 movement.

As a result of the work in the North West, the national roll out of the

Made Smarter adoption programme has continued, and now includes the West of England and East Midlands. They join the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands regions.

Registration takes five minutes and is followed up with a digital transformation workshop to identify core challenges and provide a bespoke digital manufacturing roadmap. Made Smarter’s team of experts then pinpoint other ways that the programme can support a company’s digitalisation. madesmarter.uk

Digital Evolution

Woodbank Group acquires new print solutions company

Woodbank Office Solutions Ltd has acquired Wirral-based print management business, Datatech Systems Ltd, seeing further expansion of the Woodbank Group’s presence in Liverpool and the Wirral.

Founded in 1989, Woodbank, specialists in advanced print and document solutions, has its headquarters in Stockport with regional offices in Liverpool and Leeds.

Janet Bowden, founder and Managing Director of Woodbank said: “We’ve been looking to expand our business for some time, and when the opportunity arose for us to acquire Datatech, it was evident throughout the process that they are a natural fit for us.

“We have the same values and the same approach. With the support of Mark Penketh and his team at Penketh Group, it has been a smooth and seamless transition for us and

Datatech customers.”

Mark Penketh, Managing Director of Penketh Group, agrees: “As a group, our focus now centres on furniture and interiors, business supplies, and technology.

“We chose Woodbank as their extensive expertise in printing, photocopying, and document system solutions will enhance the service and customer experience that Datatech customers receive.”

Janet Bowden, founder and MD, Woodbank Group

Insulation firms needed for new sales opportunities via Green Economy

Green Economy, part of the Growth Company, has launched a campaign urging insulation firms to take advantage of a wealth of new sales opportunities.

Green Economy, a membership organisation for providers and installers of green technologies and services, has unprecedented demand for insulation projects as businesses and consumers rush to find solutions to rising energy prices.

Amy House, Director of Green Economy said: “As autumn bites and energy prices are on the rise, consumers and businesses are

desperate to make savings on their energy bills this winter.

“We work with energy providers, housing associations, construction firms and green technology installers, all of whom have projects requiring insulation partners.

“Insulators looking for new business opportunities should get in touch with Green Economy to ensure they can leverage these opportunities.”

Properly insulated buildings are the gateway to unlocking other low carbon technologies. Government plans for green retrofitting, including the installation of 600,000 heat pumps

Legacy Telecom launches new Services division

Leigh based Legacy Telecom has launched a new services division to help customers get the best from their telephone system, business connectivity and mobiles.

The new division will build on Legacy’s 20-year track record of supplying telecoms to some of the UK’s largest organisations such as Local Authorities and NHS Trusts, as well as many private businesses.

“Business have had to adapt over the last couple of years in ways nobody could have predicted,” explains Stephen Dykes who will be heading up the new services division. “This has resulted in cobbled together telecoms solutions, and many of our customers are now needing help to find a more permanent solution that supports their teams wherever they work.”

Focussing on the latest telephone system technology, connectivity and mobile solutions, the new division has drawn upon a wealth of experience to partner with the leading service providers in the sector and build a portfolio based on security, reliability,

comprehensive features and exceptional value for money.

“As an independent specialist we have access to the whole of market and can therefore put forward the right solution based on the customers needs,” continues Stephen. “We avoid confusing jargon and marketing spin to ensure customers get the services they actually need.”

Legacy Telecom are offering a free, no obligation audit and will assess what the customer currently has in place, what’s available and what they need to do via: www.FreeTelecomsAudit.co.uk

every year by 2028, a £450million boiler upgrade scheme and a push for businesses and households to uptake renewables, have their limitations.

Insulation grants, like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grant, are only available to those in receipt of specific benefits and living in a property with an EPC rating of E, F or G, if living in a Housing Association, or EPC rating A, B, C, D or E if living in a rented property.

Mark Light from Steve Duckworth Electrical, a member of Green Economy, said: “We install heat

pumps along with other renewable energy solutions and we’ve never seen such demand for our services.

“However, customers will only see the full benefit of their investment if they’re able to adequately insulate their building first. We’re working with Green Economy to develop a pipeline of insulation partners to recommend for projects.”

If you install, distribute or supply insulation products and services, join Green Economy to promote your business and receive exclusive sales opportunities. Visit greeneconomy. co.uk for more details.

Stephen Dykes, Legacy Telecom

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has announced that the contract to build HS2’s eco-friendly Interchange Station in the West Midlands, recently awarded to Laing O’Rourke, will support around 1,000 jobs over the next five years.

This big new jobs boost heading for the West Midlands will include 22 new apprenticeship roles, providing exciting training opportunities for local people looking to learn new skills and start a new career on the UK’s biggest infrastructure project. Supply chain contracts will also be available for businesses in the region, including construction related services, specialist equipment supply and manufactured components,

as well as catering, cleaning, printing and recycling services.

Andy Street commented: “HS2’s Interchange Station will be the catalyst for huge growth plans in Solihull, creating an economic transformation for the region. The plans, being led by the Urban Growth Company, will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000m2 of commercial space.

“This forms part of the wider UK Central Hub area plans for 70,000 jobs, 8,000 new homes and 650,000m2 of commercial space, generating £6.2bn GVA per year and bringing 1.3m people to within a 45-minute public transport commute of the station.”

Lanarkshire-based Innovative Ash Solutions (IAS) has launched a new environmentally-friendly replacement for pulverised fly ash (PFA), a key but increasingly scarce ingredient used in cement production.

IAS has developed a new process, which transforms air pollution control residues from municipal and wood biomass incinerators, to create its new PFA replacement, the first to be given ‘End of Waste’ accreditation by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

According to the UK trade body Minerals Products Association, around 15m tonnes of cementitious materials - which includes cement, concrete and grout - are manufactured in the UK each year. The closure of UK based coal fired power stations has resulted in a reduction in the availability of

PFA, with an increased reliance on imports. This new breakthrough PFA replacement reduces this increasing reliance on imports and provides a lower carbon solution.

With its new ‘End of Waste’ status the PFA, replacement can be marketed for use as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) in the production of CEMII, the most common form of bagged cement used for general construction purposes. It can also be used in a variety of other applications including mortar, render, screed and grout.

Over the next five years, IAS intends to build three full scale industrial plants, and has been granted planning permission for the first of these. Initially the plant will produce up to 54,000 tonnes of PFA replacement annually.

Housebuilder Persimmon Homes has been shortlisted in this year’s Apprenticeship Awards Cymru. The awards are organised by the Welsh Government and recognise the achievement of individuals, employers and learning practitioners across nine different categories.

Persimmon is one of four organisations listed in the Large and Macro Employer of the Year category. The housebuilder has been shortlisted for its work with Bridgend College in establishing a ground-breaking education and training academy in Pontyclun, which is producing the next generation of construction workers in South Wales.

This year, the College has also designed a ‘management apprenticeship’ course that is bespoke to Persimmon, and will train future staff for the company’s Welsh developments with qualifications in construction and site management. The initiative builds on a successful relationship that has developed between the two organisations over the past five years, and has created over 150 new job opportunities in construction across the region.

Stockport County FC launch public consultation

include a phased approach to investing in infrastructure, to ensure sustainable growth.

The long-term aspirations of Stockport County took a significant step forward with the launch of a public consultation inviting views on proposals to expand and improve the stadium at Edgeley Park.

The consultation, which is the first of two phases, includes consultation events for local residents and Club supporters to come and view the emerging plans and speak to the project team.

The plans, which follow the Club’s vision to return to the Championship,

Ken Knott, Stockport County FC Non-Executive Chairman, said “Edgeley Park has been our home since 1902 and the Club has been a key part of the community in Stockport for 120 years. With our ambition to play Championship football once again, we’ve got a real opportunity to invest in the stadium and create not just the sporting facilities we need, but to create a ripple effect boosting the town and its economy.

“We know promotion to the Championship will take some time and delivering the emerging plans will also take time; by proposing to deliver new stands in phases, culminating in a final capacity of approximately 20,000 seats, we can reduce the impact on the Club and our neighbours.”

Funding secured for heat network at Liverpool Waters

Funding has been secured from the Merseyside Pension Fund Catalyst Fund to support the next phases of the development of a heat network at Liverpool Waters, taking the total Catalyst facility to £20 million. The heat network is Liverpool’s most significant regeneration project having been recently awarded central government grant funding from the Heat Networks Investment Project.

The heat network, which will be delivered by Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, will be an integral component to Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters regeneration project. Peel NRE has established a dedicated energy supply company called Mersey Heat which will build, own and operate

the heat network. Once complete, the first phase will provide up to 19 gigawatt hours of heat energy per annum to consumers at Liverpool Waters and the greater waterfront area. The funding has already facilitated the development of initial underground pipes to transfer heat energy at the Prince’s and Central Docks, and northern areas of Liverpool Waters. The continued support will establish a permanent energy centre at Great Howard Street and further phases of underground pipes connecting the heat network to developments in Liverpool Waters such as the Titanic Hotel. The network is expected to save around 4,200 tonnes of carbon per year.

construction

CONSTRUCTION FOCUS:

Krol Corlett construction was incorporated by Dave Corlett and Simon Krol in 2006 to expand on the businesses long standing reputation.

The current company operates across the North West and North wales, and has extensive experiences in delivering construction projects on time and within budget for a variety of client and sectors.

Social value is at the heart of the company ethos and they state that before, during and after the delivery any construction projects consideration is given to all factors to offer continuous support to local communities.

The businesses core management team has experience in the delivery of both low and medium value construction and specialise in completing projects of values typically ranging from £50,000 – £5,000,000.

CASE STUDY: Walker Art Gallery

PROJECT Located on William Brown Street, Liverpool, The Walker Art Gallery is home to beautiful paintings, sculptures and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. For 130 years it has housed Liverpool’s most outstanding art collection. Krol Corlett Construction Limited were tasked with the refurbishment four of its galleries within

a 14 week period. The project required internal and external refurbishments, where internal works included new plastering, opening of the old, covered ceilings to three galleries, new M/E throughout, and refurbishment of the floor coverings. Externally, the works included new roofs to all four galleries.

SCOPE OF WORK Krol Corlett took on an extensive amount of work to refurbish the four galleries. Works on this project included new roofing to all four galleries, new guttering, painting, leadwork, new internal gantry at a high level, new decorative frieze plastering works, extensive plaster repairs, plastering of new walls and refurbishment of the existing timber floors, and extensive M/E works. Challenges: Working within a live

building with some irreplaceable objects being located within metres of the main working areas, having the building being open to public whilst the works where on going, keeping the roofing works watertight throughout the project. Working at high level to access the roofing works and working closely with the client, architect, and many other parties to ensure the project was completed in safe and timely manner.

CASE STUDY: Hermitage and Cloister

PROJECT

Based in south Liverpool in the conservation area of St Michaels Hamlet at the Liverpool Hope University, Aigburth Campus, the Hermitage and Cloister buildings were borderline condemned Liverpool Hope University invested £2 million for a project that entailed the restoration of these two Grade II listed buildings.

SCOPE OF WORK

These beautiful grade II listed buildings have undergone a lot of labour-intensive specialist structural and restoration work using some of the industry’s finest local subcontractors.

As expected, when working in a highly populated residential environment, the project faced several unique challenges.

In initial stages, the development of the construction programme was of the utmost importance to identify how the works were to be delivered in a timely and cost effective manner without impacting residents.

This process needed to be carefully collaborated between all parties to ensure there was minimal disruption to both the operations of the University and the needs of the

council, meeting the Listed Building Consent. Using innovative ideas and the required input from all stakeholders to help achieve full restoration.

Logistics and deliveries had to be planned and managed with a combination of on-site and off-site fabrications needed to achieve the desired results.

As these buildings are Grade II listed, suitable building materials needed to be sourced as well as adopting special working methods to combine traditional building techniques with innovative design and still be in keeping with the surrounding area.

To find out more visit:

property

Top 10 tips for residential

from a landlord and tenant legal specialist

them wrapped up in a legal wrangle or is simply making threats about something they didn’t realise they had even done wrong. Most of the time, the landlord has no idea how to remedy the matter.

this, it would be essential to at least take legal advice from a specialist professional in this area to ensure you are fully aware of all requirements.

2. Have a thorough vetting process for tenants

b) Any deposit received MUST be protected in a government approved scheme within 30 days. The certificate and prescribed information MUST also be provided to the tenant within 30 days.

c) Ensure the tenant has a current EPC, gas safety certificate, electrical safety certificate, and “How to Rent Guide” BEFORE they move into the property. Keep a record of having provided these, signed by the tenant.

5. Make a record of the property’s condition

rewarding and profitable way of creating income. Renting out your property can be an excellent way of maximising your investment, or indeed help with paying the mortgage on property. However, as a landlord you may also be well aware of numerous horror stories on “when renting goes wrong”.

Landlords often receive bad press when it comes to managing their properties, whilst tenants get an unprecedented amount of support and advice on how to challenge their landlords and defend any possibility of leaving the property, for example.

Not to mention how to obtain maximum compensation from their landlord if they fail to repair an issue at their property. And, sometimes, landlords know nothing about certain repairs until they attempt to obtain their property back. Sound familiar?

I have worked with landlords, providing support and legal assistance for some time now. I have become accustomed to receiving those calls from landlords at the end of their tether, not knowing which way to turn as the tenant seemingly has

This article is written by way of support to those landlords who just want to get things right but would greatly appreciate a few pointers for keeping ahead of their legal requirements. So here we go – these are my top ten tips for residential landlords.

1. Understanding a landlord’s responsibilities

Before you even get to letting your property ensure you carefully consider whether you are the right person to manage the property on a day-to-day basis. Do you have the time to meet the demands of letting a property? Do you have the knowledge to ensure all legal requirements and obligations are met? Do you understand what legal obligations you have? Should you answer no to any of these questions, then it may be worth considering using an agent to manage.

While this may seem like an additional expense or drain on profits, in the long run it could save you a lot of money should a tenant raise a claim against you for failing to meet obligations. For example, a good reputable letting agent should be a member of a redress scheme with transparent information on their fees, along with information on which deposit schemes they regularly use. Should you decide against

Vetting is necessary for a landlord’s own protection. For example, you might want to check whether the tenant can afford the cost of not only making the rent payments but also keeping the property in good order and, to confirm this, you could ask for proof of their employment and rental history. Should you find a tenant you like but are unsure regarding their renting history or indeed if they are in receipt of benefits, then perhaps consider a guarantor. There are legal requirements to follow for this.

3. Ensure tenants have the right to rent

It is a legal obligation to ensure that your tenant has the right to rent your property. This can be done by checking passports to ensure they have the right to remain in the UK and verify their identity.

4. Follow the letter of the law

Having found your tenant, now is the time to ensure all your initial legal obligations are met. This is the point whereby if things are not done exactly by the book, it could come back to haunt you later down the line, with the possibility of large unnecessary expenses to remedy. Always ensure:

a) You have a written tenancy agreement in place, signed by all parties.

Always carry out a schedule of condition of the property before your tenant moves in. Documenting the condition of the property at the outset is vital to protect your position should damage be incurred to the property after the tenant leaves. Without this you could find it difficult to establish any damage claim or recover any damage expenses, regardless of what terms you have in a tenancy agreement.

6. Encourage communication

Maintaining consistent and positive communication with your tenant is crucial. While this might seem obvious, being an unapproachable and unreachable landlord could make your tenants less likely to report repairs or keep you informed of any financial difficulties, for example.

7. Carry out regular inspections

Inspect the property. There is a balancing act required here to ensure the tenant is still afforded their right to quiet enjoyment of the property but to also ensure that your property is protected and checked for damage.

Again, maintaining communication helps. Always ensure you provide your tenant with 24 hours’ notice of requirement to carry out inspection. Never just turn up at the door unannounced. Should your tenant refuse access, you do not have right of entry without following proper channels, even though your right of entry is most likely included within your tenancy agreement.

Helen Laycock,

residential landlords

8. Handle arrears sensitively

Should your tenant fall into arrears it is essential to approach to find out why. Simply sending an arrears letter with a demand for payment usually results in the tenant burying their head in the sand and avoiding the issue. While reminder arrears letters are needed as a record for you, communicating with a tenant to attempt to resolve can be far less costly than jumping to issue notices as a first action.

9. Always follow-through with repairs

Keep the property in repair. Landlords have a statutory obligation to ensure that certain repairs are carried out by them.

Failure to carry out these repairs can result in a tenant not only approaching a local authority for inspection, but also the possibility of them making a claim against you for disrepair. Having defended landlords on these claims, they have the potential to be extremely costly beyond your imagination.

Prevention is most definitely better than the cure in this instance.

10. Keep on top of admin

Keep good payment records and general tenancy files, including communications with the tenant. This is essential should you later need to take

action. Evidence is key to not only any claim but also to any defence.

To Wrap Up

There you have it – my top tips for residential landlords. While some may be obvious, you’d be surprised at how many landlords forget the basics. Follow these guidelines to prevent any issues with your tenants.

Should you need any professional tailored assistance, I am always contactable on the details below.

At PM Law, we are currently designing a package to make landlord’s lives easier, by way of a possible retainer

system for regular access and advice for any issues as and when required, as we firmly believe such quick direct access would be a valuable asset to any landlord.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss this. We appreciate the costs landlords incur, so we have ensured that where possible we offer comprehensive transparent fixed fee packages available should you require our legal representation.

Helen Laycock

Landlord and Tenant Specialist Executive at PM Law Solicitors

awards

The Greater Manchester Business Awards 2022

The Greater Manchester Business Awards 2022 celebrated in style again at Hotel Brooklyn with a glitzy black tie gala winners evening in September.

This year there were 10 categories, with a number of new categories including ‘Manchester Business Award’ and ‘Innovative Business in COVID 19’. Business Connect Magazine were once again sponsors for the 6th year, as we have been from the start.

The award show took place on Friday 2 September at Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester City Centre.

Event Manager Sophie Richardson from organisers Rich Media Group commented:

“Congratulations to all our winners, also our shortlisted companies. This year the judges had a difficult job as there were many worthy winners.

“I want to mention a massive thank you to everyone who helped me organise and make the event come together. Firstly, a huge thank you to Dave from Rich Media Group. Dave filmed and edited our shortlisted companies for the judging interviews, which was shown to the judges to be scored as well as being played on the awards ceremony night for all the guests to see.

“The next thank you is to Paul Atherton, our photographer for the fantastic photos of the event. The photos can now be viewed on the website under the page ‘2022 awards’. The theme for this year was a black-tie event with a crisp white room that was set up by Perfect Weddings.

“As you have probably seen from our social media, we also had light up letters decorated with balloons from Extra Events Manchester and Amy’s Balloon Company.

“The night was truly made by our compere Paul Crone from ITV and our entertainment Russell Shaun. Also, we’d like to thank Jon Cheetham and Paul Mirage from Business Connect Magazine for being this year’s sponsors.

“Our fabulous judges for the 2022 awards were Heather Baker, Paul Mirage, Gavin Redman and Paul

Jorgensen. They did an amazing job at choosing the winners with the quality of shortlisted companies we had!

“Finally, thank you to Hotel Brooklyn for being a great venue.

Greater Manchester Business Awards 2023 will be open to enter the end of January, so keep an eye out on our social media or subscribe to our mailing list, found on our website, for updates.”

“What a fantastic night!

Business Person of the Year

Joshua David Thomas

Outstanding Customer Service

Saxon Furniture

Health

Manchester

Innovative

Business of the Year Over 20 Employees

CAYP Psychology

of the Year

Employees

Happy Smiles Training

apprenticeships

Salford City College Group partner Seddon recognised as top 100 apprenticeship employer

apprentices. This latest recognition further showcases the contractor’s passion for playing its part in closing the industry’s skills gap and nurturing new talent.

The contractor’s apprenticeship scheme has been commended for its commitment to the next generation construction workforce

North West based contractor, Seddon, has been recognised for its continued commitment to apprenticeships, with the company ranked as one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers of 2022. Seddon’s partnership with Salford City College provides training to apprentices ages 16 upwards, looking to embark on long-term, viable careers in construction.

The rankings celebrate England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers, signposting listed companies as the country’s leaders

to future apprentices, parents, and careers advisers nationwide. Among those listed are well-known brands such as John Lewis Partnership, NatWest Group and ASDA.

Nicola Hodkinson - director and owner at Seddon, said: “Part of Seddon’s core values is a commitment into attracting the next generation of industry professionals and supporting them by making the transition from education to employment a smooth and accessible one.”

Developed by the Department of Education in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers, the rankings were first launched in 2020. It is now in its second year after the list wasn’t published in 2021 due to the pandemic.

Hodkinson continued: “Opening lines of communication between businesses, schools and colleges is vital for the success of apprenticeships and Salford City College is a valued partner as we continue to invest in the next generation. United by a mutual commitment to apprenticeships and the benefits they provide to both the individuals and the wider construction industry, we are looking forward to many more years of this partnership.”

Since the partnership began in 2017, Salford City College has provided training to 127 Seddon apprentices, 117 of which progressed into full-time roles within the company. Seddon’s high retention rates are testament to its commitment to providing valuable and insightful programmes for its

Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement at Salford City College Group, said: ‘’Seddon absolutely deserve this recognition for its commitment to employing, supporting, and developing apprentices. The company is passionate about ensuring our apprentices can develop fantastic careers in the construction industry, and we take great pride in helping them to achieve this.’’

In October, Seddon recruited a further 17 apprenticeships across its North West and Midlands offices, a 40% larger intake than usual after receiving more than 350 applications. Of those 17 recruits, five were trade apprentices – including three joiners, one painter and one bricklayer – ten higher degree students, five trainee site managers and five were trainee quantity surveyors. A further intake of 14 followed in Spring 2022, with the next phase of recruitment due to take place in Spring 2023.

Seddon currently employs 50 apprentices throughout the business. Access to employment after the programme’s completion has always been a long-standing cornerstone for the contractor, with 70% of its painting division having joined the company via apprenticeship programmes, some as far back as 1991.

Hodkinson concludes: “Apprentices are vital for the growth, progression, and success of the construction industry, which is why we are so committed to apprenticeship programmes. It is fantastic to see so many Seddon apprentices progress within the company after they graduate, and we are determined to continue that trend alongside our educational partner Salford City College.”

To find out more about the apprenticeships Salford City College can offer, please email apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk

accountancy

Accounting for the globalonline

provider by online marketplaces?

“We are proud to be one of the earliest eCommerce tax agents. We have been doing this since 2007, giving us fifteen years of experience in accounting and taxation specifically in this sector. We built up our reputation by serving around 30,000 cross-border eCommerce companies.

“Being a focused and specialised team, we concentrate our energy on VAT compliance services. We have fastidiously built our compliance team for cross-border e-commerce solutions. We are extremely familiar with the VAT compliance requirements of the UK, EU, Middle East, and Southeast Asia tax authorities and provide solutions to various challenges.

Business Connect caught up with Julia Shaw, Founder and CEO of J&P Accountants - a firm based in many countries over the world but headquartered in Manchester’s Chinatown.

J&P offer International cross-border VAT solutions, UK business support and tax and accounting services. They help many businesses including Global e-commerce firms, and even provide support with global IP and Trademark issues.

What best describes J&P Accountants, and what makes you stand out from other firms?

“J&P is a Chartered Certified Accountancy firm and one of the earliest Tax Advisors listed on major online selling marketplaces.

“Our clients are from 104 countries. We specialise in worldwide VAT Compliance Solutions for tens of thousands of eCommerce traders trading globally via online selling marketplaces.

“We have businesses and partnerships in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. So we have a truly global reach.”

You have offices in many countries,

why choose Manchester as headquarters?

“Manchester is geographically and economically important in the UK.

It’s where we started, and where the e-commerce sector is vibrantly developing.

“In the early years of J&P, we worked extremely hard to establish the business, networks, and reputation, and we benefited from the support

of the local community, the professionals, and the people around us.

“Manchester is not just our birthplace. We have an emotional and economic attachment to this wonderful place.”

What services do you provide?

“We offer services in Global E-Commerce VAT Solutions, Trademarks and Patents, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), EU Logistic Services, UK Company Formation, Bookkeeping, Personal and Business Tax Returns, Tax Investigations and Payroll.

“We also offer UK-China Business Advisory and Overseas Landlord Tax Return. The services are multilingual and 24/7.”

Tell us about your cross-border VAT compliance services?

“J&P is listed on the Amazon Service Provider Network. We are also listed on eBay as a third-party service provider. We are privileged to be accepted by these online marketplaces and their sellers.”

What are the reasons that J&P have been selected as a tax service

“As professional services are our core competency, our experienced team include Chartered Accountants, Tax Advisors, Lawyers, Trademark and Patent Consultants and Logistics Consultants, allowing us to provide a one-stop service to businesses.

“Time is money. Our offices across the EU and Asia offer multilingual 24/7 services. We serve our clients tirelessly.

“Information is our lifeline. We liaise with tax compliance officers regularly to learn from them and provide feedback from our first-hand experience of VAT compliance. Therefore, we always get the information ahead of the market, and provide problem-solving tactics swiftly.”

What values and beliefs do you incorporate in your business culture?

“Please allow me to show you J&P’s Logo and symbol. These are the very Value and Beliefs we hold!

“In our logo, ‘the Green Tree (Letter P) is standing firmly on the Black Earth (J)’.

“J stands for Justice. As an accountancy firm, we believe in a level playing field where all participants comply with firm rules and compete in an orderly manner. J&P stands on the Black Earth, providing a firm groundwork for your business to grow.

“P stands for Power. We value your contribution and ambition as your career companion and business partner. J&P represent a powerful Green Tree, growing

J&P Accountants

selling marketplaces

powerfully as your business grows.

“J&P’s symbol is also a pair of wings. Clients and colleagues are the pair of inseparable wings of J&P. They were empowered by J&P at the beginning of the journey. They then, in turn, provide empowerment for J&P with competency and confidence to survive and thrive.

“That is why we have spared no effort in helping our clients understand and comply with taxation rules. As a result, we save them from unfair tax treatment and enable them to expand their business ambitions.

“Meanwhile, J&P has also grown under the same culture, with staff who developed from apprentices to account managers and accounting partners. At every stage, J&P’s clients and colleagues go together, grow together, and glory together.”

We have experienced an uneasy start to the 2020s. How did J&P help businesses and the local community face the challenging environments?

“It was certainly not easy for any of us, but together we are stronger! We love the community in which we live and work, and that is why we wholeheartedly support it wherever we can.

“In 2018, we initiated the petition for ‘Saving Eastern Horizon’, the only Chinese Community Programme on BBC Radio Manchester”.

“In 2019, we donated a significant portion of the fund needed to develop the RHS Garden Bridgewater project, and at the beginning of the pandemic, we gave out high-quality PPE to businesses and our local community.

“Last year, we supported a less-developed primary school with stationery and financial aid.

“The journey continues and is at the heart of our social responsibility.”

How up-to-date is your understanding of HMRC tax rules?

“Firstly, we follow strict UK tax rules, which mean our clients will rest assured that their tax issues are in safe hands.

“Secondly, we regularly communicate with HMRC case workers, giving us a completely up-to-date understanding

of the latest tax rules. We put this knowledge into practice to help our clients to comply better.

“With first-hand accountancy and taxation experience, we can also bring our clients’ concerns and feedback to HMRC for consideration.

“Finally, we have closely followed the new UK VAT regulations for online trading since the beginning of 2021.

In addition, we regularly attended HMRC agent webinars to learn about the latest tax rules and compliance guidance to ensure our clients receive the utmost professional care.”

Could you explain the current situation of VAT compliance for EU markets?

“The EU has deployed anti-fraud policies. Governments and tax authorities are feeling the pressure of the VAT gap and high street shops closing, so amendments to VAT policies, new anti-fraud laws and VAT compliance methods have been enacted.

“For example, the extension of joint and several liabilities for UK online marketplaces became law in 2018. Germany followed in the UK’s footsteps in 2019. And the Anti-Fraud Act of France and Growth Decree of Italy all took effect in 2019.

“Compliance checks are also conducted during the whole crossborder selling process: customs checks, the ‘Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme’, liabilities of online selling marketplaces and the requirement of payment service providers to exchange payment data.

“Additionally, the Double Taxation Treaties are well established to fight VAT fraud. For example, suppose a trader does not pay VAT in France. In that case, the French tax authorities will inform their counterpart government body (HMRC) to control the goods stored in the UK and freeze the trader’s funds.”

What will happen to the EU tax reforms, particularly for the crossborder e-commerce sector?

“The EU Commission implemented measures to make life easier for e-commerce businesses impacted by new VAT regulations.

“They simplified traders’ VAT obligations whilst ensuring that VAT is paid correctly to EU member states. One significant measure is the ‘VAT E-commerce Package’, formally launched in July 2021. It eases the cross-border process, combats fraud and makes competition fairer for traders.

“To cope with the VAT regulations, we suggest that traders understand the basic rules of the E-commerce VAT Package, such as the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS).

“We also strongly suggest that traders find a professional tax agent. Your tax will be handled appropriately to face the challenges of new VAT

rules, as they use practical tools to communicate and submit information via official platforms.”

What will make J&P stand out in terms of VAT services for the future?

“The Accountancy Practicing Qualifications are the threshold in the accounting sector. We encourage and support our staff to gain these qualifications. We also offer employee training to improve personal and professional skills to ensure we are ahead of industry changes.

“We’re also aware that technology drives productivity. The UK has fully implemented Making Tax Digital, and other EU countries also have electronic VAT portals. That is why we launched J&P’s own electronic tax filing system. We also conduct data analysis, invest in global tax databases, and have measures in place to ensure accurate data input. Accounting Digital Transformation is the future of VAT services.

“The strength of service businesses like ourselves depend on the capability of our team and interpersonal relationships between themselves and our clients. Therefore, workforce development is essential to make progress, and stand out in the accounting industry into the future.”

exporting Exporting in the

The Queen is dead, long live the King!

The brutal simplicity of these words masks the pain and grief, personal, national, and International, at the passing of our longest serving Sovereign, an individual whose inviolable, peerless dedication to service was an inspiration throughout the world.

The instancy of the change when the code words ‘London Bridge is down’ were given, allowed no time for preparation for the many changes that automatically ensue and did not even await the end of the period of mourning.

Leading Members of Parliament swore allegiance to King Charles III within less than 48 hours of Queen Elizabeth’s death.

It had instantly become His Majesty’s Government.

The words of the National Anthem, the armed forces, HMRC, the currency and everything about life in the UK suddenly entered the Carolean Age.

The correlation of this momentous change with the advent of the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, whilst a coincidence, has a profundity of implication.

The new Prime Minister Liz Truss’ 2 years as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade and year as Foreign Secretary have rarely produced a Prime Minister so deeply ingrained in UK exports and foreign relations.

I saw at first hand her engagement with and interest in exporters and their issues and successes.

She was at the DIT during a period of massive flux with our withdrawal from the EU, and the successful focus on the rapid rollover of dozens of Free Trade Agreements and engagement in new and extended agreements.

It is worth remembering that until recently, export activities were undertaken within the Foreign Office and the experience of both is highly beneficial providing a rounded view.

The attraction of the Royal Family as a magnet for foreign visitors to these shores and as the epitome of the “Great” in the long-term global Export marketing campaign for all UK products and services cannot be overstated.

As the active role of Queen Elizabeth eased over recent years, and as she reduced her overseas and then UK visits, other

senior members of the Royal Family increased their activities to compensate.

It seems inevitable that the new Prince and Princess of Wales will take a leading role in promoting activities, supported by other members of the family, whilst King Charles is focussed on constitutional, Commonwealth and more political visits all of which demonstrate the very real soft power of the UK establishment.

It remains to be seen whether the new Secretary of State, Kemi Badenoch, together with her Ministerial Team of James Duddridge and Connor Burns will closely follow their predecessors or, as with most politicians, seek to express the differentiation of their own influence.

The liminal period of transition adjourned, at least in part, the public face of the hectic activity of takeover of the Department thus enabling the team quiet time for introspection and consideration away from the intense examination that welcomes any new appointments, allowed the team a greater opportunity to expatiate their plans.

So what can we expect the export policy to be?

One economic mantra on which Liz Truss has been very clear is to increase the rate of growth of the economy.

We can expect this to be realised not just through taxation policies but also with trade and exports. Her target as Secretary of State was to substantially raise not only the absolute level of UK exports, but, more ambitiously, the percentage of GDP that exports represent.

If this can be achieved without a commensurate rise in imports, then the nirvana of reducing the trade deficit could be achieved.

Truss has also promised to build stronger economic and trade ties with the Commonwealth with a “New Deal” placing the Commonwealth “at the heart” of plans for Global Britain.

This would build on the already strong relations with Australia, Canada and New Zealand as well as the advanced negotiations with India. The Commonwealth represents almost a third of the global population.

With the implicit, ingrained understanding of the value of exports to the economy, and the recent historic underperformance compared with our neighbours, it is a fair bet that the Prime Minister will bring her new power to bear on the DIT.

It is less than a year since the most

Carolean Age

recent Export strategy – “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” was launched with its “Race to a Trillion” (GBP) and 12-point plan.

This “action-focussed” plan had four delivery elements:

• Better support

• Better access to finance

• Better business environment

• Better data

And it is with the delivery of these aims that acceleration could occur.

I was told, by someone senior enough to know with certainty, that the greatest restraint on activity was a constant battle with the Treasury for funds.

If the new team, supported by the new Prime Minister, can unlock those funds then a real transformation in exporting prospects could materialise.

It is certain that the Government is in a hurry to make a difference before the next election; to cram 5 years progress into 2 years.

One effect of the war in Ukraine and the resultant energy crisis has been the global flight to the perceived safety of the Dollar and the significant fall in the value of the Pound, and the Euro.

The benefit of this is to make UK exports so much more competitive across the world.

These factors being the clear case, then the prospects for exporters over the next years can rarely have been stronger.

Whether an experienced company looking to increase sales abroad, or a small company looking for new outlets for their products and services, focussing your efforts on exporting makes sense.

There has never been more support available both from Government and a variety of Trade bodies, such

as the Institute for Exports or Chambers of Commerce, and when combined with the massive global opportunity, it looks like a propitious time to be exporting.

One thing seems certain, that King Charles, so widely experienced in supporting UK export efforts across the world, together with the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the Royal Family are ideally placed to continue that support into the Carolean Age.

Tony Goodman MBE is a successful exporter and has been doing so through a variety of different businesses. He is currently Marketing Advisor at Forest and Co who specialise in offering guidance on branding, exporting and sales: www.forestandco.com

exporting

The changing between

must now comply with when exporting to the EU, compounded by increased costs for customs documents and the lack of support from the Government in helping organisations navigate the postBrexit trading minefield.

Marie Boyer is Managing Director of France Line International Transport Ltd, the Manchesterbased freight forwarder that specialises in cross channel and European road freight and customs services.

Here, Marie looks at the changing relationship between the UK and

its European neighbours.

“Recent data released by HMRC shows that a third of UK goods exporters who exported to Europe in 2020 stopped doing so in 2021.

“They didn’t do this on a whim. The high drop can only be attributed to the extra red tape UK businesses

“The new data was published just as Liz Truss became the fourth Conservative prime minister in six years, and as our longest-serving monarch reached the end of her reign. The country now faces two big and important changes at a time of economic crisis. Businesses have been impacted by the sharp rise in energy prices and inflation, with more challenges on the way.”

A matter of Truss

“It is an understatement to say I’m

concerned about the new PM’s impact on our industry. As Foreign Minister, she has agreed poor trade deals and showed a lack of understanding and sensitivity to the UK’s main foreign trading relationships in Europe and America.

“During the French President’s tribute to the Queen, Mr Macron talked about the deep underlying ties between France and the UK. In contrast, Liz Truss was hesitant over whether the French president and France are friends or foes.

“In her first PMQs the Prime Minister said that, during any negotiation with the EU, they would have to deliver on the substance of the Northern Ireland

Marie Boyer, Managing Director, France Line International Transport Ltd

changing relationship between the UK and EU

Protocol Bill. But why would the EU agree to a compromise that undermines their core principles and strategic objectives? I doubt they will.

“It’s a strange track record for someone who was once a ‘remainer’. I do fear that if she goes about implementing the policies she championed during the Tory leadership contest, Liz Truss could trigger a trade war with the EU. Certainly, my understanding is that the EU fears things are likely to get worse with London before they get better.

“You may not share my politics. But I doubt anyone within our industry would look at the post-Brexit landscape and

feel that – from a trade, freight or bureaucracy perspective – things are better than they were before.

“It is, however, where we are, so what are we doing about it?”

Building new relationships

“We’re working hard to help our customers by offering different types of transport services and transit times to suit their (increasingly tight) budgets.

“We’ve made our prices as competitive as they have ever been.

“We’ve been offering our freight

customers advice on customs documents and reliable customs services.

“We are doing everything we can to help our customers develop and maintain a good supply chain and deliver a good service to their European buyers.

“But it’s hard, because Britain has never seemed more hellbent on burning its European relationships, no matter how damaging that approach may clearly be.

“So I’m grateful for small mercies, such as the news that Liz Truss is

mulling over President Macron’s proposed invitation to his fledgling European Political Community.

“It wouldn’t affect trade – the community will be established to address matters such as energy security and migration – but it might start to repair some of the strained relations between Britain and the EU and Paris in particular since Brexit.

“Perhaps membership will help us realise that it really is in all our best interests to find a way to work together.”

safeguarding

Security

As we say farewell to the Summer and the seasons turn a golden brown, there was one event that everyone paused and took stock of.

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II engaged not just the UK and the Commonwealth, but the whole of the World’s attention.

A period of national mourning

From the moment the Queen started her journey from Balmoral, until the state funeral almost two weeks later, the culmination of years of planning by multiple

safeguarding organisations revealed just how successful the massive operation had been.

Thankfully, all public events passed peacefully, with no significant

trouble or disruption.

The presence of large crowds always provides a sombre reminder that terrorist atrocities can and do happen.

With that in mind, the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) will, over the next few months, be hosting a series of virtual briefings on the subject of marauding terrorist attacks.

The scheduled dates are as follows:

• October 25 9.30am -12.30am

• December 12 9.30am -12.30am

• January 26 9.30am -12.30am

• March 1 1.00pm - 4.30pm

The goal of the briefings is to provide attendees with a higher-level understanding of the issues and actions

associated with attacks in which terrorists move quickly through busy public environments seeking to inflict maximum damage.

The UK government’s CPNI website offers further information and downloadable guides: cpni.gov.uk/ marauding-terrorist-attacks-0

New first aid awareness video

On a related topic, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has recently published a first aid awareness video that explains some of the steps that members of the public can take to assist others in a crisis.

The video, hosted on the Protect UK website, provides important advice on the particular issues to be aware of in the event of a terrorist attack, pointing out the different risks and priorities that must be considered.

We would certainly recommend the video as a fast and effective way for people to enhance vital skills that could potentially save lives.

Full details can be found on the Protect UK website, which is supported by NaCTSO, the Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing: protectuk.police.uk/advice-andguidance/response/counterterrorism-first-aid-awareness

The Best of Bolton & Blackburn Business Show

Although we work with clients UKwide, our head office is located in Bolton.

Consequently, we were excited to be a headline sponsor for the Best of Bolton & Blackburn Business Show, scheduled for 16 November at the Holiday Inn Bolton Centre.

Visit us on the day and get up to speed on the latest issues affecting the security and safeguarding sector.

Register to visit through eventbright:

Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) Awareness e-learning

ACT Awareness e-Learning is a counter terrorism awareness product designed for all UK based companies and organisations – and now the general public.

The e-learning course is free to use and can be divided into short sections.

It takes just 45 minutes in total to complete – 45 minutes that could save lives.

The digital format is proving popular with shopping, entertainment and sports venues, with more companies applying to take part every day.

Along with the ACT e-learning module please keep an eye out for the Action-Counters Terrorism (ACT) Awareness Training hosted by

Running alongside the ACT Awareness training is See, Check and Notify (SCaN). This is again a free training programme that aims to help organisations, venues and events maximise safety and security using their existing resources. Protect your site from a range of threats with SCaN training.

Your people are your biggest advantage in preventing and tackling a range of threats, including terrorism, criminal activity and unlawful protest.

SCaN training empowers your staff to correctly identify suspicious activity and know what to do when they encounter it.

In addition, the skills they learn will help them provide an enhanced customer experience.

SCaN training helps ensure that individuals or groups seeking to cause your organisation, venue or event harm are unable to get the information they need to plan their actions. The act of gathering this information is sometimes known as hostile reconnaissance. It is this that SCaN aims to help you disrupt.

• See – understand what hostile reconnaissance is and how to spot it.

• Check – know what to do if you suspect hostile reconnaissance or identify suspicious activity.

• Notify – who you should tell and what should you tell them.

For more information on SCaN, please contact your local Counter Terrorism Security Advisor.

Highfield Accredited Training Centre

At Leisureguard Head Office in Bolton, we now have an accredited training centre delivering SIA licensing courses:

• Highfield Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (Public Space Surveillance) in the Private Security Industry.

• Highfield Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry.

• Highfield Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Top Up).

• Highfield Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry.

• Highfield Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Top Up).

New training dates are coming soon so keep an eye out on our LinkedIn page and website for updates.

CityCo, Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council, which anybody can attend.

&out about

and their ‘Scaleup’ programme.

services.

It was good to attend the inaugural launch of Iventya’s open evening for Innovation Community North West.

Businesses came together at their headquarters at Birchwood Boulevard in Warrington to meet staff and talk about their innovation funding service ‘Innovate UK Edge’

Headed by CEO Aldo De Leonibus, the event showcased Inventya’s vision for their support of businesses seeking growth through innovation.

Their approach offered businesses the opportunity to leverage their expertise in raising finance, exploiting strategic and international networks, and commercialising new products and

Guests were treated to pizza and wine, whilst listening to an inspiring talk from Eileen Donnelly, Director of Ripple & Co, on her personal journey and vision on how best to run a business.

Inventya Ltd plan to invite businesses back to HQ for more networking events in the future.

find out more visit inventya.com or call 01925 551 662

In August Business Connect attended the MBH August business networking event at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel on Portland Street in Manchester.

There was a great turnout of

businesses, enjoying the networking and making new connections at the Manchester City Centre Hotel.

Pictured with the latest Business Connect Magazine is Sales Manager Wes Wilson from the hotel.

August saw Business Connect Magazine attended the first FM North networking event to take place at their new venue The Lawn Club situated in the heart of Spinningfields, Manchester, This fast growing network group was sponsored by A2R Personnel,

who specialise in recruiting for the FM, Healthcare and Agricultural sectors, and luxury gift hamper company EZ Hampers. The event was attended by over 70 professionals from the facilities management, cleaning and construction industries.

FM North takes place on the 4th Wednesday monthly and new sponsors can really benefit by getting involved.

Connectworking at Rasassi

September saw Business Connect Magazine bring a number of our advertisers, contributors and prospects in business from all sectors together. They were personally invited as guests to Rasassi Restaurant in Altrincham. We went back to basics and everyone introduced themselves and their business, so we all knew who was in the room.

Owners Palani Kandaswamy, also owner of Mailboxes Etc in Altrincham, and business partner Siva, both entrepreneurs in their own right, opened their doors to

our guests for private dining and a chance to network with amazing Indian food and drinks.

This was an invite only event and guests made the most of it with non-stop relationship building whilst tucking into starters, mains, and going home with a takeaway, all courtesy of the owners.

The restaurant was taken over and re-opened in March 2022 just after the pandemic and since then it has gone from strength to strength. Palani commented: “Siva and myself have a lot of experience with the hospitality sector, and we’re enjoying an increase in covers week on week.”

Rasassi -

Aldo De Leonibus, CEO, Inventya

energy

Renewable Energy Tech: The inconvenient truth coming at you fast!

With energy prices soaring, and energy security now an issue of our time, businesses are faced with little choice but to seriously examine how they use, and pay, for energy.

With Governments administering the sticking plaster of a price cap to address the problem short term, this intervention has done little to assuage the angst that business owners feel about massively increased utility bills in the next 12 months, increases that could genuinely threaten their very livelihoods.

Suddenly, and not unexpectedly, investment in the use of renewable energy and the multiple technologies that deliver it is all the rage.

It has become the inconvenient truth that the broader population has been uncomfortably forced to pay attention to.

Solar, wind, battery, air source, biofuels, wave, ground source, thermal energy, etc, are now becoming increasingly relevant for commercial (and domestic) applications thanks to events that are well beyond our general control, and our borders.

So, what’s to be done?

As a business owner, several steps are well worth taking now to get ahead of the price hike storm that is coming everyone’s way.

The supply chain crisis is already upon us so as they say “book early to avoid disappointment”

First, talk to a specialist energy broker who understands electricity tariffs and has the ability to negotiate a more favourable rate on your behalf.

Better still, get your trade association or business group to approach a broker on behalf of you

all to negotiate even better tariffs for your businesses. The strength of the many can make a real difference.

Second, review your energy use closely, and do a full assessment of what equipment or plant is using the most energy and when in your business.

An Energy Audit of your portfolio, although coming at a cost, is well worth the investment.

Once you understand that, talk to a renewable energy technology supplier to figure out what combination of renewable solutions could work best for your business, reduce your energy bills, and move your business toward energy independence and energy security.

Work with a sustainable power solutions provider willing to go on the journey to net zero with you.

Third, look around for renewable energy installation grants that could mitigate the investment costs in these new technologies.

With pressure on Government to reduce carbon emissions, there is a variety of funding avenues to explore that can make the transition to the use of renewable energy in your business more seamless that you might

Take action now - the ball is in your court!

digital marketing

Stay on top of current marketing trends

In the world of marketing, the difference between you and your competitors can boil down to simply being aware of what’s going on in your sphere.

Here are some ways to stay ahead of the competition by making sure you stay on top of current marketing trends.

Monitor Social Media

Platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are great for keeping up with the latest in industry trends. Follow relevant accounts in your industry to ensure your feed isn’t clogged with unrelated content. The best way to find those people? Look at hashtags that you’d find in your sphere, and follow the posters.

Keep an eye on your competition

More often than not, looking at what your competitors are doing is a great way to see what’s working for them, and how you can take advantage of that for your own gain. It’s essentially free A/B testing!

Check out blogs

Need some ideas? Check out blogs from experts in niche areas of your industry. If you follow the right blogs, chances are that you’ll be able to see upcoming trends.

Network!

Whether it’s inside or outside your industry, networking is a brilliant way

to stay on top of current marketing trends. The other perk is perspective. Sometimes all you need is somebody to give you a new outlook on your problems.

Subscribe to email newsletters

Signing up to newsletters helps to segment your information so that you don’t have to sift through tons of content to get the news you want!

Opt-in to Google alerts

Google Alerts is a great way to keep up with new content you flag when you’re online.

Because the results are customised to your exact keywords, you’re guaranteed to be kept up-to-date with the latest developments in marketing and your industry.

Study audience behaviour

Easily one of the most important signs of trends is none other than the trendsetters: customers.

Audience behaviour is one of the easiest ways to determine if something’s working, if something isn’t, and if something on the horizon is getting ready to enter your industry.

Some trends in 2022:

Video content is shorter

While long-form videos are great for providing insights and large amounts of information, in an age of 5-second ads, many content creators are turning to short-form content which usually

focuses on 1 point which they can drive home for maximum effect.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences are on the rise

VR and AR have given marketers a new opportunity to share experiences with their consumers by offering 360-degree views and a better visualisation of what’s on offersomething which is especially useful at events, online, and at showcases.

Branded audio content is increasing

With the rise in popularity of podcasts, more people are looking at branded audio content as a way to passively advertise themselves to an audience while they go about their day-to-day tasks.

More businesses are using SEO

While the results aren’t seen as quickly as PPC, the power of SEO is something that more and more businesses are starting to take notice of. Investing in SEO specialists is proving to be the key to consistent growth for many smaller companies.

Video is still king

While shorter videos are doing better than their longer counterparts, video content is still proving to be more effective than email marketing (which is really saying something).

The ability to translate large chunks of information into something more

digestible is proving to be successful in capturing attention - and getting followers.

Blogging is here to stay

Since the beginning of website creation, blogging has been a staple in almost every industry.

Businesses that weren’t invested in blogs have started to look at making use of them, while companies that do have blogs have been showing a good ROI for their efforts.

In order to succeed in just about every industry, it’s vital that you know how to keep up with marketing trends. If you do it right, you’ll begin to notice the patterns and learn how to stay on top of current marketing trends. Who knows, maybe you’ll be setting those trends yourself in the future.

If you’d like to learn more about marketing trends from me and my digital marketing team, why not get in touch? We’d love to hear from you!

Cheers for now, Henri Scott

Henri Scott KlickSense

data management

5. 365 can’t protect you from external security threats

365

backup

When it comes to Microsoft 365, there is a common misconception from many users that their data is safe and backed up automatically by Microsoft.

This misunderstanding falls between Microsoft’s perceived responsibility and the users’ actual responsibility to ensure the protection and retention of their Microsoft 365 data.

Geo-redundancy is a feature of Microsoft 365 which is commonly confused with backup. A backup occurs when a historical copy of data is created and stored in a different location.

Nybble have solutions in place to ensure all of your business Microsoft 365 data is backed up. Our online cloud backup solutions provide a unique, high-level backup solution. Furthermore, it is specially designed for all known operating systems, databases and applications.

Nybble offer consultancy and planning, ensuring that if the worst scenario unfolds, you will recover. As soon as we are made aware, we will have you back up and running in no time. In addition to all the benefits, we have one of the fastest response times in the industry.

Unsure if you need this? See the below reasons why backing up your data is crucial.

1. Native 365 backup and recovery tools’ capabilities are limited

Whilst Microsoft 365 allows you to recover deleted items, these options are limited.

Basic recovery from deleted emails is available, although there are plenty of scenarios in which data is not backed up, and consequently unrecoverable, such as long-deleted or purged files, corrupted mailboxes, items lost due to cyber attacks or incorrect migrations.

2. Disruption and downtime may lead to data loss

Despite what many believe, giants such as Microsoft enduring downtime is quite common. An example of this is in 2020 when Microsoft suffered outages heavily affecting many European users across September and October.

In this scenario, unless your data is backed up, you would not be able to keep working, which could prove disastrous for many companies.

Making this even worse is the fact that if servers are heavily disrupted whilst down, you may never get your data back, should it not be backed up.

3. Deleted 365 accounts lose all of their data

Deleting a Microsoft 365 account is quite a common occurrence in a business.

This can happen for a number of reasons, for example, an employee leaving the business. Should this event occur, all data that is on the Microsoft 365 account will be deleted, therefore

meaning that it can never be recovered, unless backed up safely and securely elsewhere.

4. Data deletions in 365 are irreversible without backup

Without a backup, permanent data deletions (otherwise known as harddeletions) are irreversible.

These permanent deletions happen when data has been temporarily deleted for more than 30 days, when the user account that is associated with this data has been hard-deleted, or when someone manually removes data from the recoverable items folder.

You never know when you will need to recover data, and so having it backed up securely will ensure it is recoverable at any time later down the line.

A final reason, and one of the most important, is that backing up your data removes external threats from stealing your data and holding it for ransom.

Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more common, with cybercriminals becoming wiser at all times, and therefore able to steal company data and hold it for ransom at such a large fee, that often a company can’t afford to pay.

Should your data be backed up elsewhere, you will not lose this, and cybercriminals will not be able to then hold you to ransom.

Trust Nybble as your IT support partner and ensure that your data is backed up securely to best avoid the risk of losing any of your valuable documentation.

Read more about our cloud backup services here: nybble.co.uk/cloud -it-services/cloud-backup/

wellbeing

What do you think of quiet quitting?

Have you heard of quiet quitting?

I’m sure many of us will have quietly quit on occasion, even if we’ve not identified it as such. We’ve mentally checked out, just doing what’s needed to be done, working as required. Recently, quiet quitting has become something of a phenomenon on social media and several mental health and human resource specialists claim it’s a good thing.

But is it? How do you cope if you or those you work with have changed their approach, after always being the first in and last out of the office?

Interestingly, an August 2022 YouGov online poll revealed that no one in the workplace noticed any change in the performance of those who’d quietly quit. 47% of respondents supported the idea of doing their job without taking on additional responsibilities if they didn’t offer additional compensation, yet only their nearest and dearest were aware of any change in their attitude and application to work.

But what is quiet quitting and why’s it become a ‘thing’?

Traditional perceptions are that to progress at work we should display complete dedication to working long, relentless hours. Numerous surveys report that many staff feel compelled to work above and beyond their contracted hours, do unpaid overtime, not take their full holiday entitlement and work when unwell.

Then there are additional concerns; that things may fall apart, fear of letting other team members down and imposter syndrome. Stress can cause problems if sustained over

time. In fact, nearly half the workers in Europe were identified by YouGov as being at high risk of mental health issues. When cases of stress and burnout escalate, staff eventually realise there’s more to life, even though working hard provides many benefits.

By releasing some of the pressure, it’s possible to quietly disengage and still work efficiently. Zaiad Khan posted a video on social media in July 2022. In it he talked about ‘not outright quitting your job, but instead no longer subscribing to the hustle culture mentality that work has to be our ‘life’. This video quickly went viral.

Upon quietly quitting, staff decide to implement better boundaries, do the bare minimum, not go above and beyond their specified roles and reject corporate hustle. They became more content with mediocrity and less invested in their roles at work. Doing this can sound passive aggressive, even negative, but introduces a better work-life balance.

Is it possible to avoid this situation developing and pre-empt staff from quietly quitting?

As a boss or manager, it’s important to have regular daily or weekly communications with staff to check in on their wellbeing, stress levels and work load. Maintaining good relationships and open, honest conversations allows staff to feel confident about broaching how they’re doing and raise any personal or work-related concerns they may have.

As a staff member, be aware of your boundaries and the scope of your job description. Being regularly

asked to do more, work longer and harder than your remit, with too much to do in too little time can result in feeling resentful, overworked and undervalued. In some sectors it can be hard to stand your ground and resist; charity work, new fledgling companies, care work, reviving a business post-pandemic can all result in staff feeling obligated to work longer and harder, but a positive work-life balance is important for staff health, performance and morale.

Good boundaries can include working the designated number of hours, refusing to undertake unnecessary travel or overnight stays, not taking calls or checking emails into evenings or weekends. It’s also been found (the West University of Timisoara, 2022) that taking regular breaks, whatever the length, boosts energy and relieves fatigue. They interrupt the mental cycle and offer opportunities to recharge the batteries.

An alternative name for quiet quitting is rational living.

This sounds less passive aggressive and offers scope to only work to a reasonable level, to stop being constantly stressed and pressured and resist being pushed to the limit, even by ourselves.

Some people may quietly quit because they’re unhappy at work or no longer enjoy what they’re doing. As a manager or boss, it’s important to check if this is the case or if a good staff member is keen to redefine their boundaries and discuss their future company role. Actioning this can minimise the chance of losing a good staff member through burnout or resignation.

All members of staff need to feel that their employer values their contribution, that they’re being compensated fairly, are viewed as an individual and are treated with appropriate respect. A positive environment can inspire, without necessarily requiring a promotion

or pay increase. Learning to prioritise better allows work to become more balanced, so avoiding the need to quit.

To live a healthy balanced life, we need to include several important things; fun, exercise, a healthy nutritious diet, a sense of accomplishment both in and out of work, social relationships, areas of creativity and an investment of time and energy into other relationships as well as into our health and wellbeing. Remember too, to have appreciation and gratitude for what we have, so supporting a good quality of life.

Susan Leigh MNCH (ACC)

South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer and media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She’s author of 3 books, ‘Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact’, ‘101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday’ and ‘Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain’, all on Amazon and with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life. To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit

www.lifestyletherapy.net

For more articles, information or to make contact please call 0161 928 7880 or visit

diary dates

---------------------------------------

BITA (British and Irish Trading Alliance)

Online networking using Remo:

BITA South West every Tuesday

8.00am - 9.00am

BITA London every Friday

8.00am - 9.00am

Cost FREE until further notice

Live face to face events:

BITA London Monthly Social Networking

10 Nov 6.00pm - 8.00pm, every 2nd Thurs

Venue The Rising Sun, 61 Carter Lane, Fleet Street, London EC4V 5DY

Cost FREE

BITA Liverpool Monthly Social Networking

10 Nov 5.00pm - 7.00pm, every 2nd Thurs

Venue The Restuarant Bar and Grill, Brunswick Street, Liverpool L2 0UU

Cost FREE

BITA Leeds Monthly Social Networking

19 Oct 6.00pm - 8.00pm, every 3rd Weds

Venue Marriott Cast Iron Bar & Grill, 4 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane, Leeds LS1 6ET

Cost FREE

BITA Manchester Monthly Social Networking

20 Oct 5.00pm - 7.00pm, every 3rd Thurs

Venue Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, 55 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3HP

Cost FREE

BITA 10th Anniversary Construction Lunch

9 Nov 11.30am - 2.45pm

Venue Mansion House, Walbrook, Bank, London EC4N 8BH

Cost £350+VAT (BITA members get discounted tickets).

Contact Paul Whitnell paulw@bita.ie Laura laura@bita.ie www.bita.ie

Best of Bolton & Blackburn Business Show 2022

2 Day Business Expo

Part 1 - 16 November 2022 1.00pm - 7.00pm

Venue Holiday Inn Bolton Centre, 1 Higher Bridge Street, Bolton BL1 2EW

Part 2 - 14 March 2023 1.00pm - 7.00pm

Venue Bolton Whites Hotel, De Havilland Way, Bolton BL6 6SF

Cost FREE (pre-registration required).

Contact boltonbusinessshow.co.uk

Business Connect Magazine are media partners

BGH Match

Business Growth Hub networking

25 Oct 9.30am - 11.30am

Venue Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Talbot Road, Stretford M16 0PX

10 Nov 9.30am - 11.30am

Venue Venues @ Cornerstone, 2 Edward Street, Stockport SK1 3NQ

Cost all events FREE

Contact nick.shepherd@growthco.uk businessgrowthhub.com/match

BNI Graphene Manchester

Weekly every Weds - includes hot lunch

10.00am - 12.30pm

Venue BOX Deansgate, 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY

Cost FREE for visitors

Contact John Galloway 07971 161621

BNI Vision Cheadle

Online weekly every Weds - zoom 9.15am - 11.15am

Cost FREE

Face to face every month - zoom

Contact for details 9.15am - 11.00am

Venue Bramhall Park Golf Club, 20 Manor Road, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3LY

Contact Rebecca Moloney 07899 967 469 rebecca.moloney@uwclub.net

Business Fairs

Annual business fairs across Northern sites.

Free to visit, all sectors welcome to exhibit (see details page 4).

Halton & Warrington Business Fair

10 Nov 10.30am - 3.00pm

Venue DCBL Stadium Halton, Lower House Lane, Widnes WA8 7DZ

Contact haltonbizfair.co.uk

Contact Tony Haines 0151 709 8932 tony@liverpoolba.com

Business Catalyst Club

Manchester and Leeds Networking Lunches

Manchester - 20 Oct, 26 Jan 2023 Leeds - 24 Nov

Costs, Timings, Venues and booking detailscontact organisers below:

Contact Graham Shiers 07818 675 310 www.businesscatalystclub.co.uk

FM North

Networking event for professionals in the FM, Cleaning and Construction Sector

4th Weds of each month

26 Oct, 23 Nov 4.00pm - 9.00pm

Venue The Lawn Club, Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HG

Cost FREE

Contact danny.cross@tennantco.com Tickets available through Eventbrite

High Peak Business Club

Regular monthly breakfast networking with high calibre speakers

14 Oct Progressive Energy 7.30am - 10.00am

11 Nov Manchester Central 7.30am - 10.00am

9 Dec Autumn Statement 7.30am - 10.00am

Venue Chapel en le Frith Golf Club, Manchester Road, Chapel en le Frith, High Peak SK23 9UH

Cost £25

Contact edwinacurrie@sky.com www.highpeakbusinessclub.co.uk

K-Club

Network Breakfast Events and Lunches for Entrepreneurs Monthly (please see website)

Venue Manchester based

Contact Amanda Manson 07754 069 829 www.k-club.co.uk

Lancashire Business Expo 2023

1 Day Business Expo

24 Mar 2023 9.00am - 3.00pm

Venue Preston Guildhall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 1HT

Cost FREE (pre-registration required).

Contact shoutexpo.com

MBH Business Networking

Face to face and zoom business networking

14 Nov 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Venue Virgin Money, 48-50 Market Street, Manchester M1 1PW

Cost FREE

Contact kyle@mpostcode.co.uk manchesterevents.mpostcode.co.uk

Northwest Business Expo 2022

1 Day Business Expo

21 Oct 9.00am - 3.00pm

Venue Bolton Whites Hotel, De Havilland Way, Bolton BL6 6SF Cost FREE (pre-registration required).

Contact shoutexpo.com Business Connect Magazine are media partners

pro-manchester

Hot topic breakfasts, Sector lunches, Economic Updates, Panel debates Full programme of events available online

Contact Nicola McCormick 07929 671755 nicola.mccormick@pro-manchester.co.uk pro-manchester.co.uk

Shout! Network

Fortnightly networking. Breakfast Included. Venues across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool.

Preston Tuesday Morning group 9.30am Shout! HQ, PR2 2YF

Bury Tuesday Morning Group 9.30am Red Hall Hotel, BL9 5NA

Bolton Wednesday Morning Group 8.00am Bolton Whites Hotel, BL6 6SF

Wigan Wednesday Lunch Group 12noon Gathurst Golf Club, WN6 8EW

Leyland Thursday Morning Group 9.30am Fox Lane Sports & Social Club, PR25 1HB

Wrea Green Friday Morning Group 8.00am

The Villa Wrea Green, PR4 2PE

Burnley Friday Morning Group 9.30am Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

South Ribble Tuesday Morning Group 9.30am British Commercial Vehicle Museum, PR25 2LE

Bolton Tuesday Morning Group 9.30am Dunscar Golf Club, BL7 9QY

Penwortham Wednesday Morning Group 9.00am Penwortham Golf Club, PR1 0AX

Southport Wednesday Lunch Group 12noon

Old Links Golf Club, PR9 7QS

Manchester Wednesday Lunch Group 12noon

Worsley Park Marriott Hotel, M28 2QT

Burnley Thursday Morning Group 9.30am Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

Chorley Thursday Morning Group 9.30am Verat Space, PR6 7BX

Preston Friday Morning Group 8.00am Shout! HQ, PR2 2YF

Blackburn Friday Morning Group 8.00am Blackburn Rovers FC, BB2 4JF

Manchester Friday Lunch Group 12noon

ABode Manchester Hotel, M1 2DB

Liverpool Friday Lunch Group 12noon

Liverpool Marriott City Centre, L1 1RH

Lytham Friday Lunch Group 12noon

Liverpool Marriott City Centre, FY8 4LE

Fortnightly networking is on a sector lockout basis. Please contact Shout! for further information. Costs also vary.

Contact 01772 935930 info@shoutnetwork.co.uk www.shoutnetwork.co.uk

---------------------------------------

The Business Network Manchester Virtual and Live networking - inc seminars.

19 Oct 12noon - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.00am start)

Venue The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Salford M3 5LH

Cost £48

Online - 11 Oct 11.50am - 1.30pm

Venue Online

Cost FREE

17 Nov 12noon - 2.00pm

(Optional seminar 10.00am start)

Venue Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, 55 Portland St, Manchester M1 3HP Cost £48

Contact Helen Bennett 0161 823 1384 helen@business-network.co.uk www.business-network.co.uk

The Business Network

South Manchester

Virtual and Live networking - inc seminars.

3 Nov + 1 Dec 11.30am - 2.00pm (Optional seminar 10.30am start)

Venue The Pinewood on Wilmslow, 180 Wilmslow Road, Handforth SK9 3LF

Cost £50.00

Contact Simon Edmondson 07766 493428 Simon.Edmondson@business-network.co.uk www.business-network.co.uk

Third Thursday Club

Networking purely for construction and property attendees. Every third thurs.

20 Oct 12noon - 2.00pm

Venue East 59th, Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU

Cost Invitation only - please enquire.

Contact Rachel Shaw rachel@ad-hoc-admin.co.uk

Don’t forget your business cards!

places to meet

Cottons Hotel & Spa

10 minutes to Manchester Airport, 138 bedrooms, 13 meeting rooms capacity 200 delegates, 3 dining areas, AA Rosette awarded terrace restaurant

Manchester Road, Knutsford WA16 0SU

victoriaseddon@cottonshotel.co.uk 01565 600333 www.cottonshotel.co.uk

DoubleTree By Hilton

Manchester Airport

230 bedrooms, 11 meeting rooms, restaurant and bar, 24Hr gym, On-site parking, airport shuttle

Outwood Lane, Manchester M90 4WP cheryl.garnett@dtmanchesterairport.com 0161 435 3000 http://www.hilton.com/ manchesterairport

Genesis Centre

Various sized meeting and conference rooms, Fully serviced offices for short or long term lets, On-site café and break out room

Birchwood, Warrington WA3 7BH deanhaslam@citibase.co.uk 07976 567739 citibase.com

Go Serviced Offices

Meeting room, Free WiFi, Free parking, Free refreshments, Lounge and seated garden area, Capacity for 6 people

Ground Floor, Prospect House, Columbus Quay, Liverpool L3 4DB charlotte@gogreenofficesolutions.com 07494 090 373 www.goservicedoffices.co.uk

Hollinwood Business Centre

Meeting rooms, Free hi-speed wifi, Free Parking, Café, Touch screen TV, Capacity for 60 People

Albert Street, Hollinwood, Oldham OL8 3QL walter.urquhart@bizspace.co.uk 0161 511 9450 www.bizspace.co.uk

Hotel Brooklyn

Bed and breakfast, Cosy meeting rooms, Large banquet space, Accessible rooms, Designed for disabled guests

59 Portland Street, Manchester M1 3HP khealey@bespokehotels.com 0161 518 2936 www.hotelbrooklyn.co.uk

Manchester Central Convention Centre

Large and small scale conferences, Meeting rooms, Event spaces, Central location

Petersfield, Manchester M2 3GX sales@manchestercentral.co.uk 0161 834 2700 www.manchestercentral.co.uk

Marriott Hotel

Manchester Airport

Brasserie Blanc Bar & Restaurant, San Carlo Bar & Restaurant, Executive lounge, 2 Function spaces (140 and 50 capacities), Courtyard (private outdoor dining)

Hale Road, Hale Barns, Manchester WA15 8XW chris.pilling@marriott.com 07881 312158 manchesterairportmarriott.co.uk

Marriott Manchester Victoria and Albert Hotel

148 bedrooms and suites, 9 meeting and event rooms with capacity for 240 people theatre style, Restaurant and bar, South facing terrace, Private dining, Business centre

Water Street, St John’s, Manchester M3 4AW askus@thevanda.co.uk 0161 832 1188 www.marriott.com/manva

Marriott Hotel

Liverpool City Centre

Brew Bar (food and drinks), Oliviers breakfast restaurant, Merchant Bar (private bar/event space), 2 Function spaces (240 and 50 capacities)

One Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RH chris.pilling@marriott.com 07881 312158 liverpoolmarriott.co.uk

Orega Arkwright House

Crompton (seats 10) and Hargreaves (seats 8) meeting rooms, both come with Free WiFi, Clevertouch screens, Video Conferencing, Catering (extra cost) Parsonage Gardens, Manchester M3 2LF reception.arkwright@orega.com 0161 667 8100 orega.com/manchester-arkwright-house

Regus Digital World

Meeting rooms of various sizes, Free hi-speed WiFi, Central location, Beautiful roof terrace

1 Lowry Plaza, The Quays, Salford M50 3UB

uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0161 601 7700 www.regus.com

Regus King Street

Meeting rooms for 4, 10 and 12 people, Free wifi, Kitchen amenities, City centre location, 24 hour access 82 King Street, Manchester M2 4WQ manchester.kingstreet@regus.com 0161 935 8000 www.myregus.com

Regus Spinningfields

Fully serviced, private meeting rooms, Free high-speed broadband, whiteboards, TV/projector, refreshments, Meeting rooms of varying sizes

10th Floor, 3 Hardman Street, Manchester M3 3HF uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0800 279 7131 www.regus.com

Regus St James Tower

Meeting rooms of various sizes, Hi-speed WiFi, Central location and good traffic links

7 Charlotte Street, Manchester M1 4DZ

uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0161 521 9800 www.regus.com

Regus Trafford Park

10 person, 6 person and 4 person meeting rooms, Free WiFi, Free Parking, Close to Motorway

4th Floor, Centenary House, 1 Centenary Way, Manchester MSO 1RF manchester.traffpark@regus.com 0161 504 2500 www.regus.com

Salford City College Business Centre

Hot desking space, Free Wi-Fi, Formal meeting rooms, Event and conference space, Collaboration and breakout spaces, Tea and coffee facilities, Free parking

Frontier House, Merchants Quay Salford Quays M50 3SR business.centre@salfordcc.ac.uk 0161 631 5555 www.salfordcc.ac.uk

SPACES Deansgate

Boardroom style meeting rooms

Presentation style training room On-site Deli, Parking (chargeable), Hi-speed WiFi, Cycle store 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY uk.meetingrooms@regus.com 0161 519 2000 www.spacesworks.com

Leeds Marriott Hotel

Events space, Executive Lounge, Bar & Grill, Executive Rooms and Suites, 17 Meeting and Event Spaces

4 Trevelyan Square, Boar Lane Leeds LS1 6ET zoe.hands@marriott.com 01132 366366 www.leedsmarriott.com

Worsley Park Marriott Hotel

Restaurant and Bar, 9 Meeting rooms, Leisure club & Gym, 18 Hole Golf Course Walkden Road, Manchester M28 2QT libby.blackwell@marriotthotels.com 0161 975 2000 www.marriottworsleypark.co.uk

If you currently have the printed edition of Business Connect Magazine available at your venue and you’d like to feature in our Places to Meet section please contact Paul Mirage at paul@businessconnectpublishing.co.uk

If you’d like to host our magazine at your site and feature on this page please contact Paul.

Is your broadband in the dark ages?

Its time to light up your business..... Nxcoms is working with Faster Britain to bring ultra-fast, full fibre Gigabit Broadband across the UK.

As the Government promises 100% Gigabit capability by 2025, Faster Britain is playing a key role in this vision by building its network across the UK, helping businesses ditch their slow, unreliable, copper-based broadband lines and upgrade them to full fibre optic connections.

Nxcoms is an approved partner of Faster Britain, and can offer exclusive access across the UK using this new digital infrastructure, connecting your business in days rather than months, and for a price far less than other providers.

It’s super agile Get connected in as little as 20 days and with speeds from 100 Mb/s to 10 Gb/s in the flick of a switch.

It’s built for choice

We’re an open access network, meaning you can access a range of business connectivity packages – from broadband to leased lines and with options to suit any budget.

Light up your business with full fibre from Nxcoms and Faster Britain!

Visit https://nxcoms.co.uk/faster-britain or email fibre@nxcoms.co.uk to get your business connected now!