Business Update Bulletin
A newsletter from Manchester City Council's City Centre Growth & Infrastructure Team, with support and advice for Manchester businesses.
If you have news or information you would like to be included in the newsletter, please send details to: city.centre@manchester.gov.uk
Contents
News
• Manchester has 2nd highest rate of new business openings
• New Century Hall at NOMA reopens
• Manchester's office market shows strong demand
• Direct flights to Beijing resume from Manchester Airport
• Make a late Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim
• Cycle Hire sponsorship opportunity
• Extension of Pavement Licence scheme
• Recovery loan scheme extended for 2 years
• Raising the aspirations of Manchester’s primary school children
• Avanti West Coast Disruption and Upcoming Rail Strikes
Events
• Festa Italiana
• Manchester Pride Festival
• British Street Food Awards
• Small Business Impact Conference
• Manchester Food & Drink Festival
• Manchester Literature Festival
• Manchester Tech Festival
• Manchester Science Festival
Consultations and Surveys
• Smokefree spaces in Manchester
• Great Northern Warehouse
• Dogs on Trams
Training
• Action Counters Terrorism Awareness Training
• Summer Internship Programme for GM businesses
• OPEN SME, new online course to help business leaders develop skills
• Safe Urban Driving Training - subsidised by TfGM
• Help to Grow: Digital UK
• Digital Boost training and mentoring
• EnterprisingYou Programme
• Skills for Growth Training Programme
Resources
• Business Support
• COVID-19 resources
• Brexit Guidance
News
Manchester has 2nd highest rate of new business openings
Manchester saw 36 new businesses created every day in the first half of 2022 — a huge rise of 34 percent compared to the same period last year.
Analysis of Companies House records by iwoca shows that 6,431 firms were registered from January to June of this year, meaning there were 1,165 new companies per 100,000 people. That rate is the second-highest in the country, with Manchester only behind London.
Learn more: Inside Manchester's business boom - Manchester Evening News
New Century Hall at NOMA reopens
Born in 1963 and reborn in 2022, New Century combines a live music venue, 6 independent food kitchens, a central bar and a college for sound and digital technologies.
Open 7 days a week, 11am till late. New Century relaunches on Friday 26 August.
Read more at: New Century Manchester (newcenturymcr.com)
Manchester's office market shows strong demand
Manchester's office market is set for a strong end to the year, global property giant Knight Frank says in its latest report into the city.
The company's latest Mid Year Review of occupier and investment activity showed the city had a busy first half year, with 124 occupier deals completing. That came to almost half a million sq ft of space – the highest total for three years and on a par with the first half of 2019.
Learn more: Post-summer success for Manchester's office market (business-live.co.uk)
Direct flights to Beijing resume from Manchester Airport
Direct air links between Manchester and Beijing, China, resumed this week for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Hainan Airlines has announced it will restart its Beijing-Manchester service, with weekly arrivals and departures every Monday.
The airline started flights from Manchester Airport in 2016, with bosses saying the route helped to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds in trade, investment and tourism benefits.
Read more at: Direct flights to Beijing resume from Manchester Airport in huge economic boost - Manchester Evening News
Make a late Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim
Find out if you can make a late claim if you’ve missed the deadline and how to do this. You can also check guidance for the scheme.
Find out more: Make a late Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim - (www.gov.uk)
Cycle Hire Sponsorship opportunity
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) launched the public cycle hire scheme in November 2021. Second in size only to London's, the scheme serves Greater Manchester's population of 2.8 million people and forms an important part of the Bee Network -- GM's vision for an integrated, London-style transport system
TfGM is now making the opportunity available for a brand to sponsor the scheme and is looking for a partner that shares their values. This opportunity would see a commercial partner playing a key role in the growth of the scheme and gaining unprecedented exposure across the conurbation.
Find out more: GM Cycle Hire Sponsorship | Transport for Greater Manchester
Extension of Pavement Licence scheme
The Government has extended the temporary pavement licence provisions by a further 12 months until September 2023 ahead of making these changes permanent in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Pavement licences make it quicker, easier and cheaper for business to get a licence to serve food and drink on pavements and pedestrianised roads than the original process under the Highways Act (‘tables and chairs’ licences).
All current licences will still expire in September 2022 so a new application will need to be made to be licensed from October.
Learn more and apply at: Licensing - Pavement licence | Manchester City Council
Recovery loan scheme extended for 2 years
The Recovery Loan Scheme, which originally launched in April 2021 to help businesses recovering from the pandemic, has been extended to 2024.
The maximum loan size remains at up to £2m, and the principle behind the extended scheme remains unchanged: the government will underwrite 70% of lender liabilities, at the individual borrower level, in return for a lender fee. Lenders must ensure that the benefits of the government guarantee are passed through to businesses.
Full details are available at: Recovery Loan Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Raising the aspirations of Manchester’s primary school children
Can you help raise the aspirations of Manchester’s primary school children?
“What’s My Job?” is a careers aspiration programme for primary school children aged 9 – 10 and challenges how they may think about the world of work. This is important because research shows that at age 6 - 8 children begin seeing jobs and future pathways as gendered and at age 7 almost half base their career aspirations on people they know. “What’s My Job?” is fun, rewarding, easy for your staff to take part and it only takes 2 hours of their time.
Volunteers are welcome from all age groups, including apprentices, people in “non-traditional” roles and from different backgrounds.
To find out more email teun.vanrooij@manchester.gov.uk
Avanti West Coast Disruption and Upcoming Rail Strikes
Intercity rail passengers in Manchester will have their options for travelling to London reduced after train operator Avanti West Coast announced it is slashing its timetables.
Unions are planning more action over the summer because of the ongoing disputes about jobs, pay and conditions. See the full list at: Train strikes: When are they and which rail lines are running? - BBC News
Events
Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana Manchester is an exciting and vibrant festival of Italian food, drink and culture. It is a free, weekend-long celebration of Manchester's Italian heritage taking place in Manchester city centre.
26 - 28 August 11am - 11pm, Cathedral Gardens, Medieval Quarter, Manchester
Learn more at: Festa Italiana (festaitalianauk.com)
Manchester Pride Festival
The Manchester Pride Festival returns for 2022, taking place across the full August Bank Holiday weekend, 26 - 29 August.
The Manchester Pride Festival hosts a variety of events, for more details and the full line-up of events visit: Events – Manchester Pride
British Street Food Awards
Manchester street food operator GRUB is teaming up with Circle Square to host the Northern Heat of the British Street Food Awards over August Bank Holiday weekend.
Taking place from 12 noon until 8pm on 27 and 28 August at Circle Square on Oxford Road, food fans will have a chance to sample some of the best street food traders from across the region.
Find out more: www.grubmcr.com/bsfa
Small Business Impact Conference
Manchester Metropolitan University launch an annual conference for small business leaders. Bringing together the SME community and policy makers across the North West.
You'll hear from keynote speakers on Industry 4.0, net zero, and business growth. Get the opportunity to take part in focus groups to discuss the challenges for small businesses across the region and you'll be able to network with peers, key local stakeholders and policy makers at our panel discussions and marketplace.
Weds 7 September, 10:30 -16:30, Mcr Metropolitan University Business School
Register your free place at: Small Business Impact Conference | Eventbrite
Manchester Food and Drink Festival
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is now a well established, nationally acclaimed event, and 2022 will see its 25th Anniversary festival take-over of the City from 15 - 26 September.
Festival events take place in venues across the City and at the Festival Hub, where a bespoke food and drink centre is custom built. The MFDF awards are widely regarded as the most important in the region, with this year’s awards being presented on 26th September.
Find out more: Manchester Food & Drink Festival 2022
Manchester Literature Festival
Manchester Literature Festival is a celebration of imagination, ideas, stories, and voices from around the world. It is part of Manchester’s rich cultural tapestry and is committed to bringing together storytellers, poets, and thinkers for everyone to enjoy.
7 - 23 October.
Read more at: Events | Manchester Literature Festival
Manchester Tech Festival
Manchester Tech Festival is a week long festival in October 2022 which will highlight the diverse talent, showcase the innovative businesses and bring together Manchester's Tech community.
Running from 17 - 21 October, with a core 2 day event at the centre of the festival which will be held at the iconic Victoria Baths there will also be meetups, popups, lectures, hackathons, discussions, debates and socials throughout the week.
Learn more: Manchester Tech Festival
Manchester Science Festival
Manchester Science Festival returns with a programme of world premieres, inspiring experiences and entertaining events, all aimed at exploring what makes us human and asking the question, 'What does the future hold for humanity?'
21 – 30 October, Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester
Read more at: Manchester Science Festival | Science and Industry Museum
Consultations and Surveys
Smokefree spaces in Greater Manchester
A new public consultation has been launched, inviting Greater Manchester residents, community groups, and local businesses to have their say on exciting new plans to make more outdoor spaces smokefree in Greater Manchester. This will include suggestions on the places they’d most like to see become smokefree and is a great opportunity for the public to play an active part in shaping the initiative.
Take part in the survey by Sunday 11 September at: smokefree spaces survey
Great Northern Warehouse Manchester
The Great Northern Warehouse (GNW) want to know your views on what makes a great neighbourhood in the city centre. They'd like to know:
- What’s missing from the city centre that would be great to have at the GNW?
- If you could wave a magic wand, what would make the GNW a really special place?
See current suggestions on their noticeboard and add your own ideas at:
Noticeboard | Great Northern (thegreatnorthern.com)
Dogs on Trams
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are running a trial allowing pet dogs onto trams for the first time. The pilot began on Monday 1st August and will run for three months.
To help TfGM decide whether pet dogs should continue to be allowed on trams after the pilot ends, they are asking you to share your thoughts by responding to their online survey before 31 October 2022.
Have your say at: Dogs on trams pilot | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)
Training
Action Counters Terrorism Awareness Training
ACT Awareness is a compulsory part of operating a licensed premises in Manchester City Centre. This is part of the city's commitment to the principles of Martyn's Law post the 2017 Arena attack, aimed at improving security in public places.
The training is hosted by The City Centre Management Company, CityCo, with partners Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW), Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council Licensing.
The Shipping Office, 22 Lloyd St, Manchester
Wednesday 14 September, 14:00 - 16:00
Register your free place: Business Training: ACT Awareness | Eventbrite
Fully-funded Summer Internship Programme for GM businesses
This summer, the GM Chamber of Commerce is working with Manchester Education International (MEI) to facilitate the GM Summer Internship Programme. The Summer Internship programme will provide GM businesses with energetic, young and talented interns.
The fully-funded programme empowers GM businesses to access the thriving Manchester student population and all of it's potential.
Register your interest by completing this short Registration Form (typeform.com)
For any questions, please email benefits@gmchamber.co.uk
OPEN SME, new online course to help business leaders develop skills
Four universities in Greater Manchester are collaborating to create a new, online-only programme for busy small business leaders looking to develop their skills.
OPEN SME features one-hour sessions across four modules, with topics including finding and keeping talent, cash flow, and pricing.
The free programme is a partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Bolton, University of Manchester, and University of Salford.
The course is fully funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Business Growth Hub. Find out more here: https://opensme.ac.uk
Safe Urban Driving Training - subsidised by TfGM
Do you employ HGV, LGV or PCV drivers? If so, you can equip your drivers with the training to share the road safely with vulnerable users. TfGM are working in partnership with Nationwide Cycling Academy who provide this course for £10.
This course is designed for professional HGV, LGV and Passenger Carrying Vehicles and offers the following accreditations:
• Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) approved
• Meets requirements for managing Work Related Road Risk (WRRR)
• Meets requirements for the Construction Logistics and Cyclists Safety (CLOCS)
• Counts towards a driver’s CPC
The Safe Urban Driving courses will run throughout the year, with bookings now available for Spring and Summer 2022. For further information about the campaign please email: engagement@tfgm.com
Help to Grow: Digital - UK
Access 12-weeks of learning designed to fit alongside work commitments, to enhance your business’s resilience, recovery, and long-term growth, following the impact of COVID-19.
By the end of the programme, you'll have developed a business growth plan to help you lead your business to release its potential. You'll also have one-to-one sessions with a mentor, who'll provide you with personalised support to develop your business growth plan.
Find out more: Help to Grow: Digital - UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Digital Boost
Need a boost for your small business or charity?
Digital Boost is a FREE service to help you adopt new digital ways of working and grow your business. Over 2,000 expert digital and business volunteers from organisations including Google, Bloomberg, and Visa are on hand to help.
What support is available?
• Free one-to-one mentoring tailored to your needs, available when you need it
• Workshops covering topics such as SEO, Facebook Ads and payment systems.
• Recommendations for short courses
• A resource library that you can access at your own pace
Book your first session today at: Digital Boost
EnterprisingYou Programme - extended to 2023
EnterprisingYou provides self-employed people and gig economy workers with tailor-made support through dedicated business coaches, with help in areas such as personal finance, mentoring, marketing, recruitment and health and wellbeing.
The free programme which has supported more than 1,700 self-employed business owners across Greater Manchester since last March will continue until 2023.
Find out more at: Help for Self-Employed in Manchester | (enterprising-you.co.uk)
Skills for Growth Training Programme
Manchester Digital and the UK Skills Academy are pleased to announce a partnership to offer fully funded courses under the government's investment into Skills For Growth. The Courses available are:
• Leadership for Digital Growth
• Cyber Secure Training
• Project Management for Digital Transformation
For more information visit Skills for Growth (manchesterdigital.com).
Resources
GC Business Growth Hub business support tool
The GC Business Growth Hub have released a new Business Support and Funding Finder. Designed to help business owners navigate the landscape of publicly backed business support in Greater Manchester.
The Business Support & Funding Finder is free to use and available to all businesses and entrepreneurs. If you would like more information on any of the services highlighted please call: 0161 359 3050 or e-mail: bgh@growthco.uk
Support for Your Business | Business Support Finder
Transport for Greater Manchester - Business Support portal
Support following the removal of working from home guidance is continuing to be promoted through the TfGM business portal. This includes advice on supporting employees to travel at quieter times, hybrid working, choosing active travel and exploring ticketing options.
Find out more at: TfGM travel guidance for business - (exhibition.app)
Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses
The North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) has launched a new Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses based in the North West. The new guide helps small businesses to improve their knowledge of cyber security and significantly reduce the chances of becoming victims of cybercrime.
In today’s increasingly digital-first world, small businesses face lots of risks operating online. Cybercrime can impact a business through lost time, financial losses or reputational damage. Without the correct precautions in place, cyberattacks on small businesses are wide-reaching.
Find out more at Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses
Connecting BAME social entrepreneurs
The Greater Manchester BAME Social Enterprise Network will give BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) social entrepreneurs the opportunity to:
- Network with and learn from their peers.
- Learn from experts
- Develop their skills in key aspects of running a business
The network will meet regularly to hear from expert speakers, exchange skills, ideas, knowledge and experiences.
Other support available for businesses
Organisations in Manchester that support businesses:
The following Covid-19-specific help is also available for your business and employees:
-
Business support (GOV.UK)-The Coronavirus Business Support Hub brings together key information for businesses
- Make sure that your employees are aware that - if they're eligible - they can apply for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme, if they need to miss work to self-isolate
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace.
The UK government, in consultation with industry, has produced ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible.
COVID-19 Health Advice
For the latest guidance on how to help control the virus, how to check for symptoms and how to book a PCR test, visit the Manchester City Council website at: www.manchester.gov.uk/covid-19//healthadvice
COVID:Recovery – Start protecting your business
The health and safety of workers returning to their workplace is essential in the lifting of restrictions.
We want to ensure that residents, workers and visitors are safe and therefore we have set up two tiers of support for businesses.
- We are offering free advice and signposting for businesses as they begin their post lockdown journey. Measures to comply with health and safety duties on reopening workplaces need to be considered at an early stage in the process and we are here to offer advice where needed. We have a free risk assessment template and check list of control measures which can be used and adapted to your requirements.
- On site audits and assessments are also available for more detailed and sector specific enquiries. This service is offered at reduced rates as we help to ease the financial burdens businesses may have endured during lockdown. We are offering a 2 hour assessment for £100 plus VAT to any business starting to plan for a safe and legally compliant return to business.
To contact us please complete our Business compliance query form.
Brexit guidance
There are new rules for doing business with the EU. A Business Support Helpline can help you identify the actions you need to take - call 0800 998 1098.
The government has issued guidance on the following:
The government is hosting free webinars to help you check the new rules and understand the actions to take. View the webinars.
The Business Growth Hub has a dedicated website offering guidance, including:
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce can also give advice, including:
Can you help?
Follow the Council on Twitter
Do you know about the Council's Twitter accounts?
Alongside the Council's main account (@mancitycouncil), we have a number of area-based accounts (such as @mcccitycentre) and team specific accounts (such as @mccworkskills).
Give them a follow!
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