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
• Autumn Budget 2022
• Lonely Planet includes Manchester in Best in Travel list 2023
• Manchester Christmas Markets Launch
• Contractor appointed as Debenhams office conversion advances
• GM Foundational Economy Innovation Fund
• Website Feedback Group for Businesses
• Working Minds Campaign
• Women’s Night-time Safety Charter
• Good Night Out Guide
• TfGM new business portal
Events
• Business & IP Centre, Scale up Sessions
• GC Business Growth Hub - Here for Business
• Innovate Manchester - Community building challenge
• Manchester Christmas Markets Festive Sundays
• Indoor Christmas Market at Canton House
Consultations and Surveys
• Wythenshawe Town Centre
• Active Travel Strategy
• Manchester City Council Budget proposals
• Northern Quarter Streets
Training
• Night-time Safety Charter: Welfare and Vulnerability Training
• Build A Business in GM Libraries
• Project Management for All
• Digital and Social Marketing for Business
• OPEN SME - 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
Autumn Budget 2022
Yesterday (17 November) Chancellor Jeremy Hunt revealed the government’s economic strategy, overturning much of the Growth Plan introduced by the previous administration two months ago.
The Autumn Statement 2022 comes in at 70 pages, with updates on tax rises, business rates relief, and Levelling Up.
Read the Autumn Statement 2022 in full
Lonely Planet includes Manchester in Best in Travel list 2023
Not content with being named Best in the World 2023 by National Geographic a couple of weeks ago, this week Lonely Planet has included Manchester in its prestigious Best in Travel 2023 list.
As with National Geographic, Manchester has ranked as the only UK city in the Lonely Planet list, and is described as a place that has ‘grown in both size and renown in recent years, metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical, and gastronomically diverse hub. Quite simply, it’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK with something for everyone.’ Learn more at:
Lonely Planet selects Manchester as top travel destination for 2023 | City breaks | The Guardian
Manchester's world-famous Christmas Markets are now open!
The festive season has begun, and Manchester's world-famous Christmas Markets are finally back for 2022.
With 220 stalls across nine market sites in the city centre, selling food, drink and a stockingful of crafts and seasonal gifts. 24 years on from the first ever Manchester Christmas Markets in 1998, the markets continue to attract Mancunians and visitors alike to the city in their thousands to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer.
Read more at: Manchester's Christmas Markets open! | Manchester City Council
Contractor appointed as Debenhams office conversion advances
AM Alpha has hired Russell WBHO to convert the historic Rylands building in Manchester into 300,000 sq ft of workspace.
The investor bought the former Debenhams department store for £87m in 2017 and won planning approval to redevelop it in January 2021. Russell WBHO has been appointed to deliver the redevelopment project as approved, and early-stage remediation of the building has begun.
Read more at: Debenhams conversion advances - Place North West
GM Foundational Economy Innovation Fund
Expressions of interest are now open for the GMCA’s new Foundational Economy Innovation Fund.
The fund will provide grants and support for businesses and organisations in Greater Manchester’s “foundational” or “everyday” economy to trial innovative new ideas and improved ways of working.
The “foundational economy” is the “everyday economy”, or the “essential economy” – the businesses we all rely on for our daily needs.
Lear more at: https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/innovationfund
Website Feedback Group for Businesses
At Manchester City Council we want to understand how we can improve our website so that it's easier and quicker for Manchester businesses to use.
We'd like to hear your views about what works well on manchester.gov.uk, what doesn’t work well and what you want to use the website for. You will be invited to attend feedback sessions (in-person and online) taking place in Manchester between October 2022 and April 2023. Other businesses will attend and our team will facilitate structured workshop discussions.
If you would like to be invited to take part in the feedback sessions complete the Manchester Website Feedback Group for Businesses sign up form by 16 December
Working Minds Campaign
Work-related stress and poor mental health risk becoming a health and safety crisis for Great Britain’s workplaces. While the full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is yet to be fully understood, mental health issues are the number one reason given for sick days in the UK.
The HSE’s ‘working minds’ campaign aims to help businesses recognise the signs of work-related stress and make tackling issues routine.
Employers and workers wanting to know more about the Working Minds campaign, including the legal obligations, advice, and tools available can visit: workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/workingminds.
Women’s Night-time Safety Charter
Steps have been put in place to improve the safety of women in Manchester’s night-time economy. Manchester City Council are encouraging all businesses and organisations who operate at night-time in Manchester to sign and pledge support to the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter.
The charter sets out how organisations can prioritise the safety of women – both employees and customers – in Manchester at night. Businesses who sign up will be asked to pledge their support.
Pledge your support at: Women's Night-time Safety Charter | Manchester City Council
Good Night Out Guide
We think Manchester’s nightlife is the best around but by being aware and taking steps before and during a night out, you can make sure your experience is a great one.
Our tips for a proper good night out will help you to spot anything dodgy and know what to do if something goes wrong.
Learn more at: Good Night Out Guide - (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk)
TfGM launches new business portal
A new online business portal will support Greater Manchester firms in encouraging their workforce and customers to get on board with public transport and walking, cycling and wheeling to help shape the future of the region’s integrated Bee Network.
The interactive portal, launched by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), will act as a ‘one stop shop’ providing guidance for businesses looking to make affordable and sustainable travel choices and support the wider regional economy.
Read more at: New business portal to help Greater Manchester firms (tfgm.com)
Events
Business & IP Centre, Scale Up Sessions
To celebrate the newly refurbished Band On The Wall, the BIPC are taking the latest Scale Up Session on the road! Join them at this iconic venue where the panel will be discussing the difficulties of post-pandemic live performance and the challenging climate for musicians and performers.
Chaired by John Robb, journalist, musician, and host of Louder Than Words music literature festival.
Book your free place at: Back to Live… Back to Reality? Scale Up Sessions #4
Tuesday 22 November, 18:15 at Band On The Wall
GC Business Growth Hub - Here for Business
Get in touch with the Business Growth Hub to access support to navigate your business through the energy crisis. There are upcoming drop in clinics at:
23 Nov – Longsight Library – 10am-12 noon
24 Nov – NW Business Expo, Etihad Stadium – 10am-3pm
2 Dec – Tootal Building, Oxford Rd – 10am-12 noon
7 Dec – SME Business support Roadshow, Hulme – 10am-2pm
For more information visit: Here for Business | GC Business Growth Hub
Innovate Manchester - Community building challenge
Innovate Manchester is designed to find fresh ideas and tangible solutions to challenges faced by local businesses.
Bringing together large organisations, Greater Manchester SMEs and academics with the dedicated and ongoing support of MIDAS and the GC Business Growth Hub.
Tue, 6 December 2022, 12:00 – 16:00
Accenture No.2 Circle Square, 1 Symphony Park, Oxford Road, Manchester
Register at: Innovate Manchester - Community building challenge | Eventbrite
Manchester Christmas Markets Festive Sundays
Manchester city centre will be getting into the Christmas spirit with its series of Festive Sundays – six consecutive Sundays of sparkling street performances to delight and surprise families in the run up to Christmas 2022.
Learn more at: Festive Sundays - CityCo
Indoor Christmas Market at Canton House
Taking place from November 19 then every Saturday and Sunday up until the week before Christmas, visitors to Canton House in Manchester’s Chinatown can expect 50 independent traders filling three floors of the building. Plus, there will be a cafe and creative workshops alongside evening entertainment and cocktails.
Find out more: Ancoats Pop-Up hosts indoor christmas Fair (secretmanchester.com)
Consultations and Surveys
Wythenshawe Town Centre
We want your views on our proposals to transform Wythenshawe Town Centre.
We have recently completed the acquisition of the town centre and early plans for how the centre could be redeveloped have been drawn up ready for consultation.
A £20m Levelling Up bid was submitted to Government in August that would jumpstart the transformation and help realise the long-term vision for Wythenshawe Town Centre.
Have your say at: Consultation on regeneration proposals for Wythenshawe town centre | Manchester City Council
The consultation will end on Friday 25 November.
Active Travel Strategy
Manchester City Council want to make walking, wheeling, and cycling more accessible and easier for everyone throughout the city. The strategy covers the whole city, ensuring that residents and visitors can get to where they want to go and can feel confident whilst travelling.
We need your help to develop our understanding and to plan an active travel network that works for Manchester.
Manchester City Council's Budget 2023/24 proposals
A consultation has opened on Manchester City Council’s budget for the next financial year, from 1 April 2023 to 31 March.
The Council is inviting the views of residents to help shape decisions which need to be taken around savings and Council Tax increases. As far as possible, these are designed to protect the delivery of council priorities and consist mostly of efficiency savings and income-generation measures, with service reductions only as a last resort. People who live in Manchester can visit www.manchester.gov.uk/budget to take part and find out more.
The consultation runs until 7 January 2023.
Northern Quarter Streets
We have recently made changes to some of the streets in the Northern Quarter and are keen to hear what people think of them.
Have your say: Northern Quarter streets survey (manchester.gov.uk)
The survey will be open until 10 March 2023 at 5pm.
Training
Night-time Safety Charter: Welfare and Vulnerability Training
Has your business pledged support for the Manchester Women’s Night-time Safety Charter? If so, join CityCo for a training session alongside other organisations who have pledged support.
The training aims to increase the skills, knowledge and confidence of those working in the night-time economy around identifying vulnerability and making appropriate interventions.
The training is open to staff at all levels. Upcoming sessions are:
Thursday 24 November 1.30-4pm REGISTER HERE
Tuesday 29 November 1.30-4pm REGISTER HERE
Build A Business in GM Libraries
If you've recently started a business, or thinking of self employment, Build A Business can help. Their series of local workshops are running across Greater Manchester now.
Learn how to research your market and develop your business plan, protect your intellectual property (IP) and gain practical knowledge on the nuts and bolts of running your business. Plus meet lots of other small businesses and grow your network.
Manchester workshops are running in November, learn more at: www.buildabusinessgm.org
Project Management for All
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to put your aspiring managers on a guided development pathway to becoming fully-fledged Chartered Managers.
This qualification is awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). A part-time pathway which is ideal for those who are in full-time employment and unable to be released from the business for a condensed course.
On successful completion of all the selected units, learners will achieve a Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership and also achieve a broad understanding of some of the fundamental elements of Project Management.
Find out more: Project Management for All (gceducationandskills.ac.uk)
Digital and Social Marketing for Business
Digital Skills for Business and Web Development is a Government-funded, 4-week Bootcamp that is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to work in digital roles and improve your marketing presence.
Find out more and register your place at: Digital and Social Marketing for Business (gceducationandskills.ac.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 Autumn and Winter 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
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
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:
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
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:
-
A toolkit which gives advice on dealing with imports, exports and employees
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce can also give advice, including:
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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