UK News

A new awards ceremony will champion ‘gamechangers’ in the north of England

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 15th June 2022

A new awards ceremony is being launched to celebrate people across the north making a difference in their local community.

Called Northern Gamechangers, it has been designed to celebrate business leaders creating positive changes in their fields.

Set to debut this autumn, it will honour regional leaders from the north of England - and organisers are now on the hunt for nominations.

The brainchild of Manchester-based business consultancy Elevate, the awards ceremony has been designed to champion purpose-driven businesses – after noticing the little recognition available for those making a real difference in similar programmes, reports The Manc.

However, in a twist that sets the awards apart from most, there will not be any formal nomination categories. Rather, nominated ‘Gamechangers’ are able to excel in a number of areas – including sustainability, decarbonisation, social mobility, diversity and inclusion, and charitable partnerships.

It will take place with a cool and contemporary awards ceremony held in Manchester on 14 September 2022, with nominations open to organisations, businesses and individuals until 17 June.

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Forgoing the traditional glitzy ceremony, the awards will do away with the white tablecloths and stuffy dress codes of old in favour of something altogether more relaxed and fun – as well as a much more accessible ticket price.

Speaking on the new awards, Katie Robson, Co-Founder and Director, said: “We are constantly inspired by people that prove that businesses can, and should, be a force for good – we’ve launched Northern Gamechangers to celebrate these individual and organisations and spread the word to others.”

Confirmed judges include Anna Gledson, Managing Director at The Manc; Sharon
Amesu, Founder of SA Consulting, and North-West Business Leadership Team; Amer
Gaffar, Director of Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and Tim Heatley, Co-Founder of Capital&Centric.

Sponsors of the programme include a leading independent PR agency, The PHA Group,
which last year launched its Manchester base and has since added a Leeds office to the roster; Manchester Central, the city’s thriving exhibition and conference centre; and
Appleyard Lees, Intellectual Property specialists.

Nominations are now open for the Northern Gamechangers, which will take place on 14 September at an as-yet-undisclosed venue in Manchester.

Speaking further on the Northern Gamechanger awards, Katie added: “We’ve been immersed in Manchester’s thriving business community for some time now, and what really makes the region stand out is just how many people are willing to step outside the box with new ideas and game changing attitudes.

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“Through Northern Gamechangers, we want to make noise about Manchester’s
pioneering spirit and those using their influence for good. We can’t wait to see the
nominations – we already know there are a lot of Gamechangers in the region.”

Speaking on the upcoming awards, Anna Gledson, Managing Director at The Manc and Northern Gamechangers judge, added: “Here at The Manc Group, we’re big champions of the north and it’s a real honour to be involved with Northern Gamechangers’ inaugural year.

“We know that there are so many wonderful business leaders in the north of England doing brilliant things, and this new awards ceremony is such a great opportunity to shine a light on those who are going the extra mile in their communities – be it through charitable partnerships, sustainability, diversity and/or inclusion.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the initiative with our regional publications and I can’t wait to see who gets involved.”

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A shortlist of 50 nominees will be announced for Northern Gamechangers in July, followed by the final 10 award winners who will be revealed at the event on Wednesday 14 September.

Further information and nominations for the Northern Gamechangers can be found here.

Feature image – Geograph

UK News

Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.

Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.

Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.

Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.

Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)

Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.

The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.

A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.

Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.

Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.

All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.

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Featured Image – The Manc Group

UK News

Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.

If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.

Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.

The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.

Image: Supplied

It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.

Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day. 

"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier. 

“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition. 

“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.” 

Read more: Bradford set for major new train station as plans promise faster journeys to Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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