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The training program at Manchester cloud, cybersecurity and managed hosting company UKFast was rated “Excellent” by Ofsted in all areas, making it the only technology company in the north to receive the highest rating from the Education Authority.

The company’s tech academy received top marks in all four exam areas – quality of education, professional development, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management. UKFast is one of only two top-ranked technology companies in the country, the other being Siemens.

UKFast’s learning and development program, launched in 2018, has supported nearly 100 apprentices, with 79% earning an award versus a national average for higher grades (credit or award) of 29%. The ranking follows UKFast’s recent announcement that it will expand its apprenticeship programs and partner with sister technology company ANS to create the largest and most comprehensive digital academy in the north. In September, 30 new apprentices joined the program as the first grade of the expanded academy program offered by the UKFast on-site training center. UKFast and ANS will jointly open the program for the next apprentice class in early 2022.

Apprentice Lucy turned down three unconditional offers from a university when she chose UKFast’s apprenticeship program in 2018. She said: “I am building a successful career in one of the most exciting and fastest growing tech companies in the UK. I have great ambitions to develop myself further and to broaden my experience. I know there are so many opportunities for growth here. I don’t think young people know how fun a technical apprenticeship can be if you find the right employer and how quickly you can start a great career. “

UKFast Managing Director Ian Brown said: “We are all absolutely delighted with our learning and development team and our trainees. Ofsted’s “Outstanding” award is a testament to their passion and dedication. Through our training academy, we are developing some of the best future digital talent in the UK while also providing them with a great place to work to thrive in their careers. “

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Jonathan Shaw

Preston-based AG Project + Building Consultancy has secured another spot in a prestigious £ 120 million public sector space. The framework, the fifth version of Fusion 21 from Huyton, covers a wide range of consulting services, including project management, building information modeling, building technology, civil engineering, and zero carbon and sustainability.

The £ 120 million framework spans four years and is designed to meet the needs of a range of public sector organizations including housing, education, emergency lights, local authorities and central government.

The Fusion21 framework covers the whole of the UK, with the initiative expected to be used on more than 100 projects each year.

The general manager of the AG, Jonathan Shaw, said: “This is fantastic news for our business as we are growing in the north and want to expand our range of services in the public sector. The appointment to the Framework is particularly gratifying having secured a spot in JV North’s £ 560 million framework.

“Every member who receives services from the framework will know that they will have access to competent real estate advice due to the strict selection process that we have carried out to secure a place on the committee.”

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Nicole Burstow

Daresbury-based independent management consultancy, Dow Schofield Watts, has opened a new office in Reading as part of its continued expansion in the UK.

Known in the accounting industry as the “Challenge Brand”, the company operates a unique licensing model that allows professionals to run their own business under its brand. It currently employs nearly 80 professionals in London, Leeds, the North West and Aberdeen, many of them from the big four companies, and was recently ranked as one of the 15 most active corporate finance advisors in the UK.

The opening of the Reading office follows the arrival of consultants Steve and Carla Holmes, who will run their new business providing due diligence and tax services under the growing Dow Schofield Watts brand. A couple with more than 20 years of experience. Steve, who joins from BDO, previously worked at Haines Watts, EY and Grant Thornton and spent time in the industry at GKN Aerospace and GE Capital. Carla, a Chartered Tax Advisor, began her career at Haines Watts as a senior manager in technical taxation. She has been running her own auditing and tax consultancy firm for 10 years.

The new office will also provide a base for Gavin Harrison, who runs the DSW debt counseling service in the area. Dow Schofield Watts expects to announce additional additions and service lines in the near future.

Nicole Burstow, Finance Director at DSW Capital, said, “The Dow Schofield Watts business model gives professionals more autonomy and flexibility at a time when many are rethinking their post-pandemic priorities, and gives customers additional choice. The opening of the Reading office will further strengthen our presence in the south as we continue to roll out the model in major cities across the country. “

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Cheadle Hulme Cricket Club was among the recipients

Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund has now committed more than £ 80,000 to charitable causes in 2021 after approving nine grants totaling £ 23,146.46. The final round of donations, agreed in July, follows 17 grants offered at the April meeting worth £ 25,770.60 and more than £ 30,000 pledged after a meeting in January.

The Community Trust Fund has been running since 1997 and during that time has provided more than £ 3.5 million in grants to community groups. The airport provides up to £ 100,000 per year, which is supplemented by fines on airlines for excessive noise. Applicants within 10 miles of the airport site can request up to £ 3,000 for equipment or calculated projects, with applications being reviewed quarterly.

The beneficiaries of the latest round of donations include three local cricket clubs, a community-run plastic recycling project, and a Manchester-based charity that aims to tackle food poverty.

Karen Smart, Manchester Airport General Manager said, “We have received an unprecedented number of requests from community organizations in Greater Manchester and North Cheshire in the past few months as they begin to plan for the future, with the end of coronavirus restrictions, hopefully is in sight. In times like these, we recognize more than ever the important role our airport plays as an institution in the heart of our society, and we are proud to be able to support so many great causes with this latest round of donations. “

The Community Trust Fund board of directors is scheduled to meet later this month and is accepting applications for up to £ 3,000 from local nonprofits.

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Andy Burnham

Manchester Metrolink’s London-style contactless pay-as-you-go system is more popular than ever, with more than five million journeys since its inception. The tram network’s touch-in / touch-out system enables customers to travel quickly, safely and flexibly throughout the network without having to download an app or buy a paper ticket.

Originally launched in July 2019, it has been further enhanced following the launch of the Bee Flex Weekly in September, which means customers can now travel with confidence knowing that upon arrival they will never have more than a seven-day Pay for a ticket and use a contactless bank card or device. Recent events in Greater Manchester have shown that customers are using the contactless payment system with 123,000 contactless journeys a week from Jan.

On Saturday September 25th, 40,000 contactless trips were made and a new weekly record of 141,000 trips was achieved as the area hosted a number of major events including the Courteeners at Old Trafford and the Great Manchester Run.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “By making tram travel easier and more flexible and offering value for money for our residents and visitors, the pay-as-you-go has been a real turnaround for Metrolink customers. I am pleased with how well it has been received and I am sure that its popularity will continue to grow after the recent launch of the Bee Flex Weekly. “

He added, “It shows what we can deliver locally and is exactly what I want to see for all of our other modes of transport – and built into them. Our plans are ambitious but achievable and can form the basis for leveling the north. The Conservative Party Conference in Manchester is not only a great opportunity for me to share our vision with the government, but also to discuss how we can work together to get there – because ultimately we need them on this path. “