Eric Martyn
Project Four Building Safety Experts’ Report Sharp Rise in Turnover Driven by Building Safety Act Consultancy and Technical Excellence.
THIS ARTICLE ALSO FEATURES IN THE DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE OF MY PLANET LIVERPOOL magazine: https://myplanetliverpool.co.uk
Project Four Building Safety Experts has reported a 53.6 % increase in turnover over the past 12 months, with revenue rising from £2.83 million in 2024 to £4.35 million in 2025.
Chairman Alan Robson says the significant growth is underpinned by the continued expansion of Project Four’s building safety consultancy offering, the strengthening of its technical team nationwide, and increasing repeat business from key clients across the UK. Celebrating its ninth anniversary this year, Project Four now operates from offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and London, with plans already in motion for a Birmingham office in 2026.
Project Four provides specialist consultancy across three core service areas…Building Safety Act consultancy, CDM consultancy, and site safety services. It supports clients from project inception through the design, construction, and occupation stages of a building’s life cycle.
Robson attributes the company’s success to its ability to deliver expert, actionable advice that simplifies complex regulation and ensures compliance throughout the building life cycle. “We have become synonymous as a highly technical team in helping clients achieve essential Gateway 2 Approval.” he explains. We’ve also got a proven business model, strong client retention, and scalable service delivery. We’re well positioned for continued expansion and strategic investment too.”
Project Four’s reputation for helping clients navigate the complexities of the Building Safety Act has cemented its position as a trusted adviser to developers, asset owners, and Tier 1 contractors alike. Managing Director Max Meadows, who joined the company in 2017, highlights that the company’s growth has been built on quality, consistency, and ensuring the team are always equipped to deliver at the highest standard. “There’s a huge amount of work currently available in the building safety sector.” says Meadows. “But our focus has never been on chasing volume — it’s on maintaining quality. We only take on projects where we know we can deliver to the standards our clients expect, and where our team have the time, support and resources to perform at their best. Client satisfaction and the quality of our work have been fundamental to our growth. That approach has been consistently welcomed by our clients and our people, and it will remain central to our strategy moving forward.”
In 2024, Project Four’s leadership team met with employees for a company-wide strategy session to set the firm’s key priorities for the year ahead. These included quality of work, including dedicated time for internal peer review, upskilling the team through structured training and CPD, and improving infrastructure and systems to enhance efficiency and delivery standards. We have been clear about what drives sustainable growth,” Meadows continues. “It’s the quality of what we deliver, the capability of our people, and the confidence our clients have in us. Every success we have achieved has come from staying true to those principles.”
With over 200 active clients and a team of more than 50 professionals, P4’s expertise spans residential, healthcare, infrastructure, heritage, education, and public sector projects.
Long-term partnerships with Tier 1 contractors such as Galliford Try and Morgan Sindal continue to drive larger, more complex opportunities.
Project Four’s industry influence continues to grow, with National Director Allan Binns recently invited to present evidence before the MHCLG Select Committee, sitting alongside Dame Judith Hackitt to discuss the effectiveness of the Building Safety Act’s new regulatory framework.
Looking ahead, Project Four’s has set a target of £11 million turnover by 2030, supported by sustainable, quality-led growth and a commitment to continuous improvement. “Our foundation is solid,” concludes Robson. “We’ve built a model that combines deep technical knowledge with commercial understanding, giving clients clarity, compliance and confidence.”
“Now it’s time to build further on that success.”
https://www.projectfoursafety.com/
Choir With No Name Liverpool announces Big Christmas Singalong returns to the Tung Auditorium on 7th December
The Choir With No Name (CWNN) Liverpool, a local choir involving people with experience of homelessness and marginalisation, will return to the Tung Auditorium for its Big Christmas Singalong on Sunday 14thDecember (7pm).
Now in its third year at the University of Liverpool’s state-of-the-art concert hall within the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, this much-loved festive event promises an evening of joy, community spirit and uplifting performances.
Renowned for its feel-good, life-affirming live shows, the Choir with No Name Liverpool will perform its unique take on Christmas classics, joined by the Asylum Link Merseyside Choir and the PSS Wellbeing Choir “Sing! Sing! Sing!”.
Sonia Chapman, CWNN Liverpool’s Choir Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be back at the Tung Auditorium for a third year, with our talented friends from the Asylum Link Merseyside and Sing! Sing! Sing! Choirs. Our Big Christmas Singalong is the highlight of the year for all of us. It’s something to work towards and look forward to at a time of year that can be really tough. Our choir members bring so much energy and joy to their live performances, and we can’t wait to give the Liverpool crowd a festive night to remember!”
The Choir with No Name Liverpool meets every Wednesday evening at The Quaker Meeting House on School Lane. Each rehearsal is followed by a hot meal cooked by volunteers, offering members a safe, welcoming space to sing, connect, and grow in confidence in a supportive community.
Proceeds and donations from the Big Christmas Singalong will directly support the ongoing work of the Choir with No Name Liverpool, helping to provide creative, inclusive opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness.
The event will take place on Sunday 14th December 2025, 7.00pm at the Tung Auditorium, with tickets costing £15 (£8 concessions). Tickets available here
Follow The Choir With No Name on Instagram @choirwithnoname / @cwnn_liverpool or Facebook.www.facebook.com/choirwithnoname
Photographs by RichIE Yates
Gaskells Waste prepares to celebrate 35 years at forefront of industry innovation
Success boosted by recent acquisition of Welsh waste management business, Egan Waste
A Liverpool-based waste management firm boss has revealed how it continues to empower its local communities as it prepares to celebrate 35 years in the industry in 2026.
Jonathan Gaskell, who founded the firm in 1991, set out with nothing more than a single waste collection vehicle and a determination to succeed. He said: “That was the start of Gaskells North West Ltd, that now stands alongside Gaskells Midlands Ltd, which was founded in 2015. The companies now achieve an annual turnover of more than £18.5 million and employ 108 dedicated staff.”
For Gaskell though, the real measure of success is the stability his firm provides for its loyal, long-serving employees, the opportunities they create for new generations and the positive role Gaskells plays within their local communities. Jonathan adds, “My vision has always been to grow a force for good, delivering on environmental benefits, creating jobs and makes a lasting difference in the locations we serve.”
Gaskells has also made several strategic moves in the market to further boost its operational efficiency and national base. Jonathan continued: “We’ve developed new partnerships and acquisition opportunities opening up further growth in terms of the demographics we can help, the solutions we can deliver and the technology we can harness. For example, our recent acquisition of Welsh waste management business, Egan Waste has enabled us to broaden our operational footprint and deliver services across new territory including Cardiff, Swansea and surrounding South Wales areas.
“Egan’s capabilities complement Gaskells’ existing services and bolsters our offerings with niche expertise.”
“These acquisitions continue to help us power Gaskells’ commitment to community value and environmental responsibility. The company is passionate about people, investing time, money and resources into charitable causes designed to make a real difference.”
Gaskells’ £3.2 million summer investment programme centred around sustainability, reliability, and long-term growth.
“Creating our own in-house maintenance workshop and introducing a brand-new fleet, ensures our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, reducing downtime and guaranteeing a consistently reliable service for our customers. Our modern fleet has been selected specifically to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, helping us significantly reduce carbon emissions and further our commitment to sustainability. This investment not only strengthens our operational resilience, but also ensures we continue to deliver a dependable, cost-effective service while supporting our wider goal of creating a cleaner, greener future for the communities we serve.”
Well known for supporting the local economy by creating stable jobs and investing in apprenticeships and training to develop future talent, Says Jonathan, “Working with local suppliers keeps investment local and actively supports a critical mass of schools, charities, and community projects at a regional level. It’s the combination of job creation, skills development, and sustainability that continues to help us build a stronger, greener future for our communitie. We are also committed to achieving zero waste to landfill by maximising recycling and recovering energy from residual waste.”
Gaskells continues to drive its carbon reduction programme through investment in modern, fuel-efficient fleet, route optimisation, and vehicle tracking technologies to reduce emissions. “By providing customers with equipment like balers and compactors, and using data to improve recycling performance, we’re helping businesses and communities work towards a greener future,” maintains Jonathan.
Gaskells is aiming to continue its growth as a leading independent waste management company, with an even stronger presence across the North West, Midlands and Wales.
Jonathan concludes: “Our focus is on driving innovation, sustainability, and zero waste to landfill solutions, supported by a fully modern, low-emission fleet and the latest technology. Most importantly, we will remain a business with excellent customer service at its heart, providing stability for our employees and a cleaner future for the communities we serve.”
From one single vehicle, Gaskells now has four operating centres, with 46 waste collection vehicles and a business with more than 100 employees and a turnover of more than £18.5 million, but, as Jonathan is quick to point out, “None of this would have been possible without the loyalty and dedication of the company’s team and the support of the communities they serve.
Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Christmas fundraiser highlights skills acquisition agenda
Local businesses and organisations encouraged to support event.
The Liverpool Lord Mayor is looking to her campaign’s Christmas fundraiser to help bring further mass awareness to her skills acquisition initiative.
Cllr Barbara Murray revealed at her inauguration that getting more young people access to the skills required to qualify for better jobs was her campaign’s driving force.
The Lord Mayor has flown the flag for children and young people for decades in the city. She is also the elected member for Yew Tree ward (since 2007). She was returned for her fifth term as a city councilor in the all-out elections two years ago and has regularly spoken about the city’s major skills gap when it comes to filling the top jobs.
She said: “I set up the Liverpool Literacy Cycle in 2020 to help close the literacy gap as part of helping young people in their future career development. I’m also hoping to dramatically boost youth work provision and safe places for children and youth to develop my campaign. As mentioned at the Annual Civic Service for the Lord Mayor last month, the City Council used to employ more than 80 youth workers, it currently employs just two.”
Bolstered by the strong support she has from The Lord Mayoral Committee, Cllr Murray now sees her campaign’s Christmas fundraiser on Friday November 28th at Liverpool Town Hall as the ideal opportunity to bring her message firmly home to the widest possible audience.
She continued: “The past 5 months have flown by but we’ve reached thousands of people in raising awareness of my chosen charity, the Liverpool Education Grants Charitable Trust, previously known as the Council of Education. This provides financial awards, bursaries and grants for extracurricular and cultural activities to students up to the age of 25 years. What we now want to do is appeal to even more businesses from the private sector in boosting our fundraising total, which is much needed. Our Town Hall Christmas event can do just that.”
The Lord Mayor has asked the charity to set up a specific funding stream for lifelong learning and skills to improve employability and address poverty. The direct beneficiaries during her mayoral year are Liverpool Literacy Cycle, Youth Works apprenticeships and Liverpool Poetry Space.
STEP INTO CHRISTMAS
LIVERPOOL TOWN HALL – FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER 7.30pm-11.30pm (Doors open 7pm)
Tickets are priced at £120 or £1100 for a table of 10 and are available along with further information via: jo.hynes-perez@jhp-assist.co.
‘The Nourish Reset’ – Author Margaret Bell launches “Honest, Practical book as support for women.”
“MAM INSPIRED MY LIFE NOW DEDICATED TO GUT HEALTH”
Author Margaret Bell will tell you that her latest book, ‘THE NOURISH RESET’ really comes from her own story.
“When my mam was diagnosed with lupus at 45, she was juggling perimenopause, something which wasn’t even a thing back then. She had teenagers too, and was caring for her own mam.”
“Back in 1990 there was no support and no internet to turn to. I became determined to learn everything I could about food, hormones, and gut health because I sensed it might just help. Throw in my own struggles with eating disorders, and so I have also seen first-hand how food and our emotions around it can shape our health.”
“Given my mam’s condition, that mix of lived experience and the science, it all added up to inspire me to write a book, something honest, practical, and supportive for women.” ‘THE NOURISH RESET’ is written for women over 35, going through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. “It’s for women who want real answers and tools, not quick fixes as we know they don’t work, and many are sick of the disappointment they bring,” maintains Marg, originally from her native North East and now residing in Wirral. “It will also appeal to anyone who’s interested in feeling more balanced, energised, and at ease with food. I’ve kept it down-to-earth, no fads or strange ingredients, so it’s approachable for everyday life.”
Quoted by one reviewer as “It’s a work of art and science wrapped up in deliciousness.”, Margaret came up with the idea for the details and various chapters in her book via knowing that she didn’t want to write just another diet book. “For me, it had to be rooted in the seasons. Nature gives us exactly what we need at the right time of year, and that’s how the chapters are structured. Each section combines science with seasonal recipes and guidance. It’s the same approach I use with clients…making health practical, sustainable, and enjoyable.”
Margaret believes her blatant honesty “and the fact that it will feel real reading it” will attract the right target audience. “Women are tired of being told to cut everything out or overhaul their whole lives – we simply haven’t the time. This book lets them start where they are in life and still see changes. It’s full of warmth and Geordie personality, with recipes that are completely unique and seasonal. People will feel like I’m in the kitchen with them, not talking down at them.” As part of the book’s publication, Margaret is hosting “A very untypical”, as she describes it, book launch. “Because it’s not your typical book launch, it’s a chance to taste the food from my book, watch me demo some of the recipes, and ask me questions in real time.”
“There will also be some wonderful Think Wine to enable us to raise a glass in celebration, and plenty of honest conversation about how food shapes focus, mood and energy.”
“Guests will leave with practical ideas for their own gut and hormonal health, and they’ll also be able to purchase a signed copy of the book on the day. More than that, it’s about connection, stepping into a calm space at the end of the day where people can learn, be inspired, and take something home that can genuinely change how they feel.”
‘THE NOURISH RESET’ BOOK LAUNCH TAKES PLACE THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13TH AT 5.30pm AT:
THE BAKEHOUSE, 22 ARGYLE STREET, BIRKENHEAD CH41 6AE
Places are limited to 50 guests.
All booking form requests and further information should be addressed to:
Mental wellbeing brand Laugh For Life Comedy returns to the Hot Water Club on November 7th
One of Liverpool’s most popular comedy hotspots is featuring the latest in series of wellness-oriented showcases this November by Liverpool comedian Henry Churney and his CIC Laugh For Life Comedy.
Mixing stand-up comedy and mental wellbeing to create empowering courses has proved a great success for Churney since he began the organisation in February 2024. Henry enthused: “Comedy as a vehicle to improve an individual’s mental wellbeing has been very well received since we began delivering courses last year across Merseyside.
“Laugh For Life Comedy has brought together so many people, from the participants, to their families and friends and we’ll be demonstrating why at the Hot Water Comedy Club on Friday November 7th.
“I’m delighted that we have secured the support of Matt Jones as guest MC, with the whole evening showcase made possible by Merseycare NHS Trust to whom I’m very grateful.”
Tickets for the Hot Water Laugh For Life Comedy Showcase are priced from just £5 and are available via
Photographs by Keith Taylor
MyCardium AI named overall winner at the 2025 Merseyside Independent Business Awards
The Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) founded by Morecrofts Solicitors, has officially crowned MyCardium AI (pictured above) as the
Overall Winner for 2025, recognising its pioneering work in medical imaging and AI-driven cardiac diagnostics.
The announcement was made at a glittering black-tie ceremony on Thursday 16 October at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, attended by almost 500 guests from across the Liverpool City Region. The awards, now in their eleventh year, celebrate the diversity, innovation and resilience of the region’s thriving independent business community.
Founded in 2013 by Morecrofts to mark the firm’s 200th anniversary, the MIB Awards have become a cornerstone of the local business calendar. Each year, they shine a spotlight on the region’s most dynamic businesses.
Alison Lobb, Managing Partner of Morecrofts said: “Each year, the MIB Awards uncover remarkable stories of business innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial determination. This year’s finalists reflect that spirit, and MyCardium AI is a perfect example – using cutting-edge technology to make a tangible difference to people’s lives and to the future of healthcare. We are incredibly proud to recognise their achievement.”
This year’s headline sponsor was once again the Liverpool BID Company and CEO Bill Addy added: “Independent businesses don’t just contribute to our economy – they define the spirit of our communities. The MIB Awards are a vital platform to celebrate and elevate those who are pushing boundaries, improving lives and setting new standards. MyCardium AI embodies that mission, and we congratulate them on a well-deserved win.”
MyCardium AI, winner of the Digital & Technology Business of the Year, uses proprietary end-to-end AI software to revolutionise cardiac imaging. Their “human in the loop” technology is trusted by clinicians to increase accuracy, reduce cost, and speed up the development of new treatments across the globe.
Winners were chosen from hundreds of entries, reviewed by independent judging panels made up of experts across various sectors. This year’s finalists represented a broad spectrum of industries – from health and wellbeing to retail, construction, tourism and professional services – reflecting the strength and resilience of Merseyside’s independent economy.
Category sponsors for the 2025 MIB Awards included:
JEC Business Finance, Everton FC, Merseyrail, Forresters IP, ONE Knowsley, The Guide Liverpool, Bruntwood, Butterworth Spengler, B&L Creative, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Handelsbanken, DSG Accountants and FPC.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
Community Interest Company of the Year – Thrive
Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year – Trojan Lighting Solutions
Professional Services Business of the Year – Sutcliffe
Culture & Tourism Business of the Year – Hope Street Hotel
Best Creative Business – Loud Speaker
Best Start Up – Girls On The Go
Retailer of the Year – Solo Car Sales
Children Focussed Business of the Year – Safe Hands
Food Venue of the Year – Derek’s
Health & Wellbeing Business of the Year – Girls On The Go
Digital & Technology Business of the Year & Overall Independent Business of the Year – MyCardium AI
Employer of the Year – Structec (N.W)
Business Person of the Year – Sean Keyes – Sutcliffe
Chasing the Stigma Announced as Founding Member of The Royal Foundation’s New National Suicide Prevention Network
This World Mental Health Day, Chasing the Stigma will stand alongside The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales as one of five founding partners in the new National Suicide Prevention Network – a UK-wide initiative uniting life-saving work across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Network, which was launched on Friday 10th October, World Mental Health Day, by the Prince of Wales, brings together pioneering charities and organisations dedicated to preventing suicide and strengthening community wellbeing, with James’ Place (England), PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland (Northern Ireland), Mikeysline (Scotland) and Jac Lewis Foundation (Wales) also joining as founding partners. Every year, more than 7,000 people lose their lives to suicide in the UK. Behind each statistic are families, friends and communities deeply affected, and a shared determination to ensure that support is available when and where it is needed most.
Merseyside-based Chasing the Stigma’s Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest mental health support directory, and has been chosen as the Network’s official national signposting platform. This recognition reflects years of collaboration with NHS partners, charities and grassroots organisations to make mental health support accessible for everyone, everywhere. The Hub of Hope connects people to over 14,000 services across the UK and helps hundreds of thousands of people every year find the right support in moments of need. Being part of this network will allow the charity to reach even more people and strengthen the collective effort to prevent suicide through connection, compassion and collaboration.
Chasing the Stigma founder and CEO, Jake Mills said “This partnership represents a vital step forward in ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are in the UK, can find timely, appropriate mental health support. “The Hub of Hope was created to close the gap between those in need and the help available, and it has become a trusted national tool for individuals and professionals alike. To see it recognised as the official signposting platform for the National Suicide Prevention Network is a powerful validation of its impact and of the people who have worked so hard to make it what it is today.
“This moment holds deep meaning for me and our team. Chasing the Stigma was born from lived experience, shaped by the understanding of what it feels like to be in crisis and not know where to turn. Every step we take is guided by that experience and by the hope that no one else will ever feel alone or unseen.
“To now stand alongside The Prince of Wales, The Royal Foundation and so many remarkable founding and innovation partners is not only an honour, but a reflection of how far we’ve come, from one story of pain and hope to a national movement for change.”
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales said: “The incredible partners who form this network reach those at risk of, or affected by, suicide with their inspirational work. I have had the privilege of meeting all of the founding partners to see firsthand their powerful community-based efforts to offer hope and support to those who need it most. Their efforts reaffirm the urgent mission of the National Suicide Prevention Network: to build a bold unified national response to the heartbreaking – and preventable – tragedy of suicide.”
More than a dozen organisations are also joining the Network as innovation partners. The range from local charities offering crisis support, prevention and postvention services, to those focused on high risk and underrepresented groups. The innovation partners have received seed funding from The Royal Foundation to deliver new projects which serve to address specific areas of need across the sector.
The founding partners have shared their stories and explained the ambition for the Network, in film produced by The Royal Foundation and available on the
National Suicide Prevention Network | A Four Nations Approach: Prince William & The Royal Foundation – YouTube
For further information, please contact: Jake Mills, CEO Chasing the Stgma
Jake@chasingthestigma.co.uk
Bathgate “Highly Commended” at prestigious national awards
Bathgate Business Finance named a finalist in three categories across two prestigious awards, the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIBs) 2025 and the NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2025, with the firm being awarded “Highly Commended” at the NACFB awards.
Bathgate was shortlisted at the national NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2025 in both the Invoice Finance Broker of the Year (4+ Brokers) and Asset & Leasing Broker of the Year (4+ Brokers) categories. At the ceremony at Lancashire Cricket Club, which took place on Friday 19th September the company was recognised as “Highly Commended” in the latter, which was sponsored by Haydock Finance.
Bathgate has also been named as a finalist in the Professional Services Business of the Year category at the MIBs 2025, a title that the business proudly won in 2023.
Bathgate MD, Gordon Andrews, said: “As previous winners of the ‘Professional Services Business of the Year’ category at the MIBs, we are pleased to once again be recongised as a finalist. We’re also extremely proud of our shortlistings at the NACFB awards, and our ‘Highly Commended’ award in the Asset & Leasing Broker of the Year (4+ Brokers) category, where we were up against tough competition.
“This recognition is a reflection of our team’s hard work and expertise, and I am extremely proud of every single member. We had a fabulous evening at the NACFB awards, and we are now looking forward to celebrating with other fantastic finalists at the MIBs in two weeks time.”
Winners and finalists of the Merseyside Independent Business Awards will be announced on Thursday 16th October 2025, at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.