Eric Martyn

Morecrofts marks a decade of service in allerton 

Morecrofts Solicitors is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its office in Allerton.

Since opening in 2013, the office has doubled in size and now accommodates up to 15 lawyers and support staff working across a range of legal matters including property conveyancing, family and employment law.

During its first decade, staff at the Allerton  office have represented more than 5,000 clients, often working alongside neighbouring estate agents, accountants and other local professional advisors.

Pictures by Gareth Jones

Morecrofts managing partner Alison Lobb says the achievement is all the more impressive considering that other law firms have closed their offices during this time.

“When we opened the Allerton office, our ambition was to establish ourselves in a thriving high street and lend our support to the local community, and I am delighted we have been able to do that for a decade. There have certainly been changes to the area during that time and we have seen lots of fellow occupiers, including law firms and banks, moving out or reducing their footprint. Our commitment is steadfast and we look forward to further expanding our presence and our impact here in the coming years.”

 

£32k bathgate deal brings fitness franchise to bromborough

West Kirby-based business finance specialist, Bathgate Business Finance, has brought fitness franchise, Transform Hub, to Wirral, with a £32k own-book deal.

Transform Hub’s Bromborough site opened in October 2023 and is the first to open in the borough, with two more sites planned for the CH postcode in the next two years. The £32K funding for Bathgate was secured to purchase equipment including free weights, resistance, and cardio machines.

There are currently 20 Transform Hub gyms in the UK, primarily in North West England, but with some locations in Greater London. The Wirral sites will be led by Directors Nick Hodson, who boasts more than 25 years’ experience running a family-owned healthcare recruitment business and as a business consultant, and Jamie Leighton, who has been a personal trainer and Professional Coach since 2009.

Transform Hub offers personal training in a group setting, nutritional advice, a fun and community-focused environment and compassionate coaching to provide accountability and help clients stay on track. As a franchise model, Transform Hub, also offers potential business owners the chance to purchase its method of setting up and running a successful fitness business.

Director Nick Hodson said: “We sought external funding to support the launch of our first Transform Hub in order to preserve some headroom for working capital, which is always a challenge with a new business. We approached three different funders and Bathgate’s process was the simplest by far. Once approved the cash was in our account and ready to use when we needed it. Bathgate’s reputation is second to none for SMEs looking for finance and we certainly had an excellent experience.”

Director Jamie Leighton added: “Transform Hub is unique in that we’re not targeting ‘gym bunnies’ but rather people who have tried lots of different diets and gym programmes without success. The funding provided by Bathgate has helped us to bring a different offer to Bromborough.”

Bathgate’s Ian Adams said: “Transform Hub’s business plan demonstrated a unique offer for customers, a sophisticated and considered sales process, and sound basis for a successful franchise model. Nick and Jamie’s extensive combined experience in both business ownership and development and the fitness sector also makes this an exciting venture for Bathgate to support. We’re looking forward to seeing the Bromborough site flourish and eagerly anticipate the opening of the next two sites.”

The Transform Hub deal is a further demonstration of Bathgate’s award-winning support for SMEs and its commitment to service excellence. In September 2023 it was named winner in two categories at the prestigious NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2023 – the SME Champion and Service Excellence award – and in October 2023 won Professional Services Business of the Year at the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIBS).

For more information about Bathgate Business Finance or to find out more about its own-book lending visit bathgatebf.co.uk, call 0151 625 7323 or email [email protected]

Pictured at top are: L-R Nick Hodson (Transform Hub) Ian Adams (Bathgate) Jamie Leighton (Transform Hub)

Photograph by: Andrew AB Photography

The choir with no name kicks off city’s seasonal celebrations

The Choir with No Name (CWNN) Liverpool, a choir involving people impacted by homelessness, successfully kicked-off our city’s festive season with a big Christmas singalong at the Tung Auditorium, Oxford Street, on Friday 8th December. The annual festive event saw the Choir join a host of special guests in starting the season in the best way possible – with a rip-roaring, fun-filled Christmas extravaganza as crowds gathered to join in the singing of their favourite festive songs.

Building on the success of its annual ‘Big Gig’ at the Everyman earlier this year, The Choir with No Name were joined by special guests the Liverpool UNIty Choir and the Asylum Link Merseyside Choir for an evening of truly joyful performances, filled with festive magic and sing-alongs chosen to release the Christmas spirit, and raise the roof of the auditorium, with the audience in fine voice.

CWNN Liverpool Choir Manager, Ema Quinn, said: “We and our fabulous special guests were delighted to be able to treat our audience to some real Christmas magic, as we welcomed so many people to our inclusive, positive and joy-filled show, spreading the festive cheer far and wide. As well as being bags of fun, the profits made through ticket sales and donations on the night support the cost of keeping our weekly choir rehearsal running and our members singing well into the future, which will be the very best Christmas present for us all!”

The Choir with No Name is a UK charity running choirs involving homeless and marginalised people since 2008. The Liverpool choir was founded in January 2014 and has been a joyful choir community for some of the most isolated and disadvantaged residents in the city ever since. The Choir is a supportive family where a conventional family may not exist and singing together is proven to be hugely beneficial to health and wellbeing, meaning members build the support network, self-confidence and resilience needed to move away from homelessness long term. The choir rehearse on Wednesdays at The Quaker Meeting House, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT. Doors open at 6.30pm for a cuppa and catch up before singing together and sitting down for a hot dinner together afterwards, cooked by a team of volunteers.

The Choir with No Name is registered charity no. 1136173

Follow them on social media:

Facebook.com/choirwithnoname | @cwnnlpool

 

December 2023

Butterworth spengler invests in a rebrand ahead of their 100th anniversary

The Directors of Butterworth Spengler, one of the UK’s longest established and fastest growing insurance brokers, having been founded in Liverpool in 1924, have invested in a rebrand as they near their centenary in 2024. The rebrand comes at a time when they have a firm focus on growth and on attracting the best in the business to join their company.

Butterworth Spengler became part of the JMG Group in 2021, a move which MD John Lacey (pictured) says has fuelled the Directors’ ambitious growth plans for the business, adding: “Joining JMG has helped us up our game. We knew we wanted to grow, and this has turbo charged it.”

Part of the firm’s growth strategy includes making acquisitions, the first of which was Gloucester-based insurance brokers, Brunsdon, which changed its name to Butterworth Spengler South West Ltd in 2022.

Butterworth Spengler has three divisions: Commercial insurance, professional risks, and specialist schemes and their areas of expertise include professional, commercial and manufacturing sectors including property, construction, retail, haulage and leisure.

Director Richie Bell said the timing of the rebrand, featuring a “fresh and modern” new logo, coincided with an exciting period for the business as they approach their 100th anniversary. A strapline: Part of JMG group (which is a ‘Top 30 UK Insurance Broker’ with £230m plus in gross written premium placed into the insurance market annually) has been added to the company’s logo. Meanwhile, the addition of the shield is a nod to Brunsdon Insurance’s logo, incorporating some of this business’s brand identity into the new design.

Butterworth Spengler’s Directors say that alongside their commitment to furthering company growth, they are also keen to make a valuable contribution to the local community. The firm has a longstanding reputation for supporting local charities, such as Nugent (a registered charity which supports vulnerable children, young people and adults through their schools, care homes, and community and social work services).

In order to empower their team to make a difference, they’re giving every member of staff one day a month to spend doing something for charity.

 

The rebrand also includes a fresh new look for Butterworth Spengler’s website, reflecting the growth of the business, and although the company’s Directors may have 100 years of heritage to celebrate in 2024, their main focus is on the future, with ambitious plans for recruitment and company growth firmly on the agenda.

 

https://butterworthspengler.co.uk/

River capital’s fund:ai wins best new product at growth investor awards 2023

River Capital has been named the winner of the Best New Product/Service award for its dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) fund, fund:AI at the Growth Investor Awards 2023 held in London on Thursday 23rd November.

Fund:AI was chosen as the Best New Product/Service winner by an independent panel of judges drawn from the alternative investment industry and wider business community.

fund:AI is the first Northern dedicated AI fund targeting the underfished waters of the North for high-growth AI investment opportunities. It concentrates on two approaches. The first are AI, Machine Learning or Data Science companies. The second are companies (particularly where they already have large data sets) who are not primarily AI companies, but who wish to apply these technologies to real life business issues.

Launched in November 2022 and with investment typically between £500k to £2m available to qualifying businesses, fund:AI is an EIS fund intended for investors who want to achieve capital growth by investing in early-stage, unquoted companies which have the potential to increase significantly in value.

Since inception, the fund, the first of its kind in the North, has invested in standout businesses including Southport VR gaming company Fallen Planet (to support the development of new titles with AI) and innovative Liverpool veterinary practice VidiVet (to embark on a computer vision, IOT and deep learning journey) with further deals imminent.

Speaking on the award, River Capital Investment Director David Walters said:

“I am thrilled that our evergreen EIS AI fund, fund:AI, has been recognised as the Best New Product/Service at this year’s Growth Investor Awards 2023. This achievement highlights our commitment and success in supporting fantastic Northern businesses on their AI and machine learning journeys. Since launching in November 2022, we have developed a management team and advisory board that are second to none and have completed investments in innovative companies like Fallen Planet and VidiVet that showcases the strength of our pipeline.

With further deals imminent, we’re looking forward to working with more exciting AI businesses across the North”

With the award win, River Capital now looks forward to cementing its place at the forefront of AI investing in the North and welcomes contact from interested parties, be they companies seeking investment or investors seeking AI exposure.

Fpc returns as mwoty headline sponsor for 2024

 

Ainsdale-based independent financial planning and investment management firm, Financial Planning Corporation (FPC), has announced that it will return as headline sponsor for the Merseyside Women of the Year (MWOTY) Awards 2024.

The women-led business stepped up as the headline sponsor for the 2023 event after five years as category sponsor and has supported this year’s winners – Heather Evans and June Russell from Halle’s Hub CIC – as well as finalists and category winners from previous years.

Cementing its commitment to the awards and champion women in the region making a difference, FPC has delivered two business leader events in partnership with MWOTY, to bring this year’s winners and finalists together with those from previous years, to encourage knowledge sharing, networking, collaboration, and celebration of success.

Moira O’Shaughnessy, Managing Partner, FPC, said: “MWOTY is a movement, not a moment, and it turns out that being headline sponsor is a similar experience! Over the past year our team became more involved with this unique community than ever before, creating a momentum that we want to ensure continues. The drive and focus of Ellie, her team, and all the winners past and present is having a positive impact throughout our region; we are honoured to keep supporting their endeavours. May 2024 be MWOTY’s best yet!”

Ellie Kerr, MWOTY Founding Director, said: “We are so excited that FPC has committed to a second year as headline sponsor for MWOTY. Not only is it a woman-led business with values that align perfectly with our own, FPC is also dedicated to supporting and improving communities. Over the past year Moira, Bernice and the team have supported us with incredible passion and gusto, and we have experienced a truly fantastic year of growth and even greater visibility. We would like to thank FPC for its support and being an incredible part of the MWOTY family – we’re eagerly anticipating what we can achieve together to make MWOTY even more of a movement in 2024!”

With clients across the Northwest, the financial planning and investment management company has 40 years’ experience supporting its clients, many of which are business owners based in the region, to achieve and maintain financial independence, secure their future and legacy, and lead the lives they aspire to. Through its charitable organisation, the FPC Foundation, it supports other events, initiatives, and organisations across the Northwest, including MWOTY category sponsor, the Community Foundation for Merseyside, which seeks to empower women in the region.

Other category sponsors returning for 2024 include Neo Community and ADDvanced Solutions, the Institute of Directors (IoD), global law firm, Taylor Wesssing, and communications and publishing consultancy, Auteur Media.

The 2024 MWOTY awards will take place on Friday 28th June 2024 at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool City Centre and nominations are set to open in January 2024. Category sponsor opportunities are available, if you would like further information, please contact Ellie Kerr on [email protected]

For all other information, please visit: ​https://merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/

 

Dot-art gallery – the liverpool collection 2023

‘The Liverpool Collection 2023’. An exhibition by dot-art Artist Members.

Running until Saturday 3rd February 2024

The launch and private view of dot-art’s new exhibition – The Liverpool Collection 2023 – took place on Thursday 23rd November when members of the public filled the gallery to view the work created by over 20 talented artists and enjoy the Christmas Carols performed by Scrapyard Choir.

dot-art’s final exhibition of the year before welcoming in 2024, included work by talents such as Caroline Race  John Petch  Susan Finch  Clare Wrench  and Natalie Gilmore. Each of the artists contributing to the exhibition have captured the parts of Liverpool they love and that seep into their creative practice. View the sights you know and discover the ones you are yet to espy. From streets running off the strand, to our green haven parks, to wonders of the Wirral.

dot-art can help you tick off your Christmas list with not just art, but Creative Courses and Gift Vouchers too.

All artworks are for sale.

 VISIT: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00

Contact Us / Visit Us / Find Out More: www.dot-art.co.uk

dot-art Gallery – Visit our gallery at 14 Queen Avenue in Liverpool’s commercial district, a 5 minute walk from Liverpool ONE, where we hold regularly changing exhibitions of our member artists work.

You can also view any artwork you see on the website at the gallery; just get in touch.

Looking for framing or printing services? No problem, just pop in and speak to one of our friendly staff.

Please Note: there is a small step to access the gallery which may not be suitable for some types of wheelchair. The exhibition space is at ground floor level only.

See our 4-page feature in My Planet Liverpool December 2023 magazine at: https://myplanetliverpool.co.uk

 

 

Designerwear.co.uk fuels possibilities with significant investment

Designer clothing and footwear online retailer, Designerwear International [www.designerwear.co.uk] is set to transform its fashion business having secured a game-changing six-figure investment from the North West Business Growth Loan, managed by River Capital.

This substantial funding will empower the pioneering Lancashire company to facilitate its rapid expansion and forge further significant partnerships with leading designer brands

Designerwear has proven itself as a force in the industry and since its establishment in 2015, has developed sound digital infrastructure, grown to a team of ten and now operates from a 16,000sqft warehouse. Since adapting a new marketing strategy in 2022 it has achieved a meteoric 90% growth period and now, with this significant new investment capital secured, the possibilities are endless.

Under the leadership of budding entrepreneur Ben Wallington, Designerwear has skyrocketed from humble eBay beginnings to become a force in the industry, underpinned by the Covid-19 lockdown where they attracted thousands of new customers, providing a solid platform for further growth.

This latest cash injection will enable Ben’s team to boost sales revenue, improve supplier terms, increase margins and create up to 5 new jobs.

Designerwear.co.uk  MD Ben Wallington commented on the investment:

“The funding provided by Jim and the River Capital team will enable us to move to the next level with our expansion plans to grow our customer base, revenue and brand portfolio in the mens and womens premium online space.”

River Capital Investment Manager Jim Moore said:

“The future looks phenomenally bright for Designerwear International. With the financial fuel to match their limitless ambition, there’s no telling what the business could achieve. When the fund was established, it was done so to create and safeguard jobs within the North West and Ben’s plans to create up to five indicates their commitment to doing just that. We now look forward to following the next part of their journey and offering support along the way.

Dada present a dazzling cabaret showcase as part of its winter programme

Unity Theatre plays host to a captivating evening of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists

The award wining Liverpool based arts organisation DaDa return this month with a staple of their programme, the popular Cabaret night adding warmth and joy to the cold winter nights as The Unity Theatre on Hope Place play host to the entertaining evening for one night only on Friday 24 November at 7.30pm, tickets are on sale now priced at just £5 each.

The night promises to be an explosion of emotions and ideas – fun, uplifting, challenging, extravagant, silly, and politically charged all rolled into one dazzling evening of performance.

DaDa Cabaret showcases deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent acts, including poetry from Joan Cooper Snark, Shaun Fallows and David Bateman, comedy from Lizzy Lenco and Eden MW, song from Miss Sunny Sarah and Rhiannon & Mil and drag from Filla Crack, they will all light up a dark November night with sparkling cabaret performances hosted by the sensational Diva Hollywood and with Dora Belle delivering BSL.

 

 

The remainder of the Winter programme, running in November and December, will present a Liverpool premiere of the play Toilet Diaries at the Unity on Thursday 23 November, along with their annual Edward Rushton Social Justice Lecture with Artist Ashokkumar D Mistry, presented on international day or disability at the Museum of Liverpool, on Sunday 3 December.

Rachel Rogers and Ngozi Ugochukwu for DaDa said: “Our regular DaDa Cabaret is a night we really look forward to, it’s a staple we are welcoming back into our annual calendar and it’s fantastic to work again with some of our regular artists as well as continually welcoming and introducing new performers to our programme and audiences.

“We have a really fantastic night of poetry, song, comedy and drag performance this year and we know that our audiences are going to enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment.”

FOLLOW DADAFEST

Website: www.dadafest.co.uk ♦  Facebook: facebook.com/DaDaFest ♦ Twitter: twitter.com/DaDaFest ♦ Instagram:  Instagram/DaDafest

DADA CABARET

Venue: Unity Theatre  ♦ Date: Friday 24 November  ♦ Time: 7.30pm ♦ Tickets: £5

Book: www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk