Eric Martyn

Novotel liverpool paddington village launches a luxury bottomless lunch

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Kieran Maxwell, the talented Head Chef at Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village, has unveiled a new luxury bottomless brunch, which will be available to book every Saturday from 30th November to 21st December.

Kieran wanted to ensure that the bottomless brunch featured a range of guests’ favourites, such as crushed avocado toast, smoked salmon scrambled eggs, French toast, hot wraps and Shakshuka, as well as pancakes and a range of freshly made pastries and a tempting array of desserts.

The hotel’s General Manager, Howard Lewis, said: “When creating the new luxury bottomless brunch, we were aware that bottomless brunches can sometimes feel rushed, so it was important to us to ensure that people would have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely experience that would feel relaxed and indulgent at this busy time of year. That’s why everyone who books a bottomless brunch with us will have their table from 1-4pm, giving them plenty of time to unwind and enjoy some of the highlights of our menu.”

Drinks available with the premium bottomless brunch will include prosecco, a choice of three cocktails (Aperol Spritz, L7 Martini and ‘A Day in the Life’), wine by the glass, bottles of Carlsberg or Poretti, soft drinks and mocktails, and the following house spirits and mixers: Beefeater, Beefeater pink, Absolut, Jack Daniels and Bacardi.

The bottomless brunch costs £55 per person and will be served within the hotel’s stylish Kensington Restaurant.

Howard said: “Our chefs have put a lot of thought into devising our luxurious brunch menu, and we also wanted to make sure our guests have plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options, elevating the traditional bottomless brunch and making it more of a memorable experience.”

To book your three hour bottomless brunch, (which starts from 1pm and ends at 4pm) on

November 30th, December 7th, December 14th or December  21st,

visit:
 https://www.ibookedonline.com/novotel-liverpool-paddington-village

Kimpton ‘ready for next chapter’ following mbo

Kimpton, which specialises in M&E, HVAC, commercial fit-out, and service and facilities management, has successfully completed a management buyout as it enjoys a period of sustained growth across the UK.

The Bromborough-based business, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last yearin 2023, will now be led by a team of directors, including new managing director Tim Davis, who was formerly the firm’s general manager, and Linzi Kelly, who steps up to become financial director.  They are joined on the board by five experienced colleagues from the existing senior team – Paul Cooper, Scott Bennett, Paul Davies, Andy Morgan and Matt Breakwell – who share many years of operational, service and project delivery expertise.
Departing chief executive Richard Kimpton (pictured above on left with new Kimpton managing director Tim Davis) himself completed an MBO from his father and company founder Eric Kimpton in 2001 and he will remain invested in the business and continue to support the MBO team in a non-executive capacity as part of a long-term succession plan. Long-serving Kimpton director Ron Tierney will retire from the business following the MBO, while Colin Swanick is also retiring as a director but will remain employed within the business.
The move follows a period of marked expansion over recent years, led by the new management team, which has seen Kimpton broaden the diversity of its revenue through an expansion of its service offer into full facilities management, turnkey commercial and science fit-out, with a focus on decarbonisation and net zero solutions, alongside the team’s developed MEP specialism in high rise residential construction.
Tim Davis said: “We are all delighted to take the reins at this exciting time for Kimpton. Our strong customer base continues to grow, encouraged by our expanded range of services, and the dedication of our team. The vision we have for the company is ambitious and yet pragmatic. We will continue to build on our reputation for quality and dependability, in keeping with the ethos and foundations of the company, building the diversity of our business, and in turn creating growth, security, and opportunities for our staff, our customers, and the communities in which we operate.
“Our recent introduction of hard FM services and full turnkey project solutions are a step towards this. By enabling our teams to better leverage the collective experience that exists within Kimpton for the benefit of customers, in the last year we have been able to deliver for local clients including ACC Liverpool and the refurbishment of the Capital Building for the Home Office and Crown Commercial Services. Simultaneously, our core MEP Projects Division has also developed its offer with specialist teams now dedicated to delivering particular project types that fall within the broad scope of commercial mechanical and electrical building services. 
“Alongside their work regionally for a variety of clients from manufacturers, education providers, NHS trusts and hospitality venues, our specialist BTR and PBSA division has also been expanding its work nationally across the UK, with multi-million pound projects in Birmingham, Bath, Cardiff, London, Leeds and Manchester.
“I would also like to pay special thanks to departing director Ron Tierney, who has worked tirelessly over many years to help make Kimpton the business it is today. I hope we can continue to build upon the legacy that he, Richard and our other former directors have built.”
Richard Kimpton said: “It has been a privilege to lead Kimpton for the past 23 years and witness the continued broadening of our customer base and the enhancement of our local and national reputation as a trusted delivery partner across a range of projects and sectors. We are lucky to have such a highly experienced leadership team here, some of whom have been with us since they were apprentices and I have no doubt they are all more than ready to lead the next chapter in the Kimpton story. Planning and consistency over time has been vitally important to us in achieving this succession responsibly. Having begun the process on this over five years ago, I have no doubt that the MBO team that we have in place will continue to build upon our long history, and are the right team to secure both long-term stability and growth aspirations for Kimpton as a trusted company within the industry. 
“We needed to know that we would be leaving the company in safe hands so we have been careful to take our time with this, and I now look forward to supporting the team in the next chapter for Kimpton in a non-executive capacity in the years ahead.”

Inaugural international men’s day conference receives strong support

The event organisers behind Liverpool’s first International Men’s Day Conference have had an overwhelming response to the initiative.

Happening next Monday at Innside Melia in Liverpool’s business district and sponsored by DNA Financial Solutions and Oriel Studios, the event focuses on positive role models, reinvention, and recovery.

A day-long invitation from 10am to 3pm, the audience will hear powerful stories of resilience from Paul Sculthorpe MBE, former Everton midfielder Tony Grant, and business leader Frank Mckenna on how they redefined success and personal growth. The event also includes a masterclass with mental health and self-development expert Dave Verburg with practical tools for creating lasting positive change.

Keynote Speaker Sam P Jalloh will also share his incredible journey from surviving war to becoming an international tennis coach, inspiring all to pursue strength and purpose.

Founder of Wellness In The City and the organiser behind the Conference Clare Ellis said: “The day is a result of 12 months of planning and I’m so pleased it’s all come together. In addition to an array of influential guests, there’ll be networking with opportunities to connect with a business community that is passionate about mental health, men’s wellbeing, and personal transformation. There will be real insights from those who’ve overcome adversity in the hope that many attendees will leave with strategies to reset their own path.”

The Wellness In The City initiative is supporting Sean’s Place as their chosen charity plus the Conference will reveal International Men’s Day award winners to be announced on the day in categories including Community Champion, Business Leader, Young persons award ( under 21 years of age ) and Positive Role Model.

Remaining tickets for the event are available via: International Men’s Day Conference Tickets, Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Split perspectivz teams up with peoples ford and ford motor company to raise funds for liverpool’s youth

Split Perspectivz is thrilled to announce a partnership with Peoples Ford and Ford Motor Company to bring the Drive 4 UR Community initiative to Liverpool – the initiative’s first time in the UK.

This unique event offers the local community an opportunity to support Split Perspectivz’s Planet Pack in Park initiative—which educates schoolchildren on environmental sustainability—by test-driving Peoples Ford’s new range of electric vehicles.

For each test drive conducted on Friday 22nd November, Ford Motor Company will donate £20 to Split Perspectivz, aiming to raise up to £6,000 for this important cause.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Peoples Ford and Ford Motor Company to bring the community together in support of environmental education,” said Natalie Reeves Billing, CEO and Founder of Split Perspectivz.

“Our commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the promotion of electric vehicles. The funds raised will enhance our Planet Pack in Park programme, allowing us to educate more children about environmental issues and inspire them to become stewards of a greener future.”

In addition to taking a test drive in the All-Electric Ford Mustang Mach-E or Explorer, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the iconic All-New All-Electric Ford Capri, which will be available on-site as a static demonstration.

Peoples Ford staff will be on hand to introduce the latest electric technologies, providing insights into Ford’s vision for a sustainable future.  To add to the festive spirit, all test drivers will receive a complimentary festive drink to enjoy in the café at Novotel, Paddington Village.  No booking is necessary, simply stop by and take part in the event.

“At Peoples Ford, we are excited to showcase our new electric vehicle lineup while contributing to a sustainable future,” said Nicola Gilda, Managing Director of Peoples Ford.

“By partnering with Split Perspectivz, we are not only promoting eco-friendly transportation but also supporting vital environmental education in our community. We encourage everyone to join us in making a positive impact.” ends

Event Details

Date: Friday 22nd November 2024

Time: 9am til 5pm

Location: Novotel, Paddington Village, Grove Street, Liverpool, L7 3FA

More info:  www.peoplesford.co.uk/split

Note: Each test drive will last approximately 7–10 minutes. Participants must be 18 or older, have held a full UK drivers license for over 1 year.  Driver’s license must be brought on the day. The event is free to attend, with no obligation to purchase.  Terms and conditions apply.

 

Success for merseyside against blood cancers awareness raiser 

THE GREAT AND THE GOOD OF THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION STEPPED OUT AT LUNYA RESTAURANT ON HANOVER STREET IN SUPPORT OF MERSEYSIDE AGAINST BLOOD CANCERS – AKA THE BLOOM APPEAL

ORGANISED by the Ubiquity Collective and supported by Wellness in the City, Peter and Elaine Kinsella, founders of the multi-award-winning Lunya restaurant and bar, played host to over 100 guests.

They heard about the various types of Blood Cancers, including Elaine speaking of her own experience, having been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma back in January 2021.

Abi Pointing, chair of the trustees said: “It gives me great pleasure to see so many different organisations represented here. Our work of providing grants to blood cancer patients, and investment in research would not be possible without the generosity of your support. My thanks to Peter and Elaine for hosting the event, and to Wellness in the City for supporting it. I look forward to seeing you at our future events.”

Those in attendance also discovered more about the Bloom Appeal’s forthcoming events, including their Winter in Bloom Festive Ball, and how they could donate to help the Charity.

It invests all donations in a variety of ways that range from supporting research to help in finding a cure for Blood Cancers, the funding of training, purchasing equipment, and providing financial assistance for individuals who suffer from a Blood Cancer condition.

The Winter In Bloom Ball is the Charity’s biggest event of the year and a great opportunity for people to support their cause.

The Ball takes place at the Liner Hotel on Friday November 22nd and there will be a warm winter welcome from their wonderful patron, Roger Phillips, before guests sit down to a delicious three- course dinner, followed by a fundraising auction and raffle, the evening ending with live music and dancing until late.

https://thebloomappeal.org.uk/winter-in-bloom-festive-ball-coming-soon-on-22nd-november-2024-at-the-liner-hotel-liverpool/

 

 

Rotary st helens launches ‘unzip the silence’ mental health and wellbeing campaign

Rotary St Helens launches ‘UnZip The Silence’ mental health and wellbeing campaign

A community-based organisation based in St Helens has launched a Borough-wide campaign aimed at reducing the incidence of poor mental health and its debilitating effects.

St Helens has one of the highest rates of mental ill health, self-harm, and suicide in the country. Rotary St Helens, which has supported the community for over 100 years, has now decided that urgent action is needed to help reduce these numbers.

Paul Winstanley, Youth Lead at Rotary St Helens said at the launch in St Helens town centre’s Parish Church on World Mental Health Day: “Through conversations with local people and given the scale of the issue in 2024, it became clear that there’s confusion about where to seek help quickly. When someone’s in a bad place, searching for the right information online can be overwhelming, so people often suffer in silence.”

Paul and fellow members of Rotary St Helens believe the solution is ‘UnZip the Silence’ – a new creative campaign for the Borough that includes posters with a designated QR code.

He continued: “Once scanned, the QR code takes the user directly to the help they need, removing the hassle of searching online and navigating multiple support options.”

Rotary St Helens members, with experience in mental health and welfare, presented the idea to Ruth Du Plessis, Director of Public Health, Integrated Health and Social Care, and Mental Health Practitioner Matthew Thompson.

“Both Ruth and Matt felt the concept was a strong addition to the support already offered by the NHS, St Helens Council, and other agencies,” Paul added.

At the event, Matthew Thompson, spoke about the mental health challenges across the borough. He highlighted suicides for 2021 -23 in which St Helens ranks as 11th highest in England and 3rd highest in the North West, “this being the highest rate seen since 1999,” he said.

Dr Michelle Loughlin, FFPH, Consultant in Public Health, at St Helens Borough Council, spoke about how ‘UnZip The Silence’ “is so important in supporting the community as it signposts people in an easy and assessable way to the various types of support that is available which people may be totally unaware of.  I’d like to thank Rotary St Helens for the work they are doing, supporting both St Helens Council and the NHS in helping the community.”

At the presentation, representatives from four charities, namely, QWELL, MIND, Young Carers and Chrysalis Centre explained to the audience how their charities support mental health and the community. All the charities can be found via the ‘UnZip The Silence’ QR code.

Poster and QR Code below:

https://qrco.de/UnziptheSilence

 

 

Hundreds of guests to attend prestigious awards night at shakespeare north playhouse

Builder Book, creators of the award-winning Builder Book ‘Planet Pack’ project are to host their biggest event yet at Shakespeare North Playhouse this Wednesday.

Natalie Reeves Billing, co-founder of the CIC behind the project alongside Jude Lennon said the launch gives them an opportunity to show all the work that has gone on throughout the campaign by their team, their community plus generous sponsors.

“It takes a village, and none of it could happen without collaboration. There are so many businesses and private sector figureheads to thank, especially our headline sponsors The Print Room and Wild Thang.

Then there are our many industry sponsors like Meet Sean O Neill, LJMU, Exceptional Care, Puzzle Duck, Everton In The Community, Can Cook/Well Fed, Flintshire County Council, The Duchy of Lancaster Benevolence Fund and Shakespeare North Playhouse itself. I also want to draw special attention to Downtown in Business’s ever popular network and how helpful Frank McKenna and the team have been.

Plus, there’s the tremendous community spirit that exists on Merseyside and North Wales. Numbers for the launch are currently approaching 325 guests!”

Natalie spoke of the opportunity to celebrate the region’s young people, and their vision of the future.

“Every year, we conduct a competition for children, contained within our activity boxes. This year we asked children to send us their drawings of a better world, their visions, and their inventions. We then found a venue in which to display them, a grand location within our city region.”

Now seven lucky young winners will receive the recognition they richly deserve with guests enjoying a priority preview of their work at the exhibition. This will showcase the entries of primary school-aged children from across Liverpool, Merseyside, Ellesmere Port and Flintshire, North Wales. Plus, there will be a presentation of The Guides Guiding Badge after participants from The Brownies used their Planet Packs to complete a Brownies Badge called ‘I Help The Planet.’

“This year we have partnered with charity, Shakespeare North Playhouse, to exhibit the work of our children which we know from feedback has made them feel seen, empowered and inspired.”

Natalie added: “This partnership has been great for us, enabling Builder Book to bring our community into the amazing space that is the Shakespeare North Playhouse. It’s a very prestigious collaboration, something we are proud and excited about, and it will help guests new to the venue to see all that it has to offer. We hope it’s the start of a beautiful long-term working relationship. We’d love that.”

There will be representation for every Borough Mayor of Merseyside plus entertainment from local dancers, singers, choirs, like the SINGME MERSEYSIDE choir, Liverpool Signing Choir, and Opera singer Sophie Clarke.

Local Poet Joseph Roberts and Dance troop MD Productions under the leadership of Miguel Doforo will be on hand too plus there will be a chance to network with a high calibre business audience throughout the event.

The evening will be hosted by the BAFTA award-winning, Simon O’ Brien alongside event host and media personality, Roy Basnett.

Evonne Bixter, Head of Engagement at Shakespeare North Playhouse summed up perfectly, the collaboration and theme of the event:

“We are delighted to support this year’s Builder Book project and feel honoured to host the awards ceremony and exhibition of entries from eco designers and inventors of the future, recognising the vital importance of nurturing young creatives whose innovations will shape a bolder, braver and more sustainable world.”

Multiple award-winning uk restaurant brand in unique transfer of ownership

Lunya Restaurant & Deli Transitions To Employee Ownership

 

Nationally acclaimed Catalonian-inspired eatery Lunya has become employee-owned.

 

Their transition, unique to the hospitality industry in the UK, will enable co-owners Peter & Elaine Kinsella to eventually retire and secure Lunya’s future and preserve its core values.

 

Lunya is best known for bringing the authentic flavours of Spain to the UK, having been founded in 2010 by the Kinsella’s.

 

The brand has become a beloved destination for food lovers in Liverpool and across the country offering an authentic taste of Catalonia and Spain with a modern twist.

 

The brand has collected multiple awards and built a loyal customer base through its commitment to quality, passion for Spanish cuisine, and dedication to exceptional service.  Still unsurpassed, it has twice been winner of the Good Food Guide Northwest Restaurant of the Year.

 

Peter enthused that he was proud to announce Lunya’s transition to employee ownership, which has been achieved by selling the shares in the company to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

“This significant change marks a new chapter in Lunya’s journey, as it places the future of the business in the hands of our dedicated staff, ensuring the continuation of our unique culinary and cultural experience for years to come.”

 

Peter maintained that the transition to employee-ownership “would ensure Lunya’s core values and commitment to quality remain intact.”

 

He continued: “The move to employee ownership reflects Elaine’s and my belief that the people who have been integral to Lunya’s success should have a stake in its future. This new structure not only rewards the hard work and dedication of the staff but also empowers them to play a direct role in the restaurant’s continued growth and innovation as we gradually retire.”

 

Co-owner Elaine was diagnosed with Myeloma in 2021, an incurable blood cancer, and has taken a back seat in the business.  Peter will continue to actively lead Lunya for years to come, hoping to fully retire within an approximate 7-year timescale, but scaling back some of his involvement over that time.

 

His role will be that of Executive Chairman, or as Peter describes it, ‘the palate and principles of the business’, still working actively in the business, and mentoring the management team.

 

Tom Cavanagh, the Director of Operations who has been managing Lunya on a day-to-day basis for nearly two years said: “The team is really excited by this opportunity given to us by Peter and Elaine.

“We are very grateful for their generosity, in effect, gifting us the business, and we plan to continue to run and develop Lunya, so it continues to be recognised as one of the very best Spanish restaurants in the UK. Personally, I love leading the business and will be working very closely with Peter and Elaine, so they get the retirement they deserve in the future.”

 

Pete added: “Elaine and I have always believed in the power of our team and their dedication to making Lunya the special place it is today. By transitioning to an employee-owned model, we are ensuring that Lunya’s unique character, passion for Catalan culture, and commitment to excellence will be preserved for generations to come.”

 

Under the new EOT model, Lunya’s employees will increasingly have a greater say in the business’s strategic direction and a stake in its financial success. This model fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose, ensuring that every team member is invested in delivering an exceptional dining experience to customers.

 

Elaine and Peter hope an EOT will encourage staff to stay for longer and financially benefit long term from their involvement.

 

Elaine in paying a special tribute to the team said: “This transition is a testament to the incredible people who make up the Lunya family. Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and we are thrilled to see them take an even greater role in shaping the future of Lunya. We believe this new chapter will bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and continued success; and eventually significant financial rewards for our team.”

The legal arrangements for the EOT have been carried out by Brabners LLP with the financial arrangements delivered by Mitchell Charlesworth Accountants.

 

Partner at Brabners, Stephen Hadlow said:

 

“The move to employee-ownership heralds a bright new chapter for Lunya, but without sacrificing the brand integrity and independence Peter and Elaine have built over the years.

“Supporting one of Liverpool’s quintessential food destinations on its adoption of employee-ownership demonstrates the versatility of the EO model as a succession strategy which now spans a wide and increasingly diverse spectrum of industry sectors.”

 

www.lunya.co.uk

Soul crew land in liverpool this weekend to support cancer charities

A soul music fanatic with a big heart has created a marathon eight hour dance session in Liverpool this weekend and all for two great causes.
Paul Bird who is a big supporter of the UK soul scene has brought together an impressive line-up of some of the UK’s top DJ’s to support cancer charities.
She spoke personally with My Planet Liverpool explaining why she created the event dubbed Birdy’s Fundraiser.
“I love the soul fraternity that I meet when regularly travelling up and down the length and breadth of the country and I wanted to bring some of that vibe back home to Liverpool in the form of an event.
“I then decided what better way to do that than theme it for personal reasons as a fundraiser supporting our friends and family who have been suffering and also thankfully coming out the other side, healthy.”
With the help of one of Liverpool’s most popular music venues, District in the Baltic Triangle, hundreds of soul lovers will be descending on the venue from 2pm til 10pm tomorrow in aid of Sunflowers Cancer Support Liverpool & Prostate Cancer UK.
Entry is free for the 2pm til 10pm event with raffle tickets purchased guaranteeing entry into a prize draw containing 30 top prizes.
We’re really looking forward to the event, especially Uncle B’s Caribbean cooking!

2030hub dominating sustainability agenda in liverpool throughout global goals week

Global Goals Week, a campaign of activities, launches and debates to raise awareness and inspire action on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals has been taking place across the city.

The Goals are a set of 17 interconnected aims that were adopted by all United Nations member states back in 2015. They address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Global Goals Week Liverpool has been organised by 2030hub, the world’s first UN-regcognised Local 2030 Hub committed to promoting sustainability across Liverpool City Region, and internationally.

“It’s our fifth campaign and a growing opportunity for the whole City Region to come together and show the world our commitment to creating a more sustainable future,” said David Connor, Founder of 2030hub, and a UN Foundation Advisor..

“We hope that this week will inspire leaders and individuals to take bolder action on the Goals in their own lives and in communities at home and abroad.”

2030hub has acted for 8 years as the sustainability link, support and “provocateur across sectors, geographies, influence and siloes to help everybody understand we can create impact faster when we act together,” added Stephen Sykes, 2030hub Co-Founder.

Highlights of Global Goals Week Liverpool have included:

Launch of GGW Ambassadors led by Sophia Polson, climate advocate and photographer

High-level panel discussion with British Council & UNESCO on the role of culture in SDGs at British Music Experience

Conference on ‘Building Sustainable Cities Beyond 2030’ focusing on built-environment challenges at St George’s Hall

Outdoor GGW media content across 10x screens courtesy of Open Media

LJMU announcing the launch their new climate institute – LiRICS

2030hub launching 2030academy – a new LCR specific sustainability workforce training initiative

Liverpool FC also hosting a New York based Climate Week event whilst in the US

Pictured: David Connor celebrating today’s ‘sold out’ ‘Building Sustainable Cities Beyond 2030 Conference’ at St George’s Hall.

Further information is available from David ConnorFounder, 2030hub

david.connor@the200hub.com / +44(0) 7904 113467.

About 2030hub

2030hub is the world’s first UN-recognised Local2030 Hub and active member of the Local2030 Coalition, a UN movement of cities accelerating impact using the SDGs. 2030hub is also a certified B Corp – www.the2030hub.com / @2030hub