Summer 2018 / Issue 11 Oldham Business EDGE Serious About Success 28 Display experts Ripple behind Topps Tiles store redesign 12 Raising our game 32 Grandes New council leader Sean Fielding on fotografias! Photographer’s Mata regeneration, the portraits take over Masterplan and Greater Spanish football magazine Manchester politics 19 Mass audience or niche targets? Panel debates social media in marketing News | Analysis | Features | Opinion | People | Events Welcome to Oldham Business Edge OLDHAM BUSINESS EDGE NEWS - Send your news and photos to [email protected] The Masterplan’s proposals had included bring more growth to north-eastern boroughs. Top accolade for Pearson Solicitors demolishing some well-known buildings, He also offers his views English regional including Queen Elizabeth Hall, to release devolution, Theresa May’s interest in the and Financial Advisers old sites for redevelopment. However Sean Midlands and the current state of the Northern Fielding says voters in this year’s local elections Powerhouse. OLDHAM law firm Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers were unhappy with some proposals and also celebrated yet another year of success after being awarded the a perceived lack of progress on some existing Elsewhere, we feature an Oldham Business prestigious Lexcel quality mark for the 16th year running. regeneration sites. So he wants other options Edge round-table discussion about using social explored, including more town centre housing. media for different business needs. Hosted After an exhaustive and detailed inspection of their files and by Ryder & Dutton, the discussion features office procedures, including interviews with solicitors and He also discusses council support for guests from different sectors exploring the staff, the Law Society’s practice management standard has businesses, economic opportunities and characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of been awarded in recognition of Pearson’s high standards in planning, and the allocation of industrial and different social media and issues such as social customer care and management. commercial land. media training and conduct. Anne Milne, an assessor from Lexcel, said, “Pearson is a In politics, he says Oldham Council has to We also have a round-up of the latest news, forward-looking firm which is planning ahead to develop and show energy and leadership. He wants a higher events and awards, including the tenth grow. The partners are not the traditional law firm partners profile for Oldham at Greater Manchester-level, anniversary Oldham Business Awards. WELCOME to the latest quarterly Oldham but balance their modern approach with the sound values of including the Greater Manchester Combined Business Edge magazine, published in print and professionalism and excellent standards of client care. Authority, and action to rebalance the north- Robbie MacDonald - Contributing Editor digital formats by the Oldham Chronicle Online south Greater Manchester divide. and Revolution 96.2. She added: “It was also good to see how happy people are to be working for Pearson, with new recruits feeling that Pearson Speaking frankly, he doubts that Oldham Enjoy the read and get in This edition includes an in-depth interview was the best firm they had ever worked for. This is reflected workers benefit from jobs created in south or touch with your news for with Sean Fielding, the new Leader of Oldham the good client feedback and the number of continued and west Greater Manchester, for example around the next edition. Joanne Ormston, partner and practice manager, with the latest Metropolitan Borough Council, who has returning clients.” Manchester Airport or Trafford Park. However Lexcel quality mark certificate ordered a review of the authority’s town centre he believes the Greater Manchester Spatial Send your news to: ‘Masterplan’ which proposes the regeneration Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession and Framework planning blueprint for the future can [email protected] “We received some great feedback recognising and redevelopment of five strategic sites, gives assurance that a practice meets high client care and offer a ‘golden opportunity’ to rebalance and totalling 21 acres, over the next 15 years. the firm for the improvements we are making business management standards. It is run by the Law Society, the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. year-on-year. We are proud of our staff for their dedication and professionalism. Our clients Joanne added: “Looking after our clients’ needs with compassion and integrity is at the heart of what we do. To be appreciate the personal touch and friendly face of recognised for 16 years is certainly an achievement.” Oldham New law coupled with our ability to get the job done.” contact Lexcel-accredited firms are inspected annually and to gain accreditation, practices must undergo a rigorous application BusinessEDGE Joanne Ormston and assessment process. Serious About Success details Address: Advertising: Revolution 96.2, Sarah Moor Studios, Rachael Mayor | Email: [email protected] Apprentice Emily hailed ‘outstanding’ by college Henshaw Street, Oldham OL 1 3EN. Andrew Whitehead | [email protected] Paul Webster | [email protected] A YOUNG apprentice at Pearson Solicitors and Levels. However, she saw the apprenticeship role Telephone: 0161 621 6500 Financial Advisers has received a certificate from on a Government website and decided to apply Fax: 0161 621 6521 Contributing editor: Robbie MacDonald. Oldham College for being an outstanding student. for it. She said: “I’ve always wanted to work in law Email: [email protected] Photography: Darren Robinson and was very surprised to be nominated for this Email: [email protected] Emily Gardner, office administration assistant for award. I’m now planning on starting a paralegal Pearson’s Family Team, has just completed a Level course this summer and would like to progress 2 Office Administration programme at Oldham further by studying for law qualifications.” The Business Edge Magazine, Oldham Chronicle Online College, and has been recognised for her hard and Revolution 96.2 Radio are part of Credible Media Ltd. work. Joanne Ormiston, Pearson partner and practice manager. said: “It doesn’t surprise us that Emily Eighteen-year-old Emily, from Chadderton, achieved so well on her course – she is a friendly, attended Blue Coat Sixth Form prior to joining reliable and committed member of the team who Pearson, where she was studying for four A always goes the extra mile.” Emily Gardner 02 Magazine design by Cornerstone Design & Marketing, 112 High Street, Lees, Oldham OL4 5DJ. www.oldhambusinessedge.co.uk 03 OLDHAM BUSINESS EDGE NEWS OLDHAM BUSINESS EDGE NEWS - Send your news and photos to [email protected] Employees sought Annual dinner celebrates the to help careers HPP reaches ‘Insider’ manufacturing awards final best of Greater Manchester guidance support FURNITURE industry doors, boards and fittings supplier Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) was among GREATER Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was the guest speaker at for youngsters the region’s top manufacturers chosen as Greater Manchester Chamber’s Annual Business Dinner held at Victoria finalists for the Insider Made In The North West Warehouse, Old Trafford. CAREERS and guidance organisation Positive Steps Awards 2018. is looking to develop its services for youngsters with Mr Burnham looked back on his first year in office and the key issues facing help from employers in Oldham and across Greater The Oldham company was a shortlisted finalist Greater Manchester. Manchester. in the category for Manufacturer of the Year (turnover over £25m) which was ultimately In her speech, Chamber President Jane Boardman focused on the launch of As funding for traditional school-based careers won by Merseyside shipbuilders and repairers her Future of Skills 2028 campaign, which aims to equip young people with guidance is being reduced, Positive Steps, based at Cammell Laird. the right skills for the future workplace. Union Street in Oldham town centre, is looking to offer more than just a traditional careers service by The annual Made In The North West awards, She said: “Skills, endeavor, the right opportunities and clear guidance need developing visits to workplaces and seeing businesses organised by Insider Media, publisher of Insider to come together to ensure our young people succeed. These will secure the in growing economic sectors. business magazines across the UK, highlight UK’s global success and, in turn, secure the future growth and productivity the pivotal role that manufacturing plays in of our local economy here in Greater Manchester.” Darren Whiston, the organisation’s business the North West economy. HPP has its’ head development manager, said: “We have developed a office and manufacturing site in Oldham with She said many employers were concerned about how unprepared young Positive Steps Academy of resources and services that a second distribution centre in Sheffield. It has From left, Insider North West editor Simon Keegan with brothers Stephen Hill and Martin Hill, both of HPP. people are when entering the world of work. we can deliver directly to schools and individuals. These over 2,000 UK trade customers and 210 staff. are based around aspects of post-16 life that schools The company serves the national kitchen and “It was a great achievement There were 11 categories in the Made In The “We see these ‘oven ready’ young people, products