Buxton based IT company, Upland Systems Ltd, have announced the appointment of a new Managing Director. Liam Bradshaw will be stepping into the role, having been with the business since joining as an apprentice straight from school.

Upland Systems are a leading provider of IT solutions, dealing with organisations large and small in a wide range of sectors. In over 25 years in business they have established a reputation for providing the very highest levels of customer service and technical solutions.

Announcing the appointment, Upland Systems founder and previous MD, Mark Stow, said “It has always been my intention to transfer the day to day management of the business to someone who would ensure the continuation of it’s core values and principles, as well as learning and implementing leading technical solutions that the businesses customers benefit from”.

Mark continued, “Liam has always been committed to developing himself, progressing through various levels of training and development. This started with his level 3 Apprenticeship, then Level 4 Microsoft certifications and more recently a Finance and Business Management course, which has helped prepare him for the requirements of his new role”.

Mark added, “Whether it is working with customers or assisting colleagues, Liam consistently shows a number of key attributes which will stand him well going forward – knowledge,  commitment, patience and dedication”.

For Liam, this is obviously a very exciting time; “This is something that I have been working with Mark towards for the past couple of years. He has not only created a very successful  business, but also one that values both its staff and its customers highly and this makes it a very special place to work. They are principles that I will ensure are maintained”.

Mark Stow is certainly not retiring from the business. He will continue to help Liam to develop the business and to provide clients with the level of service that they have come to expect.

To learn more about how Upland Systems Ltd can elevate your organisation’s IT solutions, or to explore partnership opportunities, contact us today. Give us a call on 01298 74780, email info@uplandsys.co.uk or fill out our simple online enquiry form, and a member of our friendly team will be in touch.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will build on the success of the first Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and will deliver a £660 million commitment of new funding to smaller businesses.

The fund which now includes the whole of the North East aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The fund covers the whole of the North, including rural, coastal and urban areas.

For more information, click here

As part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, BIC Innovation and AMRC have been successful in securing funding to deliver a unique and free productivity improvement programme to manufacturing businesses in Cheshire East. The aim of this extensive research and development productivity programme is to address some of the specific challenges facing the manufacturing sector in Cheshire East, by working with manufacturing business who are eligible and ready to take the next step on their growth journey.

This free programme will be delivered through practical workshops, action learning and 1-2-1 support to introduce concepts of how R&D and technological advancement can improve productivity and enable greater sustainable growth:

1. How to gain direct improvements to productivity
2. Progress new R&D strategies
3. Build resilience and sustainability through technical innovation for a future focused business

For any businesses who want to learn more about the programme and submit an expression of interest, please visit CERDPIP (bic-innovation.com)

Alternatively, if they would like to meet the team and learn more about what the programme offers and how it can benefit their business, we will be holding a free Inception Workshop between 9.00am – 1.00pm on 17^th April 2024 at Macclesfield Football Club. Registration is free via this link: CERDPIP Workshop 2 (bic-innovation.com)

Any questions about the programme can be directed to the CERDPIP Project Manager, Hilary Centeleghe at hilary.centeleghe@bic-innovation.com

David Lewis, a leading charity providing comprehensive support for individuals with complex needs in Cheshire, has partnered with Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s largest property platform serving the innovation economy, to create an impactful work experience programme at Alderley Park. This collaboration demonstrates the organisations’ commitment to empowering individuals with diverse needs and fostering inclusive work environments.

The work experience programme aimed to offer students and residents supported by David Lewis an opportunity to gain valuable experience and enhance their skills.

Participants had the chance to work in various job roles tailored to their interests and abilities, such as administrative tasks, reception duties, deliveries and working in the gardens. This hands-on experience provided participants with a sense of belonging and contributed to their personal and professional development.

Jessica Crowder, ESG Coordinator, from Bruntwood SciTech said “Working in partnership with David Lewis has been an incredible opportunity for our company to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Part of our strategy is to be a great place to work, with a focus on inclusion and diversity.”

John Heritage, Chief Executive of David Lewis, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative’s success: “We are delighted to have collaborated with Bruntwood SciTech and Sodexo on this work experience initiative.

“Through this programme, participants from David Lewis have gained valuable skills and a greater sense of personal achievement. We are committed to building on this success and developing more partnerships and work experience opportunities for individuals with diverse needs.

“I would like to thank colleagues at Bruntwood SciTech and Sodexo for their support as well as Christine Green who is volunteering her time at David Lewis to support us in building and developing relationships with employers like Bruntwood SciTech, and their shareholders Bruntwood ”

One of the key outcomes of the programme was the significant impact on participants’ confidence and communication abilities. Engaging in a team environment within a professional setting allowed students and residents to build self-assurance and develop essential workplace skills. The positive feedback from participants highlighted the transformative nature of the work experience, boosting their sense of accomplishment and encouraging further personal growth.

David Robins, Registered Manager from David Lewis commented “We have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the individuals we support, as they have developed an undeniable sense of confidence and belonging. Our approach has allowed them to embrace new opportunities and achieve personal and professional growth like never before. We are proud to play a role in their journey and are dedicated to continuing to foster their empowerment and well-being.”

The collaboration between David Lewis and Bruntwood SciTech demonstrates their joint commitment to investing in individuals with diverse needs and creating inclusive work environments. Any businesses who are looking to create work experience programmes or jobs for people with complex needs please contact David Lewis at enquries@davidlewis.org.uk to find out how you can get involved in future projects.

We are delighted to announce the launch of the 2024 North Cheshire Young Professional Network #NCYPN.

For more information and to book a place, please click here

The search is on to find selfless people who help others and make Wilmslow ‘a better place’

Nominations are now open for a new community awards programme. Wilmslow Town Council hopes to showcase individuals, businesses and community groups living, working or volunteering who have shown dedication and community spirit.

Winners will be selected and celebrated at an awards ceremony in May. Nominations can be made online at wilmslowtowncouncil.gov.uk/wilmslow-community-awards

Town mayor Cllr Jon Newell said: “We know that there are many individuals, businesses and groups within the community that go out of their way to help others and make Wilmslow a better place. “From litter picking to planting trees and vegetables, running community cafes to volunteering at youth clubs, there are people within Wilmslow who give hours and hours of their own time and expect nothing in return. We are delighted to introduce a new community awards programme to highlight, celebrate and show our appreciation of these people, who make a big contribution to the community spirit of Wilmslow.”

Paper application forms are also available at Wilmslow Library.

Closing date for nominations is Easter Sunday, March 31.

(Article and image courtesy of Wilmslow Town Council)