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Preston City Council dials up plans to breathe new life into historic red telephone boxes

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Preston City Council is progressing with its plans to restore nine Grade Two-listed red telephone boxes in the heart of the city.

Having acquired the kiosks outside the former Head Post Office on Market Street in 2021, the City Council is seeking Listed Building Consent (LBC) with a decision expected by March 2024.

Should LBC be granted, the City Council intends to fully restore the boxes in 2024 while considering potential future uses.

Designed by British architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Coronation of King George V in 1935, the cast iron kiosks with timber doors form the longest line of historic red telephone boxes in the UK. 

Having become redundant, the kiosks have been vandalised and fallen into disrepair.

A Heritage Statement prepared for the City Council by Growth Lancashire Ltd, and following guidelines by Historic England, details numerous benefits of repairing and refurbishing the nine so-called K6 kiosks in the Market Place Conservation Area, the historic centre of Preston featuring other listed buildings such as the former Head Post Office, The Harris Museum, Sessions House and the Town Hall.

Citing legislation, national guidance, and planning policy for listed buildings, the statement prepared by Growth Lancashire’s heritage and conservation team says the boxes represent ‘the definitive red telephone kiosk in Britain’ and have high historical, communal and aesthetic values.

The Towns Fund and the City Council will fund the restoration and will be removed off-site for restoration and replaced when completed. 

The Heritage Statement concludes that ‘the wider benefits generated by the repair and refurbishment of the telephone kiosks will outweigh any minor concerns caused by the works themselves’ and will cause no harm to nearby listed buildings or the wider Market Place Conservation Area.

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture at Preston City Council, said: “We are proud to celebrate Preston being the home of the UK’s longest line of historic red telephone boxes, an outstanding landmark in the heart of our city that we are committed to bringing back to life for this, and future generations to enjoy.

“If we are successful in our application for Listed Building Consent, we plan to undertake the necessary restoration works in 2024 to enable the iconic telephone boxes to be animated with dynamic and creative installations. We plan to work with local artists to commission contemporary light, audiovisual or graphic works to bring the telephone boxes alive, create a ‘must see’ and add to the vibrancy of the Harris Quarter.”

“Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth, added:  

“The restoration of these iconic telephone boxes is excellent news and again adds to the improvements we’re achieving in the Harris Quarter. They are a small but fantastic city asset and bringing them back into use has always been on the agenda. 

“Once back in use, I’m absolutely positive they’ll be a focal point for many people and will be well utilised.”

The proposed restoration of the kiosks forms an integral part of the wider Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.

Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering via schemes such as the transformation of Amounderness House to provide multi-use workspace, the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex and refurbishment of Grade I listed Harris Museum, art gallery and library.

As designer of the boxes, Sir Giles has a strong historic connection with Preston – he also designed the War Memorial Cenotaph in Market Place and his father George Gilbert Scott designed the Town Hall.

Liverpool-law firm boosts property team

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Gregory Abrams Davidson, which has offices in Liverpool and London, has added new property experts in its residential property department, boosting the headcount in the firm’s real estate division. 

The firm, which recently opened an office on the Wirral in West Kirby, has made the appointments following increased demand for property services from residential and commercial clients.  

Tracey Quirk joins the firm’s Mathew Street office as a consultant solicitor with over 20 years of experience. She joined the firm from MSB Solicitors, where she was head of residential conveyancing, and was recruited to advise on auction enquiries and transactions and bridging finance transactions while also dealing with complex deals such as Islamic mortgages and general conveyancing work.

She said: “I’ve joined a dynamic firm with a dedicated and professional team committed to delivering outstanding service to clients in the residential property market. The firm has a fantastic reputation for providing clear legal advice, personalised and tailored to specific requirements, attracting more property clients.”

Emma Clayburn, solicitor, will be based at the firm’s recently opened Wirral office and has 20 years of experience. She joined RMNJ Solicitors, where she was a partner and specialised in residential property, often dealing with complex conveyancing matters. 

Emma added: “I’m looking forward to working with a team dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services, and I’m looking forward to working with the wider team while helping them to grow the new Wirral office’s footprint.”

Craig Passey, property executive, will be based in the firm’s Penny Lane office and has over 15 years of experience in residential property and joins from Vanquish Law. The final new member of the team is Stephanie Thomas, a trainee solicitor assisting the broader 13-strong real estate division. She will also be based at the firm’s Penny Lane office. 

Gregory Abrams, CEO of Gregory Abrams Davidson, welcomed the quartet. He said. ‘While the property market is facing challenges, we are still experiencing demand for property services, and it’s excellent to welcome new talent to our team. I’m sure they will deliver the outstanding legal advice we’ve cultivated a reputation for. 

‘We have seen an increase in investors coming into Liverpool, which is a testament to the city’s economy and buoyancy. The buy-to-let market is witnessing increased activity with several large developments coming on stream, and of course, people still want to own their own home.”

The property division of Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors provides tailored legal advice for clients buying or selling commercial or domestic property, remortgaging, transferring equity, extending leases, tenancy agreements, probate sales, right to buy from a landlord and property acquisitions and auction sales.

Burton Roofing invests in larger Irvine branch to boost service and range 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Burton Roofing Merchants has relocated and invested in a more extensive Irvine branch to enhance its product range and service offering in Ayrshire and the wider East Scotland.

The new branch, which also carries the latest energy-efficient green technologies to help reduce its carbon footprint, sees over £200,000 invested to more than quadruple capacity from 18,400 sq. ft. to 80,358 sq. ft. compared to the previous branch. 

The additional space means more product lines will be stocked to facilitate increased demand, particularly for solar and flat-roof products, and is the largest branch that the company has opened this year.

The new Burton Roofing Merchants branch on Auchengate Business Park replaces the former Rinus branch, which Burton Roofing Merchants acquired in 2021 and was located at Mackintosh Place. The company aims for the expansion to lead to additional jobs within the year. 

Jon Smith, operations director at Burton Roofing, commented on the investment. He said, ‘As a business, we have a purpose centred around helping customers enhance their businesses. The enlarged branch will help us deliver our promise by giving access to innovative roofing products combined with our Irvine team’s expert and friendly service. 

Branch manager Jim Finnegan added, ‘Customers that have already been to the new branch have been impressed with the product range, and it will help cement our ambition to be a centre of excellence in new roofing technologies and products. 

“The enlarged branch allows us to host training events and workshops to ensure our customers have access to expertise that will also help them in their work. It really is a game-changer for us.” 

Burton Roofing Group, which trades under the Burton Roofing Merchants, Rinus Roofing Supplies and Discount Roofing and Building Supplies, operates 38 branches across the UK and employs 450 people. 

The Group’s annual turnover is approximately £170 million, and it is part of the multinational Cupa Group, which comprises 75 businesses with subsidiaries in nine countries and 25 quarries.

Planning application approved for £7.4 million refurbishment of former magistrates court into offices and retail space 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Preston City Council’s plans to transform the Grade II Listed former magistrates court have been approved. 

Amounderness House will undergo a £7.4 million refurbishment and is one of six major projects planned under Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, for which the City was awarded £20.9m from the Government’s national Towns Fund initiative in March 2021.

Harris Quarter is a unique area of Preston undergoing a £200m investment programme to transform its historic buildings, sites and public realm into a diverse culture, leisure and employment offering, with Amounderness House located beside the £45m Animate cinema and leisure complex, which is under construction and due to open in Spring 2025. 

The refurbishment of Amounderness House, originally built in 1857 as a police station with several holding cells, will be transformed into a high-quality modern, flexible, multi-use workspace hub that Wrkspace will operate. 

Designed by FWP Architects, the sympathetic refurbishment of the Grade II listed building will create 26 offices circa 645 sq. ft and four craft or retail studios. In addition, the existing courtyard will be updated and open for public use.

Maple Grove Developments is working with Preston City Council and Wrkspace as Project/Development Manager to deliver the project.

Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Strategic Board, John Chesworth, said:  

“It’s fantastic to see this magnificent building being brought back into use as it will help stimulate business, cultural, and community uses in Preston city centre. We are making significant progress in regenerating the Harris Quarter and seeing a ripple effect of interest in what Preston is achieving as an attractive place to live, work and play.”

Leader of Preston City Council, Cllr Matthew Brown, added: “On the back of this excellent news we can transform Amounderness House and capitalise on this asset being in public ownership and using it to support growing local businesses. Furthermore, in line with our Community Wealth Building principles we’re working with Preston-based Wrkspace to run this important heritage asset as it helps to boost our economy.”

Nik Puttnam, senior development manager with Maple Grove Developments, added: “Bringing new purpose to older buildings like Amounderness House is rewarding and we’re looking forward to making a start on the transformation of this superb historic building. Renovating listed buildings comes with its challenges, especially one that has been vacant for so long, but when complete it will complement other projects in the Harris Quarter and be an economic driver for the city centre .”

Rizwan Seth, managing director of Wrkspace, concluded: “The Wrkspace team are looking forward to welcoming Amounderness House into our flexible office space portfolio. The addition of a high quality city centre provision, compliments the existing business centre offering across the North West. Amounderness House will be a beacon for growth for new and existing businesses within Preston, encouraging flexible workspace provisions as the ever-changing working requirements evolve”.

Smith & Love Planning Consultants submitted the application on behalf of Preston City Council and the wider project team for Amounderness House, including Cowburn-Watson Box, SCP Transport, Eden Heritage, E3P, TRP Consulting, and Graham Schofield Associates.

Sales Geek launches in USA

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Blackburn-based Sales Geek has launched into the USA with the opening of two state-wide master franchises. 

Having expanded to more than 30 offices across the UK since its launch in 2017, multi-award-winning Sales Geek is one of the country’s fastest-growing providers of business solutions and sales training, while its Sales Geek app also has users across the globe.

Now launching the brand in the USA, Joe Heikkinen and Gene McCabe have opened master franchises in Texas and Florida respectively.

Joe Heikkinen’s career in sales includes time in B2B, pharmaceutical, biotech and medical devices. His roles in sales leadership began at AstraZeneca where he held a variety of director-level positions. He then moved into a VP of Sales role at Getinge Group in 2011, and most recently was the Senior Vice President (Head of Sales and Global Field Operations) at Stemline Therapeutics.

Joe is seeking to provide the benefits of his experience to organisations in Texas and build a network of further experts across the state.

Launching similarly in Florida, Gene McCabe moved from IT leadership into sales in 2007, as a multi-state account manager for Accredo Specialty Pharmacy, a division of Express Scripts, becoming Sales Director in 2014, then joining Cigna’s Evernorth group as Senior Director, Sales & Account Management in 2021, before launching Sales Geek.

On launching Sales Geek in Texas, Joe Heikkinen said: “Sales Geek’s growth in the UK shows that there is one thing all businesses want, and that is sales.

“Sales Geek meets that need by providing a unique part-time sales director service that enables businesses of all sizes to access -op level sales expertise, without the expense of taking on a full-time, salaried sales director of the same level.

“We also provide sales training for teams and individuals and I’m looking forward to working with businesses across Texas and growing the brand and organisation to help businesses throughout the state.”

On launching in Florida, Gene McCabe said: “I’m very proud and excited to help bring Sales Geek to the US. Sales Geek is on a mission to change the way the world perceives sales. We are committed not only to improving sales practice and helping clients smash their targets, but doing so in a way that remains mindful of maintaining good mental health for the people working within the profession.

“When people think of sales as a business role, they often think of high pressure, big stakes, and people on the edge of burnout.

“We firmly believe that’s not how it should be. Happy salespeople are better salespeople, and their clients and customers are happier too, so I’m really looking forward to spreading the word to growing businesses across Florida.”

Sales Geek founder and CEO Richard Few said: “As you can imagine, we’re unbelievably excited to be launching Sales Geek in the US and we couldn’t think of anyone we’d be happier to be doing that with than Joe and Gene.

“When they visited us in Blackburn, we had a fantastic time showing them exactly how we operate here in the UK, demonstrating our culture and we are looking forward to working with them to develop Sales Geek in their own territories in the US. The guys are going to smash it!”

For more information go to www.salesgeek.co.uk. 

Limitless wins three-year Preston City Council Town Deal contract

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Limitless Public Relations has been appointed to deliver a three-year strategic communications support contract for Preston’s £20.9 million Town Deal which it secured in March 2021 as part of the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, established to help level up towns and cities around the country.  

The Town Deal has kickstarted The Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200 million transformational regeneration programme in Preston’s Harris Quarter, the City’s cultural and civic heart, led by Preston City Council and the Preston Partnership.  

The latest project to start in the programme is Animate, a £45 million leisure and entertainment complex due to be built in the heart of Preston City centre. 

The tender includes the delivery of strategic communications for six projects and will be designed to increase awareness of the Towns Fund investment programme, communicating key milestones and keeping residents and businesses up-to-date with the benefits and improvements that this extensive regeneration programme will bring to them.  

The tender will also focus on the City’s strategic 15-year vision and its City Investment Plan.  

The key projects are: 

  • Harris Quarter Assets renewal, including refurbishment of Amounderness House, into serviced offices and managed workspace accommodation 
  • Animate – new build entertainment and leisure scheme  
  • Illuminate and Integrate – public realm and lighting improvements 
  • Harris Your Place – refurbishment of the Harris Building 
  • Preston Youth Zone – state-of-the-art youth building and services
  • Educate Preston – access to careers and education information services  

Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said:

“We are delighted to have Limitless Public Relations on board and looking forward to working together to communicate Preston’s regeneration and investment progress. We were impressed with the overall standard of submissions we received, in particular with Limitless’s extensive experience and understanding of our ambition and vision for the City.”  

John Chesworth, Chair of the Towns Fund Board, added:

“Limitless Public Relations has been chosen to support Preston’s Towns Fund investment programme following a thorough tender process against stiff opposition, and we are looking forward to working closely together on all the exciting projects that are starting to come to fruition and that will make a positive impact on Preston and its people.”  

Limitless Director Michael Gregory concluded:

“As someone who came to the City to study and is now an adopted Prestonian, I’m incredibly proud that we’ve been given the opportunity to tell Preston’s story, showcase its ambitions and herald its future.  

“I’ve seen Preston evolve over the 27 years I’ve lived here, and there is so much to shout about. It’s a happening place to live, work and grow, and the proactive approach by the City Council and its partners to create a place that everyone can be proud of is truly commendable.  

“Our team is looking forward to working with the Council and its partners in delivering an impactful campaign that will attract people, businesses and investors to the City.” 

BAKO Extends Limitless PR Brief 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

BAKO Group has extended its brief with Limitless Public Relations to improve brand awareness and understanding with its customers across the UK.

With operational hubs in Preston, Durham and Wimbledon BAKO distribute bakery products to customers nationwide with a multi-temperature fleet of over 70 vehicles. Established over 50 years, the company provides independent bakers and caterers with a wide range of ingredients and finished products from quality suppliers, as well as its own BAKO Select branded range.

BAKO first appointed Limitless PR in July 2019 to handle media relations focussing on bakery trade and local press. It has now expanded the brief to include more holistic tactics aimed at championing the bakery industry as a whole, while also targeting new customer sectors.

Limitless Director Greg Wilson said:

“We are extremely pleased to be expanding our campaign for BAKO. As a company, they have a colossal impact and presence in the lives of independent bakers across the UK.

“During the pandemic they did great work to support the industry, talking to their customers and developing services to provide support where they needed it most, and launching a website to help independent bakers sell online.

“The expanded campaign will effectively be aimed at turning the camera round onto BAKO’s customers, giving them a voice and championing what they do, their immense passion and dedication, getting up early every morning to help feed the country.”

With offices in Preston and Blackburn, Limitless PR provides professional PR expertise, with all its people having a minimum of 10 years’ experience within any client sector they are assigned to work on, with clients including Preston City Council, Plumbs, Sundown Solutions, Winter Gardens Blackpool, Sales Geek, Northern Industrial and Santé Group.

Kiistone hands expanded campaign brief to Limitless

Posted on by Michael Gregory

Following a successful launch of its payment platform, Kiistone has handed Limitless Public Relations an extended brief which will see the agency deliver a national trade and consumer campaign comprising media relations, social media and events.

The tech start-up initially engaged Limitless to launch its mobile and desktop platform aimed at helping tradespeople run their businesses more effectively and put an end to payment disputes.

The brainchild of CEO Tim Mullock, the Kiistone platform is designed to financially protect both tradespeople and customers, who agree job specifications and budgets via the platform. Payment is then protected and held independently, by the largest Escrow provider in Europe, until both parties are satisfied that the job has been completed as agreed.

CEO of Kiistone, Tim Mullock, said: “My experience of being a British tradesperson over the last twenty years has shown me both the good and the not so good that the industry has to offer, and the biggest issue that we’ve still got today is a lack of trust between the customer and the trade.

“While it’s undeniable that there are some cowboys out there, professional tradespeople often find themselves tarred with the same brush, which doesn’t make for good customer relationships. On the flipside, tradespeople can experience a lack of understanding from customers or unrealistic expectations, which can lead to disputes over final invoices.

“Kiistone has been designed to provide absolute clarity to customers at all stages of the project and ensuring fair payment for the job delivered.”

As well as the Escrow solution, the online platform provides further functions to help tradespeople manage their projects, diary, cashflow, admin and communication. It also links to the Kiistone Community, providing industry news, guidance and support for trade businesses and homeowners.

Mullock continues: “The aim for Kiistone in the long term is to build a community of tradespeople who take pride in their profession and who understand the value for everyone in modernising the industry. Kiistone’s ultimate goal is to be a gamechanger for the industry, to reinstate pride and quality in British trades, and to represent a new benchmark in professional standards.”

For the PR launch, Limitless drew upon the profile of West Bromwich Albion and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who became a shareholder of Kiistone after using the platform during his own home renovation, to secure coverage in the Daily Mail, the Sun and i-News. Further extensive coverage in trades sector press and local press has led to a significant number of enquiries about the platform and Kiistone has now rolled over the contract with Limitless to include social media.

Mr Mullock says: “For a new idea like Kiistone that is aiming to change the way tradespeople nationally work for the better, the credibility of national media coverage is absolutely crucial. Limitless smashed it out of the park for the launch and we are looking forward to working with them into the future as usage of the platform develops and grows.”

Limitless Director Greg Wilson said: “The Kiistone launch has been a great PR success. National newspaper coverage has helped us so far hit publications with online readership figures of 348 million and 2.6 million opportunities to see in print. Kiistone is a fantastic product with big ambitions to positively disrupt the status quo and improve the lives of its users so we’re really looking forward to helping support them with their long-term growth goals.”

For more information visit www.kiistone.co.uk

Just Radiators commissions Limitless

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Just Radiators has commissioned Limitless PR to handle its earned and social media campaigns, to build brand awareness and engagement with its trade and consumer customers.

Dave O’Keefe and Lewis Birch successfully launched Just Radiators, Just Baths, Just Bedrooms and Just Blinds and Shutters, under the Luxus Design umbrella brand, in the midst of Covid-19 lockdown.

Former digital director Dave had been discussing a partnership with bathroom specialist Lewis for some time – but being furloughed gave him the time to put plans into action. The result is four online brands designed to bring a fresh approach and a sharp focus on customer service to the interiors industry.

Ali King, who has a wealth of experience in interiors and B2C products is heading up both earned media and social for the growing brands.

Sales Geek Appoints Limitless

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Limitless PR has been appointed by Sales Geek to handle media relations to support the company’s ongoing growth.

A multi-award-winning provider of sales training to a huge variety of businesses, Sales Geek now has clients across the UK and internationally, after developing its full suite of training products to be deliverable digitally, remotely in-person, as well as traditionally, face-to-face.

Limitless will handle proactive media relations to publicise company and client successes and develop earned media thought leadership opportunities based on Sales Geek’s extensive and ever-growing library of social and owned content.