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Leicestershire artist finalist in national art competition

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Leicestershire artist Matthew Turner has made the finals of a national Art of the Year competition organised by international packing and delivery company PACK & SEND.

Competition organiser PACK & SEND provides a range of postal, freight, courier, packing and removal services, operating through a national service centre network, and specialising in the shipment of fragile, large, awkward and valuable items.

The company has handled packing and shipping of artworks by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Banksy, Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and Jeff Koons, and as an approved service provider to LAPADA, the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the UK, is a preferred supplier of art shipping services to galleries, collectors, dealers, artists and exhibitions around the world. 

Its annual Art of the Year competition celebrates the works of up-and-coming UK artists, with the winner receiving £250 vouchers to support shipment of their own art with PACK & SEND, as well as promotion across the international company’s own social media.

Whitwick-based artist Matthew Turner, came second place in this year’s competition with his space travel-inspired artwork, Saturn V.

Matthew’s art has been inspired by space travel since he first saw the Vostok rocket in 1995, while living and studying Art in Moscow. 

He says: “I studied for a Fine Art painting degree in the 1990s and had an opportunity to study at the Moscow Institute of Architecture at that time. The experience was very influential to me and my artwork and in particular the time I spent at the Moscow Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics.

“The technology struck me, the art and the symbolism. I went on to explore my own use of symbolism and abstract forms in my painting.  I am also influenced by Cold War space race propaganda and Retro Sci-fi art and my intention as an artist is to work in the great tradition of Artists in the NASA Art Program and Soviet Cosmic School artist.

“In April 2022 I was honoured to be asked to exhibit my work at the Legends of Space live show in Lausanne, Switzerland, in association with NASA and Lockheed Martin and last year I organised and co-curated an art exhibition at Leicester’s Space Park.

“I am an elected artist member of the International Association of Astronomical Artists and I was recently awarded funding from Arts Council England to visit Kennedy Space Centre and meet with Bert Ulrich and artists from the NASA Art Program, develop my creative practice and deliver STEAM workshops in the East Midlands.”

Matthew said: “I’m really pleased to have my artwork recognised in this way by PACK & SEND, which has worked with some of the most famous and respected fine artists in the world.

“It’s great to see an international company of their standing supporting and championing artists at a grassroots level, helping artists like myself introduce their work to wider audiences.” 

For more information about Matthew’s art, go to www.matthewturnerartist.co.uk. 

World Options expands Limitless PR contract

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Courier services company World Options has expanded its contract with Limitless PR to encompass two further brands.  

Part of Milan-based MBE Worldwide since July 2022, World Options Holdings Ltd manages three brands in the UK; Mail Boxes Etc., PACK & SEND and World Options, providing e-commerce, fulfilment, shipping, virtual office, marketing and print solutions to SMEs and consumers.

Delivering under these individual established brands and business concepts, the three companies, operating as part of World Options Holdings Ltd, together maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

World Options began working with Limitless PR in April 2023 to support its franchise growth and has now expanded the agency’s contract to provide similar support for Mail Boxes Etc and PACK & SEND. 

World Options Holdings Ltd managing director Mike Gratton said:

“We are pleased to report that we have experienced robust double-digit growth this year, consistent with our track record of steady demand increase for our services over the past several years. 

“World Options has seen a dramatic increase in entrepreneurial individuals who want to invest in a proven, life-changing business, whilst being their own boss and within a thriving sector. 

“Our services span domestic and international channels, and our commitment to simplifying shipping for our customers has removed common shipping barriers. Our monthly shipment figures for this year have consistently exceeded the previous year’s, reflecting our positive trajectory.

“Growth in the last year puts us on track for our UK target of achieving 30% year-on-year growth by collaborating as one cohesive network alongside our franchise partners.

“We are now working with Limitless PR to develop increased brand awareness and understanding across all our three brands, with a particular focus on franchisee audiences for each, to support our ongoing growth as a group.”

World Options Holdings Ltd managing director, Mike Gratton

World Options Holdings is part of MBE Worldwide, which in 2023 served over one million business customers worldwide through its multi-brand operations (Mail Boxes Etc. [except in the US and Canada], PrestaShop, PostNet, PACK & SEND, Spedingo.com, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity and World Options), generating €1.4 billion.

21Digital to deliver new website for North Valley Forge

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Blackburn-based 21Digital has been commissioned to design and build a new website for premium and luxury wrought iron gate and railing specialist North Valley Forge. 

Established over 30 years, North Valley Forge manufactures quality wrought iron and wooden gates at a 25,000 sq ft factory in Nelson, where its onsite showroom is the largest of its type in Europe.

The new website from 21Digital will feature enhanced video content and will be optimised to promote worldwide sales of the company’s estate gates, driveway gates, side gates, staircases and balconies, as well as its Ultimate Collection range aimed at high-end buyers around the world. 

21Digital creative director Steven Taylor said: “North Valley Forge has been creating unique wrought iron designs for over thirty years and is recognised as a leader in the industry.

“Their spectacular Ultimate range, aimed at country houses and prestigious luxury developments, is crafted in-house using age-old blacksmithing techniques passed down over generations, combined with excellent modern engineering by the company’s versatile ironworkers. 

“Home and garden is a key sector for 21Digital, so we’re really pleased to have won this brief with a local company who are such a prestigious leader in their field.” 

North Valley Forge managing director Peter Ratcliffe said: “As a local award-winning company, 21Digital has a strong reputation for providing effective online solutions to clients in the home and garden sector, so they were the natural choice when looking for a company to update our website.”  

Based at offices on Blackburn’s Trident Park, 21Digital is a multi-award-winning agency specialising in lead generation and e-commerce, providing digital marketing services including web design, web development, SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing and email marketing. For more information go to www.21digital.agency

Neurodivergent Manchester Artist Wins National ‘Art of the Year’ Competition

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Neurodivergent Manchester artist Charmagne Coble has been announced as the winner of a national Art of the Year competition.

Competition organiser PACK & SEND provides a range of postal, freight, courier, packing and removal services, operating through a national service centre network, and specialising in the shipment of fragile, large, awkward and valuable items.

An approved service provider to LAPADA, the largest association of professional art and antiques dealers in the UK, the company has handled packing and shipping of artworks by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Banksy, Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and Jeff Koons, and is a preferred supplier of art shipping services to galleries, collectors, dealers, artists and exhibitions around the world. 

Its annual Art of the Year competition celebrates the works of up-and-coming UK artists, with the winner receiving £250 vouchers to support shipment of their own art with PACK & SEND, as well as promotion across the international company’s own social media.

Manchester-based artist Charmagne Coble won this year’s competition with her artwork Trace, a photographic artwork which uses the artist’s own body as a medium.

Charmagne Coble is a neurodivergent, British, fine artist who, after being a witness to her father’s death at 18 years old, began to use art as a way to express herself, creating a practice focused on loss, trauma and mental health.

Her art also confronts the intense subject of eating disorders through mediums of photography, printmaking and found mediums.

She has a Master’s Degree in Fine Art and has exhibited across the globe with her latest exhibitions including Sotheby’s, London.

She describes her winning artwork, Trace, as, “exploring the complex relationship between absence and presence and how difficult it is to separate the two”, using her own body as the medium to, “express personal experiences of decay and absence by leaving traces of the human body through powders on the skin.” 

Accepting her prize at her local PACK & SEND service centre at Salford Quays, Charmagne said: “I’m really pleased to have my artwork recognised in this way by PACK & SEND, which has worked with some of the most famous and respected fine artists in the world.

“It’s great to see an international company of their standing supporting and championing artists at the grassroots level, helping artists like myself introduce their work to wider audiences.” 

To find out more about how PACK & SEND works with fine artists, go to www.packsend.co.uk. To find out more Charmagne’s work, go to www.charmagnecoble.com. 

World Options Leigh office expands with appointment

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Sarah Tomkins has joined the team at the World Options office in Leigh, Greater Manchester, as a Customer Support Executive.

Part of MBE Worldwide, World Options is the largest retail group of franchised shipping services companies in the UK. Its shipping portal allows business customers to compare quotes from the leading carriers, and to send and track shipments at no extra cost, but with increased customer service compared to booking direct.

Mick Sherlock and Nick Daley launched the World Options franchise in Leigh in January 2021. Now employing a total of five, the Leigh office is one of the company’s fastest-growing franchises and is set to grow its sales staff further in the first half of 2024 to support its ongoing growth, servicing businesses across the UK.

On commencing her role, Sarah said: “I am very excited to have joined the team at World Options. Many businesses find international shipping confusing and sometimes frustrating.

“We make things simple by providing one point of contact and advising on the best courier options for each individual shipment and by providing customers proactive information on their parcel’s or pallet’s whereabouts because of the extended service level agreements we have with all the main courier companies including DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and more.”

World Options Holdings Ltd manages three brands in the UK; Mail Boxes Etc., PACK & SEND and World Options, providing e-commerce, fulfilment, shipping, virtual office, marketing and print solutions to SMEs and consumers. Companies within the group now maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

World Options Holdings is part of MBE Worldwide, which in 2022 served over one million business customers globally, generating Euro 1.3 billion of system-wide gross revenue through its network of over 3,150 business solution centres in 52 countries, and Euro 22 billion of gross merchandise value traded through its PrestaShop e-commerce solutions. For more information go to www.worldoptions.com

What climate rollbacks could mean for EV adoption in the courier industry

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

The adoption of electric vehicle (EV) technologies provides a huge potential opportunity for the courier industry to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. But while several barriers are already limiting timescales of adoption across the industry, Mike Gratton of World Options considers how current political developments could also affect wide-scale transition.

As a major part of the global economy, the shipping and courier industry has massive potential to assist worldwide efforts in achieving net zero, if it is able to implement changes on a cross-industry scale.

One of the largest opportunities comes from the potential widescale transition to EVs, though there are still several barriers to comprehensive adoption.  

Current barriers include underdeveloped charging infrastructure, anxiety around long-term EV performance, and also both EV availability and affordability. Charging infrastructure is particularly challenging for courier drivers who cover many miles each day, meaning the limited battery range of many EVs currently on the market can make it difficult for courier drivers to opt for electric vehicles.

That said, several of the major courier companies are investing in EV logistics and planning to expand their zero-emission EV fleets over the next ten years. So, while the use of electric vehicles in the courier industry appears to be increasing, the industry-wide transition is expected to be gradual. 

On an infrastructure level though, many are arguing that recent political developments could impact the pace of EV adoption. In the UK for instance, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year announced a major U-turn on key green targets, including delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars announced by his predecessor Boris Johnson.

This move has been criticised in some quarters for potentially increasing long-term costs and threatening the UK’s reputation as a global leader on climate issues, while vehicle manufacturers have accused the Government of moving the goalposts after they have already committed to major technological investments based on the previous targets.

Meanwhile, in the US, some have commented on a growing anti-EV sentiment among some right-wing politicians. Former President Donald Trump, now vying to regain the presidency, and other US conservative politicians have criticised EV policies, arguing that they threaten jobs and national security by increasing dependence on China, which controls much of the world’s battery minerals and manufacturing.

While these developments are not particularly helpful for an industry trying to improve its climate impact, and while significant challenges remain for the widespread adoption of EV technology in the courier industry, these are not insurmountable.

Working together for a common cause, and with continued investment in infrastructure, technological advancements, and supportive policies, the courier industry can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Mike Gratton is managing director of World Options Holdings Ltd which manages three brands in the UK; Mail Boxes Etc., PACK & SEND and World Options, providing e-commerce, fulfilment, shipping, virtual office, marketing and print solutions to SMEs and consumers. Companies within the group now maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

Artistry House Interiors and Wash Studio deliver project for Maison 49

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Artistry House Interiors and Wash Studio have jointly delivered branding, interior design and art curation for a new luxury retail store on Wilmslow High Street backed by property developer and entrepreneur Andy Bell.

Situated in the renowned “golden triangle” between Handforth and the affluent suburbs of Alderley Edge, Knutsford and Prestbury, Maison 49 offers luxury brand clothing and accessories along with a dedicated VIP dressing, bar and entertainment area.

The interiors were designed by Artistry House Interiors, an award-winning interiors design company, which this year was awarded a British Institute of Interior Design award for its work on the recently relaunched Manchester Museum. Artistry House Interiors also curated the art for the store through MAH Gallery London.

Store branding was delivered by the design firm’s sister company Wash Studio, a multi-award-winning creative agency, with previous accolades including a Prolific North Broadcasting Commercial Advertising Award for its groundbreaking campaign launching the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch in 2019.

Maison 49 managing director Tim Bower said: “Here at Maison 49 we are passionate about providing a professional service which aligns with the luxury brands we showcase in our store.

“Our space is more than just a retail front, at Maison 49 we have curated a store which holds a sense of belonging. We believe, that with our combined vision, we have cultivated a shopping experience which is like no other. Bringing together an array of international brands, combined with a team dedicated to providing a luxurious experience.

“With years of high-end retail experience behind us, we also offer a made-to-measure service, alongside a private appointment-only area.”

The store’s co-founder, Andy Bell, previously founded AJ Bell, one of the largest investment platforms in the UK, which he listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange in 2018. Andy and his wife Tracey have a number of other business ventures, including Moor Hall which they set up in 2017, a Grade II* listed building which they renovated before turning it into two restaurants with rooms. Moor Hall has been awarded two Michelin Stars and its sister restaurant the Barn at Moor Hall has been awarded one Michelin Star.

Tim Bower started at Flannels in 1992 and quickly developed a close understanding of luxury clothing and its surrounding environment. Working closely with independent retail pioneer Neil Prosser, Tim developed a large high net worth customer base and sourced many new designer brands which are very well known today.

Speaking alongside Tim at the store’s launch in January, Mr Bell said: “With over 27 years’ buying experience and knowledge of luxury clothing and services, Tim and his handpicked team’s vision is to deliver a best in class luxury in-store shopping experience, supported by a seamless online proposition that will become a key fixture on the Wilmslow High Street.”

Artistry House Interior designer Rose Peploe said: “Our goal was to craft a retail experience that is both impactful and understated, embodying the essence of the brand while serving as a seamless backdrop to highlight the products.

“Intricate details, such as avant-garde curtains, the use of travertine, brass, marble, chalky limewash walls, and playful slab-like forms, come together to create unique moments within the design scheme. 

“We designed each piece of custom furniture in-house, emphasizing on a minimalist approach to both material selection and carpentry. The curated collection of loose furniture, lighting and art was thoughtfully handpicked by the Artistry House Interiors, collaborating with TAG Furniture and MAH Gallery to bring this project to life.”

A sister company of award-winning creative agency Wash Studio, Artistry House Interiors is based at The Artistry House, which provides a base for a range of collaborating creative companies from its three-storey artistic hub on Preston’s historic Winckley Square.

New appointment for Studio LWD

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Branding and design agency Studio LWD has appointed Kirsty Petersen as an Account Manager as part of its ongoing expansion.

With more than 10 years of experience in creative client services, Kirsty has worked with an international client base managing projects in design, content creation and TV production before joining Studio LWD in 2023.

Studio LWD was established in 2012 by creative director Laura Weldon and is now comprised of a team of ten. Working with iconic brands such as Virgin, Nike, Tesco, Aldi, and the British Council, Studio LWD provides a multi-service branding agency for clients across the UK.

On joining the agency, Petersen said: “I’m thrilled to join Studio LWD and look forward to establishing strong partnerships with our clients. I’m excited to contribute to the growth journey of the studio and play a key role in scaling our impact in the world of branding.”

Studio LWD’s creative director, Laura Weldon, said: “We are concentrating on strengthening the foundations of Studio LWD for an exciting and dynamic future. As a team, our focus will be on streamlining processes and investing in our capability to deliver solutions for clients that help take their businesses to the next level.”

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

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.