24 Urmston businesses have launched a unique advent calendar to help the local economy
But, after being forced to close down and subsequently suffering huge losses, the group have decided to do an 'Indie Advent' - whereby one business is the focus of a virtual campaign on a separate day, and each offers a special treat hidden behind their ‘advent door’.
Local businesses have been amongst the worst hit during the coronavirus pandemic – so two dozen Urmston companies have decided to do something about it.
Two years ago, several small businesses in Urmston got together to form ‘Indie Urmston’ to try and increase footfall and sales in the area.
But, after being forced to close down and subsequently suffering huge losses, the group have decided to do an ‘Indie Advent’ – whereby one business is the focus of a virtual campaign on a separate day, and each offers a special treat hidden behind their ‘advent door’.
Copyright Alison Groves Photography
Running from the 1st-24th of December, the treats range from the release of a new product to a special offer for their advent day.
Indie Urmston said: “From restaurants and pubs to coffee shops, retail stores, hairdressers and beauty salons, there is a real mix of independent businesses involved in Indie Advent, with the overriding objective to encourage people to shop local this Christmas and support independent businesses fighting for survival in Urmston.”
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At its halfway point, the businesses involved have already announced impressive offers such as 35% off at Little Yu boutique, and Prairie Schooner Taphouse’s 12 beers of Christmas.
Get Chucked Burger
Scott Power, co-owner of Get Chucked and founder of Indie Urmston said: “Urmston is very much an up and coming place and the high-street is full of independents, so basically we saw that and we thought, Urmston is going to be better if we bring more people to the area and share the love.”
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Coronavirus has eliminated a huge portion of the footfall that generates profit for businesses when they are allowed to be open, so this project is hopeful that it can decrease some of the damage done for the businesses in Urmston.
Scott said: “When people hear about a business potentially not doing so well, There is very much a rallying spirit that goes around they pull together in support. And I think the whole Indie Advent event is geared towards letting people know that these places are still here.”
Copyright Alison Groves Photography
The independent businesses involved in Indie Urmston include; Little Yu Boutique, Kin Bakehouse, The Barking Dog, What’s the Catch, Ixia Flowers, Scrumptious, The Larder at 7, Nikki & Co, Music for the Soul Records, Prairie Schooner Taphouse, Fred’s, Poppies 11, Kelder, Get Chucked, Thomas Carter Opticians, The Steamhouse, Rose & Bumble, Astoria Bar & Restaurant, BrauHaus, A Cut Ahead, Lockette’s Fashion, Craft Brewtique, The Retreat and Showcase Studios.
Daily updates can be found @indieurmston on Instagram.
Business
Manchester streaming platform StreamGM unveils four-part creative industry careers podcast
Thomas Melia
A new four-partpodcast by StreamGM featuring some of Greater Manchester’s top creatives has launched with the aim of powering creative careers.
Produced by Rebecca Swarray, a.k.a. ‘RebeccaNeverBecky’ – the founder of the Manchester events and arts collective – this podcast is designed to “ignite and elevate creative careers in music.”
Swarray deep dives into the current Manc music scene and beyond with the help of fellow insiders who vary upon each episode.
There are four parts in this latest series and there’s lots to cover, especially in an industry that’s ever-changing and ever-challenging.
Some of the guests and speakers you can expect to listen to on ‘ICAM’ (In Conversations and Masterclasses)Credit: StreamGM/The Manc Group
Listeners can expect to learn all about ‘Women Behind The Music’ as part of the In Conversations and Masterclasses series with Sophie Bee, Sara Garvey and Kat Brown.
The next episode delves into another key music industry area, ‘Promoters, Venues And Events’, which is broken down by Baz Plug One, Strutty, Tashadean Wood and Liv McCafferty.
‘Artist Development And Management’ features Karen Boardman, Karen Gabay, Damian Morgan, and Via Culpan deep in discussion.
The final episode in this four-part series is ‘Videography And Photography In The Creative Industries’, which sees Johan Reitan, Alice Kanako and Ahmani Vidal talking all things visual.
These four features will be an incredible resource for any creative talents as it put together by professionals for upcoming professionals of any age from any background, race, gender and walk of life.
After all, that’s what is all about, right?
Abbreviated to ‘ICAM’, the podcast is certainly one to check out, with for aspiring artist managers, producers, photographers, promoters—anyone driven to make their mark in music and events.
These podcast sessions understand industry challenges, explore career journeys, creative influences, crisis management and lots more creative field concerns.
You can find the first episode in full down below:
The first episode of the new limited StreamGM podcast.
This run of shows is the second instalment by StreamGM: Greater Manchester’s phenomenal streaming platform dedicated to all things music, nightlife and culture.
Whether you’re a budding creative arts talent or just curious to find out insights into this wonderful innovative industry, you can listen to all the episodes from the series directly on StreamGM HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester music news, another very special event is kicking off very soon:
Featured Images — Publicity Picture (Supplied)/The Manc Group
Business
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Gemma Bradley -
16th December 2020 
