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
More than 300 new roles available at Manchester Airport jobs fair this November
Lydia Mastrolonardo
The Manchester Airport jobs fair is back this November meaning hundreds of jobseekers are in with a chance to land their dream job.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) are set to host the event, facilitating networking and connection amongst jobseekers and employers, whilst showcasing the wide variety of exciting roles across the aviation sector, available withinManchester Airport.
Jobseekers will be able to gain information on the current vacancies in sectors such as airport security, ground handling, passenger assistance, and terminal operations.
Along with other positions like hospitality, retail, catering, construction, recruitment, logistics, and aviation support services, there’s bound to be something to match your skill set and interests.
There will be plenty of employers to talk to including some pretty big names such as Accessorize, Bethell Construction Limited, DHL, JD Wetherspoon, Lagardère Travel Retail, MAN Fire Service, Pret A Manger, and Swissport.
The Airport Academy, in partnership with Manchester Airport and Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG), will also be at the fair sharing information on its free pre-employment support programmes. These include fully accredited training schemes, perfect for anyone seeking some support before applying for airport roles.
More than 300 new roles available Manchester Airport jobs fair this November. Credit: The Manc Group
Tina Edwards, People Director at Manchester Airport shared: “As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re proud to work alongside our partners to create opportunities for local people – and the aviation industry is a particularly exciting one to work in.
“This jobs fair is a fantastic chance for jobseekers to meet employers face-to-face, learn more about the wide variety of roles available at the airport and take the next step in developing their careers. With around 300 vacancies at the moment, there are opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and experience.
“We want Manchester Airport to be one of the best places in the world to travel from, and if you’ve got the passion and drive to help us make that happen, we’d love to see you at this event.”
Not to mention MAG offers a wide range of benefits to its employees, including discounts on public transport, free on-site car parking whilst working and when going on holiday (what a dream!), as well as an excellent pension scheme, training programmes, retail discounts and many more.
Simply book your free tickets, bring along copies of your CV and enjoy talking with a range of recruiting employers about the opportunities they have available to suit you.
This event will be held between 10am – 2pm, at The Forum in Wythenshawe, on Wednesday 4 November.
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available
Emily Sergeant
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Greater Manchester.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit more than 300 new colleagues to support its store teams across Greater Manchester this festive season.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Greater Manchester – including Altrincham, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, Manchester Market Street, Prestwich, Sale, Stockport, Stretford, Trafford Centre, and Walkden.
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive in Greater Manchester with hundreds of jobs available / Credit: M&S Manchester | Supplied
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Gemma Bradley -
16th December 2020 
