An innovative app has recently launched here in Manchester, and it’s already shaping the future of freelance working in the city’s bustling hospitality sector.
Manchester is a city known for its resilience and community spirit, and that has never been more evident than in this post-COVID world as we bounce-back and recover from one of the most significant challenges we’ve had to face, but it’s true that the hospitality industry has had to overcome a lot more than other sectors.
Which is why Brigad could not have come at a more perfect time.
With the staffing crisis within the hospitality industry said to be reaching points of over 3,000 ongoing open vacancies, Brigad is all about end-to-end collaboration between hospitality businesses and qualified self-employed professionals.
Having launched back in 2016, and having already made a name for itself both here in the UK and with our overseas neighbours in France, Brigad allows businesses to be put in touch with verified self-employed professionals in just a few clicks, which ultimately saves precious time as the entire administrative process is automated, and then on the other end, for freelance workers, it allows them to choose work freely every day from a large number of well-paid assignments that work ideally for their needs and time constraints.
Brigad prides itself on being a company with a mission, and its goal is simple – “to make work attractive and accessible to all”.
But what was it that made Brigad make the move to launch in Manchester? How is it looking to make positive change to an industry that provides so much to our proud city? And how can it benefit businesses?
Brigad is about collaboration between hospitality businesses and qualified self-employed professionals / Credit: Brigad
Why Manchester?
With Brigad having already connected around 4,000 freelance workers with work opportunities across London, the company is adamant that there is no time to waste in applying these resources to the great city of Manchester.
Brigad says its decision to provide services to Manchester is vital to “ensure efficient post-pandemic recovery” of the city’s hospitality industry, as it’s a company that works within the framework of social responsibility and is all about empowering hospitality workers by connecting them to temporary freelance shifts with a decent and fair minimum hourly payment.
“The city itself has provided some of the most innovative people-based solutions to encourage the individual to be better valued when the greater industry does not provide this,” Brigad says.
“This is why we are launching Manchester.”
Manchester is said to be the first in “the long line of cities” the company wants to begin operating in, as it believes “the city’s values reflect our values perfectly.”
Brigad allows businesses to be put in touch with verified self-employed professionals in just a few clicks / Credit: Arnaud Caillou
How does Brigad work? And how can it help businesses?
To sum Brigad up simply and how it helps businesses fill staffing vacancies, businesses offer their vacant shifts on their rotas to the app, and the workers will then accept those that best suit their timetable, lifestyle, career path, and income.
Brigad knows that as a restaurant owner or manager, sometimes you need qualified staff to fill in, which is why it aims to stop them from wasting time by looking for suitable casual staff as the profiles on the platform are the best freelancers in hospitality, and their skills and experience are rigorously checked and approved by the Brigad team.
The innovative app works in three simple steps:
Post a request – Create your request in a few seconds from your account page, and personalise it with specific requirements (dress code, equipment needed, etc).
Offer accepted by Brigad – Minutes later, you will receive the details of the freelancer who has accepted your mission, and they will call to introduce themselves and ask any questions to fully understand the task at hand.
Contracts and payments are automatically managed – Contracting, invoicing, and payment is taken care of at the end of each mission, and businesses don’t have to do anything.
How is Brigad “pioneering the new future” of Manchester hospitality?
Brigad says it holds “a hearty commitment and respect” towards those who work in the hospitality industry, and with such a vast network of innovative, progressive, and pioneering businesses and workers, Manchester makes “complete sense” for its next step.
The company says it supports the future of hospitality in Manchester as a tech solution for those looking for security, freedom, independence and financial prosperity.
“A city with an independent spirit deserves hospitality staff of the same mindset,” Brigad says.
What are the founders saying?
“Brigad is on a mission to make work attractive and accessible to all,” explains Florent Malbranche, CEO and co-founder of Brigad.
“We are excited to be expanding into the vibrant city of Manchester and confident we will enable thousands of hospitality workers change their professional life for the better.”
Brigad says its decision to provide services to Manchester is vital to “ensure efficient post-pandemic recovery” / Credit: Arnaud Caillou | Brooke Cagle (via Unsplash)The company’s goal is simple – “to make work attractive and accessible to all” / Credit: Arnaud Caillou
Keen to find out more?
To help meet and connect with more local businesses, and to show just how much of a benefit the app can be to the city’s hospitality industry, Brigad is hosting a two-day open day event here in Manchester city centre next Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 May, which is free to attend, and you can find out more information and sign up here.
There will also be an evening event with Team Brigad and businesses which use the app, and you can pose any questions you may have to them over some drinks and great food.
To find out more information and see how Brigad can help your business, head over to the company’s website here.
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.