Another month is drawing to a close and we’re already getting to that point where we start looking back over the year at the big moments and what people have contributed to society in 2022.
In a year when many areas of the nation are still feeling the lasting impact of the pandemic and millions still face personal and professional obstacles as the nation and the economy try to recover, recognising figures that continue to motivate and inspire others seems more important than ever.
Moreover, given that October is Black History Month, we couldn’t think of a more influential and deserving figure to select for our Manc of the Month than the legend that is Sharon Amesu.
From the courtroom to coaching
Despite being Northwich-based, Sharon Amesu’s influence on Black-run businesses and professional women, not to mention diversity, inclusivity and leadership culture throughout the North West means she has done more than enough to earn the Manc of the Month accolade.
The leadership coach and entrepreneur began her career in law, enjoying a successful 16-year stint as a criminal barrister during which her practice helped countless families and women, specifically, with a strong focus on domestic violence cases in particular.
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However, as she told Merrick Solicitors back in 2019, she felt that she had spent more than enough time in the legal world and having picked up a wealth of transferrable skills, she decided to step away from the Bar and pursue professional development not only for herself but for others too.
Since her days bolstering benches across the North West, Amesu has gone on to play an integral part in a number of significant organisations such as her SA leadership development and consultancy business and the Society of Leadership Fellows, based out of St George’s House in Windsor Castle.
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A founding member of both institutions, the idea of their work is to bring prominent industry figures together and share wisdom through building a wider leadership network, as well as going out to businesses around the UK to show how they can put that knowledge into practice.
Even before she was a part of initiatives like these, Sharon quickly began establishing herself as a powerful and inspiring speaker, visiting all manner of companies to educate them on the importance of women and inclusivity in leadership.
She joined the Professional Speaking Association not long after she left the world of law and built up a strong following both personally and throughout the world of Greater Manchester businesses, helping people have the difficult conversations no one else will and resolving issues surrounding work culture.
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She soon began speaking all over the country and even went on to give her own TEDx Talk back in June 2021, discussing the subject of legacy and how the decisions we make in the present can massively affect the generations to come back in June 2021.
Already a multi-award-winning executive coach and motivational speaker – not to mention a “leadership and inclusion strategist” as described on her website – it won’t surprise you to know that Amesu was also made an Honorary Industry Fellow of the University of Salford Business School.
Backing Black businesses, women and diversity in Greater Manchester
On the subject of legacy, perhaps her biggest achievement comes in the form of She Leads for Legacy, a social enterprise set up with her daughter Afiya back in January 2021, which aims to reduce the barriers Black women face in the working world and accelerate their career progression.
For instance, just this weekend, Amesu stood alongside women’s charity Pregnant Then Screwed on a march to demand better policies for working mothers such as childcare and more flexible maternity leave.
Join me at #March ofTheMummies, a protest lead by @pregnantscrewed, on 29th October to demand Government reform on childcare, flexible working and parental leave https://t.co/yiOEXWJpd6
The hope is that those guided by the initiative will reach senior leadership and Board level positions within the workplace and, in turn, help better represent, inspire and serve their local communities. Her role as a Community Champion for the Sickle Cell Care Manchester charity is one of many examples.
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Moreover, having seen the lack of diversity when it comes to decision-making firsthand, Sharon and her daughter know all too well the challenges women and people of colour face in private and corporate business settings, especially.
THANK YOU to our fantastic community for making today such an incredible day!
We’re absolutely thrilled to have shared the room with so many inspirational women.
In fact, her contributions have been noted and felt by so many that in 2021 she was named among five key Black figures improving lives in Greater Manchester by Google Arts and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
But, crucially, her achievements are always shared.
Keeping it in the family
As she explained on The Mindset Mentor Meets… podcast, she herself felt a lot of guilt and imposter syndrome as a working mother of three juggling multiple roles, but the success of this mother-daughter team has proved so much of personal progression is about self-belief.
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The pair recently held the Empowered to Lead Conference at Bruntwood’s Bloc in Manchester city centre and set for a number of events before the end of 2022, including a Black Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It’s all over Zoom so there’s no excuse for you to miss it.
As well as Afiya, her husband Sefa is also an accomplished development consultant; her eldest son Sefa Jr. is a promising Accounting and Finance student at Manchester Metropolitan University, and her youngest Edem is a champion ballroom dancer and model. They’re a powerhouse this lot.
Sharon and daughter turned partner in crime, AfiyaEdem, Afiya and Sefa Jr.Sharon and husband Sefa AmesuThe Amesu family
Sharon Amesu is a credit to black Mancunians and working women all over the UK. Furthermore, given how much local communities and North West businesses have already benefitted from her speaking, coaching and consultancy — and will continue to do so — this Manc of the Month is long overdue.
We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Black History Month than by bigging up one of the most important figures in Greater Manchester and the modern Black British community.
Co-op is offering shoppers £10 discounts as a ‘thank you’ following its cyber attack
Emily Sergeant
Co-op is offering shoppers £10 discounts to say ‘thank you’ for their cooperation during the recent cyber attack disruption.
Last month, the supermarket retailer’s stock was massively affected due to what was described as ‘malicious attempts by hackers to access [its] systems’, leaving shelves of stores across the UK bare, and payments by shoppers disrupted.
The company called it a ‘highly complex situation’, and also confirmed that hackers stole personal data – including members’ names and contact details.
The Co-op was just one business to be hit by cyber attacks this year, with other major ones affecting several other retailers like Marks & Spencer and Harrods.
Co-op is offering shoppers £10 discounts as a ‘thank you’ following its cyber attack / Credit: Co-op (via Flickr)
Now that Co-op’s 2,300 food stores nationwide have successfully returned to usual trading, the retailer wants to show gratitude to its 6.5 million members who supported the business while the attack was taking place.
To say ‘thank you’, Co-op is offering its members a 25% discount on a £40 shop, meaning they can get £10 off their purchases.
“I’m very proud that, thanks to the work of our colleagues, we are very near to making a full and complete recovery from the recent cyberattack on our Co-op,” commented Co-op’s Managing Director of Food, Matt Hood, “and I’m delighted to see our stores looking back to normal and being able to serve our shoppers and communities.
“We are so grateful to our member owners for their support and patience with us during what was a very difficult time.
“I hope this gesture of appreciation goes a little way to showing them our thanks, with more value rewards to come over the summer.”
The 25% offer runs from today (Wednesday 18 June) right through to 24 June at all Co-op stores across the UK, and it can only be used by members one time.
Plans for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have been green-lit
Danny Jones
Proposals for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have officially been approved, with the overall regeneration plans valued somewhere in the region of £500 million.
The Greater Manchester town has long been accused of being neglected by local authorities and investors, but now natives and those living in and around the area are being asked to consult on what has the potential to be a huge transformation.
Wythenshawe town centre could look almost unrecognisable should everything go according to plan, not to mention inject a much-needed boost to the arts and creative industries in the area.
Put simply, this could be huge for a place long overlooked and deserving of some TLC.
Credit: Manchester City Council
The simply titled ‘Culture Hub’ will aim to create a new community outlet and environment for everyone to enjoy, allowing them access to professional facilities and support, as well as further tap into that vital grassroots culture and creativity.
While the UK government has a total of £4.8bn set aside for infrastructure and regional disparity works that fall under the initiative, the Culture Hub was set to cost £20m back then, though Wythenshawe is looking for an estimated half a billion to upgrade their town centre.
As per an official press release, the hub is set to sit within Civic – Wythy’s much-loved shopping complex – and will include space for food and drink on the ground floor, as well as a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes or local events on the first floor.
The Council itself is set to contribute a further £11.9m, as they hope to back future plans for a bustling new food hall spilling out onto an updated public square, with new workspaces for independent start-ups and growing Manc businesses.
Credit: MCC
Meanwhile, a new 200-seater performance space will be created on the second floor, “providing a backdrop for a diverse range of performances, whether it’s dance or drama, music or modern art, there’ll be something for everyone.”
As touched upon, a larger public square will also be included, with improved outdoor areas, new paving and, crucially, more trees, plants and green spaces to make the town centre a much more natural, vibrant and welcoming space.
Private construction company Muse was appointed as the development partner for the new cultural hub and further Wythenshawe town centre regeneration initiative back in August 2024; as a local firm, they have a heavily vested interest in the 30,000 sq ft site and the surrounding area.
Work on the Culture Hub is due to commence this autumn, with the opening scheduled for some time in early 2027 – touch wood.
Credit: Manchester City Council (MCC)
Councillor Gavin White, who serves as an executive member on Manchester City Council’s executive housing and development team, said:“The Culture Hub planning approval is a really exciting milestone in the long-term regeneration of Civic.
“This is a statement of intent of how serious we are about investing in Wythenshawe’s town centre – and this is an early sign of what is to come. We want to build on the destination potential of Civic, create opportunities for local people and visitors to spend time in the area, and widen the offer for our residents to enjoy and participate in the arts right on their doorstep.
“High streets are the soul of our communities and we are investing heavily in our town centres across the city, including Gorton and Moston, to celebrate how they bring people together, support businesses and help grow local economies.
“This is just the start for Wythenshawe, and the conversation we are having with local people is ongoing to make sure we can be guided by the very people who live and work in this community. I’d urge as many people as possible to tell us what they think about the future of their area.”
Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, added:“Getting the green light for the new Culture Hub is a major milestone in our once-in-a-generation plans to work with local people to transform Wythenshawe town centre.
“The feedback that we’ve received so far for the hub has been really positive with many seeing it as a creative space where people and groups of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way.”
“We look forward to getting started on construction later this year, which we hope the people of Wythenshawe will see as a significant sign of our intent to drive this project forward with their ongoing support.”
Danny Jones -
29th October 2022 
