Co-founders Steven Bartlett and Dominic McGregor have announced today they are to step down from their roles at Social Chain after six years.
CEO Bartlett and COO McGregor were just 20 and 21 respectively when they became founding members of the Manchester-based social media publishing and marketing company that has since grown to over 750 staff globally and has revenues forecast to hit $200 million this year.
Announcing his stepping down across social media this morning, Steven Bartlett said: “Social Chain was conceived on a small desk in the backroom of the uni I had just dropped out of in Manchester. I was 20, full of wild dreams, and I believed we could take on the world.
“What started as a crazy and sometimes ridiculed idea, in the mind of a few drop-out underdogs, at a time when people didn’t believe in the potential of this new thing called social media.
“As I write this, at 27, we have more than 700 Social Chainers around the world, a world-beating team, we went public last year, we are the best at what we do, and we’ve just posted record numbers. The company is showing unbelievable momentum and I remain Social Chain’s biggest fan, supporter, and believer.
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“I owe an unpayable debt of gratitude to my team, past and present – if it wasn’t for you, my board, our chairman, (and mum and dad), I would be nothing.”
Twitter – Steven Bartlett
In a post to LinkedIn today, Dominic McGregor added: “I’m deeply proud of everything we’ve achieved, the relationships we’ve made and the lessons learned,”
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“Social Chain is a very special company, the growth we’ve seen over the last six years has been quite frankly phenomenal, we recently posted record numbers, and based on some of the exciting things I’ve seen over the last year, the future promises to be even brighter than the past.
“This business has been my rock, even when I faced difficult times in my personal life. The purpose it gave me, and the people I worked with got me through – they gave me something to fight for and without it, and without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
LinkedIn – Dominic McGregor
The pair has overseen exponential growth throughout the past six years at Social Chain.
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The journey may have started with humble beginnings in Manchester, but Social Chain now has bases in London, Berlin, New York and Munich, and works with global brands such as Amazon, Coca Cola and Apple.
It claims an owned media reach of over 2 billion views a month.
Last year, the company merged with German online retailer Lumaland AG to become The Social Chain AG and list on XETRA and the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange, and it recently announced the largest acquisition in its history by taking a 51% stake in A4D Inc – a Southern Californian digital performance marketing agency.
It has been confirmed that Wanja S. Oberhof – currently Co-CEO of Social Chain AG – will retain his position as CEO upon Bartlett’s standing down.
You can find out more about Social Chain AG via its website here.
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.”