Business

The Co-op Bank announces branch closures, 350 jobs and reduce Manchester HQ roles

These closures and job cuts come as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Manc The Manc - 25th August 2020
Wikimedia Commons

The Co-op Bank has announced today that it plans to cut 350 jobs and close 18 branches nationwide as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The lender said the job cuts would focus on middle management positions and roles at the Manchester city centre head office.

The branch closures are expected to be completed by 1st December and come after an analysis of footfall in each store, which was actually said to have begun before lockdown was put in place. The bank has said it hopes to re-deploy some of its employees into other parts of the business and it begins consulting with staff and unions.

It has been confirmed that the Ashton-under-Lyne branch is the only branch in the Greater Manchester region that is set to close.

DCPFGY / The Co-op Bank

Andrew Bester – Chief Executive at Co-op Bank – said: “Our people have shown great dedication and commitment to our customers over the past few months, so we are very sorry to announce this news today. Unfortunately, we’re not immune to the impact of recent events, with the historically low base rate affecting the income of all banks and a period of prolonged economic uncertainty ahead, which means it’s important we reduce costs and have the right-sized operating model in place for the future.

“At the same time, we are responding to the continuing shift of more and more customers choosing to bank online, with lower levels of transactions in branches, a trend which has been increasing for some time, across the banking sector and more broadly.”

The company added that is is “writing to affected customers to provide information about the alternative options available to them, including Post Office counter services, telephone, online and mobile banking”.

This is a breaking news story – More to follow.

Business

Salford Lads and Girls Club to receive lifeline funding grant for ‘essential repairs’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Outside Salford Lads and Girls Club

Salford Lads and Girls Club is set to receive a lifeline funding grant for essential repairs merely months after facing closure.

The £400,000 grant will be helping to secure a long-term future for the iconic youth club.

Established in 1903 as a purpose-built club for boys, but now open to girls too, Salford Lads and Girls Club nowadays works to provide new generations with access to sports, creative workshops, fitness, music, drama, and ultimately, life skills.

The building is, of course, forever linked with legendary Manchester band The Smiths, through Stephen Wright’s iconic photo of the band outside the front doorway.

For this reason, the venue has become a worldwide landmark and pilgrimage site for music fans, and it even has a dedicated Smiths room.

Salford Lads and Girls Club will receive a lifeline funding grant for ‘essential repairs’ / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The venue’s funding grant is part of £2.4 million awarded to six historic places in the North West from Historic England’s Heritage at ‘Risk Capital Fund’.

Other sites in the region include the restoration of the upper seating areas at Morecambe Winter Gardens, and the conservation of the Grade II listed pumphouse at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.

Some of the essential repairs set to be carried out with the funding include roof slate replacements, and brick and terracotta masonry repairs to ensure the long-term sustainability of this famous community building in Salford.

“Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings in the North West that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes,” commented Louise Brennan, who is the Director of Regions at Historic England, as the funding grant was announced.

“This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the region’s most disadvantaged areas.

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“We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”

Featured Image – Travel Mag (via Flickr)

Business

The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones The Black Friar taking over Horse and Jockey pub in Chorlton

The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.

As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.

Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.

Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.

The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)

Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive
Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.

The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.

Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.

Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.

Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.

Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.

Neil and Ben
The Black Friar stunned this past spring
Credit: Supplied/The Manc Eats

“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”

Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.

Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.

Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”

Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.

We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.

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Featured Images — Adam Bruderer (via Flickr)/Press shots (supplied)

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