Business

Uber’s closest taxi rival Bolt is launching in Manchester this week

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 12th April 2022

The second-largest ride hailing taxi app Bolt is set to launch in Manchester and Salford later this week.

With more than four million passengers riding with over 65,000 drivers since its launch, which has seen it spread to 17 different UK cities.

It’s launching with a big discount too, offering new users £10 off their first ride until the end of May.

Bolt says its lower commissions, attractive pricing and high customer service levels have allowed it to expand so quickly.

Bolt will launch in Manchester and Salford. Credit: Supplied

It’s now the fastest-growing mobility platform in the world, offering everything from taxis to courier services to scooters in various locations.

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Bolt was founded in 2013 and runs its ride-hailing service in the UK, with more products earmarked for launch later in the year.

Josh Ryan, country manager, UK rides at Bolt said: “Launching in Manchester and Salford is a huge landmark for Bolt as we look to roll out more affordable services amid a wider mobility offering.

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Bolt has launched in 17 different UK cities.

“The city is renowned for its fantastic culture and sport, great nightlife and atmosphere and we’re on a mission to help local residents, students and more make the most out of it by connecting them with the people and places they love.

“Bolt offers residents an affordable and responsible way to get around and we can’t wait to welcome the first set of passengers on board.”

Manchester will be the first city where Bolt will activate its long-term partnership with The Bike Project, which refurbishes and gives out bicycles to local refugees to support in both social and physical mobility.

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Mancs can donate bikes to the initiative at pop-up hubs, and will be encouraged to make small donations to the Bike Project through the Bolt app

New drivers who sign up as a Bolt driver won’t pay any commission for the first two months.

Bolt launches here on 14 April. You can take £10 off your first ride with the code ROLLWITHBOLT until 31 May.

Featured image: Supplied

Business

Manchester Airport reveals multi-million-pound plans for much-maligned Terminal 3

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson CGIs of the new-look Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport’s Terminal 3 has become a bit of a meme of itself in recent years, with Mancs dreading a holiday that starts in the travel hub’s smallest terminal.

But now Manchester Airport has unveiled a multi-million pound project to totally revamp the space with a new entrance, more seats, new shops, new food and drink outlets, and state-of-the-art security equipment.

Set to complete next year, it’s part of the airport’s wider decade-long £1.3bn transformation programme, which has already seen Terminal 2 extended and redeveloped.

And now Manchester Airport has announced that Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 will merge into a much bigger travel hub to improve the passenger experience.

Visitors will first come across a remodelled entrance, as well as new security halls and departure lounges, with loads more space.

There’ll be brand-new security equipment to speed up passenger journeys, and 40% more seating capacity in the departures lounge.

A new 500-seat bar area with airfield views will be included in the revamped Terminal 3, plus an expanded 200-extra-seat dining area.

As for Terminal 2, phase one completed in 2021, winning the prestigious UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles award for architecture and design, with phase two set for completion later this year – that’ll bring the existing building up to the standard of the new extension and will include more than 20 new retailers, bars and restaurants.

CGIs of the new-look Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport
CGIs of the new-look Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport
CGIs of the new-look Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport
CGIs of the new-look Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport

Terminal 2 will host more than 70% of Manchester Airport’s total passengers, with the rest travelling through this new and improved Terminal 3 building that will include some of the existing Terminal 1 footprint.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “We are proud to connect the people of the North to the world – and our transformation programme means that our passengers will be able to enjoy an airport experience that rivals that of any European capital city.

“The work we’ve done in Terminal 2 is there for all to see – and we’ve already won the prestigious Prix Versailles award for its architecture and design. But until now we haven’t talked about our plans for Terminal 3. 

“Moving to a two-terminal airport is giving us a great opportunity to use some of the existing Terminal 1 space to increase the footprint of Terminal 3. We’re doing that as well as making some all round improvements to Terminal 3 – so passengers will enjoy new security technology, more space, more seats, new retail and food and drink, and more. 

“It’s another exciting step towards delivering an even better experience for our passengers and I can’t wait to see it progress.”

Featured image: Manchester Airport Group

Business

MediaCityUK makes huge pledge to Salford Youth Zone

Danny Jones Danny Jones Media City donate 100k to Salford Youth Zone

MediaCityUK has committed a sizeable new pledge to nearby Salford Youth Zone, becoming a key patron for the increasingly important community cornerstone.

Initial work on Salford Youth Zone (SYZ) only began back in 2023 but is already promising to become an important outlet for so many through the borough.

Set to open later this summer and now with backing from none other than the hugely influential entity that is MediaCityUK, SYZ’s inaugural year will hopefully get off to a wonderful start.

As its own city with the national media hub boasting a huge reputation of its own, its great to get more eyes on and profile behind the project.

Teaming up with Salford Council and Empower Youth Zone (EMPOWER) – the youth work charity behind the already established HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton and the soon-to-open SYZ – MediaCity has become the latest and one of their most generous patrons yet.

Pledging a huge donation of £100,000, MediaCity will be supporting the charity at large with an extensive volunteering and business support programme over the next four years at the very least.

As a Landsec Futures employability partner and influential hub for the creative industries in the UK, MediaCity are looking to work closely with SYZ and its partners to provide greater access in creative spaces and with local businesses.

Landsec (who have recently acquired full ownership of the MediaCity brand) are equally committed to creating places that deliver lasting positive impact for both communities and the environment.

As per an official announcement of the partnership, “It joins the growing EMPOWER patron community, funding vital services that enable young people to break down barriers, unlock potential, and build brighter futures.”

Salford Youth Zone – situated adjacent to Belvedere Road and Broadwalk in Pendleton – is set to open seven days a week, deliver more than 200 volunteering days each year, as well as offer completely free membership to support thousands of young people in the city and across Greater Manchester.

For those who have come across the exciting new ‘FRAMELESS’ exhibition over in Salford Quays, this comes not only in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery but SYZ itself in one of its first big activitations for 2025.

Here’s a whistle-stop tour of the £6.2 million youth centre and activities space.

Speaking in an official statement, MediaCity Managing Director Martin Chown said of the welcome new partnership: “Salford is an important part of our journey, and deepening our roots here reflects our commitment to enriching the communities we’re part of.

“Partnering with EMPOWER will help us continue to drive forward a thriving creative community while s upporting talented young people. MediaCity has become a cornerstone of Salford’s identity, helping the city attract leading businesses and driving investment into the city.

“It’s a bridge between Salford and the creative industries, and we want to ensure local people feel like a career in the creative industries is within their reach. EMPOWER’s arrival in Salford will make a material difference to young people and the wider community, so we’re proud to be supporting the team.”

Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower, went on to add: “Our partnership with Landsec is another powerful step towards our mission to support young people across Greater Manchester. MediaCity sits at the heart of the city, and we want our young people to feel connected to its energy and community spirit.

“Young people are full of potential but often need the right support to overcome the barriers they face and truly believe in themself. Together, with the MediaCity team and Landsec, we’re working to ensure every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and move towards a better future.”

With the recently unveiled ‘Content Studio’ to boot, it’s happening in Salford and another exciting event is also heading back to MediaCity this season.

Popular outdoor dining event returns to MediaCity waterfront this summer
Salford Youth Zone isn’t the exciting collab with MediaCity this year.

Read more:

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Featured Images — Arran Bee (via Flickr)/Salford Youth Zone/Sophia J Carey (supplied)

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