Despite the difficulties that Manchester’s businesses have faced over the course of the last year, there has been a little bit of a sense of optimism building that the end of the coronavirus is near.
That may be overstating things a bit, and it is also of course important to note that the new mutation has intensified the spread of the virus for now. Currently, new shutdowns are in effect, and those local businesses that had managed to reopen have shuttered once again.
Nevertheless, the feeling is that as the UK continues to progress toward mass vaccination, life will return to normal and businesses will follow.
Even if this is a realistic hope though, the fact remains that it will be a challenge for local businesses to get back up to speed — particularly if they’re not part of larger chains with robust online businesses.
Because of this, we decided to look ahead at some of the challenges that may linger, not to be overly pessimistic but rather as a means of honestly assessing what’s ahead.
Lingering COVID Cases
The good news regarding the virus specifically is that the UK is among the world leaders when it comes to distributing the vaccine.
The bad news, however, is that the UK is also near the top of the list in new cases. According to a recent update from The Guardian, the nation trails only the U.S. in recent cases diagnosed, indicating that spread is still rampant — and outpacing vaccinations.
It is hoped, of course, that this is more of a short-term problem than a long-term challenge for businesses. But right now the raw numbers indicate that the UK will be dealing with lingering cases and outbreaks for some time yet. Even if local businesses in Manchester and other cities are able to open, they’ll need to undertake precautions and prepare for potential mini-shutdowns in the future.
Online Shopping Habits
Another cold, hard fact for high-street retailers in places like Manchester is that consumers have had time over the course of the pandemic to get even more used to online shopping than they already were. Though there have been some occasional issues with supply chains, product availability, and shipping times, store delivery has held up fairly well overall.
Amazon has thrived throughout much of the world by maintaining its typical high-speed online shopping capability during the pandemic. And in the UK specifically, Groupon recently highlighted Very for its “range of delivery options,” “speedy and easy to track” orders, and affordable shipping.
Stores like these have efficiently provided consumers with everything they need, and local businesses will need to actively persuade some of those consumers to return.
In-Store Trust
Part of persuading consumers to return to brick-and-mortar businesses will mean establishing a trust factor regarding safety and cleanliness.
The BBC asked last summer if the high streets would get their shoppers back, and noted the “conspicuousness of precautions” as a design of retailers — a means of making shoppers feel safe and protected. Now another half year into the pandemic, this appears to be even more important.
Local businesses both in Manchester and elsewhere will likely have to go to extensive lengths to reassure customers and establish suitable but appealing post-COVID spaces.
Endurance of Adaptations
The last point, and maybe the most interesting, is that local businesses will also need to find ways to sustain positive adaptations that they’ve made during COVID once the virus is under control.
That’s a good thing — but it won’t work the same way after COVID.
The same businesses will have to continue engaging through social media, but shift their messaging and outreach efforts to reflect a more normal society, and ultimately to drive consumers to locations.
This is an opportunity, but one more challenge as well.
Business
Manchester City sign record-breaking deal to extend Puma kit partnership for another DECADE
Danny Jones
Manchester City have officially signed a long-term extension with global sports brand Puma to continue making their kits for at least another decade in what has been reported as a record-breaking sponsorship deal.
The eight-time Premier League champions brought on Puma as their primary kit manufacturers six years ago, and the pair have been together during the most successful period in the club’s history.
Boasting a Treble, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and four consecutive league titles to their name throughout this time, it’s pretty much been a perfect marriage, so neither City nor Puma were likely to part ways anytime soon.
With that in mind, the collaboration has been extended by another decade in a deal reported to be worth a potential £1 billion – the same figure that made up the total prize pot for this year’s Club World Cup.
Not that we’re assuming you’re terrible at maths, but to put this into context further, this extension is worth a whopping £100 million a year, making it comfortably the most lucrative kit partnership in Premier League history.
The initial contract between Man City and the sportswear giants was worth £65 million (also spanning 10 years) back in 2019, but the prolific and highly profitable spell that has followed has led to this extension being welcomed by both parties.
Writing in a press release, the club said: “Commercially, Manchester City and PUMA have set new club sales global records, in addition to co-creating iconic, best-selling kits such as the 2022/23 Colin Bell-inspired home shirt worn during the Treble-winning season.
“PUMA and Manchester City have introduced industry-leading innovations both in terms of product and marketing campaigns over the past seasons.”
Citing crossovers with Puma subsidiary, stitchd, and brand activations such as the AI kit design competition for the 26/27 campaign, they insisted that their work together thus far has “delivered breakthrough innovation, cultural moments and commercial success, both on and off the pitch.”
#ManCity’s kit deal extension with Puma could eventually be worth £1 BILLION, with the agreement now running until at least 2034/35 and valued at £100M a season – making it the highest in Premier League history.
The club went on to add that, “This is a partnership built on shared values: performance, creativity, innovation, community and sustainability.”
Meanwhile, CFG (City Football Group) CEO Ferran Soriano, said of the fresh announcement: “We joined forces with PUMA with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations. We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons.
“PUMA have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we’ve enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally. Today’s renewal and extension solidifies our relationship and projects it to an even brighter future.”
How would you rate Man City’s Puma shirt designs up till now out of 10, Blues?
Featured Images — Press shots (via PUMA/Manchester City)
Business
Bury Food and Drink Festival returns to the borough this month
Danny Jones
Bury, brace for unbuckling your belts, because the borough’s annual food and drink festival returns for 2025 this month.
Following the inaugural event last year, Bury Food and Drink Festival (BFDF) is officially back, hoping to go even bigger and better than last summer.
Promising more traders this time around, not to mention a more fully-fledged programme than the maiden Manc feast, BFDF ’25 is shaping up to be a brilliant weekend.
Better still, with the summer sun looking like it’s sticking around for a while, it’s set to be another scorcher across Greater Manchester – the perfect weather for some more al fresco face-stuffing.
Salford Rum CompanyIddons fruit and vegCredit: Bury Market (supplied)
This year, Bury Food and Drink Festival boasts 70 different independent traders from around the local area and beyond.
In fact, over in the town centre’s Kay Gardens, there’s set to be a brand-new Hong Kong-style market featuring over 50 traders alone.
Set up by nearby favourite, Moliuliu’s Store, visitors can find gifts, jewellery and artisan craft goods, as well as tonnes of amazing flavours from around the region.
There’s also set to be a new ‘Beer and Bands’ night on Bank Street, where the festival was first born, making way for an evening of live up-and-coming local talent and brilliant Bury brews.
Organised by the Bury Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the world-famous Bury Market and local council, Bury Food and Drink Fest remains a completely free town-centre celebration of native hospitality, cuisine and culture.
The Town Centre Director for Bury BID, Nigel Shields, said of their sophomore event: “It’s a pleasure to be announcing the return of the Bury Food and Drink Festival to the town centre, and to be able to build on the success of last year’s event.
“We’ve got an exciting and diverse range of local, authentic traders joining us, showcasing the very best flavours and cuisine from Bury and all over the world. The festival is a fantastic addition to our town and what it has to offer – we can’t wait to welcome guests from far and wide across the weekend!”
You can see a full map of the festival down below.
Spanning across three days and multiple central sites, BFDF 2025 kicks off this Friday, 18 July from 9:30am, and will close between 4:30/5pm every day until Sunday.
Part-funded by Local Growth & Place Flexible Grant Funding, the aim is to promote and help give back to popular indies like The Finest Fudge Co, The Thai Food Van, Sip & Sparkle and Daily Grind, just to name a few favourites.
Councillor Charlotte Morris added: “We’re delighted to bring the food and drink festival to Bury town centre once again. The fantastic range of businesses involved is testament to the strength of food and drink offering here in Bury, and the appetite (literally!) for exciting events.
“The festival will be a chance to explore Bury, support local business, try something new and enjoy flavours from all over the world. We look forward to welcoming visitors from Bury and beyond!”
Find all the details around timings and all the other important info HERE.
A trip to Bury Market usually ends with us spending far too much on two things: chocolate and cheeseThe Thai Food Van