Sandwich Technician
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 More arrests made in connection with ‘significant’ alleged financial irregularities at Greater Manchester uni
Emily Sergeant
Further arrests have been made in connection with ‘significant’ alleged financial irregularities at a university in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that two people have been arrested as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the University of Greater Manchester – formerly the University of Bolton – between 2014 and 2025.
Two warrants were executed yesterday morning (4 November 2026) – one in Bolton, and another in South Yorkshire.
Subsequently a man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice, and fraud by the abuse of position, while a man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice, and fraud by false representation.
The arrests come, as mentioned, as part of an ongoing investigation.
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GMP’s Major Incident Team opened a fraud and bribery investigation a year ago after it received allegations from The Mill, and a subsequent report from Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) commissioned by the university’s Fraud Response Panel.
Since then, detectives have been working closely with the Crown Prosecution (CPS)’s Serious Economic Crime team, and are said to have been making ‘painstaking’ enquiries to independently compile evidence that is ‘impartial’ and ‘robust’.
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“We’re exploring evidence indicating over £1 million’s worth of fraudulent activity. As part of our enquiries, we’re probing around 60 transactions and investigating more than a million emails,” GMP said in a statement.
Detective Inspector Matthew Donnelly, from GMP’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit, added: “This remains a complex and extensive investigation into allegations of fraud, bribery and financial misconduct at the University of Greater Manchester.
“The offences for which these individuals have been arrested on suspicion of are serious and include allegations of fraud, witness intimidation, perverting the course of justice and money laundering.
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“Any actions that seek to interfere with, influence or undermine the integrity of a police investigation will not be tolerated.”
He concluded: “I would urge anyone who has information which may assist our investigation to come forward and speak to us.”
Featured Image – UoGM (via Facebook)
A city-wide cocktail celebration featuring some of the world’s best bars is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester is set to become a cocktail lover’s paradise this November, as the inaugural Manchester Cocktail Festival has unveiled its jam-packed schedule of events, international bar takeovers and exclusive drinks offers.
Taking place across the city, the festival will bring some of the world’s best cocktail bars to Manchester, alongside a series of special events, masterclasses, tastings, and plenty of discounted drinks at some of the city’s favourite venues.
Those with a Manchester Cocktail Festival 2026 pass (which is priced just £10) will also be able to take advantage of exclusive drinks offers at participating bars throughout the week of 9-15 November
That includes two-for-£14 cocktails, and £10 birthday cocktails at both Crazy Pedros sites, £10 oyster and martini at Hawksmoor, £7 Irish Coffees at The Bay Horse Tavern, £4.50 Parton shots at Dahlia, and £10 Rosita Spritz and Blackberry Bonitas at Dahlia, amongst offers from all participating bars.
Kicking things off on Monday 9 November, the festival’s opening party will welcome the team from Passing Fancies, led by GB Bartender of the Year 2026 Matt Arnold, to Studio IV at Mollie’s.
Meanwhile, over at Blinker Bar, Copenhagen’s award-winning Victory will be taking over for an evening of Scandinavian hospitality.
Things get even bigger on Wednesday 11 November, when Mexico City’s Tlecān makes its way to Manchester.
Currently ranked fifth in North America’s 50 Best Bars and 47th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, the acclaimed mezcaleria will be joining the team at Crazy Pedro’s to celebrate the Northern Quarter favourite’s 10th birthday. Expect an evening of Patrón tequila, Ilegal mezcal and plenty of celebrations.
Thursday 12 November will see Dublin favourite Bar 166 take over Speak in Code, bringing a taste of Irish hospitality to Manchester.
There’s also something for the book lovers, as local boozy book club Read Room welcomes author Eloise Rodger to Science and Industry for an evening of literature, Q&As and a complimentary martini flight.
And if cocktails and a bit of glamour are more your thing, Friday 13 November has you covered.
Local collective The Flaneuse will be hosting a Fur Coats and Cocktails party at Exhibition, where guests can learn how to make the perfect margarita during a dedicated masterclass, before enjoying two margaritas of their own.
The ticket for this event also includes a Manchester Cocktail Festival pass, giving guests access to drinks and perks at participating bars across the city.
The festival will wrap up on Sunday 15 November with two more exciting takeovers.
The team behind Bermondsey’s Nine Lives will head to Double Down for an evening celebrating Dominican rum, while the internationally acclaimed Waltz takes over Bar Shrimp for a night of martinis and music from local DJs.
Waltz recently earned a place at number 32 in The World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as fifth spot in the UK’s Top 50 Bars.
Nick Coupland, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival said: “We feel extremely grateful for all the support, so far, from the local community and our partners.
“It’s been great to see that the festival and city’s pull has enabled us to attract a roster of incredible bars from across the world.”
Ben Kendrick, co-founder at Manchester Cocktail Festival added: “It’s going to be super exciting to see what comes of the collaborations, when combining these venues, with the huge talent we have in the city.”
You can find out more and grab tickets HERE.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
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