Greater Manchester’s fire service has been revealed as the ‘most improved’ in the UK, according to a new report.
Not only that, but it’s also been named one of the ‘best performing’ services too.
Following the latest inspection report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has now been revealed as both the most improved fire and rescue service, and one of the best performing in the country.
The report – which was published last Friday (8 March) – examined 11 different areas across GMFRS, which ranged from the prevention of fires, and protecting the public, to promoting the right culture and values, and developing staff.
Today we published our latest inspection of @manchesterfire.
We were pleased with the service's performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks, and commend the service on the changes it has made.
10 of those 11 areas have now been rated ‘good’, which is an impressive increase on the first inspection in 2018, when only three areas received that rating, and seven ‘required improvement’.
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On top of this, six areas have also been recognised as ‘demonstrating promising or innovative practice’ – which is more than any other fire service in the country so far.
GMFRS was commended for the “significant progress” it’s made across the organisation to “drive positive changes” to operations and culture.
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Greater Manchester’s fire service has been revealed as the ‘most improved’ in the UK / Credit: GMFRS
Inspectors praised the service for keeping Greater Manchester residents safe and secure from fires and other risks, particularly noting the “consistent progress” made since the previous inspection, as well as applauding the quality of its fire safety work, and the way it has improved different capabilities – including its terror attack response capability.
Overall, inspectors said they are “confident” the service will continue to progress and improve.
🚒 We are proud to say @manchesterfire is the most improved and one of the best performing fire and rescue services in the country, according to a new @HMICFRS report.
It’s a testament to the hard work of @CFODaveRussel and everyone across GMFRS.
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) March 8, 2024
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said he is “immensely proud” of GMFRS for its recent performance in the report.
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“We know that the service of seven years ago has undergone fundamental change, and our Chief Fire Officer and his leadership team have relentlessly committed themselves to that mission,” he continued, “And this report is a testament to their work.”
Mr Burnham also added that it’s a testament to the “tireless efforts” of everyone at GMFRS to keep the region safe and deliver a “professional” and “inclusive” service.
Featured Image – GMFRS
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th March 2024 
