News

Storm Kyle is about to sweep the UK – with Manchester set for a grim few days

The sunshine that left Manchester sizzling earlier this month is quickly becoming a distant memory, with the next big storm - christened 'Kyle' - set to sweep the nation in the coming weeks.

The Manc The Manc - 19th August 2020

The sunshine that left England sizzling earlier this month is quickly becoming a distant memory, with the next big storm – christened ‘Kyle’ – set to sweep the nation in the coming weeks.

According to reports, we won’t get the worst of the tropical storm (which originally formed off the east coast of the USA) up here in the north. But we’ll still need to be on guard.

Manchester is likely to suffer for a few days in terms of wind and rain – with the effects of Storm Kyle becoming apparent as early as today.

According to the Met Office, the South-West of England will be hit first – experiencing gusts of high wind and rainy skies.

However, Manchester may also be in for a very wet and windy afternoon today – with heavy rain expected to tumble down on the region anytime from 1pm right up until the evening.

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Thursday is predicted to be a dry but rather windy day, whilst the clouds will open again on Friday.

By the end of the week, Greater Manchester could be hit with 22mph winds and rain that could stretch right through the weekend.

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Saturday and Sunday are looking rather grim at present, but the hope is that things will begin to clear a little by Monday.

Be sure to keep track of the latest weather updates and warnings by visiting the Met Office website.

News

Opening date finally confirmed for new Uniqlo store at the Trafford Centre

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Uniqlo is preparing to open its second store in Greater Manchester, and the official launch date has finally been confirmed.

The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but it was revealed earlier this year in April that Manchester was set to get a second helping.

Uniqlo announced that it would be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre this autumn, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.

The Trafford Centre store is set to make Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.

When news broke that the hoardings had officially gone up inside the shopping centre, elated shoppers raced to the comments to say things like: “No way! I’ve been waiting years for this.”

Uniqlo Manchester Market St
Uniqlo is preparing to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: | The Manc Group

“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like ‘finally’ and ‘can’t wait’.

And now, we officially have an opening date to share with you.

Uniqlo will open in the Trafford Centre for the first time on Thursday 15 October, with plenty of events happening across its extended opening weekend.

Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances will be happening throughout the day on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 October, while the first 300 customers to spend over £69.90 in store on the Thursday (15 October) will get a special Uniqlo Manchester goody bag.

Read more:

Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.

Featured Image – The Manc Group

News

‘Do not let Britain’s independent businesses disappear on your watch’ – Manchester bakery makes heartbreaking plea to Andy Burnham

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A beloved Manchester bakery has issued an open letter to Andy Burnham ahead of the Budget begging him for help.

Barbakan Deli in Chorlton is basically an institution at this point.

The legendary bakery and delicatessen has been serving the community for 62 years, famed for its freshly-baked loaves of bread, its handmade sandwiches, and its pastries and cakes inspired by bakes from across Europe.

Posting on Instagram last night on Thursday 18 September, Frankie Dyer the director of Barbakan, issued an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Images: The Manc Group

It read: “Dear Mr Burnham, As an independent business owner in the hospitality sector, I am begging you to please read this.

“Really read it. And seriously consider what businesses like mine are telling you before the upcoming Budget.”

It continued: “In just the last two years, we have self-funded new bakery machinery, new catering kitchens, essential repairs and renovations and opened a second retail site, creating another six local jobs. We have won more than ten national awards for the quality of what we do.

“We have invested. We have grown. We have employed more people. We have worked harder than ever. In short, Prime Minister, we are doing everything you keep asking British businesses to do.

“And our bank balance is finished. That is the reality.”

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Barbakan Delicatessen Ltd. (@barbakandeli)

The letter finished by Dyer inviting Andy Burnham to come visit the bakery and pleading for a ‘fighting chance’ to save the business: “We need action. We need meaningful reductions in the tax burden placed on employers.

“We need Employer National Insurance looked at urgently. We need a business-rates system which allows independent high-street businesses to survive. We need VAT reform for hospitality. We need Corporation Tax to reward businesses which reinvest, employ and grow.

“And we need proper grants and incentives that help established independent businesses invest and expand — not schemes with endless criteria which most ordinary businesses can never access. We need you to do something.

“And we need more than one token gesture in the Budget. A band-aid for a bullet wound. So I am asking you, Prime Minister, to come back to Manchester and see it for yourself. Pop an apron on and stand behind our counter.

Images: The Manc Group

“Come into our bakery in the middle of the night and meet the people making Manchester’s bread while most of the city is asleep. Look at our payroll, our energy bills, our rates, our supplier increases.

“Look at what leaves our bank account every single week simply for the privilege of keeping 50 people employed and our doors open. You said you wanted a government that understood the regions. You now have an opportunity to prove it.

“Independent businesses across this country are not asking for a handout. We are asking for a fighting chance. I sincerely hope your next Budget gives us one”.

You can read the full letter here.

Read more: Entire Blossoms band rock up to independent takeaway for ‘best sandwiches in Manchester’

Featured image – The Manc Group

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