It may have only been around in our city for a couple of months now, but Brigad already looks like it’s fast becoming the future for freelancers.
In you’re unfamiliar with this innovative new app and what it’s all about, Brigad first burst onto the hospitality scene all the way back in 2016, and went on to make a deserved name for itself both here in the UK and with our overseas neighbours in France, before it finally launched in Manchester earlier this year.
Brigad prides itself on being a company with a mission, and the goal is “to make work attractive and accessible to all”.
It’s a platform that allows businesses in our city to be put in touch with verified self-employed professionals in just a few clicks – which ultimately saves precious time, as the entire administrative process is automated, and also gives freelancers to the chance to choose work freely every day from a large number of well-paid assignments that work ideally for their timetable, lifestyle, career path, and income.
Given that the hospitality industry has had to overcome a lot more than other sectors post-COVID, and with the staffing crisis within the sector now said to be reaching points of over 3,000 ongoing open vacancies, Brigad could not have come to Manchester at a more ideal time.
Having already connected around 4,000 freelance workers with opportunities across London, the company is adamant that there is no time to waste in applying these resources to the great city of Manchester, and says its presence here is vital to “ensure efficient post-pandemic recovery” of the city’s hospitality industry.
But, if you’re a freelance professional in Manchester hospitality who’s keen to change the way you work, then what exactly is Brigad all about? How do you use it? And what do you need to know to get started?
Let’s break it down.
Brigad is on a mission to make work “attractive and accessible to all” / Credit: Arnaud Caillou | Brooke Cagle (via Unsplash)
How does Brigad work for freelancers?
Brigad is all about collaboration.
It’s a platform that puts end-to-end collaboration between hospitality businesses and qualified self-employed professionals right at the forefront, and is all about empowering hospitality workers by helping to connect them to temporary freelance shifts with a decent and fair minimum hourly payment.
To get started, you’ll simply need to download the app from your app store, and sign up by completing your personal information and uploading a copy of your ID.
How do I use the app?
Once you’ve officially signed up, you’ll first need to book a slot with a member of the Brigad team, who will introduce the app to you and discuss your experience and skills in order to give you the best experience, all before you take on your first mission.
After you’ve successfully accepted your first mission, you’re then set to earn on average 15% more than the industry standard income – and all with no obligation to accept regular shifts.
All that’s left now is to turn up to your first mission, and let Brigad know how it goes by leaving the business a review – which gives other Brigaders an insight into what it’s like to work at the business.
This, once again, encourages helpful and collaborative communication.
It puts end-to-end collaboration between hospitality businesses and qualified self-employed professionals at the forefront / Credit: Arnaud Caillou
Is it flexible? What happens if I need to cancel after signing up for work?
Brigad offers freelancers a great deal of flexibility as there is no minimum or maximum number of shifts required to be a ‘Brigader’, and this allows you to have complete control over the way you wish to work, with no impact on your career in hospitality going forward.
Businesses can also choose to favourite freelancers who have fit in with their establishment particularly well, and this means you’ll receive their shifts before other Brigaders.
This means regular work with no contract – the dream, for many.
But if you do need cancel your shift last minute though, for whatever reason that may be, you will need to be mindful that this could affect your ability to receive missions in the future, as last-minute cancellations are a great inconvenience to businesses, and most of the time, they are unable to find a replacement for you.
Any tips for signing up to work? And is there room for career progression?
Brigad says it always recommends calling the business you have signed up to work for in advance to check how early to turn up for your shift, what to wear, and if there is anything extra you need to bring with you, as this not only helps you to be as prepared as possible, but businesses particularly appreciate it too and it creates a good first impression.
Remember to be your best self too, because as a self-employed professional, businesses will also be leaving a review on you.
Once you have established yourself on the Brigad app with good reviews and frequent shifts, the company says it can offer the opportunity for career development through earning the ‘Super Brigader’ badge – which means you can then receive 1-1 advice from an advisor to ensure your career is developing as you’d like.
Brigad connects workers to temporary freelance shifts with a decent and fair minimum hourly payment / Credit: Arnaud Caillou
Where can I find out more information and sign up?
If you’re keen to find out more information and discover how Brigad can help shape the future of your freelance hospitality career across Manchester, then make sure you head on over to the company’s website here.
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.