We recently caught wind of a pretty intriguing and world-leading medical facility that’s just opened up in the UK and, yes, it’s a sperm bank that just so happens to be right here in Manchester.
Come on, we were hardly going to ignore this one.
Cryos International, the world’s largest sperm and egg bank based in Denmark but with locations all over the world, has just opened up outside of the city centre and we recently got an insight into what it’s like working there from a local staff member.
28-year-old Clinical Andrologist, Hannah Staples from Warrington, has just started work at the cutting-edge clinic in Rutherford House on the Manchester Science Park and has lifted the lid on the quirk of her fairly hands-on job (pardon the pun).
Meet Hannah (Credit: Cryos International)
Hannah gets involved in everything from the nitty-gritty of freezing sperm itself, welcoming nervous first-time donors and even setting up VR goggles for, you know, the naughty stuff.
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We’d call it NSFW but, technically, this is her work.
But it’s not all just tittering and innuendos; as a clinical andrologist, Hannah is an expert in men’s reproductive health, dealing with issues like fertility, hormone levels, and sexual function, as well as just making clients comfortable coming through the door — damn it, we’ve done it again…
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No, but seriously, Hannah and the Cryos team are on a mission to change Britain’s stuffy perceptions of sperm donation, whilst making things accessible and discreet in their sterile medical environments balanced with gentle lighting and cosy soft furnishings.
Credit: Cryos Manchester
Opening up on her experience at the facility, Hannah says, “Discussing my work was actually how I started my first date with my now-partner.
“Can you imagine telling someone you’ve just met, you work in a sperm bank or a fertility clinic? He was like, ‘I’m sorry, what was that?’
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“Most people are shocked when I tell them what I do, a lot of people even ask me to repeat myself before asking a load of questions like ‘What does sperm look like?'”
She also explained how her days involve greeting donors upon entry, ensuring the centrifuges are set correctly and the actual process of freezing and thawing samples accordingly, as well as logging into porn platforms before setting up the VR headset for the day.
According to the latest stats from the fertility world, VR porn can improve the quality and increase total sperm count by up to 50%, with Cryos offering a premium PornHub subscription.
“People think it’s seedy, 100%, expecting to be ushered into a dark room”, Hannah added, “but, that’s not the case at all. We’re committed to helping people achieve their dreams of starting their own family.
“Whether you’ve donated before or are shaking with nerves before your first appointment, we’re here to put everyone at ease and provide all the support and information you could require.”
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Moreover, the centre is committed to diversity in its visitors, welcoming applications from men of all ethnic backgrounds between the ages of 18 and 45, especially with donations at an all-time low. On the other hand, births from sperm donation have tripled since the turn of the millennium and more people are seeing it as a viable option for welcoming children into the world.
Founded back in 1987, Cryos is continuing to help people start families in more than 100 countries across the globe, boasting the highest number of registered pregnancies in the world. You can find out more about their Manchester sperm and egg bank HERE.
TGI Fridays to close even more UK locations as franchise falls further into administration
Danny Jones
Yes, American export and multinational TGI Fridays is closing even more locations across the UK following the previous batch of restaurant shutdowns.
This comes after Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, the parent company which oversees the global TGI Fridays franchise, filed a third notice to appoint administrators this week.
Founded way back in 1965 and opening in the UK by the 80s – 1990 here in Manchester, to be specific – the New York-born diner brand continues to struggle all over Great Britain.
The only city centre TGIs was hit by the first raft of closures in October 2024, and now another Greater Manchester branch is on the chopping block.
TGIs Preswitch and Royal Exchange have both been shut for some time (Credit: David Dixon/The Manc)
Announced on Wednesday, 14 January, a further 16 TGI Fridays restaurants are shutting down imminently amid administration.
Totalling just 33 transatlantic venues left, this also means the loss of around 450 jobs, though the company insists they believe it to be the best decision to help “reinvigorate” the brand.
In a statement, Global President of TGI Fridays, Phil Broad, said: “We’ve been working closely to explore all available options for securing the long-term future of TGI Fridays in the UK, and believe that this is the best outcome for the business, preserves jobs, and offers a strong platform for success and growth.
As per an official press release shared on Monday, TGI bosses are hoping to reassert their presence in the American bar and grill scene as well as casual dining culture with a “bold new 1-2-3 strategic vision.”
Meanwhile, you can see the full list of TGI Fridays sites closing in Great Britain down below:
It seems that the entities within the hospitality sector, no matter how big or small, are still being struck by rising business rates, inflation and the general cost of living crisis.
I suggest you speak to your team @RachelReevesMP … an emergency cut in VAT is the ONLY lever you have to save thousands of Hospitality businesses folding. Much of Europe has VAT rates 10-13% to support their Hospitality industry.
For now, at least, the now only remaining regional TGI Fridays in the Trafford Centre (which has been there since 1998) is set to stay open.
In the case of the site in Tameside, the 36-year-old spot has unfortunately closed with immediate effect.
As for those sadly now without a job, it’s absolutely gutting – sending love and support from everyone here at The Manc Group, and we hope other parties at Ashton Leisure Park will step in to help when and where they can.
This is far from the only recognisable name closing down local venues, either…
Michael Carrick confirmed as new interim head coach of Manchester United
Danny Jones
It’s official: Man United have announced Michael Carrick as their new head coach, at least for now, and it has been confirmed he will be in post for the Manchester derby this weekend.
Quite the baptism of fire.
Yes, only a week on from his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, being sacked by the club, and after just two games with Darren Fletcher as caretaker manager, Michael Carrick is the new interim United boss for the remainder of the season.
While it is believed that this is only a temporary appointment – with INEOS said to be continuing their search for a full-time replacement – should things go well, it wouldn’t be the first time an interim has stayed on to get the top job.
Having been pictured arriving at the Carrington training complex on Tuesday morning, 13 January, it quickly went from Carrick being considered a frontrunner alongside former interim turned full-time manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, to odds-on favourite and then all but confirmed very quickly.
The 44-year-old highly-regarded Man United midfielder, who has already served both as an assistant coach and as an interim for three games following Solskjær’s exit back in 2021.
In the time since then, not only did he go on to enjoy a mildly successful stint at Middlesbrough FC for two and a half years, which ended last June after he failed to secure a playoff spot.
Despite not gaining promotion or winning any silverware, he was often praised for his style of football and has followed the so-called ‘United Way’ in giving youth a chance.
Speaking in his first official statement, Carrick said: “Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour. I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know this group is more than capable of producing.”
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years; I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
“There’s still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
As for his predecessor and old teammate, Fletcher was reportedly offered a role as part of his coaching staff, but has stated his preference to drop back down to look after the under-18s squad.
🚨 | Darren Fletcher was offered a place in Michael Carrick's #mufc coaching staff, but he declined as he wants to continue working with the U18s. [@lauriewhitwell] https://t.co/7hIuKyyiRJ
Following United‘s exit from the FA Cup against Brighton, Carrick will now be in charge of just 17 games for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, which will be their shortest on record since before WWI.
With the Red Devils currently sitting in seventh place and just a few points off the top four (having spurned multiple opportunities to leapfrog other contenders in recent weeks), financially, they simply cannot afford to spend another year without European football.
That being said, Carrick’s first two games in charge will be against a resurgent Man City and fellow title rivals Arsenal before the end of the month.
As if the prospect of another newly reshuffled backroom wasn’t already interesting enough, another club icon and England legend has also expressed his interest in becoming part of it.
Jason Wilcox, director of football (who has come under plenty of scrutiny over the past week), went on to add: “Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United.
“He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success.”
It has also been confirmed that Steve Holland, ex-Boro colleague Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binnion, Craig Mawson, as well as only recently retired United defender Jonny Evans, will all join his team.
You can watch Michael Carrick’s first full interview as interim head coach down below.
Danny Jones -
28th May 2024 
