There’s a brand new pet-friendly hotel getting ready to open its doors right here in Manchester city centre in a couple of months.
Located on the corner of John Dalton Street and Deansgate in the heart of the city’s most lively strip, with some of the best bars, shops, restaurants, galleries, and nightlife on its doorstep, Qbic Manchester is set to become “Manchester’s most creative hangout”, a hub to “share stories and relax”, and a welcome-boost to the local tourism industry – once travel restrictions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic permit, of course.
As the fourth hotel in the Qbic chain – joining locations in London, Brussels and Amsterdam – the Manchester branch’s eye-catching pink decor provides a stylish new option for a night’s stay in the city centre.
It’s also set to be one of Manchester’s greenest hotels too.
With an emphasis on sustainability, Qbic Manchester will feature roof solar panels, acting as a constant feed of green energy, and there will also be eco-friendly benefits in the rooms too, with water-efficient high-pressure showers, and rewards for customers who choose not to get their room cleaned daily.
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The on-site restaurant and bar, Motley Social House, will even feature low-mileage and in-season produce all year round to provide “unpretentious” dishes.
And on top of all of that, Qbic Manchester claims it has “revolutionised what the tradition affordable hotel is” too, by promising competitive room rates – starting at just £63 per night for a double room- and even bringing its pet-friendly policy up North too, so your four-legged friend tag along with you.
But before the new hangout officially opens for business, Qbic Manchester is on the look-out for 100 people to become ‘testers’ and ” eat, sleep and enjoy the newest hotel with a plus one”.
The description for the sought-after role on the Qbic website reads: “We’re opening the doors to the shiny new Qbic Manchester in April this year (depending on national lockdown restrictions) and we need you to come and test drive it.
“We are seeking 100 testers to sleep, eat and hang out in what is set to be the latest (and greatest) hotel experience Manchester has ever seen.
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“Think you’re up for the job?
“Sign up now and you and a friend could be heading to Qbic Manchester for a free nights stay with breakfast and dinner at our restaurant Motley Social House included”.
New survey finds most drivers can’t complete a car journey without using their mobile
Emily Sergeant
A shocking new report has revealed that most Brits are unable to complete a car journey without using their mobile behind the wheel.
After shocking images taken with an AI camera of drivers using mobiles and not wearing seatbelts on the roads across Greater Manchester were released to the public last November, a new report has now shed some more light on drivers’ excessive phone use while on the roads, proving that they’re the ultimate distraction.
In fact, nine out of 10 drivers struggle to complete a journey without being distracted by their phones, according a recent report from IMS and the RAC.
The research – which is based on survey results from 500,000 drivers over the past year, originally shared exclusively with This is Money – shows that only 10% of motorists manage to drive from start to finish without interacting with their mobile device.
And this is despite the risk of consequences such as £200 fines and six penalty points on their license, if caught.
A new survey has fount that most drivers can’t complete a car journey without using their mobile at some point / Credit: Geograph | Vincent Wachowiak (via Unsplash)
As mentioned, it’s also despite the increasing use of advanced artificial intelligence roadside cameras to detect ‘distracted drivers’ and their illegal mobile phone use.
Government data showed that mobile phone use was a contributing factor in 23 road fatalities last year alone, and official statistics also show that ‘distraction or impairment’ was the third most-common cause of fatal crashes, having played a role in 34.9% of deadly incidents.
The RAC is now encouraging police forces across the UK to start taking immediate action.
“We saw a reduction in motorists admitting to illegal handheld phone use after the penalties were toughened in 2017 following pressure from the RAC, but numbers are on the rise again now,” explained RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis
“In fact, our research shows the proportion of young drivers making and receiving calls illegally hit its highest rate in eight years in 2024.
“Enforcement of the law is critical, so we encourage police forces to roll out more roadside cameras to catch people in the act and get them to change their ways.”
Featured Image – Rahul Himkar (via Unsplash)
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Rio Ferdinand is stepping away from TNT Sports after more than a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester United legend and ex-England international Rio Ferdinand has announced he will be stepping away from TNT Sports, leaving more than a decade with the broadcaster.
Ferdinand has spent the best part of the last 10 years serving as a leading pundit and analyst, as well as hosting his own ‘Rio Meets’ online series – the interview format of which has been replicated on his YouTube channel.
However, after having been one of their main anchors both under the BT Sport and even more so since the inception of the rebranded TNT Sports Football umbrella, the 46-year-old has confirmed he has now quit their regular coverage following the Champions League final this weekend.
In a lengthy statement on social media, the ex-Man United defender, who also played for Leeds, West Ham, Bournemouth and QPR, described it as a “difficult decision.”
Taking time to thank the network for their “tremendous support” over the years, especially those “behind the scenes, whose work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.”
The talented centre-back retired in May 2015 after more than 500 appearances and 81 national team caps, making an almost immediate switch into punditry and remaining a household name.
Rio has also remained a popular figure at Old Trafford and, indeed, across various parts of Manchester since leaving United in 2014.
For instance, his self-titled Foundation has carried out some truly transformational local outreach across various boroughs, as it has back in his home city of London.
Responding to the news, TNT Sports said nothing more than “Thanks for everything, Rio”; meanwhile, fellow former Red, Danny Simpson (who retired last year and also works as a pundit/presenter for MUTV) added: “You’re going to be missed, bro. Every time you’re on, you give us all the mad insight.”
However, he has promised he will remain in the media industry, continuing to work under the Rio Ferdinand Presents digital brand and pursuing “other business interests”.
With his ‘Rio Reacts’ and ‘Vibe with FIVE’ series regularly raking in millions of views, he might not be on the box during European nights but you’ll still be seeing plenty of him.
Emily Sergeant -
4th February 2021 
