And now, a new survey has been thrown into the mix to call us Mancs out once again.
In a bid to find out what where the country’s biggest complainers reside, and what grinds their gears so much, small business credit card company, Capital on Tap, surveyed more than 1,000 Brits and asked them what exactly it is that drives them to hop online and leave a business either a positive or negative review.
Manchester claimed the sixth spot on the list, with 57% of our city’s residents admitting to leaving negative reviews.
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Mancs have been named among the top 10 ‘biggest complainers’ in the UK / Credit: Wikimedia Commons | ITV
Liverpool, Newcastle, and Sheffield are some of the other northern cities to join Manchester in the top 10, while it was the Northern Irish capital of Belfast that came out on top of the survey as the city most likely to leave a negative review – with 90% admitting they would do so.
When it comes to the reasons why Brits leave negative reviews, the survey revealed that a poor quality product or service is at the top, with 72% saying they would do so in this situation, while people are also more likely to leave a negative review if they have a bad experience overall, whether that be with a national company (69%) or a small business (66%).
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It is interesting to note, however, that the survey found Brits tend to be a little more forgiving of small businesses as opposed to the larger giants.
57% of Manchester residents admit to leaving negative online reviews / Credit: Manchester City Council (via Facebook)
On the flip side, respondents said they are more likely to leave a positive review if they think the product or service provides good value for money, with 84% saying they would do this, while an additional 83% said they would leave a positive review if the business offered good-quality customer service.
“Negative reviews can clearly have a big impact on consumer behaviour,” commented Capital on Tap’s COO, Alex Miles, on the survey findings.
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“In fact, our survey found 11% of people say they wouldn’t buy a product or use a service if it has an online review below five stars.
“If you do receive negative reviews as a business owner, don’t ignore them. This is a chance to fix the problem, but it’s also an opportunity to show other potential customers that you’re a professional company that cares about the experience of each individual.
“Any negative feedback is also a chance to improve your product or service.”
Featured Image – Glenn Carstens-Peters (via Unsplash)
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Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Emily Sergeant -
15th August 2024 
