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Young Bakers’ festive creations head for national launch with BAKO

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

BAKO has unveiled the results of its first Young Bakers initiative, a new collaboration with Coleg Cambria and Wrights Food Group designed to inspire the next generation of bakers.

The project has delivered three festive products: an Irish Coffee Slice layered with coffee caramel and an Irish liqueur cream, a Black Forest Slice reimagined for modern tastes, and a savoury chicken, brie and cranberry Festive Slice. All three will launch to customers from 1 September 2025.

A percentage of profits from the sales will be reinvested into a dedicated fund for future projects, ensuring the Young Bakers Initiative continues to support young talent year after year. The project is supported by the Craft Bakers Association & The Worshipful Company of Bakers

The idea for the initiative originated from discussions at Coleg Cambria about how to connect education more closely with industry. With BAKO and Wrights keen to support the next generation of bakers, the partnership came together quickly and provided the perfect platform to launch the project.

Students on the Level 3 Diploma in Baking Proficiency course, Naomi Spaven 29, and Ella Muddiman, 25, also both finalists in the BIA (Baking Industry Awards) Rising Star Awards, were given a live New Product Development (NPD) brief: to create both a sweet and a savoury festive product. 

Working in their college bakery, they brainstormed, tested, and refined a series of recipes before presenting them to BAKO and Wrights.

The pair then spent time at Wrights’ factory, learning how to adapt their bakery recipes into large-scale production. Cost, consistency, and capability all had to be factored in, giving them valuable experience of the realities of NPD in a commercial environment. They were also involved in the product photography, artwork, and sales presentations, gaining a full view of how a new product moves from idea to market.

Naomi Spaven, from Mold, said: “Taking part in this project has been such a brilliant experience, it’s completely different to the artisan baking I’d done before. Seeing how products are developed on such a huge scale has been mind-blowing, from watching the production lines in action to understanding the journey from concept through to completion, being able to see it all first-hand was fascinating.

“For me, one of the highlights was the creative side, decorating the cakes and experimenting with different toppings and flavours. It was amazing to see how each of us came up with something unique, and then to see the professional photography really bring those ideas to life. At the same time, I learned so much about the more technical side of baking, especially costings, and how to balance flavour with affordability. With things like cocoa prices rising so quickly, it was a real challenge to find ways of keeping products delicious while still being commercially viable.

“The whole project has broadened my view of the industry and shown me how many opportunities there are beyond day-to-day baking. I love the hands-on side of what I do, but this has also inspired me to think about teaching and passing on my passion to the next generation. I really want young people to see that there are so many different career paths in baking, from artisan bakeries to large-scale production and new product development. It’s made me even more certain that I’m in the right industry, and I feel really excited about the future.”

Nicola Goodwill, Senior Trading Manager at BAKO, said: “This is about more than launching three new festive lines. It’s about showing young people that their creativity has a place in this industry and that their ideas can go all the way to market. Naomi and Ella have been outstanding, and we hope this becomes the first of many Young Bakers projects, building an annual programme to inspire students across the UK.”

Ella Muddiman, 24, from Chester, described the experience as transformative: “I’ve loved every step of this project. At college, you usually bake something, and it ends there, but this gave me the chance to see the whole process. From brainstorming and trialling different flavours, to adapting the recipes at Wrights so they would actually work in production, it was a huge learning curve. The challenge of making something viable for scale, especially on cost, was tough but really rewarding. I especially enjoyed the flavour trials; experimenting with combinations and finding what worked best. To know that something I helped create will be on sale this Christmas is just incredible. It proves young bakers really can make a difference, and I hope it shows others that they can too.”

Anthony Choi, Senior Commercial Manager – Foodservice Wholesale at Wrights, said: “At Wrights, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of bakers, which is why we were delighted to partner with BAKO and Coleg Cambria on this exciting initiative.

“This project gave two talented students a unique and valuable opportunity to work with an expert team and chefs at a leading food manufacturer, experiencing the full NPD journey from concept and recipe development through to large-scale production.

“We were impressed by the creativity and fresh thinking they brought to the table. The reworked savoury Festive Slice was a smart seasonal upgrade, while the Black Forest Slice and Irish Coffee Slice filled a clear gap in the market and complemented BAKO’s existing range beautifully.

“It’s been a fantastic way to bring new ideas into the sector and showcase the potential of young talent. We’re proud to have played a part in helping future bakers shine, and we hope this project continues to inspire and open doors for the next generation.”

Naomi is the winner of the BIA Rising Star Award 2024 and runs the Little Welsh Foodie blog. Ella has just been shortlisted for the 2025 Rising Star Award and works at Iâl Bakery in Wrexham College.

Following the success of this pilot, BAKO plans to repeat the initiative annually. This year’s programme sets aside profits to support future young baker groups, building a sustainable pipeline of bakery talent for the industry.

GEO: The impact of AI on the role of earned PR for SMEs

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

If you have used Google recently, you will have experienced firsthand how AI has transformed the search experience. In search marketing, the widespread use of AI Summaries is altering how consumers find brands and prompting a reassessment of established digital strategies.

From SEO to GEO: the new rules of visibility

Search engine optimisation (SEO) has traditionally been used to increase online visibility. With the development of artificial intelligence, a new approach called Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is emerging. Instead of delivering lists of clickable links as search engines have previously done, AI-powered search tools now provide summaries based on information from various sources and may include generated perspectives.

This shift to zero-click search means users may never reach your website at all. Instead, the AI assistant is making up its mind about your brand by reading everything else that’s been written about you online, from news articles and customer reviews to industry blogs and analyst insights.

That’s where PR comes into its own.

Why PR matters more than ever

Public relations has consistently benefited traditional SEO, especially through effective link strategies. Before AI, Google’s algorithms already valued online brand buzz in rankings. GEO now amplifies this effect.

The performance of GEO depends on the way Large Language Models (LLMs) process and understand information. These models are typically trained to give preference to reliable third-party sources instead of web content that promotes an organisation. As a result, brands mentioned in editorial coverage from reputable sources are more likely to be recommended or referenced by AI systems.

As PRWeek noted in a recent celebratory headline, the PR industry is now “sitting on a goldmine”. Many aspects that GEO incentivises – such as earned media, authoritative features, and press releases – are traditionally part of public relations activities. Marketing teams that understand and embrace this can gain a serious competitive advantage.

And as one strategist put it in Entrepreneur: “That’s why editorial media coverage remains the most powerful tool in modern PR – and it matters now more than ever. There are two core elements here: high-quality editorial features and press releases.”

The key shift: authority beats ownership

Think of it this way: Google used to reward what you said about yourself. AI now rewards what others say about you. This fundamental change means PR is no longer just about visibility: it’s about measurable impact.

It’s also worth noting that AI isn’t just repeating facts. It’s curating and interpreting content, so if your brand isn’t appearing in authoritative, context-rich environments, you risk being left out of the conversation entirely.

So, what should we do?

In today’s landscape, earned media isn’t just influential – it’s essential for algorithms. PR and SEO must work together.

But, a word to the wise: public relations is not a quick fix or an easy “bolt on”. For something now so impactful in the digital world, PR remains a surprisingly human activity.

It’s not about pushing out content on autopilot. It’s about creating authentic, valuable stories that deserve coverage in trusted media – content that earns AI’s recognition while strengthening the human-facing credibility that PR is built on.

A key mantra is: if it works for a human, it will work for AI. Quality and authenticity are everything.

The Harris Museum announces grand reopening this September

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Preston’s iconic cultural landmark is set to welcome up to half a million visitors each year following a £19 million major restoration.

Made possible with funding from Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and many other generous partners.

The Harris will officially reopen its doors to the public on Sunday, 28 September 2025 following a once-in-a-generation restoration as part of the Harris Your Place project. The transformation reimagines The Harris as a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub for the 21st century, blending art, history, community, and a refreshed library service to deliver an exciting new visitor experience.

Located in the heart of Preston, The Harris will relaunch with an impressive exhibition programme, learning spaces, family-friendly facilities, a new café and shop, and new heritage tours that celebrate its architectural and civic legacy. The reopening will mark a new chapter for one of the UK’s leading regional museums, libraries and galleries.

Councillor Anna Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said:

“The reopening of The Harris marks a proud and exciting moment for the city of Preston. This incredible transformation will not only safeguard our heritage but also create a vibrant, inclusive space that inspires creativity, learning and connection for generations to come. We’re immensely grateful to all our funding partners and can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike back through the doors of this much-loved building.

“The Harris Your Place project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of key partners. We gratefully acknowledge Preston City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government’s Towns Fund, Lancashire County Council and Arts Council England. Their vital contributions have helped preserve The Harris for future generations while strengthening access, learning and community engagement.”

John Chesworth, Chair of Preston’s Towns Fund Board, said:

“This much-anticipated and eagerly awaited new era for The Harris represents a major element of the ongoing regeneration and rejuvenation of Preston, alongside other landmark schemes such as the transformation of Amounderness House into managed workspace and the £45m flagship Animate entertainment and leisure destination, delivering economic growth and opportunities for all in a truly revitalised city centre.”

Helen Featherstone,Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“We are proud to be supporting the Harris Your Place project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Working with Preston City Council, this exciting initiative will provide a sustainable home for the Museum’s collections, which will ensure that they are accessible for local communities and visitors to learn more about the city’s rich heritage.

“We know that heritage can play a huge role furthering a sense of pride in local communities which in turn can boost the local economy, and this project is sure to be a wonderful example of that.”

County Councillor Matthew Salter, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Lancashire County Council, said:

“We’re excited to see the Preston Harris Library reopening and back in this iconic building, which is such an important part of the community.

“That’s why we have contributed £1.375m towards the project and our refreshed library. This revitalised space will continue to house Preston’s biggest library and serve as a hub for learning and education for all residents. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to this wonderful space.”

Closed since 2021, essential works have included the safe removal of asbestos from the roof, comprehensive repairs to preserve the building’s historic structure, and vital improvements to heating, lighting, and accessibility throughout the building. When it reopens, visitors can expect a fully reimagined experience, with new galleries, and community facilities.

Following the refurbishment of The Harris, annual visitors are expected to increase by approximately 100,000 on top of the existing 350,000 (in 2021).

Additionally, The Harris is unveiling a fresh new look including a redesigned logo, brand identity, and new website. The modernised branding aligns with the aims of the Harris Your Place project: inspired by community input and honouring the building’s heritage while looking confidently to the future.

More details about the reopening events, exhibitions and public programming will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information visit The Harris.

Don’t let your comms go quiet this summer

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

As the UK summer makes its entrance (hopefully!), it’s easy for SMEs to fall into a content-holding pattern: light seasonal posts, a few sunny team updates, and not much else.

But here’s the thing: if you want your communications to work hard for your business, even during quieter months, you need a plan. Strategic communications don’t take time off, and neither should your brand visibility.

Why summer is a hidden opportunity for SMEs

While others wind down, you can stand out. Fewer updates on people’s feeds means there’s potentially less competition and more chance for your content to cut through. Whether you’re building trust, showcasing your expertise, or strengthening your brand, now is the time to show up with purpose.

Here are three ways you can do it:

1. Use summer themes that have substance

Community events, wellbeing initiatives, flexible working…these are perfect seasonal content ideas. But don’t stop at surface-level content. Make sure you tell stories that align with your values and show how your business makes a real impact.

2. Keep your messaging consistent and clear

Your audience might be in a more casual browsing mode, but that doesn’t mean they don’t notice quality. Every post should reflect your brand voice and purpose. Clarity and consistency win –  even in flip-flop season.

3. Lean into thought leadership while others stay quiet

Summer is a brilliant time to share insight. Fewer voices mean your perspective carries more weight. Share a fresh take on your industry, highlight what you’re learning, or reflect on your growth. Be the expert your audience remembers. Great PR isn’t just about being seen: it’s about being remembered for the right things.

If you’re tired of shouting into the void, we can help. Drop us a message here to find out how we create strategic, powerful communications that land – and last.

Adhan Group acquires Blackburn’s India Mill 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Property business, the Adhan Group, has acquired Graham & Brown’s former 5.5-acre manufacturing plant in the centre of Blackburn for an undisclosed sum.

The Adhan Group, which is also headquartered in Blackburn, has grown to become one of the region’s largest lettings and sales companies, and is one of the most active buyers of commercial property in the North, having recently added over 4 million sq ft of industrial, commercial and office space to its property portfolio. 

Already operating in Cheshire, Wirral, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire and North Wales, it is rapidly expanding its portfolio into the Midlands and all areas in the South.

India Mill, a modern self-contained manufacturing facility, is located on the established Furthergate Business Park and a mile from junction 6 of the M65 and of Blackburn town centre.  The site will continue to operate as a manufacturing and distribution centre. 

Chris Henderson of Adhan Group commented on the acquisition: “ The addition of this central, self-contained site at the heart of Blackburn is a welcome addition to our portfolio. Rental interest is always strong for these type of sites and we hope to have a new tenant in situ shortly with the site continuing to contribute significant employment to the locality.”

Graham & Brown announced the sale of India Mill in late 2023, and it is evolving into a design-led, brand-led, digital business. The company has opened its new digital “factory of the future” at Shuttleworth Mead, Padiham, where it is producing high-quality, design-led, environmentally friendly wallpapers, murals, and wall art. The factory runs on renewable electricity, is carbon neutral, and is the leading digital factory in the industry.

Limitless Public Relations’ client, Napthens Solicitors, advised Graham & Brown on the sale of the property. Partner David Hill added: “India Mill is an excellent addition to the Adhan Group’s property portfolio. The site is impressive and will provide a range of companies with the perfect location from which to operate and grow their businesses.”

Commercial property consultants Trevor Dawson were agents for the site. Director Jason Rawson advised on the sale, concluding: “We were delighted to assist our long-standing client, Graham and Brown, with their successful journey into the digital era by bringing forward the disposal of the 5.50-acre India Mill site to the Adhan Group. This is a strategic site for manufacturing and distribution in Blackburn, which was reflected in the extensive interest we obtained from Investors, developers, owner occupiers and prospective tenants. 

“We are pleased to have been retained as letting agents moving forward and can now offer the site as a whole or piecemeal basis to potential tenants on favourable terms.”

Iwan Jones appointed chief financial officer of NW Mutual

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Iwan Jones has been appointed chief financial officer of NW Mutual, a mutual bank with a proposed network of 60-plus branches to be owned by, based in and for the people and small and medium-sized businesses of the north west of England. 

A financial services executive with more than 30 years of experience, Iwan has worked at organisations including Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, NatWest, JP Morgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. 

He has also been chief risk officer at Saffron Building Society, deputy financial director with Principality Building Society and most recently, financial director at Monmouthshire Building Society. 

His appointment by NW Mutual follows the announcement of a network of approximately 60 proposed branches of the mutual around the north west, including 16 in Lancashire, 20-plus for Greater Manchester, 12 around Liverpool and Merseyside, another 10 in Cheshire and six for Cumbria. 

The ‘bricks, clicks and flicks’ business model of NW Mutual will deliver hi-tech and staffed branches, complemented by mobile and online banking, providing retail and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers with a full range of financial products and services. 

The location of the headquarters of the mutual bank, headed by senior financial services executive Dave Burke, is yet to be confirmed but will be in the north west and is due to open in the second quarter of 2025. 

Dave said: “Iwan’s wealth of experience in banks and building societies will be invaluable to progressing our plan to provide a mutual bank owned by and dedicated to delivering services for the people and small and medium-sized businesses of the north west of England.” 

Dave joined NW Mutual Ltd, a co-operative society launched in response to more than 50 per cent of traditional bank branches in the region having closed and the lack of banks based in and serving the people, business and organisations in the region. 

While Lloyds Banking Group recently announced the closure of another 136 branches by March 2026, consumer group Which? said banks and building societies had closed a total of 6,266 branches since January 2015, equating to about 53 closures every month. 

NW Mutual’s target market is about 7.4 million people and 494,395 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the region employing more than 1.65 million people and generating turnover in excess of £239 billion in 2024. * Source – Table 12 in Government publication Business Population Estimates for the UK and Regions 2024. 

David Milner, chair of NW Mutual Ltd, is an executive and non-executive director of regulated financial services companies, including being chairman of Dudley Building Society and Nottingham Imperial Building Society. 

Non-executive director James Moore has more than 25 years of boardroom experience with private and public businesses in sectors including financial services in the UK, China, Europe and Africa while also founding the Community Savings Bank Association. 

Having already registered NW Mutual Ltd with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulator of financial services firms and markets in the UK, David is preparing a banking licence application to submit to the Bank of England in late 2025. 

If the licence is granted the first branch is planned to open in the third quarter of 2026, with a full roll-out proposed for the first quarter of 2027. 

About £1m has been invested to build the systems and financial model of NW Mutual, prepare the banking licence application and analysis of its market.  

Potential and yet to be confirmed locations for branches of NW Mutual:

Lancashire: Preston, Accrington, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Clitheroe, Chorley, Lancaster, Leyland, Lytham St Annes, Morecambe, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Fleetwood, Garstang, Skelmersdale. 

Greater Manchester: Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Bury, Droylsden, Eccles, Hyde, Harpurhey, Hyde, Leigh, Longsight, Manchester, Manchester Victoria, Oldham, Rochdale, Sale, Salford, Stockport, Stretford, Urmston, Wigan, Wythenshawe. 

Liverpool and Merseyside: Bebington, Birkenhead, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Huyton, Kirkby, Knowsley, Liverpool, Prescot, Speke, St Helens. 

Cheshire: Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Northwich, Runcorn, Warrington, Widnes, Winsford. 

Cumbria: Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Kendal, Keswick, Penrith, Whitehaven. 

Hit or miss: what makes a story stand out in today’s crowded media landscape?

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

The online media landscape is becoming increasingly challenging to navigate – both for readers and for PR professionals trying to get their stories published.

At Limitless PR, our specialists focus on what makes a story stand out to journalists. With news platforms under pressure, they’re more selective than ever about the content they run. To cut through the noise, a story must grab attention, add value, and be truly irresistible to the media. That means crafting narratives that are timely, relevant, and backed by compelling insights. 

Four communications specialists from Limitless Public Relations explore what makes a story a PR hit – what grabs attention, adds value, and makes it irresistible to the media.

Greg Wilson - Strategic Communications - Limitless PR

Greg Wilson, director, said:

“Know your audience. Read the publications where you want to get the story published and make sure the story fits with their news agenda and format. Write the story as close as possible to the exact house style of your target media to make it as easy as possible for the journalist to pick it up. It should be possible for them to simply cut and paste the article if they want to. 

“Also, remember the power of photography. A great picture that brightens up the page will make the story much more attractive. Your photo should tell the story itself, as much as possible.”

Associate director Mark Sutcliffe emphasises the importance of asking the right questions when evaluating a story’s potential:

“A strong PR story answers key questions: What’s happening? Why is it important? Why now, especially for news-focused publications? What impact does it have on the wider community or sector, and what are the potential consequences? 

“Alongside this, providing a pre-digested, social media-friendly shareable – whether an image, video, or concise one-line summary – can make a story more appealing and easier for journalists to run with. In the past, this would have been called a standfirst, but today, it’s about creating content that is instantly engaging across multiple platforms.”

Justin Strong, associate director at Limitless, said:

“Keep it short and simple: tell the ‘story’ in the subject bar on your email, the headline of your press release, and the first three paragraphs. Everything after that, including quotes, supports and embellishes your key messages. 

“Never, ever start a quote with “We’re delighted…” It’s a statement of the bleedin’ obvious! And some publications won’t publish quotes that begin with this opening.”

Claire Stephenson - Limitless PR - Strategic Communications

Claire Stephenson, associate director at Limitless Public Relations, said:

“When crafting a press release, ask yourself: is it adding value or just adding to the noise? The world doesn’t need more content for the sake of it; it needs content that matters. Just because something is interesting to you doesn’t mean it will be newsworthy to a journalist! 

“To increase your chances of coverage, take the time to read the publication you’re pitching to and understand the topics the journalist actually covers. A well-targeted, relevant story stands a far better chance of making an impact than a generic pitch hurled into the void.”

Only the most compelling stories make an impact in a world overflowing with content. To cut through the noise, your narrative must not only grab attention but also add real value, making it impossible for the media to ignore. That’s where we come in. With a deep understanding of what drives engagement, we craft timely, relevant, and insight-led stories that get noticed. 

If you’re looking for extra power in your campaigns, contact us here for a chat. We’d love to help you take your communications to the next level. 

Government minister opens new headquarters for UK export champion, Inciner8 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports Gareth Thomas MP officially opens new manufacturing facility in West Lancashire

Burscough, UK – Inciner8, a global leader in sustainable waste management incineration solutions, has officially inaugurated its new purpose-built headquarters in Burscough, Lancashire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion. 

The majority of sales (98 per cent) come from international markets with strong demand across medical, hazardous waste, animal & agriculture, mining, hospitality, and disaster relief sectors in emerging nations in Africa and island nations in the Asia-Pacific region. The new factory will create 50 new jobs in West Lancashire.

The new HQ was opened by Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Services, Small Businesses, and Exports) at the Department for Business and Trade. It positions Inciner8 at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and enhanced customer service as it scales operations to meet increasing global demand. 

The new 36,000 sq ft facility more than doubles production capacity, enabling the company to manufacture multiple units simultaneously, streamline processes, and continue providing rapid, high-quality solutions to its diverse range of international customers. 

The new facility boasts cutting-edge features designed to reinforce Inciner8’s role as an industry leader in sustainable waste management, including: 

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies – Incorporating state-of-the-art production equipment to increase efficiency and reduce lead times. 
  • Dedicated Research & Development Hub – A space to pioneer new technologies, ensuring Inciner8 remains at the forefront of incineration innovation. 
  • Customer Experience Centre – Offering live product demonstrations, technical training, and industry insights to Inciner8’s customers.  
  • Sustainability Initiatives – Energy-efficient production systems and eco-friendly practices in line with the company’s sustainability goals. 

Beyond its global impact, Inciner8’s expansion strengthens the North West’s industrial sector, bring 50+ new employees to the area and supporting job creation and regional economic growth. Over the past year, the company has increased its workforce by 15 per cent, with plans for further recruitment in the coming months.

Founded in 2003, Inciner8 has established itself as a global market leader in incineration products and technology, designing and manufacturing systems for customers across 170+ countries in sectors including medical, agricultural, military, humanitarian aid, and industrial waste management. The company is trusted by leading international organisations such as the United Nations, WHO, NGOs, and governments worldwide.

Speaking at the official opening, Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Services, Small Businesses, and Exports) at the Department for Business and Trade, acknowledged Inciner8’s impact on UK manufacturing and exports: 

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Businesses and Exports said:

”It’s fantastic to see a small business like Inciner8 exporting around the world, growing their business, and supporting the regional and wider economy.

“We know that when smaller businesses export, the whole economy benefits, and that is why we want to help more small businesses export and export to more markets as part of our Plan for Change.”

Inciner8’s CEO, Darren Spencer, said: 

“The opening of our new headquarters marks a pivotal moment for Inciner8. This facility is not just a testament to our growth, but a statement of our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions to our customers worldwide. The expanded space enables us to enhance our R&D capabilities, boost production efficiency, and better support our global customer base.” 

“Investing in our people is just as important as investing in our infrastructure. This site not only increases efficiency and output, but also ensures we have the best talent working in an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation.” 

NW Mutual reveals locations of 60-plus proposed branches

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

NW Mutual, the mutual bank to be based in and for retail and small business customers in the north west of England, has revealed the locations of approximately 60 proposed branches spanning the region. 

The network of branches includes 16 earmarked for Lancashire, 20-plus proposed in Greater Manchester, another 12 for Liverpool and Merseyside, potentially 10 in Cheshire and another six planned for Cumbria.  

The proposed ‘bricks, clicks and flicks’ business model of NW Mutual will deliver hi-tech and staffed branches, complemented by mobile and online banking, providing retail and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers with a full range of financial products and services. 

The location of the headquarters of the bank, headed by recently appointed senior financial services executive Dave Burke, is yet to be confirmed but will be in the north west and due to open in the second quarter of 2025. 

Dave said: “When our plans are finalised, NW Mutual will open approximately 60* branches across the north west, with the first branch and head office also in the region.  

“Our aim is to provide access to as many people and businesses in the north west as possible, with 95 per cent of residents and small and medium-sized businesses within a 30-minute drive to a branch.  

“Whilst we have specific locations in mind to achieve this, we also want to listen to the people and businesses of the region and welcome thoughts and suggestions on branch locations.” 

Bolton-born and bred Dave Burke recently joined NW Mutual Ltd, a co-operative society launched in response to more than 50 per cent of traditional bank branches in the region having closed and the lack of banks based in and dedicated purely to serving the people, businesses and organisations in the north west. 

While Lloyds Banking Group recently announced the closure of another 136 branches by March 2026, consumer group Which? said banks and building societies had closed a total of 6,266 branches since January 2015, equating to about 53 closures every month. 

NW Mutual’s target market is about 7.4 million people and 494,395 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the region, employing more than 1.65 million people and generating turnover in excess of £239 billion in 2024. 

A highly experienced financial services executive with an extensive background in launching, building and managing regulated businesses, Dave has held senior roles at high street banks and retailers while also providing strategic consultancy services to major organisations seeking to enter financial services. 

He said: “Our market research, supported by a large body of public research and information, shows a proven need and demand for a bank that’s trustworthy, democratic, ethical, deeply rooted in the north west and that enough people and businesses in the region would use to make it a great success.” 

“The north west is more than capable and large enough to create and sustain a prosperous bank. When we achieve our goals, our mutual bank will recycle more than £900m of money from the north west back into the region. 

“This is serious money and it’s already here, but it’s not. We want to stop it leaking out and heading south, north or east.” 

Having already registered NW Mutual Ltd with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulator of financial services firms and markets in the UK, David is preparing a banking licence application to submit to the Bank of England in late 2025. 

If the licence is granted by the Bank of England, the first bricks-and-mortar branch is planned to open in the third quarter of 2026, with a full roll-out proposed for the first quarter of 2027. 

About £1m has been invested to build the systems and financial model of NW Mutual, prepare the banking license application and analyse its market.  

David Milner, chair of NW Mutual Ltd, is an executive and non-executive director of regulated financial services companies, including being chairman of Dudley Building Society and Nottingham Imperial Building Society, while non-executive director James Moore has more than 25 years of boardroom experience with private and public businesses in sectors including financial services in the UK, China, Europe and Africa while also founding the Community Savings Bank Association. 

They are in the process of recruiting other senior executives to the board of NW Mutual including a finance director. 

*Potential and yet-to-be-confirmed locations for branches of NW Mutual: 

Lancashire: Preston, Accrington, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Clitheroe, Chorley, Lancaster, Leyland, Lytham St Annes, Morecambe, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Fleetwood, Garstang, Skelmersdale. 

Greater Manchester: Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Bury, Droylsden, Eccles, Hyde, Harpurhey, Hyde, Leigh, Longsight, Manchester, Manchester Victoria, Oldham, Rochdale, Sale, Salford, Stockport, Stretford, Urmston, Wigan, Wythenshawe. 

Liverpool and Merseyside: Bebington, Birkenhead, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Huyton, Kirkby, Knowsley, Liverpool, Prescot, Speke, St Helens. 

Cheshire: Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Northwich, Runcorn, Warrington, Widnes, Winsford. 

Cumbria: Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Kendal, Keswick, Penrith, Whitehaven. 

Nick Park CBE, Academy Award® winning creator of Wallace & Gromit, opens £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination in Preston 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Nick Park CBE, four-time Academy Award®-winner and Preston-born creator of Wallace & Gromit, officially opened the city’s £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination in February 2025. 

The Honorary Freeman of Preston and multi-award-winning filmmaker, unveiled a four-foot-high bronze statue of Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin character in the Wallace & Gromit animated films, to mark the opening. 

Joining Nick at the unveiling were the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Philip Crowe, Chris Butler and Chris Jones, owners and directors of Castle Fine Arts Foundry, which created the statue, and Merlin Crossingham, Bafta@ award-winning creative co-director of Wallace & Gromit at Aardman Animations. 

Nick and Merlin are executive directors and creative directors, respectively, at Bristol-based independent studio Aardman, makers of the Wallace & Gromit films and other beloved brands, including Shaun the Sheep, Creature Comforts, Chicken Run, and Morph. 

Nick Park CBE said: “As a proud Prestonian, I couldn’t be more egg-cited to see our infamous Feathers McGraw joining Wallace and Gromit in my hometown. 

“I’m not sure how happy Wallace and Gromit will be, though, to have their arch nemesis clutching the limelight.” 

Councillor Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, said: “To have Nick Park officially open our flagship regeneration scheme, Animate, is a genuine honour and landmark moment for the Council and the city. In addition, the new Feathers McGraw statue is a fantastic complement to the Wallace and Gromit bench, which has drawn so many visitors to Preston – its popularity has blown us away.  

“It heralds a new era for Preston, providing an unrivalled multi-tenanted entertainment and leisure complex for residents and visitors from the wider region in the ownership of our city.” 

Chris Jones, director at Castle Fine Arts Foundry, added: “It was such an honour for us all at the Foundry to be given the opportunity to depict the deliciously malign Feathers McGraw in bronze, having enjoyed creating Wallace & Gromit a couple of years ago.  

“We had felt Feathers’ ‘wee beady eyes’ upon us in the workshop for a good few months since we completed him, so it was both a relief and a joy to put him where he truly belongs, alongside his arch-nemeses in Preston.” 

Animate features The Arc Cinema with eight screens, 16-lane Hollywood Bowl bowling alley with gaming zone, public realm, a socialising unit and 164-space basement car park, alongside leading family restaurant brands Ask Italian, Cosmo, Taco Bell, Argento Lounge and a variety of street food outlets and a cocktail bar in Mad Giant Food Hall, Northern Lights Group. 

The scheme was delivered by Maple Grove Developments (MGD), part of the Preston-based contractor, Eric Wright Group, on behalf of Preston City Council. Commercial property agents Sanderson Weatherall are the estate managers. 

Built on the former indoor market and car park site, Animate is fully owned by Preston City Council and is one of six major projects in Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m programme including £20.9m of funding by the UK Government to support several regeneration projects.  

The leisure scheme supports the Council’s commitment to Community Wealth Building – a fair, inclusive and ethical approach to fostering sustainable economic development and prosperity for all in Preston – via measures including using locally based businesses and the creation of approximately 300 full and part-time jobs when fully open and 105 apprenticeship weeks worked throughout the construction period to date. 

The communications experts at Limitless Public Relations – Michael Gregory, Claire Stephenson, and Justin Strong (along with Jen Peacock on launch day) have provided strategic communications and public relations support to Preston City Council throughout the successful delivery of this landmark project over the past two years.