Side Street in Manchester has launched a new cocktail menu featuring unique ingredients like honey, bee pollen, and soy yoghurt, inspired by the city's culture. The menu also includes a selection of wines, beers, and hot drinks, alongside two daily happy hours. This update aims to attract cocktail enthusiasts and offer a distinctive drinking experience in a mid-century styled venue.
The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K race, set for 12 April, has sold out with a record 4,100 participants, marking the highest number since its reintroduction in 2006. The race, which allows runners to traverse the Kingsway Tunnel under the River Mersey, is the only annual opportunity for such a feat and attracts participants from various countries. This event is significant as it highlights the growing popularity of unique running events in the UK and supports several charities.
Victoria Park in Southport has announced a comprehensive schedule of events for 2026, including the Southport Flower Show, British Musical Fireworks Championships, and Southport Comedy Festival. These events are expected to draw around 160,000 visitors, benefiting the community and supporting the park's maintenance and development. The park, managed by Southport Flower Show, generates income from these events to sustain its operations and enhance its offerings.
A survey by Regit reveals that many drivers are confused about London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) rules, with 79% fearing accidental fines due to unclear guidelines. In response, Regit has launched an awareness campaign at motorway service areas to encourage drivers to check their ULEZ status before entering the zone. The campaign aims to reduce unnecessary fines by improving driver understanding of the ULEZ requirements.
JUSTLIT LONDON has been named a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026 in the Marketing & Advertising StartUp of the Year category. The company, which supports creators with live streaming and content services, is recognised for its contribution to the digital content and music industry. This recognition highlights the startup's growth and potential impact on the UK's entrepreneurial landscape.
Actor and filmmaker Craig Conway is bringing his debut feature film, "Red Riding," to Middlesbrough for a charity screening to support CALM, a UK suicide prevention charity. The screening, hosted by Fear Screen and Roxy Movies, will include a live Q&A with Conway and the film's producer, and features short films by local filmmakers. Proceeds from the event will be donated to CALM.
knus, a UK mental health peer support service, has launched a new members area that consolidates mental health resources, peer communities, and courses. This initiative is part of a broader rollout that will include a chat app offering messaging and call features, aimed at enhancing support for those affected by mental health issues. The platform is designed to assist not just individuals experiencing mental health challenges, but also those supporting others, providing a comprehensive resource
Abbeydale Live will return on 18th-19th April 2026 as a free festival featuring live music, DJs, and family activities across 20 venues on Abbeydale Road. The event, which has expanded from a one-day to a two-day festival, aims to support local businesses and artists, and will include a new stage dedicated to the Sarah Nulty Music Foundation. The festival is expected to boost footfall and trade for independent businesses, building on the success of its 2025 debut.
The Ice Co, based in Pontefract, has been named one of the UK's Best Workplaces in 2026 by Great Place To Work, ranking 98th in the medium-sized business category. This recognition highlights the company's commitment to inclusion, quality, and employee growth, with benefits like training opportunities and discounts. The accolade is based on employee feedback about trust, innovation, and company culture.
Bellway has received approval to build 200 homes in Skellow, South Yorkshire, with construction set to begin before summer. The development, named Cromwell Grange, will include both private and affordable homes, with funding allocated for local services and infrastructure improvements. This project aims to address housing needs and enhance the local environment with energy-efficient homes and public green spaces.
Brookvale Manufacturing Ltd has implemented the SmartTime Manufacturing System at its Sutton Coldfield facility to enhance efficiency and support growth. This system provides real-time production visibility, automates data collection, and improves planning and scheduling, helping the company manage increasing order volumes and maintain competitive pricing. The investment is part of Brookvale's strategy to modernise operations and meet rising customer expectations.
Peymo has introduced Virtual Accounts, a feature that uses stablecoin technology to facilitate international payments without the need for traditional SWIFT networks. This service allows users to send and receive funds globally with reduced costs and faster processing, offering a local banking experience for recipients. It aims to simplify cross-border transactions for individuals and businesses by using cryptocurrency as the settlement layer.
Kleek Apprenticeships has announced its first group of 12 Kleek Ambassadors for 2026, selected to represent regions across England. The programme aims to empower Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices in the hair and beauty industry by enhancing their marketing and social media skills and promoting vocational training. The initiative includes training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, culminating in a celebration event at L’Oréal Professional Products HQ.
Interrupt22, a British start-up, has launched a platform designed to modernise outdated IT systems, which are a major barrier to AI adoption in businesses. Led by former Capgemini AI lead James Tennant, the platform enables quick and safe updates to legacy systems, helping companies integrate AI without the usual risks and costs. This development is significant as it aims to unlock substantial productivity savings and support businesses in leveraging AI effectively.
Partou, a UK nursery provider, has appointed Sam Sleeman-Boss as Head of Early Years. Sleeman-Boss, formerly with Ofsted, brings extensive experience in early education inspection and policy. Her appointment is significant as it aims to enhance the quality and inclusivity of early years education at Partou's nurseries.
Geekstorians has been nominated for Best History Podcast in the 30th Annual Webby Awards. Presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, The Webby Awards are widely regarded as one of the Internet’s top honours. Nominees are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a judging panel of more than 3,000 industry experts, with only five nominees chosen in each category. Geekstorians is a documentary-style podcast from Geektown, created and hosted by Da
Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) has been named the Black Country Chamber of Commerce’s Charity of the Year for 2026/27. This recognition highlights BCWA's work supporting survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, modern slavery, and stalking in the West Midlands. The Chamber's support will help BCWA raise funds and awareness for its vital services in the community.
Sourced, a property investment company, reports a 22% increase in available investment properties over the past six weeks, despite global financial uncertainties. The rise is attributed to more properties fitting investor criteria and sellers being more flexible with offers, partly due to stable interest rates. This trend suggests a robust property investment market, with significant discounts on asking prices being accepted.
Aviramp, a Telford-based manufacturer of step-free boarding ramps, has been shortlisted for the Business Innovation of the Year title at the British Business Awards. This recognition highlights Aviramp's significant growth and innovation, including a 68% sales increase over three years and the launch of their ChairLifter for mobility aids. The awards, sponsored by NatWest and featuring guests like George Clooney, aim to raise funds for the homelessness charity Social Bite.
A study of 2,000 UK adults reveals that many Brits prioritise internet access over basic utilities, with over a third willing to forgo hot water, heating, or cooking appliances rather than lose connectivity. This shift underscores the internet's role as a critical service in daily life, surpassing traditional TV and even physical comforts for younger generations. The findings highlight the growing dependence on digital connectivity for work, communication, and managing daily tasks, with expectat
