One thing that has been guaranteed with MPG events over the last 12 months is a full house and yet again it was standing room only for February’s event as we were joined by many new members and guests. Proceedings were kicked off by our ever-vocal MD Jason Roper with his trademark take on recent events in the market. The first piece of exciting news was the announcement that Purple bricks have now joined MPG as the latest in a long list of high-profile partners offering evermore ranging services to our members. Although only seven years old Purple bricks have already grown to become the largest and probably also the most recognised Estate Agency in the Country and have recently expanded to both the US and Australia with an ever-growing positive reputation. One of the newest additions to the Purple bricks business in the UK is the New Homes team which was set up just 18 months ago to provide a bespoke and professional service dealing directly with property developers. The team is headed up by Directors Stuart Richards and Adam Docwra who will also be speaking at an MPG event in the coming months to explain how they are hoping to revolutionise the way developers sell new homes with potentially huge cost savings. Opening the main proceedings this month was MPG Ambassador Bill Fairfoull, Deputy Executive Leader of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, who provided us with a brief update on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework Consultation (GMSF) which ends on 18th March 2019. Bill explained for those unaware, that GMSF was launched as a plan to provide the right homes in the right place for people across the Greater Manchester Region as well as at the same time improving infrastructure to ensure the future prosperity of Greater Manchester. The plan is focused om making the most of Greater Manchester’s brownfield sites to address the housing crisis with a minimum target of 50,000 additional affordable homes (30,000 which are to be social). The consultation period ends on 18th March 2019 so you don’t have long left, but should you wish to get involved please follow this web address: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/ www.gmconsult.org Bill will be joining us again in April to provide a more detailed update once the GMSF consultation period has ended and he hopes to be able to highlight some of the news which has by then began to filter out. Next up was our guest speaker, Stuart Law, Founder and CEO of Assetz Group. As well as being the Founder of Assetz Group which includes Assetz Capital and Assetz Property, Stuart is also one of the UK’s leading economists his opinions can be found in numerous publications including the finance section of the Guardian. Stuart gave a very interesting insight into his background and how he came from wanting a career writing computer codes to be the founder of one of the UK’s leading Peer-to-Peer lending businesses. Hitting some very important points along the way, Stuart talked of the economic cycle, the traditional tell-tale signs and how and other leading UK economists saw the last recession hit from 2007 in such a fashion. Talking on the subject of peer-to-peer lending, Stuart explained the difference between banks and peer-to-peer lenders and for property developers the main points being the peer-to-peer lenders flexibility in terms offered, as opposed to traditional high street banks. Our MD Jason Roper also works for Assetz Capital and if you require development finance please get in touch with him on Jason.roper@assetzcapital.co.uk for a fast and flexible approach to funding. We look forward to seeing you all at our next evet taking place on Thursday 7th March when we will hear from Michelle Thorniley from LK Group talking about all development issues from contaminated land, Flood Risk plus much more a topic never touched on at MPG before, so it’s sure to be informative. We will also be hearing from Energy Gain UK giving us the final roll call for solar panel with the ever-looming Feed-it Tariff (FIT) closing on 31st March 2019 If you are not a member but are interested to get involved with MPG please contact us today info@mpg-nw.com and we would be more than happy to provide information on our membership options and upcoming vents. We look forward to seeing you all in March!!!
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MPG ambassador, Carl Lomas MBE blogs,UHY Hacker Young property guru Clive Gawthorpe opening the MPG 2019 January event to a full house, all seats taken and folk standing at the back. In what has become the property networking must attend event for developers in Manchester, who want to talk shop with fellows in a no sell environment, that exchanges vision from new build to refurb. January was an exceptional turn out, toad in the hole to finish after a headline run through 2019 budget for property and a full trade secrets showcase of the property insurance brokerages. All that and champagne prizes supported by Landmark Investments! Clive Gawthorpe from UHY Hacker Young explained budget updates focused on property in a condensed master class of key titles. Capital Allowance to increase from 200k to 1 milion. 'Give something, take it away.' Clawing back some tax relief, it's an end to 100% allowance for products on the energy technology list. Passing on sub-contractors VAT will be a new challenge. Moving to letting relief reform and property tax for overseas landlords. Clive to a healthy set of questions from the floor, brexit had to come up, 'My prediction is a no deal.' The MPG group has become renowned for advice inside the box. The full house January meeting talked property insurance. Carl Abbott of LIFT Insurance spoke frankly, brokers work on fee or commission, if they didn't ask for a fee they are receiving in the thirty per-cent ball park of commission. 'Tips on the best deal for you, choose a broker by reputation, ask around.' With a full house of property developers MPG events a perfect measure. Back to nuisiness, 'let me explain, don't ask two brokers to compete from the same insurer, as a broker if I press my favourite insurer for a best deal for you I can negotiate, the minute a second broker places the request to the same insurer, the price is fixed. If you do shop between brokers as them for quotes identifying specific insurers, leave your negotiation open for maximum discount. Think about the optional extras, NIG offer kitchen or bathroom pods at the property after a fire, keep them serviceable and let. Cyber is an option, extortion and even media liabilty. When you place the business be sure to explain what you do. Don't just tell them you are a builder. If working at heights or depths, this is often excluded, if its excluded, you have not told them, then you are not covered and your policy is money spent for no cover. When you are negotiating, try to get the insurer in the room, ask the broker to get the insurer in the room, if the insurer sees you as a low risk the premium is going to be better. Don't go too far, if you ask the World then the broker may walk away. My final advice, cheapest is not always best, ask your broker for the cheapest deal and then ask for the deal your broker recommends. Next MPG event is February 7th, clear your diary! Here comes that time of year when not only are we jolly but our diaries are busier than ever ahead of the Christmas break so thank you once again for taking the time to join us at this months Manchester Property Group. As always we heard from our enthusiastic MD Jason Roper who covered hot property topics including the UKs acute affordable housing shortage and Manchester's outstanding housing profit performance. Manchester is now considered in the Top 10 Global Destinations for Investment and dubbed the 'London of the North' what a time to be in business in this fantastic city! 2018 has given us many memories to take with into 2019. We have celebrated the centenary year of the Vote for Women, endured the Beast from the East which stopped us in our tracks and not forgetting that we almost brought it home.... Here at MPG we have been privileged to host and hear from many fantastic Guest Speakers over the past 12 months educating us on everything from Feedback in the Workplace to properties of Political Inspiration right here in Manchester! And this months guest did not disappoint...we were joined by serial entrepreneur Brendan Flood, Chairman of Edge Real Estate, University College of Football Business (UCFB) and Director of Burnley Football Club. Brendan opened up with his best but also worst time of his career, May 2009. This month signifies when Burnley played and won against Sheffield in the Championship playoff but also saw Brendan's property Development company Modus Ventures go into administration not 4 days later. Brendan then shared his path of discovery and re-invention that followed and what he believes important to be successful in business. We heard next about Brendan's time in the boardroom, here he explained that 'there's nothing wrong with a good argument as long as it ends in peace. If you want to achieve, have a go. Set your intentions and it will happen'.
A worthwhile daily mantra from a well versed businessman. Next we heard about UCFB Burnley and it's students. Brendan explained that he focused ons creating an environment where students would thrive and love learning about sport with an ambitious goal of want to have a student in every stadium and regulatory body in the next 10 years. Read more about UCFB here: https://www.ucfb.com/ With ongoing property developments across the country Brendan has got a lot to look forward to in 2019 and no doubt we will see more of this established businessman as his empire grows. If you would like to know more about Brendan's journey you can purchase his book Big Club, Small Town and Me here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Club-Small-Town-Me/dp/0955953413 From the beginning we have heard regularly from MPG ambassador Terry Flanagan and his involvement in the revolutionary company Tootoot. Tootoot have created the only App in the world that allows safe reporting for victims of bullying. Tootoot is now live across the country in numerous schools, sport clubs and is now expanding into the work place with big companies such as AO.com<http://ao.com/> and Morrison's keen to sign up. If you'd like to support or install this amazing application in your workplace visit their website and find out how here: https://tootoot.co.uk/ For the past 12 months we have supported the amazing youth charity Mahdlo https://www.mahdloyz.org/ MD Jason spotlighted an upcoming event for the charity, a business breakfast with Sir Norman Stoller, not to be missed! If you'd like to attend follow the link below to book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-breakfast-with-sir-norman-stoller-cbe-kstj-dl-tickets-51015446574 Thank you to this month's champagne sponsor Landmark Development Solutions. Winners of our monthly business card draw were Austin Hornsby and Carl Abbot. We look forward to seeing you at January's event on 10/01 when we will hear from Carl Abbot at LIFT - Insurance. Don't forget MPG are ready to help and support so if you would like information on how we can help you and your business get in touch with the team today at: https://www.mpg-nw.com/contact.html Another successful event followed by much festivity enjoyed by all. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us here at MPG! Unbelievably this month marks MPGs 4th birthday - time flies when your having fun! It is also 12 months since MPG became a paid members event, an amazing milestone only made possible by YOU joining us month on month so thank you. We asked members past, present and new to come and join us to help celebrate not only our birthday but to help support our chosen charity Mahdlo too. Here’s a reminder of the amazing work Mahdlo do : https://www.mahdloyz.org/about-us/ This month also revealed the results of our fundraising event Man Vs Machine. Who did you place your bet on? Two of our very own MPG members went head to head in a race across Manchester in morning peak time traffic. Man (Roger Dean on his bicycle) V Machine (Matt Gibbons in his Aston Martin sports car). And the winner is......... MAN Roger Dean!!! So far we have raised over £1000! Thank you so much for your support so far. There’s still time to donate, head over to our just giving page here: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/manvmachine The celebration continued into the evening over drinks and great conversation. Another fantastic MPG event enjoyed by all. Do not fear we will be back to business next month where we will hear from our key note speaker, Brendan Flood Burnley FC Director and Real Estate Entrepreneur. As always we are here to help and support so if you would like information on how MPG can help you and your business get in touch with the team today at :
We look forward to seeing you all at Decembers event on Wednesday 5th December. MPG Ambasador Carl Lomas MBE talks networking, clean air cycling and Aston Martin challenges from furniture stores at the MPG network
November's MPG event had a charity focus with fast cars and fresh air, big on informal networking between property developers, service providers, professional accountants and lawyers. MPG guru Jason Roper showcased a recent MPG challenge raising funds for the Mahdlo charity. Labelled Man v Machine, an Aston martin against a race cycle, from Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield at prime rush hour to the Albert Square Chop House venue of the MPG group. Bubbles of champaign on success and choice, the clean air cycle smasshed the time by over ten minutes, may have been need for a shower mind! Big applause all round and loads of money raised for the charity. Meanwhile the MPG group has gained an enviable reputation for informal network and the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas, as diverse as dealing with rates on listed buildings to planning application between commercial and residential split, help to buy deals on interest rates and values that make sales work. Dealing with the best solutions as a developer, that's the network mix that makes MPG a magic spot to exchange ideas. An all female line up at this month’s event inspired by Emmeline Pankhurst and the centenary year for the vote for women. The event was opened up by enthusiastic MD Jason Roper who spoke about the recent change to HMO licensing and what those changes mean for the property sector. In short the changes have been made to assist the Government in helping to raise safety standards in privately rented properties. These changes are being welcomed by tenants who privately rent however the changes do bring added pressure for private landlords. To make sure you are up to speed with the changes to HMO and other mandatory or additional licences checkout latest information at Gov.Uk link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-publishes-key-licensing-changes-to-further-protect-tenants Jason then introduced the first of our two guest speakers, our very own MPG Partner Fiona McKay, owner of Lightbulb Leadership Solutions and FionaMcKay.com. Inspired by Emmeline Pankhurst and the fight for gender equality Fiona has just launched a new and refreshing training programme called ‘Feedback First’. This programme has been developed to tackle the negative differences between the types of feedback given to men and women in the workplace. The detriment it is currently having on women specifically and how businesses can look to change the way they and there people feedback to women for the better. Fiona has been conducting research for this programme for over ten years and this has been done in a wide variety of workplaces spanning the globe. If you would like to learn more about Feedback First and what the training programme could do for your business please see the link below which will allow you to download a complimentary e-book of Fiona’s research: https://www.lightbulbleaders.com/training/feedbackfirst Up next was our second guest speaker Bex Schindler, Fundraising and Development Manager for the Pankhurst Trust. The Pankhurst Trust merged with Manchester’s Women’s Aid in 2014 so in addition to a museum showing the history of the suffragette movement the centre is also a women’s only activity space providing vital support to women suffering domestic abuse and violence. Bex talked proudly of Manchester’s very own heroine Emmeline Pankhurst, who unbeknown to some of the room was born and raised in Manchester’s Moss Side. The trust is based just outside Manchester’s city centre at 60-62 Nelson Street. This was the home of Emmeline Pankhurst and the birthplace of the suffragette movement. The centre has recently been listed in the top 20 places to go in the world for Political Inspiration, what an amazing destination we have right on our door step. However, due to the trust being reliant solely on donations funds for property repairs etc are low. Bex explained the trust has applied for a grant from the Heritage Lottery fund to renovate and re-create the buildings which if granted would allow the centre to become and support so much more than they do currently. One catch with the grant is that they must contribute a minimum of 10% and with the grant being £3.96 million that’s some target! Bex is looking for support from everyone who is willing to help hit the centres ambitious target so if you would like to get involved or contribute check out the website at: https://www.pankhursttrust.org/get-involved/fundraising Our next event in November will see the results of Man V Machine, a fundraising event in support of our chosen charity Mahdlo. Two of our very own MPG members will be going head to head in a race across Manchester in morning peak time traffic. Man (Roger Dean on his bicycle) V Machine (Matt Gibbons in his Aston Martin sports car). The race will take place on 16th October starting at 8am from Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield ending at Alberts Chop House, Manchester. Please feel free to join us at the finish line to welcome both Man and Machine over the finish line. Please get in involved and make a bet in support of this amazing charity: https://www.mahdloyz.org/about-us/ In addition to this, November’s event marks MPG’s 1st Members Birthday! How time flies when your having fun. So along with an invite to celebrate with us we also have some fantastic renewal offers coming soon so watch your inboxes! Thank you to this months champagne sponsor NRL Refrigeration – John Hartley - http://www.nrlrefrigeration.co.uk/ The winner of our monthly business card draw Michelle Thornley. A fitting end to another fantastic MPG event. If you would like information on how MPG can help you and your business get in touch with the team today at : https://www.mpg-nw.com/contact.html We look forward to seeing you next month on 1st November where we will be having our 1st Members birthday event along with finding out who won Man v Machine!! An honest reality check from MD Jason Roper to open this months event. With standing room only Septembers event was eagerly anticipated by members and guests. Jason continued to open the event with an eye opening talk about the UKs growing Peer to Peer (P2P) lending market. With over 300 companies in the sector competition is tough. Did you know that 88% of Commercial loan applications that are declined by High Street banks, 56% of these loan applications aren’t taken elsewhere? This is purely down to businesses not knowing where to go, if this sounds like something you have experienced talk to one of our team today to see how we can help: https://www.mpg-nw.com/contact.html Our first guest speaker this month was Michelle Dale, VAT specialist and manager from MPG partner UHY Hacker Young. Michelle started off with Making Tax Digital. Making Tax Digital is a key part of the government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs - meaning the end of the annual tax return for millions. Michelle explained that over £11.4 Billion is lost each year through avoidable errors and fraud. There are exemptions from the rules however these are few and far between! Businesses will not be mandated to use the Making Tax Digital for Business system until April 2019 and then only to meet their VAT obligations. This will apply to businesses who have a turnover above the VAT threshold - £85,000 per 12 month rolling period. Smaller businesses will not be required to use the system, although they can choose to do so voluntarily. If you would like to hear how UHY Hacker Young can help you and your business contact Michelle today: https://www.uhy-uk.com/uhy-people/michelle-dale/ Up next was our 2nd guest speaker Pavitar Mann, Head of Local and Devolved Government at Newington.
Pavitar has worked as a political consultant for over six years and specialises in the planning, development and devolution sectors with a focus on mixed-use schemes, the private rented sector and education. And that’s not all boasting an impressive CV Pavitar is also a Labour councillor having been elected for her third term in 2015. Pavitar spoke intelligently about the political impact of building schemes across the country and although the Government definitely wants development it is dependent on how local councils, who have a high level of autonomy, apply the national plans and policies. Each council has a planning committee which is made up with various individuals who may or may not have much experience in the sector and depending on who has political control the composition of the committee and its goals can change quite considerably. Given the above we are advised to try not to submit planning applications around election time if possible. ‘Political Intelligence is your friend!’ If you want to hear more from Pavitar about how Newingtons can help your business get in contact today: http://newingtoncomms.co.uk/contact-us Followed by a Q&A this months event concluded with our prize draw! This month winners were guests: Paul O’Shea who chose the meal for two at Alberts Chop House Dean Gormley who took home the bottle of Champagne Our next event is set for 04/10 where we will hear from MPG Partner Fiona McKay and Becky Shindler The Pankhurst Trust. We look forward to seeing you there. Sign up now to avoid disappointment! https://www.mpg-nw.com/membership.html Author Sarah Peel, Marketing Director This month saw enthusiastic MD Jason Roper along with MPG Partners and Ambassadors come together with members old and new to celebrate the last 12 months.
Once again the event was fit to bursting with Manchester Property folk and professionals. MPG continues to be the place to be for great business and conversation. As we cast our minds back we relived great memories of new relationships, exciting business and inspirational people, keeping up with hot topics month to month highlighting what to watch for and how we can help. We have been privileged to host top speakers such as Tom Bloxam MBE Chairman of Urban Splash, Jon Wilkins England Rugby League player, David Russell, Property Alliance Group and Tony Lloyd former Manchester Mayor to name just a few, each bringing their passion for property and vast wealth of experience with them to share with us. Not only is MPG continuing to provide a diverse and dynamic platform in which to meet and do business with like-minded people but it is also offering a raw and unscripted insight into Manchester’s driving force - it’s people! Along with this, our members are privy to a steady flow of property and land opportunity as MPG is pathing the way for investors offering priority purchasing to its members. Looking to build? We can help there too! MPG boasts a black book of property must have contacts from top lenders to tax specialists. For more information on what investment opportunities MPG currently have available please contact chris@mpg-nw.com or jay@mpg-nw.com. Why not talk to us today to see how WE can help YOU and your business!! Our next event is on the 6th September and we hope to see you all there, please sign up now to avoid disappointment. Guest blog by Sarah Peel. An energetic opening from MD Jason Roper talking all things sunshine and football was followed up by our first speaker Darren Grimes of UHY Hacker Young, partner of MPG.
Darren had prepared a succinct and factual presentation explaining the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and what it means for the property sector. Dating back to 1970 the prescriptive scheme was devised to reduce the risk of non payment of income tax by subcontractors. With monthly reports and payments due to the revenue this is something that demands attention. Darren went on to explain what it took to gain and then maintain a Gross payment status. This involves some very detailed conditions, an Annual review and a slew of financial and compliance tests. Any mistake could cost you your status as Darren explained as he walked us through a real life court appeal : ‘Ignorance of the law is not a reasonable excuse.’ In short get studying and be compliant! If you would like further information on CIS please contact Darren directly on: d.grimes@uhy-uk.com 0161 236 6936 Up next a few words from MPG Ambassador Terry Flanagan. Terry has an impressive CV boasting a dazzling rugby league career and successful business career too. Terry briefly shared a thought that has been on his mind as of late: ‘Customer Perceptions’ Do we know for sure how we and our businesses are perceived by our customers or do we just assume we do? Are you hot on the tail of modern day contact platforms to be ‘everywhere’. How do your competitors compare and are you keeping up? Something to consider in times of constant change and innovation. Talking of innovation up next was our guest speaker, a man who MPG folk have had the pleasure of hearing lots about. Michael Brennan Founder and CEO of Tootoot. https://tootoot.co.uk/about/ Michael spoke passionately about his motivation for developing Tootoot with co-founder, Kieran Hinn. Both of whom have recently been named in Forbes Top 30 under 30 Europe 2018. Michael told of his own experiences of bullying throughout his school years and how this time has inspired him to want to make a change in the way bullying is tackled. Tootoot have created the only App in the world that allows safe reporting for victims and real time dashboard views. Tootoot is now live across the country in numerous schools, sport clubs and is now expanding into the work place with big companies such as AO.com and Morrison’s keen to sign up. Tootoot has been created to remove barriers both personally and professionally and through the latest development the app can now be used however you require reporting issues such as bullying or suggesting a new idea straight to the CEO. The application packages start from as little as £1 per employee per month, could this fit into your your business? Link below on how to contact: https://tootoot.co.uk/contact/ Anther fantastic Manchester Property Group event finished off with the business card lucky draw and this months winners were guests Peter Lim and Jamie Dutton. We are looking forward to the next event on 02/08 hope to see you there! Sign up now to avoid disappointment https://www.mpg-nw.com/membership.html Pineapples and a pound around the world for expensive property developments in costly concrete. Jason Roper opened another MPG full house, these monthly events are clearly the place to be, events not to be missed for property folk in Manchester, Jason was talking marriage and stag parties in the costa del Blackpool, Jason sported a top tan and talked married life to his new bride. ‘Let’s get serious in the football fever.’ The June MPG event was rich in content and sorted for a fish and chip finish with advice on a tax free bargain on employees and some memories of pick and mix at Woolworths with a key note speech from MPG ambassador and logistics guru Carl Lomas who spoke cost of concrete and speculative development for e-retail sheds. Champagne sponsor prizes returned with free dinners and exclusive books, even a goody bag and don’t mention the cake to start, magic event, don’t miss the next one! Clive Gawthorpe of UHY Hacker Young asked the MPG audience to stand, asking three questions and with each answer letting part of the audience sit down. The audience stood to the end, unaware the gem Clive was about to deliver. Back in the comfy chairs Clive showcased his point, tax free income for employees under a hundred K for tax free pay up to fifty five pounds a week. ‘We are talking child care benefits, key issue is that you must register before end October to get this benefit to your staff. Child care voucher from the employer is tax free, runs to older children, one client used it for the posh school fees, others for after school clubs. Get a call in to UHY urgently and bag a tax free bargain for your employees. Carl Lomas talks cost of concrete in e-retail sheds for June MPG Key note delivery. Lomas, a long-time supporter of MPG opened with memories of being asked to ambassador the group, he was concerned not to be a sports man when he got the call but well chuffed for the responsibility of promoting the MPG group that has run from strength to strength.
Lomas talked shop for the logistics sector where he is national chair of the Institute of couriers, Transport for Greater Manchester TFGM chair of the urban delivery group. ‘e-retail, home delivery is exploding in numbers, retail is moving from high street bricks and mortar to home delivery e-retail internet shopping. Its new and it’s in our time.’ Lomas used a Pineapple example, goods around the world, in a supermarket or on the High Street and then delivered free to your door. ‘How does that fit with bricks and mortar on the retail platform of shops. Lomas took MPG on a short history lesson, first internet shopping was a Sting album sold in 1994, by 2010 50 billion pounds of retail was sold on line. ‘Let’s not forget Woolworths! Bringing the context of time, we all loved pick a mix from Woolworths and it’s not ten years ago when they closed, that’s when internet began the boom of explosion we see today. This is in our time!’ Lomas took the numbers to present day with thirty per-cent of retail value spent on line in 2017, and that does not include e-bay shoppers! Business model on the screen of the MPG floor asked the question of speed of delivery and challenged the sustainability of next day and same delivery. ‘What is the cost of the concrete to make these deliveries. Half million foot sheds, volume is key, pushing 45 metres high and even double-decker sheds, using the racks sets to prop the roof and bag every last inch of volume space in the mighty developments of the East Midlands gateway and the Magna Park sheds. Engineers are even maximising the camber space in the roof, using low oxygen systems to save the sprinkler space’ Lomas delivered an energetic speech engaging the MPG in some philosophy from his research time at Manchester Met University. ‘How do you see the world, what lens do you view through? He used the global brand logo of FedEx Logo as an example, if you want the answer ask at the next MPG in July. |
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