Furniture store to host festival

IKEA IDEAS Festival is set to return to the town this weekend.

Head down to IKEA Warrington on the Gemini Retail Park on November 7 and 8 to take advantage of the free games and activities.

Not only this will there will be expert advice on how to transform your home, there will be workshops and free tastings.

 

Winwick man in the running for top book prize

A WINWICK man has been shortlisted for the Business Book of the Year award.

Andrew Emmerson, who has lived in Winwick for the past 14 years, is in the running for the prestigious prize of Management Gold following the announcement by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the British Library.

Franchising: How both sides can win, written by Andrew and Chris Edger, has been shortlisted in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship category.

Commenting on his shortlist announcement, Andrew said: “I am really proud of this book.

"I’ve included many of the lessons I’ve learnt during my 30-year career in franchising.

"My first job was in the Tetley Walker brewery in Warrington and it is amazing to look back on my journey during the writing of the book.

"I hope the book becomes essential reading for anybody working in the franchising.”

Ann Francke, CMI chief executive, added: “Many thousands of books on how to become a better manager are published every year.

"Our shortlist directs managers and leaders to those books that will make a definite difference to how they think and act as true management and leadership professionals.

"For those passionate about their career, the progressive and practical lessons within these books must be considered essential reads.”

 

Westbrook businessman makes history books

THE chief executive of a Westbrook-based company was one of 38 charity trekkers to make history after playing the world's highest game of rugby to raise funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Neil Reid, CEO of Inspire Risk Management, joined rugby league stars Adrian Morley and Lee Briers to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in six days as well as tackling the world record attempt at Crater Camp at 5760 metres.

The climbers divided into two teams sponsored by Warrington Wolves and Multiwork and played a full 80 minute game under Rugby Football League International Federation rules.

The 38-year-old, who lives in Culcheth, said: "It was really tough and I trained for nine months in the run up to it.

"It was very much a team effort and about helping each other to get to the summit.

"It was hard but a very rewarding experience and something to be proud of."

Neil, who set up Inspire Risk Management Ltd in 2008, provided the insurance for all those taking part in the charity challenge.

Since its launch, the company, which is based on Webster Court, has grown considerably with Neil recently appointing Chris Boothman as the new managing director.

Chris said: “The growth of the local economy is important to us as we see Warrington as being a hotbed of commercial activity and huge development.

“My role will be to continue to grow the business locally by providing the right products and levels of service that people want from an insurance broker”.

 

Charity wins tops award following app launch

A HOUSING charity for vulnerable residents, which is based on Winwick Quay, are now the proud owners of a new award.

Fortunatus Housing Solutions, a registered charity housing vulnerable adults in the north west, was announced as the winners at the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuations annual conference in Telford.

Earlier this year, the charity held a launch event to unveil their app Engage, which was developed in conjunction with Capita Software Services.

The app will provide information about local news, events, ways to donate and signposting to other support agencies.

Managing director Catherine Nicholson received a highly commended award in the Excellence in Innovation category for the app.

She said: "Receiving the award gives confirmation on a national level that we are heading in the right direction."

The app Engage is available to download via the App Store and Google play.

 

Have an explosive night at Winwick Leisure Centre

WRAP up warm and head to Winwick Leisure Centre on Saturday to enjoy a bonfire and firework display.

The night will kick off at 7pm with fairground rides, a barbecue, karaoke and disco.

Entry is free.