Adam Whittaker - AdMia

04/09/2026

Another of our panelists at Connect & Reflect on the 29th September at Manchester Building Society is Eric McBean

Susan Carr and I are delighted that Eric has agreed to take part as he brings huge experience, energy and is a thoroughly lovely bloke. I interviewed him for my 'Making Marketing & Social Media Real' podcast a little while ago and you can listen to our chat by heading over to my website via the link in my bio

For over 40 years, Eric has been creating businesses and initiatives that solve real-world problems. Today, his focus is on developing sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact, support communities and create lasting social value.

As the founder of Squosh Compacting Company, he has pioneered an innovative bin store management service that helps housing providers, local authorities, healthcare organisations and businesses maximise bin capacity, reduce waste management costs, improve recycling opportunities and support Net Zero ambitions.

He will be joining our other guests in answering questions about why they set up their businesses, the challenges they have faced and offering words of wisdom to fellow business owners and budding entrepreneurs.

You can book your FREE place by going to the link in my comments.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

I am delighted to announce that Connect & Reflect networking returns on the 29th September.

As well as the chance to network, we will be hosting a Q&A with 5 Manchester based business owners who will chat about their experiences, challenges they may have faced and offer their advice to those running their businesses or thinking of setting up on their own.

One of our panelists is Bibicha Muhima Ngeli, the founder of Loboko Ya Ma B, a Congolese food and cultural brand, but it has become much more than a food business. It is her way of celebrating culture, creating connections and opening conversations around migration, identity and belonging.

Through catering, live cooking and cultural food experiences, she wants people to taste something new, learn something about her culture and hopefully leave with a story of their own.

She will be bringing some of her amazing Puff Puff for you to savour for yourself and you can find out more about Bibicha here 👇

https://www.instagram.com/lobokoyamab_official/

More about the other panelists to follow!

To book your free ticket on the 29th at Manchester Building Society (10am-12) please use the link in my comments

Look forward to seeing you there!

24/08/2026

Legend!

Don't worry, I've not launched OnlyNans. On the 29th August, SEND Dads are climbing Snowdon dressed as a character their child or person they care for loves. We're doing this to raise funds for Manchester Primary schools who lack provisions to support pupils with additional needs.

Unlucky for me, my sister is a big Mrs Brown's Boys fan. I wore this last year when the group climbed Scafell Pike, feedback on the mountain was mixed.

For some reason I decided to keep the wig and glasses but I need a new dress. I've seen a belter in a charity shop but need to lose a couple of pounds before it'll fit.

Anyhoo, this is our third walk and the schools we've helped to date are extremely grateful for the support.

Headteacher Anna Reed shared the impact statement:

The trolleys have been in place across every classroom for the past 7 weeks, and their impact has been huge. It has been wonderful to see children being empowered to meet their sensory needs through the direction of their teacher and then to see an increasing number recognise how the trolley can support them to meet some needs independently. Even at the Halloween disco we had children asking for access to their trolleys to help them fully join in. The impact has been huge and has impacted every single one of our children and every classroom.

How amazing is that, anything you can spare does really help children have a better experience in school. So link in the comments. If we hit £700 by Monday, I'll post a pic of in the new dress 👀

John- SEND Dads Society Facilitator

15/08/2026

13/08/2026

🚀 Got a business idea? Running a side hustle? Growing an established business?

Wherever you are on your business journey, Build a Business is here to help.

We've supported all kinds of businesses and entrepreneurs across Greater Manchester, from creative ventures 🎨 and food businesses 🍰 to fitness instructors 💪, makers 🛍️, consultants 💼 and everything in between.

✅Fully funded workshops
✅One-to-one support
✅Practical business advice
✅Friendly, approachable guidance 🤝
✅Available across all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs 📍

Whether you're taking your first step or your next step, we're here to help you build your confidence, develop your ideas and grow your business 🌱📈

✨ Your business journey starts somewhere. Why not start with us?

🔗 Find out more via the link in our bio.

Bolton Library and Museum Services Bury Libraries Manchester Libraries Oldham Libraries Rochdale Borough Libraries Salford Community Libraries Stockport Libraries Stockroom Stockport Tameside Libraries Trafford Libraries Wigan Libraries

10/08/2026

Such a shame....

Said no one...

EVER!

Social media giant Meta has been fined an additional $567m by a court in New Mexico in the second part of a landmark case about child safety and online harms.

10/08/2026

We've got exciting news... Build a Business has a new Enterprise Officer at Oldham Libraries and a fantastic programme of workshops coming up this autumn! 🎉

Whether you're just exploring a business idea or already trading, our free Build a Business support programme can help you gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to grow. 💡

📅 Upcoming Workshops
🚀 Business Basics 📍 Fri 11 Sept
💡 Intellectual Property: Protect Your Assets 📍 Wed 16 Sept
💷 Funding Your Business Idea 📍 Fri 25 Sept
🎯Know Your Customer 📍 Wed 30 Sept
📣 Marketing: The Essentials 📍 Wed 14 Oct

💼Take part in informative workshops, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and access practical guidance, tools and resources to help your business succeed.

🔗 For full details and to book your place or arrange a 1-to-1, visit our website https://buildabusinessgm.org/

Oldham Libraries Bipcgm

07/08/2026

✨Starting your own business in Manchester?🚀

This August, turn your business idea into reality. Just drop in during any of these sessions:

📍 Mon 10 Aug — Longsight Library (11am–12.30pm)
Arcadia Library (1–2.30pm)

📍 Tue 11 Aug — Newton Heath Library (11am–12.30pm)
North City Library (1–2.30pm)

📍 Wed 12 Aug — Burnage Library (10am–12.30pm)

📍 Wed 19 Aug — Forum Library (11am–12.30pm)
Withington Library (1–2.30pm)

📍 Fri 28 Aug — Abraham Moss Library (10am–12.30pm)

Whether you're dreaming of a food truck, a boutique, a photography studio or a dog grooming service — come and have a chat with our team.

No booking required, just show up!

Generator MCR Bipcgm