Winning local Manchester businesses given a huge boost in Square competition

Three Manchester business are set for a huge boost after each won a £10,000 advertising package and professionally produced advertising video and images
Ad Feature by Square UK
Published 22nd Dec 2023, 11:26 GMT
Huge boost for Manchester entrepreneurs. Picture – suppliedHuge boost for Manchester entrepreneurs. Picture – supplied
Huge boost for Manchester entrepreneurs. Picture – supplied

Square, the technology company that makes commerce and financial services easy and accessible for sellers around the globe, ran its latest competition, “Reel Manchester” in October.

The initiative was designed to empower and support local businesses in the heart of the city.

Local entrepreneurs and business owners had the chance to win a £10,000 advertising package and professionally produced advertising video and images.

“Manchester is a huge driver of innovation and entrepreneurship.” Picture – supplied“Manchester is a huge driver of innovation and entrepreneurship.” Picture – supplied
“Manchester is a huge driver of innovation and entrepreneurship.” Picture – supplied

“We know from our market research and our existing sellers that Manchester is a huge driver of innovation and entrepreneurship”, said Samina Hussain-Letch, Head of Industry Relations and Operations for Square in the UK. “This year we have made a concerted effort to focus our time and attention on supporting businesses in Manchester by giving them the tools they need to run, start, adapt and grow their businesses. Bringing ‘Reel Manchester’ to the city, in partnership with I LOVE Manchester, is another exciting investment opportunity for us and we can’t wait to see what comes out of the competition.”

So, who won?

The winners

Grounded MCR CIC is based in Cringle Park, South Manchester. They are a social enterprise serving specialty coffee, hot and cold drinks and locally sourced treats from a bespoke, bright yellow trike.They employ vulnerable adults with poor mental health, training them in barista/hospitality skills. They also support local bakers; buy their coffee from a local roastery who pay farmers properly, and offer local makers opportunities to grow their own businesses via their platforms.

Boost – £10,000 advertising package and professionally produced advertising video and images. Picture – suppliedBoost – £10,000 advertising package and professionally produced advertising video and images. Picture – supplied
Boost – £10,000 advertising package and professionally produced advertising video and images. Picture – supplied

Kiku Boutique has been trading for 15 years on Tib Street, making unique pieces of clothing for the unique people of Manchester.They make to order as well as off the rack items, specialising in corsetry, loungewear, evening wear, wedding dresses. They have even had outfits on Drag Race UK and describe themselves as a “big dressing up box”. “We don't follow fashion and trends, or ethos is to create well made items that customers can wear for years to come.”

UK Art Club Ltd began running art classes in Heaton Moor five years ago and they took off straight away. There is now a permanent studio space and dark room with a cafe & bar above.

The target market spans the generations with classes and workshops for all ages. However, if art isn’t your thing, then they have ace coffee & cakes and locally brewed beer. They have a small library of donated (art) books, sketchbooks on each table and they are a gallery as well.

For more information, got to: squareup.com.