An Olympic performance from Rejuvenate!

Manchester-based business consultancy Rejuvenate, gave an Olympic performance yesterday as they delivered a training programme to help cosmetic surgery specialist Castlefield Clinic grow its turnover and profit by 50 per cent during the next year.


Castlefield Clinic, which is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, has turned to Rejuvenate for support after previously using the consultancy to help it put in place a new management structure and business processes.

Team members and directors of the clinic were invited to Manchester’s premier entertainment and sports centre, The Green (previously known as Golftorium) to learn new techniques, focus on the challenge ahead and feel truly inspired to reach new heights.

Rejuvenate provided a full agenda of workshops designed to share knowledge, inspire action and motivate the team, whilst branding the programme and devising an internal communication strategy which will keep the team on track to deliver throughout 2011.

Highlights of the day’s activity included an energetic vision workshop which saw the team tear magazines apart in search of representational images, and an inspirational story delivered by the comical and successful British Olympic Swimming Champion, Steve Parry. His winning medal was brought for all to see!


Rejuvenate, based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, is headed by entrepreneurs Anna-Louise Gilhooley and Shazan Qureshi and works with companies ranging from dynamic start-up businesses through to global brands such as Mercedes-Benz.

Sex Features High on the Agenda at this Year's Work Christmas Party!

To celebrate the launch of their new Gaydar App and the start of the festive party season, the world’s largest Gay dating website, Gaydar.co.uk has commissioned a survey into the nation’s work Christmas party shenanigans, revealing that over a third of Manchester worker (37%) have naughty Noel nookie in mind – and ideally with a colleague.

Astonishingly a third (33%) have acted on their frisky thoughts and have already enjoyed a mischievous fling with a co-worker, and almost one in ten (9%) work Christmas party hook-ups have gone beyond a quick snog under the mistletoe into a relationship.

It’s not only singletons thinking about and enjoying Christmas action with a colleague –a fifth (20%) of married and 15% of coupled up Brits admit to eying up a colleague for a sex rendezvous at the work Christmas shindig.

When the festive mood strikes, the stock room tops the list of places for Manchester workers to enjoy a quickie at 32% followed by the work loo (19%) and the boss’ desk (18%). And when it comes to trying to attract a work fling, Mancunians are willing to shell out an average of £103 on their party pulling outfit.

The survey also revealed some interesting sexual habits across the country:

Edinburgh is the naughtiest city when it comes to fantasising about having a Christmas party quickie with a colleague at 39%, closely followed by London (37%) and Manchester (37%).
Almost half (41%) of Glaswegians admit they’ve had a quickie with someone at work compared to the more chaste Geordies - nearly three quarters (73%) of which declare they’ve never got in on with a co-worker!
A fifth of employees in Cardiff, Brighton and Manchester admit they’d happily get it on over the boss’ desk – hopefully they don’t work for Sir Allan!
A staggering 92% of Brighton folk feel the least need to splash out for a special party pulling outfit compared to a quarter of Brummies (25%) who plan to pull out all the stops.
Edinburgh residents top the national average on their party outfit investment earmarking an average budget of £104 for new threads closely followed by Mancunians who plan to spend £103. This compares with Belfast residents, who plan on spending just £75 on a new outfit.

Commenting on the survey, Gaydar Product Manager Simon Johnson says: “The work Christmas party appears to be the playground to enjoy fun, festive frolics whether gay, straight, single, married or taken! The launch of our new Gaydar iPhone app means that whenever the mood strikes, our six million gay, bisexual and bi-curious members worldwide will be able to enjoy a fun hook-up at the touch of the button at home or away. So if Santa doesn’t answer your wish list, why not try the new app to find someone to share a kiss with under the mistletoe and beyond!

Gaydar is the world’s biggest and most sophisticated gay and bi-curious dating app with over six million members worldwide. The Gaydar app is available in nine languages – including the languages of love Italian, Spanish and French – and is free to download and join. The Gaydar app offers full integration into Gaydar.co.uk as well as being safe, private and secure.

Head to iTunes to download the new Gaydar App today.

The Party Pop Up Boutique and an Evening at The Alchemist

Thursday night marked the launch of not one but two amazing new Manchester ventures. Starting the evening's events, the Rejuvenate team headed over to suite 24 in Barton Arcade, Deansgate for The Party Pop Up Boutique - an eclectic mix of Manchester's independent fashion, jewellery and contemporary designers.


The nights designers and fashion included amazing jewellery by Fatz K and cutting edge fashion by the likes of Merabi by Nadine, Pretty Disturbia and Blaq to name but a few. The focus of the evening was without a doubt Nadine Merabi's new debut womenswear collection 'Merabi by Nadine'. Her 2010-11 Winter collection consisted of jaw droppingly stunning floor length gowns with heavy embellishment that oozed hollywood and red carpet glamour. Perfect to stand out at those fast approaching Christmas parties!

The tagline read "one party you dont want to miss" and we had to agree! The venue was jam packed with Manchester's fashionable elite who had braved to party the night away whilst showing their support. Guests enjoyed canapes and drinks whilst enjoying the sounds of the party's DJ and admiring the vast and diverse selection of fashion on display. Models were on hand all night modelling Nadine's premier collection and alternative festive cocktails were also on offer via the party's own mini cocktail bar!


The Party Pop Up Boutique is now open upstairs in Barton Arcade, Deansgate from 11am-6pm daily till Friday 31st December.

After the Pop Up Boutique had wrapped up, we headed over to Spinningfields for the opening night of new cocktail bar and restaurant The Alchemist. The Alchemist's amazing interior is reminiscent of a stylish, uptown New York bar and we were completely spoilt for choice regarding the vast list of cocktails and drinks on offer, plus the most sumptuous canapes I've possible ever eaten. Open till 2.30am on weekdays and 4.30am on weekends and with an extensive selection of drinks and eatery, there is no place better to spend your evenings this festive season.

Post by Anna J. Westerman

Journalists come to their senses with the help of Perception…

Last night Perception Sales & Marketing, based in Cheadle Hulme Cheshire, hosted their annual media showcase in Central Manchester. Taking place at chic city champagne bar Epernay, the event brought together media and press from across the North West to admire what some of the leading hotels from Perception’s impressive portfolio showcased what they have to offer. These included foodie haven Fishmore Hall based in Ludlow, Shropshire, and member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, located in Cologne.


We enjoyed a ‘Perception cocktail’ - an amazing blue in colour specially for Perception's signature blue logo, as well as a selection of wines, whilst feasting on a range of canapés including mini fish pie, cured foie gras and brioche, and red onion bruschettan. Guests were also treated to a taste of the spa treatments from the award winning Verbena Spa, part of the AA Hotel of the Year, the Feversham Arms.

The media showcase and drinks reception also gave guests the chance to win a range of fabulous prizes given by the hotels. An amazing time was had by all as guests mingled within the modern bar, whilst escaping from a cold Manchester evening.



Photos courtesy of The Francunian

Alex Gerrard's Line Launches Exclusively at Selfridges

Luxury womens fashion brand Forever Unique, a favourite amongst celebs and highstreet shoppers alike, recently celebrated its launch into Selfridges with an exclusive appearance from the Premier League Glamour girl and OK! Mag columnist Alex Gerrard.

The launch comes after the huge success of Alex Gerrard's first fasihon line in collaboration with the brand. The line is made up of Alex's four best selling styles from her critcally acclaimed fashion range with a further five styles from Forever Unique's partywear collection to make up the nine-piece range.

Amongst the frenzy of paparazzi and throng of excited fans as Alex made her entrance the Rejuvenate girls made sure to keep a short distance back clutching our champagne to oggle the dresses at a spot of safety (out of the way of the bustling paps!) Alex was looking picture perfect as usual and took time to happily chat to her fans after the madness had died down and pose for pictures.

With Forever Unique's signature infusion of glamour and show stopping ruffle detailing and embellishments, we know where we're getting out party dresses for the festive season!


Prices range from £110-£245

To celebrate the launch, Forever Unique is offering two lucky fashionistas the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to New York with $500 worth of spending money. Visit ForeverUnique.co.uk to enter and for more details

Post by Anna J. Westerman

Spinningfields Hosts Coolest Party for Launch of the Ice Rink

Spinningfields hosted Manchester’s coolest party this week launching the newly located ice rink on The Avenue and the brand new pop-up winter themed bar, The Lodge.


Guests including Hollyoaks stars Kieron Richardson, Jorgi Porter and Ellis Hollins enjoyed a spin on the ice followed by hot beer and Gluwein courtesy of The Lodge. Waterloo Road stars Rebecca Ryan Ben Ryan Davies, William Rush and Chelsea Healey also attended the VIP bash.

Mark Addy head chef Robert Owen Brown provided the canapés, which included roast beef and butternut squash cups, whilst DJ Dom Kozubik provided an eclectic mix of Christmas and contemporary music for the VIP guests in attendance.

Spinningfields Ice Rink – an established part of Spinningfields Management Company and Manchester City Council’s festive programme of events – is newly situated on The Avenue, Manchester’s luxury retail quarter and is open to the public until Monday 3rd January 2011.

The authentic two-floored 300 capacity Lodge offers the ultimate experience in service and atmosphere. The second tier is available for private parties and events and is open to the general public outside of private bookings. The ground floor is open into the night to ensure skaters and visitors to The Avenue can enjoy festive food and seasonal beverages.

Jorgie Porter, who plays Teresa McQueen in Hollyoaks said, “It was brilliant to learn some of Kieron’s moves on the ice, and warming up with a Gluwein in The Lodge afterwards was great.”

It's arrived: Global Entrepreneurship Week is Here!

Its been an exciting few months for Your Big Year and host company Smaller Earth. Chris Arnold and his team have now found 24 great finalists from all over the globe, who have made their way to Liverpool, UK to compete in a week of challenges, fighting to win the year long trip around the world.

This week is set to be full of fun and engaging tasks, challenges and events:

1. Challenge: Make Your Mark Challenge - 15th November 2010
2. Challenge: Women In Enterprise Day - 17th November 2010
3. Challenge: Social Enterprise Day - 18th November 2010
4. Semi Final: Pitch Our Place and Final: Pitch Your Partner - 20th November 2010

To find out more visit www.yourbigyear.com

The Rejuvenate Group (and WorkLife Magazine) are proud to be an official sponsor of this innovative and exciting competition and we would like to wish all finalists the best of luck, but in particular, we're rooting for Harjinder Atwal from Vancouver, Canada - he's full of passion and new ideas, and he gave us such a lovely mention!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1d6H0Oa__I

Words by Anna Louise

Over £235,000 of Art Bought Over Three Days in Manchester...

Buy Art Fair (October 28-31, 2010) is revelling in success following its best year to date! After returning for the third year running with a new home in Spinningfields Manchester, Buy Art Fair attracted more than 4,900 visitors and sold an incredible figure of almost a quarter of a million pounds worth of art.


Buy Art Fair director John Dare said: “We are delighted with the show this year, which since its launch has gone from strength to strength. While Manchester is still a young market we have seen a steady rise in money spent and returning visitors each year.”

This is the only place in the North where you will see the work of 60 galleries and over 300 artists all in one location, making it easy to browse and choose a piece to purchase.

Highlights of the Buy Art Fair included comedian and artist Vic Reeves attending the preview evening (Thursday, October 28) to promote his art work with Eyestorm Gallery and original sketches of The Clash ‘London’s Calling’ album cover by Ray Lowry.

Running alongside Buy Art Fair was The Manchester Contemporary, an exhibition curated by The International 3, featuring some of the most exciting emerging artists of today. Emin International also took part selling limited edition prints and merchandise from Tracey Emin.


The event was sponsored by Bluefin Insurance Services in conjunction with AXA Art, Jaguar Cars Limited and Spinningfields.

Watch out for next year’s dates! www.buyartfair.co.uk

Words by Anna-Louise

Mix-d: crown the first Mixed Race Face winners of 2010

Mix-d: are celebrating the success of hosting the uk’s 1st mixed-race modelling competition. Florence Cassidy and Graham Scaif were crowned the male and female Mix-d: Face winner for 2010; each will be given a 12 month contract with Boss Model Management.


Manchester based social enterprise Mix-d: organised the event in collaboration with Harvey Nichols Manchester and Sassoons with sponsorship from the Rejuvenate Group, Castlefield Clinic, Sport & Dance and Gemini International Events.

Hosted by Waterloo Road actor Tachia Newell and Coronation Street Actress Tupele Dorgu, the event was held at the recently refurbished Monastery in Manchester. The 20finalists from around the country took to the runway in amazing fashion provided by Harvey Nichols which included collection pieces from the likes of John Galliano. The crowd, which included Take That’s Jason Orange, also enjoyed performances by the Manchester Singout Choir and singer Julie E. Gordon.

The event raised over £2,000 to help fund the ‘Mix-d: education Pack’ aimed at increasing understanding of current mixed-race issues. The education pack will help continue the work of the organisation in providing resources and material to share their expertise and give people the confidence to engage confidently with the subject.

Bradley Lincoln, founder of Mix-d comments “Over the last couple of years we have worked to remove the awkward silence around this subject and the event is an extension of the work we do, we’re extremely proud to have provided a platform for mixed-race people to be present in the fashion industry and that the event was a wonderful sucess.”

For more information log onto www.mix-d.org.

Post by Anna-Louise

One Night, Two Amazing Events...

Last Thursday the Rejuvenate Group hosted two amazing events on the same day, resulting in some pretty stressed Rejuvenators as the team were split into two halves for the evening...

If I could turn back time,” sang the ageless rock diva Cher. “If I could find a way...” She did, of course – one which owed much to the surgeon’s knife. But as more than 30 VIP guests discovered at a much-oversubscribed open evening hosted by the Manor Skin Spa, Cheshire’s leading exponents of the very latest in holistic and medical aesthetic treatments, anti-ageing procedures don’t have to be like that.


Over champagne and canapés amid the relaxed and discreet atmosphere of the Manor Skin Spa’s state-of-the-art clinic in Sale - subject of a recent £400,000 refurbishment – the ladies enjoyed informative, expert and reassuring insights into the way that revolutionary non-surgical techniques now available can restore smoother and younger feeling skin. The secrets of how film stars and celebrities in their 40s 50s and 60s stay looking wonderful without surgery were revealed. The pampering began before guests crossed the threshold, for they were ferried in chauffeur-driven Mercedes limousines to the clinic in Washway Road from the car park at the spa’s sister dental practice a short distance away.

They were welcomed by highly respected dentist Dr Anjali Shah who established Manor Dental Care in Sale in 2002. She explained that having suffered from acne as a teenager, she became extremely interested in finding treatments to help all ages of acne sufferers, as well as offering comprehensive treatments for anti-ageing. Her strong belief that everyone should look and feel good about themselves led to the development of the skin clinic at Manor Dental Care specialising in a range of facial aesthetic treatments, including dermal fillers, wrinkle reducing injections, skin and laser treatments. “Our motto is: ‘Beautiful Skin is Healthy Skin’,” she said.

The open evening highlighted three of the Manor Skin Spa’s comprehensive range of treatments carried out by fully-trained, friendly staff, each of which uses only the latest, industry-led technology, ensuring every treatment is safe, successful and pain free.


Words by Anna-Louise, images by Haydn Rydings www.haydnrydings.co.uk

Meanwhile the rest of the Rejuvenate team were holding the fort in Manchester...

In partner to the previous Ladies Night, Mercedes-Benz Central hosted one for the boys in an exclusive Gents Night at their Manchester Showroom.


Under a significantly more masculine theme, the red carpet was rolled out for an evening of performance, style and competitions as Mercedes invited you to get up close and personal with their latest cars, in particular their amazing Mercedes-Benz SLS. Guests enjoyed vocals of talented jazz and soul singer Jessica Tansey whilst, tying in with the evenings Gents theme, enjoying canapés served in the delightful form of mini fish and chips, burgers and cones of chips. Adding a touch of flavour to the traditional English cuisine, Brasil's national drink Caipirinha cocktails, were served from Manchester's favourite Brasilian restaurant.

A variety of experts were on hand throughout the evening to further entertain the guests and cater to all their leisure needs including the chance to meet Rugby legends the Sale Sharks. In terms of gadgets the guests viewed the latest collection from Bang & Olufsen as well as the latest AMG performance models and products. The likes of Elite Fitness delivered fitness and health advice whilst Castlefield Clinic and Spa were on hand to demonstrate the perks of male skincare.

A spot of retail therapy was available with models displaying the latest range from Lucille Lingerie, providing an eyeful for the boys as well as Christmas present inspiration for all those wives and girlfriends. Harvey Nichols also brought along a range of goodies, The Hemingway Club offered classic tailoring at its best and the range of shoes at Edward’s footwear were enough to tempt any man into a spending splurge.

The evening’s key activities were without a doubt the inflatable driving range provided by Golftorium enabling the guests to practise their golf shot safely indoors and Manchester235’s casino tempting you to try your luck on the roulette wheel. Funds raised from the nights’s games and competitions were charitably donated to St Francis House.


Words and images by Anna J. Westerman