Latest news with #LakeWindermere
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bury boss to celebrate anniversary with Lake District challenge
A Bury business owner is making a huge splash in Lake Windermere to celebrate the third anniversary of his company. Jobstore UK owner Gary Bradley has announced he will undertake a 5km open water swim in the late on June 13 to raise vital funds for charity partner, Positive Action in the Community (PAC). Since its inception, Jobstore UK has established itself as a 'different kind of recruitment agency', prioritising its social mission alongside commercial success. The company focuses specifically on giving easy access to 'good, meaningful work' to everyone and providing dedicated support for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Gary Bradley will take on a swimming challenge in Lake Windemere (Image: PAC) This has contributed to consistent year-on-year growth figures of 50 per cent and then 70 per cent. Mr Bradley said: "Reaching our third anniversary feels like a truly significant moment worth celebrating. "I am incredibly proud of the entire team's hard work and dedication, which has enabled us to exceed our targets and build something genuinely impactful. "Our success is built on the trust of our fantastic clients and the engagement of countless candidates who connect with our mission. "Our partnership with Positive Action in the Community is central to our identity. "Supporting an organisation that delivers so much value across the region reminds us exactly why we do what we do – recruitment with a conscience. "To further support their vital work, I'll be taking on a personal challenge: a 5km open water swim in Lake Windermere." He added: "Given some recent health issues, this will be particularly demanding, but it's for a cause close to our hearts, and any support would be hugely appreciated. "I am finding it difficult getting back into shape, but I'm up to 1,000m at the moment and only have to add another 4,000 to be able to complete the full swim." Read more: Friends set to complete hike for much-loved cause Bury-based family business expands with acquisition of wholesaler Funds raised will directly benefit PAC's programmes supporting individuals and families across the region affected by youth homelessness, domestic abuse or mental health challenges. Mr Bradley also thanked key partners who have contributed to Jobstore UK's success, including Orbital Design and ATTAIN Digital for website development, Better Networking Hubs for ongoing support, and Back Office Support Services for essential operational functions. Jobstore UK recently launched a new website at to celebrate the anniversary. To donate to Gary's fundraiser, visit
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
North West water supplier's profit doubles as it hikes customer bills
Water firm United Utilities' profit more than doubled last year before it hit customers with a steep rise in bills in April. The company's more than seven million customers across the North West are seeing their water bills rise by an average of 32% over the next five years. But the biggest annual rise came in April this year, when bills surged by an average of £86 for a typical household. The increase is designed to fund £13.7 billion of upgrades to its pipes and sewers, after the company was accused of illegally pumping raw sewage into Lake Windermere in recent years. But for the year ending March 31, as it geared up to charge customers more, United Utilities' pre-tax profits also more than doubled to £355 million. And it said on Thursday that it will increase its dividend payout to investors by 4.2% to 34.6p. Chief executive Louise Beardmore said: 'We have delivered another strong set of results for customers, communities and the environment in the North West.' She pointed to the company cutting sewage spills per storm overflow by a quarter last year. The company was recently accused of failing to report more than 100 million litres of untreated sewage that it illegally dumped into Windermere over a three-year period. Ms Beardmore told MPs in February that United Utilities' record on spills and flooding 'isn't good enough'. She took home a pay packet of £1.4 million last year, made up of a base salary worth £690,000, plus benefits, bonuses and long-term share awards. The UK's privatised water companies have faced growing public outrage over the extent of pollution, rising bills, high dividends, and executive pay and bonuses. The results come after a survey revealed households' trust in water companies has fallen to a new low amid the crisis. Fewer households – 53%, down 2% on last year to another all-time low – believe the amount water companies charge is fair, according to the Consumer Council for Water's (CCW) annual Water Matters study.
