Arighi Bianchi, the premium Macclesfield-based interiors store, has announced its sponsorship of East Cheshire Hospice’s Silver Plus Package in the Bupa Great Manchester 10K run, with the support of Manchester United footballer, Ryan Giggs OBE.

Ryan is a patron of the hospice, which cares for adults suffering from life-limiting illnesses from which there is no cure.

Employees from Arighi Bianchi (‘Team Arighi’) are showing their support and have begun an intensive training programme in preparation for the run, which takes place on 15 May.

Nick Bianchi, Arighi Bianchi Director comments: “This cause is extremely close to our hearts and we are eager to raise as much money as possible for the hospice. Team Arighi is well and truly gearing up for the run – putting in hours of training for this wonderful charity.”

Blue Bell Group Managing Director, Sue Brownson OBE, has been honoured with the title ‘Modern Muse’ by everywoman – the UK’s leading provider of training, resources and support services for women in business. This major initative has been designed to inspire and engage the next generation of female business leaders and entrepreneurs by showcasing successful women of today from all walks of business life.

The initiative entitled ‘Modern Muse’ was launched at the end of last year with a major national press conference centred around the publication of a book and a photographic exhibition. Both shine a spotlight on 100 inspirational women who are all vibrant, successful entrepreneurs and business women, personifying the ‘Modern Muse’. Their stories will encourage and inspire young women and girls to follow in their footsteps.

In featuring in the book, Sue Brownson OBE, will join leading female industry names such as Chrissie Rucker MBE (The White Company) and Judy Craymer (Littlestar Services, producer of Mamma Mia!).

The accolade is very timely as Sue Brownson OBE, together with her husband Group Chairman Chris Brownson, have just celebrated their 35 year association with BMW.

Arighi Bianchi, the premium Macclesfield-based interiors store, held a star-studded customer event with TV interior designer Anna Ryder Richardson topping the bill, to launch their Winter Sale on 2 December 2010.

Guests were treated to bubbly and canapés at the ‘inspirational extravaganza’ with home celeb Anna, who spent the day engaging with customers, giving hints and tips from how to create new daring schemes to refreshing and updating tired looking rooms.

Customers also viewed the judging of the Arighi Bianchi Celebrity Design Challenge which saw pupil Bradley Delves from The Kings School, Macclesfield being awarded first prize for his entry into the design competition. The furnishings store launched the initiative to foster and support young talented designers at King’s School. The judging panel comprised Anna, Arighi Bianchi Directors Rob Bianchi and Nick Bianchi, and King’s School Head Teacher Dr Coyne.

Staff and customers at Blue Bell MINI Wilmslow and Crewe recently toasted the arrival of the much anticipated MINI Countryman.

Customers were given an exclusive sneak preview at an invitation only event to experience the first MINI to come with four passenger doors and a large tailgate. With an interior that offers space for up to five people, the Countryman also offers an optional four-wheel drive system on the Cooper D and Cooper S.

Matthew Mazurek, MINI Manager at Blue Bell Wilmslow says: “The event was a huge success and has further heightened the excitement surrounding its arrival.

“The arrival of the Countryman is very exciting and it is definitely a fantastic new addition to the MINI family.”

The new MINI Countryman is stylish yet versatile; with a striking roof shape, an upright front grille, and a wrap-around look of the windows, which reinforces its status as an individualist within the MINI ranks.

Elsewhere, the Countryman provides a fresh interpretation of characteristic MINI features, such as the hexagonal radiator grille, large headlights set into the bonnet, side indicator surrounds, voluminous wheel arches and vertical rear light clusters. 

An optional three-seat arrangement in the back is available at no extra cost. Depending on how the seats are arranged, boot space can also be increased from 350 litres to 1150 litres.

The new MINI Countryman will have a starting price of £16,000 on the road for the MINI One and will now make its offcial debut on 18^th September at Blue Bell.