Plan B at Haydock Park
Photograph and report by Sean Taylor

THE slightly wetter weather hasn't dampened anyone's spirit as people come dressed in their best for an afternoon of Horse racing at Haydock Park Racecourse . If anyone appreciated the cooler air on Saturday, 21 July 2018, it was the horses as they gallop around the racecourse to cries of glee and groans of despair simultaneously. As you would expect from such an event, there are winners and losers, but smiles all round.

As the final race came to an end and the sun began to fade, it's time was for night's musical entertainment, brought to us by Ben Drew a.k.a Plan B. Shooting to fame in 2010 with his top 10 single:- 'She Said,' Plan B has recently released his 1st album in 5 years:- 'Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Loose.'

As the anticipation climbed, the music eventually starts and Plan B strided confidently onto the stage opening the show with 'Grateful,' from his new album. Naturally, he seemed to be keen to showcase his new material, following with 'Heartbeats,' a rousing pop tune and his latest single.

To begin with the audience reception was rather stifled, but that didn't stop Plan B as he thrashed about the stage with exuberant energy, his soulful vocals never missing a note. The East Londoner was joined on stage by his talented backing band, who play with as much vigour as the front man.

The crowd knew exactly what's was coming next when the man himself announced it's karaoke time. Plan B flung straight into:- 'She Said' and the whole crowd get right behind him singing every word. From this point forward things begin to pick up momentum, slowing momentarily for an acoustic version of:- 'Love Goes Down,' in which he took to the stage alone, with an acoustic guitar; proving he isn't a 1 trick pony.

It didn't take long before Plan B gets things moving again. Even without a sell-out crowd, Plan B performs with every ounce of energy he can muster, and he looks like he was enjoying every minute of it, and so did the crowd.   Then as all things do, it ended, but at least someone had a cunning plan to beat the traffic home...

To learn more about the music events at the races and what is still on offer for 2018 and what's to come in 2019 go to:- TheJockeyClubLive.Co.UK.

Over a ⅓ of people in the North West want to start their own business

36% of people in the North West would like to run their own business, according to a study by Informi, who provide expert advice and guidance for Britain's SMEs. In fact, 25% say it is 1 of their life goals.

Informi conducted the study to see how entrepreneurial different Regions around the UK are. Amongst other findings are that 45% wanted to start their own business because they feel they need to earn more money, 19% say they want to do it because they are unfulfilled in their day job, and 18% say they have a great idea they want to see become reality.

67% of the respondents said that they are confident that if they did run their own business it would be a success, and 89% say they would make a good boss.

The most important factors looked for at work were:-

► Interesting work, said by 62%.

► Good work life balance, said by 61%.

► Job security, said by 55%.

► Having a passion for the job, said by 47%.

"Great businesses ultimately come in all shapes and sizes. The fact that 36% of people in the North West want to start a business; something that over 550,000 people in the UK did during 2017; shows the Region's entrepreneurial spirit.  Those considering setting up a business need to be aware of the risks involved and the need to gain support, but having a strong business plan and the means of financing a venture could give you a chance to turn your ideas and dreams into reality."  said Steven Drew, product manager for Informi.