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Our City Hosts scheme is part of CityCo’s commitment to making Manchester city centre more accessible and family-friendly. The hosts act as ambassadors for the city, giving visitors directions and advice on things to do.

The team, recruited via the Future Jobs Fund, complete an intensive training course organised by CityCo with the support of Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Visit Manchester, Manchester Arndale and Network Rail.

Wearing specially designed uniforms, the hosts are stationed in teams of two at Piccadilly Station, Piccadilly Gardens, St Anne’s Square, New Cathedral Street and Spinningfield’s between 10am and 6pm all week.

Early stages of the scheme were successfully trialled in 2010, with the final phase of City Hosts now out on the streets. The team will trained to assist visitors at this year’s Manchester International Festival.

In place for 6 month contracts, CityCo helps the hosts return to mainstream employment through on-going advice, training and assistance in securing permanent job opportunities. CityCo has recently recruited a new receptionist through the scheme, and positions have been secured for FJF recruits at Spinningfields Management Company, House of Fraser and Arndale in various security and host roles.

CityCo is working in partnership to deliver the scheme with Groundwork, Spinningfields Management Company and Manchester’s Visitor Information Centre.

Testimonial

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful city of Manchester after a long break. I was attending a seminar in The Manchester Conference Centre in Sackville Street. I was running late and somewhat confused as to where my venue was.

As I approached the main concourse at the entrance to Piccadilly Train station I noticed three people wearing jackets emblazoned with “Manchester Information Guide”.

One of the three, John Barker, not only advised me of the right directions to my destination, he offered to take me there and on my way I got a wonderful potted history of the city and its wonderful architecture.

What a fantastic advertisement for the city this was. Well done for this initiative. I travel widely and have never had such a welcoming approach to any city.

Manchester Evening News Reader Letter – Barry Russell, Worcester.

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