StepPlaces

Sweet things were happening in the kitchen this week! Another heat of Bolton's Young Chef of the Year turned into a proper bake-off, organised by part of the Bolton Food and Drinks Festival, organised by Bolton Council, and the young chefs rose to the occasion. Dazzling duffins, desserts and plenty of sweet treats.

A huge thank you to Gill from GB Bake Off ( on Instagram) and the wonderful Jacqueline, known as the Baking Nanna ( on Instagram), who came in to give a demonstration and share their know-how, we were seriously impressed, and the young chefs clearly hung on their every word. Big thanks too to chefs Jackie McKnight (Jacquie McKnight) and senior chef Michael Harrison for helping the group again.

The competition is heating up faster than the summer heatwave, and honestly, it's getting harder to call. With a talent pool this sweet, anyone in the mix could rise to the top as Young Chef of the Year.

Follow us on Instagram for more updates (https://www.instagram.com/stepplaces/), and for extra details, visit our Social Blog: stories about people, places, and other interesting bits. (https://www.step-places.com/social-blog).

Twenty-six weeks ago, we set ourselves a challenge: every week, one of our team would spend a day volunteering with , one of Greater Manchester's most vital charities.

In the last five weeks alone, Darya K, Ashmit B, Steve L, Ryan H and Patrick S have each stepped into a different corner of the organisation, from the Food Club to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, kitchen shifts to furniture deliveries. Different roles, same story: real people getting real support, and a charity that treats everyone who walks through the doors with dignity and warmth.

Each of them came back with the same reflection. Mustard Tree isn't just about emergency help. It's about giving people the tools, confidence and community they need to move forward.

After twenty-six weeks, our initiative is nearly at the finish line, with just our Managing Director left to take his turn. It's been a genuinely humbling journey, and a reminder that showing up locally really does matter.
If you've been following along, thank you. And if you're looking for a way to give back, start close to home. Your nearest charity will welcome you with open arms. 💛

Moor Lane, Bolton has been shortlisted for the Social Housing Development of the Year, which will be announced at the Insider Media NW Residential Property Awards tonight! 🎉

Through collaboration with and AEDI construction we are so honoured that our development has been recognised in this category! 🏡

We have our fingers crossed and wish all the other nominees good luck! 🤞 🏆

Our development, Ardwick Green has been shortlisted for the Small Housing Development of the year at the Insider property awards which are happening tonight!

In collaboration with and AEDI construction we couldn’t be more proud to have this development represented in this category! 🙌

We are all crossing our fingers!! 🤞🤞

Sneak Peak of how our Properties are coming along at Springfield Gardens!! 🫣🤫🌸

Our site in Alder Hey, Liverpool has 31, 3&4 bedroom properties with our first phase now for sale!

Follow .gardens to find out more details about this stunning site!

Contact our agents:
📧 [email protected]
☎️0151 321 1486

This week as part of our weekly volunteering programme, Nick assisted the warehouse team at Mustard Tree.

Nick helped load and unload deliveries and prepare donations for distribution. His work behind the scenes helped keep vital supplies moving where they’re needed most.

Opportunities like this show how important practical support is for local charities. We encourage everyone to consider volunteering in their community, as every contribution helps make a real difference.

More updates to follow as our volunteering continues!!

We’ve summed up why Ardwick Green just makes sense and the reasons truly do speak for themselves! 🏡💚

To book a viewing or find out more information on these properties contact our agents:

📧[email protected]
☎️0161 837 2840

Our First Volunteering Day at Mustard Tree!

Today, Chris Cliff from our team kicked off our volunteering initiative with Mustard Tree, where he got a full tour of their incredible facilities, from the Food Club to the educational classes they run for the community.

Chris spent the day working in the Food Club, helping people who came in search of food and offering support to those in need. We’re proud to be part of this amazing community effort!

This is just the beginning, from now on, every Wednesday, one of our team members will volunteer until all employees have had the chance to contribute, running through to early June.

One step at a time, we make a difference, even small actions can make a big difference. Support your local charities and help those in need this season and beyond.