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Boeing and McLaren deals are stratospheric for Sheffield City Region

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CONTENTS

First For Business

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CONTENTS APRIL 2017

AGENDA 6 The news of the Boeing and McLaren heading to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District has already been hailed a ‘spectacular success’, but what does it mean for the Sheffield City Region?

A RELIABLE FUTURE 10 Monition focuses on supporting industry clients to become the lowest cost producers, whilst maximising operational profit through the effective appropriate application of reliability tools and techniques

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DREAM TEAM 13 How do you cope with a family member undermining your authority in the workplace?

HOTEL & CONFERENCE GUIDE 2017 25

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From the unique to the functional, there’s an event and conference space to suit all, right here in the Sheffield City Region

TRAVEL 38 We look at a luxury break in London and hit the fairways of Mallorca

25 Editor Chris Wilson chris.wilson@rmcmedia.co.uk Consultant Editor Andy Waple Chief Feature Writer Clare Parkin

CROWDFUNDING 42 Crowdfunding has quickly become the preferred choice for business start-ups, but why has it become so successful and how easy is it get people to invest in your idea?

WORK & PLAY 46 A monthly round-up of news, achievements, celebrations and new faces

10 THINGS... 50 Businesses should do to ‘make apprenticeships better’. By Graham Hasting-Evans, NOCN Managing Director

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Chief Sub Editor Richard Abbey Sub Editor Richard Smith Operations Director Jillion Wood Publishing Manager Mandy Ogle mandy.ogle@rmcmedia.co.uk

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Studio Manager Chris Brierley Design Dan Wray, Steve Levers RMC Media 6 Broadfield Court Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, S8 OXF Tel: 0114 250 6300 Twitter: @ffbmagRMC www.firstforbusinessmagazine.co.uk

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PREVIEW

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PREVIEW hile Sheffield City Region sweats on the location of a local station for the HS2 high speed railway, when it comes to innovation in the area of high-tech research for the aerospace and super car industries, it really is full speed ahead.

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Last month the Prime Minister said South Yorkshire could help power a new engineering revolution for the UK on the back of two spectacular investment announcements.

This month in First For Business, consultant editor Andy Waple looks at the story behind the news that both Boeing and McLaren are investing in new facilities at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District between Rotherham and Sheffield.

The £20million Boeing Sheffield plant, as it will be known, will be the global aerospace giant’s first factory outside of the USA while McLaren Automotive’s announcement that it will be building supercar chassis on an adjacent site in Waverley is a further £100million boost to the economy.

It seems that the significance of Sheffield region’s research and skills base is hugely attractive to these major players and

could prove to be the key to future economic prosperity.

Another local success story may be more modest when it comes to the sums of money involved, but is equally good for business.

Crowdfunding has quickly become the preferred choice for business start-ups, and successful local examples range from cafes and pubs to the private tuition industry. Chief feature writer Clare Parkin looks at some recent examples and unearths some top tips for any budding entrepreneurs considering this as a way of raising funds.

There is one area where Sheffield City Region stands out from the crowd when it comes to hosting business events.

Every year First For Business publishes its Hotel & Conference Guide and every year it seems the region becomes more diverse with its offering to businesses in terms of unique and unforgettable venues to stage their events. If you are planning to bring business people together in the coming months, our Guide will help you find the perfect location.

Our Dream Team question this month tackles an issue that requires a great deal

CHRIS WILSON, EDITOR of diplomacy, and one that crops up frequently when it comes to family businesses. What do you do if you are the offspring of a successful business founder who ‘retires’ but finds it hard to break the habits of a lifetime when it comes to turning up at the office and undermining the authority of the new generation?

Quite a few of our readers may be take a close personal interest in how to tackle this particularly delicate issue.

Meanwhile, if you are contemplating some time away, we have two suitably relaxing travel options in London and Mallorca to tempt you from the office for a few days.

That’s just a taste of what’s in First For Business this month. Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ffbmagRMC.

@ Facebook:ThisisRMC Media Twitter: @FFBmagRMC LinkedIn: RMC Media Email: ffb@rmcmedia.co.uk

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THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

THE NEWS OF THE BOEING AND MCLAREN HEADING TO THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INNOVATION DISTRICT HAS ALREADY BEEN HAILED A ‘SPECTACULAR SUCCESS’, BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION? ANDY WAPLE REPORTS.

AGENDA

usiness and civic leaders were bristling with pride when the Prime Minister said last month that South Yorkshire could help “power a new engineering revolution” for the UK on the back on what she called the “spectacular success” of two major investment announcements.

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The news of the Boeing and McLaren deals were fantastic achievements that will not only boost the local economy, but create wealth through new jobs and supply chain opportunities.

Indeed the announcements that both major players were investing in new facilities at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District between Rotherham and Sheffield was as much a success for the nation and it was for the region.

With the row over Brexit continuing, the government will be very pleased to see major inward investment in the country from the likes of the USA. Prime Minister Teresa May was so impressed with the investments she wants the advanced engineering model being pioneered in South Yorkshire to be copied across the country.

She said: “Attracting one of the world’s most famous car brands and one of the leading names in aerospace to Sheffield were deals built on the city pooling its skills and working together.

Centre to establish new manufacturing technology and methods.

Building for the factory is expected to begin towards the end of 2018. It will be used to produce actuation systems used on the trailing edge of wings for its next generation 737, 737 MAX and 777 aircrafts, creating at least 30 jobs locally.

Meanwhile, McLaren Automotive announced it will be building supercar chassis on an adjacent site in Waverley in a further £100million boost to the economy.

Its purpose-built production plant, known as its Composites Technology Centre, will be housed next to the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and is expected to create more than 200 new jobs.

“I want to see the prosperity that areas like London and the South East have enjoyed replicated across the country.

Developed with the support of Sheffield City Council, the Composites Technology Centre will be responsible for the development and manufacturing of advanced carbon fibre chassis for McLaren Automotive’s supercars.

The £20million Boeing Sheffield plant, as it will be known, will be the global aerospace giant’s first factory outside of the USA. As well as the new build, it said it would also increase its commitment to research at the site, partnering with the Advanced Manufacturing Research

McLaren Automotive and the University of Sheffield will complete a two-year research and development programme leading to the development of a production plant to build lightweight carbon fibre chassis for its new models from 2020.

The University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre will immediately start training McLaren apprentices who will work in the new factory.

Professor Keith Ridgway, Executive Dean at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC, said: “This is a tremendous piece of news for the Sheffield City Region and a boost for its future as the UK’s centre for advanced manufacturing.

“In many respects it represents a new model that repositions manufacturing in Sheffield, taking it on from coal and steel to high performance components for the automotive, as well as the aerospace, sector. >>>

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Ian Hutchinson – the first McLaren apprentice at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre

“We will be working with McLaren Automotive on the construction of the carbon fibre chassis and further research, and we are talking with the supply chain.

It is our ambition that supply chain companies will start to build factories here to supply the chassis plant.”

The new factory is due to take shape soon, with the first pre-production carbon fibre chassis, built using trial manufacturing processes in the AMRC, expected to be delivered to the McLaren Technology Centre in the second half of 2017. Full production at the facility will begin by the end of the decade.

The McLaren Composites Technology Centre will be housed in a 7,000 square metre building set over four acres and will be responsible for the research and development of future Monocell and Monocage carbon fibre chassis as well as the manufacturing of the chassis itself.

The 200 new employees will comprise approximately 150 production staff and 50 manufacturing support staff.

8 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, said: “In 1981, McLaren was the first company to recognise the exceptional properties of carbon fibre, and we have designed the highly-technical material to be at the heart of every McLaren road and racing car ever since.

“The now-iconic McLaren F1 was the world’s first road car to be built with a carbon fibre chassis and every car built more recently by McLaren Automotive has the same. Creating a facility where we can manufacture our own carbon fibre chassis structures is therefore a logical next step.”

McLaren featured at the launch event for the factory 2050

The two investments are crucial to the future well-being of the region, but it is of no surprise that both Boeing and McLaren chose South Yorkshire.

Boeing was first attracted here in 2001 when it collaborated with the University of Sheffield to establish the AMRC as a £15million joint venture with the purpose of using Sheffield’s traditional expertise in materials and machining, and applying those skills for future technological development.

In 2004, the AMRC moved into the purpose-built Advanced Manufacturing Park and, in 2008, opened the RollsRoyce plc Factory of the Future. In 2012, the Factory of the Future expanded to include an enlarged Composite Centre.

In 2015, the AMRC’s Factory 2050 was opened as the UK’s first fully reconfigurable assembly and component manufacturing facility for collaborative research, capable of rapidly switching between different high-value components and one-off parts. The

AGENDA

PICTURED ABOVE (L-R): Professor Sir Keith Burnett, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield; Mike Flewitt, CEO at McLaren Automotive; Sir Nigel Knowles, Chair of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership; Councillor Leigh Bramall, Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Economy; and Councillor Chris Read, Leader of the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

7,000 square metre building is home to the AMRC’s Integrated Manufacturing Group with open-plan desk space integrated with high-tech assembly and manufacturing.

To add to the mix, when Boeing announced its Dreamliner aircraft, the AMRC expanded into composites and skills in virtual reality prototyping and design complementing existing expertise in metals and materials. Those early days of productive collaboration were recalled when Boeing made its announcement last month.

President of Boeing Europe, Sir Michael Arthur, said they chose South Yorkshire for the factory because of a skilled workforce in the area and the firm’s links with Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

He said: “The area has very high skills,

particular in advanced manufacturing technology, which we think is world class.”

talented team at the new McLaren Composites Technology Centre.”

“We, as a company, want to start making these very sophisticated components – actuation systems, the gearing systems on wings, and Sheffield is a good place to come,” he added.

Sheffield councillors were among the many to enthuse over the announcements.

The significance of the Sheffield region research and skills base was not lost on McLaren either when it sought a new location for its latest development.

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, said: “We evaluated several options to achieve this objective but the opportunity created by the AMRC at the University of Sheffield was compelling. At the AMRC, we will have access to some of the world’s finest composites and materials research capabilities, and I look forward to building a world-class facility and

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Economy, said: “This is a tremendous deal for Sheffield, its people and workforce, and its growing research and development sector.

“It is further proof that the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District is the place for leading manufacturers to come, not only for research and development and industrial collaboration, but also for production.

“This combination of value-adding R&D investment and related production employment is the key to our future economic prosperity.”

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Managing Director Mike Burrows

CREATING A RELIABLE FUTURE MONITION FOCUSES ON SUPPORTING INDUSTRY CLIENTS TO BECOME THE LOWEST COST PRODUCERS, WHILST MAXIMISING OPERATIONAL PROFIT THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION OF RELIABILITY TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES. anaging Director, Mike Burrows, describes Monition as ‘partners in fulfilling the continuing needs of industry, being the lowest cost producers in an ever challenging economic climate, whilst maximising their clients’ operational profit.’

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He said: “We are, at the foundations; Reliability and Condition Monitoring specialists, with a global portfolio of business partners ranging from small operating companies to top global organisations. However, Monition is much 10 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

more than just that; we centralise our business model around continuous evolution and innovation growth, to ensure we are at the forefront of capability to add value to our clients and partners throughout industry globally.”

Sheffield Forgemasters; Steve Marshall, Engineering Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, explained: “I approached Monition to work as a partner with us in our journey in engineering development across five large manufacturing areas.”

Monition supports businesses differently through integrating as a true strategic partner, focusing on maximising performance with sustainability, minimising costs, maximising talent growth and knowledge transfer to customers. One of its clients includes engineering specialists

Mike added: “We think, act and work as business partners, taking ownership and responsibility for delivering results that add value to our client partners. It is within our team’s DNA to feel, think and act in the best interest of our partners by applying the best possible tools and

ENGINEERING

techniques to drive improved reliability within their operations. It is our core focus to predict and prevent failures to ensure our customers achieve their desired performance goals.”

Monition provides a range of reliability and condition monitoring services, engineering expertise and award-winning predictive technology to a wide range of industries, including chemical, alternative energy, oil and gas, aerospace, rail, automotive… the list is endless.

Mike joined Monition in 1988 during its first year of business and counts himself as its fourth employee. He has seen a substantial evolution and growth in Monition to truly adapt, innovate and evolve, with a team base now of around 40 people. It is also on course for further growth following additional value adding elements within the business.

Mike worked in a USA partnership developing the Ford Quality Standard to improve production and manufacturing reliability as part of a major push to deliver consistent quality parts from both internal and external suppliers. It was during this time that Mike established the critical connection that improvements in reliability had to be more than monitoring and should also be locked into the business process to add economic value; it shouldn’t be treated in isolation, rather a holistic approach was vital to ensure success.

employees was central for our success.

“What I realised is that I could contribute to the further evolution of Monition through aligning our business culture and processes, delivering maximum value with our customers. In that respect it cannot be done independently, rather it should bring together condition monitoring, reliability, engineering and operations – all of which can be seen to operate separately within many businesses. Only by doing this will a business achieve true economic value.

“Monition continually strives to lead the industry with its partnership support framework and technology delivery, however, the UK industry has only really started to embrace unlocking this value adding potential in the last four or five years. There still remains a widespread need and benefit for reliability tools and techniques that can drive performance and deliver benefits to the bottom line.”

Monition not only embeds equipment and technology within customers’ operations, it is also developing the technology and advanced maintenance processes through EU and government funded programmes.

The programmes bring together the highest standards of academic and practical application teams globally, to develop solutions and SMART technology that can be found in our homes and worldwide businesses today. Monition applies the advantage of knowledge to ensure reliable industrial production continuity.

Mike explained: “Monition is approached to work on between one and two projects a year by European and global partners. We work with up to seven partners across Europe, each of us developing our own part of the wider project. As part of these projects we have the added benefit of sharing all the Intellectual Property (IP) created. This means we are constantly bringing new

Mike explained: “For our business to truly differentiate and deliver the best value added improvements with our customers and partners, it was clear that Monition’s culture of empowerment, engagement, ownership and expertise through its First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 11

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ENGINEERING

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“MONITION EMPLOYS A WIDE RANGE OF TEAM MEMBERS, FROM PRACTICAL EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS THROUGH TO INDUSTRY LEADING PHD ANALYSTS, TO DELIVER THE GREATEST DEPTH AND STRENGTH IN ITS ENGINEERING AND PROCESS CAPABILITY.” – MANAGING DIRECTOR MIKE BURROWS leading edge ideas and technology into the business to add further value to our customer base.”

Monition also invests heavily in its own R&D and Analytical Laboratory Services.

It is investment such as this that has seen the company achieve significant business growth year on year with the ability to demonstrate business value added service and support.

“Monition recently made a substantial

commitment and investment in further innovation, through the application of motion amplification technology, which allows the smallest of motions to be seen by the human eye. It is a revolution in condition monitoring and probably one of the most exciting revolutions in the vibration world for the last 20 years, and Monition is at the forefront of this technology within the UK at this time,” said Mike.

He added: “Monition employs a wide range of team members, from practical experienced technicians through to industry leading PHD analysts, attracting the top talent to deliver the greatest depth and strength in its engineering and process capability.

“Monition is highly respected for its industrial manufacturing expertise, solutions, technology and service. We have great people that have put us at the cutting edge of the industry and who create solutions that deliver tangible and beneficial improvements to businesses and we are all proud of that at Monition,” explained Mike.

He added: “We have an example of a strong embedded Reliability Programme

12 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

Partnership at a large scale UK site for food manufacturing, with one of the top global companies.This partnership is leading the standards on reliability improvement approach across their business globally, with significant sustainable benefits achieved since its inception in 2012.This is fully recognised by the customer as the best practice standards for industry and for their business to adopt on a global scale.This is an example of the reward and satisfaction Monition achieves through its transformational partnership programmes.”

Monition’s business model focuses on supporting industry clients to become the lowest cost producers, whilst maximising their client’s operational profit, through the effective appropriate application of reliability tools and techniques.

To learn more about how Monition can help you, visit www.monition.com

DREAM TEAM

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TIME TO TREAD LIGHTLY

Rob Moore

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH A FAMILY MEMBER UNDERMINING YOUR AUTHORITY IN THE WORKPLACE? WE ASK THE DREAM TEAM...

DEAR DREAM TEAM, I am the MD of a third generation family business; I took a lead role 14 months ago when my father retired.

However, my father continues to come to work on a daily basis and undermine my authority. It is sending mixed messages to the team, I don’t want to hurt his feelings… what should I do?

ROB MOORE RECOVERY EXPERT AND PARTNER AT TAYLOR&EMMETT It is always difficult finding a balance when the managing director steps down but it is in relation to a family business.

It is relatively normal to have some level of sympathy in relation to your father in that the business has been part of his life for so long and it is difficult to break daily habits and to “let go”.

I agree that it will be sending mixed messages to your team and it will be difficult having the conversation with your father, however, it is clearly a conversation that needs to be had.

One way of dealing with the matter, without knowing your father, could be to have an informal meeting and explain that his behaviour is now impacting on the business and try to make him see from the family business perspective that by him undermining your authority that the other members of staff do not respect your role as a managing director.

It needs to be made clear to your father that you sympathise with his situation; however, he cannot continue to act in the manner in which he currently is.

Another option may be to speak to your staff and make clear that any conflicting instructions received, yours are to prevail. This may eventually filter back to

your father that the staff are following your instructions, however it may not be the best way to resolve this problem.

In relation to your father coming into work on a daily basis, this really does depend on whether you want him there on a daily basis or whether you could compromise on a couple of days a week or whether you do not want him there at all. As an interim step, it may be practical to perhaps speak with your father and devise a rota whereby he assists on a couple of days a week so that he still feels involved however, you are firmly taking the reins as managing director.

It may be worthwhile setting little projects for your father to do to keep him focused on those projects rather than trying to undermine your authority or continuing any duties of the managing director. If your father is busy and fully occupied in a project, this may assist.

Any advice?

Tweet us @ffbmagRMC

CHALLENGE OUR TEAM. The team will respond to one selected question in each edition of First For Business.

Send your questions to ffb@rmcmedia.co.uk.

Name withheld on request

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SHEFFIELD-BASED NATIONAL ASSESSMENT ORGANISATION GEARED UP TO HELP BUSINESSES GET APPRENTICE LEVY READY.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES he Government’s apprenticeship levy comes into force this month in a bid to increase the number of apprenticeship places to three million by 2020.

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And while many businesses are still unsure how the changes will affect them, NOCN – a leading awarding organisation – has been prepared for a long time and is ready to help firms ensure they get the 14 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

NOCN is one of the top three Government apprentice assessment centres alongside City and Guilds and Pearson and has been appointed as an approved assessor to deliver End-Point Assessments (EPA) for the reformed apprenticeships.

NOCN, explained: “NOCN is ahead of the game for its EPA delivery. It has invested over the last two years in its systems, IT and operations and is now ready to deliver EPA, sooner than most in the market. NOCN is ready for the levy and is able to work with its customers to support them to become operational as well.”

James Harkness, marketing manager at

NOCN supports businesses across the

very best out of the levy.

APPRENTICES

country but its Sheffield-base means the company has extensive knowledge of the region’s economy and is perfectly placed to support businesses in the Sheffield City Region through the changes.

The company was one of the first organisations involved in the Government’s trailblazer programme to create the new employer-led apprenticeships. Out of the trailblazers came the new reformed apprenticeship standards, for which NOCN is now a leader.

The apprenticeship levy will be paid by all employers with a pay bill of more than ÂŁ3million per year, regardless as to whether they employee apprentices or not.

From 6 April 2017, employers will tell HMRC how much apprenticeship levy they owe each month, with monthly payments being made through the PAYE process from May 2017.

Employers will be able to access their levy account through the new Apprenticeship Service digital account.

Levy-payers will then: Select an apprenticeship framework or standard, choose a training provider and agree a price, pay for apprenticeship training and assessment and post apprenticeship vacancies.

NCON has local apprenticeship experts available to talk both employers and training providers through the whole process. Its experts will work with them from the start of their apprenticeship programme, supporting them with resources and advice for a smooth delivery from apprentice recruitment through to end-point assessment and certification.

James added: “As a not-for-profit organisation we can offer some of the most competitive rates. Our prices are fair and competitive. The Government advised top limit for EPA charges is no more than 20 per cent of the total funding available for each standard. “We charge according to the realistic costs for delivery. On average, NOCN prices for EPA are just 11 per cent, so employers get great value for money by using NOCN.�

NOCN is currently appointed to deliver EPA for 21 apprenticeship standards in ten sectors and expects to increase its

offering in the next few months as the Government releases it standards for additional areas.

The current apprenticeship assessments are in: < 4!+(" $15("$ < "(+(3($2 - &$,$-3 < (- -"( + $15("$2 < -&(-$$1(-& < 423.,$1 $15("$ < #4+3 1$ < $ +3' 1$ < $3 (+ < "($-"$ $"'-.+.&8 < $ #$12'(/ -# - &$,$-3 James said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want this to be a success and we have been working on this for the past five years. Apprentices are vital to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic recovery and we want to ensure the new apprenticeships, on offer as part of the Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new drive, are of the highest quality which offer the right education and career opportunities that will significantly improve lives, meet skills gaps and strengthen the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our ethos and passion is for creating opportunities through vocational skills.

NOCNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is summed-up in two words: Creating Opportunities. We do this through all of our products and services, including qualifications and assessments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are local and we are excellent value for money and we are here to help,â&#x20AC;?

NOCN has been at the forefront of apprenticeship reform for over four years. It has nearly 50 SASE style apprenticeship frameworks available for delivery by FE colleges and training providers, which include NOCN vocational and technical qualifications and English, maths and other supporting components.

For more information contact James Harkness, marketing manager, NOCN on 0114 227 0500 or email james.harkness@nocn.org.uk

FAST FACTS: NOCN has hundreds of vocational qualifications available for delivery

by FE colleges and training providers across the country; last year it certified 396,409 achievements and issued 88,016 certificates.

The company has worked in the vocational education sector for 30 years and has significant expertise and knowledge in the area. NOCN can confidently say it knows vocational training and assessment inside and out.

NOCN has a friendly, flexible and responsive service. It does not have a minimum spend limit, does not impose unnecessary course materials or elements customers do not need.

As a not-for-profit organisation NOCNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus is as much on social impact and personal wellbeing as it is on commercial factors. NOCN wants apprentices to be supported, to receive meaningful education and career opportunities that significantly improve lives.

Amongst its products, NOCN also offers apprenticeship frameworks, Functional Skills English and maths qualifications, and online management courses.

TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE NOCN FOR YOUR END-POINT ASSESSMENTS (EPA) 1. Operationally ready to deliver EPA 2. Transparent and competitive prices 3.Vocational experience and assessment expertise 4. Friendly, flexible and responsive service 5. Unique EPA Management IT system 6. On-going support from preassessment to EPA and beyond 7. Quality assurance - regulated by Ofqual 8. Rapid turnaround of NOCN certificates 9. Focus on social mobility and commercial impact, not profit 10. An ethos for creating opportunities through vocational skills

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LEADING LADIES SHEFFIELD CITY REGION’S WOMEN IN BUSINESS JOIN FORCES.

nfluential leaders from the Sheffield City Region came together to mark International Women’s Day at a hugely successful celebration evening.

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Airmaster’s Lisa Pogson

More than 160 women, and a number of men, attended the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Women in Business event at Tankersley Manor Hotel. A host of inspirational speakers including Dame Julia Cleverdon, named by the Times as one of the 50 most influential women in Britain, addressed the audience.

From the region there were speeches from successful entrepreneur Julie Kenny, who recently sold her award-winning company Pyronix Ltd; Lisa Pogson, managing director of Airmaster and President of the Rotherham and Barnsley Chamber of Commerce; and Jackie Freeborn, MD of Skin Care Yorkshire Ltd and Chair of Women in Business.

Julie Kenny told the audience: “Women are different. We bring different perspectives, different values and approaches. Be bold, be determined be confident. Act upon your values and believe in who you are.”

She took guests through the history of her booming security firm, Pyronix – which she has sold after 30 years at the helm.

Julie took the brave step of selling her house for £28,000 30 years ago and put it all into Pyronix to meet her ambition of being the number one manufacturer of video surveillance equipment.

She explained how she had continued to invest in products and research and development during the recession.

‘connecting the unconnected’ and inspiring individuals and organisations to work together for the common good.

During her career she has worked to build more effective leadership and cross sector partnerships across business, charities and education, as well as encouraging women to develop their careers, leadership potential and worklife balance.

“Women in business in the north need to fight every step of the way and be bold about the potential that will create jobs and opportunity for the jobs of the future,” she said.

“Behind every bold decision you will find a bold leader. Being bold is the most important leadership task in my book.”

And she advised: “Print on the back of your business card what it is you’re trying to achieve to make a greater difference.”

“Believe in yourself, believe in your company and you will do well. Say what you do and do what you say.”

The evening also included an on the sofa topic chat hosted by the evening’s compere journalist, Jo Davison. She was joined by Edward Naylor, chief executive of Naylor Industries PLC; Shahida Siddique, chief executive of FaithStar LLP; Michelle Bailey, managing director of Active Response Security and Ruth Amos, young entrepreneur and managing director of StairSteady.The panel discussed business in the region and adversity they had faced during their careers.

Dame Julia Cleverdon DVCO CBE, has gained international recognition for

The much anticipated presentation of the ATHENA International awards was the

“In the recession for the first time in my life I was really scared,” she said. “It was a world-wide recession. The banks weren’t lending money and were pulling money in. I invested in products. You can grow out of adversity.

16 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

event’s finale. President of ATHENA International, Andrea Conner, joined the celebration via video link from Chicago, USA, to congratulate ATHENA Award recipients and welcome them to the 8,000 strong, worldwide leadership network.

It was also announced that the Sheffield City Region had received the prestigious title of becoming the first in the UK to be made an affiliate of ATHENA International.

Jackie Freeborn said she was “pleased and proud” with the announcement.

“We are thrilled to bring together existing and emerging women leaders to create the ATHENA International Leadership Exchange,” she said.

“It will provide a range of training, coaching and personal and organisational development opportunities to ensure that our region does not miss out on the talents of exceptional female leaders.”

Lisa Pogson said she had been overwhelmed by how the event had been received: “What great speakers and role models we have showcased for all ages and both genders,” she said.

“Jill White, last year’s winner, really wowed us with talk of our youngsters and their aspirations, their dreams. I am really proud of what the team managed to achieve on the evening and special thanks to our chair, Jackie Freeborn. My three key themes for my presidency are confidence, collaboration and connectivity and she gives us that in abundance!”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

THE ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Nichola Hawden receives her certificate from sponsors Crystal Clean MD Hayley Koseoglu (Eve was not able to attend the event to collect her award in person)

Staff from Naylor Industries with their award

Amy Cooper collects the International Leadership Award from Jackie Freeborn (left) and Lisa Pogson (right)

ATHENA INTERNATIONAL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LEADERSHIP AWARD

ATHENA INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

ATHENA INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

WINNER: Eve Lodge – Barmy Bunting Eve set up her business while still at secondary school. Her bespoke, personal bunting can be made for any occasion including christenings, parties, Christmas, weddings and anniversaries.

Now at university, Eve’s business has expanded. It has gone from strength to strength and has won numerous awards over the years.

She has customers ranging from her hometown of Barnsley to Liverpool, London, France and even Miami.

Highly Commended: Nichola Hawden – Harris & Co Sponsors – Crystal Clean Service Ltd Crystal Clean is a high quality commercial cleaning and hygiene service company covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

Specialising in office-based businesses industrial, engineering and manufacturing companies as well as car dealerships, the company has a dedicated friendly team and is the recipient of a number of awards in its sector.

Julia Cleverdon

WINNER: Amy Cooper – Onboard Skate Park Onboard Skate Park in Sheffield opened in 2012 to help young people fulfil their potential and improve their lives.

Through healthy, recreational activities and educational programmes, young people at Onboard grow in confidence, self-esteem and learn essential life skills.

The skate park offers a safe environment for some of the city’s most vulnerable and disengaged young people and even provides learning programmes and support and space to sit GCSE exams.

Highly Commended: Michelle Bailey, Active Response Security Services Ltd; Sharon Cope, Healthwatch Rotherham Sponsors – Airmaster Airmaster is passionate about bringing comfort to its customers’ environment and has the capacity and in-house expertise to make it happen.With clients across the country Airmaster has built a thriving business based on long-term working partnerships with its customers and celebrates 25 years in business this year.

The company offers every aspect of mechanical services and maintenance under one roof. Additional sponsors from the evening were: Sheffield City Region, Berneslai Homes, Mitsubishi Electric and Rotherham Together Partnership.

WINNER: Naylor Industries PLC Naylor Industries is a long established, leading British manufacturer of building and construction products. The drive for a more diverse leadership and management has been led by their COO Bridie Warner-Asetts, with the the number of females increasing from five to 16 since her appointment, the growth of the company having tracked a similar trajectory.

Highly Commended: Dransfield Properties Ltd Sponsors – The Source Skills Academy The Source Skills Academy is a flagship centre providing training, development and conferencing facilities.

The centre supports businesses with bespoke training and recruitment solutions and also offers various apprenticeships for individuals looking for employment who are currently studying at school, sixth form or college or for those in employment looking to improve their skills and gain a qualification.

Jackie Freeborn

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 11

Bringing comfort to your environment ៉ ៉ ៉ ៉ ៉ ៉

Design Commissioning Maintenance Installation Servicing Energy Assessment

Airmaster Air Conditioning Limited Wetherby House | Parkhill | Swallownest | Sheffield S26 4UN

Tel: 0114 288 9911 | Fax: 0114 288 9922 Email: team@airmaster.uk.com | Web: www.airmaster.uk.com

UKBullion

Dealers in quality watches & diamonds

339-341 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield S11 8PF 18 First For Business | www.firstforbusinessmagazine.co.uk

Tel: 0114 2664040

DOMESTIC SERVICES

First For Business

APRIL 2017

www.ffb-online.co.uk

TIME TO SHINE

CRYSTAL CLEAN SERVICE LTD CAN PUT THE SPARKLE INTO YOUR BUSINESS.

rystal Clean Service Ltd is an award-winning Sheffield-based commercial cleaning and hygiene company that works with office based businesses, industrial engineering and manufacturing companies and car dealers.

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We take care of our employees because they look after our clients. We train, develop, support and manage them in their role to ensure that they provide a good service and want to stay with us long term.

We look for honest, reliable and presentable people. We can train anyone in how to clean but we can’t train them to have a good work ethic and the right attitude. These are values that you either have or you don’t the rest you can learn.

The firm is led by managing director Hayley Koseoglu who launched the company in 2008 at the age of just 18. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength winning a hatful of awards along the way.

We ensure that they have all the correct materials and equipment to complete the job to the best of their ability. We also conduct regular audits and service checks to keep the continuity of service and high quality cleaning.

What are the main services the company offers?

Daily contract cleaning, carpet and window cleaning, computer and telephone sanitisation and washroom hygiene services, including consumables.

The company’s ethos is ‘We look after our staff because they look after our clients’.

Living up to that belief has seen Crystal Clean recruit a total of 72 members of staff and hold high retention rates.

The company works with businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

First For Business met up with Hayley to find out more about what makes such a successful commercial cleaning business.

You were only young when you launched Crystal Clean. What was your inspiration to start your own company at such a young age?

I had always wanted a management role but I had no idea in what. A joke was made about me being obsessed with cleaning and that I should set a business up. After some thought I decided why not, I was young and had nothing to lose at the time. That was nine years ago!

What is unique about the company and what makes Crystal Clean stand out from its competitors?

What have been the biggest achievements to date for Crystal Clean?

Our biggest achievement by far was being awarded the Best Contract Cleaning Company in the North of England in December 2016. Our industry is not regulated by any standard or accreditation so this recognition is fantastic for us as a business and further demonstrates that we do actually do what we say we will and that we are the best in the area.

What is the secret to the company’s success?

Our people are our product and managing them properly with training, support and development is paramount to our success. They are the ones that are on the ground and looking after our clients on a daily basis and we have a high retention rate which makes us much more efficient as an organisation.

What qualities do you look for when recruiting staff to the company?

Where do you see Crystal Clean in ten years time?

We have strategic plans to increase our growth and market share for both the cleaning and washroom industry, which in turn will increase our contribution to the local economy and job opportunities. With constant changes to living wage and government regulation the next few years will be very interesting to see how our industry changes in response. We are in a very strong position at the moment and long may that continue.

CONTACT: Crystal Clean Service Ltd Unit 1 Neepsend Triangle, Burton Road, Sheffield, S3 8BW Tel: 0114 401 0550 Email: info@ crystalcleanservice.co.uk

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 19

St Leger Week

Race Day DONCASTER Wednesday 13 September 2017

For the 16th year David Heugh will be organising and hosting the super St Leger Week Race Day. Come along and join us in the same exclusive Winning Post Marquee for one of the most important social and racing events on the sporting calendar.

It’s the perfect opportunity for private or corporate entertaining and we can assure you of good food and wine, sparkling company and a great day’s racing.

ONLY Plus, the usual Free Bar, all day!

145

£

PP plus VAT

For further information please contact David Heugh on 07785 243605 or email davidheugh@yahoo.co.uk

The special package in our private marquee by The Winning Post includes: I Morning Coffee and Biscuits I Super 3 Course Lunch I Full Afternoon Tea I Tipster I Free Parking PLUS!! A FREE BAR ALL DAY – UNLIMITED WINE, BEER, SOFT DRINKS

Sponsored by Solutions 4 Cleaning and First for Business Magazine with the charity raffle in aid of the amazing Sheffield based charity Support Dogs

Get your business noticed with

CJ Signs have many years experience at getting businesses seen and noticed, using the most modern equipment, techniques and highest quality materials.

Vehicle Wrapping Vehicle Graphics General Signage Call us on 0114 247 1501 email enquiries@cjsigns.co.uk or visit our website www.cjsigns.co.uk

20 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

INSURANCE

First For Business

APRIL 2017

www.ffb-online.co.uk

HENDERSON INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED OFFERS LOCAL SERVICE BACKED BY A NATIONAL REPUTATION. enderson Insurance Brokers Limited (HIBL) has opened its doors in Sheffield bringing with it a wealth of experience in the sector.

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The brand new office in Arena Court, Sheffield marks the 15th in the UK, with current offices spanning from London to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Headed by branch director Adrian Hiley, the opening of the new branch has created eight new jobs in the region.

Adrian said: “As part of the Henderson Insurance Broking Group we are proud of our status as one of the UK’s top five leading independent insurance brokers.

Traditionally, local brokers offer a small and friendly service but lack the expertise to help their clients move forward, while the opposite can be true of national brokers. HIBL fills a gap in the marketplace between these two extremes.

“Insurance is about protecting against unexpected events. When it goes wrong

we are there to support people. The easiest way to do that is to be 20-30 minutes away from our clients wherever possible. With our new Sheffield branch we now have the UK covered.

“As a Sheffielder I am delighted to open this office and offer the excellent customer service and professionalism, which HIBL prides itself on providing, to businesses in the Sheffield City Region.

We are looking forward to becoming a valued member of the local economy.”

HIBL celebrated its 30th anniversary last year and employs 450 members of staff nationally. The Sheffield office provides tailored insurance packages for almost any kind of business. This complements HIBL’s existing divisions of construction, real estate, wholesale, manufacturing and haulage, as well as our expertise in risk management, bonds and credit insurance.

popular Client Academies to the city. The Academy events provide guidance and knowledge on various topics of risk and the different insurances that can help to safeguard businesses from every eventuality through free-to-attend seminars.

The Sheffield branch will host an event on environmental liability risks on Wednesday 17 May. Businesses can book a place and find out more about how HIBL can help them by visiting the website www.hibl.co.uk. The Sheffield office can be contacted on 0114 478 9777 or sheffield@hibl.co.uk.

The opening of this new branch in the city will also see HIBL bringing its

Your business insurance arranged by your local experts

Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited are proud to announce the opening of our new Sheffield office.

Our team of business insurance specialists are South Yorkshire through and through, giving you the benefit of local knowledge and expertise. We understand the risks your business faces and can tailor a competitive insurance package to precisely meet your needs, whether you trade locally, nationally or world wide. As part of Henderson Insurance Broking Group we have been voted one of the top three independent brokers in the UK*, so rest assured we are a name you can trust.

To discover how we can help contact your dedicated team.

T: 0114 478 9777 E: sheffield@hibl.co.uk Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited Unit 2, 1 Arena Court, Sheffield, S9 2LF

Connect on LinkedIn

*Source: Insurance Age magazine, Top 100 Independent Brokers, October 2016 Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited. Registered in England No. 1985767 at Trueman House, Capitol Park, Tingley, Leeds, LS27 0TS. Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 309735.

www.hibl.co.uk

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 21

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For more information call 0114 237 4563 or visit www.sivtraining.co.uk 22 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

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FINANCE

First For Business

APRIL 2017

www.ffb-online.co.uk

L-R: Stephen Waud, CEO at BEF; Simon Jackson, Head of Investment BEF; Arthur Foreman, Managing Director at FFE and Andrew Austwick, Executive Director FFE

TAKING THE LEAD

YORKSHIRE LENDERS BECOME GATEWAY TO £400MILLION NORTHERN POWERHOUSE INVESTMENT FUND.

partnership between two not-forprofit business lenders has been selected to fund manage part of the largest ever investment fund for businesses to boost economic growth and productivity in the Northern Powerhouse.

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Percy, commented: “The £400million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is helping us go even further to support smaller businesses across the region and create an economy that works for everyone.

The £400million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, announced in the 2015 Autumn Statement and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, will be used to kick-start growth and support entrepreneurialism.

“To make sure this funding is delivered quickly and effectively, it’s important that local people who know their areas best are able to administer it.These companies have proven history in lending to start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the north, so it’s great that they are on board to target businesses that will most benefit.”

Selected as joint fund managers for the micro fund (£25k-£100k) across Yorkshire and the Tees Valley is Doncaster-based Finance For Enterprise (FFE). They will be delivering the scheme across the Sheffield City Region, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire whilst the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) group of companies, which has offices in York, Leeds, Bradford, Darlington and Goole, will cover West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Tees Valley.

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Andrew

Stephen Waud and Arthur Foreman, both heading up the consortium on behalf of BEF and FFE respectively, said: “The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund marks the start of a new era for businesses in the north, and for FFE and the BEF group as lenders. The agreement shows well-deserved confidence in the region and promises support for businesses of all scales and industries.

“We’re seeing a growth across all sectors

and demand is up. It’s important that our local business knowledge, with the backing of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, continues to provide the support where it’s required.”

The British Business Bank and European Investment Bank are both investing £50million into the fund. The agreement will be supported by the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure the funds address access-tofinance gaps within the north.

Since its launch, BEF has supported 3,000 businesses and created or safeguarded over 2,000 jobs throughout Yorkshire and the north east. In the last 12 months, the organisation has loaned a total of £6.4million.

Finance for Enterprise has been established for more than 30 years and provides loan funding and advice to new start, early stage and established businesses across South Yorkshire, the North Midlands and Lincolnshire. In the last 12 months FFE have lent £7.7million.

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 23

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HOTEL & CONFERENCE GUIDE 2017

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HOTEL & CONFERENCE GUIDE 2017

WELCOME

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QUALITY COUNTS

FROM THE UNIQUE TO THE FUNCTIONAL, THERE’S AN EVENT AND CONFERENCE SPACE TO SUIT ALL, RIGHT HERE IN THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION. t’s that time of year again when First For Business publishes its Hotel & Conference Guide and once again this time around the Sheffield City Region has welcomed even more unique, high quality event spaces to its portfolio.

Appearing in the listings this year is the beautiful Rossington Hall. Offering luxury meeting space in traditional Victorian state rooms as well as a grand ballroom for up to 150 delegates.

Rossington Hall sits within a 250acre private estate. Its on-site kitchen team and flexible meeting rooms and event co-ordinator means it can cater for any business function large or small.

The Old Rectory at Handsworth, Sheffield, is another historic home. The Grade II listed conference, meeting and wedding venue is located just a few minutes from J33 of the M1. The venue has been hosting business events for over 40 years in its variety of rooms.

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And can offer equipment hire and a range of catering options.

Stylish Clumber Park Hotel and Spa, close to the A1, is another hotel offering high quality corporate facilities.

As well as being a great conference and meeting venue, its location close to the beautiful woodland of Clumber Park means it can also organise a wide range of outdoor team building activities to add on to your business event to make it more memorable.

There are scores of other venues to choose from in the region.

The Circle is a vibrant, stylish conference and events space right in the heart of Sheffield city centre. Situated on Rockingham Lane, just off Division Street, it boasts a range of high quality, contemporary rooms to host everything from conferences to meetings, training courses, workshops, IT training, exhibitions, trade fairs and networking events. The facility is owned and managed by Voluntary Action Sheffield and by using the venue you are

supporting the work of the voluntary and community sector in Sheffield.

If tranquillity is important, The Izaak Walton is an ideal location for any conference, meeting or training event.

Situated on the edge of the Peak District offering stunning views, the hotel can tailor arrangements to suit any event and boasts meals and refreshments made from high quality, local produce.

If you’re stuck for time to get your corporate event arranged Exclusive Party could be the solution. Whether it’s an exciting product launch or party, an awards ceremony or team building event the premier events planning company take all the hassle out of the organising the event so you can concentrate on enjoying it.

For more information on the super event spaces and services our region has to offer have a look over the following pages of this guide where you are sure to find the perfect venue for your event.

Produced by RMC Media. Contact Mandy Ogle. Tel: 0114 250 6300

CONFERENCES

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THE OLD RECTORY Conference & Meeting Room Hire

Eat Healthy, Eat Greek ENJOY GREAT FOOD WITH THE GREEDY GREEK DELI AND GREEK DELI DIRECT

www.orh.org.uk email: tim@orh.org.uk - Close to junction 33 of the

Now delivering HOT or Cold food Sheffield wide

Eat in or take-away – we have something for everyone and every occasion with our delicious home made Greek food.

From our famous wraps ouzing with Pork or Chicken or maybe Haloumi or Fallafels to Traditional foods like mouth watering Moussaka or Beef Styfado. Check out our extensive menu on our website www.thegreedygreekdeli.co.uk Don't cook, just eat. You can order hot food on-line too via www.just-eat or give the deli a call on 0114 2667719.

Got a party? Let Greek Deli Direct do the hard work for you. From dinner parties to Weddings – check out our new website www.greekdelidirect.co.uk or call Helen on 07927 673990 to discuss your needs.

402b Handsworth Road S13 9BZ tel 0114 2692537

M1 Sheffield - Free car parking for 36 cars - 5 Meeting rooms available

Order direct Get our App for exclusive offers and VIP service

We are open from 10am to 10pm 7 days a week at 418-420 Sharrowvale Road, Hunters Bar, S11 8ZP (Next to Nat West Bank) Tel: 0114 2667719

to hire - Rates from £10 per hour - Full catering service

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Excellent facilities in beautiful surroundings…

CONFERENCES • MEETINGS • TRAINING COURSES ETC. Wood Lane Countryside Centre has four rooms available for hire during the week for conferences, meetings and training courses. All four rooms have central heating, disabled access, kitchen and bathroom facilities, and pleasant views of the grounds.

Hire includes use of 100 cushioned chairs, 20 trestle tables, flip chart and extension leads. Teas, coffees and biscuits can be provided and a buffet lunch option is available.

WOOD LANE COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE

The Stenton Barn has a maximum capacity of 30 and is the ideal space for smaller meetings, conferences and classes.

The Garden Room is conveniently located on the ground floor for easy access into the gardens and can hold up to 15 people.

WOOD LANE, STANNINGTON SHEFFIELD, S6 5HE

The Brown Room is ideal for interviews and personal meetings of up to 6 people.

The Grain Loft has been beautifully restored, maintaining its original character with wooden floor, stone walls and original oak beams and accommodates up to 100 people.

Hire of the room also includes a projector screen and free wi-fi connection.

Tel: 0114 2316982 www.woodlanecc.org.uk www.woodlaneweddings.com

Conference Facilities At Wortley Hall

DAY DELEGATE RATES – From Only £20.00 Per Person 24hr DELEGATE RATES – From Only £95.00 Per Person To include: Meeting room hire, arrival tea/coffee, mid morning tea/coffee & biscuits, buffet lunch, mid afternoon tea/coffee & biscuits, chilled mineral water & cordials in meeting room, jotter and pen, TV/DVD, projector, screen, flip chart & pens.

Overnight Stay with Dinner and full English Breakfast (24hr Package)

Wortley Hall is an excellent location for your meeting needs, just a few minutes from junction 35a/36 off the M1. At Wortley Hall you can be assured that we will do everything possible to make sure your conference/event goes smoothly, from start to finish. Our team offers a quality service at very affordable prices.

Contact our reservations team on 0114 288 2100 or info@wortleyhall.org.uk

Wortley Hall l Wortley | Sheffield l S35 7DB t: 0114 288 2100 f: 0114 2830 695 e: info@wortleyhall.org.uk w: www.wortleyhall.org.uk

Conference at Rossington Hall

ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ¡ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŗśŖȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě DZ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŖŗřŖŘȱŞŜŜŞŘŘȱ ȱ ȱ ȓ ǯ ǯ

ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ŗŗȱŖ

ȓ ǯ ǯ ȱȩȱŖŗřŖŘȱŞŜŜŞŘŘ

5 times distilled

rhubarb and strawberry

butterscotch

chilli and chocolate

Brittains is an extraordinary spirit. Created from the highest quality 5 times distilled premium vodka and combine it with the finest ingredients and a healthy dash of good old fashioned British eccentricity to create a truly extraordinary drinking experience.

Telephone 01302 639498

www.brittainsvodka.com

Email sales@brittainsvodka.com

The Circle is a unique, modern conference venue in the heart of Sheffield city centre, just off Division Street.

Offering a range of high quality and versatile rooms that are available to hire by the hour, half day or full day, including a fully-equipped IT Suite, flexible Conference Suite, and spacious Gallery area.

Perfect for private meetings, staff training, conferences, exhibitions, networking and client entertaining.

No hidden costs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; excellent rates available, with complimentary tea and coffee and discounts for block bookings.

www.thecirclesheffield.org.uk The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield S1 4FW T: 0114 253 6666 E: info@thecirclesheffield.org.uk

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HOTEL & CONFERENCE GUIDE 2017

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QUALITY SPACE FOR EVERYONE

WHETHER YOU’RE HOLDING A MEETING, A CONFERENCE OR AN AWAY-DAY, YOU’RE SURE TO FIND SOMETHING TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS AND BUDGET FROM FIRST FOR BUSINESS’S SELECTION OF VENUES. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

ROSSINGTON HALL Tel: 01302 866822 Email: conference@rossingtonhall.co.uk Website: www.rossingtonhall.co.uk Details: Rossington Hall offers luxury meeting space in traditional Victorian state rooms and a grand ballroom for up to 150 delegates. The venue can offer exclusive space for your meeting, conference or corporate event. An experienced corporate events team will be on hand to offer professional assistance from your enquiry, through to the event itself.

Facilities: 250-acre private estate, on-site kitchen team, flexible meeting rooms, bespoke events, your own event co-ordinator.

Max numbers: 193 (theatre style): 63 (boardroom style) Number of rooms: 6 Number of Parking Spaces: 100

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HELLABY HALL HOTEL Tel: 01709 702701 Email: sales@hellabyhallhotel.co.uk Website: www.hellabyhallhotel.co.uk Details: Hellaby Hall Hotel, near Rotherham, is located just off J1 of the M18 and has 89 bedrooms. The hotel has the character of a Grade II listed manor house which offers modern facilities with bar and AA Rosette restaurant. The hotel also offers a large conference suite with and four further smaller training and meeting rooms with grounds and gardens ideal for team building activities plus onsite parking for up to 250 cars. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas and bedrooms. Facilities: Body scene leisure club and The Fretwell Spa. Max numbers: 400 (theatre style), 80 (board style) Number of rooms: 89 bedrooms Number of Parking Spaces: 250

THE CIRCLE Tel: 0114 253 6666 Email: info@thecirclesheffield.org.uk Website: thecirclesheffield.org.uk Details: The Circle is a vibrant building in Sheffield city centre offering event space and office accommodation. The stylish venue offers high quality facilities, flexible spaces and is owned and managed by Voluntary Action Sheffield. By using the venue you are supporting the work of the voluntary and community sector in Sheffield.

Facilities: Fully-equipped IT suite, flexible conference suite and spacious gallery area. Experienced staff on hand to ensure events run smoothly, with on-site technical support, additional audiovisual and technical equipment. A wide range of tasty buffet options from local suppliers, plus complimentary tea and coffee.

Max numbers: 100 (theatre style), 28 (boardroom style) Number of rooms: 9 (varying sizes) Number of parking spaces: Three on-site disabled spaces, plus visitors receive 50 per cent discount at nearby QPark.

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LISTINGS ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

THE IZAAK WALTON

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Tel: 01335 350981 Email: reception@izaakwaltonhotel.com Website: izaakwaltonhotel.com Details: Situated on the edge of the Peak District offering stunning views and tranquillity, this is the ideal location for your conference/meeting/training event, providing focus to your delegates in lovely surroundings.

Facilities: Offering a choice of rooms for hire suitable from 20 up to 120, with ample car parking and 38 large, comfortable bedrooms, tailoring the arrangements to any event to suit your particular requirements. Meals and refreshments are prepared from high quality, local produce whilst bedrooms and social areas are warm, comfortable and homely reflecting on the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and angling background.

CLUMBER PARK HOTEL & SPA

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THE OLD RECTORY HANDSWORTH Tel: 0114 266 9247 Email: tim@orh.org.uk Website: www.orh.org.uk Details: Grade II listed conference, meeting and wedding venue set in quiet grounds.Very close to J33 of the M1 and only minutes from the city centre.

Facilities: A fully licensed bar, free parking, quiet location, lawns, flexible rates.

Max numbers: 150 (theatre style), 100 (boardroom style) Number of rooms: 5 Number of parking spaces: 37 Meals available: Yes

Tel: 01623 835333 Email: CPH.conference@muthuhotels.com Website: www.clumberparkhotel.com Details: The Clumber Park Hotel and Spa is a 73-bedroom spa hotel suitable for both corporate & leisure guest. Situated just off A1.

Facilities: The hotel offers excellent conference and meeting facilities.

Outdoor team building activities to add on to your meeting at the hotel can also be organised as well as a corporate or away day with a difference.

Max numbers: 200 (theatre style), 50 (boardroom style) Number of rooms: 73 Number of Parking Spaces: 100

EXCLUSIVE PARTY Tel: 07900 571295 Email: CPH.Rachel@Exclusiveparty.co.uk Website: www.exclusiveparty.co.uk Details: Whatever your corporate event may be, perhaps an exciting product launch or party, an awards ceremony or team building event, Exclusive Party can create a unique brand experience for your business that people will talk about for years to come.

‘A gr great eat conference conffeerence vvenue... enue...

‘A very very special spppecial ‘A environm ment...’ environment...’

TTAILOR-MADE AIL A LO OR-MADE PACKAGES PACKAGES A AVAILABLE VAILABLE

We deliver Magazines, Leaflets, Brochures, Menus, Directories and Booklets. This service is achieved by door to door, licensed street flyer distribution, Multi-drops for magazines and newspapers. We even offer a Courier and Storage Service.

Do you have a business news story worth shouting about?

If you are expanding, celebrating an anniversary or recruiting new faces, put the word out via First For Business... the only monthly independent voice of business in Sheffield City Region.

Send your stories and press releases to Mandy Ogle at mandy.ogle@rmcmedia.co.uk or telephone 0114 250 6300.

First For MAGAZINE

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APRIL 2017

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ISLAND OF PLENTY

WITH GREAT WEATHER, RESTAURANTS AND GOLF, IS MAJORCA THE IDEAL LONG WEEKEND DESTINATION? JOHN MURPHY REPORTS.

f you’re in need of a little tonic after being battered by the winter elements in Britain then you could do worse then take a trip to beautiful Majorca. Only twoand-a-half hours away from Manchester, the largest of the Balearic islands is an ideal long weekend destination.

I

With typical Mediterranean temperatures, ranging from 15-20ºC in the autumn and spring, shorts and tshirts will keep you under the low-cost airline’s miserly baggage allowances. And there’s plenty to do. The island is famous for its beaches, scenic coastline, Serra de Tramuntana Mountains in the north, classical road cycling terrain and impressive golf courses.

No trip to Majorca would be complete without a visit to the historic capital, Palma. Dominating the skyline and overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean harbour is the Gothic cathedral of Santa Maria. A vast and

38 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

impressive building, inside and out, it is famed for its altar canopy designed by the modern architect Anton Gaudi.

Other notable landmarks include Alumudina, a Moorish-style Arab fortress which was converted to a royal residence and the medieval circular construction, Bellver Castle. Perhaps the most enjoyable element of the city is the long seafront promenade. Take a stroll, avoiding runners and cyclists, and marvel at the vast cruise liners that battle for berths and the gleaming multi-millionpound yachts gracing the harbour.

Away from the promenade, streets in and around the old town are home to some of the finest bars, bodegas and restaurants in Spain. Open a huge wooden door on a street corner and find yourself in an Aladdin’s cave of a courtyard area with locals highlighted in the shafts of spring sun filtering through the vines and glinting on their glasses of local wine. Catalan influenced food stars in an array of fine restaurants.

One of the best views of Palma is from the wonderful terrace at the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, part of The Luxury Collection. Perched high above the Bay of Palma the 13th century castle hotel is an opulent mix of old and new.

From the moment you are greeted in the vast entrance hall to the moment you leave you are enveloped by a sense of calm luxury inspired by the high ceilings supported by vast columns, exquisite antiques and stunning, classical paintings.

TRAVEL

The air of opulence is maintained with marble and grand wood panelling running throughout the castle, with the latter featuring heavily in the elegant Es Vi bodega bar and restaurant with its huge glass doors opening on to the long terrace which juts out towards the bay.

Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas and Prince Rainier of Monaco have sipped their cocktails here while enjoying the same stunning views.

The bedrooms are equally grand and spacious with fine furniture and fittings, many with balconies offering views over the golf course which snakes around the hotel and beyond to Palma itself.

The hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Palma and the island but it also offers many facilities itself. As well as a beauty spa, the hotel has four tennis

courts and can arrange sailing, riding, water sports, hiking, cycling, and even paragliding and parachuting.

One of the most popular activities is golf, with guests being able to play at the adjacent Arabella courses Son Vida, Son Muntaner, Son Quint and Son Quint pitch and putt. Conveniently a shuttle from the hotel will take you at no cost to each course. Son Vida is the oldest course on the island with narrow fairways winding around the estate of mature trees, lakes and shrubs. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tough, tight championship course where accuracy, not length is the requirement.

Son Muntaner is more open and accommodating for the average club golfer with wider fairways funnelling into well protected, sometimes elevated greens. The newly sown Bermuda grass has helped with better contacts on many of the holes. Son Quint, opened in 2007, is the youngest course on the island offering wide fairways, straightforward par 4s and stunning views of the Bay of Palma, way below. All three courses are great value for money with green fees ranging from 50-90 euros, with the hotel able to reserve your tee times.

The luxurious Castillo Hotel Son Vida is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Majorca, which also comprises the Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Hotel and the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca resort.

For rates and more information on the Castillo Son Vida Hotel go to www.castillosonvida mallorca.com/en

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UNDERSTATED LUXURY IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE... CHRIS WILSON ENJOYS A TOUCH OF ITALIAN HOSPITALITY IN THE CAPITAL.

t was all going so well… we were part of the tourist throng in central London on the last hot weekend of the year.

After an early breakfast, Westminster Abbey and the National Portrait Gallery had been ticked off our ‘must visit’ list.

I

The turning leaves told us autumn was on its way, but temperatures soared into the seventies and the dress code was short sleeves and sunscreen.

The first sign of trouble was an innocuous little announcement of delays on some lines due to signal failures on the underground. Sod’s law dictated that every conceivable tube journey back to our hotel in Kensington and then on to St Pancras for our train home was suddenly running a drastically reduced service.

Cue mild panic and instantly revised plans. Forget that last leisurely lunch; it was time to head back to the hotel, grab our bags and sweat it out one last time on the tube in the hope we would not miss our connection.

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By the time we made it back to what had been the base for a fabulous city break, you could say we were hot and bothered, but a guardian angel was ready to come to our rescue.

Enter the immaculately suited-andbooted Alessandro Convertino, manager of the Baglioni, a rather lovely Italianowned-and-styled boutique hotel in a prime position opposite the entrance to Kensington Gardens.

On hearing the reason for our rushed exit, Mr Convertino had a suggestion.

The hotel had a snazzy Maserati car for the complimentary use of residents which had just left to drop a party off at Harrods but would be back in five minutes… would we like a lift to the train station?

Well, there was only one answer. Panic over, calm was restored, and during our smooth journey across London in airconditioned luxury we could ponder at leisure one simple fact… the Baglioni

Hotel and all who work there are one class act.

OK, so he only offered us a lift. Common courtesy, you might say. But this gesture of kindness was just typical of the attention to detail that made the base for our two-day stay a lot more than just a place to stash the bags and sleep.

The Baglioni is all about understated luxury and overwhelming comfort. With dark wooden floors throughout and high ceilings there is a lovely sense of space at all times, and the chocolate and gold colour scheme gives the bar and lounge a delightfully relaxing feel. Service is friendly, understated but immaculate nonetheless.

Our suite was the last word in modern comfort with a separate dressing room, a lounge with a sofa and chaise and writing desk, a bedroom with a kingsized bed and a spectacular bathroom of black mirrored granite. There was even a fancy Italian cappuccino maker… I really should have learned how to use it. No

TRAVEL

matter, the coffee to accompany freshbaked breakfast pastries was simply superb. Trust the Italians to appreciate the importance of a proper brew to kick-start the morning.

The Baglioni is well positioned in Kensington (main picture) while the Royal China (below) is worth a visit if you’re a fan of Chinese food

Osteria 60 is the name given to the hotel’s chic, recently refurbished restaurant. It has won many plaudits in London as a stand-alone dining venue and the highlights from a menu inspired by traditional trattorias of the 1950s included ridiculously tender Wagyu beef, succulent lobster and the sharpest Amalfi lemon tart.

Tempting though it was to linger in the hotel (and they have a gym and spa if you feel so inclined), we were in a prime spot for one of my favourite London pursuits… strolling. We enjoyed a blissful sunset walk in Kensington Gardens.

Kensington Palace is just a few minutes away, and with the round pond, the Serpentine and Hyde Park’s stunning Italian gardens all close by, there is no better way to relax on a bright, sunny evening (even if the constant screech of the vivid green parakeets that have made these parks their home mean the atmosphere is never totally tranquil).

Stepping out of the hotel there are also some fascinating sights to be found simple by walking in the connected suburbs of Kensington, Bayswater and Notting Hill. This is embassy territory, and tucked away along these picture perfect streets and crescents with their immaculate white-painted houses we stumbled across the embassies of Ukraine, Moldova, Iraq, the Netherlands and Russia.

Of course, even when you have based yourself in a hotel with a splendid

FACTBOX:

restaurant, you still want to sample something of London’s restaurant scene.

I’ve come a cropper over the years, mainly by breaking the golden rule of never eating in areas that are obviously attractive almost exclusively to tourists.

You’re only passing through; you might not even tip so why should they bother.

Know the feeling? I guess you’ve also succumbed to the fatal hypnotic effect of Chinatown.

But I love Chinese food and really wanted to sample the real thing, as eaten

by Londoners. I found it on the opposite side of Kensington Gardens at the Royal

Where to stay: Baglioni Hotel London has rooms available from £290 per night on a B&B basis, excluding tax. For booking and further information please visit www.baglionihotels.com or call 020 7368 5700 Eating out: Royal China is at 13 Queensway, London W2 4QJ. Tel: 020 7221 2535 www.theroyalchina.co.uk China on Queensway in Bayswater. Dim sum has been popular here for decades and the queues start at breakfast time on Sundays. An unassuming entry off a busy shopping street gives way to the substantial Oriental dining room with gold-leaf ceiling, which was buzzing with a lively atmosphere.

Here we dined handsomely on steamed dumplings of crab and spinach and prawn and coriander, spare ribs in black bean sauce, sesame prawn rolls, crispy fried squid balls and authentically wobbly cheung fun with peanut sauce.

London pubs are pretty special too and again, if you just veer slightly off the tourist trail you will be rewarded with proper, unspoiled watering holes. To name just a few, the Goat on Kensington High Street is one of London’s oldest and is rarely quiet, while The Elgin in Notting Hill is slightly bohemian in feel.

Getaway car... the hotel’s Maserati came to the rescue

Then it’s back to the Baglioni for a nightcap, sweet dreams and another taste of luxury, Italian-style.

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CROWDFUNDING

CROWDFUNDING – A REVOLUTION FOR ENTREPRENEURS CROWDFUNDING HAS QUICKLY BECOME THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR BUSINESS START-UPS, BUT WHY HAS IT BECOME SO SUCCESSFUL AND HOW EASY IS IT GET PEOPLE TO INVEST IN YOUR IDEA? CLARE PARKIN REPORTS. usiness loans, cash from family members, re-mortgaging the house. They are all tried and tested ways used by entrepreneurs to secure big sums of cash to get their businesses off the ground.

B

But a new way is emerging of raising finance for new start-ups. Crowdfunding is fast becoming the preferred choice of many.

It involves asking lots of people for little sums of money. Members of the public can invest cash to help businesses hit fundraising targets, giving anything from just a few pounds in exchange for equity or rewards.

Usually those who are looking to raise funds will set up a profile of their project on a crowdfunding website, often with a video and images and use social media to further promote their cause.

Sheffield-based Ruth Bartles has just had her first experience of crowdfunding. The mum-of-two recently took voluntary redundancy from her job at the University of Sheffield to follow her dream of opening a café which would appeal to those living with dementia and short term memory loss.

Ruth is using her redundancy money to set up the café but set out to raise a further £5,000 through the site crowdfunder.co.uk. She actually raised £7,000 in just six weeks.

Ruth offered rewards for instance; £25 to feature on a memory wall, £50 for a free lunch and £100 for an invitation to the opening of the cafe. Although she said she had found that many of her

Ruth Bartles

investors didn’t want anything in return they had donated just because they believed in the cause.

Now she is busy finalising plans and looking to secure the perfect premises for her café which will be called Remember When.

“Being open to the whole community, ‘Remember When…’ will provide a place for people living with dementia and carers to remain part of the community and meet and engage with family and groups of friends,” said Ruth.

“The community will see people living with dementia and memory loss as part of the community and joining in group activities, will see their art exhibitions and memory photos, and will also have easy access to information/leaflets that provide information about dementia and memory loss, and signposting to support services.

“Customers will be welcome to volunteer in the café, whether they are

someone living with dementia, memory loss, a carer or otherwise.”

It’s becoming the realisation of a dream for Ruth who got her idea after becoming frustrated with a lack of places to take her nan who suffers from shortterm memory loss and becoming further inspired by her degree studies into the biology, psychology and sociology of dementia.

The café will serve healthy food and hold activities suitable for men and women living with dementia, from music bingo to needlework to Meccano.

EdTech start-up Tutora, which works in the UK private tuition industry, has found crowdfunding so successful it has just completed its second round.

The Sheffield-based company was founded by University of Sheffield graduate Scott Woodley, a former teacher.

It helps parents and families find the very best tutors who are local to them. >>>

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CROWDFUNDING

APRIL 2017

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Scott Woodley set up Tutora

TOP TIPS FOR ANY ENTREPRENEURS CONSIDERING CROWDFUNDING AS A WAY TO RAISE FUNDS: I The pitch is key. Make sure the idea sounds appealing and well thought out. No-one will want to invest if it sounds rubbish.

Last year the company raised £150,000 via Crowdcube in just four days allowing the business to begin creating jobs and expanding. The company went on to achieve 700 per cent monthly growth revenue and is now the third largest tuition company in the UK. Last month Tutora set out to raise a further £350,000, again through Crowdcube, to further enhance the site, offer online tuition and develop apps for both students and tutors.

“I believe that the initial raise remains the fastest EdTech raise they’ve completed,” said Scott. “Our recent raise has just closed and we’re delighted to have raised a further £700,000 of investment. It’s certainly an exciting time for Tutora.”

Scott said crowdfunding had been a ‘natural choice’.

“Firstly, it offered a fantastic opportunity to let our tutors and students invest in the business and to, therefore, turn our users into ambassadors for the site,” he said.

“Similarly, it was a wonderful chance for us to reach out to more students and tutors who would be interested in joining our community.”

He added: “Unlike more traditional methods of seeking investment, there were no financial risks or terms which would reduce our autonomy as owners post-raise. These were crucial

requirements from ourselves as founders, and ones which ultimately made crowdfunding our preferred option.”

Tutora has had obvious success through crowdfunding but Scott said he had seen many pitches flounder.

“Crowdfunding is all about momentum,” he said. “You need to put the leg work in far before the raise goes live, by reaching out to potential investors and meeting them to discuss the business.

“Similarly, during the raise it’s important to be responsive to investors’ questions and pro-active in travelling to meet with those who are considering backing the company. In both raises we’ve completed, we brought our own investors which we’d independently sourced, and these helped to build a buzz around the pitch.”

The Gardeners Rest at Neepsend in Sheffield is another business which has become the focus of a crowdfunding campaign.

When landlord and landlady Eddy Munnelly and Pat Wilson announced plans to sell the pub and retire, locals turned to crowdfunder.co.uk to buy the business. A total of 382 investors pledged £237,600 in just 49 days.

A statement from the community group said: “We’re delighted to see that we’ve now met our upper funding goal of £200,000. As a consequence, the interim directors have opened negotiations with the current landlords with a view to purchasing the Gardeners Rest.

“We hope to attract as much further investment as we can in the time remaining on the share issue. The more we raise, the sooner we can make a deal and take the pub into community ownership!”

44 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

I Make sure you have carried out in-depth research before you pitch your idea. Consider what questions investors might ask and include them in the pitch.

I Put the leg work in before the raise goes live, reach out to potential investors and meet them to discuss the business.

I Get friends and family on board.

Potential investors are less likely to give money if your funding arrow is stuck at zero. An initial boost of cash should help to get the ball rolling.

I During the raise be responsive to investors’ questions and proactive in travelling to meet with those who are considering backing the company.

THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CROWDFUNDING: Donation – Often investors get involved simply because they believe in the cause. Rewards can be offered such as acknowledgements on an album cover, invitation to an opening event etc.

Sites include: www.banktothefuture.com, www.buzzbnk.org, www.crowdfunder.co.uk and www.justgiving.com Debt – People invest in an opportunity in exchange for equity.

Money is exchanged for a share in the business, project or venture.

Sites include: www.abundancegeneration.com and www.trillionfund.com Equity – Investors receive their money back with interest. It allows for the lending of money while bypassing traditional banks.

Sites include: www.crowdcube.com, www.seedrs.com and www.sharein.com

DoncasterRaces

DoncasterRaces

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APRIL 2017

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£13MILLION INVESTMENT FOR UK TECHNOLOGY FIRM THE FLOOW Prime Minister Theresa May said has praised the announcement of £13million investment into Sheffield’s tech sector.

City-based Innovative telematics technology provider The Floow has received £13million equity investment from three companies in exchange for a minority economic interest with Chinabased investment group Fosun putting forward the majority of the funds.

The investment will support the strategy of the leadership team led by founder and CEO Aldo Monteforte and is expected to see the company double its workforce.

Theresa May said the investment demonstrated the faith UK and foreign investors had “in the future of Sheffield.”

“It’s great news for The Floow, which will be able to use the cash to double its workforce and carry on expanding the cutting-edge car safety technology that

has seen it create 70 high skilled jobs in the city,” she said.

“But it’s also great news for the rest of Sheffield, as it clearly shows that the city is open for business.”

Existing investor Direct Line Group, the UK’s leading personal motor and home insurer, and United Electronics Co are the other two investors involved.

The news comes at the same time the company celebrates its fifth anniversary – having expanded from a team of three to a total of more than 70.

Aldo Monteforte said: “Just five years from its foundation The Floow is now a leading provider of telematics data services to the global insurance industry, and today my management team and I are proud to have reached an agreement for the completion of a meaningful financial investment that is aimed at accelerating the company’s

Aldo Monteforte, CEO of the Floow

momentum and global growth.”

The Floow is one of the largest independent computer and data science organisations in the global telematics industry focused on individual mobility.

Insights provided by The Floow help transform the insurance operating model from transactional to one based on relationship and service.

WORK AND PLAY

A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS AND NEW FACES

SIV CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT The chief executive of the organisation which runs some of Sheffield’s key leisure, wellbeing and entertainment venues has announced his retirement after more than 21 years at the helm.

expanded to 17, including the English Institute of Sport Sheffield, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, iceSheffield and the Sheffield Arena.

The 61-year-old, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the leisure industry, is looking to take time out to travel with his wife, as well as spending more time with his elderly parents in Devon.

Steve said: “It’s been an absolute honour to have worked in such a rewarding role for so many years. To look back on everything we’ve achieved over the last 21 years is actually quite unbelievable.

But none of it would have been possible without the dedication, commitment and expertise of a tremendous group of executives, trustees, managers and staff, who have all played a critical role in delivering our huge range of successes and achievements.”

Under Steve’s reign, SCT’s portfolio of sports and entertainment venues has

Steve’s replacement will be announced in due course.

Steve Brailey, who took the top job at the Sheffield City Trust (SCT) and its operating company SIV in 1996, will step down from the role in August this year.

WORK & PLAY

NEW MAN AT HELM Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group (DHRG) has announced the appointment of a new managing director, Richard Palmer.

MONITION LAUNCHES NEW TRAINING ACADEMY TO HELP BOOST BUSINESSES BOTTOM LINE Worksop-based maintenance and condition monitoring services company, Monition, has partnered with academics from Manchester University and Manchester Business School to launch its own training academy.

The academy will deliver training on reliability and management issues to drive bottom-line improvement in businesses. The academy offers a comprehensive range of training that covers every aspect of machine reliability – from the shop floor to the executive office.

All training has been developed by Monition, which is one of the UK’s leading companies in its field, in conjunction with Dr Moray Kidd, Director for Business Engagement (Professional Development and Consultancy at Manchester University, and Dr Carl Gavin, Senior Lecturer & Deputy Director of Manchester Business School.

Offering courses ranging from one to five days in Analytical Problem Solving, Condition Monitoring, Shaft Alignment, Six Sigma, Thermography and Vibration Analysis, training can be delivered at the Monition’s own headquarters located in the grounds of Bondhay Golf Club in Worksop or

at a client’s premises.

Mike Burrows, managing director of Monition, said: “We’re so passionate about what we do, that we want to drive a sea-change in thinking about process and reliability within the manufacturing and engineering sector.

Palmer steps into the shoes of seasoned hotelier Simon Rhatigan, who has now left to develop his own business outside DHRG. In his new role, Palmer will oversee the management of the group’s hotels and restaurants in Yorkshire and Derbyshire, which include the award-winning Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey, and The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow.

“We have developed the courses to be both practical and theory with the emphasis being practical and designed to suit today’s challenging environment.”

It aims to educate those working within industry about the importance of taking a holistic approach when it comes to condition monitoring, reliability and engineering, rather than them being treated as separate entities in an organisation.

The training academy is a new venture for the established business, which has been supporting industry clients to become the lowest cost producers, whilst maximising operational profit through the effective appropriate application of reliability tools and techniques since 1989.

To learn more about the Monition Training Academy visit http://www.monition.com/training.html or call 1909 722000

BUDDING YOUNG ENGINEERS INVITED TO OPEN EVENT Following on from National Apprenticeship Week the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre is staging an open event for those considering starting an apprenticeship in engineering this year.

Visitors will get the chance to meet and talk to trainers and current apprentices and tour the facilities at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Catcliffe.

The event is on Tuesday 11 April 2017, between 4.30-6.30pm.To book a place email Vicky Cardwell Sung on p.sung@amrc.co.uk or call 0114 222 4445.

First For Business

APRIL 2017

www.ffb-online.co.uk

WORK UNDERWAY ON £5.5MILLION CHESTERFIELD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT A £5.5million development that will see 37 new homes being built in Chesterfield has got underway.

Rockliffe Homes Ltd has started work on Ringwood Meadows in Brimington, thanks to financial backing from the Homes & Communities Agency by way of the new, recently announced £3billion House Building Fund.

Contractor Atkinson Construction Group is now on site building the mix of two, three and fourbedroom houses, which will be available to purchase through the Government’s Help to Buy scheme and address the need for more housing in and around Chesterfield.

L-R: Patrick Bartram, Nathan Atkinson, Lawrence Taylor (DJ Atkinson), Chesterfield Borough Council Leader John Burrows, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Dan Elliott, Deputy Leader Terry Gilby, Anuj Joshi MD Rockliffe Homes Ltd

SHEFFIELD LAWYER HANDED PRESTIGIOUS ROLE WITH THE LAW SOCIETY FOR THE FOURTH YEAR Robert Banner, executive director of law firm Banner Jones, has been elected as Chairman of the Law Society’s Law Management Section Committee for the fourth year running – making him the longest standing Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee’s function is to provide members with support, advice and expert assistance to enable their firms to progress as efficiently and as profitably as possible in the current legal market place.

He said: “It is a privilege to have been appointed as Chair of the Law Management Section Committee for the fourth year running, and I very much look forward to sitting alongside my fellow committee members to ensure that our members continue to have access to the very best support and advice to help further their professional development.”

Craig Johns, Senior Transaction Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “It is fantastic that our investment will not only increase the number of homes available for local people but will also create skilled jobs on brownfield land.”

SHEFFIELD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SELLS FOR JUST OVER £16MILLION Tinsley Industrial Estate has been sold for £16.75million with the new owners pledging to invest a further £1million.

London-based Paloma Capital has bought the 463,000 sq ft site in the Lower Don Valley, which had already received significant investment recently to common areas including new estate signage, resurfacing of estate roads, improved lighting and upgraded 24-hour CCTV. Jeremy Collin, director at Paloma Capital, said: “We are pleased with the acquisition of Tinsley Industrial Estate and look forward to continuing with the investment to build on the success of what the previous landlords had started.

“We intend to invest more than £1m in upgrades and refurbishments over the next 12 months to continue to attract high quality occupiers to the estate.”

The Sheffield office of Knight Frank represents the landlord and is marketing the vacant 32,000 sq ft and 8,000 sq ft units. It has recently secured the 40,000 sq ft letting to national karting centre Go Karting for Fun and a 12,000 sq ft letting to Eadie Industries Limited on the estate.

For further information on available units at Tinsley Industrial Estate contact Rebecca Schofield at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or Jonathan Hodgson at Howlings Hodgson on 0161 6606070.

WORK & PLAY

Adrian Little, head of the auction department at Mark Jenkinson & Son

SOUTH YORKSHIRE COFFEE COMPANY CELEBRATES AWARD

LOCAL AUTHORITY PROPERTIES DRIVE AUCTION SALES OF £4MILLION

South Yorkshire-based The Heavenly Coffee Company is celebrating with one of its customers, The Crown Spa in Scarborough, after the hotel was awarded 5 Cups along with the accolade for best espresso at the national Beverage Standards Awards.

Lots offered on behalf of councils in the region have raised sales of £4million at a Sheffield auction.

The hotel’s Taste Café Bar won the award for the taste, body, balance and visual appearance of its Espresso coffee, which was made from one of The Heavenly Coffee company’s unique blends.

Two park lodges in Barnsley, an ex-education centre in Doncaster and a well-known Derbyshire pub, all went under the hammer at the Mark Jenkinson and Son regional local authority auction.

The competition is judged by mystery shoppers, who visit hundreds of coffee shops and restaurants throughout the UK and it also takes into account the knowledge of staff who sell the drink.

Adrian Little, head of the auction department at Mark Jenkinson and Son, said: “We represented seven regional local authorities looking to cash in on assets and complete sales within the current tax year and, consequently, many of the lots were coming to the market for the first time and therefore proved very popular.

“North and South Lodges in Barnsley’s Locke Park, while architecturally very different, are both terrific restoration projects. North sold for its exact guide price of £135,000 while the South Lodge, on at £130,000, went for £10,000 more at £140,000.

“The former Thorne Education Centre, based on a Doncaster industrial estate, with the potential for a variety of uses, was on at £150,000 but sold for nearly £100,000 more at £247,000.

“The Fleur de Lys pub in Dronfield offered the option of maintaining its current use or taking advantage of the planning permission for seven houses on the site. With a guide price of between £225,000 and £250,000 it proved popular, nearly reaching the top end selling for £244,000.

“Meanwhile, land at Sefton Road in Sheffield – in the prime residential ‘S10’ postcode – had a guide price of £250,000 but sold for £310,000.”

The auction was held at The Platinum Suite, Sheffield United Football Club.

Andrew Newton (right) from the Crown Spa hotel with Katie Evans from the Heavenly Coffee Company, with his certificate and a bag of the Heavenly blend

Katie Evans, managing director of the Heavenly Coffee Company, said: “It is fantastic that the Crown Spa hotel has been awarded this accolade for our coffee.”

Based in Dinnington, the Heavenly Coffee Company has been supplying The Crown Spa Hotel for the past five years, after managing director Katie Evans met David at a local food show.

CITY CENTRE HS2 STATION PROPOSAL WELCOMED Sheffield City Council has given support to HS2 Ltd proposals to provide a city centre HS2 connection but stressed that the government must ensure its high-speed route extends north as well as south.

The council has joined business leaders in welcoming the proposal to bring HS2 trains into Sheffield Midland and will continue to press for the connection to loop north to Leeds and other northern cities and form part of HS3, which will connect city centres across the north.

It comes as a consultation over the proposed new location, announced by HS2 last year, came to an end in March.

Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “We still fundamentally believe that a brand new station at Victoria would provide the best solution for the whole of the city region, including delivering the aims of Transport for the North, but this proposal that HS2 are now looking at is a much better option than the previous Meadowhall proposal.

“We have always said that a city centre location delivers the benefits we are looking for – but this must extend to the north as well as to the south. Our support is conditional on key commitments being delivered one of which is the Northern loop connection. We are therefore calling on HS2 Ltd to clarify its timetable for this.”

First For Business

10 THINGS…

APRIL 2017

www.ffb-online.co.uk

10 THINGS...

BUSINESSES SHOULD DO TO ‘MAKE APPRENTICESHIPS BETTER’

BY GRAHAM HASTING-EVANS, NOCN MANAGING DIRECTOR. 1. MAKE APPRENTICESHIPS PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE To really make apprenticeships matter they should be part of your wider business growth strategy. The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy isn’t a reason to run apprenticeships ‘for the sake of it’.

2. PRIORITISE QUALITY They say you get what you pay for but higher cost doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality when it comes to reformed apprenticeships. Choose training providers and assessment organisations that are quality-assured and offer experience and expertise at a reasonable price.

3. GET TO KNOW THE STANDARDS Reformed apprenticeships are based on specialist apprenticeship standards (eg Property Maintenance Operative) that have been developed in partnership with employers. The apprenticeship training programme and assessment will be completely based on these simple two page standards so employers, apprentices, training providers and assessment organisations need to know them inside out.

4. BE A ‘RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYER’ One of the aims of the new 50 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

Apprenticeship Levy is that apprenticeships are employer-led and that apprentices get more out of them in terms of social mobility and employability. You need to think beyond what the apprentice can do for your business in the short term and more about what they can bring to your wider business and sector over the long term in terms of skills.

5. PROMOTE FAIRNESS Apprenticeships are an opportunity to increase diversity in your workforce but they must be designed to be open to all.

Training providers and End Point Assessment organisations should promote fairness by taking into account barriers to success such as confidence issues and English as a second language.

6. EMBED THE END POINT ASSESSMENT FROM THE BEGINNING Just as driving instructors help learners to prepare for their driving test from the very first lesson, employers should ensure that apprenticeships are designed to ensure that apprentices can get through the End Point Assessment.

7. ALLOW TIME FOR PREPARATION The key to making apprenticeships matter is getting your apprentices

through the End Point Assessment. You wouldn’t let a GCSE student go into an exam without any revision sessions or mock exams. Make sure your assessment organisation provides pre-assessment support.

8. WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT SHARE YOUR ETHOS When choosing apprenticeship training providers and assessment organisations, it’s important that their share your organisation’s ethos and values.

9. REDUCE THE RISK Even with the support available to SMEs from the Apprenticeship Levy, apprenticeships are a big investment in time and money. Reduce the risk by making sure that everything is in place from the beginning and apprentices will be able to successfully complete the programme and become a long term asset to your business.

10. DON’T MAKE THE END OF THE APPRENTICESHIP, THE END OF THE JOURNEY Apprenticeships should lead on to further training and qualifications that will offer apprentices a career pathway that is a genuinely attractive alternative to a degree.

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