FFB March 2016

FFB Mar Front Cover-Spine_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:08 Page 1

1986 - 2016

MARCH 2016 www.ffb-online.co.uk @ffbmagRMC

OFF THE RAILS DESTINATION UNKNOWN FOR HS2

PLUS WOMEN IN BUSINESS BOOST FOR DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT

BUSINESS IS BLOOMING The sweet smell of success for local apprentices

THE MONTHLY INDEPENDENT VOICE OF BUSINESS IN THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION FREE TO COMMENT • FREE TO CHALLENGE • FREE TO YOU EVERY MONTH

020 FFB Dec15 09/12/2015 13:51 Page 1

Property & Facilities Management CPP offer an unrivalled Property & Facilities Management service across Yorkshire & the Midlands.

Services include: • Facilities Management • Property & Asset Management • Health & Safety Compliance Audits • Supply Chain Reviews • Relocations and Move Management

Examples of our management portfolio:

Wards Exchange 35,000 sq.ft office

Abbey House 20,000 sq.ft office

Richard Armitage MRICS Associate M: +44 (0) 748 289 8898 E: richard@cppartners.co.uk

SHEFFIELD 0114 2738857

CHESTERFIELD 01246 386997

Steel City House 68,000 sq.ft office

Matthew Fitzgerald MRICS Partner M: +44 (0) 747 886 8861 E: matthew@cppartners.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM 0115 8966611

www.cppartners.co.uk

003 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 13:33 Page 1

First For Business

CONTENTS

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

CONTENTS

MARCH 2016

6

AGENDA 6 Andy Waple reports on a business summit which exposed deep divisions over the siting of South Yorkshire’s HS2 station

DREAM TEAM 12 Can charitable activities be a benefit to your business? Our Dream Team members give their views

MEET THE APPRENTICES 16 Julie Farmer looks at the positive aspects of apprenticeships to mark National Apprenticeship Week

REDRESSING THE BALANCE 26 How women in the region are making their mark in the world of business

26

MOTORING 37 Jordan Cutforth road tests the all-new Mazda MX-5.

WORK & PLAY 46

16

A monthly round-up of news, achievements, celebrations and new faces

10 THINGS... 50 Everything you need to know about apprenticeships

37 FRONT COVER: Award-winning apprentice florist April Bell.

Picture by Mark Rodgers Editor Chris Wilson chris.wilson@regionalmagazine.co.uk Consultant Editor Andy Waple Chief Feature Writer Julie Farmer Chief Sub Editor Richard Abbey Sub Editor Richard Smith Operations Director Jillion Wood Publishing Manager Mandy Ogle mandy.ogle@regionalmagazine.co.uk Studio Manager Chris Brierley Design Dan Wray, Steve Levers New Media Manager Terri Moore Regional Magazine Company 6 Broadfield Court Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, S8 OXF Tel: 0114 250 6300

46

Email: ffb@regionalmagazine.co.uk Web: www.ffb-online.co.uk

006 FFB Dec15 07/12/2015 14:21 Page 1

From Concept to Completion If you have the idea we will get it off the ground for you, using state of the art materials and technology. One point of contact within NRC for all trades is a key to speed, scheduling, programming, and cost saving for all clients. Working for the major local universities, NHS, schools, and other blue chip companies has taught us the need for reliability, finishing jobs on time and on budget.

NRC offer individualised turnkey services to suit each client’s needs, whether it be design ideas, cost management, time constraints or even just project management. NRC have developed fully qualified trade teams covering all aspects of refurbishment projects and maintenance service; using our in-house trades gives us more flexibility, knowledge, understanding and less on costs by having to manage sub-contractors.

• Joinery works: 1st and 2nd fixing, bench and site joinery works, bespoke items and specialist joinery needs.

• Plastering – flat or curved, square or rounded corners, rendering, bonding, skimming.

• Tiling – plain or pattern, floor or wall, mosaic or slab, nothing is too small.

• Suspended Ceilings – making good, re-tiling, full new ceilings, design, slope, or something different.

• Flooring – vinyl, carpet, timber, and specialist coverings.

• Partitioning – glass, folding, demountable or dividing – NRC build it all from scratch, timber or metal, pre-manufactured or kit form from specialist.

• Building works and ground works – foundations and drains, structural repairs and more.

• All Decoration, Mechanical and Electrical, Plumbing and Cleaning works brought in by our in-house divisions.

NRC Services Ltd NRC House, Titterton Street, Sheffield S9 3TE T: 0114 261 7222 F: 0114 261 9319 E: contact@nrcservices.co.uk W: www.nrcservices.co.uk

005 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 13:34 Page 1

First For Business

PREVIEW

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

PREVIEW ransport takes centre stage in First for Business this month. And, while air travel in Sheffield City Region is the hot ticket, plans to introduce a modern, fast railway route to the area seem to be a source of controversy that could lead the whole enterprise into a siding.

T

To start on a positive note, this month saw the opening of the new highway from the M18 at junction three to Doncaster Sheffield Airport. With links to Rossington and the iPort development, the new road - christened the Great Yorkshire Way - might well live up to its grand title if it delivers on its promise of being a gateway to unprecedented levels of private sector investment which in turn can see thousands of jobs and new homes created.

Chief feature writer Julie Farmer was a passenger on the first coach to officially travel along this long-anticipated threemile stretch of road. Also along for the ride were the key people who had been responsible for making the road a reality, including chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity and Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones, who cut the ribbon.

While everyone seems to agree that the new improved access to Robin Hood Airport is good for leisure passengers and local business, it is hard to find a consensus on HS2, which aims to transform the entire UK rail network with a core system of new high speed lines.

The controversy surrounds the siting of a

South Yorkshire station for the line, which aims to provide travel from Sheffield to London in less than 80 minutes. The government wants that station to be sited at Meadowhall, a proposal favoured by businesses and politicians in Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster. Meanwhile, Sheffield voices insist Sheffield city centre must be the choice, with the former Victoria railway station near The Wicker preferred.

Can a consensus be reached? And would the government be willing to change its mind anyway? As a recent business summit exposes deep divisions, consultant editor Andy Waple searches for common ground.

Our cover star this month is April Bell, an apprentice at Monica F Hewitt florists in Hillsborough. This determined 21-year-old triumphed over competition from across the region to win the Yorkshire and Humber final of the National Apprentice Awards 2015. April is just one of many local youngsters who are increasing their skills in retail thanks to ventures like The Source Skills Academy, which has increased the skills of more than 2,000 retail workers since it was established in 2003.

With National Apprenticeship Week close at hand, we take this opportunity to have a close look at how apprenticeships can benefit businesses of all sizes.

While apprenticeship can provide a lead for youngsters just setting out on their

CHRIS WILSON, EDITOR career paths, for those who are looking to switch careers in midstream it is not so simple. Ben Davies had a successful 30year career in the army and now finds himself in charge of a farm set up as a charitable trust which aims to give a taste of country life to city kids.

From the Royal Engineers and tours of duty in Afghanistan to mucking out at Whirlow Farm Trust sounds like quite a leap but, as Ben told First for Business, the two jobs are not as different as you might think.

Meanwhile, the question for our Dream Team this month is a hot topic in many work places at the moment: we all know that raising funds and giving time to charity are laudable, but can they also be good for business?

Along with a look at the latest motors designed to stand out from pack in the company car park, and a travel feature that takes in some breath-taking Lake District scenery, that is just a taste of what’s in First For Business this month.

@ Facebook: Regional Magazine Company Twitter: @FFBmagRMC LinkedIn: First For Business magazine Email: ffb@regionalmagazine.co.uk

5

006 - 007 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:30 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

THE TRAIN NOW T ARRIVING

ribalism is still threatening to derail the debate over the location of the South Yorkshire High Speed Rail station despite a call for all parties to pull together and put up a collective front.

… AT MEADOWHALL OR SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE. ANDY WAPLE REPORTS FROM A BUSINESS SUMMIT WHICH EXPOSED DEEP DIVISIONS OVER THE SITING OF SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S PROPOSED HS2 STATION. 6

Following a business summit in Sheffield it appears agreement is not universal despite a growing campaign for a rethink on original proposals.

In one camp there are those supporting the government line that the station should be located at Meadowhall while others want it switched to Sheffield city centre at the former Victoria railway

006 - 007 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:30 Page 2

AGENDA

‘HS2 will, without doubt, have enormous implications for the future economy of the region. We’ve got to get behind the right decision, because, while we’re bickering, the final decision will be made later this year. We can’t afford to end up with the wrong location.’ wonder whether Meadowhall really is the best place for the region’s high speed train station.

station near The Wicker.

preferred choice.

HS2 aims to transform the entire UK rail network with a core system of new high speed lines.

"We think this would provide the biggest impact, not just for business, but for everybody across the Sheffield City Region."

Under proposals, the government’s preferred route of the much-vaunted HS2 phase two runs northwards from Birmingham and stops at Meadowhall.

Work on the V-shaped extension is planned for completion by 2033 and aims to provide travel from Sheffield to London in under 80 minutes.

Needless to say this proposal is favoured by politicians and businesses in Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "Ever since HS2 was announced, HS2 said Meadowhall was the

His voice is echoed by Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster councils and South Yorkshire MPs Michael Dugher, Dan Jarvis and Angela Smith.

I remember asking Meadowhall developer Eddie Healey for the projected lifespan of the giant shopping complex when the Press was given a preview prior to its public opening in 1990.

The Sheffield camp is arguing for a rethink and rekindled their argument at a business summit held recently at Sheffield City Hall to discuss the situation.

The wrangle led to Sheffield Chamber of Commerce urging togetherness and the end to the bickering in the interests of the region as a whole.

With a final decision on the South Yorkshire site's location due to be made by the government shortly the debate needs to draw to a conclusion, said Richard Wright, Sheffield Chamber Executive Director.

“50 years” he said. I asked him what would happen to it then and he replied he didn’t think that far into the future.

He said: “HS2 will, without doubt, have enormous implications for the future economy of the region. We’ve got to get behind the right decision, because, while we’re bickering, the final decision will be made later this year. We can’t afford to end up with the wrong location.

Perhaps such uncertainty does not bode well for the area and it does make you

“We know there are sensitivities and differing views around the region but >>>

7

006 - 007 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:30 Page 3

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

must not lose sight of our ambition to be a significant contributor to the Northern Powerhouse and the need to attract inward investment – and the station location will affect that.”

perspective sharing experiences of high speed rail stations and infrastructure projects in Lille, Bordeaux and Rotterdam and stressed the location needed to be considered on its future.

Chamber President, Jillian Thomas is concerned that the disagreement is not doing the region any favours adding that indecision "did not give the right impression".

Emphasising that the location had to be a ‘point of arrival’ not just departure, he said: “The high speed station is your address on a national and European level and it should represent a Metropolitan region.”

Ms Thomas said: “It is wholly unacceptable that we're the only location on HS2 which doesn't even know its station.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we have to get right, and we're looking like fools to the rest of the world.”

Justin Urquhart Stewart, of Seven Investment Management, agreed. He said: “Logically say you put it in the centre of Sheffield, as that’s where you already have existing connections.”

He added: “The longer this goes on, the more you're driving business elsewhere.”

Both Sheffield universities, many Sheffield businesses and organisations favour the city centre location and Creative Sheffield Director Edward Highfield echoed their views.

He said: “HS2 is a once-in-a-generation investment. It’s not a silver bullet or a magic pill, but it is a catalyst.”

“It’s utterly inconceivable that Leeds or

8

Manchester would accept the reduced impact of a Parkway station.

“Getting Sheffield punching its weight will bring more benefit to the whole city region,” he said.

Also speaking at the summit, Henk Bouwman, of the Independent Transport Commission, gave a European

Sheffield Chamber will now write to Chancellor George Osborne and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin calling for an independent economic review into the decision on the station location.

Richard Wright said: “This shouldn’t be about one set of stakeholders arguing with others - business has got to rise above that.

006 - 007 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:31 Page 4

AGENDA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BACKS PLANS TO UP-GRADE SERVICES TO MANCHESTER Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s Transport Forum has thrown its weight behind Network Rail’s proposed Sheffield to Manchester Hope Valley rail line upgrade, calling the scheme ‘important’ and ‘necessary’.

“As a Chamber we believe in the maximum economic return. Let’s put the confusion behind us and agree we will get behind the findings of that review.”

Meanwhile HSUK, the proposed alternative to HS2+HS3, argues the best location for Sheffield's high speed railway station would at Sheffield Victoria.

HSUK engineer Quentin Macdonald said: “Compared to HS2, our plans will avoid disruption to industry and housing in the area, and connect far better to the South Yorkshire community. As opposed to building an expensive and obtrusive station to accommodate a high speed line, our designs will utilise an existing station site to provide Sheffield with better, faster and more cost-effective connectivity to the rest of the UK. “HS2’s plans to locate the high speed railway station at Meadowhall would leave Sheffield at a huge disadvantage compared with other cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester for which HS2 Ltd plans city centre stations.

‘HS2’s plans to locate the high speed railway station at Meadowhall would leave Sheffield at a huge disadvantage compared with other cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester for which HS2 Ltd plans city centre stations.’

Network Rail applied to the Secretary of State for Transport for the necessary powers to deliver the Hope Valley rail capacity improvement scheme last year. It tabled a Statement of Case relating to the rail upgrade scheme, in preparation for the public inquiry which will follow in the spring.

Peter Kennan, Chair of the Transport Forum and a Partner at Hawsons Chartered Accountants said: “We have reviewed the Statement of Case, a document running to nearly 200 pages, and fully support Network Rail on its plans.

“This is a really important scheme to improve the capacity of the rail line from Sheffield to Manchester.

“The enhancement work – which involves a loop at Bamford and doubling the track at Dore – is very necessary. It will provide the ability for three fast trains per hour to run from Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly, rather than the current two, which will be of significant benefit to Sheffield and will help to start to deliver the better connections between our northern cities, which we need to help grow our economy.

“For local residents in Dore, to object is understandable, but the line was double track there until fairly recently and so this is predominantly a reinstatement project. Services at Dore and Totley station will be further enhanced as a result.

“Any development in the Peak District National Park is a problem, and Network Rail has to build a loop line at Bamford as part of the scheme. This will enable slower freight trains to be overtaken by the fast passenger services.

“In a national context, this is a major project and for local residents, the scheme will enable an hourly stopping train service to operate between Sheffield and Manchester via the Hope Valley stations. It is hoped that the inquiry will consider the right tests and to allow the scheme to proceed.

“The road links from Manchester to Sheffield remain dreadful and an improved rail service is the only way we can, in the short term, better connect our two Northern Powerhouse cities.

“We have written to Network Rail to give them the Chamber’s full support.”

9

010 - 011 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 14:10 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

WHY THE FUTURE SHOULD BE FEMALE ‘WHY WOULDN’T WE BE POSITIVE ABOUT WOMEN IN BUSINESS?’ ASKS WOSSKOW BROWN’S JIM LAWSON. HERE, JIM EXPLAINS WHY HE IS AN ADVOCATE OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND INTRODUCES THREE INSPIRING WOMEN HE HAS MET THROUGH THE WOSSKOW BROWN FOUNDATION.

I

have had some very influential women in my life and I am a real fan of women achieving. I’m conscious that it sounds a bit trite saying that but to me there is no reason why we shouldn’t be advocates of women in business.

I’ve always been slightly cynical of companies which ‘collect’ badges to show they invest in people, are disabilityaware etc. In this day and age companies shouldn’t really need badges to demonstrate that they offer equal opportunities for everyone. Why wouldn’t you invest in, and offer equal opportunities for, both men and women from all walks of life?

Of course, we are still not in a position where we truly have equal opportunities in every way. We still generally have more mums staying at home than dads and that often comes down to the man earning a higher wage to support the family. We really need to see the introduction of more flexibility to enable women to fulfil their ambitions. We need to see change in more workplaces so that more women who have children can remain at work and progress up the career ladder and up the pay scale.

Just over a year ago we launched the Wosskow Brown Foundation which is all about helping people achieve their ambitions. Through the Foundation I’ve already met so many inspiring men and women and to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March I’ve picked out three of the women who are making a difference in our region. This wasn’t an easy task as I’ve met so many inspiring individuals over the last few months.

10

Emma Shute and Jenny Pollock from Women to Work are working hard to achieve exactly what I’ve just mentioned.

They dedicate their business to helping other women get back into work and they are both incredible mentors for women.

Amy Cooper set up Onboard Skatepark as a social enterprise to help encourage young people off the streets. Through a huge amount of dedication and determination Amy has turned her idea into a hugely successful operation which now delivers accredited training to young people and uses the ‘hook’ of extreme sports to change young people’s lives.

EMMA SHUTE AND JENNY POLLOCK, WOMEN TO WORK

Can you have it all; a fulfilling work life and a happy home life?

Emma Shute and Jenny Pollock believe so and are not only working to achieve that every day in their own lives but working hard to help others achieve it too.

Emma and Jenny were inspired to start Women to Work when sharing their own work life stories over a cup of coffee. They are passionate about supporting women to reach their potential and not be unfulfilled and dissatisfied with their working lives just because they want to be good mums as well.

Women to Work offers a range of support for working women in Sheffield, whether they are looking to return to work after children, hoping to change their work situation or are running – or setting up – their own business.

Emma and Jenny also work with organisations which are looking to develop the women who work there, introduce coaching and mentoring programmes or become more genderbalanced places to work.

Emma re-trained and set up in business as a coach in 2010 following a 12-year career in marketing and she balances her work with time with her young son, performances in musicals and with her vocal trio Tripliquette.

Emma Shute and Jenny Pollock

Jenny has a strong business background, including 10 years’ corporate commercial experience to director level and eight years working in a self-employed

010 - 011 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 14:11 Page 2

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

capacity. Jenny balances her work with time with her son and daughter.

Emma said: “I meet so many women struggling to figure out who they are and what they want to do in work and life, particularly after having children, and I feel privileged to be able to help them to regain their confidence and move forward with a plan.”

Jenny said: “My passion is to support women to find a work life balance that allows them to be fulfilled happy women who are achieving their potential and feel empowered, positive and satisfied with their lives, and to support organisations to enable the women who work for them to reach their maximum potential.” www.womentowork.co.uk

AMY COOPER, ONBOARD SKATEPARK For 10 years Amy Cooper owned a private day nursery, but sold the business when she and her husband decided to emigrate to Australia. A last minute change of heart led to the couple remaining in Sheffield and, not long after, Amy’s father passed away. Her dad had spent much of his life working with young people and identifying groups of children who needed support, not just in the UK but around the world. When he died he left an inheritance and Amy and her family felt a youth-related project would leave a great legacy for her dad.

“We knew this would be something dad would love,” said Amy. “I was offered a unit in the old Stokes warehouse on Little London Road – where my dad had worked – and decided to turn it into an indoor BMX, scooter, skate and in-line park to engage Sheffield’s most vulnerable young people.”

Through volunteer support Onboard Skatepark organically grew and help from ‘Comic Relief ’ and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation enabled Amy to secure a business model that proved so successful she was able to secure contracts with schools and other organisations to engage people through sport.

As well as public riding sessions, group bookings and ‘all-nighters’ it now runs as an enrichment centre for school hours (9-3pm) to provide qualifications and training – including English and Maths – in a more informal way. It has a café and

Amy Cooper

BMX shop which are sublet but which both work with the centre to provide training such as customer service, food hygiene, stock-taking and bike maintenance.

“It’s not a formal classroom but we have the hook of extreme sports to keep young people interested and are able to teach skills in an unconventional way. We have an enrichment facilitator who puts our programmes together, we deliver AQA training and we have fabulous youth workers that are semi-professional extreme sportspeople who make perfect role models for the young people,” said Amy.

‘For us it is about supporting young people to reach their potential and delivering a service that can literally change lives.’

“We have been very fortunate in that we have created an environment that has grown to support hundreds of young people. Those that come to us are often well known to the police, have left education or are on the verge of exclusion due to a variety of circumstances. We have about 120 students each year and have a success rate of about 87 per cent for helping them back into mainstream education, employment or training.

“For us it is about supporting young people to reach their potential and delivering a service that can literally change lives.” www.onboardskatepark.co.uk

CONTACT: : Jim Lawson Wosskow Brown Foundation The John Banner Centre, 620 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3QS Tel: 0114 2300 100 Email: jim@wosskowbrownfoundation.org.uk www.wosskowbrownfoundation.org.uk

11

012 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 09:40 Page 1

First For Business

DREAM TEAM

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

CHARITY BEGINS AT WORK CAN CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BE A BENEFIT TO YOUR BUSINESS? ROB MOORE RECOVERY EXPERT AND PARTNER AT TAYLOR & EMMETT There is no doubt about it that if any business does its bit for charity that is a good thing.

If you set aside time to allow your staff members to raise funds and do good work, it is possible that your investment in those corporate social responsibility activities could lead to improvements in your company’s brand reputation which may then lead to you achieving more sales, as well as enhancing employee loyalty and attracting better quality staff to your business. However, it is very difficult to establish that corporate social responsibility leads to these improvements.

Consequently, although intuitively, the benefits of a corporate social responsibility policy should include greater profitability and better attraction and retention of staff, there is no guarantee that these benefits will be achieved.

12

Kevin Kerley

DEAR DREAM TEAM: As the MD of a company with a staff of about 40, I’ve always been happy to encourage my team to do their bit for charity – bake sales, sponsored walks etc – but now my heads of department are telling me that we should put this on a more formal footing, with time set aside to allow staff members to raise funds and do good works. I know there is a buzz about Corporate Social Responsibility – but is it really good for business?

Rob Moore

KEVIN KERLEY ENTREPRENEUR AND CHAIRMAN, ACADEMY FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVES Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can come in many forms and interpretations, your question suggests charitable activity by the business workforce. There are many benefits to a business for engaging in CSR, you can have a positive impact on the local community and those less fortunate than yourself or your employees or the world at large even.You can use the activity to gain positive PR and create goodwill for the company and motivate the staff and create a feelgood factor.

1 Ensure that the development of your products and services meet the expectations of your customers for sustainable development.

It can enhance the company reputation, which can help build relations with clients and make you more competitive in the marketplace , help recruit and retain staff.

2 Ensure that your production processes and services are transparent and provide information on the origin of those products and services.

In the USA 70 per cent of companies engage with a CSR agenda, and in a company survey 35 per cent of Unilever’s employees said they would be prepared to take a pay cut to work for a company committed to CSR. Making an impact creates happiness in the workplace.

You employ a workforce of approximately 40 staff so allowing your staff to set time aside to do good works will have an impact on their productivity and the smaller the business, the greater that impact will be. Whether the benefits of an active corporate social responsibility policy will outweigh the impact on productivity is difficult to gauge.

3 Create innovative solutions for developing environmentally and socially responsible products and services.

Nevertheless, it may be possible to have a corporate social responsibility policy which will have a positive impact on the environment without necessarily setting aside time to allow staff members to raise funds and do good works. The following suggestions amount to responsible actions for small and medium size businesses relating to both products and service.

6 Reduce the production of waste by either reusing or recycling waste components.

4 Encourage your customer’s staff and business partners to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

5 Be more efficient in your use of materials, energy and water.

Implementing some or all of the suggestions will undoubtedly have an impact on both your time and some or all of your staffs’ time in the short term but may yield greater sales and profitability in the longer term.

You could form a working group to drive the activity and allocate time during business hours for them to carry out the goodwill. So in answer to your question it’s nice to be nice, and CSR is definitely good for your business and not only because it can drive your top and bottom line.

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

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

Name withheld on request

013 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 14:08 Page 1

FINANCE

First for Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT PHIL MEEKIN FROM WILSON FIELD WELCOMES THE INTRODUCTION OF WOMEN IN SENIOR ROLES WITHIN A HISTORICALLY MALE-DOMINATED PROFESSION.

J

ust a few decades ago almost all bank managers and similar professionals were middle-aged males. Captain Mainwaring from Dad’s Army springs to mind!

It would have been unthinkable that a top national salesperson in the financial services industry would be a young woman.

Two World Wars and a great deal of social change later, the situation is much better. It’s not perfect, but definitely better.

Just last month we, at Wilson Field, announced the appointment of Dominique Upton as National Corporate Finance Manager. She was Lombard’s top National Salesperson for Asset Finance for the last three years and has specialist knowledge in niche markets including aviation and marine finance.

Dominique has extensive knowledge,

enthusiasm and drive, and through her business network will improve and develop the services available to clients of the Wilson Field Group. Her position is a new senior role we have created to meet finance demands which are the product of a recovering economy.

There are two key positive messages that Dominique’s appointment sends out.

Firstly, times HAVE changed and women are – quite rightly – taking on senior positions that were once considered for ‘men only’.

Secondly, the economy is expanding and business confidence is high, particularly amongst manufacturers. Growing means ‘tooling up’ for expansion, which means investing in more plant and equipment.

Not so long ago there was a shortage of finance available but there are now numerous good deals available. And if finding a deposit is a problem there are

grants available through the Regional Growth Fund for expanding businesses.

Things are not just looking up for manufacturers – whatever is made has to be delivered and there are certainly plenty of finance options available at the moment for vehicles.

So whether we are talking about micro businesses or much larger operators the finance options currently available are endless, whether it be for equipment for the factory or increasing a fleet of lorries.

In summary, the future looks positive; for women and the economy. And I know of one woman ideally placed to help businesses looking for refinance or to expand to meet the demands generated by a recovering economy.

13

014 - 015 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 09:54 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk Award-winner Keiron Ellis (left)

THREE SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICES TELL HOW WORK-BASED LEARNING HELPED THEM TO BUILD FLOURISHING CAREERS.

Natalie Smith says work-based training boosted her career

INCREASING SKILLS AT THE SOURCE T

he Source Skills Academy is one of a select number of National Skills Academies for Retail and is the only centre of Vocational Excellence for Retail in South Yorkshire.

Established in 2003, the Academy has increased the skills of over 2,000 retail workers – the majority of whom are located across Sheffield and the city region including at Meadowhall, Parkgate Retail Park and the towns and city centre.

Retail is the UK’s largest private sector employer, and a significant contributor to the economy. The Source’s workbased learning team offers a number of apprenticeship qualifications to support individuals with an interest in retail to take their career forward.

In honour of National Apprenticeship Week, The Source is sharing stories of apprentices, past and present, who have used Retail Apprenticeships to excel in their chosen career and progress to the next level.

14

KIERON ELLIS Kieron landed his first role in retail at 16 working part-time in Topman’s shoe department. He soon realised he had hit upon his future career and retail was for him.

His part-time job wasn’t his first experience of retail though. Whilst still at school, Kieron had access to The Source’s schools programme and studied for a GNVQ in Retail at the age of 15. He says: “I enjoyed it at the time but didn’t realise what I had learned from it until I got on the shop floor. It gave me an understanding of what retail was all about and made me take the job more seriously.”

management and went on to become a floor manager. On moving to the Dorothy Perkins chain, he was a deputy store manager by the age of 20.

By 24, he was the manager of New Look in Harrogate and a year later was a department manager at the fashion brand’s flagship store in Leeds city centre.

In 2010 his achievements were recognised in national training awards. He won Edexcel Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and was highly commended in the retail industry’s annual Rising Star awards.

He is now deputy manager at River Island in Meadowhall, one of the company’s busiest stores in the UK.

Within months of working in Topman’s shoe department he was offered a fulltime role and given extra responsibility and at 16 he had three people working under him.

“Work-based learning got me where I am now. I’m 26, with a ten-year retail career to managerial level and a raft of qualifications to my name. Not bad for a lad who left school at 16,” he says.

He switched to fashion and studied for a Level 2 Apprenticeship in customer service and a further qualification in

“I did it around my job. It was never about writing stacks of essays, which I

014 - 015 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 09:54 Page 2

TRAINING

manager of the USC store in Doncaster’s Frenchgate Centre. The next career jump took her to manager of USC in Sheffield city centre.

Natalie went to work in management at Goldsmiths last autumn and has a team of 16.

“My extra qualifications have definitely impressed interviewing panels,” she says.

“They are the proof of my ambition and show that I gave up my own time to better myself.

Melissa Smith: “I am enjoying retail work much more than I ever thought I would.

“I have encouraged members of my team to take up work-based learning qualifications and I’ve got the training bug - I’m currently applying for a recognised jewellery qualification with Goldsmiths.”

MELISSA SMITH

would not have found time for, and I earned as I learned.

“I have qualifications which actually count as UCAS points if I ever decided to go to university but what I learnt as I worked towards those qualifications is what’s most important to me. I thought more deeply about how I did my job and pushed myself further.

“A lot of people go into retail thinking it’s just an easy route to getting a job and don’t think any further than that. But a great career is there if you want it.”

NATALIE SMITH Natalie’s retail career started when she was a Saturday girl at USC’s Meadowhall store and she is now manager at prestigious jewellers Goldsmiths in Meadowhall Centre.

She feels her successful career in retail is down to the work-based learning qualifications she that studied along the way. “I know I would not have got to managerial level without the training I received while studying for my qualifications,” says Natalie.

“Many employees do their job without ever really understanding how they could do it better. Training for retail qualifications enables you to identify your own strengths and weaknesses and teaches you how to improve them.

“I found it also increased my ambition. It gave me that extra bit of passion. I have looked for career progression ever since.”

Natalie’s career began to progress when she realised she had a real passion for retail, she loved interacting and helping customers and soon took a full-time role at USC. While at USC she began her Retail Level 2 Apprenticeship.

She took up a visual merchandising post at Topshop, then returned to USC as a supervisor. She studied for an apprenticeship at Level 3 and rose to assistant

Melissa always had an interest in jewellery and accessories and used her talents at designing and making her own jewellery to set up as a sole trader. Although her passion was there, after running her business for a number of years she felt she wanted more.

“I was always so focussed on being a selfemployed jewellery designer I never thought about any career alternative,” she says. “But after several years of working from home I realised I felt quite isolated.

I really like meeting people – I realised that what I wanted was a job with a customer-facing role and I set out to find a job in retail.”

Melissa joined the team at Neoglory, the accessories stall in the Meadowhall malls 18 months ago and at 24 is now assistant supervisor. She’s doing work-based learning via The Source and is working towards her Apprenticeship Level 3 in Retail and is keen to go further.

“I am enjoying retail work much more than I ever thought I would. There is much more to it than people imagine,” she says. “And now my ambition is to get into retail management. I definitely see a career path.”

To find out more about how an apprenticeship can benefit your business or if you would like to become an apprentice, contact apprenticeships@thesourceacademy.co. uk or call 0114 263 6654.

15

016 - 018 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:26 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

AIMING HIGH THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO EMPLOY AN APPRENTICE OR TRAINEE. TO COINCIDE WITH THE NINTH ANNUAL NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK FROM 14 TO 18 MARCH, JULIE FARMER LOOKS AT THE POSITIVE IMPACTS OF APPRENTICESHIPS AND MEETS SOME OF THE APPRENTICES IN OUR REGION AIMING TO ‘RISE TO THE TOP’. here has never been a better time to employ an apprentice or trainee. To coincide with the ninth annual National Apprenticeship Week from 14 to 18 March, Julie Farmer looks at the positive impacts of apprenticeships and meets some of the apprentices in our region aiming to ‘rise to the top’.

T

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses, helping them develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and bringing about many business benefits – including improved skills levels, service, morale and productivity.

Coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and traineeships and their positive impacts.

Almost nine out of every ten apprenticeship employers hoping to achieve business benefits say apprenticeships deliver – including 89 per cent reporting that it has helped their business improve the quality of their product or service.

Every year the Week increases in popularity and in 2015 businesses pledged 23,000 apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week, an increase from 20,000 the previous year.

The objective of the week this year is to further increase awareness and takeup by promoting SME apprenticeships and highlighting their positive economic impact, showing how they offer a new work-based route into professions that have traditionally been the preserve of graduates.

The theme is ‘Rise to the top!’, focusing on progression and opportunity as a way to showcase the rich and diverse apprenticeship offer, from traineeships right through to higher and degree apprenticeships.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Employers

16

tell us there is a skills shortage that is hampering their ability to grow or be more productive, a mismatch between what skills they need to compete effectively and what they have at their disposal. Apprenticeships can fill this gap.

“The government’s ambition is for three million more apprenticeships by 2020.

While many businesses are already reaping the benefits of apprenticeships – there is a need for more to get involved to fill the skills gap.”

Apprenticeships deliver for employers

Reforms to apprenticeships are putting employers in the driving seat when it comes to designing apprenticeships. These reforms are replacing the existing frameworks with short, simple, accessible apprenticeship standards written by employers. The reforms are also giving employers control of apprenticeship funding so they are able to select the training that best meets their skills needs.

Higher-level skills are vital to business performance and economic growth – through higher and degree apprenticeships, employers can fill their higher level skills gaps efficiently and effectively by tailoring the learning to their workplace.

016 - 018 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:26 Page 2

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

MEET SOME APPRENTICES FROM THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION progress onto Retail Management Level 4.

Now a qualified Florist, April has combined her many apprenticeship achievements to become the full-time manager at Monica F Hewitt Florists and plans to acquire the business in the future.

APRIL BELL April Bell, 21, from Hillsborough, left school with no qualifications and had no clear career path in mind.

At the age of 16 she started an apprenticeship with Monica F Hewitt Florists, studying towards a Retail Level 2 qualification. She had previously worked for a short time with the business through a work experience placement when she was just 14.

She thrived in the floristry environment and her keen eye for detail meant she was soon producing work to a professional standard. With support from her employer Monica F Hewitt and The Source Skills Academy, she completed her Level 2 and further excelled to complete a Level 3 Retail Apprenticeship and Retail Skills Management Level 3 as well as completing a Level 3 qualification in Floristry.

With thanks to her positive attitude and hard work she is currently being supported through management training – an advanced apprenticeship in Business and Admin Level 3 and is then aiming to

April’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; over the years she has become an award winner both at National and Regional Awards and was recently awarded the title of Advanced Apprentice of the Year for the Yorkshire and Humber region and was Highly Commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards in London.

On top of her many achievements, April was invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister at an event held by Number 10 to recognise the contribution apprentices make to the UK economy.

April said: “I am so grateful for the opportunities and experience I’ve gained through my apprenticeships. I’m so passionate about the topic of apprenticeships because they have given me a career that I absolutely love and have taken me further than I could have imagined.”

Ann Jones, work-based learning team leader at The Source Skills Academy and one of April’s tutors said: “April is a shining example of what an apprenticeship can help you to accomplish and we are so proud of everything she has achieved and how far she has come. We can’t wait to continue our journey with April, we can see she has a bright future ahead of her and we are so pleased we are able to be a part of it.”

MATT GOUDE Matt Goude started his apprenticeship at Direct Engineering & Site Services Ltd in June 2014 as an Apprentice Draughtsmen and has risen to the challenge of a flexible and diverse approach to his learning.

Matt is proving to be a valued employee, taking on new skills throughout the business.

“I am enjoying my apprenticeship and feel this is the career path I wish to continue in,” said Matt. “I thank Direct Engineering for the opportunity because I know as a company they will continue to invest in my future skills, taking on new roles both office-based and on the shop floor.”

Managing director Ray Woolley said: “Matt is a great example of a young person being given the opportunity to excel through the apprenticeship route. He is setting a precedent amongst the four apprentices we have within our company and is really rising to the challenge of multitasking across the board.”

Matt, 19, attends Learning Unlimited in Derby one day a week and his assessor attends site to work closely with him to achieve his BTEC Level 3 Diploma. >>>

WAYS YOUR BUSINESS CAN GET INVOLVED IN NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2016 1 Pledge to increase the number of apprenticeships and traineeships on offer in your workforce 2 Arrange a ‘Made by apprentices’ open day at your premises for visitors 3 ‘Like’ the apprenticeships Facebook page and follow apprenticeships and traineeships on Twitter and LinkedIn 4 Invite a teacher and some Year 9-11 pupils from a local school to job shadow some of your apprentices in the workplace 5 Join ApprenticeMakers and share, learn and inspire other employers 6 Add a line to your organisation’s email signature to show your involvement with #NAW2016

17

016 - 018 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:27 Page 3

First For Business

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

JESS DANBY

JOSH CLARKE

Jess Danby, 22, is studying an apprenticeship with Barnsley College.

She completed her Level 2 Animal Care Apprenticeship last year and has now started the Level 3 Animal Care Apprenticeship.

When music-loving Josh Clarke spotted a Business Administration Apprenticeship vacancy through Dearne Valley College at The Music Factory Entertainment Group, he knew it was the perfect role for him to gain practical experience and knowledge of the industry.

Before starting her apprenticeships, she was on a traineeship at the Wildlife Trust. Jess now works at Barnsley College’s Wigfield Farm.

He said: “I had already set up a small business in band management and promotion and wanted to gain business skills and qualifications to support me.

The training I received with my employer was very hands-on and I got to try out all aspects of business, from stockchecking and administrative duties, to corporate accounts management, marketing and graphic design.

Jess, from Doncaster, chose Barnsley College because it was the only place locally to do the training she wanted.

She now looks after the animals on the farm, from the meerkats and owls to the alpacas and cows, ensuring that the animals are fed, given water, are groomed and cleaned. She also supervises lower level apprentices at the farm and other students on the GNVQ Vocational courses who are based at the farm.

Jess said: “The best thing about being an apprentice is the amount of experience I’m getting by working with different animals. There is every sort of animal at the farm to look after. I’ve become more confident because I’m supervising other apprentices and students as well as taking on bigger responsibilities.

“After I finish my course, I’m hoping to do further studies in Animal Care. After that, hopefully, there will be a job at Wigfield Farm.

“I would recommend the Animal Care Apprenticeship to anyone. You get so much experience, it’s brilliant.”

CHLOE CREASER When Chloe Creaser left school she knew that college wasn’t for her so instead applied for an apprenticeship with Progressive Safety. She is now working towards her Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business Administration.

“I didn’t really enjoy school and felt that college would be a similar environment,” said Chloe.

“I decided I would rather get out there and start earning money straight away whilst gaining a qualification at the same time.”

Chloe started working at the company in April 2015 and is now an integral part of the accounts department. Her responsibilities include dealing with cash from the shop, checking bank statements, sorting post for her department, contacting customers and processing telephone payments.

“It is great, I love it,” said Chloe. “It is just so different to school. I have more independence and people treat me with respect.”

Once she completes her Level 2 qualification 18-year-old Chloe hopes to remain with Progressive Safety on a permanent basis.

“I get on so well with everyone and can just see myself staying here. I’ve got friends who have gone to college but are now looking for apprenticeships as they have decided they would rather be earning while they learn.”

18

“I eventually progressed to become involved in the technology side of the business, as well as with contracts, organising gigs and acting as Tour Manager for Jive Bunny, the company’s signature act.”

Josh demonstrated fantastic skills and dedication to the role and has since secured himself a full-time position with the company.

He added: “My permanent role now includes all areas of the business such as administration support, graphics and tour management, as well as meeting with external individuals such as producers and other artists.”

The Music Factory Entertainment Group has benefitted from having an apprentice by tapping into Josh’s skillset, training him to meet the business’ needs and filling in the gaps in their recruitment, and Josh is now in a career he aspired towards.

APPRENTICESHIPS – KEY FACTS: • 1,300 businesses are now involved in designing the new apprenticeship standards • 1,500 different apprenticeships are on offer in more than 170 industries • Apprenticeship participation now stands at a record level: 871,800 funded apprentices in 2014/15 • Businesses report an average increase in productivity of £214 a week when they hire apprentices • 2.4 million apprenticeships were started in England during the last Parliament

019 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 16:31 Page 1

First For Business

ENGINEERING

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

DIRECT ENGINEERING & SITE SERVICES LTD HAS TAKEN ANOTHER STEP TO FULFILLING ITS AIM OF BEING AN ‘UNDERONE-ROOF’ PROVIDER OF MACHINING, WELDING AND FABRICATION SERVICES.

Ray Woolley

GROWING STRONG ne-stop shop’ may be something of an overused term but for Chesterfield’s Direct Engineering & Site Services Ltd it sums up what the company wants to be.

O

years Direct Engineering is continually striving to achieve improvement in all aspects of the business and is now working towards ISO 14001 and 18001.

Last year the company achieved the BSEN 1090 Execution Class 2 CE marking for structural steelwork in which the company’s engineers carried out further welding disciplines.

ʻ

Having witnessed his business go from strength to strength since he set it up in 1997, director Ray Woolley has brought more and more facilities in-house to help him offer greater quality assurance and a faster turnaround for clients.

Now, Ray has invested in a new laser cutter which will enable him and his 30strong team to further improve efficiency and offer shorter lead times for customers.

“We are a service industry so we have to react to our customers’ requirements,” said Ray. “We live in a fast-paced world and people don’t want to wait longer than they have to.

“As a business you can’t stand still these days. The new laser is part of a five-year investment plan to take Direct Engineering to another level.

“In recent years we have gradually brought more and more of our services in-house to meet customer requirements.

We have expanded our CNC machining, fabrication, sheet metal, and pipe installation teams and this latest investment helps us on our quest to provide all services under one roof.”

Direct Engineering works closely with customers on prototypes and

The new Trumpf Trumatic TC-L-3030 4KW laser with 3m x 1.5m bed

development projects.

The company’s CNC facility offers milling and turning – machining individual products to large batch work.

The fabrication engineers are qualified to BSEN 9606 and ASME 1X in many disciplines and work in varied industries including construction, marine, plastics, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, power, water and catering.

Direct Engineering also carries out specialised sheet metal fabrication for a variety of applications including electrical enclosures, catering equipment, tables, cabinets, cupboards and industrial kitchens.

Additionally, the company has three teams of site engineers who perform pipe installations throughout the UK and Europe.

“Our ethos is centred on customer satisfaction and quality assurance is a driving force within the company. We pride ourselves on consistently producing and delivering high quality products while ensuring a quick turnaround,” added Ray. The company, based in a 25,000 sq foot site in Chesterfield, has also made further investments within the machine shop, investing in a new CNC lathe.

CONTACT: Direct Engineering & Site Services Ltd Units 1-4 Highlands Place, Foxwood Industrial Park, Foxwood Road, Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, S41 9RN Tel: 01246 260058 info@directeng.co.uk www.directeng.co.uk

Accredited to ISO 9001 for the past six

19

020 FFB Mar16 29/02/2016 13:57 Page 1

tm ui

ent Servic

es

gre

A er

ks

ticeships a nd De

es

High

nticeship F ra m

or

pp

n re

e pr

ew

Over 80 Ap

Re

cr

Supporting you to recruit the talent of the future, develop your existing employees and grow your business

To ďŹ nd out how the Apprenticeship Reforms will affect your business and how Barnsley College can support your organisation through the transitional phase and beyond; book your free place at our Employer Conference.

There will also be an opportunity to ďŹ nd out how the college can support you with your recruitment and training needs.

Thursday 17 March 2016 9:00am - 3:30pm Think Low Carbon Centre, Honeywell Lane, Barnsley, S75 1BP To book your free place, contact the Work Based Learning Team.

Call: + 44 (0)1226 216 166 Email: employer@barnsley.ac.uk or visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk

021 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 10:39 Page 1

TRAINING

First for Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

A PLEDGE OF SUPPORT BARNSLEY COLLEGE IS COMMITTED TO HELPING BUSINESSES GROW BY USING APPRENTICESHIPS TO BRIDGE THE SKILLS GAP.

I

t has been a great year for the Sheffield City Region. Figures show that Sheffield companies have grown by 1.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2015, bucking the trend in the rest of the northern region.

Barnsley College has been working with employers across the region to ensure that these figures get better and better.

By offering a range of tailored training courses, from apprenticeships to industry short courses to Sector Based Work Academies, the college is supporting businesses in addressing the current issues in today’s economic climate.

Jenny Gedlek, Head of Work Based Learning at Barnsley College, said: “With these forecasts, it is imperative that we address the training needs of businesses to give them as much support as possible, not just with recruitment but with bridging the skills gap between education and the workplace.”

Barnsley College have introduced two employer engagement initiatives to help combat the major problems faced by businesses. These are the Apprenticeship Pledge, launched in 2013, and Talent United.

The Apprenticeship Pledge aims to get businesses to employ 2.5 per cent of their workforce in apprenticeship roles. It is run in collaboration with One Barnsley – a strategic partnership group which works collaboratively with leading employers in Barnsley – and has received huge success.

Launched in 2015, Talent United aims to bring together the leaders of today with the talent of tomorrow. It encourages companies to get involved with the college to drive changes within the curriculum and help shape the future workforce.

Jenny said: “It’s a great initiative that gives employers the chance to get

involved with students and help bridge the skills gap. Any employer can join up to the initiative, whether they want to offer work placements, workplace tours, live projects, come into college as guest speakers or take part in college events.

It’s flexible to suit your needs.”

LOOKING AHEAD With apprenticeship reforms on the horizon, the college is continuing its work with employers to make sure businesses get the most of the new plans from the Government.

Jenny said: “Currently, we have over 1,900 apprentices studying with us,

ranging from catering and hospitality to creative and digital media to engineering apprenticeships. We offer over 80 apprenticeship pathways to ensure a tailored service.

“Apprenticeships make the most of work based learning, but students still have access to the fantastic facilities at the college and get support from our industry trained assessors.”

During National Apprenticeship Week 2016, the college is hosting an employer conference which will be a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to network. It will feature talks from a variety of speakers and businesses including: Think Consultancy; Price Waterhouse Coopers, the managing agent for Sheffield City Region’s Skills Bank; Sheffield Hallam University and SafetyNett (UK) Limited.

It will take place on Thursday 17 March 2016 between 9:00am and 3:30pm at the Think Low Carbon Centre at the Honeywell Site, Honeywell Lane, Barnsley, S75 1BP.

The event is free to attend, but places are limited. To book your ticket, go to www.barnsley.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1226 216 166 for more information.

21

022 FFB Mar16 03/03/2016 08:44 Page 1

Discover what hiring an

APPRENTICE

can do for your business

“We have been working with Dearne Valley College for many years now and have successfully recruited over 20 Apprentices.�

HR Manager, Safestyle UK

working Benefits of w orking with us: s &REE !PPRENTICESHIP RECRUITMENT PACKAGE s &REE !PPRENTICESHIP RECRUITMENT PACKAGE s 3UPPORTIVE AND EXPERIENCED TEAM s 3UPPOR TIVE AND EXPERIENCED TEAM s &LEXIBLE APPROACH TO SUIT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS s &LEXIBLE APPROACH TO SUIT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS s 7E ARE AN ESTABLISHED LOCAL PROVIDER WITH AN IN DEPTH s 7E ARE AN ESTABLISHED LOCAL PROVIDER WITH AN IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE REGION KNOWLEDGE OF THE REGION

Contact us today to discuss your ss y o our needs. needs.

T: 01709 513355 E: BUSINESSTRAINING E: BUSINESSTRAINING DEARNE COLL AC UK DEARNE COLL AC UK W: W WWW DEARNE COLL AC UK WW DEARNE COLL AC UK

023 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:10 Page 1

First For Business

APPRENTICESHIPS

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

DEARNE VALLEY COLLEGE IS PLAYING A CENTRAL ROLE IN HELPING TO FIND PLACES FOR YOUNG APPRENTICES IN BUSINESSES ALL OVER THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION.

TOP OF THE CLASS A

pprenticeships are fast becoming one of the most popular routes chosen by young people to achieve their career aspirations. Not only do they offer a fantastic opportunity for apprentices to gain practical skills and technical knowledge, but are also proving hugely beneficial to the businesses who are hiring apprentices, offering solutions for recruitment and allowing them to mould their own to suit their individual business needs.

Rotherham-based Dearne Valley College works with over 300 Sheffield City Region employers, from sole traders and SMEs, to large, nation-wide organisations, placing talented young individuals within businesses, one of which is national brand, Safestyle UK. At their main site in Barnsley, Safestyle UK have recruited over 20 apprentices through Dearne Valley College’s apprenticeship provision.

Safestyle UK’s HR Manager, said: “We have been working with the college for many years now to deliver apprenticeships, and we feel that they fully understand our needs as a business and recruit accordingly.

“We have successfully recruited over 20 keen, bright and welleducated apprentices in areas from Business Administration, to

Fabrication and Fenestration. Our apprentices have been a huge asset, with many of them securing full-time roles and long-standing careers with the company.

“We would fully recommend Dearne Valley College’s apprenticeship scheme because they have taken the time to understand our requirements and build a strong apprenticeship provision around that.”

School Business Manager at Rotherhambased Rawmarsh Thorogate School, Jane Lockwood, found that apprenticeships were key to filling the gaps in staffing at the junior and infant school whilst nurturing young, local talent.

She said: “We have so far recruited three apprentices with frameworks around Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and working within the Children’s and Young People’s Workforce, providing classroom assistance and general support to other staff and children.”

The benefits to the school have been tremendous, with Ms Lockwood adding: “With ongoing support from the college, not only have we been able to employ someone with specific strengths for the areas that we required staffing for, but our apprentices have been able to cover for staff on leave, providing us with flexibility, and the apprentices with experience and hopefully a good start into finding a permanent position. I have already recommended Dearne Valley College’s apprenticeship provision to other schools in my cluster, following a positive experience.”

Find out more about apprenticeships and Dearne Valley College’s provision at www.dearne-coll.ac.uk, or contact the Business Development team on 01709 513355 or at businesstraining@dearnecoll.ac.uk to discuss your needs.

23

024 FFB Mar16 29/02/2016 13:59 Page 1

HAS YOUR BUSINESS ‘GONE DIGITAL’?

Choose from Apprenticeships in Social Media, Creative Digital Media and Design *URZ \RXU EXVLQHVV WKURXJK HȺHFWLYH GLJLWDO PDUNHWLQJ O Reach more customers through engagement on social media and blogs O 0DNH VXUH \RXU ZHE SUHVHQFH LVQ¡W GDPDJLQJ \RXU UHSXWDWLRQ O 6WDQG RXW IURP \RXU FRPSHWLWRUV ZLWK SURIHVVLRQDOO\ GHVLJQHG PDUNHWLQJ PDWHULDOV O

Professional social media, digital marketing and creative design skills are in high demand. Business owners want to bring talented people into their workforce with the skills to improve their online presence, make their marketing materials stand out from the crowd and reduce the cost of using agencies.

Through a range of specialist Apprenticeships, Learning Unlimited can match talented people, looking to develop a career in creative and digital marketing, with your company. We currently work with 100s of businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire DQG RČšHU D VWUHVV IUHH FRVW HČšHFWLYH ZD\ RI EULQJLQJ these vital skills into your business.

7DON WR XV QRZ Call 0345 850 1055 (PDLO LQIR#OHDUQLQJXQOLPLWHGXN FRP 9LVLW ZZZ OHDUQLQJXQOLPLWHGXN FRP

025 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:46 Page 1

First For Business

TRAINING

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

THE WAY FORWARD THIS MONTH NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK AIMS TO SHOW BUSINESSES JUST WHAT THEY COULD GAIN FROM TAKING ON AN APPRENTICE.

A

s National Apprenticeship Week approaches this year the government is keen to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they can have on businesses and the wider economy. So with 89 per cent of employers reporting benefits from their apprentices, what can they really do for you?

Giving a placement to an apprentice can have real, measurable benefits for businesses of all sizes. A recent study undertaken by employers who have taken on an apprentice revealed that Apprenticeships boost productivity to companies by an average of £214 per week. Although the cost of funding an apprenticeship may put some employers off, in reality the returns often greatly outweigh the initial training costs.

One of the biggest benefits for employers who take on an apprentice is that it can help to create a dedicated, loyal workforce. Many young people entering into an apprenticeship are looking to join a company that will invest in their training

and development and at least 71 per cent of apprentices stay with the same employer after completing their apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship programme has also been designed to reduce the amount of staff training that employers have to provide. Apprentices complete modules which focus on key skills to match their job role, so that they are equipped with the specific skills they need to succeed.

Many companies are also finding it difficult to recruit people with the particular skills that their organisation needs. Taking on an apprentice can help to solve this problem as the frameworks are tailored to very specific roles so you can be assured that your apprentice is getting relevant training and developing the specialist skills you’re looking for.

Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group, has an excellent reputation as a provider of high quality Apprenticeships for a wide range of businesses. With their help many employers across the area have already

taken on a range of apprentices, from technicians and engineers to administration assistants and managers.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College and Learning Unlimited said: “Learning Unlimited has grown its Apprenticeship provision significantly in the last five years and developed very successful relationships with employers across the area. We are proud of the part we play in providing Apprenticeships and training solutions which benefit employers, young people and the local economy.”

With 871,800 funded apprentices in 2014/15 and the government’s promise to create three million Apprenticeships by 2020, now is the perfect time for businesses, both large and small, to take advantage of the many benefits employing an apprentice can bring.

If you are interested in taking on an apprentice and would like more information, please contact Learning Unlimited on 0345 850 1055.

25

026 - 028, 033 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 13:28 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

REDRESSING THE BALANCE TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY THIS MONTH, JULIE FARMER FINDS OUT HOW SOME OF OUR REGION’S WOMEN ARE MAKING AN IMPACT IN BUSINESS.

ender equality. That’s the theme of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2016. Or to give it its official United Nations title, ‘Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for gender equality’.

will join over 7,000 honourees worldwide.”

G

The United Nations first began celebrating IWD Day on 8 March 1975. Two years later the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming an annual day for women’s rights. Since these early days the event has grown in popularity with celebrations taking place all over the world.

For the second year running,Yorkshire Ladies Links will celebrate IWD at the Pavilions of Harrogate with a networking conference for women. The free event on 8 March will be hosted by journalist and presenter Christa Ackroyd and will include business workshops, guest speakers and an exhibition.

A week-long programme of events celebrating women will take place in Sheffield as part of ‘SheFest – Sheffield’s Fringe Festival’. The festival aims to engage women from all over the city to celebrate IWD, with the main event at Sheffield Hallam HUBS taking place on Saturday 12 March.

Also on 12 March will be the ‘Great Girlie Gala’ at Clifton Park in Rotherham. The event is being put on by Girlie Gatherings, a new women’s self-confidence network

Lisa Pogson, director at Swallownest-based mechanical services experts Airmaster and president of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, is inviting businesswomen from across the region to attend. founded by life coach Julie Hampshire.

The Women in Business Group from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has organised a celebratory event which will take place at Tankersley Manor on 8 March. Keynote speakers include Marie Cooper who was named Sheffield’s Business Person of the Year 2015 and is plant manager of Parker Hannifin; Bridie Warner-Adsetts, chief operating officer of Naylor Industries and Sile Moyo, who, despite still being at school, has already spoken at the House of Lords on education.

The event will end with the presentation of the Athena International Award. Jackie Freeborn, a past Athena recipient, said: “The Sheffield City Region is the only UK region licensed and affiliated with this prestigious award, which runs in over 500 communities world-wide. We have a shortlist of very high calibre people who have gone that extra mile to help others in business or the community. The recipient

“Me and my colleagues at the @brchamberwib group have been celebrating how far we have come in the UK,” said Lisa. “We have the most amazing women just in our own region that have achieved recognition for their work with skills, children, in all sorts of organisations.

Be it MBE, OBE or just fantastic support from your own peers, all of this can help spur us on.

“We encourage celebration, collaboration and instilling confidence to get to positions of influence. We have considered research about the ‘Power of 3 women on a Board’ and the only way we will change things is to keep pushing the boundaries.

“As I sit at the EEF National Manufacturing Conference 2016 it is clear that there are skills gaps. More students in the STEM subjects will help this area. We need all children to aspire to be the best that they can be and encouraging this, in my view, is the best way that we can influence the future. Confidence is KEY!”

‘We need all children to aspire to be the best that they can be and encouraging this is the best way that we can influence the future.’

26

026 - 028, 033 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 13:29 Page 2

EQUALITY

MEET SOME OF THE LOCAL WOMEN WHO ARE STEPPING UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY OR MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE BUSINESS WORLD. Lyn Woolley and her two daughters Louise Clifford and Laura Woolley work within family run engineering company Direct Engineering & Site Services Ltd; the only women in a team of around 30.

Lyn, who previously worked in a Primary Care Team within the NHS, joined the business in 2000 and admits the transition into engineering was somewhat daunting.

Georgie Abrams

“I was completely unaware how to read technical drawings and I had little knowledge regarding grades of materials used throughout the diverse sectors of blue chip companies we are involved with,” said Lyn. “It has been challenging at times, but every day you are continuing to learn as technology changes and the business continues to grow.

“Over the years I have worn many hats from accounts, purchasing, sales, customer service and HR. Our daughters Louise and Laura joined the business in 2008 and 2009, both working firstly part-time whilst studying at University; Louise is a qualified accountant and Laura is qualified in business management.

“Having Louise and Laura on board has freed up some of my time to focus on the accreditations required within the business.

We were awarded ISO 9001 over seven years ago, CE Marking and Safe Contractor in 2015 and I am in the process of implementing 18001 & 14001, along with ensuring all our welding engineers and site engineers are fully up-to-date and qualified.

“Despite changes over the years engineering still remains a male dominated industry but myself, Louise and Laura all enjoy the diversity of the business and the respective challenges this brings.”

Georgie Abrams is just 17 years old but she has a clear vision of how studying for a plumbing qualification at Chesterfield College will take her places. She has already identified a gap in the market for skilled female tradespeople and is determined to get the right qualifications and experience to get her there. However, plumbing isn’t the only skill she’s got and somehow she manages to use both to her advantage!

Plumbing is in Georgie’s blood; both her father and brother make a living from the profession and Georgie grew up helping her dad fix leaks and install taps. At school she was determined to follow in his footsteps but her parttime work in a catering team at a Golf

Lyn Woolley with her daughters Louise and Laura

Club turned into full-time work with an offer of training. This felt like too good an opportunity to miss so she took the employer up on his offer.

Baking was her other passion so it seemed like a good idea to study for something that she loved to do.

After a while it was clear the draw of plumbing was too strong. She had seen a niche in the market for female plumbers and knew that the potential for earning a living was good so she decided to apply to college to study for a professional qualification. She describes starting college as the best decision she ever made.

She doesn’t let the fact that she is the only female on the course faze her and says that others in the group are really welcoming. This might be down to her professionalism, enthusiasm and desire to achieve, or it could be something to do with the cakes she makes for them on a weekly basis!

Georgie’s message to other girls considering construction careers is simple. She said: “Go for it! The world is your oyster when it comes to learning a trade. It opens up so many doors for a range of careers that are related. You will enjoy it if it is something you want to do. There shouldn’t be any boundaries.

Opportunities are out there so go >>> and do it!”

27

026 - 028, 033 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 13:29 Page 3

First For Business

EQUALITY

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

Vehicle wrapping might sound like a male-dominated industry but that doesn’t faze Claire Bell.

Her husband Jason set up CJ Signs, a specialist vehicle wrapping company based at Killamarsh, Derbyshire, in 2004 and Claire became a partner in the business shortly afterwards, not long after giving birth to the couple’s second son. CJ Signs became a limited company in 2011 with Claire and Jason taking on 50/50 directorships.

In the last couple of years Claire has helped the company exceed expectations, with its level of growth resulting in a move to new larger premises.

“We’re crazy busy at the moment,” said Claire. “Vehicle wrapping is definitely becoming more and more popular and people want it doing well. People see that we have the skills and the quality materials to do the job right and this has resulted in us attracting more customers.”

Claire deals with all office duties and last year successfully applied for a Global Derbyshire grant which facilitated the purchase of a new wider format printer as well as additional equipment including computer software, workstations and a new large-scale laminating machine.

Claire also takes care of the company’s marketing and job advertisements, including the recruitment of apprentices.

CJ Signs now has a team of fully qualified sign makers and vehicle wrapping technicians.

“I’m the only female here amongst a team of men and that doesn’t bother me – or them – at all,” added Claire.

As far back as 1960 when Progressive Safety was established by John Topham,

Claire Bell

diversity and equality were at the heart of this family business. Over 55 years later not much has changed. John’s son Howard Topham is now managing director and women – including Howard’s daughter Anna Topham – play an integral role in the success of the company.

Anna, who studied a silversmith and jewellery degree at Sheffield Hallam University, joined the business on a temporary basis to fill a maternity vacancy in another role but found that she could fulfil her creativity at Progressive Safety.

Her role involves designing logos for companies and transferring them onto workwear. She also designs and prints banners, signs and other promotional products.

“I’m in the warehouse so I guess it would typically be considered a male environment but I like working alongside guys,” said Anna. “My clothing at work is

workwear and safety footwear; in my job there would be no point coming to work in nice, pretty clothes as they would just get ruined.”

In another key role at Progressive Safety is sales manager Wendy Perkins.

“I started working here 14 years ago as a sales rep and – because the company has always been so diverse – the team was made up of about 50 per cent men, 50 per cent women,” said Wendy. “The balance works really well. Across the board I would say that a good proportion of sales reps are now female, but it’s as you move up the ranks that you find fewer women.

“Although the footwear and workwear market is still very male dominated Progressive Safety as a company challenges this. It is very much Howard Topham’s philosophy and we are fortunate to work in a company that has always been very much about promoting diversity and gender equality.”

Anna Topham

Wendy Perkins

28

029 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 01/03/2016 09:51 Page 1

A FOOT PRINT OF QUALITY & SERVICE SINCE 1960 PROMOTIONAL CUSTOMISED BANNERS WORKWEAR OUR STORY…

Most of the garments in the PSF range of protective workwear and corporate clothing can be enhanced by the addition of your company logo.

Customisation methods include:

Direct Embroidery Embroidering direct onto garments is a cost effective way of reproducing multi-coloured logos, giving a very professional appearance.

Most suitable for: • Polycotton workwear • Shirts • Polo shirts • Sweatshirts • Fleece fabrics • Baseball caps/beanie hats

Heatseal Transfer Heatseal transfer requires heat being applied to a colour transfer that is fixed into the fabric or garment.

These transfers can be manufactured in a wide range of colours and sizes and a choice of grades offering different levels of durability.

Ideal for: • Hi-visibility garments • Bespoke uniforms • Workwear • Corporate clothing • Children’s hi-vis vests

Roller Banners Our roller banners are made with the highest quality materials, using a state of the art manufacturing process.

• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use • Height 2m, with a maximum print width of 600mm • 500gsm satin finish banner material for durability • Banner stand with two feet • Durable, easy to assemble and transport • Comes with black carrier case for protection

Vinyl Banners Our full colour vinyl banners are made using high quality 440gsm PVC for strength and durability to give you that professional, corporate look.

• Suitable for indoor or outdoor • Available up to 20m long, with a maximum print depth of 715mm • Eyelets are available for hanging • High durability inks to prevent fading • Available from £8 per meter

We can also produce bespoke Safety Helmet stickers, over-laminated for scratch protection.

Contact: Progressive Safety, 101 Worthing Road, Sheffield, S9 3JN. Tel: 0114 273 8349 Email: sales@psf.co.uk www.psf.co.uk

030 FFB Mar16 29/02/2016 13:43 Page 1

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

30

031 FFB Mar16 03/03/2016 14:28 Page 1

MARKETING

First for Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

2016 is a big year for the Regional Magazine Company (RMC) as we launch our 30th anniversary celebrations – and we are looking for other businesses who have managed to stand the test of time to join in the fun.

So, if you also set up your business in the year of 1986, congratulations on standing the test of time – and here’s a birthday gift from RMC for you. We are offering a free advert in one of our titles. There’s no catch – it’s as simple as that.

Contact: jillion.wood@regionalmagazine.co.uk to find out more.

THE POWER OF VIDEO FOR ONLINE MARKETING

T

V advertisements have long been the unattainable height of marketing. We’re all aware of the time, money and quality put into them, but what Doncaster business Be More Social has realised, along with surprisingly few other marketing companies, is that this no longer has to be enough, if you’re savvy enough.

With the rise of video on social media (by 2017, it is predicted that 80 per cent of all consumer traffic with be video traffic) and the ease with which anyone with a smartphone can make videos, this previously out-of-reach marketing tool can be yours.

Each social media platform is moving swiftly towards video capability. From Instagram’s 15 second clips to Facebook’s native video hosting facets, video is where social media is headed. It’s how people want to consume both information and entertainment. And if you’re smart enough as a marketer, you can combine these two things to make online content that works wonders for your business.

Understanding each platform’s rules is key to creating a successful video. For example, during Be More Social’s management of a major shopping centre’s online marketing, they created a video advertising the Race for Life and uploaded it to YouTube. It got 1,000 views in 2 years. When posted to Facebook, however, the same video got 7,200 views in just two weeks. The difference is striking and one that is almost solely down to Facebook’s inherent shareability. The reach achieved from posting a video to Facebook is hugely amplified by the site’s users sharing, liking and commenting on content, making it visible to more people than you could ever organically reach.

BRIAN NORTHFIELD Advising clients since 1974 24 Terminus Road, Millhouses, S7 2LH Mobile: 07989852312 Office: 0114 2620474 Barlow Barton Ltd is an appointed representative of CAERUS Financial Ltd

Providing your content is engaging and personal, online video is an exciting opportunity for businesses to level the marketing field. You can create effective, personalised content for a tiny fraction of the price. Be More Social offer a unique insight into the ways to capitalise on social media’s rapid rate of change. They make it their work to remain ahead of the social media curve and prove that the way to really expand your business is through online optimisation.

Contact: Be More Social Ltd Atlas 4, First Point, DN4 5JT Tel: 01302 260197 E-mail: info@bemoresocial.co.uk www.bemoresocial.co.uk

31

032 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:11 Page 1

First For Business

FEATURE

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF PLANNING, THE NEW FARRRS LINK ROAD TO DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. JULIE FARMER WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO TRAVEL ALONG GREAT YORKSHIRE WAY.

GATEWAY TO GREATNESS I

t promises to trigger £1.7bn of private sector investment, create 20,000 new jobs, 5,000 new homes and provide a three per cent boost to Sheffield City Region’s economy.

And after more than 10 years in the making it was somewhat of a privilege to be a passenger on the first coach to officially travel along this long-anticipated three-mile stretch of road before it opened on 29 February.

Alongside me were people who have been instrumental in making the road a reality, including chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Sir Gary Verity, Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, managing director of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Steve Gill, vice chair of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Nigel Brewster and Don Valley MP, Caroline Flint. A host of business people from across the region were also invited to witness the special event.

Ros Jones, who cut the ribbon to open the Great Yorkshire Way, said: “This is a landmark occasion and the culmination of years of hard work to deliver one of the most important projects ever seen in Doncaster.

“Great Yorkshire Way is not only the gateway to the Sheffield City Region and

32

Yorkshire it is the gateway to unprecedented levels of private sector investment which in turns sees thousands of new jobs and homes created. The local and regional economy is being transformed by this infrastructure scheme as many of the expected outcomes are already coming to fruition with the expansion of our fantastic Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the exciting iPort project really starting to take shape and brand new homes being built in Rossington.

“It’s an exemplary project and great advertisement for collaboration between the public and private sectors. Today is a great day for Doncaster and a day that benefits all of the Sheffield City Region and Yorkshire.”

The Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) link road has been named the Great Yorkshire Way to reflect its importance as a catalyst for transforming the regional economy.

The road is already facilitating significant new developments along its corridor including the first two high quality logistics units at the £400million iPort and the first of 1,200 new homes at Torne Park on the former Rossington Colliery site.

It will significantly reduce journey times to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, bringing an extra one million potential passengers to within a 60 minute drive.

Steve Gill, managing director of Doncaster Sheffield Airport said: “This is truly a momentous day.

“The opening of The Great Yorkshire Way delivers greatly enhanced connectivity to the Sheffield City region’s airport, placing Doncaster Sheffield Airport within minutes of the UK’s major motorway network and bringing global business closer to Sheffield’s £28 billion economy.”

Nigel Brewster, Vice Chair of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “This is excellent news for the Sheffield City Region economy and shows global investors that our City Region is an even better place to do business than ever before. ”The innovative scheme, project managed by Doncaster Council, has been delivered by a unique team made up of the public and private sectors. The partnership between Doncaster Council, Peel Group, Verdion and Harworth Estates plus Mott MacDonald’s design and Carillion’s construction expertise made the £56 million road a reality.

026 - 028, 033 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 13:29 Page 4

EQUALITY

First for Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

THE LOCAL WOMEN STEPPING UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY. Just a few decades ago it would have been unlikely that a top national salesperson within the financial services industry would be a young woman.

Now, women like Dominique Upton are rising to the challenge and stepping into what once were considered male roles.

Dominique was Lombard’s top national salesperson for Asset Finance for the last three years and was recently appointed national corporate finance manager at Wilson Field Group.

Doncaster-born Dominique has experience in retail banking at NatWest to deputy manager level and has moved to WF Financial Solutions from Lombard where she worked with both small and larger businesses on all types of commercial and corporate asset finance.

She has considerable experience in commercial finance and has specialist knowledge in niche markets including aviation and marine finance.

Dominique said: “This type of role might

Dominique Upton

have once been considered a typically male role; thankfully this is no longer the case. I’m proof that women no longer have to settle for inferior positions. We too have the capability of progressing up the career ladder and climbing as high as we desire.

“I’m now in a position where I will be assisting companies large and small to expand to meet the demands of a recovering economy. I have the knowledge and experience to offer advice and assistance on all commercial finance matters and my gender plays no role in my ability to do this.”

Having spent many years at senior management level within the training and development industry, Cathy Kemp is wellversed in supporting employers and organisations to upskill their workforces, plug their skills gaps and recruit young, talented individuals, through a range of

training provision, apprenticeships and dedicated programmes.

Her latest career venture will be to oversee the business training and apprenticeships arm at Rotherham-based Dearne Valley College, as business development manager.

Speaking about her plans and aspirations for her newest role, Cathy said: “Growing apprenticeships is a key priority, as is supporting employers to function more successfully through targeted training and upskilling of existing staff. Training and development can often appear a daunting and complex process for businesses, and we aim to offer a simple, fully-supported and tailored solution to businesses across the Sheffield City Region and beyond.

Cathy Kemp

“I am excited to work with the College’s Business Development team to build upon their existing achievements with employers, develop higher apprenticeships and pave the way for more organisations to enhance and develop their workforce, improve efficiency, reduce costs, increase profitability and become more competitive.”

WHY I’VE CREATED A PERFECTLY GENDERBALANCED WORKFORCE

BY RIK COURTNEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BE MORE SOCIAL Gender inequality can only happen piece by piece. For us and our part as a social media company that prides itself on progression and adaptability, that means a pure and open mind when it comes to selecting our succession of employees with that attitude also pervading everything that we do. It might sound naive but it’s really what we’ve established at our company.

It would be immensely hypocritical if we didn’t practise what we preached across the board. In an industry that is characterised by constant change and representation, social media ought to be a hub of positive change to align with the wider social improvements that we’ve been witnessing. Our workplace happens to be no different.

In over 20 years of working in the creative marketing sector, I’ve noticed this to be much more progressive of an area than may be expected. Following this, our office is comprised of an exact equal split between men and women. Though this difference may be rare, I’d argue that it’s increasingly the norm, but also that in our case it’s been an entirely organic process.

Over the past two years I’ve been cultivating Be More Social and adding

employees one at a time to be the right fit to properly progress the business. It just so happens that these now eight employees are an exact split between the genders.

It’s the way that society is going: people are moving towards the best way to do things rather than the most established, which inevitably means a welcome shift to more diverse workplaces. Let’s just hope it continues to catch on.

33

036 - 037 FFB Feb16 01/02/2016 11:09 Page 1

DISCOVERY LANDMARK

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURES TO FIRST CLASS

New for 2016, Discovery Landmark is the most luxurious model yet, with superb levels of finish, both inside and out.

It comes in five select body colours, including Zanzibar – a choice reserved exclusively for Landmark. And for the first time ever, Tan Windsor Leather seats are now a Discovery option.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 3.0 SDV6 Landmark 5DR Auto

Guy Salmon Land Rover Sheffield 301 Savile Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S4 7UD 0114 276 5655

Annual Mileage

guysalmon.sheffield.landrover.co.uk

Monthly Contract Hire Rental*

£599 +VAT

Initial Rental In Advance

£3,594 +VAT

Excess Mileage (pence per mile)

16.60p +VAT

Contract Duration

10,000 36 Months

Business users only. VAT payable at 20%.

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for Discovery in mpg (l/100km): Urban 33.2 (8.5), Extra Urban 39.8 (7.1), Combined 36.7 (7.7).

CO2 emissions 203 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.

*Important Information. Based on a Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 Landmark 5DR Auto with standard specification, non-maintained. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Contract Hire subject to status. This promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotions and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles ordered by 31st March 2016. Contract Hire is provided by Land Rover Contract Hire, a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB.

036 - 037 FFB Feb16 01/02/2016 11:10 Page 2

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

PRETTY EFFICIENT

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE ED4 SE 5 DOOR FROM £299 A MONTH +VAT ON LAND ROVER CONTRACT HIRE*

Range Rover Evoque 2.0L eD4 150HP Manual 2WD SE 5DR

With its striking design, the Range Rover Evoque has charmed the world since its launch. Now with an EU6-compliant Ingenium diesel engine delivering up to 65.7mpg with CO2 as low as 113 g/km, it’s about to become very popular with business users everywhere.

Monthly Contract Hire Rental*

Guy Salmon Land Rover Sheffield 301 Savile Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S4 7UD 0114 276 5655

Contract Duration

Initial Rental In Advance Excess Mileage (pence per mile)

£299 +VAT £1,769 +VAT 9.0p +VAT

Annual Mileage

10,000 36 Months

Business users only. VAT payable at 20%.

guysalmon.sheffield.landrover.co.uk

Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Range Rover Evoque eD4 150HP Manual 5 Door in mpg (l/100km): Urban 56.5 (5.0), Extra Urban 72.4 (3.9), Combined 65.7 (4.3). CO2 emissions 113 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only.

Real world figures may differ.

*Important Information. Based on a Range Rover Evoque 2.0L eD4 150HP Manual 2WD SE 5Dr with standard specification, non-maintained. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Contract Hire subject to status. This promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotions and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles ordered by 31st March 2016. Contract Hire is provided by Land Rover Contract Hire, a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB.

036 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:07 Page 1

First For Business

MOTORING

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

HIGH AND BLIGHTY To celebrate the foundations of the company’s roots, Jaguar has added a patriotic edition to its flagship F-Type model.

Named the British Design Edition, it’s essentially an all-wheel drive FType V6 S with some unique design touches and added equipment.

are some unique 20-inch satin grey alloy wheels and some stylish Union Jack badging.

There’s a choice of red, white, blue or black paint and you get the Sport Design Pack, which adds a black front splitter, body-coloured side sill extensions and rear venturi.There

Inside, the aluminium trim is replaced with carbon fibre, there’s Jet leather throughout with 14-way sports seats and an upgraded stereo system. Priced from £75,225.

JAGUAR’S TRUE BRIT IS THE PICK OF THIS MONTH’S MOTORING BUNCH, WRITES JORDAN CUTFORTH. NEW MERC IS AN E-CLASS ABOVE Business personnel of the UK, we have some good news – there’s a brand-new Mercedes E-Class available to order right now. We really do mean brand-new and not like the new DS3 featured elsewhere on this very page which is just a facelift and some new gizmos.

The first deliveries of the car – which will be in May –will only be available with a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine producing 192hp and 295lb ft of torque which will manage 72.4mpg and 102g/km of CO2. In the summer there’ll be a 258hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel managing 55.4mpg and 133g/km of CO2 yet it can still sprint to 62mph in 5.9 seconds. A 279hp petrol-electric hybrid will be available later in the year. Prices start from £35,935.

DS STANDS PROUD No longer just a posh Citroen, the DS brand is finally independent within its own right, and to celebrate we’ve been given the brand-new DS3.

Actually it’s not an all-new model, but just a facelift version of the previous car with more personalisation options than ever before and powered by an array of new award-winning engines. So basically it’s still a Citroen, but don’t mention that to your local DS dealer.

It still retains the old car’’s charm, which is a very good thing, yet it’s plusher and more technologically advanced. There’s the addition of some new economical three-cylinder petrol engines as well as a new ‘Performance’ model – replacing the limited-run DS3 Racing, which comes with the same engine as the Peugeot 208 GTI.

36

CLUBMAN ALL 4 ADDS DRIVE TO THE MINI RANGE If you ever wanted a Mini with four-wheel drive but for whatever reason you didn’t want the Countryman, your options were very much nonexistent.

Now, though, in 2016, there is a four-wheel drive Mini that isn’t a Countryman. Say hello to the Clubman All4. Available from April, the four-wheel drive system will on be available only on the more powerful Cooper S Clubman and Cooper SD Clubman models.

The Cooper S Clubman can achieve a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and emission figures up to 44.8mpg and 146g/km of CO2 thanks to the 192hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. The Cooper SD Clubman can achieve a 7.2 second 0-62mph time and average 58.9mpg through a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit.

Prices start from £24,305.

037 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:09 Page 1

MOTORING

First for Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

POETRY IN MOTION JORDAN CUTFORTH PUTS MAZDA’S ALL-NEW ROADSTER THROUGH IT’S PACES AND ASKS: IS THIS THE BEST MX-5 EVER?

I

t’s no secret that Mazda’s MX-5 is one of the all time great cars. When the original was introduced in 1989, it brought back all the joys synonymous with two-seater British sports cars without any of the foibles bestowed them. It brought the fun factor back into motoring and has continued to do so right up into the modern era.

Now there’s an all-new MX-5, and when we say new, we really mean all-new from the ground up – new chassis, new body, new interior, new everything. It’s totally new from the ground up but does it still hold that magic DNA which makes it a true MX-5? To find out, we were given the keys and headed north to put it through its paces on the winding country roads north west of Halifax.

the driver. This approach doesn’t come at the expense of equipment though; there’s air-conditioning, USB/iPod connectivity, keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. Higher spec models get DAB radio, Bluetooth, cruisecontrol, internet, and a 7-inch colour touchscreen, which controls the excellent sat-nav and all communication and entertainment features.

Once strapped in, roof flicked down and engine fired up for the first time, you can’t help but smile. This is an MX-5 in every sense. The chassis is an absolute peach, being agile and communicative and, thanks to the subtleness in the suspension, it’s

On the face of it, this latest MX-5 looks to be the best yet. It’s the smallest MX-5 to date, it’s 100kg lighter than its predecessor, it’s even more luxurious and it’s arguably the most attractive yet thanks to Mazda’s KODO design language.

The first impression that hits you as you climb into the low-slung driving position is just how comfortable the car makes you feel. It’s no MPV, but there’s enough space to feel comfortable yet snug enough to keep you feeling safe and secure.

The next thing you notice is how well designed and built the cabin is. The dials are extremely clear with the tachometer being the most prominent feature, and all the touch points have a German-type quality to them. The interior layout is very minimalist but the focus is firmly towards

comfortable on all surfaces. There’s noticeable body roll when pushing on, but this just adds to the car’s playful nature.

The steering is pinpoint direct and suits the characteristics of the chassis well, although we’d like a tad more steering feel. The gearbox is a real gem; the ‘throw’ is short and precise and has a meaty feel to it, yet the clutch is light, which makes changing gear a real pleasure. It’s extremely refined with the roof up or down and forward visibility is better than

ever. It even has a usable boot.

There are two engines available – a 129hp 1.5-litre unit and a 2.0-litre unit with 158hp. The 1.5-litre achieves 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and an 8.3 second 062mph time. The 2.0-litre achieves 40.9mpg and 7.3 seconds respectfully.

Both are naturally aspirated.

After driving both versions, it’s the 1.5 we’d go for. It’s the sweeter of the two.

While 129hp might not sound like much, in a car which weighs less than 1000kg, it’s certainly a lot punchier than you’d expect.

It has to be revved to its 7,500rpm red line to experience the maximum performance, but it’s so rewarding to do so. The 2.0 litre has noticeably more midrange urgency, but with a redline 1,000rpm down on the 1.5, the noise generated isn’t as aurally stimulating. The 1.5 buzzes and sings where the 2.0 bellows and roars. The 1.5 is the smoother operator too, having a more free-revving nature. It must be said that every 2.0-litre car is fitted with a limited slip differential and larger brakes, plus on Sport models, Bilstien dampers are fitted, which reduces body roll but compromises on ride quality slightly.

Our only gripe is that when resting our arm on the centre console, we’d sometimes catch the rotary devise which functions the 7-inch touchscreen, not a deal-breaker, but we’d assume it’d become tiring over time. Nevertheless, the MX-5 is still a world-class car which richly deserves your hard-earned cash and, with prices starting at £18,495, it’s great value for money.

37

038 FFB Mar16 29/02/2016 14:02 Page 1

Europa

My Service ÂŽ

Expert Mercedes-Benz servicing from only

ÂŁ1655

*

Online quotes from www.mymercedesservice.co.uk

Free Breakdown Recovery & Replacement vehicle* When your Mercedes-Benz is serviced by Europa Sheffield, with MobiloLife.

Europa Mercedes-Benz Authorised Repairer Granville Square, 48 Suffolk Road, Sheffield S2 4AL 0114 208 6129 www.mymercedesservice.co.uk Ter ms and conditions apply. The MobiloLife guarantee comes as standard on all Mercedes - Benz vehicles registered from October 1998 onwards ( excluding Vaneo and Viano ) . *B r eakd ow n r e c over y is vali d for 12 m o nths f r o m th e date of s e r v i c e. M e r c e d es - B e n z w ill ar r ange a r ep lac e m e nt ve hi c l e for th e dur atio n of th e r epair, for a m a x imum of 5 days .

Subject to standard market conditions and driver must satisf y the requirements of an ex ter nal rental company. Costs for fuel, f ines, and additional ser vices will not be covered.

You will be required to produce your full driving licence and credit card details for securit y reasons. The t ype and model of the replacement vehicle depends on availabilit y.

Contact Europa Shef f ield for more details. O f fer ends 31st December 2016.

01302 639498

38

039 FFB Mar16 03/03/2016 07:59 Page 1

THE NEW BMW 330e M SPORT SALOON MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £253.11 (Plus £1,518.66 initial rental*. Excluding VAT at 20%. Business users only.)

For For more more information information or or to to arrange arrange a test test drive drive †, c call all us us on on 0114 0114 275 275 5077 5 07 7 or visit v isit w www.sytnersheffieldbmw.co.uk w w. sy tner shef f ieldbmw.co.uk

Sytner Sheffield ) )PMMJT $SPGU 4IFGGJFME 4 #6 PMMJT $SPGU 4IFGGJFME 4 #6 XXX TZUOFSTIFGGGJFMECNX DP VL XXX TZUOFSTIFGGJFMECNX DP VL

BMW Business 1 1BSUOFSTIJQ BSUOFSTIJQ

0 0G‫ש‬DJBM GVFM FDPOPNZ ‫ש‬HVSFT GPS UIF OFX #.8 F . 4QPSU 4BMPPO $PNCJOFE NQH M LN $0 G ‫ש‬DJBM GVFM FDPOPNZ ‫ש‬HVSFT GPS UIF OFX #. 8 F . 4QPS U 4BMPPO $PNCJOFE NQH M LN $02 FNJTTJPOT H LN FNJTTJPOT H LN 'JHVSF T NBZ WB S Z EFQFOEJOH PO ES J W JOH TU Z MF B OE DPOEJUJPOT

4 4ZUOFS -JNJUFE USBEJOH BT 4ZUOFS 4IFG‫ש‬FME JT B DSFEJU CSPLFS BOE OPU B MFOEFS Z UOFS -JNJUFE USBEJOH BT 4Z UOFS 4IFG ‫ש‬FME JT B DSFEJU CSPLFS BOE OPU B MFOEFS Business users only. 1MVT c JOJUJBM SFOUBM 1SJDF TIPXO FYDMVEFT 7"5 BU BOE JT GPS B NPOUI #VTJOFTT $POUSBDU )JSF BHSFFNFOU GPS B #.8 F . 4QPS U 4BMPPO XJUI PQUJPOBM NFUBMMJD QBJOU XJUI B DPOUSBDU NJMFBHF PG NJMFT BOE FYDFTT NJMFBHF DIBSHF PG Q QFS NJMF "QQMJFT UP OFX WFIJDMFT PSEFSFE CFU XFFO +BOVBS Z BOE .BSDI BOE SFHJTUFSFE CZ +VOF TVCKFDU UP BWBJMBCJMJU Z

"U UIF FOE PG ZPVS BHSFFNFOU ZPV NVTU SFUVSO UIF WFIJDMF & YDFTT NJMFBHF WFIJDMF DPOEJUJPO BOE PUIFS DIBSHFT NBZ CF QBZBCMF "WBJMBCMF TVCKFDU UP TUBUVT UP 6, SFTJEFOUT BHFE PS PWFS (VBSBOUFFT BOE JOEFNOJUJFT NBZ CF SFRVJSFE 5IF BNPVOU PG 7"5 ZPV DBO SFDMBJN EFQFOET PO ZPVS CVTJOFTT 7"5 TUBUVT 3FOUBMT NBZ DIBOHF JG 7"5 SBUF DIBOHFT EVSJOH BHSFFNFOU 5FSNT BOE DPOEJUJPOT BQQMZ 0G GFS NBZ CF WBSJFE XJUIESBXO PS FY UFOEFE BU BOZ UJNF )JSF QSPWJEFE CZ #.8 'JOBODJBM 4FS WJDFT (# -JNJUFE 4VNNJU 0/& 4VNNJU "WFOVF 'BSOCPSPVHI )BNQTIJSF (6 '# 4Z UOFS -JNJUFE BSF GVMMZ BVUIPSJTFE GPS DPOTVNFS DSFEJU CSPLFSBHF BOE BSF OPU UIF MFOEFS %FUBJMT PG UIJT BOE PVS USBEJOH OBNFT DBO CF DIFDLFE WJB UIF '$" DPOTVNFS DSFEJU SFHJTUFS "MM ‫ש‬OBODF JT TVCKFDU UP TUBUVT BOE BWBJMBCMF UP PWFS T JO UIF 6, POMZ FYDMVEJOH UIF $IBOOFM *TMBOET (VBSBOUFFT BOE JOEFNOJUJFT NBZ CF SFRVJSFE 8F BSF OPU BO JOEFQFOEFOU ‫ש‬OBODJBM BEWJTPS 8F DBO JOUSPEVDF ZPV UP B MJNJUFE OVNCFS PG MFOEFST UP BTTJTU XJUI ZPVS QVSDIBTF XIP NBZ QBZ VT GPS JOUSPEVDJOH ZPV UP UIFN 8F DBO BSSBOHF ‫ש‬OBODF GPS ZPV 8IJMTU XF IBWF DMPTF MJOLT XJUI #.8 '4 BOE DPNNPOMZ JOUSPEVDFE DVTUPNFST UP #.8 '4 XF EP OPU XPSL FYDMVTJWFMZ XJUI #.8 '4 †5FTU ESJWF TVCKFDU UP TUBUVT BOE BWBJMBCJMJU Z

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

39

040 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 09:44 Page 1

First For Business

TRAVEL

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

Stephanie at Stockghyll Force waterfall near Ambleside

LAKELAND LIFESTYLE FROM GRUELLING HIKES AND OUTDOOR PURSUITS TO RELAXING CRUISES AND QUAINT VILLAGES, THE LAKE DISTRICT HAS IT ALL. JUST MAKE SURE YOU’RE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHERS. BY STEPHANIE BURNS. he step-by-step map stuck to my sweaty palm said it would take 40 minutes to reach the summit of Wansfell Pike, and I’d be damned if I was going to miss that target. As my agile partner hot-footed it up the mountain like a graceful mountain goat, I quietly cursed my short legs and struggled to keep up.

Thank God we hadn’t attempted Wansfell’s scarier neighbour, Scafell Pike.

T

The only thing that kept me going was knowing that, once we eventually reached the top, the 360-degree view would be worth every gruelling step. The map told us to look out for the Yorkshire Dales and Morecambe Bay and I couldn’t wait to play spot the landmark while munching on my well-deserved Kendal mint cake.

Of course, I should have taken into account the reality of our location. On reaching the top, we were met not with far-reaching views of the North West’s beauty spots but rather a sky full of dark grey clouds and bitingly cold gusts of wind that threatened to send us tumbling right back down the gravelly path from whence we came. Ah, Great British weather, you cruel thing.

We had begun our journey on that cloudy Saturday in higher spirits, with a trip on an open-decked Windermere Lake Cruise (£3.95pp one-way, www.windermerelakecruises.co.uk) from Brockhole to

40

Waterhead Jetty. From there, we’d set off through Ambleside, taking a minor detour to check out the hidden 70ft waterfall of Stockghyll Force, before scaling Wansfell and then descending into Troutbeck.

We arrived back at Brockhole (www.brockhole.co.uk) four hours after setting off and, while there was much more to do and explore there, something even more appealing was waiting back at our hotel.

We were staying on the outskirts of Kendal in a balcony room at the BEST WESTERN PLUS Castle Green Hotel (www.castlegreen.co.uk). Having planned to exert ourselves during the day, we had booked an early evening treatment at the onsite Green Rooms Spa. My full body Hot Lava Shell massage (£55 for 60 minutes) and my partner’s back, neck and shoulder aromatherapy massage (£32 for 25 minutes) were sheer luxury after the blustery walk. As the rain lashed down, I was even more grateful that we’d booked a table at the hotel’s Greenhouse restaurant that evening, too.

The two-AA restaurant has recently undergone a £250,000 refurbishment and ranks 17 of 136 places to eat in Kendal on Trip Advisor. In the open theatre-style kitchen, executive head chef Justin Woods and his team cook up an impressive menu of predominantly locally-sourced fare.

We’d strayed further afield for our meal the evening before, to The Wheatsheaf Inn at Brigsteer (www.thewheatsheafbrigsteer.co.uk), winner of Food & Drink Pub of the Year at the 2015 Cumbria Life Food & Drink Awards. It’s been an alehouse since the early 19th century and has the rustic country pub feel down to a tee.

We finished the trip in another quaint Lakes village, Hawkshead, and another pub, the Queen’s Head. I’d read that it was the prettiest village in the Lake District and it didn’t disappoint. Chocolate-box cottages, winding backstreets, a Beatrix Potter gallery and plenty of cafes and pubs made for a very pleasant spot to while away a couple of hours.

That morning, we’d stopped in Kendal to poke around little lanes that make the old town a great place to explore. Among the independent shops, there are plenty of high street stores so if you forget your walking gear, you’re well covered.

With my partner already talking of a Scafell hike at some point in the near future – that’s more than double the height of Wansfell at 3,309ft – I guess I’d better pull on my walking shoes again and get training. Well, if it means having an excuse to book in for another post-hike Hot Lava Shell massage, who am I to argue?

025 NSide Feb16 26/01/2016 14:29 Page 1

Rest, Relax, Recharge, Replenish 9,:; PU MYVU[ VM H š :THY[ [] ^H[JOPUN Ă„STZ PU S\_\YPV\Z Z\YYV\UKPUNZ 9,3(? PU `V\Y V^U WYP]H[L /V[;\I 9,*/(9., `V\Y IH[[LYPLZ PU `V\Y SVKNLZÂť :H\UH 9,73,50:/ ^P[O H MYLL JOH\ŃœL\Y KYP]LU ZLY]PJL MVY HU L]LUPUN TLHS H[ V\Y WVW\SHY -HPYMH_ (YTZ

Book Midweek stays in March and April and receive a complementary bottle of JOHTWHNUL NL[ V\Y :R`;= -PST :WVY[Z WHJRHNL MVY MYLL VŃ&#x153;LY JVKL :;<+*/(47

01439 788991 www.studfordluxurylodges.com

042 - 043 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:15 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

WHY BEN’S HAPPY DOWN ON THE FARM WHIRLOW HALL FARM TRUST’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE BEN DAVIES TOOK UP POST LAST JULY, AFTER SPENDING NEARLY 30 YEARS IN THE ARMY. HERE HE EXPLAINS TO JULIE FARMER HOW HE ENDED UP AT THE HELM OF ONE OF SHEFFIELD’S MOST LOVED TRUSTS AND WHY THE TWO JOBS ARE NOT AS DIFFERENT AS YOU MIGHT THINK. 42

Ben Davies

B

en Davies joined the Royal Engineers at 18, spent 28 years in uniform and is now chief executive of Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. Surely his new role must have taken some adapting to? Not so says Ben. “I joined the Army in the late 80s and had a great career but I knew I’d have to leave at some point so it was a case of finding the right job,” said Ben. “I’d always been part of a team in the Army – often working with young people, many from less well-off backgrounds, and saw them progress really well. I also had masses of challenges and variety, and spent a lot of time outdoors getting my hands dirty. An educational Trust based on a working farm ticked all the boxes.”

042 - 043 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 08:17 Page 2

PROFILE

Ben and his wife Helen moved to Sheffield four years ago, shortly before Ben deployed to Afghanistan. When he returned home his wife had discovered Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.

“Helen used the farm shop regularly and noticed an advertisement for a job vacancy. It wasn’t right for me but it got the conversation started and I was asked if I would be interested in a more central role. I maintained a dialogue with the Trust for two years while I went through the process of leaving the Army. I left in May 2015 and took over as chief executive in July; everything fell into place.”

Going from being a soldier to running a working farm might sound like a dramatic career change, but it hasn’t proved to be the case.

“People say that it must be so different to being in the Army but it hasn’t really been that big a change,” he said. “The military challenges I faced invariably involved people, communication, conflicting demands, deadlines, equipment, infrastructure and finances – similar to the issues at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust. The only real difference is that I’m dealing with land and animals, and have to decide what to wear each day!”

Looking ahead Ben wants to make the Trust truly sustainable and ensure it remains relevant.

meat just a few yards from where it was reared. A lot has been achieved already and there’s more to come. That’s where teamwork really comes in. million pounds is needed each year. The 30 employees, 150 volunteers and 15 Trustees help make this achievable by selling farm produce, organising events and weddings, running the café and securing donations, sponsorship and grants. But with funding increasingly difficult to come by, the Trust must do everything it can to generate income.

So Ben is planning to make improvements across the Trust – developing the education offer, revamping the farm shop and café and maximising on events and fundraising. A butchery will shortly open on site, selling high quality

“We have terrific employees and volunteers, some of whom have been involved with the farm for decades,” said Ben. “So it’s important to listen – being at the top of an organisation doesn’t mean you’re the one with the knowledge. That said, it’s also vital to question and look for ways to improve.

“We have a very strong board of Trustees, our neighbours are very supportive and a lot of local companies regularly fundraise for us. We are lucky to have so much support, and with that team pulling together, I’m sure we can make 2016 a fantastic year for Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.”

‘Everything we do is for one reason – to enable us to give children the opportunity to visit the countryside and learn about the environment, farming and where food comes from.’

“Finances are tough in the voluntary sector so we have to be more businesslike,” he said. “However, everything we do is for one reason – to enable us to give children the opportunity to visit the countryside and learn about the environment, farming and where food comes from. That’s what Whirlow Hall Farm Trust was set up to do and it’s important it stays that way.”

Maintaining the farm and facilities is an expensive business – just short of a

43

044 FFB Mar16 03/03/2016 08:12 Page 1

Yorkshire Outdoors THE FINEST ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES

Off Road Driving Quad Biking Clay Pigeon Shooting Private and Corporate www.yorkshire-outdoors.co.uk Tel:01845 537766 facebook.com/yorkshireoutdoors @yorkshire4x4

E-mail: sales@yorkshire-outdoors.co.uk Felixkirk, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 2DP

Can-Am sales and service

L&TA

office furniture

Sheffield & Doncaster l United Kingdom

L&TA Office Furniture, Sheffield are one of the UK leading suppliers of office desking seating and storage systems. L&TA is ideal for local businesses and corporate customers seeking new or used office furniture to furnish or update their workspace cost-effectively. We are facilities management organisation with experience moving a variety of facility types, including offices, warehouses, libraries and universities.

Aswell as an extensive range of new and second hand office furniture, we also offer office clearance services. Our goal is to provide efficient and cost effective moves, that limit operational downtime and smoothly transition you into your new facilities.

Our extensive portfolio of desking ranges, seating ranges and storage ranges coupled with recreational furniture undoubtedly caters for every office design and scheme.

L&TA Group invite you to forward your quotes to the following address sales@ltasheffield.com It may be you are paying too much for your new and used office furniture.

UNIT 2-3 STEVENSON INDUSTRIAL EST., STEVENSON WAY, SHEFFIELD, S9 3WZ TELEPHONE: 0114 242 5511 115-121 BALBY ROAD, DONCASTER, DN4 0RE TELEPHONE: 01302 215 565

www.ltasheffield.co.uk 44

074 ESide Mar16 18/02/2016 15:24 Page 1

SATURDAY 2 APRIL doncaster-racecourse.co.uk DoncasterRaces

DoncasterRaces

01302 304200

#THEFLATISBACK

046 - 049 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:03 Page 1

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

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

TED DISTRIBU

RSH, MOS KILLAMA SHAW, IN RENI

H, BOROUG

CRYSTAL ORTH, HAN DSW

HALF PEAKS,

k 6 line.co.u RY 201 JANUAagemagazine-on www.im RMC @Image

al Historic ce romanory of The st ine’s Day Valent

f Heart aotter tHaphpye nem u: w yo to ide to Our gu g good lookin eling great and fe

DLESS, WAY, GLEA

NEST SWALLOW

years e Golden ur hom Give yoretro look a

1,000,000

magazines

AR EVERY YE

look A new yl ish St RY 2016 FEBRUA fashions for 2016 www.ffb-online.co.u @ffbmagRMC

k

Looking e 00,000 pos 1,0itiv ines magaz at Wh next for Mar keting Sheffield?

EVER

AR Y YE

4 page See oure inside featur OM SIVLTD.C

of healhth an bill Cle impression wit ke the right Ma aning Solutions 4 Cle

N CITY REGIO THE SHEFFIELD H BUSINESS IN EVERY MONT T VOICE OF FREE TO YOU • HLY INDEPENDEN TO CHALLENGE THE MONT FREE • ENT FREE TO COMM

30TH ANNIVERSARY FOR RMC MEDIA RMC Media, the publishers of First For Business and eight other monthly magazines, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Back in 1986 two newspaper reporters, John Murphy and Martin Edwards, started a free colour lifestyle magazine called Westside, aimed at the wealthiest and most influential households in Sheffield.

From Westside has grown one of Yorkshire’s most successful and innovative media companies which will be marking three decades in business this summer.

SIXER JANUARY

THE MAGAZIN E FOR NORTH

SHEFFIELD

2016

RMC Media has enjoyed consistent growth and First For Business is at the heart of a company that employs over 30 staff on a range of titles that cover the Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the North Notts region.

1,000,000 magazines EVERY YE AR

46

2016

Ceaseless innovation and steady

www.regio nalmagaz ine.co.uk

GOING THE WHOLE HO A gourmet guid e to Spain G

Happy Chine New Yese Ken Hoar intervie m w

www.regi onalmag azine.co.u k

It also has a thriving books division that to date has published over 30 titles, ranging from cookery books for Michelin-starred restaurants to novels and autobiographies.

expansion have been the constant themes behind RMC Media’s steady growth, as it has survived a recession and embraced the VILLAGE LIFE digital revolution. The latest Bradfield rish Council nePa wsletter venture will be a complete overhaul of its website in the next few months. This will include the launch of RMC Media’s latest title, Vibe, an online magazine with original content not available in the company’s other titles.

Westsi de

BE A SMART Februa The qu ry 2016 SHOPPE ality m R agazin How to bag e for Sh the best sale effield and No bargains rth Derb ys hi re 1,000 magaz,000 ines Do EVER Y YE AR aisle wn the Meet wein style dding dress de signer Ian Stua rt va La A greaVi t golf los Vegas cation

MUSIC, MA ESTRO The Mantova Orchestra’ ni connections Sheffield

Westsid e February

John and Martin are still the co-owners of a business that has grown steadily since its initial launch. In fact, it now prints and distributes 1million magazines every year, but RMC Media does more than just publish glossy lifestyle titles.

JANUARY 2016

www.sixer-onli ne.co.uk @SixerRMC

Testing times

S. Ansel key to Gm’s College ho CSE su ccess lds

046 - 049 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:03 Page 2

WORK & PLAY

NEW CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO MATCH EMPLOYERS WITH SCHOOLS A new regional campaign has been launched to match employers with schools and colleges so that students benefit from stronger links to the world of work. The Enterprise Advisers programme for Sheffield City Region aims to bridge the gap between education and work, and promote the skills needed by the workforce of the future.

Matthew Payne

Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is part of the national programme, after being one of five pilot areas that helped to develop the scheme last year. The LEP wants to match a volunteer Enterprise Adviser from the business and public sector with every secondary and special school and college in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Enterprise Advisers will help schools and colleges to prepare young people for future jobs and careers, develop a whole school strategy for careers, enterprise and employer engagement and link them to local business contacts and networks.

Nigel Brewster, Vice Chair, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Enterprise Advisers will bring the currency of work to the classroom. They will raise discussions with school and college leaders on how employability skills are taught in schools and bring the wider world of work to life by establishing links with local employers through their network of contacts. Supporting education to prepare young people for future jobs is critical to the success of our regional economy so we see the Enterprise Adviser Network as a vital part of our plans going forward.”

LOADHOG BUILDS ON SUCCESS Following a major sales increase of its retail returnable transit packaging (RTP) range, Sheffield’s Loadhog Limited has appointed another sales manager to reinforce the continuing growth of this vital area of the company’s business.

Matthew Payne, 29, has joined the retail sales team after Loadhog enjoyed a 30 per cent sales increase on 2014, largely due to the launch of the company’s Attached Lid Container.

CHANCE TO DISCOVER APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT AMRC TRAINING CENTRE AMRC Training Centre encourages young people to ‘rise to the top’ during National Apprenticeship Week The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Training Centre is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week’s call to help young people ‘rise to the top’ by encouraging them to find out how an apprenticeship could help them succeed in an exciting career in engineering.

The Training Centre is opening its doors between 14-18 March 2016, with a week of events and open days. Prospective apprentices and schools interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are invited to tour the Training Centre’s state of the art teaching facilities, meet current apprentices and take part in engineering challenges.

At the end of the week, local businesses in the manufacturing sector considering hiring an apprentice are invited to an Employers’ Breakfast. This will be the opportunity to network with businesses that are already employing apprentices to find out what benefits they can bring.

Northampton-born Matthew, who spent the last four years as a sales manager covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa for an adhesive tape manufacturer, is now focussed on expansion within the retail sector for the entire Loadhog RTP range across the UK. On his appointment Matthew said: “I aim to exploit further the promising potential within the retail sector for the Loadhog RTP range. This is an exciting prospect and I look forward to delivering growth and make the company the leader across the sector for all RTP products.”

47

046 - 049 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:03 Page 3

First For Business

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

AZZURE IT APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR Azzure IT has appointed Nick Tucker to the newly created role of sales and marketing director.

The senior appointment comes following a period of rapid growth which has seen Sheffield-based Azzure IT named the 11th fastest growing IT company in the UK and the 37th fastest in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Nick, who has significant experience in the IT and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) sectors, has a track record of building successful ERP sales teams capable of delivering growth and success whilst maintaining an award winning level of customer service. Most recently Nick has been working as a consultant specialising in ERP services development.

“These are tremendously exciting times to be joining Azzure IT,” explained Nick.

“Azzure IT is the fastest growing Microsoft partner in the UK and one of the most rapidly growing IT companies in the world.

“My role is to protect the growth enjoyed to date which means implementing systems and processes designed to enable Azzure IT to expand. Azzure IT has some very ambitious sales targets and I will be working with the sales and marketing teams to build a market leading proposition delivered by professional and well trained sales professionals.”

AIRPORT CELEBRATES RECORD YEAR FOR CARGO Yorkshire’s Doncaster Sheffield Airport is celebrating a record breaking year for cargo as 2015 saw the most freight handled since the airport opened.

The airport has also seen an increase in large movements including B747s, AN225 and AN124s.

Dayle Hauxwell, cargo manager for Doncaster Sheffield Airport said: “We are delighted to say that 2015 was officially our busiest year for cargo ever.

“Over the last 12 months, the airport and its partners have taken a significant step forward in demonstrating our capability to the market as the only sensible choice for cargo in the UK.” Doncaster Sheffield Airport, through operator Anglo World Cargo, has managed consignments across the globe, including Nepal, Kenya, Venezuela, USA and key European destinations such as Greece and France.

TOP NATIONAL HONOUR FOR YOUNG PR PROFESSIONAL CHLOE A young public relations professional from South Yorkshire has been named a finalist in a national awards programme set up in memory of one of PR’s brightest stars.

Chloe Staniforth, aged 20, has been shortlisted for this year’s Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award 2016.

The award, now in its third year, was set up by London agency Lewis, Suzy’s former employees. Suzy died from bowel cancer in 2012, aged 31.

Chloe was nominated by her employers Cream, a Barnsley-based PR agency.

Since joining the agency aged 17, Chloe has enjoyed successive promotions, battled serious health problems and worked on one of the biggest news stories of the decade, the Rotherham Child Sexual Exploitation inquiry.

Elizabeth Hudson, a director at Cream, said: “When Cream was commissioned to provide independent PR and media support for Alexis Jay OBE, author of an Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham, Chloe worked closely to help the story to appear in 9,940 articles and reach 900 million people.

“As a then 18-year-old from Rotherham, Chloe gave media interviews, wrote published articles and blogs and was a credit to her employers and her town. She has suffered serious health problems for the past 18 months but this hasn’t dented her enthusiasm or determination.”

The winner will be announced on 18 March.

48

046 - 049 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 16:03 Page 4

WORK & PLAY

HUGH FACEY’S MOTIVATION THOUGHTS USED IN NEW BOOK The former enterprise editor at The Sunday Times, and now one of the UK’s most respected authors, sought the insight of Hugh Facey, Gripple chairman to include in her latest book, Ambition – Why it’s Good to Want More and How to Get It. Rachel Bridge, who is also a professional public speaker, approached Hugh, inventor of the innovative Gripple wire fastener and founder of the company which bears its name, because she was keen to find out what motivates him.

Hugh said during his interview with Rachel: “I like solving problems. I enjoy the satisfaction of finding a solution. That has been my driver all my business life. Our business is built on customers saying they have got a problem and then us finding a solution to it.”

The quote, details about how Hugh developed the Gripple and what makes the company an ongoing success story, appear in the book.

MITCHELLS APPOINTS LOCAL SPECIALIST TO SENIOR ROLE FCCA Chartered Accountant and motor trade specialist Rob Bray joins the team at Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

Rob (31), from Walton in Chesterfield, is the latest in a series of senior appointments to join Mitchells following its business growth over the last 12 months.

He joins from a local accountancy firm and brings considerable experience in the motor trade to his new Senior Corporate Manager role. He has both worked directly in the motor industry himself as well as advising garages and dealerships, on finance, industry regulations and commission structures.

In addition to the motor trade, Rob brings extensive local knowledge of business throughout Chesterfield, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire for more than 10 years.

He commented: “I am delighted to join the team at Mitchells. The firm has excellent relationships with the big finance houses, which is critical for motor traders and businesses looking to grow. Cars are my passion, so I am particularly pleased that I will be working so closely with existing and new motor trade clients, as well as those across the board, helping them operate more efficiently and competitively.”

AMBER PLASTICS COMPLETES MBO Chesterfield-based manufacturer Amber Plastics has announced the completion of a management buy-out led by Tony Bunting for an undisclosed sum, which has secured 40 jobs at the Sheepbridge manufacturing facility.

Funding to support the deal has been provided by RBS Invoice Finance and Royal Bank of Scotland. It was overseen by Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and BRM Solicitors.

Established in 1978, Amber Plastics is one of Europe’s leading rotational moulders.

Located on Broombank Road on Chesterfield Industrial Estate, the business employs 40 staff. Tony Bunting has purchased the business from Derrick Round to work with the business in a consultative role. Tony Bunting originally joined the business in 1987 as a machine operator, progressing to the role of general manager three years prior to the buy-out.

Amber Plastics has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, securing contracts in the domestic and overseas motorhome, health and construction markets. Tony Bunting is focused on driving growth further and has put in place a three-year plan which will see staff numbers increase by more than 25 per cent.

He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure all jobs within the company as part of the purchase. Having managed the business on the ground since 2013 as general manager, as well as worked alongside many of the team over the last 29 years, I know Amber Plastics is a strong position. It is both successful and profitable. Through the funding we have in place with RBS, together with the team of advisers at Mitchells, the business is now committed to growing production to pre-2008 levels and significantly increasing the workforce over the next three years.”

Tim Leeman, Partner at Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers, said: “As Tony has been effectively running the business for three years he was the perfect purchaser. ”

49

050 FFB Mar16_Layout 1 03/03/2016 09:41 Page 1

First For Business

10 THINGS...

MARCH 2016

www.ffb-online.co.uk

10 THINGS...

PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS

BY STEVE HEPWORTH, DIRECTOR OF WORK BASED LEARNING AT LEARNING UNLIMITED hanks to today’s economic climate apprenticeships are enjoying a revival. Steve Hepworth thinks it’s time to tackle the rumours and bust the myths surrounding apprenticeships and take another look at how they can benefit businesses of all sizes.

T

1 There is an apprenticeship to

suit most areas of business Many people believe that they won’t be able to find an appropriate apprentice for their business. However, with over 1,500 job roles now available, covering more than 170 industries, there really is an apprenticeship to suit everyone.

2 Hiring apprentices gives you

more employable staff Employers often think that there’s no advantage of hiring an apprentice over someone else, but in a recently completed survey employers said that qualified apprentices are 15 per cent more employable than those with other qualifications. Work placements often give them valuable experience and help to better prepare them for full time employment.

3 Apprenticeships are affordable Apprenticeship wages and training costs are typically much lower than that of full time employees and during the 2014/2015 academic year the government invested £1,559,771 in apprenticeships, meaning that there are a variety of grants and funding available for businesses looking to take on an apprentice.

4 Apprenticeships are

a popular choice Apprenticeships have seen a recent revival and their popularity is increasing.

50

Apprenticeship participation now stands at a record level with 871,800 funded apprentices in 2014/15, and with the government’s commitment to create three million apprenticeships by 2020, this trend is set to continue.

5 Apprentices can help to boost your productivity Not only do apprenticeships provide an opportunity for you to tailor your workforce to your needs, but it’s been reported that they also boost productivity to businesses by an average of £214 a week.

revealed that at least 71 per cent of apprentices stayed with the same employer after they had completed their apprenticeship.

7 Your training provider does the

paperwork so you don’t have to!

Apprenticeships don’t require much paperwork from the employer, unless you’re delivering the training yourself. The apprenticeship provider is there to help you with all the relevant documents throughout the programme and an external assessor will always be on hand to make sure that everything is completed properly.

6 Apprentices are loyal to

employers Many employers are concerned that they’ll put valuable time into training a new apprentice, only for them to leave once they have completed their qualification. However, recent studies

‘Apprenticeship wages and training costs are typically much lower than that of full time employees and during the 2014/2015 academic year the government invested £1,559,771 in apprenticeships, meaning that there are a variety of grants and funding available for businesses looking to take on an apprentice.’

8 Employers tell us

apprentices deliver Whilst there may always be the odd tale about an apprenticeship that didn’t work out, this is very rarely the case. 82 per cent of employers questioned said that they were satisfied with the apprenticeship programme.

9 Existing staff can benefit too

Apprenticeships don’t always have to mean taking on new employees. They can also be the perfect way to re-train or upskill existing staff or people returning to your business after a break.

Apprentices improve your business Eighty nine per cent of employers say that apprentices helped their business to improve the overall quality of their product or service. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to tailor apprentices to specific job roles; making them flexible to the needs of your business and helping you tackle skills shortages in your organisation.

10

063 NLS Jan16_Layout 1 23/12/2015 10:28 Page 1

The only way to travelâ&#x20AC;Ś With global expertise and over 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, we have an unrivalled reputation for providing bespoke holidays of the highest quality

052 FFB Sep15 01/09/2015 13:54 Page 1

HELPING BUILD BUSINESSES

PRACTICAL ADVICE, NOT JUST LEGAL Commercial | Corporate | Employment Dispute Resolution & Debt Recovery | Property Wealth Management | Restructuring

For initial help & advice, call our Commercial Team on

0114 2300 131 www.wosskowbrown.co.uk

Head Office Gleadless Office

620 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S9 3QS 859 Gleadless Road, Sheffield S12 2LG

Abbeydale Office 294 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1FL Barnsley Office 31 Regent Street, Barnsley S70 2HJ