FFB March 2018

MARCH 2018 www.ffb-online.co.uk @ffbmagRMC

POWER STRUGGLE

Devolution debate rages on as mayoral election looms

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE AMRC apprentices lead the way

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CONTENTS

First For Business

MARCH 2018

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CONTENTS 12 MARCH 2018 AGENDA 6 As devolution for the Sheffield City Region edges ever closer, Andy Waple looks at who’s in the running to be the first – and possibly last – regional mayor

TAKE THE PLUNGE 10 Apprenticeships offer real career opportunities and National Apprenticeship Week 2018 will showcase how they work across all industries and sectors

A SHEFFIELD SUCCESS STORY 12 NOCN is a leading apprenticeships qualifications and assessment organisation

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LEADING LADIES 22 Women are making in waves in the world of business. Hannah Sanders speaks to some local success stories

EATING OUT 32 We dine at old Italian favourite, Rossi’s

UPHILL BATTLE 34 Sheffield’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ has quickly established itself as one of the biggest and toughest cycling events in the country. Could you survive the climb?

MOTORING 37 Special editions and luxury SUVs are the order of the day for Jordan Cutforth

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Editor Chris Wilson chris.wilson@rmcmedia.co.uk Consultant Editor Andy Waple Feature Writers Hannah Sanders, Rachel Martin

TRAVEL 40

Chief Sub Editor Richard Abbey Sub Editor Richard Smith

Carmel Stewart recently achieved a long-held ambition to transit the Panama Canal. Here are some extracts from her blog while on board the Regent Seven Seas Navigator

Digital Reporter Ashley Birch Digital Commercial Manager Melanie Jackson

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

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Operations Director Jillion Wood Publishing Manager Mandy Ogle mandy.ogle@rmcmedia.co.uk Studio Manager Chris Brierley Design Dan Wray, Steve Levers RMC Media 6 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield, S8 OXF Tel: 0114 250 6300 Twitter: @ffbmagRMC www.firstforbusinessmagazine.co.uk

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PREVIEW

First For Business

MARCH 2018

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PREVIEW he 11th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2018) will run from 5 to 9 March 2018. During the week employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.

qualifications every year, helping them improve their skills, knowledge and employment prospects.

The theme for the #NAW2018 is ‘Apprenticeships Work’, showcasing how apprenticeships work for individual employers, the community and the wider economy.

NOCN offers two types of apprenticeships – Apprenticeship Frameworks, which are the more established type including vocational and technical qualifications offered by training providers; and Apprenticeship Standards where NOCN provides the End Point Assessment at the end of a programme of learning on the job – these are a new type of apprenticeship which are managed by employers.

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This month in First For Business we look at how Sheffield City Region is leading the way in offering real career opportunities to the region’s youngsters.

We also look at some case studies, such as apprentice maintenance engineer Kim McMahon from Wavin UK Ltd who went straight into an apprenticeship as a design engineer after finishing her A levels.

Apprenticeships offer people of any age a route into employment with the opportunity to train on the job, learn specialist and technical skills, and achieve vocational qualifications.

The story isn’t so clear-cut when it comes to devolution for Sheffield City Region and who’s in the running to be the first regional mayor.

Sheffield employer NOCN has been in business for 30 years; from early days in adult community education it has grown to be a market leader for apprenticeship qualifications and assessments delivered all over the country by FE colleges, training providers and employers.

It’s fair to say that this topic hasn’t captured the imaginations of the general public but with voters in South Yorkshire due to go to the polls on 3 May, consultant editor Andy Waple has been looking at how the election might play out and running the rule over the leading contenders.

Thousands of students, adult learners and apprentices study NOCN

Meanwhile there is a back story where 18 out of Yorkshire’s 20 council leaders

CHRIS WILSON, EDITOR

are pressing for a mayor to represent the whole of Yorkshire and not just a part. This leads many to believe that the first Sheffield City Region mayor will also be the last.

And while the politicians slog it out business leaders are becoming increasingly concerned that all this infighting will harm the local economy. It’s messy - but it matters.

More straightforward is the positive effect successful women are having in the business world. As International Women’s Day commemorates the movement for women’s rights, particularly significant this year as 2018 marks the centenary of women’s suffrage in Britain, we look at some success stories close to home.

That’s just a taste of what’s in this issue of First For Business. Let us know what you think about the topics raised in this issue by tweeting us @ffbmagRMC.

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THE CLOCK IS TICKING...

AS DEVOLUTION FOR THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION EDGES EVER CLOSER, ANDY WAPLE LOOKS AT WHO’S IN THE RUNNING TO BE THE FIRST – AND POSSIBLY LAST – REGIONAL MAYOR.

AGENDA

he long running saga of devolution for the Sheffield City Region continues to take twists and turns in the run up to upcoming mayoral election.

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Voters in South Yorkshire will go to the polls on 3 May to decide who will become the region’s mayor amid an increasingly likelihood that whoever it is will be the last as well as the first.

While the government has re-stated its commitment to an elected Sheffield City Region mayor on a four-year term, the chances of the situation changing is not unlikely now that 18 of Yorkshire’s 20 council leaders are pressing for a mayor to represent the whole of Yorkshire and not just part.

Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, is currently standing firm stating he would be going ahead with the South Yorkshire deal, while offering renegades Barnsley and Doncaster the opportunity to join a wider Yorkshire arrangement provided they consented to the South Yorkshire deal.

Both Barnsley and Doncaster are pushing for an appointed, unelected, South Yorkshire mayor on a two-year term, allowing them to join ‘One Yorkshire’ in 2020.

As it stands the Sheffield City Region metro mayoral position will bring £900million over 30 years and local control over adult skills, planning, transport and infrastructure will be passed in local control.

But business leaders are becoming increasingly irritated with the political shenanigans that they fear will harm the local economy. They say the local deal is vital for the short and long term economic development of the region and some have laid out their demands to avoid any messy situation having a negative impact on the economy.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has led the fight and has issued its “mayoral manifesto” in a bid to crystalise opinion and to canvass for a mayor who understands business.

Richard Wright, the organisation’s executive director, said: “The mayor will have significant control over much of the funding coming into the region as well as the responsibility of chairing the Combined Authority and will need to work closely with the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership. We

should always remember that this is a position created as part of an economic deal.

“Working in a political environment will be necessary, but a person who is not driven by the short term horizons of politics, but by the longer term commitments to building an economy is, in our opinion, critical to our success.”

He said electing someone who has clearly shown that they can build an economy for the future was a priority.

“Management is about today. Leadership is about the future. We would not preclude somebody who has been involved in politics but we believe we need somebody who has also been at the sharp end of commerce and who has worked with the big players in the business world,” he said.

The Chamber is anxious for the four authorities in South Yorkshire to bury their historic differences and believes it will take a strong personality to cut across political divides.

Mr Wright added: “The recent history of Sheffield City Region means we need strong leadership now. We need a mayor who can build coalitions amongst those who may not immediately agree with each other. We need someone who is willing and able to challenge divisive behaviours that can undermine confidence in our regional capability.”

The Chamber believes the mayor must be able to market the region to the rest of the world on behalf of business and the community at large as well as implementing regional strategy for growth and fight any attempt to stifle innovation and entrepreneurialism.

He said: “This region has come far in the last few years. We have diversified our economy. Advanced Manufacturing is still

important but we are also building world leading activities around tourism, health and wellness, creative and cultural and logistics. We still have healthy activities in areas like construction, retail and professional services that are important to our overall economy.

“Our education sector is flourishing with good universities, colleges and investments in vocational routes to work.

Our social enterprises and public sectors are strong and comprehensive. We have everything we need to succeed. The mayor is needed to have both the vision of where we need to go, but the ability to draw it all together and deliver that vision.”

Meanwhile the region’s construction sector has urged the new mayor to get to grips with the impact of Brexit.

Developers fear strict immigration controls could reduce foreign labour – in a workforce already suffering a skills shortage – while tariffs could drive up the cost of imports, which comprise 25 per cent of UK construction materials, most from the EU. Investment in building projects could be stifled by uncertainty, while Brexit could trigger a recession.

In addition, Martin McKervey, of law firm CMS, said money and status could be lost is the devolution deal got bogged down in controversy.

He said: “Devolution is important to South Yorkshire. We will elect a mayor in May and we must complete the deal otherwise we won’t be in the front line of cities.”

Demands for a mayor who understands and promotes business seemed to have received an unexpected blow when Labour – everybody’s favourites to win the election – created a row by not shortlisting Richard Caborn. >>>

“WORKING IN A POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT WILL BE NECESSARY, BUT A PERSON WHO IS NOT DRIVEN BY THE SHORT TERM HORIZONS OF POLITICS, BUT BY THE LONGER TERM COMMITMENTS TO BUILDING AN ECONOMY IS, IN OUR OPINION, CRITICAL TO OUR SUCCESS.” First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 7

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AGENDA

MARCH 2018

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Power struggle (from left): Barnsley Labour MP Dan Jarvis (Image courtesy: Evening Standar/REX Shutterstock); Sheffield Councillor Ben Curran and former Sheffield MP Richard Caborn

Caborn, a former Sheffield MP with vast experience in government covering industry, trade and the regions among others, was “surprised and disappointed” by the decision.

Should he have become mayor, Caborn had pledged to bring about a new economy for the region “based on highvalue manufacturing, health and wellbeing, and the creative and digital industries”.

His omission leaves Labour with two possible candidates in Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis and Sheffield councillor Ben Curran.

Jarvis, a supporter of the ‘One Yorkshire’ devolution deal, has not held a local government position and said he will remain an MP if he becomes mayor.

His policy agenda includes proposals to bring bus services back into public ownership and supporting the appointment of a female deputy mayor.

Jarvis said that as well as campaigning for a wider Yorkshire devolution deal, his priorities would be to negotiate with the Government to get the Sheffield City Region the best possible deal in terms of powers and funding. He would focus on attracting new investment and well-paid 8 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

jobs to South Yorkshire and ensuring people in the county have the skills and training to do them.

He said: “I am convinced that with the right powers, strategy and investment, the Sheffield City Region can harness the enormous potential which exists in our region and we can truly become a force to be reckoned with.

“To do this, our first mayor must have the right policies, as well as the right personality, and this is why I have put together a policy proposal that not only puts people at its heart but shows what democratic socialist principles and a more co-operative community can deliver.”

Meanwhile Curran, Sheffield council’s cabinet member for planning and development, said ensuring the South Yorkshire economy is protected from Brexit-related economic shocks and that there is no “1980s-style scenario” was his top priority. A former Lib Dem, he joined Labour after becoming “disillusioned”.

He said: “I’ve always considered myself on the political left – my decade of service as a trade union lawyer demonstrates that clearly.”

“I AM CONVINCED THAT WITH THE RIGHT POWERS, STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT, THE SHEFFIELD CITY REGION CAN HARNESS THE ENORMOUS POTENTIAL WHICH EXISTS IN OUR REGION AND WE CAN TRULY BECOME A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.” – BARNSLEY MP DAN JARVIS

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TAKE THE PLUNGE

APPRENTICESHIPS OFFER REAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2018 WILL SHOWCASE HOW THEY WORK ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES AND SECTORS. HANNAH SANDERS AND RACHEL MARTIN REPORT.

his year marks the 11th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2018), and with the new apprenticeship levy throwing a lifeline to companies scrabbling for talent, apprentices have never been such a hot topic.

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The ‘apprenticeships work’ themed week runs from 5-9 March and will demonstrate the many benefits that apprenticeships can bring. The event also aims to raise awareness and encourage more employers to take on apprentices and individuals to select an apprenticeship as their chosen first step on the employment ladder.

During the week, employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging more people to choose an apprenticeship as the pathway to a great career.

Sue Husband, director of National 10 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

Apprenticeships Service, said: “We want 2018 to eclipse previous triumphs and we would encourage apprentices, employers and our partners to join forces and help celebrate the brilliance of apprenticeships.

“Apprenticeships offer real career opportunities and National Apprenticeship Week 2018 will showcase how apprenticeships work across all industries, sectors and job roles, from school leaving age to older apprentices.

“There’s no better way to mark apprenticeship achievement than by the apprenticeship community coming together and shouting loudly about the difference apprenticeships are making.”

The government wants to create three million new apprenticeships in England by 2020.The levy aims to help the government meet its commitment to developing vocational skills, and increasing the quantity and quality of apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly important channel to bring in new talent, and a research study carried out for the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) found that, on average, each apprentice brings a gain in productivity of more than £10,000 per year for their employer, with figures for some sectors being even higher.

Apprenticeships are also a crucial part of the long-term plan for workforce development; as well as boosting productivity, apprenticeships can also help companies compete in the modern marketplace, and in industry research, 77 per cent of employers agreed that taking on apprentices helped to make their organisations more competitive.

For more information on National Apprenticeship week visit www.gov.uk.

APPRENTICESHIPS

CASE STUDY: KIM McMAHON APPRENTICE MAINTENANCE ENGINEER AT WAVIN UK LTD Give us some insight into the application process for your apprenticeship.

After finishing my A Levels, I went straight into an apprenticeship as a design engineer, where I completed my NVQ Level 3 in mechanical engineering.

It was then that I decided I wanted to study for a HNC and carry on in this sector. I applied for a role at Wavin UK Ltd in order to gain experience on the shop floor. After two years, I completed my HNC and Wavin decided to keep me on as a maintenance engineer, and they have since decided to fund my degree as part of my apprenticeship.

What are the advantages of apprenticeships?

All my friends went straight to university and I see them struggling to get part-time jobs – ones that aren’t even within the sector they want to work in.

It’s brilliant learning and earning as part of your apprenticeship, as all that experience you gain is directed into the industry you want to develop your career in.

Why choose an apprenticeship over university?

In regards to engineering, it’s important to get hands on experience, as the theory only really makes sense once you start applying it. Having that hands on experience is invaluable and an apprenticeship also provides you with opportunities to meet so many different people, and explore some of the more diverse roles you might not have otherwise considered.

What advice would you give to women thinking of a similar career?

Even though the sector is still slightly male dominated, there are more and more women applying for engineering and manufacturing roles, and there’s nothing to be scared of as a female in the industry. Everyone is really approachable and friendly and if you’re passionate about engineering and manufacturing, you have to go for it. I did and I would never look back.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I would like to take on a lead engineer role and then eventually – and I’d like to think this would be within the ten-year mark – I’d like to not only become, but develop my career as a manager of engineering.

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

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MARCH 2018

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A SHEFFIELD SUCCESS STORY NOCN IS A LEADING APPRENTICESHIPS QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT ORGANISATION. heffield employer NOCN has been in business for 30 years; from early days in adult community education it has grown to be a market leader for apprenticeship qualifications and assessments delivered all over the country by FE colleges, training providers and employers.

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.

Thousands of students, adult learners and apprentices study NOCN qualifications every year, helping them improve their skills, knowledge and employment prospects.

Many employers already know the benefits of taking on an apprentice and with the introduction of new standards more companies are getting on board every day because these apprenticeships are employer-designed and employermanaged.

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Apprenticeships offer people of any age a route into employment with the opportunity to train on the job, learn specialist and technical skills, and achieve vocational qualifications.

NOCN offers two types of apprenticeships – Apprenticeship Frameworks, which are the more established type including vocational and technical qualifications offered by training providers; and Apprenticeship Standards where NOCN provides the End Point Assessment at the end of a programme of learning on the job – these are a new type of apprenticeship which are managed by employers.

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

Looking for some top tips on successful apprenticeships? Well, the expert and knowledgeable team at NOCN have you covered with some top tips.

• Focus on quality not price A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean a better service. It’s important to make sure your chosen assessment organisation is fully quality assured, experienced in your chosen sector and above all shares the same ethos and values as yourself.

• Start with the end in mind Choose your end point assessment partner at the start and work with them to ensure your apprenticeship programme covers all the aspects which will be tested at the end.

• Embrace diversity Businesses benefit from a diverse workforce as new ideas and perspectives bring opportunities for growth. A fair and inclusive apprenticeship programme is a good way to attract new talent to revitalise your organisation.

Employers and training providers can learn more about NOCN at www.nocn.org.uk/nocn-apprenticeships.

To arrange a call or meeting to discuss NOCN’s expert services call 0114 227 0500 and ask about apprentice End Point Assessment.

CONTACT: NOCN The Quadrant, Parkway Business Centre, Sheffield S9 4WG Tel: 0114 227 0500 Email: nocn@nocn.org.uk www.nocn.org.uk

APPRENTICESHIPS

EQUALITY AND QUALITY IN APPRENTICESHIPS. eing good in business is good for business meaning sound ethics should not be pushed to the edge – they need to be at the core of any successful business strategy.

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Companies want to work with trustworthy businesses because trust is everything and they also want to pay a fair price for a good quality service.

Organisations are not going to choose a business if they are poor quality, expensive and treat their employees unfairly.

As an accredited Leader in Diversity, NOCN is committed to valuing all its employees and customers, treating everyone equally with respect, dignity and trust. This means they support initiatives to get more women into engineering and construction, more men for health and social care and more people from BAME communities into apprenticeships.

NOCN is the ethical choice for apprenticeship qualifications and assessments in the Sheffield City region and beyond. They are not-for-profit so their prices are fair, and they are Ofqual regulated meaning the team is quality focussed, business terms are transparent and the team are trusted experts.

As Leaders in Diversity NOCN is happy to advise other businesses on ways to improve their equality diversity and inclusion.

The ultimate beneficiary of NOCN’s services is the apprentice. By ensuring a good quality apprenticeship from beginning to end, they gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will give them a meaningful and rewarding career in their chosen profession.

If you are a levy paying employer or a registered apprentice training provider and want to work with a progressive and ethical business which also happens to be a market leader for apprentice End Point Assessment, get in touch with NOCN today.

Call 0114 227 0500 and ask about apprenticeships, or visit www.nocn.org.uk/nocn-apprenticeships.

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MARCH 2018

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WOMEN IN ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS. obs in engineering and construction can be well paid, provide exciting opportunities to explore the world, meet new people and gain rewarding careers. But they are also, in some cases, still seen as male dominated.

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According to NOCN, the UK population is roughly split 50:50 men and women, yet the proportion of women working in engineering and construction is low, with only eight per cent working in engineering and 14 per cent in construction.

Beyond entrenched prejudice and gender stereotyping, there are no justifiable reasons for this; women and men are equally able to do the work required in these sectors.

As we edge further towards Brexit, we need to be more productive to compete in a global market. UK productivity levels are 20 per cent lower than other major western economies, such as Germany and France. This needs to quickly improve and one of the best ways to do this is to attract more women with the right skills into these traditionally maledominated industries.

progressive employment policies around parental leave and flexible working.

Apprenticeship programmes are an excellent way to attract new talent. They give everyone an equal opportunity to gain rewarding careers in a wide range of jobs in both engineering and construction, at all levels.

Such equal apprenticeship opportunities exist now and are available with some of the UK’s best employers. NOCN encourage more women to look again at careers in construction and engineering and consider the apprenticeship route into work.

Things are improving, with many leading employers now developing their recruitment and apprenticeship strategies to actively address their workforce gender balance.

Retention is also an issue, as it’s key to keep the people we attract, therefore work place conditions must improve – including health and safety, inclusive cultures, pay and conditions along with

A balanced workforce can deliver a better quality service, but only if the workplace culture evolves as well.

Bullying, banter, sexism, dangerous and dirty working conditions – all of these things need to be fixed and by so doing the working conditions for everyone – women and men – are improved.

NOCN is an accredited Leader in Diversity and appointed to deliver End Point Assessments for engineering and construction apprenticeships which are available for employers and training providers.

Get in touch to discuss apprenticeships, assessment and equality by calling 0114 227 0500 or visit www.nocn.org.uk.

APPRENTICESHIPS

APPRENTICESHIPS: THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Five things you need to know about apprenticeship reforms:

s a nation, we urgently need more professionals – engineers, designers, digital wizards – and the new apprenticeship levy has thrown a lifeline to companies scrabbling for talent.

However, according to a recent BBC article, the number of apprentices starting new programmes in England has dropped. It further states that there were 114,400 apprenticeship starts in England from August to October 2017, which was 49,800 less than a year earlier.

• The levy can only be spent on training apprentices

Although the overall number of apprentices starting new programmes has seen a drop, more are starting advanced or higher level programmes.

Higher apprentices can work towards qualifications such as a foundation degree or the equivalent of bachelor’s degree – without paying fees.

• Standards will be overseen by a new Institute of Apprenticeships

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With fees and debt making higher education far less attractive, schools and universities just aren’t turning out enough young people with the right skills to plug gaps in some sectors, say leading graduate employers, and in a bid to redress this, the government has committed to creating three million new apprenticeships by 2020, paid for in part by the employer.

But, how does the apprenticeship levy work?

• UK employers with wage bills of over £30million pay 0.5 per cent of their payroll into a central apprenticeships fund.

• Levy payments become vouchers that larger public and private sector companies can use to fund apprenticeships.

• Companies with a wage bill of less than £3million pay ten per cent of training costs directly to the provider and the government the remaining 90 per cent – up to a funding band maximum.

• The government provides all the funding for training 16 to 18 year old apprentices if a company has less than 50 employees.

The Department of Education states that between 2016-2017 54 per cent of apprenticeship starts were women compared with 46 per cent of men.

However, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, male apprentices are earning more.

In 2016-17, 277,800 people completed an apprenticeship in England, which was the highest number since comparable records began in 2002 states the Department of Education. This means that more and more apprentices are finishing their courses.

• By 2020 all existing apprenticeship frameworks will be replace by employer led standards • All standards will have an end point assessment

• There’s a new digital apprenticeship service website for finding out about and selecting your Apprenticeship Training Provider (ATP) and End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO)

NOCN is a national Awarding Organisation and leading independent apprentice EPAO, it has been making learning matter by creating opportunities for 30 years. NOCN Group now includes CSkills Awards, offering a wide ranging of Construction qualifications and apprenticeships.

For more information on the services NOCN can provide give them a call on 0114 227 0500 or visit www.nocn.org.uk.

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First For Business

MARCH 2018

www.ffb-online.co.uk Oliver Marsh in his workplace

BRILLIANT EXAMPLE AWARD-WINNING AMRC APPRENTICE GETS STAMP OF APPROVAL. liver Marsh never imagined that within months of becoming a qualified apprentice he would be collecting a national award at a gala dinner in London and addressing the nation about the merits of vocational education on the BBC’s flagship Today programme – weekly audience 7.5million.

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The 21-year old aspiring rock musician from Barnsley, who became the Polymer Apprentice of the Year in January, was one of four AMRC Training Centre apprentices to be interviewed, along with two former Education Secretaries, David Blunkett and Justine Greening, who recently resigned from the Government.

“The last few months have been amazing,” says Oliver. “Our band – Alba Rosa – played at the 02 Academy

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

supporting The Lost Days, and then the Apprentice of the Year awards in London. But best of all, being able to talk about the value of apprenticeships to Justin Webb on the Today programme.”

The three-hour-long broadcast showcased how the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre plays a pivotal role in developing the skills and talents of young people across the Sheffield City Region. And in the four years since the centre opened it has trained more than 1,000 apprentices, employed by more than 250 firms from across the region, down as far as the Midlands.

“Oliver is a brilliant example of how high-quality apprenticeship training can open up opportunities and change lives for the better,” says AMRC Training Centre Director Nikki Jones. “The work

he has done with his company also shows the value to business of investing in good quality apprenticeships.

“AMRC Training Centre apprentices are helping more than 250 employers across the region increase their productivity, improve their competitiveness, maintain their quality, and ensure that they have a committed, sustainable skilled workforce to meet future challenges.”

Indeed, the key reason Oliver scooped the major industry apprenticeship award was for his role in helping his employer – MGB Plastics, the UK’s largest manufacturer of wheelie bins – significantly reduce the cost of its production processes.

“Oliver has transformed what was already a market leading printing technology used to stamp crests on the

APPRENTICESHIPS

more than 1.5 million bins we produce each year,” said the Rotherham-based company’s technical manager, Gary Blanshard. “His forensic examination of the change-over process from one council crest to another has turned the operation into the polymer equivalent of a Formula One pit stop – fast, efficient and very slick.

“We estimate that this improvement alone is saving the business in excess of £137,000 a year by getting the plate changes down to just 34 seconds from ten minutes. It is a brilliant example of a single-minute exchange of die (SMED) approach, which Oliver has picked up very quickly and developed with us.”

Having recently invested more than £25million in advanced technology, including large presses, the company was equally keen to invest in its human capital: training the next generation of polymer engineers who will maximise the impact of this investment in its three plants at Rotherham, Tamworth and Hull.

Blanshard said the company wanted to bring “bright young engineers into the business”, to enable it to maintain its position as the market leader in the supply of wheeled bins. “We decided that the best way forward was to get someone on board who had no preconceived ideas of how things should be done. The only way to do this was to train them from scratch.

“We invited the AMRC training centre to visit us and discuss what they could offer in the way of apprenticeships. They

“WE HELP FIRMS DECIDE WHICH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR THEM AND THEIR EMPLOYEES. WE ADVISE ON FUNDING AND THE MOST APPROPRIATE TRAINING PATHWAYS, AND PROVIDE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO COMPANIES NEW TO APPRENTICESHIPS.” then advertised for a Technical Apprentice and created a shortlist of candidates. After an extensive interview, Oliver was offered the position and began his apprenticeship with us.

“Having gained knowledge of CAD at the AMRC Training Centre, he has used this to great effect with us. He used CAD to model the fit of our lids, which some customers had identified as an issue, and found a mismatch between the hinge fixing pin and the bin mating hole. He redesigned the pin and improved the tolerances using CAD. Having tested a prototype and run moulding trails on the new hinge pin, he proved out the fit and function through assembly trials.

“Oliver is now a key member of our plant automation team, tasked with taking significant costs out of the business, and is looking at how the firm’s existing equipment might need to be uplifted to meet new standards for the industry. If there is a productivity-critical issue, Oliver is in the mix.”

For Nikki Jones, companies like MGB Plastics understand the value of apprentices and the importance of a skilled workforce to their future: “They came to AMRC Training Centre because we are able to help with the whole apprenticeship recruitment process. We support companies all the way, recruiting new apprentices and supporting firms who want to send existing staff into apprenticeships.

“What marks us out is the care and attention we give to employers, keeping them informed and up-to-date with the progress of their apprentices. We help firms decide which apprenticeship pathway is right for them and their employees.

“We advise on funding and the most appropriate training pathways, and provide support and guidance to companies new to apprenticeships or who do not have the infrastructure to develop their in-house learning activities.

“With a new wave of degree apprentices affiliated to the University of Sheffield – a Russell Group university – and the continued support of the wider AMRC research and innovation family, the AMRC Training Centre is breaking new ground in developing the skills and talents of the workforce of tomorrow. If you want to drive improvements in productivity and quality – follow MGB Plastics and get in touch with us about finding the right apprentice for the job.”

If you are an employer interested in hiring an apprentice, call 0114 222 9958 or contact recruitment@amrctraining.co.uk.

Radio 4’s Justin Webb interviewing the AMRC TC apprentices, with Nicola Jones and Oliver Marsh

CONTACT: AMRC Training Centre Advanced Manufacturing Park, off Highfield Spring, Catcliffe, Rotherham, S60 5BL Tel: 0114 222 9958 www.amrctraining.co.uk

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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

Do you have a business news story worth shouting about?

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

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

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PROMOTION

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GET THE KNOWLEDGE FOR THE BEST APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING IN THE BUSINESS, ASK WHYY.

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pprenticeships are a crucial part of the long-term plan for workforce development, which is why Whyy?

Change are determined to provide the best practical business knowledge and apprenticeship training in the Sheffield City Region.

Students are offered the opportunity to earn three things: money from the outset, nvaluable work experience, and a debtfree degree. For employers, this is a particularly cost-effective form of training, because the students are making a contribution to the workplace while they are learning.

Started on the basis of the word ‘why’, CEO Raymond Byrne set up a company that encourages individuals to question their thinking, deviate from the status quo, and open their eyes to new ideas. He says that, without asking why, businesses will stagnate.

Whyy? Change, a RoATP registered provider, are firm believers that businesses can improve with their existing workforce,

‘As a company, we put into practice everything we teach and are currently working to achieve CMI accreditation.

After this we will continue to learn and develop to provide the best possible service to our clients.’

Raymond with staff Hannah and Josh

they just need to be upskilled. This is why they offer a unique approach to apprenticeships, combining both practical learning and classroom teaching with business improvement . And their apprenticeship programme isn’t limited to 16-19-year-olds, as they offer training to all ages.

“Whyy? Change offer Level 3 and 5 CMI accredited Leadership and Management apprenticeships to help rectify the rise in ‘accidental’ managers in the workplace and provide businesses with formal, structured, credible training for prospective managers and potential leaders. “We specialise in continuous improvement and deliver standards in this,” said Ray. “With companies such as the Toyota Group amongst the trailblazers for the recently developed standards, businesses cannot afford to ignore the importance of this.”

With the aim of solving business problems, all the learning outcomes are tailored to challenge and test each individual whilst focusing on fulfilling the needs of specific businesses.

They also offer training programmes on everything from corporate risk and assurance consultancy, Lean & Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence, through to sales training and digital marketing and SEO strategy.

“All the training will be face to face as I wanted to create a direct link between what the person is learning and how they are going to apply it to the business,” adds Ray. “Continuous learning is important as businesses need to be able to adapt and grow, which is why it’s key to motivate and encourage people to share their skills and knowledge to keep the entire company as up-to-date and effective as possible.

‘I’m passionate about wanting to fix business problems and help improve the working environment which is why I set up Whyy.

Our job is to test your limits so you can become the best, as well as offering practical training so you are prepared for any situation that may occur on the job.’

RAYMOND BYRNE

headquarters is spilt into offices on the first floor, an engineering workshop below, and classrooms, so everything can be taught on-site.

Built on the foundation of integrity and delivering value, innovation and improvement to clients, Whyy? Change provide the complete package of business support and training, so you can rest assured that your employees are able to achieve their full potential.

For more information on the services provided, visit www.whyychange.com or give them a call on 0114 400 0077 and see how they can help take your business to the next level today.

Their new two-storey 5,000 sq ft

Whyy, Unit one, Brookdale Court, Sheffield, S35 2PT Tel: 0114 400 0077 Email: contactus@whyychange.com www.whyychange.com

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HELPING YOU DO MORE OF WHAT YOU DO BEST

By understanding your business as well as your vehicles, we do more than just supply the right vehicle for the job, we help you get on the road and stay there.

Whether it’s carrying out servicing at a time and location that suits your work schedules, providing specialist vehicles at short notice, or using our expertise to optimise your entire ÀHHW (QWHUSULVH )OH[ ( 5HQW KHOSV \RX GR PRUH RI ZKDW \RX GR EHVW 7R VHH WKH GLIIIIHUHQFH ZH FDQ PDNH WR \RXU EXVLQHVV FRQWDFW (QWHUSULVH )OH[ ( 5HQW 6KHI¿HOG RQ 0114 244 1741 Option 2 VKHI¿HOG#ÀH[HUHQW FR XN or visit ÀH[HUHQW FR XN

YOUNG CHEF

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MARCH 2018

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Last year’s judges (L-R): Mick Burke, Natasha Holland, Stefan Rose and John Murphy Last year’s winner Dave Cockerill collects his award from Howard Middleton (left) and Jonathan Coulthard from My Fathers Heart (right)

COOKING FOR THEIR FUTURES DO YOU KNOW A YOUNG CHEF DESTINED FOR THE TOP? WE’RE ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR CATERING’S NEXT BRIGHT YOUNG THING AND WILL BE HOSTING A SHOWROOM SHOWDOWN AT MY FATHERS HEART.

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Entries have already started coming in from young hopefuls across the city and we are putting out panel of judges together now.

We’ll be contacting restaurants across the region in the next few weeks, reminding head chefs and restaurateurs to get involved.

If you do, now’s the time to shout about it, because our sister magazine Westside and My Fathers Heart are staging a fantastic competition to find the Young Chef of the Year 2018.

Once again our judging panel will be headed by a legend of the Sheffield restaurant world, Mick Burke. Mick taught thousands of college students the fine art of cooking in his role as senior chef lecturer at Sheffield College.

But don’t wait to be invited. If you employ a bright young chef with the talent and drive to reach the top, let us know.

alling all head chefs and restaurateurs... do you have a bright spark working in your kitchen who is shaping up to be an outstanding chef of the future?

The competition is open to all restaurants in the Sheffield and North Derbyshire region and all entries must be under the age of 25 on 1 June 2018.

Four finalists will be invited to join us for a MasterChef-style cooking competition in the state-of-the-art kitchens at My Fathers Heart on Saturday 12 May. That’s their opportunity to create their signature main course, which will be judged by a panel of culinary experts.

My Fathers Heart, designers and makers of the region’s finest bespoke, handmade kitchens, bedrooms and furniture, regularly host glamorous events in its award-winning showroom. It proved to be the perfect venue to stage our inaugural Young Chef of the Year event in 2017.

The cream of the region’s young culinary talent came together and really wowed the judges with some first rate, inventive virtuoso cooking.

He retired last year after 37 years during which he passed on his skills to generations of young chefs who went on to have great careers in the kitchens of some of the finest restaurants in the land.

The Westside/My Fathers Heart Young Chef of the Year competition is a great opportunity to shine a light on the next generation of kitchen superstars.

We’re looking forward to seeing what the best young talent out there has to offer, and giving all four finalists, a boost by placing them in the spotlight.

The results will be announced at the Westside Restaurant Awards on Monday 5 June 2018, an event which is fast becoming the Oscars of the local restaurant scene.

So now it’s down to the head chefs and restaurateurs across the region to nominate their young kitchen stars for this prestigious event.

Incidentally, last year’s shortlist of talented young kitchen stars was all-male.

We know there are some fantastic female chefs out there so please help us to put them in the spotlight in 2018.

YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR 2018 Westside and My Fathers Heart are joining forces to search for the region’s finest culinary talent.

If you’re a head chef or restaurateur now’s the chance to tell the world about the bright young stars cooking fabulous food in your kitchens.

All entries must be under 25 years of age on 1 June 2018 To nominate your Young Chef please contact Westside managing editor Chris Wilson on chris.wilson@rmcmedia.co.uk

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LEADING LADIES

WOMEN ARE MAKING WAVES IN THE WORLD OF BUSINESS. HANNAH SANDERS SPEAKS TO SOME LOCAL SUCCESS STORIES.

n 8 March millions of people across the world will take part in International Women’s Day (IWD) – a day to celebrate women’s achievements and campaign for gender equality.

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With the 2017’s World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap findings telling us that the gender parity is over 20 years’ away, this year’s theme is #PressforProgress.

In the Sheffield City Region a number of events are taking place to support IWD.

LISA POGSON DIRECTOR AIRMASTER Give us a brief description of your business and your role in it.

Airmaster are a full mechanical service, and heating and cooling specialists, ventilation, plumbing and energy efficiency too. I’m joint MD with Mark Staniland, who deals with a large amount of our contracts division customers and operations while I oversee finance, HR and operations too. I also have a number of other roles, such as President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce;Trustee at Grimm & Co., Children’s literacy charity in Rotherham (and Apothecary for the Magical) and director at Convert Your Van in Dinnington.

Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

Julie Kenny is a local entrepreneur, who has given me an ear on a few occasions and some sound advice. Jackie Freeborn and Jill White, both local women in business, have been so generous with their time too, along with one of my old College lecturers at RCAT. Is there an increasing role for women in your line of work?

Women who reach board level are often finance directors, which is great. It’s great to see more women in MD roles, but in

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Back for its third event is ‘SheFest Sheffield’s International Women’s Day fringe festival’. The event, on from 5-11 March, will include a week of activities from talks focusing on becoming a fearless leader through to a fighting talk: art exhibition through to writing and women in comedy workshops.

Davison and chair of Women in Business Jackie Freeborn, and speakers will include Simon Biltcliffe CEO of Webmart, Lisa Pogson managing director of Airmaster and President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, along with Julie Dalton, managing director of Gullivers.

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating WID with an event on 8 March at Holiday Inn Barnsley.

Over the next few pages we will meet the inspiring women from the Sheffield City Region who are making the case for gender equality by making a mark on the business world.

The event will be hosted by journalist Jo

my view boards should be as diverse as possible – be it gender, skills, knowledge, ethnicity – you need a balance, wherever possible. The fact that 25 per cent of our board and 50 per cent of our senior team are women is great. However I would say that I have been mentored and encouraged by senior men, particularly when I was younger, and my dad’s work ethic has definitely driven me.

What advice would you give to women thinking of a similar career?

Listen well, work smart, but be much better than me at delegating. Share knowledge and employ people that can do any of the jobs better than you.

NIKKI JONES DIRECTOR OF THE AMRC TRAINING CENTRE Why did you want to work for AMRC? My passion has always been further education and I very quickly realised the importance of apprenticeships as a route to bringing industry and education together. I wanted to work for the University of Sheffield and AMRC as I believe that this is where a seamless journey is offered, regardless of gender or background, for people to come from the ages of 16-18 and gain qualifications, whilst being trained by some of the most skilled professionals in the country.

Is there an increasing role for women in your line of work?

We’ve struggled getting young women into the manufacturing sector and for me the real challenge is not just delivering roles, but showing them that there’s no ceiling. Everyone has the same opportunities and we need to give young women the confidence to apply.

We need to not only champion strong female role models – our female apprentices act as ambassadors – but do more work with young people in schools, especially primary schools, and with teachers and careers officers.

Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

I’ve had a number of female line managers and when I first came into further education I had a role model who taught me that showing your vulnerabilities was ok, and that in doing that, you gain not only empathy but respect from your employees.

What advice would you give to women thinking of a similar career?

When I talk to our students, their perception is that gender is unimportant and if you ask any of our apprentices, they will tell you it’s about talent. Engineering isn’t always hands on, there are lots of diverse roles in design, quality and inspection, maintenance, machining and welding; but that doesn’t mean young women can’t take on the hands on roles if they want to – the sky really is the limit.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

SAMANTHA DIXON DIRECTOR, WESTON PARK CANCER CHARITY Give us a brief description of your business and your role in it.

I’ve been in the voluntary sector for over 20 years now in a variety of fundraising, operational and leadership roles. For the last three years I’ve had the pleasure of leading Weston Park Cancer Charity as its director.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I looked after Prince Charles for a morning on his first and only trip to Barnsley where he was spending some time with young people who wanted to set up their own business. However, I’ve gained more satisfaction from securing a £5million personal donation from a major donor when I worked for a previous charity. This was a highlight, less in terms of personal success more in terms of the transformational change this created for so many young, vulnerable people.

Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

My old English teacher, Mrs Daniels, who joined our school as I was starting my A level English course and she was a welcome breath of fresh air: intellectually bright and questioning; challenging but supportive; passionate about her subject and keen to enthuse others. She was the first person to mention to me that I should consider, not only university, but one of the leading universities.

What advice would you give to women thinking of a similar career?

Have some self-belief! Too often I see really talented young females who don’t believe their potential. As Shami Chakrabarti (previously Director of Liberty) said ‘be confident, be bold, don’t undersell yourself and help each other’. I would also say be true to your values. If something doesn’t feel ethically or morally right to you, don’t do it. In our sector personal investment is a key to success so if you aren’t supporting a cause for which you are passionate, you will struggle to reach your true potential.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Still working, still in an organisation for which I’m passionate, still helping to make the world a better place. That’s not meant to sound sanctimonious – I’m just an eternal optimistist who feels there is too much apathy and cynicism in the world.

HAYLEY KOSEOGLU MANAGING DIRECTOR CRYSTAL CLEAN Give us a brief description of your business and your role in it.

Crystal Clean Service is a commercial cleaning and hygiene company. We provide daily cleaning for a variety of office based businesses, industrial and engineering companies. As well as daily cleaning we provide commercial carpet cleaning, computer and telephone sanitisation and washroom products and services. My role is strategic and new business development.

Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

When I first set the business up I was definitely inspired by Hilary Devey. She was on a programme on

TRACY VINER MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, THE CATHEDRAL ARCHER PROJECT Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

My mother, she taught me to treat everyone as you would wish to be treated, with kindness, respect and thoughtfulness. She was full of life and made the most of every opportunity both at home and at work. Unfortunately, she died too young to be my mentor.

Is there an increasing role for women in your line of work?

I think my line of work is fairly gender equal already and being a man or woman does not give you any advantage. Being passionate, honest and believing you can make a difference does.

Would you have any advice for women entering the workplace today?

My advice would be to always be true to yourself and your values, give 100 per cent and enjoy it.

Channel 5 for helping start-up businesses and she was the first female entrepreneur I’d seen.

What advice would you give to women thinking of a similar career?

In terms of being a business owner, regardless of industry, I would say go for it but make a plan and stay on focus. There will be curves and turns in the road to your success but stick to the map, without it you are just driving blind with no destination.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Honestly, I’m really happy with where I am at the moment and I wouldn’t want to change that. We have plans to continue growth in the business and want to see it through.

I really enjoy helping other businesses in a mentoring capacity, so I would definitely like to do more along those lines in the coming years.

CLAIRE BELL DIRECTOR CJ SIGNS LIMITED Describe your business and role within it.

We specialise in vehicle graphics and vehicle wrapping, and I spend most of my time focusing on accounts and marketing.

Are there any women who have inspired you?

Not that I can think of, but I was always told by my parents ‘if you want something, you have to work hard to get it.’

Is there an increasing role for women in your line of work?

Although our fitters are mainly men, there are opportunities on the design side of the business.

Any advice for women entering the workplace today?

I’ve always said that ‘it’s always nice to prove someone wrong.’

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PROFESSOR INGUNN HOLDEN DEPARTMENT OF ONCOLOGY AND METABOLISM, UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD For women unsure whether they want to go back into their careers after maternity leave, what would you say?

Have a mentor that has done the kind of work you want to do. Find someone determined who you can trust and has been through a similar route and then work closely with them. It’s important to have someone to talk to, not just someone to say yes you can do it, but for them to remind you it is ok not to do everything all at once and to pick you battles.

Tell me a bit about your mentor.

My mentor was in the same department as me, and she knows me very well. She knows the paths I am going to take as we have a nurturing, very supportive relationship. However, she also knows when to give me a gentle nudge in the right direction, prevents me from making rash decisions and is someone always there for me to talk too.

What would you say to younger women who perhaps want to study science?

Take the risks. Science is probably the most exciting career you could ever imagine, so you stick with it and work hard as there are great rewards. It’s is a job where no two days are the same, as science is never standing still, which is so exciting to be part of it.

You need to be creative, passionate and determined but also able to tackle failure and take those risks, as sometimes our ideas don’t work out the way we would want.

Where do you hope you and your research will be in ten years?

I don’t know, I hope that the research we do will be bigger and stronger and have developed. We want to go forward in every way we can with cancer research, and I hope in the future we have better facilities to accommodate the research we do and help us grow.

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JANE JONES GROUP DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NOCN What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I have a privileged position as I get to have a window into other people’s worlds. One highlight of mine was to be a part of the NATS development, I also have the privilege of seeing NOCN grow as an End Point Assessment Organisation and the expansion of NOCN by the growth in staff members.

Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

There have been many leaders in NOCN over the years that have inspired me, all of which were women. Barbara Castle was an inspiration to me from an early age as she was someone who had an interest in fairness and equality.

Barbara was one of the most prominent female politicians in the history of the Labour Party and is warmly remembered for introducing the equal pay act in 1970.

What advice would you give to women thinking of a similar career?

My advice is to be very clear about what your values and business ethics are and don’t forget to stick to them.

LEONIE BOWNS SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT & TRAINING, NOCN What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I started my own apprenticeship at the age of 16 at TUI travel. My highlights include being awarded the ‘TUI-UK’s Apprentice of the Year’ and winning the Personal Achievement Award with the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Having completed an apprenticeship, I always wanted to work in the Education sector and support others to complete their apprenticeship and gain the skills and knowledge required for their role. I trained as an apprenticeship assessor and progressed to a regional manager for an established training provider, supporting a team of apprenticeship assessors throughout the north of England.

Gaining the invaluable skills and

experience of working in the education sector gave me the opportunity to apply for the position at NOCN and to date this has been the highlight of my career.

Are there any women who have inspired you or acted as a mentor?

My manager, when I first started my apprenticeship at TUI UK. From starting my apprenticeship at 16, my manager provided me with the opportunities to progress and always pushed me to achieve my goals. The second is one of the first people I met as an apprenticeship assessor over ten years ago and we still remain close friends.

They supported my development as an assessor and provided the skills and knowledge that I needed.

LIZ HARWOOD CO-OWNER OF TWO FOR JOY INTRODUCTIONS What sets your business apart from other introduction agencies?

I think we offer that bit more support so we take some of the panic out of it for people. (Liz runs the business with her mum Sue Walters). We set up to be an alternative to online dating, just because I think that is the main way to meet people now.

Although there are a lot of successful stories of people who met online, and it works for a lot of people, it shouldn’t be the only option.

Why do you take such care matching clients with suitable partners?

Some of them have been married for 30 years, divorced for ten and they’ve not been on a first date for 40 years so it’s a big thing for them.

When did you set up the business and what was your inspiration?

We started in August 2015. We had a lot of friends who were putting themselves at risk online, including a partially sighted friend who’d only been talking to someone online for two or three days and she’d arranged for him to come and pick her up from her house and take her out, so he knows where she lives and he could have taken her anywhere. She thought there was no alternative, and we thought there should be one, so that’s why we set this up.

PROMOTION

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OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS, AIRMASTER HAS BUILT ITS REPUTATION ON HONESTY, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND VALUE FOR MONEY

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ADDED VALUE

n air-conditioning company which started out as a one-man-band and has grown into one of the wellrespected names in its field is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Airmaster, which provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning services to large corporate organisations through to small and medium-sized businesses, was launched in 1992 by Richard Pogson, an experienced air-conditioning engineer working from home.

The reliable service he offered, based upon honesty, quality and value for money, has proved to be the key ingredients as the company has grown into a well-established and reputable organisation offering a first-class service at a competitive rate. Tony England joined in 2000 to share the business and it continued to go from strength to strength.

Today the firm employs a 40-strong team of qualified designers, project engineers and onsite operatives. A typical Airmaster contract ranges from £300k to over £2m and the company has carried out work for big national names like Morgan Sindall Group and Kier, as well as a number of similar organisations.

The Airmaster ethos is to ‘add value at every opportunity,’ from corporate

organisations to the SMEs like retailers, doctors and dentists, whoever the firm looks after, the same principle applies.

The company is able to offer the whole package from designing and installing a system from scratch as well as offering a full maintenance service.

Over a year ago, Richard and Tony stepped away from the day-to-day running of the company to pursue other interests and resources director Lisa Pogson became joint managing director with former operations director Mark Staniland.

One of the Airmaster’s core aims is to create the perfect workplace experience for businesses; an atmosphere that makes employees feel good about coming to work.

“We aim to bring comfort to your environment in the most energy-efficient and cost-effective way,” said Lisa.

“We know our industry inside out and any challenge you are likely to have we are sure to have the answer.”

Airmaster is approved installers of some of the best equipment on the market including Dakin, Toshiba and Mistubishi.

Cutting-edge software like Hevacomp and AutoCAD for 3D modelling and design is used as standard. The firm is also able to offer a seven-year warranty on

most installations –bringing peace of mind for its customers.

The company source and use only highquality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies and the team is also able to advise on any funding which might be available to support projects.

To prove their commitment to quality and assurance Airmaster have achieved Refcom Elite, ISO: 9001 and ISO: 14001.

“We’ve come a long way since my brother-in-law started Airmaster on his kitchen table. We are really proud of the customer base we have built. For us the key to success has been hard work, a focus on customer service, honesty and value for money,” added Lisa.

To find out how Airmaster can help your company get in touch.

CONTACT: Airmaster Air Conditioning Wetherby House, Park Hill, Swallownest, S26 4UN Tel: 0114 288 9911 Email: team@airmaster.uk.com www.airmaster.uk.com

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CLEAR FAVOURITE PRIDING THEMSELVES ON LOOKING AFTER CLIENTS AND STAFF ALIKE FOR TEN YEARS, COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICE PROVIDER CRYSTAL CLEAN HAS DEVELOPED AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION.

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elebrating its tenth anniversary, Crystal Clean was launched in 2008 by Managing Director Hayley Koseoglu. Over time it’s developed an excellent reputation in its field, working for clients in office-based businesses, car dealerships, industrial, engineering and manufacturing companies.

Hayley set up the business at just 18 as a self-employed entrepreneur. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, winning a hatful of awards along the way. Now her role involves day-today management, strategic affairs and focusing on new business development especially across South Yorkshire.

“University wasn’t for me, so I carried on working full-time in a supermarket.

Shortly after, I decided I didn’t want to work for a company that didn’t value me and what I wanted to do,” said Hayley.

“A family member said that I should do something with cleaning as I enjoyed it and found it therapeutic. So I started doing this part-time, and within four months I had enough clients to take on some staff, changed the business to a limited company and we have now been in business for 10 years.”

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

Living up to that belief has seen Crystal Clean recruit over 72 members of staff with one of the best retention rates in the industry.

“Training is important, which is why we base the majority of our work on the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS). However, the BICS isn’t suitable for everyone and because we have such a diverse staff, I have created a training programme that includes observation, education and technical elements, to ensure all of our team are compliant regardless of their position within the business.

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

“Usually staff finish the training process within three months, and the final thing we do is ‘train the trainer’. If the recruit can show their trainer how to carry out the job, then it shows a level of understanding. The team go through this process every six to twelve months.”

As well as daily contract cleaning, Crystal Clean can provide clients with computer telephone sanitisation, washroom hygiene solutions and tea towel laundering. They also offer additional services including commercial carpet cleaning and window cleaning.

Understanding its customers’ needs is a main priority for Crystal Clean reflected in the tailor-made corporate cleaning service it offers to suit specific customer requirements.

“It’s been a real interesting ten years, but I’ve seen the most change in the last three with the national living wage becoming compulsory, pension scheme and changes to family tax credits. We are at a point now where the economy and industry is changing, so obviously we will adapt the business accordingly” “Personally, I enjoy a constant challenge and like to be involved with several activities, so now is the perfect time for me to give back to the Sheffield City Region by getting involved with projects such as the Young Enterprise programme and coaching Hallampreneurs.”

TESTIMONIALS “Crystal clean have been servicing our offices for the last year and I have to say that they provide exceptional service and value with their services. Their staff are polite and helpful and the team are flexible to our needs, they have a great attention to detail and are always happy to help. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

– OFFICE CLEANING,Technology Company, Rotherham

“We have worked with Crystal Clean for a number of years now and we are very happy with the services that they provide. They have been extremely flexible and even helped in supporting us with our other sites when needed.” – INDUSTRIAL CLEANING, Manufacturers,Worksop

Aside from this Hayley works with a number of business owners and start-ups providing them with valuable insight on the challenges they may face and how to overcome these.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating ten years of success with my staff, family and of course our loyal customers - here’s to the next ten.”

Get in touch with Hayley to find out more about the services offered by Crystal Clean and how they can help your business.

CONTACT: Crystal Clean Service Ltd Unit 1 Neepsend Triangle Burton Road, Sheffield, S3 8BW Tel: 0114 4010 550 Email: info@ crystalcleanservice.co.uk

DOMESTIC SERVICES

IS IT TIME TO GIVE YOUR OFFICE A SPRING CLEAN? HAYLEY KOSEOGLU LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANER WORKSPACES.

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ome people have the perception that because they can smell the products that all areas in their office have been covered but just because a room smells clean, it doesn’t mean that all areas have been actually been cleaned.

“At Crystal Clean we are trying to encourage and educate people in terms of making sure their desks are clear in order for cleaners to get to them, as many companies operate a no clear desk policy, where it will not get cleaned if it isn’t clear. This is done to protect both the cleaners and clients,” said Hayley.

Recently the ISSA has released the initiative, The Value of Clean, which highlights that it’s important not to go for the cheapest provider, but one with a stellar reputation and relevant health and safety regulations.

The benefits of employing a high standard cleaning company means that absence will be reduced and it improves moral in the workplace.

“There’s a whole science behind cleaning such as the colour coding, COSH, equipment and the chemicals being used which is why it’s important to hire a company with the right accreditations,

knowledge and skills to carry out the job correctly.

“As we are coming into spring, it’s key for businesses to give the office a new lease of life.

“When the temperatures are low, there is a lower level of bacteria but as it becomes warmer the bacteria is encouraged to grow. This is why businesses should look at having their carpets cleaned, computers and telephones sanitised along with windows.

“After reading an article about the number of germs harboured on a keyboard, and identifying an increase in absence levels, one company owner recognised the problem in her own workplace and felt a deep clean was long overdue. She contacted us for help and she also asked for advice on sanitising the equipment and the desks.

“Crystal Clean have done a full deep clean throughout the building and implemented a weekly rota of what days the desks in each area are cleaned and the staff have all been made aware.

Needless to say, things are running much more smoothly since we’ve been on board,” adds Hayley.

“We try to encourage our clients to do a deep clean on a consistent basis, usually quarterly or every six months.”

Once sanitisation cleans are implemented, businesses will see a shift in the general tidiness of staff ’s desks.

Encourage the team to stay on top of the bacteria by implementing a weekly cleaning rota.

If you would like to find out how Crystal Clean can help you stay on top of the cleanliness of your office, get in touch on 0114 4010550.

TOP SPRING CLEANING TIPS • Open your windows for at least 15-20 minutes per day • Make sure focal points such as carpets and windows are deep cleaned • Consider reupholstering or replacing damaged furniture • Thoroughly clean desk items including desk, phone, mouse and computer screen

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 27

Open Da Days ys Mount Mount St Mar Mary’s y ’s College College Wednesday W ednesday 7 March March 2018

Barlborough Barlborough Hall School Thursday Thursday 15 March March 2018

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Daily school busses ĨƌŽŵ ^ŚĞĸĞůĚ͕ ĨƌŽŵ ^ŚĞĸĞůĚ͕ tŽƌŬƐŽƉ͕ ŚĞƐƚĞƌĮĞůĚ͕ tŽƌŬƐŽƉ͕ ŚĞƐƚĞƌĮĞůĚ͕ ĂŬĞǁĞůů͕ ŽŶĐĂƐƚĞƌ ĂŬĞǁĞůů͕ ŽŶĐĂƐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ďĞLJŽŶĚ͘ ĂŶĚ ďĞLJŽŶĚ͘

Mount St Mar y’s College College and its pr eparatory school Barlborough Barlborough Hall Mount Mary’s preparatory ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ŐŝƌůƐ ĂŶĚ ďŽLJƐ ĂŐĞĚ ϯ ƚŽ ϭϴ͘ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ŐŝƌůƐ ĂŶĚ ďŽLJƐ ĂŐĞĚ ϯ ƚŽ ϭϴ͘

msmcollege.com msmcollege.com

Nursery Nur sery | Prep Prep | Senior | Sixth Sixth Form Form

PROMOTION

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Members of staff from Burley Group bake a difference

Pricecheck staff join Team Weston Park

HELP US BEAT CANCER WESTON PARK CANCER CHARITY APPEALS TO BUSINESS LEADERS TO INVEST IN GROUND-BREAKING RESEARCH.

cross South Yorkshire and the adjoining areas of North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire an estimated 68,400 people are living with cancer. Weston Park Cancer Charity raises vital funds to give people in our region access to the very best cancer care services.

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Improving cancer treatment is particularly important to people in Sheffield and the surrounding area as premature death rates from cancer are 10 per cent higher than average in England.

The incidence of breast, bowel and lung cancer are all above average, and breast and lung cancer patients have a lower chance of survival at five-years. The charity are therefore particularly proud that some significant advances in cancer treatment and care have been made in the city.

In 2013, Weston Park Cancer Charity was proud to found the creation of a dedicated cancer research unit at the hospital. Supported by the cancer charity, more than 200 trials are taking place, giving patients access to ground-breaking treatments unavailable on the NHS.

access to Weston Park Cancer Charity which allows us to do research in multiple ways,” said Professor of Medical Oncology Sarah Danson.

research, clinical and nursing talent to ensure the hospital remains a cutting edge cancer research and treatment centre.

“This includes helping us build a wonderful, purpose-built unit to deliver clinical trials safely; buying essential equipment; supporting laboratory research; funding clinical trial work and giving jobs to the next generation of researchers.”

"As the region's specialist cancer hospital, Weston Park serves a good proportion of our client base across North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire and we have had lots of friends and family who have been wonderfully looked after by the team at Weston Park.”

By 2020 it has been predicted that one in two of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives, which is why the charity are calling for action. They’re inviting business leaders to invest in WP2020 for Business and fund groundbreaking research to help advance the wider fight against cancer, ultimately making it possible for more families to stay together for longer.

With the support of business leaders, Weston Park Cancer Charity can invest in attracting, growing and retaining local

“The war on cancer never ends and the need for money to support the research never ends. There are some truly amazing people working at Weston Park undertaking ground breaking and inspirational work. I would encourage anyone to come and take a look at the amazing work that takes place and you will be inspired to help support an incredible facility,,” commented Tony Buckingham, managing director at Buckingham Insurance and current WP2020 for Business member.

For more information on WP2020 for Business, or how you can support Weston Park Cancer Charity, visit www.westonpark.org.uk.

For some patients, participating in a trial is their last and only hope of survival.

In 2000, just four per cent of Weston Park patients participated in a trial, but by 2016, thanks to the generous support of donors, this had increased to 20 per cent.

“Sheffield researchers are lucky to have

Radio 4's Alfie Moore with Sir Vince Cable at a WP2020 for Business event

CONTACT: Weston Park Cancer Charity Whitham Road, Sheffield S10 2SJ Tel: 0114 226 5370 www.westonpark.org.uk

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 29

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THE RISING TOLL OF DRINK NEW FILM HIGHLIGHTS LIFE TRANSITIONS THAT CAN TRIGGER HARMFUL DRINKING

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he number of people in the UK aged 50-plus experiencing alcohol-related harm is increasing.

A short film launched by Drink Wise, Age Well – a programme aimed at helping the over 50s make healthier choices about alcohol – looks at some of the key reasons older people drink, in a bid to generate better understanding of the tough later life realities that could lead any one of us to drink more than we should.

A major study for Drink Wise, Age Well when it was first established revealed that of those aged 50 plus who said they were drinking more now than in the past, retirement (40 per cent); bereavement (26 per cent) and loss of sense of purpose (20 pe cent) were the main reasons given.

The film is centred on four characters going through key life transitions that have triggered harmful drinking. Middle-aged couple Derek and Jackie are coming to 30 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

terms with life after their children have left home, while Kevin has recently retired from running his own small business and grandmother, Liz, is having the pain of losing her husband compounded by family conflict arising from her main coping mechanism – frequent drinking.

documented, but the reasons behind it less so. Approximately one in three older adults with an alcohol problem first develop it later in life, often for changes we will all go through. Retirement and bereavement can leave older adults feeling isolated and drinking at home to cope.

The Drink Wise, Age Well study, which surveyed the opinions of 16,700 people aged 50 plus also revealed:

“We hope this film will highlight to friends, families, peers and partners of older adults who drink problematically that there are sometimes understandable reasons why they do so. It might even make people stop and think that older relatives could be drinking, but keeping it hidden to avoid the shame.”

• In the UK, one in five people aged 50plus who drink do so at a level that increases their risk of harm; • Eighty per cent of respondents at increased risk from their drinking had never been asked about their alcohol use by family, friends, or a health professional.

Julie Breslin, Head of the Drink Wise, Age Well programme said, “Increasing alcohol consumption in our ageing population has been well

Drink Wise, Age well offers free training to organisations and businesses in Sheffield to help them recognise and respond to people aged 50 plus at risk of harmful drinking.To find out more, or if you live in Sheffield and would like to speak to someone about your own or someone else’s drinking, call 0800 032 3723

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MARCH 2018

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ITALIAN FLAIR

THE STUNNING SURROUNDINGS AT ROSSI’S MIGHT CAPTURE THE IMAGINATION BUT IT’S THE FOOD THAT TAKES CENTRE STAGE, WRITES HANNAH SANDERS.

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and olive oil dip (£4.90) and olives (£3.90) along with a glass of house red wine (175ml £3.95) and a Pepsi (£2.45).

I didn’t expect to be transported back to the cobbled streets of Rome, on a rainy Saturday evening in Sheffield, but as the doorman ushered us into Rossi’s, the traditional greeting and stunning Italian décor whisked us back to the Vatican City, minus the hustle and bustle of thousands of tourists.

After recommendations from Vito, we both chose from the specials menu. My partner opted for the salsiccia (£7.95), which consisted of rich Italian sausages partnered with a sweet red wine tomato sauce, while I went for the fritelle di pesce orientale (£7.95). The three cod and salmon fishcakes were delightfully crisp and the sweet chilli dip provided some subtle heat.

he last time I marvelled at Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement was in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel amid a bustling crowd of people.

With its marble pillars, cascading ivy, mosaic floor and a ceiling adorned with frescoes it’s no wonder Rossi’s has stood the test of time.

We were instantly greeted by owner, Vito Restaino, and shown to our table which gave us a perfect panoramic view of the restaurant.

With so many tantalising dishes on the a la carte and specials menu it was difficult to decide, so to tide us over we nibbled on freshly baked bread with a balsamic 32 First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk

For mains, I chose the spigola e Gamberoni (£18.95). The chefs didn’t miss a mark when it came to the seabass fillet, which was cooked to perfection with a light and delicate skin served on a bed of asparagus spears and a sweet white wine and lemon sauce finished with king prawns, fennel seeds and topped with thin strips of sweet potato.

My partner went for the tender lamb shank (£18.95), served on a bed of

parmesan mash, cherry tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms along with a side of roasted vegetables.The slow-cooked meat, with its rich and tender flavour, was covered in a thick tomato concassee sauce with hints of red wine and rosemary.

For dessert, my partner satisfied his sweet tooth with profiteroles (£4.95), which were tightly packed with Chantilly cream, covered in a heavenly chocolate cream and drizzled with a moreish chocolate sauce. I opted for something lighter – the lemon flute (£4.95) which was made up of generous helpings of lemon sorbet and a sharp kick of limoncello liquor which was a delightfully refreshing end to the meal.

CONTACT: Rossi’s Restaurant 3 Sharrow Lane Sheffield, S11 8AE Tel: 0114 258 8164 www.rossisrestaurant.vpweb.co.uk

NOW BASED IN SHEFFIELD

FULLY LICENSED ITALIAN RESTAURANT Open 7 days a week 6pm til 11. 30pm

Will open lunchtimes with prior bookings.

Supervised car park

Certificate of Excellence Winner 2015

3 Sharrow Lane, Sheffield, S11 8AE

Best UK Family Italian Restaurant Runner Up

0114 2588164

www.rossisrestaurant.vpweb.co.uk

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The Tour de Yorkshire drew huge crowds to the region Image courtesy Alex Whitehead / SWPix

UPHILL BATTLE

SHEFFIELD’S ‘MAGNIFICENT SEVEN’ HAS QUICKLY ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND TOUGHEST CYCLING EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY. COULD YOU SURVIVE THE CLIMB?

ycling fever has gripped the country ever since the unforgettable 2014 Grand Depart, when the Tour de France hopped over the English Channel to Yorkshire for its opening stages.

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The response from locals was overwhelming, leading many longstanding Tour enthusiasts to observe they had never seen so many enthusiastic spectators lining the route to cheer on the riders.

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The lasting legacy of this once-in-alifetime sporting success is The Tour De Yorkshire, which was launched the following year and has established itself as one of the biggest and most popular events in the sporting calendar. And, the cycle craze that gripped our nation hasn’t stopped there, as The Magnificent Seven cycle race will have a new base when it returns to Sheffield for the third time on 11 March.

The event will start and finish in the

picturesque Peak District village, Bradfield, to allow more entries and more space for parking.

The race is one of four headline events of The Outdoor City Weekender, taking place at locations across Sheffield from 9 to 11 March.

A cross between a sportive and a hill climb, the race will see 130 cyclists battle up seven of Sheffield’s toughest ascents.

The 2018 route, which is slightly more than 26 miles long, presents each rider

EVENT

with over 4,200ft of climbing and inclines ranging from nine to 23 per cent.

highlight of this year’s route – the Cote de Bradfield.”

The race begins at 8.30am and takes in Mill Lee Road and Hoar Stones Road, Hagg Hill, Blake Street, Fern Road and Thrush Street, Birch House Avenue and Birks Wood Drive, Back Lane, and the infamous Cote de Bradfield, which was the final climb that challenged the worldclass Tour de France riders at the Yorkshire Grand Depart in 2014.

Cyclists will ride with motorbike escorts and lead cars between each of the seven hills, and then gather at the bottom of each of the hills before racing for points to the summit.

Event organiser Marc Etches said: “We’re really pleased to be part of The Outdoor City Weekender and are looking forward to showcasing our great city once more with the Magnificent Seven.

“The event is unique in the UK and gives the competitors the opportunity to race up traffic-free closed roads, for which we thank Sheffield City Council. Professional riders are usually the only ones who get to ride on closed roads so this is a great selling point for the event, as evidenced by the veteran’s category selling out on the first day, which was amazing.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the support from local residents, especially the crowds on Hagg Hill, Blake Street and the Thrush Street cobbles.

“The route really showcases Sheffield as The Outdoor City and the riders will be treated to some spectacular views at the top of every climb, especially the

The first 15 to the top then receive points which count towards the grand prize of being crowned King or Queen of the mountains, for which they’ll receive a trophy.

Both men and women over 16 are encouraged to ride with equal prize money for both categories and there’s also a prize for the over 40s, as the fastest veterans are awarded separate points and prizes.

The ride is aimed at amateur club riders and, as well as capturing the imagination of local clubs, attracts cyclists from across the country to take up the seven hill challenge.

Last year’s men’s champion Andy Nichols will be defending his title against tough competition from Cycling Sheffield’s Joe Clark who finished fourth in the National Hill Climb Championships, Calum Brown and Rick Bailey from B38 Underpin Racing and notable climber Andy Cunningham from All Terrain Cycles.

Stand-out female favourite is Rebecca Goodson, who missed out on first place

last year by just one point, as well as 2017 entrants Molly Horsley Frost and Abbie Taylor.

The veteran category sees some new riders stepping up, including James Allen from Sheffrec Cycling Club and Simon Warren as well as newcomers Simon Froberg and Olly Humphreys.

All entrants will receive refreshments before and afterwards, and each rider will also receive a free cycling cap for their efforts. Cow bells will again be handed out to spectators along the route to help cheer the riders along the tough climbs.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “We encourage everybody to come out and cheer on the cyclists as they tackle our famous Sheffield hills.

“We know from the thousands of local people who have lined the streets in recent years to watch the Tour de France Grand Depart, the Tour de Yorkshire and previous Magnificent Sevens that Sheffield people have great enthusiasm for cycling races. We’re sure this year will be no different.”

For more information on The Outdoor City Weekender, visit the website at www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk/outdoor-cityweekender.

“THE ROUTE REALLY SHOWCASES SHEFFIELD AS THE OUTDOOR CITY AND THE RIDERS WILL BE TREATED TO SOME SPECTACULAR VIEWS AT THE TOP OF EVERY CLIMB, ESPECIALLY THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS YEAR’S ROUTE – THE COTE DE BRADFIELD.”

Image courtesy Shaun Flannery / SWPix

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 35

Office Spaces now available!

The SYAC Business Centre offers a variety of different sized quality office space, to fit with the demands of progressive businesses in Sheffield.

Our excellent location situated on the Wicker, near the City Centre ideally accesses the A61 Parkway making it easy to reach by car, rail and bus.

Whether you are a start-up or existing business we offer real affordable rental rates. Conferencing and meeting rooms are also available and at a discounted rate for all our tenants.

ADVANTAGES INCLUDE: • Excellent amenities for meetings and seminars • Rental inclusive of free parking • Rental fee includes utilities • Fully staffed Reception • Fully CCTV secured (24 Hours)

HURRY, ONLY A FEW LEFT!

120 Wicker, Sheffield S3 8JD - Tel: 0114 223 2100 - Fax: 0114 278 1772 E-mail: enquiries@syacltd.org.uk - www.syac-businesscentre.co.uk

RAJDHANI A JOURNEY TO INDIAN CUISINE

DORE & TOTLEY STATION Offering you the very best of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in our brand new restaurant – a tranquil and exhilarating atmosphere with a unique dining experience.

Bookings now being taken for

Business Lunches Rajdhani Restaurant, The Old Station, Abbeydale Road South, Sheffield S17 3LB info@rajdhanirestaurant.co.uk | Tel: 0114 2353 280 / 07810 444686 | www.rajdhanirestaurant.co.uk

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

MOTORING

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ACQUIRED TASTE The Bentley Bentayga needs no introduction – it’s the company’s first ever SUV and it’s as luxurious and pompous as any MiddleEastern oil billionaire could ever hope for.

Along with the 6.0-litre W12 petrol unit, the Bentayga is now available to order with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine developing 542 bhp and 568 lb ft (770 Nm) of torque.

Fuel economy has been stated at 24.8mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 260g/km. Fuel range is predicted at 464 miles on one tank of fuel.

In order to achieve these results the engine will deactivate half of its cylinders in order to save fuel whilst on a cruise.

Price and release date yet to be announced. Expect this to be the most popular variant.

SPECIAL EDITIONS AND LUXURY SUVS ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY FOR JORDAN CUTFORTH.

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD Honda has announced its pricing for the anticipated new diesel Civic manual hatchback. Available now, with the automatic landing in early summer, the entry-level S model with manual transmission will start from £20,120 OTR rising to £24,925 for an EX trim car with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Trim levels will mirror those of the existing 1.0 VTEC Turbo petrol model with S, SE, SR and EX trims available. The EX trim is also available with an optional Tech Pack for £600 which adds LED headlights with washers, LED fog lights, wireless phone charging and heated rear seats.

The Honda Civic is a great alternative to the usual crop of German hatchbacks, and this Civic stands out even more than before.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE Find that there’s not enough product range in the Mercedes AMG powerhouse division to choose from? Well Mercedes should now have you covered with this, the new 53-series model range.

Available only on the CLS, E-Class Coupé and the E-Class Cabriolet, the 53series range perfects fits the bill between the rampant 63-model range and the more tame 43 models.

Every 53 model range comes with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, but this engine is different because it will be a hybridised.The engine itself will produce 435 hp and delivers 520Nm of torque, with the electrical side of things providing an additional 16 kW of output plus 250 Nm of torque momentarily.

It comes with a nine-speed auto gearbox and all-wheel drive (4MATIC).

APPEAL TO YOUR DARK SIDE Like your Amaroks? Want them to be more stylish and luxurious? Then look no further as we have this – the Amarok Dark Label.

Priced from £33,650, the Amarok Dark Label is based on the range-topping Amarok Highline. It comes with premium features as standard, which include 18-inch Rawson alloy wheels, matt black mirror housings, black door handles and a black rear bumper. Standard paint is exclusive Carbon Steel grey metallic, along with side bars and a rear styling bar finished in matt black. Underbody styling and unique Dark Label decals complete the exterior design.

First For Business | www.ffb-online.co.uk 37

INDEPENDENT JAGUAR AND LAND ROVER SPECIALIST

owner Matt Q uail

• Ex main dealer trained technicians • 25 years experience • ATA accredited master technicians • • Fixed priced servicing • Loan car available • Air conditioning service and repair • Our skills and experience enable us to offer repairs, faults diagnostics and service to the full range of Jaguar and Land Rover cars. So if you have a problem – we are the people to talk to.

The Sheffield Prestige team

Unit 1&2 | Bryta Works | Little London Road | Sheffield S8 0UJ Telephone: 0114 2219775 or 07974 392372 Email: INFO @ SHEFFIELDPRESTIGE . CO . UK

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Vehicle Testing Station Approved by the Department of Transport

Buyers & Suppliers Of Sports, Prestige & 4x4 Vehicles For a free no obligation valuation please visit www.steelcitysportsandprestige.co.uk or call 0114 272 4046

Sale Or Return Steel City Sports and Prestige will accept your car as a part exchange.

However, if you are not looking to purchase your new car through us, we can still offer you our bespoke brokerage service to sell your car on your behalf.

Enjoy the convenience and security of our Sale or Return Service and maximise the value of your car.

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Photos by Kathy Colgan

PLAIN SAILING IN PANAMA CARMEL STEWART RECENTLY ACHIEVED A LONG-HELD AMBITION TO TRANSIT THE PANAMA CANAL. HERE ARE SOME EXTRACTS FROM HER BLOG WHILE ON BOARD THE REGENT SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR. A cruise ship negotiating the Gatun Locks on the Panama Canal at Colon

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE The big difference between the independent traveller and the experienced cruiser is that the former hold on tight to their possessions, paperwork and passports, come what may.

Experienced cruisers are altogether gentler, more trusting souls. The boss says hand over your passport at the beginning of the cruise and they do – not just for a few hours or even a few days but for the full duration of the excursion which, for some, could be as much as four months.

For me, it has to do with the potential disasters every serial catastrophiser (such as myself) has at the forefront of their minds – the ‘what if ’ list of imagined problems. These will include an unforeseen event which will require paying a large bill, arrest for mistaken identity, detention for an unintentional misdemeanour (or for failure to pay that aforementioned large bill) and, on this trip, the need to buy an airline ticket to the next port due to one of the possible catastrophes actually becoming a reality. The point is, every solution includes the production of a passport which is not possible when my passport is locked on board inside the captain’s safe and I am locked inside the local jail.

So, when the cruiser and the independent traveller meet, a compromise is called for. Suggestions on a post card, please.

PLAIN SAILING After the initial clash of cultures, we have settled into our first cruise very well. By we I mean my Australian-based sister, Kathy, with whom I have been travelling for the past umpteen years.

When booking, we chose our cabin with care opting for a mid-ship, twin berth, with balcony. Taking the hit for an allinclusive deal has taken much of the hassle out of the whole process. We can eat where and when we like; we can drink where and when we like; and we can take part in lectures, activities and shore excursions on the same bases. So,

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when you are researching your cruise, have a calculator close by. All-inclusive has an expensive initial outlay but, once you have delved into your savings account searched every pocket and piggybank to gather together the required cash, that’s it. By contrast, a pay-as-you-go cruise will have you constantly checking to make sure you haven’t exceeded your allocated budget.

But inevitably, there are things that will cost extra. For example, in my personalised Passages newsletter – thoughtfully delivered to every cabin

every evening – I note that I can have an ‘Age Defying Pedicure’ for ‘Just $115’. The problem is that, while my feet may well acquire a more youthful appearance, the rest of me is ageing with alarming alacrity.

The only real surprise is how rocky the journey has been. I have always been certain that a large vessel will be pretty stable, but the weather is such that everyone is rolling along the corridors – tail-end of the hurricane season will do that.

TRAVEL

www.notdeadyettravel.com ROLLING ALONG Things have calmed down considerably since those first few nights and we have made very rapid progress, almost imperceptibly.

We visited the Cayman Islands, which were very pretty and very English – roundabouts, driving on the left etc. Had hoped to ‘interact’ with turtles and stingrays but cancelled due to the bad weather so visited the botanical park instead.

A few days later we visited Tayrona Park in Colombia where the guide was useless and the trip pointless. He knew nothing about the flora and fauna of the area. In addition, the loos were awful, no water either to flush or wash hands – bit yuk, frankly.

But I enjoyed Cartagena, a little further up the Colombian coast, the following day, mainly because I chose the soft option – the hop-on, hop off tour during which I hopped on at the beginning and hopped off at the end. Kathy did similarly but added a city stroll to her itinerary and took some great pics showing the contrast between the old and the new.

The day after was the day I had been waiting for – the transit of the Panama Canal – and we did so in style.

A DREAM COME TRUE We had been given an excellent talk the day before by the on-board Smithsonian Lecturer, Terry Bishop, so were well primed as to the history and the lay-out of the locks and the lake. We arrived early in the morning and were provided with an intermittent commentary which was not quite up to the Bishop’s standard but certainly added to the occasion.

The captain directed operations from a mobile workstation on a cantilevered balcony so that he had an uninterrupted view of the canal and we had an uninterrupted view of him. We could see what was happening from every angle all day – it was really terrific. And, if anyone felt the need of a lie down during the long day, they still had a ringside seat, as it were, via the bridge dash cam relay to all cabins 24/7 throughout the entire cruise.

For those who like the facts and figures, the Panama Canal is 48 miles long and connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, providing a conduit for

ships and boats of all shapes and sizes.

It comprises three sets of locks at either end of the Gatun Lake. The work was originally begun by the French in 1881 but they did not have the required engineering expertise.

The Americans took over the project in 1904 and the Canal finally opened in the summer of 1914. Its construction cost billions of dollars and thousands of lives.

Small towing trains, known as mules, guided us through the locks. They run on tracks alongside, ensuring we don’t veer off course. Additional guide ropes are used to help the process.

Alongside the original canal, there now runs a wider transit corridor which can accommodate larger commercial shipping.

We were given maps of the canal and, later that evening, received personalised certificates as a memento but we didn’t really need a reminder. It was a brilliant day which really lived up to expectations with not even a minor hiccup let alone a catastrophe.

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First For Business

EATING OUT

MARCH 2018

www.ffb-online.co.uk

THE PERFECT SETTING CHRIS WILSON ENJOYS LUNCH IN THE GRAND SURROUNDINGS OF TAPTON HALL.

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here is no shortage of venues offering Sunday lunch, but few can provide the wow factor offered by one of Sheffield’s grandest buildings, Tapton Hall.

That doesn’t mean stuffy though; the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the food, beautifully cooked and generously portioned – everything that is good about the classic Sunday lunch.

root vegetables, full of flavour with plenty of nice chewy charred corners, while across the table my companion was raving about the smoothest, nicest mashed potato she had ever tasted.

The original Tapton House was built in the 18th century for the Shore family. It was rebuilt in 1855 and over the years became the residence for some notable Sheffield figures including George Wilson (of Wilson’s Snuff fame).

For starters tomato and basil soup was nicely seasoned and not too gloopy, while duck and orange pate, smooth and rich, was just crying out to be smothered on buttered toast.

Desserts kept the warm, familiar glow intact with a wedge of warm chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream and a nicely sharp lemon meringue pie served with red berries and clotted cream.

It has been refurbished over the years and now functions as a fully modernised dining venue, ideal for banquets and special occasions.

The main course is all about the classic roast dinner with a choice of beef, gammon or chicken, although there is a roast vegetable strudel available if you are that way inclined.

Speaking of warm glows, the wine list is very reasonable, with prices from £13.50 a bottle. A couple of glasses of house prosecco (£5) and house red (£5.80 large glass) served us nicely.

Meanwhile those echoes of the past, from the stone exterior that never fails to create a strong first impression when you emerge from the curved drive into the large car park, to the grand staircases and high ceilings of the interior.

It had to be roast topside of beef for me, served in thick slices, slightly pink in the middle, very tender and tasty. My companion chose the chicken breast which was, once again, carved thick and generously portioned.

It all adds up to the perfect setting for a classic traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings and now, on the first Sunday of every month, that is precisely what is on offer.

There were no side-dishes, our plates were piled high with a selection of traditional vegetables, roast and mashed potato, with a giant Yorkshire pudding balanced perilously on top, swimming (not drowning) in proper homemade gravy.

Despite being one of Sheffield’s landmark buildings, as a dining venue Tapton Hall may have been off your radar in recent years. With bar and business lunches served from Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday lunch on the first Sunday of every month, now is the ideal opportunity to get better acquainted.

There’s no exposed brickwork, fake industrial lighting or impractical plonking of food on slates to be seen here, thank goodness. It’s pristine white tablecloths, Sheffield stainless steel cutlery and attentive, old-fashioned service all the way.

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You’re probably guessing that Sunday lunch at Tapton Hall is all about good, honest comfort food with no surprises, but when standards are this high the occasion is anything but routine. I loved the roasted

Sunday lunch is £10.95 for one course, £13.95 for two courses, and £15.95 for three.

CONTACT: Tapton Hall Shore Lane, Sheffield, S10 3BU Tel: 0114 266 0051 www.taptonhall.com

THE HEART OF SHEFFIELD’S DYNAMIC SOCIAL SCENE

www.sheffieldvibe.com #shoutaboutsheff

EVENTS

First For Business

MARCH 2018

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THE FLAT IS BACK! THE FLAT SEASON IS UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS THIS SPRING.

righter nights and warmer days can mean only one thing – the flat season is under starter’s orders at Doncaster Racecourse.

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As the green shoots of spring are popping through the ground, racing enthusiasts from across the country are getting ready to don their racewear for the official opening of the UK flat turf season.

The Lincoln, which showcases world class racing in Doncaster, has a new sponsor for 2018. Online casino 32Red have partnered with Doncaster Racecourse to present the 32Red Lincoln.

eight months of racing and entertainment activities ahead.

And after a day filled with racing and socialising, an evening of entertainment from The Fillers, the world’s greatest Killer’s tribute band, will see visitors singing along to classics including Mr Brightside, Run for Cover and Runaways.

The gates open at 12noon and the racecourse will formally start the flat season at 13.50pm, with seven races throughout the afternoon.

First past the post last year in the Heritage Handicap was Bravery, who made a fairytale start for North Yorkshire handler David O’Meara thanks to an inspired performance from jockey Danny Tudhope.

Abby Chandler, head of marketing from Doncaster Racecourse, said: “The 32Red Lincoln is a really exciting race for us as it gets the season underway in style. We are looking forward to welcoming racegoers back to Doncaster Racecourse for this event and we know that it will be a great day out.

The race, which take place on 24 March, will get the flat season underway with

“The flat season includes the popular William Hill St Leger Festival and this

year’s Ladies Day will be followed by a performance from one of the UK’s bestloved pop stars, radio broadcaster, actor and DJ, Martin Kemp.

“Early bird tickets for Ladies Day go on sale on 5 March until 31 May and with this year’s entertainment announced we suggest that you grab them while you can. We can’t wait to see Martin Kemp perform in Doncaster and we know that our Ladies Day crowd will give him a very warm welcome.”

Further information on the races and entertainment can be found at www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

CONTACT: Doncaster Racecourse Leger Way, Doncaster, DN2 6BB Tel: 01302 304200 www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

Post-race entertainment will be led by The Fillers

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MARCH 2018

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WORK AND PLAY

A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS, CELEBRATIONS AND NEW FACES 8 MARCH

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year. It commemorates the movement for women’s rights and has particular significance this year as 2018 marks the centenary of women’s suffrage in Britain. The following events are taking place locally.

2-5 MARCH

8 MARCH

Fighting Talk: An Art Exhibition 35 Chapel Walk Gallery www.35chapelwalk.com Fighting Talk responds to the centenary of some women gaining the right to vote with a 21st century perspective. By drawing attention to contemporary protest, the exhibition will draw attention to inequalities that still need to be overcome worldwide. In 2018, what are we fighting for?

Press for Progress University of Sheffield www.eventbrite.co.uk To celebrate International Women's Day 2018, the University of Sheffield's Women's Network and Sheffield Hallam are jointly hosting an event on which

5 MARCH Wigs and Women’s stories of cancer on screen The Holt, Arundel Street www.eventbrite.com In this talk, Dr Williams discusses clips from hit shows such as Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives, through to independent short films such as Cancer Hair. How critical are these representations of mainstream "cancer culture"? Do they subvert gender stereotypes of illness, or simply bolster them?

6 MARCH 2-2.30pm Women’s History Walking Tour Winter Gardens £5 Learn about how industrialisation and global conflict impacted upon the role of women in society, challenging traditional gender stereotypes leading the right to vote and equality of employment.

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is open to staff of any gender and places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

8 MARCH Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Holiday Inn Barnsley Tickets from £34 www.brchamber.co.uk Join Women in Business for their annual International Women’s Day gathering, this year at Holiday Inn Barnsley. They have some great speakers lined up, who will be exploring how work and family blend and how we might in the future look to attract and retain talent in a workplace that is reflective of a more diverse workforce.

Women of the Seven Hills Yellow Arch Studios Tickets £10 www.yellowarch.com A celebration of International Women’s Day and the centenary of women’s suffrage. A chance to celebrate the creativity and talent of the women of the seven hills in an iconic Sheffield location.

8 MARCH Statutes and Statues: Marking the centenary of suffrage The Holt, Arundel Street www.eventbrite.com International Women's Day has special significance this year as 2018 marks the centenary of women's (partial) suffrage in Britain. Dr Julie V. Gottlieb will provide an overview of the suffrage movement and what was achieved in 1918, as well as consider how anniversaries function to establish a narrative, change conversations, as well as inspire, motivate and mobilize.

10 MARCH SheFest Women for Peace: Hosted by the Tim Parry, Johnathan Ball foundation for peace Adelphi Room, Crucible Theatre www.shefest.wordpress.com An interactive workshop and safe space exploring the important role that women play in resolving conflict creating peaceful communities.

8 MARCH

15 MARCH

Women in Enterprise:Women leading social change Careers and Employability Centre Sheffield Hallam University City Campus www.eventbrite.com Three successful entrepreneurs will talk about why the social enterprise sector is changing the way business works, and the challenges and successes they have faced.

Health and Well-Being Virgin Money, Fargate www.eventbrite.co.uk Organised by the women of BOBSEvents to educate women about the importance of alternative lifestyle and changing their diet and exercising. ShipShape Sheffield will be at this event offering free advice regarding weight and dietary needs.

WORK & PLAY

GRIPPLE BACK ON BEEB Once again Gripple, Sheffield’s celebrated manufacturer, was featured on primetime television after six of its staff had volunteered to take part in a new BBC One documentary presented by Dr Michael Mosley. ‘The Truth About Getting Fit’ show.

The male and female Gripple staff needed to be between 40 and 60 years and not involved currently in any structured fitness activity, other than walking!

The volunteers, from Gripple’s factory floors and office departments, were filmed by the BBC for a full day as they worked at the Gripple HQ, The Old West Gun Works and the company’s Riverside factory.

Michael Mosley and Prof Robert Copeland (centre) with the Gripple volunteers.

Over a few days the six were involved in bursts of exercise, steps and walking in the park, with attached monitors recording their heart rates throughout At the end of a week the results of the volunteers’ efforts were revealed by Michael Mosley and Prof Robert Copeland from Sheffield Hallam University when they visited the HQ for filming as part of the show.

One of the volunteers, Judy Rodgers, a sales and research co-ordinator, said: “We all enjoyed this experience, which was a ‘wakeup call’ for us. We now know that getting fit needn’t be time-consuming, too strenuous and expensive. We hope that viewers now feel the same.”

DATA REVEALS OFO’S SHEFFIELD SUCCESS Dockless bike hire company ofo is celebrating a successful launch in Sheffield – its biggest outside London so far in the UK – after data revealed a strong and growing uptake among the city’s residents.

For the first time in the UK a dockless bike scheme is sharing usage data, providing a never-before seen insight into Sheffield’s cycling habits.

The city was ofo’s first in the north of the UK and follows successful launches in Cambridge, Oxford, London and Norwich. The scheme is already used by 200m users in 21 countries to make 32m trips every day. The company recently announced plans to launch in nearby Leeds.

Over 28,000 trips have been made in the Steel City on ofo bikes so far, with figures showing almost a 20 per cent rise from January to February. As a result, the company will be adding 300 new bikes in Sheffield at the end of this month.

Some 13,232 trips were made in January, growing to over 15,000 in February, proving that the scheme rose in popularity even from the initial period of excitement immediately after launch.

There have been 6,220 unique users in Sheffield up to the 11 of February, with

ofo bikes are proving a big hit in Sheffield

more signing up every day. Unusually, the majority of the trips have taken place between 3pm and 5pm each day, proving that ofo users are not limited to commuters. Around 550 trips are made each morning between 7am and 9am, rising to a peak of around 1,100 between 3pm and 5pm.

Unsurprisingly, the locations where journeys begin have been focused within the city centre, with Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield Train Station and the university campuses the most popular of all. With the average trip lasting around 14 minutes and users travelling just over

1.4km, the top destinations are also within the city centre. However, the suburbs of Broomhill, Nether Edge and Walkley remain popular end points, hinting at a large usage from Sheffield’s student population.

Joseph Seal-Driver, ofo’s general manager for the UK & Ireland, said: “The initial uptake in Sheffield has been nothing short of fantastic. We are pleased to see usage numbers grow each month, and as the days get longer and the weather improves, we expect to see more and more Sheffield residents adopting ofo bikes as their go-to mode of transport”

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First For Business

MARCH 2018

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CPP TO LAUNCH LONDON OFFICE Leading consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has appointed Richard Wright to join its investment team, heading up the firm’s first office in London.

Joining CPP following five years as a Partner at Strutt & Parker (now BNP Paribas), Wright brings with him a wealth of in-depth knowledge of National Capital Markets, and over a decade’s experience as a commercial investment agent.

Looking sharp: Stuart Mitchell and Graham Royle

WHAT A CARVE-UP AS GRAHAM SCOOPS UNIQUE THEATRE MEMORABILIA The chairman and CEO of GRI Group, Graham Royle, has become the proud owner of seven handcrafted knives, created by Sheffield-based Stuart Mitchell Knives for the production of Julius Caesar at Sheffield Theatres in 2017.

Graham, who has been a major supporter of Sheffield Theatres since 2013, cast the winning bid for this coveted and unique prize at the Theatres’ annual Gala in October, a show-stopping night of entertainment and celebration which raises vital funds to support the future work of the charity.

The one-of-a-kind set was created by local expert knife-maker Stuart Mitchell, who – from his historic workshop in Sheffield – designed and crafted the set for the production last year. He was selected specifically by Artistic Director Robert Hastie to collaborate, having three decades in the industry under his belt and a specialism in creating custom knives. As part of the auction prize, Stuart also reground the knives for Graham, repurposing them for actual use.

As a long-time supporter of Sheffield Theatres, Graham said: ‘I feel extremely lucky to be the owner of this entirely unique set, not only as they were used on stage by actors such as Samuel West and Zoe Waitës, but because they’re a huge part of Sheffield’s steel history and have been handmade by Stuart, a fellow business owner in the city.

‘Supporting Sheffield Theatres is something my wife Susan and I take great pride in and we want to help the organisation continue to make a vital contribution to the city, both through the work on stage and off. I think it’s wonderful that Stuart has given his expertise and skills to support such a fantastic production at Sheffield Theatres and that his work has gone on to raise money to support their future work. And I can’t wait to display the knives at home!’

Wright’s appointment further bolsters the growing CPP team, which currently has offices in Yorkshire and the Midlands; and comes at a crucial time for the consultancy as it strengthens its reach into southern markets.

With particular expertise in brokerage across the industrial and logistics sectors in the UK, Wright specialises in the acquisition, development and disposal of commercial property on behalf of a variety of private highnet-worth individuals to major blue-chip plc corporates, funds, property companies and developers.

Richard Wright commented: “CPP has established a strong reputation for its commercial property expertise since it was established in 2013. I am excited to be joining a forward thinking and ambitious team at this pivotal time in the Company’s growth, and to head up the CPP London office.”

Commercial Property Partners is a private firm of advisers which specialises in the disposal, acquisition, and management of all types of commercial property.

ALL ABOARD THE ELECTRIC BUS Master Cutler Kenneth Cooke is onboard with the hi-tech company MagTec, the UK’s largest supplier of electric drive systems which are used in commercial vehicles including double decker buses.

Mr Cooke boarded the Sheffield-based company’s fully electric double-decker bus and, together with MagTec finance director Jenny Peel and Sheffield City Council’s Waste Strategy Officer Alastair Black travelled to MagTec’s head office on Newhall Road.

He was shown development work,

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Richard Wright

Jenny Peel said that interest in electric vehicles was growing and MagTec supplied the technology as far afield as China and the US. Master Cutler Kenneth Cooke with apprentice Alex Gorringe

including all-electric bin lorries with a 160-mile range, which are being trialled in a London borough.

He also met the company’s newest trainee Alex Gorringe, who moved to Sheffield from Grimsby to take up an apprenticeship at MagTec.

“But it is difficult to make an impact in the UK,” she said. “Every diesel bus in the country benefits from a substantial government subsidy, despite the fact that they are more polluting than diesel cars and have a fuel efficiency as low as three miles per gallon. As well as sending out a mixed message as regards diesel power, it also means we are operating at a disadvantage. What we need is a level playing field. Electric buses can travel for close on 200 miles on a single charge.

WORK & PLAY

CONVERGING DATA TO EXPAND FOLLOWING UK STEEL ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT A Yorkshire-based dynamic digital disruptor, Converging Data, is on track to increase its workforce and broaden its services over the next six months after a £50,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

Specialists in data analytics and cyber security within the financial services, healthcare, pharmaceutical and supply chain logistics sectors, Converging Data allows organisations to harness the value of their existing data using the ‘Splunk’ machine data platform.

The investment from UKSE – a subsidiary of Tata Steel, committed to investing in businesses looking to grow – was awarded in November 2017 to assist with job creation and business expansion.

Operating from branches in Barnsley, Leeds and Sydney, Converging Data has significant global reach, operating as a single team across multiple time zones. In the UK, the Converging Data team has established longstanding relationship with Barclays, NHS England,The London Clinic and NHS Digital, to name a few.

Established in Sydney, Australia in 2013, UK lead Neil Murphy founded its Barnsley site in November 2015, and continues to work closely alongside its overseas division.

He said: “The funding that we have received from UK Steel Enterprise is vital to our continued growth and expansion as we continue to drive the business forward.

UKSE’s Alan Stanley with Neil Murphy of Convrging Data

WASTE COMPANY CELEBRATES 40TH YEAR One of Sheffield’s most successful waste businesses is forecasting huge growth as it celebrates 40 years.

Russell Richardson, confidential shredding, archiving and recycling experts, predicts revenue of £3million by the end of 2018, a growth of 20 per cent - and is already increasing its workforce to keep pace.

Tighter data protection regulations when GDPR is introduced in May, and major inward investment, are fuelling the growth.

“It allows us to appoint three new sales specialists, the funding will also ensure that we acquire the technical expertise required to support our services, furthering our national and international scope.

“It is of key importance to us that we invest in talent across the Yorkshire region, and with requirements for technical expertise only increasing in the area, our expansion will help us to satisfy the demands for our services.”

Alan Stanley from UK Steel Enterprise said: “Neil has built Converging Data up from a start-up in the UK to a rapidly expanding business with numerous blue chip clients in less than two years, and we are delighted to have provided this investment to assist with further growth and job creation in the Yorkshire and Humber area.”

Keep on trucking: MD Jonathan Richardson

The business, which keeps thousands of companies across the country clutter-free and safe from fraudsters, is splashing out on two expensive ‘birthday presents’ to itself.

A state-of-the-art £165,000 mobile shredding truck equipped with an onboard device capable of shredding computer hard-drives - the first of its kind to be owned by a company sited in SCR – is on order.Also due to arrive is a £30,000 reel splitter, which will allow Russell Richardson to pursue contracts in the printing and packaging industry.

US CONGRESSMEN LEARN FROM REGION’S ‘CATALYST’ The world-leading reputation of the Sheffield City Region for advanced manufacturing brought a high-level delegation from the US Congress to the region to see the success story for itself.

Ron Kind, US Representative for Wisconsin’s 3rd congressional district, is an expert on small businesses, while Derek Kilmer, who represents Washington’s Sixth congressional district, has worked in economic development

for over a decade. Both were keen to see the work of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

And the two praised the ongoing work.

Rep Kind said: "Visiting Sheffield City Region was yet another reminder of the importance of community and University partnerships. As I see in similar projects across western and central Wisconsin, collaboration makes our communities

and nations stronger and more productive."

Rep Kilmer added: “When I’m back home I say often that the role of government is to create more opportunities for more people in more places. It is clear that’s what’s happening in Sheffield City Region.

I’ve learned a lot on my visit, and I hope that it leads to even stronger partnerships which create great jobs here and back home.”

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For Sale or Rent Prestigious office building in much sought-after district of South West Sheffield Unit 5 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield S8 0XF 7000 sq ft of fully configured space on two floors plus car parking.

Available from July 1st 2018.

To arrange a viewing or for more details contact John Murphy or Martin Edwards on 0114 2506300. john.murphy@rmcmedia.co.uk martin.edwards@rmcmedia.co.uk

G Siddons Ltd We have extensive experience within highways and roadworks. This includes all aspects of highway maintenance work i.e. surfacing, box lifting, kerb laying, drainage, driveways, crossings, excavations, JCB and Grab Wagon Hire.

T: 0114 2903 619 | M: 07825 302627 garry@gsiddonsltd.co.uk | lynsey@gsiddonsltd.co.uk

National Awarding and Assessment Organisation

Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) Apprenticeship Qualifications Apprentice End Point Assessments

Features: Sheffield company working across UK and international Collaborative partnerships for quality apprentice assessments: Training Providers, Levy Employers and NOCN Total Quality Focused: Ofqual Regulated and ESFA Registered The Ethical Choice - registered charity, not-for-profit, Leader in Diversity, Investor in People Incorporating Cskills Awards for Construction Qualifications Additional services: Functional Skills English and Maths qualifications Endorsement of Company Training Programmes Consultation for Apprenticeship Programme Planning and 'Getting ready for the Levy'

Levy paying Employers and Training Providers, get in touch to find out more: 0114 227 0500 (Sheffield team) 0300 999 1177 (local Call) nocn@nocn.org.uk www.nocn.org.uk