Retail & Service
Business Matters Sheffield City Region - Retail Hub of the North Issue 12 December 2015
In this issue: BCSC Conference Highlights Sheffield Antiques Quarter Continues to grow Meadowhall’s memorable year Budding Entrepreneur pops up in Rotherham
Welcome to our twelfth edition of
Ann Cadman OBE Vice Chair of the Sheffield City Region Retail Forum and Managing Director of The Source Skills Academy
As we approach the end of 2015 we look briefly at expectations for the Christmas period and reflect on the 12 months previous, we also look ahead to the opportunities and possible challenges facing retailers for the New Year. In the Sheffield City Region, our high streets, towns and city centre have continued to develop and grow. Rotherham High Street continues to welcome new independent businesses and was proudly shortlisted for High Street of the Year. Barnsley Council’s plans to regenerate the town centre are continuing and the new covered market should be completed by spring 2016. Sheffield’s Retail Quarter plans have started to take shape and a development partner is set to be chosen in early 2016. These are amongst many other positive outcomes from across our region and there will be more to look forward to in 2016. The Parliamentary vote regarding Sunday trading hours was postponed in November but is still a hot topic for discussion. There is no doubt there will be and are concerns from smaller, independent retailers on our high streets about extended Sunday trading, but now more than ever, it is important that our retailers work together to provide a level of consistency for high street shoppers. Retail consultant Martin Blackwell, poses an interesting question regarding extended Sunday trading: “Would the impact of extended Sunday trading on the costs to retailers be more than offset by the impact of extended
Sunday trading on customer convenience and the retailer’s ability to increase sales and profits, taking into account the need to ensure good customer service to avoid congestion and queuing?” *1 This leads me nicely on to customer service. Shoppers are expecting more from their shopping experience and to excel above the competition retailers and businesses will need to up their game in 2016 and go the extra mile for their customers. To achieve this, staff must be fully engaged and love the brand they represent, by achieving this they will be eager to offer customers true hospitality. As I write this, we are fast approaching Black Friday and it will be interesting to see the outcome of this year’s event and whether it can be seen as a success or not. Asda confirmed in November that they would not be taking part in this year’s sales, their website stated: “The retailer [ASDA] has listened to customer feedback and rather than investing in a one-off day of sales, has announced an investment of over £26 million in sustained savings spread across a traditional seasonal shop.” Asda’s decision to withdraw from the event is surprising given their parent company Walmart
commits heavily in the American event and the retailer was one of the founders introducing the Black Friday sales event to the UK. It will be interesting to see if any other big UK retailers move away from the flash sales event or likewise, those who embrace it. Moving on to consumer spending, research conducted by ICM on behalf of Retail Week, showed shoppers are set to spend on average £423 on Christmas gifts and most (41%) will shop during November, with more than half of shoppers (56%) expecting to have finished their Christmas shopping before 1st December.*2 We will look to review the festive period, of which I am sure there will be interesting outcomes at our next Retail Matters conference taking place in February. I hope you enjoy our final issue of 2015 and I hope we will see you at our next conference in the New Year. All that is left for me to say is I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a successful and prosperous 2016! *1 – “Further thoughts on Sunday trading” Martin Blackwell, published 11th November 2015 (Linkedin Pulse). *2 – Retail Week published 30th October 2015.
This Issues highlights Sheffield Antiques Quarter Continues to grow
Meadowhall’s memorable year
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Budding Entrepreneur pops up in Rotherham
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The Christmas shopping period is set to grow for 2015. Research conducted by Mintel suggests sales this December will reach £42 billion in the UK. There was a dramatic shift in retailing last year as the UK experienced the pre-Christmas sales popular in America – Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Manic Monday. Last year these three dates took over Boxing Day and January sales in terms of spend and boosted November sales by £400 million, but it wasn’t all positive.
What is expected this Christmas? As mentioned, Mintel suggests sales of £42 billion, a rise of 2.5%, and Adobe are predicting online sales to reach £17.7 billion which would be a 7% increase on 2014. This data is based on more than one trillion visits to 4,500 retail websites over the last seven years.
Richard Parks, Director of Retail Research at Mintel said, “There was a clear message from Black Friday last year. It damaged Christmas gift spending and it took away sales from full priced sales over the Christmas period.”
(Experian Festive Insight Report 2015)
Predicted Christmas web traffic: • Black Friday – 190 million to 200 million • Cyber Monday – 170 million to 185 million • Manic Monday – 150 million to 157million • Christmas Day – 150 million to 155 million • Boxing Day – 170 million to 190 million • New Year’s Day – 130 million to 137 million
Looking to 2016 Richard Park’s says, “While we can’t ignore the fact that economic growth is slowing and
there are uncertainties ahead, at present, with incomes growing and a strong housing market we can be relaxed about the prospects for retailing in 2016. Overall we can look to modest growth in 2016. That said, retailing is changing faster than we have ever known it. This is not just a question of online sales, where growth is beginning to slow; nor is it limited to the growth for discounters. “The way British consumers shop is fundamentally changing. There is a perceptible shift towards shopping on an as needs basis. This change is playing into the hands of high streets, and they will be the big winners in the retail scene going forward. How retail’s structural changes pan out will be the most interesting feature of the next few years, not the odd percentage difference in the rate of retail sales growth.”
Retail Matters Conference 23/02/2016
The Retail Matters Conferences aim to share best practice in the retail sector, helping local SME organisations to grow their businesses, and helping to establish the Sheffield City Region as the Retail Hub of the North. The conference will be held on Tuesday, 23rd February 2016 from 1.30pm until 4.00pm at The Source Academy, 300 Meadowhall Way, Sheffield, S9 1EA. Topics will include Health and Wellbeing, International Trade and Retailer Focus. The conferences are free to attend, and the last event attracted over 100 organisations from across the region, 100% of whom rated the speakers as either good or excellent.
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Retail sales figures released in September show that they are up 6.5% on the year. Responding to the retail sales figures for September 2015, Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Retail sales improved considerably in September following a long summer of modest growth. For the whole of period July to September they were more than 6 per cent higher than a year earlier; a rate of expansion much stronger than the overall economy. “Despite these encouraging results there are still major challenges for many of our retailers across South Yorkshire and especially around reinvigorating our town centre offers.
demonstrations in the town on Saturdays, Rotherham has invested in its town centre, transforming key high street properties and restoring the town’s historic core. It has also helped unique local businesses by supporting over 50 artists to launch businesses and developing the Gallery Town project and they continue to celebrate success through highprofile competitions, most recently in the Great British High Street competition where they are one of three nationwide finalists.
“In spite of a variety of issues affecting Rotherham over the past year, which has resulted in a number of marches and
“However, there are still major challenges for Rotherham. The future of the Forge Island site and its impact on the surrounding areas on
Corporation Street need to be resolved quickly, as does the effect of the new Tesco store on Rotherham’s marketplace offer. “In Barnsley the pace of progress and redevelopment can seen before our very eyes. The council’s commitment, both financially and strategically, has to be commended. The large scale redesigning of public realm space, the major changes to the highly regarded markets, the desire to create new leisure and recreational facilities with vastly improved accessibility and the overall impact on footfall across the town with the opening of the new 6th form college in January are all exciting propositions for a town centre aching to get into the 21st century. “Given the optimism that is hopefully out there looking forward into the New Year, there is still the challenge and indeed the major boost that Christmas always provides. As ever our town centres will take this in their stride, even with the continued attraction of Meadowhall, Parkgate, Trinity (Leeds) and the ever growing enthusiasm for internet shopping. “Whatever the future holds, town centre shopping remains, quite literally, at the heart of our local economy. It is more important than ever that we collectively support, promote and nurture everything they continue to offer and represent”.
Rotherham’s High Street
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In October this year Kiley Tan, former partner of a Sheffield law firm, established Mosaic International to provide international trade advice to businesses. For the past 16 years Kiley has worked in legal firms, first in Malaysia and then the UK, since moving to the country in 2002. He says “I’m still practicing law through the Legal Director but starting my own business was not an easy decision. However, I saw a gap in the market in helping businesses and to give them the benefit of my fairly unique experience and perspective. “In my previous role I was used to working with and supporting startup businesses, and now I have taken the step myself. There will be challenges along the way but there’s no better place to start a business than the Sheffield City Region.”
Through Mosaic International Kiley will help businesses carry out market research and development and provide information and guidance on regulations. Perhaps more importantly is the fact that Kiley understands the cultural differences and the business etiquette in these markets. With his know-how of the UK and the Far East, Kiley hopes to be able to build the bridge between UK businesses and overseas traders. Kiley says, “Markets in the Far East are ripe with opportunities but it is important you get it right when trading there. Understanding how your product fits and how to conduct business is vital when making this step and I hope to be the interface between the two parties and building a successful business relationship”
Kiley gives a brief insight into the retail sector in markets in the Far East Brand:
Buying process:
Forging links:
The British brand is very strong across the world and more so in South East Asia where it is synonymous with quality and style. There are a lot of opportunities here but they must be well thought out. When looking to create a brand or move a product into this market you need to look at high value, niche products. Low value consumables aren’t going to do well as cost of production is far lower in those markets.
The shopping experience and buying process is very different than in the UK. Where the UK has moved to strong digital market places and omni-channel retailing, a large proportion of Far East retailers and traders don’t have an online presence at all. The process relies heavily on face-to-face sales and direct communication.
As most businesses do not have an online presence, it is very difficult to find the right partners. Unlike their Western counterparts, successful businesses tend to be very low key. Having the right connections and knowing the right people is vital. It is therefore important not to discount businesses who are not on social media or online as to do so may mean that you could lose out on a very important link.
If you wish to discuss or learn more about opportunities in the Far East, you can contact Kiley by email at kiley.tan@mosaicint.co.uk or by calling 07885 784783.
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Sarah Meldrum, Partner at Nabarro LLP, attended the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) Conference in Manchester and provides an overview of its key theme. How do we “remove the obstacles to growth and ambition” for the UK’s high streets? This was one of the key questions addressed at the BCSC Conference, which returned to Manchester this year and was attended by some 2,500 delegates.
street regeneration and Sunday trading. “The Minister’s participation at the conference is very welcome as part of our ongoing engagement with him, his officials and the Department for Communities and Local Government.”
Local Government Minister, Marcus Jones MP, spoke about working with the retail property trade body, BCSC to help the UK’s high streets to understand the challenges they face, and about the Government’s role in overcoming them. BCSC Chief Executive, John Coyne, was pleased to welcome Mr Jones to the event: “As the voice of the retail property industry, BCSC is at the vanguard of contributing to and assisting to shape current and new governmental policy and legislation – ranging from planning policy and business rates to high
Mr Jones talked about the growing convenience culture, and developments such as “click & collect” as not being the enemy of the high street, but rather a driving force in getting customers back to the high street. He acknowledged that there is still a lot for some high streets to do to attract modern consumers, and to adapt to their changing needs. He spoke of the Government’s commitment to help, whilst recognising that “one size does not fit all”, and that it will be up to individual areas to decide what is best for them. The Government wants to see our high streets come back as vibrant places where we live,
BCSC Chief Executive, John Coyne and Marcus Jones MP.
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work, shop and spend our leisure time, both during the day and into the evening. To support the Government’s vision, Mr Jones told the Conference, £1bn is being made available to reduce rates for small businesses, and its report on the restructuring of business rates is to be delivered before the 2016 Budget. He also touched upon greater planning flexibility, with the suggestion that some residential restrictions in city centres will be lifted. Future-proofing our high streets, so that they embrace technology, is also a focus for the Government, he stressed. But Mr Jones also reminded us that there is only so much that a government can do, which is why the LEPs, working together with Government and business communities, will have a big part to play as well.
Brief highlights from across the region Best in Business A Barnsley based ice-cream maker has been named Most Promising New Business at the recent Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards. Cowlick Creamery, based at Wharncliffe Business Park, began production earlier this year and has already established strong links with other local businesses and is stocking their ‘all natural’ ice cream across the region in restaurants, cafes and shops.
Commenting on the reasons for winning, the judges said: “The Cowlick Creamery compiled an excellent award submission, creating a compelling story focussed clearly on the entry criteria. “Carly and Rory are creating their own unique flavours of ice cream, using locally grown ingredients, and following a clear and concise growth strategy. Their plans for further development are well thought out, and they have a firm grasp of how that will impact on all areas of their business.”
Clare Gage signature cups a hit with celebrity cook Prue Leith The work of award winning Chesterfield ceramicist Clare Gage was a hit with celebrity cook and food school owner, Prue Leith, when it appeared in the Central region final of BBC 2’s Great British Menu recently. Clare Gage’s signature porcelain cups and plates were chosen to display the culinary creation of top chef Pip Lacey in the popular professional cooking competition.
Clare Gage’s textile inspired ceramics celebrate the British tradition of afternoon tea, so were the perfect accompaniment to Pip Lacey’s very British dessert of scones. Clare Gage’s ceramics are designed and made by Clare herself in Chesterfield. Her work features lace, buttons, patchwork and cross stitch as well as knitted and woven fabric designs. The beautiful range includes cups and saucers, mugs, tableware, vases, jewellery and hanging decorations.
Eurochange opens new branch in Barnsley One of Britain’s largest foreign exchange providers has recently created five new jobs in Barnsley with the opening of a new branch in The Alhambra Shopping Centre. Located on the Lower Level near the Cheapside entrance, the new Eurochange branch provides a comprehensive range of travel currencies to individuals and businesses. The branch is the
latest of 20 new openings this year for currency specialists Eurochange, who also have nearby branches in Sheffield and Huddersfield. Managing Director, Giles Custerson said, “We are delighted to continue the growth of our branch network and our latest opening in Barnsley will fulfil the currency needs of those visiting The Alhambra Shopping Centre.”
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Since we last featured the Sheffield Antiques Quarter it is now officially on the map – literally. Following a crowdfunding exercise the Antiques Quarter group led by Hendrika Stephens, were rewarded with brown signage marking out the boundary of the quarter at Abbeydale Road, Broadfield Road and Queens Road. Hendrika explains, “The area has been informally know as the Antiques Quarter for some time by traders, so to be able to formally establish the identity is wonderful, not only for the businesses in the quarter but for the wider community.” The first partnership meeting of the Antiques Quarter was held in November 2012 and over
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Ellie Grace Photography
the past three years the group has developed into an established brand with a number of followers and supporters. Local Councillors, MPs and Sheffield City Council are also supporting the group and are in the process of starting a steering group to help decisions such as the signage and other projects move forward much quicker. The Quarter is now set to take a new step forward under Hendrika’s leadership as she is to develop the quarter into a Social Enterprise under her company, The Monocle Magpie Community Interest Company. Hendrika explains why the decision was made, “The Quarter has now become a pretty significant development in the city that is all
about supporting and promoting local and independent Sheffield business. Operating merely as a community group greatly limits how efficiently or effectively it can be run as well as it remaining vulnerable being solely reliant on the efforts of its members. “As a social enterprise the quarter opens up the opportunity for a more professional approach and potentially allows ongoing growth and greater opportunity for securing investment. The area is a great example of how collaboration and partnership can create a strong foundation, where this new structure can build on this to take the quarter even further”.
The fundraising activities for the Antiques Quarter didn’t stop at brown signage, as part of the crowdfunding appeal, the group raised funds for banners, information boards and murals. The aim of the art project is to “encourage and stimulate localised artwork to enhance and identify the Quarter and the independence it stands for.” Getting local artists involved is a
fabulous way to raise the profile of the quarter and to make it look more inviting for visitors. What’s planned? • Murals & Lettering on Walls - Planned are five or six full scale works on key walls in the Quarter. • Small Scale Individual Artworks – 25 to 30 pieces each one a project in its own right • Other projects include projection, 3d sculpture, gorilla gardening and pavement artworks
Local artists are now set to paint murals across the Quarter with the first completed earlier this year by Jools Matthews, who painted a peacock outside vibrant local centre Vintedge. Sculptor and artist Simon Kent also completed two smaller “secret garden” artworks on Queens Road at the site of two bricked up doorways opposite the Heeley Bank Antiques Centre as well as a huge mural by Jo Peel at Hagglers Corner on the Queens Road.
To find out more about the Sheffield Antiques Quarter art project visit www.saqartproject.co.uk
The Revival of Abbeydale Picture House At the heart of the Sheffield Antiques Quarter sits the Grade II listed Picture House once known as Sheffield’s Picture Palace. The cinema first opened its doors in the 1920s and sadly stopped showing films in July 1975. Since then it has had few uses, it was mainly used as a furniture store for the then owners A & F Drake and the Picture House Ballroom was converted and used as a snooker hall for over 30 years. The Picture House was put on the open market and bought by businessman Phil Robins in 2012. Phil’s original plan was to turn the venue into a climbing centre but his plans changed
and the site is now on its way to its former glory. For the past two years the Sheffield Antiques Quarter group has used the former snooker area as a community space for beer festivals, antiques markets and record fairs, working with the independent traders nearby, as well as using outside space for community events and car boot sales. This year however has seen the true revival of the picture house, for the first time in 40 years people were able to enjoy the Picture House for its original purpose – to watch films. Over a weekend in July, films returned to mark the anniversary of its closure in 1975 at an
event organised by art promoters the “Hands of”. Films such as Brassed Off and Four Lions were shown as well as Laurel & Hardy titles as a throw back to Abbeydale’s heritage. The success of the July screenings saw another special showing on Halloween weekend as people gathered to watch the 1922 silent horror, Nosferatu. There is more to come for this much loved building, the Picture House holds fond memories for many generations in Sheffield, whether it be from its days as a cinema or as a snooker hall. Hopefully this revival will continue and the old listed cinema, and venue for the local community can be restored to some of its “Picture Palace” glory.
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Makers is all about experience Situated in premises on Abbeydale Road that had been vacant for 20 years is a new concept in retail. James and Lisa Wallbank have not only brought the property in Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter back to life, but by opening ‘Makers’ they have created somewhat of a hub for local craftspeople.
The shop stocks all kinds of collectables, antiques, crafts and curios but also serves as a venue for people to become ‘makers’ themselves. James and Lisa host workshops, run by local experts, for people to learn new skills such as weaving, laser cutting, jewellery making and puppet making– and finished products can be sold in the shop. James, who previously ran Access Space, an educational charity based in Sheffield, said: “If you think retail is simply about buying things then the place to do that is the internet. It is generally the cheapest place to buy products. But is it the best? It is certainly not the best place for things that are unique. “If you want something collectable or unusual you want to hold that thing in your hand. Often, you won’t even realise you want something unique until you see it. We have been completely amazed by some of the curiosities we’ve discovered.”
By hosting workshops, and by putting a great deal of attention into the shop fittings and stock, James believes Makers is much more than just a shop; it’s an experience. “People talk about social networks on the internet, but there is nothing social about sitting on your own staring at your phone. Coming along to a small group and making things with your friends – or people who will soon be your friends – is so much more fun. “Since we opened in September there have been two more units rented out on this stretch and a third which has re-opened as a takeaway. It is the first time this whole row of shops has been open in 30 years. Something very important is happening on the high street and it is excellent news for small retailers that offer something different.”
Not just a bottle shop One of the latest editions to the Antiques Quarter in Sheffield is Turner’s Craft Beer Bottle Shop on Abbeydale Road, although not stocking antiques or vintage goods, the shop still has that quirky uniqueness that fits the quarter.
The decision to open a business and relocate back to Sheffield happened quickly as David explains, “I knew I wanted to own my own business but I didn’t know what that would be. I started thinking about the bottle shop summer 2014, visited Sheffield to look at premises in the November and we opened our doors in April.”
The craft beer market is one that’s growing in popularity across the UK, particularly in
There aren’t many bottle shops selling beers from across the globe, as well as locally produced beers, ales and ciders in South Yorkshire, but what makes Turner’s stand out even more is the option of refillable “growlers” – refillable glass bottles available in 1 or 2 litres. The bottles are filled from draught beers, of which there are four to choose from and which are regularly rotated.
Sheffield which, with its brewing heritage and micro-brewers, is to be expected. Owner of Turner’s, David Turner, spotted the craft beer trend while travelling in America five years ago and saw it emerging in London where he was living at the time.
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David wasn’t sure whether the refill option would catch on but has found that more of his sales are coming from refills than bottled beers, he said “Refills were something I really wanted to do but it was a huge decision as there aren’t many others that offer this kind of service in the UK, so it isn’t really tried and tested. It’s working really well and we’ve sold over 800 refill bottles over the last six months.” Turner’s Craft Beer Bottle Shop stocks a range of over 400 nationwide and imported beers as well as the refillable growlers.
Meadowhall is heading towards a bumper Christmas this year which will provide a fitting end to a memorable year for the Centre, both in terms of soaring sales and celebrating its 25th anniversary.
reflected in the food & drink line up at the Centre. Restaurants in the Oasis Dining Quarter are recording strong growth, buoyed by new international arrivals such as Five Guys burgers, drinks specialist Bubbleology and Nando’s recent restaurant expansion. They will be joined by Tapas Revolution shortly.
The Centre has just reported its 19th consecutive month of rising sales, enjoying year on year growth of 5.8%. October saw likefor-like sales up 1.7% on last year – compared to a national fall of -0.2% it is certainly bucking the retail trend. The growth was fuelled by autumn/winter fashion purchases as the cooler weather hit, as well as a bumper half term week that coincided with month end paydays.
Meadowhall’s overall retail offering has been boosted by 11 new lettings totalling nearly 28,000 sq ft. The lettings follow the launch of a £50m internal refurbishment of the centre which began in late September, just after the anniversary celebrations. The new lettings range from fashion, jewellery, restaurants and international cosmetic and beauty offerings, with the aim of further strengthening the Centre’s appeal to premium consumers.
This latest announcement follows strong sales increases throughout 2015, consolidating the Centre’s strongest performance over the past five years. The increasing sales statistics have also been fuelled by improving consumer confidence
New occupiers include: Jack Wills, Diesel, Michael Kors, Kiko Milano, Joules and Lush. L’Occitane is relocating from the High Street to Park Lane and Build-a-Bear unveiled its new style shop fit to delighted customers. Goldsmiths is also extending further onto Park
Lane, after taking a new Goldsmiths Boutique store and Rolex is to open a concession within the Centre’s planned new Goldsmiths store. A number of the lettings are located within the Park Lane area of the centre which received a £3m refresh last year. With all this retail activity taking place on the malls, the Centre still has a packed events’ programme to tempt families and shoppers back time and time again over the festive period; Santa’s Magical Kingdom is as popular as ever but, for the rst time, Meadowhall is also hosting its own ice-skating experience in a covered domed-style ice rink that keeps the unpredictable elements off the skaters. Thousands of tickets have already been booked for this amazing attraction and it will only get busier as the Christmas holiday approaches. The ice-rink enjoyed a welcome boost after it recently featured on national BBC TV when Meadowhall staff and retailers joined forces for an all-day skate-a-thon in aid of Children in Need.
Christmas in the City A traditional Christmas is the main theme for festive shopping in Sheffield this year, with independent traders adding an extra-special offer to city centre retail in the run-up to the big day. As well as traders from across the UK and Europe selling a variety of gifts, jewellery, crafts and fresh produce, the Christmas market in Fargate includes a range of refreshment stalls selling hot food and drinks, including the everpopular Sleigh Bar. The market, housed in traditional wooden huts, runs from 10am to 6pm daily, and will also be open for late-night shopping until 8pm each Wednesday.
To make shopping even more convenient for motorists, it was announced that parking will
With around 80 independent traders selling a huge range of meat, fish, vegetables, beverages
be free in Sheffield City Council-run car parks on the three Saturday afternoons in the run-up to Christmas.
and fresh produce at competitive prices, the Moor Market is the place to stock up for the festive season.
From 2pm on Saturday 5, 12 and 19th December, motorists will be able to park for free in car parks in the city centre and also in district shopping centres. The offer does not apply to privately-run car parks.
After the food shopping is taken care of, the market is also the place to go for great-value quirky and unique gifts and crafts, as well as a huge range of wrapping paper, cards and accessories.
Meanwhile, those visiting the city centre would be wise to try the Moor Market, which is the place to go for all the essentials on most people’s Christmas shopping lists - whether it’s traditional turkey, sprouts and festive ales or something a little different.
The market will be opening from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, in the run-up to Christmas, as well as on two Sundays to give shoppers even more chance to pop in and get the things they need.
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Local Rotherham companies give a warm welcome to South Korean businesses An innovative programme to attract new business startups from South Korea has been championed by local Rotherham firms.
The 12-week ‘Accelerator’ programme, led by Rotherham Council’s Investment and Development Office (RiDO), has supported five South Korean businesses to develop their business ideas to encourage them to set-up in the region. Located at the Moorgate Croft Businesses Centre, the five companies have teamed up with over 15 local businesses to help them gain an insight into the UK market. Through a number of workshops, mentoring sessions and knowledge exchange the South Korean companies are now much better informed on running a business in the UK. Charlotte Scothern from Patchwork Pig has been passing on her wholesaler and customer experience with the ‘Daytripper’ team who have come up with an innovative idea for the umbrella. Charlotte was impressed with the team’s enthusiasm. “The Daytripper team have been wonderful to work with, they have
great energy and enthusiasm for their product which would work well in the giftware and retail market.” Julia Millea for RiDO said: “We’ve being delighted by the response from local businesses to get involved, they have been very generous with their time and support, which has been one of the key successes of the programme. The teams received a warm welcome which has helped them to integrate into the business community.” Councillor Denise Lelliott, Advisory Cabinet Member for Housing and the Local Environment at Rotherham Council, has been delighted with the results. “Our local businesses have proven to be great ambassadors for Rotherham and the UK. They have all been extremely forthcoming in sharing their skills and knowledge which has been well received by the South Korean companies.”
Two new apprentices move in to No.26 No.26 Makers Emporium is an exciting retail space run by apprentices and showcasing handmade products by local crafters, designers and artists. Store Manager Matt Webster and Deputy Manager Shannon Swift, No.26’s original apprentices, have welcomed two new starters to the store. Charlotte Cardwell, 23 and Germaine Latham, 18 have joined the Makers Emporium while studying for their Level 2 Retail Qualification. Both Charlotte and Germaine were actively seeking retail positions when the apprenticeship opportunity arose. Germaine says, “I had completed my first year at college studying Health and Social Care to work as a carer but after work experience I felt it wasn’t right for me. I came into Rotherham to look for retail work and met Matt who told me about the apprenticeship opportunity.” As Charlotte and Germaine work towards their Level 2 qualification, Matt is now studying
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towards his Level 4 Retail Management qualification and Shannon is now completing her Level 3 Retail qualification. Matt commented, “The Maker’s Emporium is a great place for retail apprentices like Charlotte and Germaine to start their retail career. Shannon is an example of what can be achieved after starting at No.26 as a Retail Assistant and is now Deputy Manager helping apprentices start their own career.” Charlotte says, “I had been unemployed for a year and I wanted to do a qualification to help me find a job, so an apprenticeship was ideal. I had previous retail experience so I knew that was what I wanted and I’m pleased I was offered a position here. I hope my work experience at No.26 and my qualification will help me to secure a permanent retail position in future.” The Makers Emporium is a partnership between Rotherham Council, The Source Skills Academy and Rotherham Youth Enterprise and is located on Rotherham High Street.
A young woman has become the latest independent retailer to set up shop on Rotherham’s High Street after bringing her online business into a pop-up retail unit in the town’s Imperial Buildings. Leaving school, Katie Cheetham, 18, knew her long term goal would be to run her own business but never imagined it would come so soon, but it did, and in October this year Rotherham Mayor, Cllr Maggi Clark officially opened Katie’s Baby Blossom Boutique. The boutique sells a range of clothing and gifts for children from new born to toddler, stocking Blade and Rose and Bob and Blossom, as well as Jelly Cat soft toys.
After finishing her GCSE’s in Nottingham, Katie’s family moved back to Rotherham and as someone who was academic it was natural that she would go to college and then onto university. But after starting her AS Levels she realised classroom learning wasn’t what she wanted anymore and what she did want was to work and gain real world experience. Katie explains, “I was studying business as an AS Level and I always enjoyed business but I found the classroom restrictive and I wanted to get out into the real world and gain some firsthand experience” Katie landed an apprenticeship with a local estate agent and studied towards a level 2 qualification in Business Admin and feels it is thanks to her employment and apprenticeship she was able to make this step. She commented, “I don’t think I would be doing this today, I was a very different person and working helped me to come out of my shell and gain confidence. I learnt so much over the 18 months I worked at the estate agents.” Baby Blossom Boutique came to life when Katie’s cousin gave birth to a little girl and she noticed a gap in the market – she wanted to buy gifts and clothes for baby Ella, but there
were no local alternatives to the chain retail stores. Katie began selling products online through eBay and Facebook in November 2014 and then launched a website, she approached Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) with her idea and with the support of Business Coach Daren McDool, took the business forward. Daren was able to help Katie secure a grant from UK Steel Enterprise and introduced her to the pop-up shop scheme which offers new start retail businesses flexible lease terms for 12 months. Katie impressed the independent judging panel and bagged herself the shop after showcasing an impressive range of branded clothing, gifts, accessories and keepsakes and setting out her ideas for marketing and promotion.
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National garden centre Dobbies, which has a centre in Chesterfield, has chosen the Teenage Cancer Trust as its Christmas partner for 2015. The garden centre organised a number of Christmas themed events which took place in November to raise as much money as possible for the cancer charity. Money raised will directly support hospital units funded by the charity. Catherine Foster, Teenage Cancer Trust Regional fundraiser said, “We’ve been so impressed with the incredible enthusiasm of Dobbie’s, Chesterfield, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all staff and customers who took part in their Christmas fundraising extravaganza! This money will go towards desperately needed services for local young people with cancer.” Fundraising activities included a launch event in October where people could watch live demonstrations including ‘How to decorate your Christmas tree’ and ‘How to make a wreath’. In November there was a parade to
celebrate Santa’s arrival and lastly, there was an ever-popular Ladies Night with seasonal shopping and pampering. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the seven young people aged 13 to 24 diagnosed with cancer every day. Teenage Cancer Trust has a unique relationship with the NHS, funding specialist cancer units in NHS hospitals and providing dedicated staff to bring young people together so they can be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them. The money raised will help support the charity’s 28 specialist units based in hospitals across the UK and help fund its Expert Care Programme, every £25 raised will fund an hour of expert care for young people diagnosed with cancer.
For more information visit about Dobbies Community activities visit www.dobbies.com
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Siobhan Dunn, Chief Executive at Teenage Cancer Trust said: “We feel very lucky to have been chosen by Dobbies staff for this special Christmas partnership. For every young person with cancer we support, there’s another we currently can’t reach. It’s the amazing support of partners like this that will help us reach our goal of supporting every young person with cancer. With all of the festive fun Dobbies staff planned, we’re sure they’ll smash their target and help us provide specialist care and support for more young people with cancer.” Celebrating their 150th year in 2015, Dobbies have a long history of supporting their local communities and charities. As well as supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust this Christmas the company has also supported The Wildlife Trust as part of it’s 150th Year celebrations. The company hopes to raise £50,000 for the Trust.
In this issue we wanted to highlight some events taking place across The Sheffield City Region this December. A Dickensian Christmas
Etsy Made Local
Step back in time with a wonderful day of Dickensian entertainment and fun in Rotherham Town Centre this December.
Etsy Made Local is a great opportunity to meet local makers in your area and find handmade, unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list, plus a few treats for yourself!
Date: Saturday 5 December 2015 Location: Rotherham Town Centre
Times: 10:30am - 3:30pm Cost: Free For more information visit: www.rotherham.gov.uk
Christmas Craft Club
Dates: 5th, 12th, 19th December 2015 Location: Moor Market Younger customers can enjoy a full programme of Christmas activities which will take place at the market. The Christmas craft club will run a variety of different activities planned for each event. Times: 2pm - 4pm Cost: Free For more information visit: www.sheffieldmarkets.com/
Real Reindeer Experience Date: Saturday 12 December 2015 Location: Rotherham Town Centre
For your chance to see some ‘real reindeer’ and meet Santa, come along to Rotherham Town Centre for this truly magical experience. There is also a Christmas market for those special festive purchases. Times: 10:30am - 3:30pm Cost: Free For more information visit: www.rotherham.gov.uk
Christmas Gifts & Grub Farmer’s Market & Craft Fair Date: Sunday 20th December 2015 Location: Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley
You will find over 120 stalls of homemade food and wonderful handmade gifts, perfect for some last minute Christmas shopping. Times: 10am - 4pm Cost: Free Fore more information visit: www.elsecar-heritage.com
Date: Saturday 5th December 2015 Location: Union Street, Sheffield
Times: 10am - 4pm Cost: free For more information visit: www.facebook.com/EtsySheffield
Christmas Crafts at Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery Date: 5th - 24th December 2015 Location: Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery
Come along to the Museum and make a pinecone reindeer, paper snowflakes, Christmas cards for your friends and lots more. Monday and Thursday- Saturday Times: 10am - 4pm Cost: Free For more information visit: www.chesterfieldmuseum.co.uk
Santa Dash
Date: Saturday 12th December 2015 Location: Locke Park, Barnsley Join a festive frenzy of Santas and all that is Christmasy, dashing around Locke Park. The route will take you through cheering crowds before finishing with Santa’s favourite, a mince pie! Bring your whole family to join in the festive fun! It’s open to all ages. Book your place for a festive 2k Fun Run & 10k Run at Locke Park on Saturday 12th December 2015, and help raise funds for Barnsley Hospice. Cost: Varies For more information visit: www.visit-barnsley.com/santa-dash
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Florist April Bell, 21 Apprentice April Bell recently won the regional award for Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year at the Yorkshire and Humber final of the National Apprenticeship Awards. This achievement will now see April put forward for the national competition with winners announced in January. April began her apprenticeship journey six years ago and we would like to share her story.
“The opportunities I have been able to access through my apprenticeships have been immense. I never thought I’d complete all of the qualifications I have, especially being someone who has never been academic.
April makes it no secret that she didn’t enjoy school and often struggled; she didn’t have high expectations about herself or her future but found her place at Monica F Hewitt through work based learning with The Source Skills Academy. She has achieved both Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Floristry, Retail Skills Management Level 3 and is currently working towards a Business and Administration Level 3.
“I have come a long way, when I think back to when I started I was a completely different person. I wouldn’t put pen to paper and didn’t like answering the phone but nothing really phases me now and I believe I can do anything.”
April says, “I wanted to do an apprenticeship because it gave me the opportunity to complete a qualification while at work, I didn’t want to sit in a classroom all day – my worst nightmare. I like that what I am learning is relevant to what I am doing, rather than something I won’t use or understand. “Everything I have learnt through my apprenticeships I have used and it has helped the whole company, not just me.
April says “As we are such a small business we are limited to how many apprentices we can take on but I intend to promote and support apprenticeships and apprentices in any way I can, as it gave me the direction I needed in my life.”
April has now taken on the full time management of the florist shop and hopes one day to be able to take over the business when the current owner retires. She also hopes to inspire other young people who may find education difficult as she did to show them there is an alternative learning path. Recently April has begun to engaging with new apprentices to share her experiences and help young people to gain work experience. She is also hoping to teach an evening class at college for new apprentices and anyone who wants to learn floristry.
If you would like to feature in the next issue of
Retail & Service
Business Matters contact The Source Skills Academy on marketing@thesourceacademy.co.uk or call 0114 2635600 16