STAR INVENTOR RUTH AMOS ON FIRING UP YOUNG IMAGINATIONS
PARTNERS IN TIME
30 YEARS OF LAUGHS, LESSONS AND LASTING IMPACT WITH JILL WHITE AND ANDY HANSELMAN
GROWTH SPURT
SHEFFIELD’S 10-YEAR PLAN TO SHAPE THE CITY’S FUTURE
HEROES’ WELCOME HOW ONE WAREHOUSE BECAME A SUPERPOWERED COMIC BOOK SUCCESS
PLUS… NEWS, INTERVIEWS, EXPERT ADVICE AND MORE!
DUE TO OUR STUNNING REFURBISHMENT TAKING PLACE, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY OFFERS WILL NEED TO BE REDEEMED IN AUGUST. THE CASINO WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL DURING REFURBISHMENT.
38: THE INVENTION INSTINCT
For this month's cover chat, inventor and Kids Invent Stuff co-founder Ruth Amos tells how a school project launched her mission to inspire young engineers.
22: A PARTNERSHIP WITH PURPOSE
Marking 30 years in business, Andy Hanselman and Jill White reflect on resilience and the highs and lows of working – and living – together. They speak to Russ Thompson about legacy, laughter and helping Sheffield businesses grow.
28: DRAWN TO IT
Sheffield’s hidden comic art powerhouse, World of Superheroes, has become the UK’s largest seller of original comic book collectables. Founder Steve Eyre shares how a family passion grew into a global business while keeping its roots proudly local.
32: MADE TO MEASURE
Sheffield’s new 10-year Growth Plan sets bold ambitions for business support, housing, sustainability, transport and culture. Backed by the Chamber and BCC, we took a closer look at a blueprint to drive innovation, connectivity and inclusive growth across the city.
44: DOWN TO BUSINESS
Business Sheffield support thousands of local businesses with tailored advice, funding guidance and sectorspecific expertise. From start-ups to scaling firms, we found out how free one-to-one support and millions in grants are helping entrepreneurs thrive. ON THE COVER...
Hello, and welcome back to the latest issue of unLTD Magazine.
So, where to start? Let’s kick off with the latest Exposed podcast (p38), where inventor and Kids Invent Stuff co-founder Ruth Amos shares how a school project sparked her mission to inspire the next generation of engineers.
For our most recent business social, hosted at the Forum, Russ Thompson interviewed a well-known pair marking 30 years in business. Read the main takeaways as Andy Hanselman and Jill White reflect on resilience, shared values and their rewarding journey together (p22).
Fans of all things Marvel and DC might be interested in my visit to Sheffield’s hidden comic art haven, World of Superheroes – a family-run firm that’s become the UK’s largest seller of original comic book collectables (p28). An inspiring story of turning passion into profit.
On page 32, Ruby Deakin explores how Sheffield’s new 10-year Growth Plan sets bold ambitions for business support, housing, sustainability, transport and culture. Towards the back of the mag, we round up everything from local charities changing young people’s lives to my own case for why the latest South Yorkshire tourism numbers mean we should puff out our chests a bit.
On the subject of tourism, that’s me signing off for the remainder of August – I’m off for my honeymoon break on the Amalfi Coast, so the out of office will be firmly on for a while I eat my body weight in pasta and gelato.
But don't worry, I promise we’ll be back with more business news and insights for you in September!
Joseph Food Editor
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Joe Food
Joe@unltdbusiness.com
ONLINE EDITOR
Ash Birch
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COLUMN EDITOR
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Lizzy Capps
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CONTRIBUTORS
Dan Bumby
Steve Brown
Wendy Ward
Jill White
Ruby Deakin
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unLTD is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1B Rialto, 2 Kelham Island Sq., Kelham Riverside, Sheffield S3 8SD
The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and while every effort is made to ensure information throughout unLTD is correct, changes prior to distribution may take place which can affect the accuracy of copy, therefore Blind Mice Media Ltd cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific listings.
The unLTD Business Club has launched –with a whole raft of new offers from our partners now included!
At unLTD Business Magazine, our mission has always been clear – to connect, support and celebrate the South Yorkshire business community. Now, we’ve taken that commitment even further with the launch of the unLTD Business Club – an exciting new membership initiative designed to give local businesses of all sizes more opportunities to grow, collaborate and thrive.
And this month we have unveiled four new benefits for all our members:
⚫ 20% off your bill at all True North venues (Monday to Friday) with a True North Business Card
⚫ 1 hour free photoshoot with Marc Barker Photography
⚫ 1 branded polo shirt from We Do Workwear (any size/ colour)
⚫ 25% discount on the day delegate package and room hire from PJ Taste
… with much more to come!
So whether you’re a growing SME looking for meaningful networking opportunities, an entrepreneur wanting to stay ahead of the curve, or a larger organisation seeking strategic brand exposure, unLTD Business Club offers a range of benefits tailored to meet your goals.
We’re open for sign-ups now – with immediate access to a host of benefits depending on your subscription tier.
It's about more than just perks – it’s about being part of a community. Members will benefit from the power of local connections, increased visibility through South Yorkshire’s leading business publication and insider access to some of the region’s most anticipated networking events.
Whether you’re looking to raise your profile, grow your network, or simply stay up to speed with the region’s dynamic business landscape, this is a platform to support your ambitions.
Visit unltdbusiness.com/businessclub to sign up or email phil@unltdbusiness.com for more information on Business Partner opportunities.
Let’s grow together – join the unLTD Business Club today.
£10/month or £99/year (plus VAT)
Designed for professionals who want to network and engage more actively:
⚫ Priority access to all unLTD Business Breakfasts, Socials and other events – free of charge
⚫ Monthly e-newsletter
⚫ A guaranteed print copy of unLTD Business magazine
⚫ 10% discount on exhibition stands at the unLTD Business Expo
⚫ 20% off your bill at all True North venues (Monday to Friday) with a True North Business Card
⚫ 20% off your bill at all True North venues (Monday to Friday) with a True North Business Card
⚫ 1 hour free photoshoot with Marc Marker photography
⚫ 1 branded polo from We Do Workwear (any size/ colour)
⚫ 25% discount on the day delegate package and room hire from PJ Taste
BUSINESS PARTNER
Tailored packages available
Benefit from all the benefits of a Business Club Member as well as promoting your brand through our digital platforms and print magazines… our premium tier for businesses looking for strategic exposure and deeper engagement:
⚫ Monthly print advertising and editorial features in unLTD Business magazine and on unLTDbusiness. com
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⚫ PLUS… All Business Club member benefits
BUSINESS SUBSCRIBER
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⚫ Ideal for readers who want to stay informed, this entry-level tier ensures you receive:
⚫ A guaranteed copy of unLTD Business magazine each month
⚫ Monthly e-newsletter featuring news, insights and upcoming events
Helen Jowitt, Naylor Industries
www.scci.org.uk/training
Sheffield City Council has set out plans to bring forward 3,000 homes and support the creation of 1,500 jobs in Attercliffe, Sheffield.
The Attercliffe Regeneration Framework covers six different locations in the area.
It shows how and where 3,000 new homes could be located and 1,500 new jobs could be created over the next ten- to-15 years as well as improving the transport network as part of the Darnall Attercliffe City Centre project.
There are also plans to improve the transport network as part of the Darnall Attercliffe City Centre project.
Working alongside the council’s partner, Homes England, the project aims to transform large parts of
Attercliffe, to help create a new neighbourhood.
Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s impossible to underestimate how important Attercliffe is to Sheffield and the surrounding area, the historical importance but also to those who call it home. However, it’s fair to say that the area has fallen onto hard times in recent years and it is now time Attercliffe is returned to a place of community, jobs and outstanding transport links with the rest of Sheffield and South
IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT THE AREA HAS FALLEN ONTO HARD TIMES IN RECENT YEARS AND IT IS NOW TIME ATTERCLIFFE IS RETURNED TO A PLACE OF COMMUNITY, JOBS AND OUTSTANDING TRANSPORT LINKS WITH THE REST OF SHEFFIELD AND SOUTH YORKSHIRE.
Yorkshire.
“This Framework will help to deliver that whilst at the same time, ensuring the iconic buildings and community feel of Attercliffe is retained for generations to come.”
As part of the latest stage in the process, Sheffield City Council is calling on developers and residents to get involved and have their say on the Framework. The consultation launched on 9 July 2025 and will run for six weeks. All the responses will then be reviewed by officers to see if they can improve the vision document.
The shortlist has been announced for this year’s prestigious Sheffield Business Awards, which returns to The Octagon Centre, in Sheffield, on October 16.
The black-tie event, organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and headline sponsored by Innovation Network South Yorkshire, promises to be a glittering celebration of the Sheffield business community.
Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s Sheffield Business Awards sees the return of many muchloved categories. Four have also been refreshed to better reflect the evolving business landscape and to further celebrate innovation, inclusivity, and the region’s growing entrepreneurial spirit.
These awards include the SME Organisation of the Year, Large Organisation of the Year, The Rising Star Award, and Start-Up Organisation of the Year – which saw its entry criteria updated to allow pre-planning startups, or businesses still in their first two years of trading, to enter.
This year, SCCI received over 165 applications across
the categories, with three applicants shortlisted per award.
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of SCCI, said: “More than just a fantastic night out, the Sheffield Business Awards are set to be a celebration of the many exceptional achievements in our city and region.
“We’ve seen an increase in applications compared to last year proving that the Sheffield Business Awards really do keep getting bigger and better!
“We’re excited to return to The Octagon to celebrate the stories from a range of businesses, organisations, teams and individuals from Sheffield and the surrounding region. We can’t wait!”
Following a rigorous, independent judging process – which comprised of over 50 judges including industry experts and business leaders across the city – the 2025 shortlist shines a light on the incredible work being done across the city by organisations of all sizes and sectors.
To find out the full shortlist or for more info, please visit: sheffieldbusinessawards.org. uk
TIKTOK POST LANDS GRAVITATE NEW HEAD OF TAX
Sheffield-based Gravitate Accounting has appointed senior tax specialist Luke James as its new Head of Tax – thanks to a light-hearted TikTok recruitment video. After two years of traditional searching, the firm turned to social media to highlight its Kelham Island base. Luke, who brings 15 years of experience, spotted the post while boarding a flight and was inspired to apply. He joined in July, strengthening Gravitate’s in-house capabilities to support its growing portfolio of SME and high-net-worth clients.
Forge Bakehouse is set to open a new outlet in Sheffield’s Banner Cross, with the launch of Deli by Forge Bakehouse.The new site, is due to open in early August and will stock the full Forge Bakehouse range alongside a wide variety of locally-sourced goods. The independent bakery brand already operates cafés and shops in Abbeydale Road, Beauchief, Lodge Moor and Dronfield, as well as an outlet at Sheffield Station.
INTELLIAM’S INTERNATIONAL REACH
IntelliAM, a Yorkshire-based technology company specialising in AI and machine learning for the manufacturing sector, has entered a strategic partnership with US-based hardware innovator, Connection Technology Center (CTC). Together they will co-develop advanced smart sensing solutions for the American manufacturing sector. The partnership expands IntelliAM’s international footprint, supporting its growth and market presence in the USA’s manufacturing and asset-intensive sectors.
Harmony Works has secured a £1 million grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation, marking a major step forward in its £10 million plan to transform Sheffield’s Grade II* listed Canada House into a regional hub for music education. With most of the funding now in place, the project is set to begin construction in 2026 and hopes to provide gamechanging opportunities for the city's vibrant music and arts scene.
Tramlines 2025 was an overwhelming success, with artists and performers from far and wide uniting thousands in song, spirit and solidarity. Every year, the festival brings a staggering number of ticket holders to Hillsborough Park, championing local voices and raising funds for charities, initiatives and grassroots organisations across the city. We’ve crunched the numbers from this year’s festival and throughout the event’s history as we say goodbye to Sheffield’s biggest party for another year.
40,000+ attendees to the park each day
120+ artists performed over the weekend
£3.8 million estimated boost to Sheffield’s economy annually
£260,000 raised for charities across Sheffield since 2018
£90,000 of funding grants awarded to local organisations since 2022
296 local bands and artists hosted at Tramlines since 2018
66 young artists hosted at Tramlines through community projects since 2022
93 work placements and internships hosted since 2018
£3,000 fundraised for Hillsborough Primary School since 2019
650 tickets donated to charities including Tickets for Good and Sheffield Young Carers since 2018
Earlybird tickets for next year’s event are available now at tramlines.org.uk
With Jill White of Andy Hanselman Consulting
July kicked off in Chesterfield at a Weston Park Cancer Charity dinner at Italian restaurant, Sicily. We weren’t too hot at Hoss or Gloss, but the charity did well on the night. Next up was the Bhayani BBQ, raising funds for the Master Cutler Challenge, great to support Jay and the team. A big thanks to Master Cutler Phil Rodrigo, who shared his personal reason for backing Sheffield Hospitals Charity and their Dementia Appeal.
A ‘3-in-1’ day followed at Cannon Arena, hosting a Women in Sport event with an incredible panel: Sarah Backovic, Vanessa Ellis and the Lord Mayor, Safiya Saeed. What a panel. What an inspirational morning. Then a quick dash to Rotherham for Glu Recruit’s 9th birthday celebrations, big congratulations to Rob, Joe and all the team. Great to see Rowan Campbell Pilling showcasing his car there too.
Back to Sheffield for the BHP summer party at Peddler Market — fabulous turnout, cracking street food, and top-tier tiramisu. Sadly, sometimes you just have to say no. I couldn’t make it to Paces Social or Sheaf’s Party in the Park — and I hear I missed two brilliant events.
Over to AESSEAL in Rotherham for a Big Challenge workshop, and I was delighted to be taken on the Woodland Walk with Martin McKervey. Who knew such tranquil surroundings could sit so comfortably alongside an industrial factory? Fabulous.
Plates and Purpose was the first in a new series with Chef’s Counter and Green Estate, stunning food, a perfect venue, and only the weather let us down. But it didn’t spoil the occasion. Two trips to RHS at Wentworth followed what a coup, and what a spectacle.
Wonderful to see the West Front Urns dedicated to Dame Julie Kenny. She would have been so proud. I was.
A crazy final week saw 3D Connect at Play Padel, a fantastic venue and inspiring talks from James Hope-Gill (Skateboard GB), Claire Moore (Believe & Achieve Gym), and 17-year-old Archie Biggin on his daring Red Bull Cliff Diving journey. Sport is truly alive and well in Sheffield.
And finally, a big shoutout to Tchad Evans, Rob Gurracha, and the team at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity for the Jon Richardson comedy night at the City Hall.
Oh, what a night... Oh, what a month!
Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.
AI
agents are coming – and they’re not here to wait for your instructions
At a recent Sheffield event hosted at The Victoria by DeeperThanBlue and IBM, local business leaders explored how this new wave of autonomous digital workers is reshaping everything from HR to Hollywood. Ready or not, the age of Agentic AI is here – and it’s time to get ahead of the curve.
But first – what is an AI agent?
Let’s dig a little deeper…
SO… WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Imagine a brilliant assistant who never sleeps and gets smarter every week. AI agents are intelligent software that think ahead and act independently –unlike basic chatbots that just answer questions.
They observe your business systems, analyse patterns, then take action: drafting follow-up emails to
neglected clients, predicting stock shortages, or flagging urgent issues. For businesses of all sizes, they’re like having a tireless team member handling routine tasks brilliantly, freeing you to focus on growth.
HERE’S HOW BUSINESSES ARE USING THEM
HR procedures – AI agents can onboard new employees, schedule interviews and manage leave requests, freeing up HR teams for more strategic work.
Customer support –Available 24/7, they handle enquiries, resolve issues and escalate complex cases as needed.
Finance – From processing invoices to forecasting budgets, AI agents speed up financial workflows and reduce errors.
Quality control – In production environments, agents monitor data in real
time and flag inconsistencies before they become problems.
Lead generation – They identify potential customers, personalise outreach and follow up automatically.
DeeperThanBlue’s Chris Booker and Stephen Birch opened with a year-in-review for AI. Chris called 2025 “the year of agentic”, highlighting how these digital co-workers are no longer just a concept but a fast-emerging reality.
Quoting figures from IDC (International Data Corporation), Chris noted that by 2028, we could see one billion new AI and low-code applications in use. He explained that AI agents differ from traditional assistants by working independently: they can connect with other systems,
remember long-term goals and collaborate with other agents to complete complex tasks.
“Agents act more like a digital employee than a passive assistant,” Chris said. “They operate based on intent and context, not just commands.”
Carolyn Shepherd, founder of Emmeline.AI, shared her thoughts on why AI isn’t yet delivering on its full promise. Her view? “People need to catch up.”
She highlighted the human barriers to AI adoption – not lack of tools, but a lack of confidence. “Most people don’t give much thought to business processes, and many don’t even know what questions to ask AI tools.”
Her advice was simple: start small. “Ask yourself:
what’s one task that drains you? Then ask AI how it could help reduce or automate that task.”
Carolyn likened the future of AI to electricity: an invisible force that powers everything, but which we don’t overthink. “You wouldn’t ask, ‘What’s your electricity strategy?’ AI will become just as embedded – so focus on the outcomes you want.”
For a real-world use case, Duncan Payne, Head of Software Engineering at ZOO Digital, shared how their team worked with the University of Sheffield to tackle a unique dubbing challenge. Due to legal limits on how long child actors can work, ZOO used AI to convert adult voices into child-like speech – a breakthrough that’s set to
shake up localisation work across film and TV.
This isn’t about replacing humans, Duncan said, but enhancing workflows.
“Skilled talent remains crucial – but AI creates new roles and possibilities.”
Mark Ketteman, Solutions Engineer at IBM, offered a glimpse of what Agentic AI looks like at enterprise scale. IBM’s internal AskHR system, for example, handles 94% of employee HR queries, freeing up staff for more humancentred work.
He also demonstrated watsonx Orchestrate, an AIpowered digital worker that handled web scraping and multilingual customer service in real time – all in under five minutes.
For Mark, this moment in tech feels like a déjà vu of the 1990s internet boom: “We’re at an inflection point. Back then, people said they’d never sell online – and look where we are now.”
Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, summed it up perfectly: “AI, harnessed correctly, can help SMEs grow, scale and accelerate productivity.”
Robert Lawley of Business Sheffield echoed this, adding that the council is updating its support and workshop content to help local businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
The key message? Start small, measure impact and scale up. Sheffield is already making moves – and AI agents may well be the city’s next big productivity boost.
To find out more about Agentic AI for your business, head to deeperthanblue. co.uk.
Stripping back the biggest business stories – what happened, who’s involved and why it matters to our region.
What’s the story?
A Taiwanese advanced manufacturing company called Walsin Lihwa (WL) announced a major investment that boosts the UK’s steel industry and advanced manufacturing sector. Hundreds of high-skilled jobs are to be created in Sheffield as result.
What will it look like?
A new superalloy forging facility will be established, and a research and development centre and come through an upgrade of its existing Special Melted Products (SMP) factory in the city.
Once the forging facility is established, WL have also set out plans to set up a research and development centre in the UK in the next phase, later in the decade.
This will focus on strengthening the company’s capabilities in materials and digital technology innovation and contributing to a growing aerospace and defence cluster in South Yorkshire.
Who's involved?
The Investment Minister, Baroness Gustafsson, attended the site with WL’s Chairman, Yu-Lon Chiao, to celebrate the investment and to hear more about the company’s plans for UK growth.
Gustafsson said: “This investment is a major vote of confidence in Sheffield’s world-class manufacturing sector and couldn’t match our ambitions better.”
What does this mean for Sheffield?
It will create over 200 jobs by 2028 in the first phase, with expertise in manufacturing operations, welding, melting, metallurgy, engineering, machining, material science, data analytics, and other high value career opportunities.
The investment will introduce new melting and superalloy forging capabilities – a new strategic manufacturing capability to the UK –which will reduce domestic producers’, such as Rolls Royce, reliance on imports.
These capabilities will aid the UK’s aspirations in aerospace, steel, nuclear and defence as set out in the modern Industrial Strategy, contribute resilience towards supply shocks and will help grow Sheffield’s manufacturing sector, which was valued at £1.4bn in 2023.
BY STEVE BROWN, MD, FLUIDONE BUSINESS IT - SHEFFIELD
As AI adoption accelerates, organisations must decide how best to incorporate it into their strategy. This guide explores key considerations: cost, speed, and data privacy, when choosing between off-the-shelf and custom AI.
These pre-built tools from third-party vendors solve common problems. They’re quick to deploy, cost-effective, and easy to use, especially for teams without deep AI expertise.
Feature Description
Cost-Effective Lower upfront costs; shared development expenses.
Quick Deployment Pre-trained models mean faster implementation.
User-Friendly Minimal expertise needed.
Vendor Support Ongoing updates, tools, and documentation.
Example: Microsoft 365 Copilot
Copilot integrates AI into Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and more –helping users write emails, create presentations, and summarise meetings securely. For example, in Teams, it can transcribe and summarise meetings automatically. However, businesses must manage file access carefully to avoid data leaks.
Agentic AI: A Step Further
Agentic AI refers to autonomous systems trained for specific tasks. Platforms like Copilot Studio allow businesses to build their own agents, combining off-the-shelf simplicity with tailored capabilities – ideal for automating HR, finance, or CRM processes.
Custom AI involves building or finetuning models to suit unique business needs. While resource-intensive, it offers greater control and strategic value.
Feature Description
Customisation Tailored to your specific use case.
Data Control Keeps sensitive data in-house.
Competitive Edge Can be a proprietary asset.
Requires significant investment in development. Custom AI is ideal for companies with complex workflows, integration needs, or strict compliance requirements.
Ask yourself:
∙ Are your needs generic or unique?
∙ What’s your timeline and budget?
∙ Do you manage regulated data?
∙ Will your requirements evolve?
∙
∙ Secure leadership buy-in
∙ Start small with a proof of concept
∙ Involve cross-functional teams
∙ Provide training and change support
∙ Measure success with clear KPIs
Off-the-shelf AI offers speed and simplicity, while custom AI brings control and competitive advantage. The right choice depends on your business goals, data needs, and resources.
As a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, we support both Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption and custom AI development through our in-house Data & AI team.
For more information, you can reach us through our website at info.fluidone. com/lp/it-transformation-consulation, call us at 0114 292 3800 or email sheffieldenquiries@fluidone.com to get in touch with our experts today to find out how we can help empower your business.
Andrew Seaton launched Resolve fresh out of university with a clear mission – to bridge the gap between technical know-how and clear, human communication. Now, 20 years on, the Sheffieldbased founder reflects with Chloe Smith on his journey…
What did you notice was missing in the IT market when you first launched Resolve?
When I started straight out of university, I quickly realised there were some people who were really technical and understood the systems, and others who were good at communicating with customers – but not many who combined both. During my year out in industry, I realised I could speak to people in non-technical language and explain quite complicated things clearly.
I could communicate well and understood the technical side too. I didn’t want to brush people off with a vague, “Yeah, everything’s fine,” but neither was I super geeky. It was that real mix –technical expertise and being able to speak the customer’s language.
It sounds like exactly the thing people need. These days, when we’re so reliant on technology, it can be scary when there’s a problem – and unhelpful when a technician just fixes it without explaining what’s happened.
I think people want to understand what’s going on. Computers have become more reliable, and people are more interested in how things work. When I started, being a geek wasn’t cool – now it is. Start-ups have changed that. But when I founded Resolve, people weren’t that interested in how their tech worked. So having that mix
of knowledge and communication has always helped create a better customer experience.
You mentioned the geeky hurdle, but what was the biggest challenge in the early days of setting up Resolve?
At the time, I was going into businesses to explain how I could help with their IT. I was only 21, fresh out of university, and sitting in meetings with MDs who clearly didn’t trust me – I remember one meeting where someone actually called me “Sonny”.
I get it – why would you trust someone who’s just left university, started their own business, and wants to manage your organisation’s tech? That trust barrier was the biggest hurdle. I was young and unestablished. I quickly learned to explain that it’s not about how long you’ve worked in IT, but how much you’ve learned and how quickly you can adapt. The industry was changing fast –and it’s changing even faster now.
Were there partnerships that shaped the early days, as well as where you are now?
To prove I knew what I was talking about – and that we, as a company, did too – we obtained Microsoft certifications, both individually and as an organisation. That helped with credibility. Some specific partnerships were also key early on. Jill White and Andy Hanselman were super helpful in guiding me through my entrepreneurial journey. I still love attending their events and getting involved in their work. Lots of people have helped me along the way.
What’s your current approach to customer support?
IN A WORLD WHERE AI IS BECOMING THE NORM, WE STILL WANT TO BE THAT HUMAN CONNECTION BECAUSE, ULTIMATELY, OUR CUSTOMERS ARE PEOPLE. AND WE’RE HERE TO HELP THEM THROUGH THEIR IT JOURNEY.
It’s still about being experts who speak your language – that’s the essence of Resolve. We really understand the technology behind what we do, but we always communicate in a way that makes sense to our customers. That means adjusting how we speak depending on who we’re talking to – it could be more technical with some clients, more straightforward with others.
Ultimately, we want to offer an outstanding customer experience. Our goal is to be the best IT and technical support provider for clients in the UK.
How do you stay up to date in such a fastchanging industry?
We’re still partners with some of the big players – Google, Microsoft – and we keep an eye on the wider industry. IT has accelerated massively, but the good news is that everyone who works here genuinely loves technology.
We don’t see change and think, “Oh no, more hassle.” We’re excited by it – by the possibilities of new tech. We hire people who want to learn and adapt quickly. That’s how we’ve grown – from when Facebook was just taking off in the UK and the iPhone didn’t exist, to where we are now.
How are you adapting to the rise of AI and large language models?
AI is a huge shift and something we’ve been adapting to for a while – but there are other big changes too, like the rise of cloud dominance. We always take the time to reflect on what these developments mean for our customers.
First, we try them out and learn how they work ourselves. Then we look at how our clients might benefit – and what the risks might be too. For example, is putting all your data in the cloud always the best option? In many ways, we act as a guide. We’re really excited about the opportunities around AI.
And what are your long-term ambitions for Resolve?
We’re still proudly independent and proudly based in Sheffield – and that won’t change. Long-term, we want to be recognised for offering amazing customer experience and support. We believe that if we keep delivering that, people will come to us and we’ll continue to grow.
Finally, what’s your view on AI’s future impact?
I think what we’ll see is a lot of organisations replacing people with some form of AI – and while that might be more efficient for the business, it could be infuriating for customers.
In a world where AI is becoming the norm, we still want to be that human connection – that human support. Because ultimately, our customers are people. They want to understand, and we’re here to help guide them through their IT journey. I think we’re perfectly placed to bridge that divide.
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BY ADAM BRADLEY BUSINESS GROWTH CONSULTANT
Let’s start with why exhibitions matter. I’m not just talking about shaking hands and collecting business cards (although, sure, you’ll do plenty of that). Exhibitions are all about generating leads, building brand visibility, meeting potential customers/suppliers, keeping tabs on your competition and gaining valuable industry insight.
The buzz of being in a room full of like-minded professionals is hard to replicate. Expos have this way of supercharging your motivation and sparking ideas. They’re team-building gold. They’re marketing magic. They’re networking on steroids.
1. Do your homework
Before you even lace up your comfiest shoes, do some digging. Find out who’s exhibiting, which talks or panels are happening, and plan your route. Aim to spend about 10 minutes per target stand. If it’s a big expo, consider attending over two days.
2. Book appointments in advance
Identify your top 10 exhibitors and drop them a message beforehand. This simple move builds rapport early and helps you stay focused.
3. Announce you’re going Shout it from the rooftops (LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook). Tag the event, use the hashtag, and tell people when you’ll be there. You’ll be surprised how many new connections come from just one post. Remember, it’s not just exhibitors who are worth talking to.
4. Dress the part (and wear your brand)
A branded polo or hoodie does wonders. People might not know your face, but they’ll
clock your company. Oh — and don’t forget comfy shoes.
5. Arrive early, stay late, be flexible
The early hours are often golden — quieter stands, fresher faces. Be ready to adapt your plan on the fly. You never know who you’ll bump into or where a conversation might lead.
6. Don’t sell, just listen Exhibitors are there to pitch, not be pitched to. Use your time to learn about them. Ask great questions, listen well, and gently steer the conversation toward what you do if it feels right.
7. Use social media on the day
Check in, post a selfie, comment on other updates. It makes you visible and memorable, and it’s another way to network.
8. Be unforgettable
Hand out a quirky postcard, wear a funky pin, or offer a giveaway. Do something that helps people remember you.
1. Pick the right event
Not all expos are the same. Visit a few before committing to one. Are your customers and competitors there? If yes, that’s your target.
2. Location, location, location Book a corner stand if you can with more visibility and more foot traffic. Also, consider proximity to coffee shops, networking lounges, and entrances.
3. Design for clarity and impact
Keep it clean. Big visuals,
fewer words, clear message. Bonus points for interactive elements like games, demos, or videos.
4. Bring the right team
Don’t go solo. A good team means someone’s always at the stand, someone’s always roaming the hall, and everyone’s wearing your brand.
5. Swag smartly People love free stuff. Pens, mugs, notebooks, but make sure it ties into your message. Something useful & branded is marketing that keeps working long after the event.
6. Promote, promote, promote Pre-event. During the event. After the event. Use social media, emails and newsletters to tell the world where you’ll be there. Ask for a speaker slot — nothing builds authority faster.
The exhibition might be over, but the work starts now. Follow up fast, within a few days. Send personalised emails, mention your conversation, and start building trust and your network.
Remember: staying on someone’s radar is the difference between a lead that dies and a deal that closes.
Expos are not about luck. It’s about strategy. Show up smart, stand out boldly, and follow through like a pro. Let the expo magic begin...
In the latest instalment of unLTD’s Inside Track series – where Russell Thompson AKA the ‘Director on Demand’ gets the real-life stories behind South Yorkshire’s most inspiring entrepreneurs – we meet Andy Hanselman and Jill White, who reflect how partnership, purpose and a sense of humour have carried them through 30 years of business.
For many in the South Yorkshire business community, the names Andy Hanselman and Jill White are more than familiar – they’re foundational. As partners at Andy Hanselman Consulting, this pair have spent the last three decades helping businesses think in 3D –that is, ‘Dramatically and Demonstrably Different’. But beyond the frameworks and strategy days, theirs is a story of purpose, partnership and people – one that’s still evolving, even as Jill prepares to step back from the business this autumn.
Speaking live at unLTD’s latest Business Social at the Forum, hosted by Russ Thompson as part of the ‘Inside Track’ interview series, Andy and Jill shared a candid look back at how their working – and personal – lives came together in what’s now a 30-year business milestone.
“I had never run a business. I had no plans to run a business,” Jill recalled. “I worked in Barnsley at the job centre, then the Training Agency. Eventually I joined the private sector, a consultancy in Doncaster – and Andy was already there.”
It was the early 90s. The business they were part of wanted to focus on startups, while both Andy and Jill were increasingly drawn to helping established businesses grow. With encouragement – or, as Jill put it, ‘pushed’ – they each launched their own ventures: Andy Hanselman Consulting and Jill White Associates. It didn’t take long for that to change.
“I absolutely hated it,” Jill admitted. “I am a partnership girl. I need someone to share the highs – which are lovely – but the lows, which are miserable. I was newly divorced, living in a house on my own in Barnsley, in my bedroom, lonely, isolated. Eventually I persuaded him to come together – and that’s when we started.”
On 1 May 1995, Hallmarks Business Development was born. With one
employee (Maxine, who was in the room during the interview), a shared vision and a lot of trust, the pair set out to help businesses grow – not just in turnover, but in capability, mindset and leadership.
The relationship between Jill and Andy is both the heart of the business and its biggest strength. When asked what makes their partnership work, both pointed to shared values.
“We are very different in certain things, but I think ethos, values – what we want, what we think is important – is the same,” Andy said.
“We are separate, but together,” Jill added. “We’ve got our own strengths and we do our own things – but together we’re better.”
They’ve never been ones to do things by halves. Their working life, marriage, travel and even holidays have often overlapped – but they’re not inseparable in the clichéd sense.
“We talk about being ones and halves,” Andy said. “We do our own things, but we’re great when we’re together. It’s a bit cheesy, but one plus one equals three.”
Jill described herself as the ‘finder’ – the networker and connector – while Andy is the ‘grinder’, delivering the work. “And poor Danielle [Creative Administrator] is the minder,” she laughed. “She keeps us together.”
The business has never been huge in headcount – at its largest, it had 12 to 14 employees – but its reach has been deep. The couple speak proudly of their alumni: former team members who’ve gone on to set up their own businesses.
“That’s one of the things I’m really proud of,” Jill said. “Maybe five, six, even seven of them have now gone on to run their own business. I think that’s fantastic because they’ve lived it with us, they’ve learned it from us, and then they’ve gone on and done their own thing.”
MAKE SURE YOU WANT THE SAME THINGS LONG TERM,” HE SAID. “WORK OUT WHO’S GOING TO DO WHAT. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS. AND IF YOU CAN’T DO IT, FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO CAN.”
Andy added: “They’ve become our family. We haven’t got kids, but we’ve worked with people that have grown and developed over the years. It’s great to see some of them here today.”
Even their clients often become close friends – something that has defined the way they operate.
“We’ve been lucky,” Jill said. “Now we’re tiny again, we get to choose who we work with. I don’t want to work with people who don’t share our values. I feel lucky that we can choose.”
Like any business of its longevity, theirs has had its ups and downs. Andy spoke candidly about his health, including a triple heart bypass and later, a near-fatal case of encephalitis.
“I collapsed in front of a client during a strategy day. I was in a coma for two or three weeks. When I looked at the statistics for encephalitis, it’s quite scary stuff. But they said [it helped that] I was physically fit, mentally fit and the social activity – they couldn’t believe how many people came to see me. That connection made a difference.”
Jill added a practical takeaway: “Critical illness insurance saved us. If you haven’t got it and you are running a business – oh my God. That is a big tip from me – get yourself sorted with that.”
Their business wasn’t just resilient. It evolved. They adapted to new ways of working, new markets and new mindsets – but always with the same core values intact.
“We just kept on keeping on,” Jill said. “Being down is OK – staying down is the problem.”
In a milestone year that marks 30 years in business – and 20 years of their 3D Thinking model – things are shifting. Jill plans to retire, or at least slow down significantly, come September. Andy will continue, likely on four days a week.
“For the first time in 30 years, we’re not on the same page,” Jill said. “It’s like Ant and Dec splitting up. What’s going to happen? Watch this space.”
Their vision of the future is less about expansion and more about legacy. Andy wants to continue consulting, speaking and mentoring. Jill wants to pass the baton to the next generation – many of whom she proudly namechecked on the night.
“I love seeing Sheffield’s young businesses thriving,” Jill said. “That’s what I’ll miss. My Hallam babies.”
They’re also still advocating for the city itself. Andy called for “free parking” and fewer barriers to help startups grow – and
In an age of curated success and quiet comparison, Inside Track is about flipping the script. These conversations focus on honesty over hype, and people who turn setbacks into stepping stones. The aim is simple – to source inspiration, not envy.
To find out more about Russ’s work and how you can join the conversation, visit director-on-demand.co.uk.
for Sheffield to be more confident in its offer.
“We’ve got brilliant stuff happening,” he said. “But we don’t shout about it enough.”
Asked what advice they’d give a married couple going into business together, Andy was pragmatic.
“Make sure you want the same things long term,” he said. “Work out who’s going to do what. Play to your strengths. And if you can’t do it, find someone else who can.”
Jill added, “It isn’t for everyone. It’s not all wine and roses. You’ve got to keep bouncing back. But if you’re thinking about doing it – leap, and the net will appear.”
Thirty years on, they’re still here. Still laughing. Still giving back. Still learning.
“I’m proud,” Jill said. “Fulfilling and mind-blowing. That’s what it’s been.”
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION WITH JILL AND ANDY ON THE UNLTD PODCAST BY
A partnership between Scarborough Group International and Sheffield Technology Parks explores how purpose-built environments like Stadium Workspace are reshaping what it means to support startups – blending flexibility, community and wellbeing in the heart of a growing innovation cluster.
When we think about innovation in action, we often picture breakthrough ideas, cutting-edge research and game-changing technology. But more often than not, it’s the environment around us – the people we meet, the conversations we have and the support we receive – that enables innovation, turning a promising concept into something that can scale and thrive.
For founders and teams working
at the intersection of technology, health, sport and wellbeing, a workspace isn’t just a place to sit and set up a laptop. It’s about being part of an ecosystem where problems can be shared, connections are made and the right support – at the right time – is on hand.
At Stadium Workspace, based within Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, that ecosystem is very much by design.
A community that works (and works together)
Set within Steel City Stadium, this is not your typical office environment. The rhythm of daily sporting activity – from elite training to community matches – creates an energy that’s hard to replicate. It’s a reminder that performance, whether physical or professional, is about more than effort alone. It’s about environment and mindset, and it reflects a bigger ambition: to make work and wellbeing part of the same conversation.
Inside, the space is shaped around the realities of startup life, combining flexibility, functionality and access to a network of others on a similar journey. Informal interactions in the coworking lounge or over coffee in the café often spark valuable conversations – whether it’s sharing ideas, unpicking challenges or chancing upon unexpected partnerships.
This kind of unstructured, peerto-peer interaction can be just as valuable as formal networking events, especially in fast-moving sectors where knowledge and
collaboration are key.
Startups rarely follow a straight line. From solo founders testing an idea to fast-growing teams looking for a long-term base, the workspace offers flexibility that matches the pace and unpredictability of business growth.
But flexibility is more than just hot-desking and short leases. It’s
about creating a support structure that adapts with you – through coworking memberships, serviced offices or fully leased suites, with no pressure to commit beyond what you need.
Even for early-stage ventures not yet ready for a physical presence, the ability to anchor themselves in a credible, sector-aligned ecosystem through a virtual office address can be a helppful strategic advantage, opening doors without
overextending resources.
Wellbeing at work matters. And that means more than just having a bike rack and a breakout area – it means creating a culture where work and wellness are truly integrated and not competing priorities.
At Stadium Workspace, this is embedded throughout: from the building-wide superfast broadband and secure 24/7 access, to on-site showers, a performance-focused café, active travel facilities and park-wide running routes and fitness equipment. Founders and teams aren’t forced to choose between productivity and self-care – they’re supported in achieving both.
The new café, powered by Sheffield-based Food Fusion, already plays an important role in the workday experience. Designed with performance nutrition in mind, it’s a space that supports energy and focus as much as it encourages informal meetings and socialising –all key contributors to wellness and work.
Perhaps most importantly, Stadium Workspace is part of something bigger. Located among key organisations at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park – including the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Canon Medical Arena, English Institute of Sport Sheffield and the soon-to-open National Centre for Child Health Technology – members are part of an innovation cluster tackling real-world problems.
Plus, partners Sheffield Technology Parks bring expert business support to members of Stadium Workspace, from funding advice and strategy sessions to connections with investors and research partners.
A workspace can’t build your product or raise your first funding round, but it can connect you with people who’ve done it before. The right environment can give you the headspace to think strategically and surround you with the kind of energy and support that spurs you on – even through the really tough days.
Want to see the space for yourself? To arrange a tour or find out more, contact: workspace@ steelcitystadium.com or visit steelcitystadium.com.
Tucked away on Holbrook Industrial Estate – just a 15-minute drive from Sheffield city centre – sits one of the UK’s most remarkable specialist retailers. World of Superheroes is a family-run business packed with rare comics, original artwork and pop culture memorabilia. It’s a collector’s dream – but surprisingly few people know it’s there.
That’s something founder and owner Steve Eyre is keen to change. “The problem we’ve got is that not enough people know we’re here,” he says. “But when people do come, they quickly become regular customers. They visit, have a chat and love it.”
A lifelong comic collector, Steve began reading Marvel reprints in the 1970s as a teenager growing up in Sheffield. “I’d buy a batch in the morning, go to my grandma’s in Firth Park, read them all, and take them back in the afternoon for part-exchange!” he laughs.
That passion turned commercial five years ago, when Steve launched the business alongside his children Alex and Holly. “We just imagined it being a relatively small family concern,” he says. “But it’s grown big. From a standing start, we now turn over a healthy amount and sell to people all over the world.”
The business saw rapid growth during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With physical shops closed and an uptick in online shopping, the team invested in e-commerce – uploading thousands of products to their own Shopify site and eBay store. Demand surged. “We used the time to get everything online,” says Steve. “And sales
haven’t slowed since.”
Now, World of Superheroes is the UK’s largest seller of original comic book art – both in terms of volume and value. The team have sold multiple Amazing Fantasy No. 15 issues and several single comics for over £40,000. Their customer base stretches across Europe and North America, thanks in part to eBay’s global shipping programme.
Despite the success of its digital channels, visiting the Holbrook warehouse remains a key part of the brand experience.
The space is packed with vintage comics, original prints, life-size superhero statues and museum-grade artwork – including pieces by former Star Wars storyboard artist Robert Bailey. “We’re not allowed to make any prints of them,” says Steve. “They’re one of a kind.”
There are also certified items signed by industry icons such as Stan Lee, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster and Bob Kane, alongside original British comic art by John Higgins (Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns). One standout – a Spider-Man No. 1, graded at 5.5 – is currently priced at £15,000.
While top-end collectors form a key customer segment, the business thrives on volume and accessibility. Entry-level buyers can pick up vintage “floppies” (single-issue comics) for around £5 or purchase mixed boxes of 130 comics for £300. “There’s something for all prices,” says Steve. “You can come in and pick something up, whether you’ve got a fiver or a few grand.”
Trade-ins and private collection acquisitions also form part of the revenue
stream. “We get a lot of people wanting to trade or value their collection,” Steve explains. “If you go through auction, you lose around 30% in fees. We can offer a better deal – we’re honest with our prices and the way we deal with people. It’s a family-run business and we want to do things properly. Reputation matters to us.”
In addition to retail, the company has diversified into events through a sister venture – Heroes United – which rents out full-size superhero statues to shopping centres, exhibitions and film-themed events across the UK.
The business remains proudly handson. Alex manages online sales and sourcing, Holly leads the social media, and Steve continues to meet visitors, value collections and manage acquisitions. “It’s not like coming to work. We love it. It’s good fun. We have a lot of banter and enjoy meeting new people,” he says.
A focus on local talent also plays a part. The team have long championed regional
artists such as the late Joe Scarborough – whose final collection will be exhibited this summer at The Workstation – and Sheffield painter Nigel Buchan, whose work is now sold via a dedicated Shopify platform created by the World of Superheroes team.
The warehouse is open to the public during the week and welcomes walk-ins or appointments. “If people want a tour, we’ll show them around,” says Steve. “And they nearly always buy something. Or they might trade something. Or both.”
Ultimately, the business is about more than just selling comics. “Particularly since the Marvel films, this sort of thing doesn’t have the tag of being nerdy anymore,” Steve says. “It’s a cool pastime. It’s like vinyl records coming back – there’s that respect for the art of a previous generation.”
As comic publishing shifts further into digital art, the value of original inked pages, signed memorabilia and vintage stock continues to rise. “There’s only one of each,” Steve says, proudly holding up an original piece. “You just can’t reprint that. It’s timeless.”
The UK comic book and graphic novel market saw year-on-year growth of 15% in 2023, with continued strong demand for collector editions and back issues.
(Nielsen BookScan, 2023)
Digital sales and online platforms now account for over 60% of comic and memorabilia transactions globally –accelerated by pandemic-era buying habits.
(IBISWorld, 2024)
Comic book film adaptations are a driving force behind renewed interest in physical comics and memorabilia – Avengers: Endgame alone grossed $2.8 billion worldwide.
(Box Office Mojo, 2024)
High-grade key issues continue to rise in value. In 2022, a copy of Amazing Fantasy No. 15 (first Spider-Man appearance) sold for $3.6 million.
(Heritage Auctions, 2022)
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With the launch of Sheffield City Council’s brand-new 10-year growth plan, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomed the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to celebrate economic growth and groundbreaking local innovation in Sheffield and the surrounding region. unLTD’s Ruby Deakin digs a little deeper into what this could mean for the region.
Sheffield’s Growth Plan 2025–2035, rooted in the Council mission “Together we get things done”, aims to build on established and new partnerships, private sector investment, and community strength to rejuvenate all aspects of Sheffield life. At the core of its economic strength is the city’s cultural, creative and innovative spirit, harnessing the talents of thousands of hardworking individuals. In a nutshell, the plan is committed to supporting businesses through unprecedented challenges and market demands, recognising the importance of connectivity, community and mutual support to facilitate new opportunities, industry and growth.
Last month, British Chambers of Commerce directors visited local industrial hubs such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, the Heart of the City, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and other core development areas, meeting with city leaders and stakeholders to discuss the new plans. The visit was facilitated by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, which plays its part as a collaborator and champion of the city’s business community.
The Council’s plans for growth are certainly ambitious – and potentially gamechanging. I've dug out five key takeaways from the 42-page document, dissecting what they might mean for the future of businesses and residents in the region.
Sheffield City Council’s plan to drive regional growth through technology and innovation investment starts with building a strong support network for businesses. A Regional Business Support System will offer enhanced growth strategies to local enterprises, allowing organisations to access new markets and large-scale finance. The plan also aims to take a new approach towards international partnerships, improving global market access for local industry and building on existing business relationships beyond national boundaries.
Piloting a Sheffield Capability Index will highlight supply chain advantages to aid investment, allowing local businesses to capitalise on supply chain opportunities. South Yorkshire is proud to declare itself the UK’s first Investment Zone, leveraging the region’s groundbreaking technological and manufacturing expertise to boost infrastructure and capital development.
In partnership with the city’s universities and technology centres, the Sheffield Innovation Spine will facilitate vital connections between businesses throughout the city, providing cutting-edge research spaces and labs, as well as centres to enable new spin-outs and startups to build strong foundations in the city centre.
Securing long-term climate resilience and transitioning to green alternatives not only requires investment in sustainable practices, but a commitment to improving education and skills training to enable meaningful change. In its pledge to become a global demonstrator in the journey to net zero, Sheffield City Council plans to issue a decarbonisation route map and provide essential advice to businesses and citizens – ensuring that everyone is equipped to make informed decisions and adopt cleaner, greener alternatives in their everyday practices. Climate-friendly infrastructure and land management are at the core of the new plan. Flood management and responsible land planning will mutually benefit communities and the environment, while investment in decarbonising houses and businesses – as well as new community energy projects – will significantly accelerate carbon reduction in the region.
Collaborating with Homes England, Sheffield City Council aims to lay the foundations for developing five new city-centre neighbourhoods and 20,000 new homes at Moorfoot, Furnace Hill and Neepsend – boosting access to culture, entertainment, green spaces and essential local services in the heart of the city. The plan emphasises community-building and resident-centred development, providing social spaces and accessible facilities that respond to the unique needs of each neighbourhood, prioritising wellbeing, comfort and safety.
Beyond the city centre, the growth plan allocates new renovation efforts to key Sheffield areas including Attercliffe, Gleadless Valley and Stocksbridge, working with partners and stakeholders to improve opportunities and access to essential community facilities. Attercliffe’s 23-acre regeneration scheme includes the construction of 1,000 new homes alongside new public spaces and commercial buildings, while plans for Stocksbridge feature a new community hub and library. The draft Local Plan also sets out a new policy to drive minimum levels of affordable housing across the city, ensuring that quality living is accessible and attainable for all.
“WHEN I COME TO PLACES LIKE SHEFFIELD, I CAN’T HELP BUT BE OPTIMISTIC. THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT, INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE HERE THAT I’M CONFIDENT THE FUTURE REMAINS BRIGHT.”
SHEVAUN HAVILAND CBE, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE BCC
Central to driving effective and rapid economic growth in the region is securing a reliable transport network for all Sheffield residents. Improving channels of communication and travel is essential, with new investment efforts aiming to strengthen connectivity between city regions as well as with other cities and industrial hubs.
Currently, fewer than 40% of Sheffield residents can access the city centre within 30 minutes by public transport. The Council’s plan to expand tram and rail networks, particularly along the Chesterfield–Sheffield–Stocksbridge route, aims to extend access to 100,000 more residents.
The plan also outlines a commitment to bus reform, improving routes and timetables, and increasing accessibility for the city’s disabled community. It also proposes investment in road safety, parking provision, and improved infrastructure for cycling and walking – as outlined in the Sheffield Transport Vision. A newly launched Sheffield Rail Taskforce will work with government departments and local authorities to ensure that improved rail services meet the needs of Sheffield’s residents and businesses.
Externally, improved transport links to other key areas will be vital to establishing the city as a thriving hub of industry and innovation. The plan champions the acceleration of electrified rail connections to London, Leeds, Manchester and the East Midlands – aiming to boost capacity and the frequency of services to major destinations.
“AS THE PAST FIVE YEARS HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT SIGNIFICANT CHANGE, IT’S CLEAR THAT MOMENTUM IS NOW BUILDING FOR THE CITY AND PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY THAT SHEFFIELD IS READY TO SEIZE.”
LOUISA HARRISON-WALKER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF SCCI
Sheffield’s industrial growth owes much to its cultural output – from grassroots organisations to world-class arts institutions, a thriving local music scene and landmark heritage festivals. The Council aims to accelerate cultural growth by championing local talent and showcasing the city’s rich heritage as integral to its creative identity.
The plan sets out to increase Arts Council England funding per capita, alongside other cultural investment funds, to support the 2,000 cultural businesses and 25,000 creatives living in Sheffield and the wider region.
The Sheffield City Culture Strategy will invest in cultural enterprise while aiming to expand the sector’s growth potential and elevate Sheffield’s reputation for creative excellence on a national and international scale.
A key part of the strategy is a commitment to restore the historic environment of Castlegate, creating a new public park and fostering a vibrant community around culture hubs such as Harmony Works and S1 Artspace.
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Last month, unLTD Business Magazine, in collaboration with Brook Consult, brought together experts from the manufacturing industry for the second Working Lunch a new series to spotlight innovation and growth across South Yorkshire’s business community.
Representatives from the manufacturing industry across the region came together last month for unLTD Business’s July Working Lunch, hosted in partnership with Brook Consult. From Process to Platform – Laying the Groundwork for Digital Transformation, was held at Victoria in Neepsend and featured a panel including Master Cutler Phil Rodrigo, Brook Consult’s Andrew Armstrong and industrial transformation expert Nick Leeder who explored how businesses can embrace digital tools without being distracted by buzzwords or tech hype.
Andrew Armstrong, Commercial Director at Brook Consult and Certified SIRI
Assessor, told unLTD afterwards: “It was fantastic to be at the Victoria again for the unLTF Business event. I really enjoyed speaking on the panel – it was an engaging conversation with Ian, Nick, Phil and the audience. It highlighted the issues facing organisations in these challenging times, while also focusing on the potential positives of change.”
Brook Consult owner Dom Brook added: “It was fantastic to bring together the South Yorkshire manufacturing community to openly discuss how we embrace smart industry and digitalisation. Events like this are vital for laying the groundwork, not just for technology adoption, but for building a shared vision of a more connected, future-ready manufacturing landscape.”
Made Smarter Adviser Vernon Tolson commented: “Fantastic event today. Avoid buzzwords and focus on what outcomes manufacturers are really looking for.”
Dan Laver from BIDBI highlighted some key lessons learned: “I wasn’t sure how the SIRI assessment worked – now I see its value in benchmarking digital readiness.”
The next unLTD Working Lunch will be held at the same venue on October 16.
In the latest unLTD Business Podcast, host James Marriott discovered how Sheffield’s Ruth Amos turned childhood curiosity into a joyful career championing creativity and inspiring future engineers
“I’m probably unemployable.”
That’s not the sort of statement you expect from someone whose CV includes national awards, viral invention videos and Guinness World Records. But for Sheffieldbased inventor Ruth Amos, convention was never the goal. From the moment she stumbled into engineering as a teenager, she’s been on a mission to change not only how the world sees inventors – but how young people see themselves.
It all began, quite unexpectedly, with a school project.
“When I was doing GCSE Resistant Materials, my teacher set me a challenge to design something to help his dad go up and down the stairs,” Ruth explains. “So I ended up designing something called the StairSteady, which is a specialist handrail. And through that, I got thrown into this whole world of engineering and invention.”
That single brief sparked a fascination – and ultimately, a career. Not that Ruth had planned it that way. “I realised I should have always wanted to be an engineer. Everything I watched growing up, the toys I played with… but no one had ever told me that I should be one.”
Now, she’s making sure that others don’t miss the memo.
Together with co-founder Shawn Brown, Ruth runs Kids Invent Stuff – a YouTube channel and outreach project that brings primary school children’s wild invention ideas to life. “Lots of young people, but particularly girls, form their opinions around what careers they can and can’t do early at primary,” she says. “We decided we wanted to start something around that.”
What followed was part kids’ TV, part engineering challenge – and wholly wonderful. “We’ve brought to life over 100 kids’ invention ideas now. When I’m not building those, I’m building ridiculous things in the workshop – for brands, for TV. I’ve kind of set off on this journey trying to share with as many people as possible how amazing engineering and inventing and making is.”
It’s work that regularly reaches a global audience – but still begins with one child and a spark of imagination. “Kids have the best invention ideas. And they’re also quite nerve-wracking bosses,” Ruth laughs. “We want them to like what we’ve done, for it to be their vision – but also better than they could have imagined. There’s definitely a lot of pressure.”
And with upwards of 20,000 submissions a year, there’s no shortage of ideas. “Every single one of them has something about them. We never get a bad invention. I think kids do the hardest part of our job. As adults, we become a bit boring and constrained. Kids haven’t got those limits. Their brains take them to amazing places.”
That mindset – playful, fearless, wonderfully impractical – is what makes Ruth’s work so infectious. And while she’s faced plenty of high-pressure builds, one project stands out for sheer audacity.
“We entered a gravity racer challenge,” she recalls, referencing the kind of soapbox racing made famous by the Red Bull events. “Grace sent us her idea for a gravity racer shaped like a cake. And a friend of ours said, ‘You should make it out of cake.’”
So that’s what they did.
“In a microwave, we made 140 kilograms of vegan cake. We made the most disgusting mix – sugar’s expensive, eggs are expensive – and assembled it in blocks, connected by skewers. We iced it, added sprinkles, candles… the works.”
Transporting it was nervewracking enough. Racing it, more so.
AS ADULTS, WE BECOME A BIT BORING AND CONSTRAINED. KIDS HAVEN’T GOT THOSE LIMITS. THEIR BRAINS TAKE THEM TO AMAZING PLACES.”
“I was sat behind this giant cake thinking, what am I doing with my life? We’d spent so much money on cake and so little on brakes. I thought, I’m going to kill myself with a giant cake.”
She didn’t, of course. The race was a success. But the real victory was in embracing uncertainty – and turning a child’s whimsical drawing into something real. “That’s what I love. These are prototypes. There’s always a bit of unknown. But facing those fears makes you stronger.”
Alongside the channel’s online content, Ruth and the team spend much of the year in classrooms and at live events, bringing hands-on invention to schools – especially those that rarely get access to STEM outreach.
“This year, we’ll have seen almost 20,000 young people face-to-face,” she says. “About half of that’s in South Yorkshire. We work really hard to get into schools that maybe don’t get loads of STEM stuff.”
PEOPLE THINK OF SHEFFIELD ENGINEERING AS THE STEELWORKS, BUT THERE’S SO MUCH MORE… IT’S ALL HAPPENING HERE.”
The region, she says, has been central to the project’s success.
“The workshop is here. A lot of the team is here. And there’s so much going on in South Yorkshire when it comes to engineering and technology.”
From the AMRC to Gulliver’s Valley, where Ruth hopes to install a permanent exhibition, she sees South Yorkshire as not just historically great at engineering –but future-facing too.
“People think of Sheffield engineering as the steelworks, but there’s so much more. At the Olympic Legacy Park, you’ve got new NHS facilities, incredible medical tech, UTCs… We partner with organisations based in these places. It’s all happening here.”
And for Ruth, the connection to business is fundamental.
“We couldn’t do this without partners. We’ve worked with Octopus Energy, the Intellectual Property Office, Taskmaster
Sector: Pharmaceutical / Health
Contract:
Sector:
Catering
Contract: Install new cold room
Hospitals
Education… a lot of our work is project or challenge-based, funded by businesses or engineering organisations that care about the next generation.”
It’s clear that this isn’t just about fun YouTube builds – although there’s plenty of that. At its core, Ruth’s mission is about changing perceptions, opening doors and addressing the skills gap with joy and inclusivity.
“There’s this idea that engineering’s for people who are cleverer than you. Or that it’s for men. It’s not true. So our job is to show young people how amazing it is. There’s so much creativity, so much variety.”
That positivity extends to how she sees today’s young people – too often, she says, unfairly maligned.
“People say kids can’t communicate anymore; they’re always on their phones. That’s nonsense. Young people today are so switched on, so passionate. Whether it’s climate change, recycling, how we consume things – they care. And they’re capable.”
Despite her own relentless schedule, Ruth does try to switch off. “Love Island, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives… sign me up,” she laughs. “But I am always coming up with ideas. I’ve got a great team
and we’re constantly throwing ideas around.”
As for what’s next?
“We’ve got big plans to expand the schools work, and we’re trying to get funding for a permanent exhibition space. Somewhere we can bring school groups in, have those conversations, and reach people who might not expect to see STEM in a theme park.”
From building a business on her parents’ dining table to inspiring tens of thousands of children each year, Ruth’s story is one of making things happen – sometimes literally.
And if you ask her what makes it all worthwhile, the answer is simple.
“We’re getting those emails from young people saying, ‘I’m studying engineering because I watched your channel.’ Or, ‘You built my invention, and now I want to try it myself.’ Knowing you’ve made a difference – that’s what keeps me going.”
To find out more about Ruth’s work, visit: kidsinventstuff.com emily@kidsinventstuff.co.uk YouTube: Kids Invent Stuff Instagram / TikTok / Twitter: @ kidsinventstuff
THIS IS AN EDITED VERSION OF THE UNLTD BUSINESS PODCAST INTERVIEW. SCAN THE QR CODE TO LISTEN IN FULL.
Sheffield has always been a city that gets things done. From traditional industry to modern enterprise, it’s a place where business owners roll up their sleeves and build something meaningful. But no one does it alone – and in 2024, thousands of local entrepreneurs turned to Business Sheffield for expert guidance, support and practical help to grow and thrive.
Delivered by Sheffield City Council, Business Sheffield offers a comprehensive range of free support services for businesses at every stage – from early ideas through to scaling and innovation. Across the year, the team supported more than
4,100 businesses, underlining its role as a key pillar in the city’s enterprise ecosystem.
Specialist support for every sector Business Sheffield’s strength lies in its tailored approach. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, the service is structured around dedicated teams that understand the distinct challenges and ambitions of different business types.
Start-ups and pre-starts are supported by the Launchpad Team, who worked with over 643 new ventures in 2024 alone. Their advice spans business planning, registration, marketing and funding applications
– all aimed at helping new founders get off to the best possible start.
High street businesses, meanwhile, are backed by the High Street Advisor Team – six advisors who provide hands-on, face-toface support across the city. From navigating licensing and planning to resolving issues with business rates or environmental health, they act as a practical bridge to council services.
Last year, they worked with more than 2,000 retailers and traders
The Tech Team supports Sheffield’s growing community of digital and tech businesses.
Acting as a sounding board and strategic partner, they advise on things like product development and investment readiness. Over 90 businesses benefited from this specialist support last year.
Larger and scaling businesses are also in scope. 128 of the largest businesses in the city are supported by a Key Account Manager, providing help with access to finance, marketing strategy, productivity, skills development and innovation.
In addition, Growth Advisors have worked with over 650 of the larger SMEs in the city, guiding them through the process of securing
“Thanks to the support from Business Sheffield, we’ve been able to invest in high quality equipment that has elevated our clothing brand. This coupled with the professional guidance has been crucial in helping establish a strong foundation for Sabi&Soul.”
ED GIBBS SABI&SOUL.
“When I was first looking to rent a shop, I struggled to find premises. Business Sheffield were fantastic – they put me in touch with the right people, offered start-up advice and helped me secure my first unit. Alan helped me rent my current shop, Sean supported me when it was being overshadowed and with operational issues, and Jane helped with marketing.”
LEA JIAO FOUNDER OF MISS CRYSTAL.
“Business Sheffield gave me the validation and courage to set up my business when it was just an idea. Their support and advice have continued through my business growth and the launch of my second venture. Their pertinent advice and mentorship enabled me to grow my confidence as an entrepreneur.”
NATALIA WELCH CO-FOUNDER OF LORO CRISPS.
“I moved from Manchester to Sheffield about three years ago, and my first business advisor was Esther Morrison. I’d never run a business before, so her guidance on things like accounting and margins was invaluable. They also connected me with marketing contacts, and I made use of free workshops and scaling-up advice – all of which proved really useful.”
MATTIA
PARADISO PARADISO AUTHENTIC ITALIAN.
grants and funding. In total, the council paid out over £2m in grants, which advisors supported businesses to access. The Made Smarter scheme has been a standout success, with local manufacturers receivings hundreds of thousands in grants due to referrals.
Business Sheffield also facilitate the Diverse Business Advisory Board in partnership with Sheffield Chamber. The Board has 19 private sector leaders, who are representative of Sheffield’s diverse business base. It meets quarterly to advise on shaping business support and strategy and to improve how businesses access and engage with Council and city services.
More than advice
Alongside one-to-one support, Business Sheffield offers a full programme of free workshops, webinars and networking events
Covering topics from accounting and HR to social media and AI, the sessions are designed to be practical, relevant and delivered in a friendly, accessible way.
They’re also a valuable opportunity for business owners to connect with each other. In a city built on strong communities, these peer-to-peer networks are often as useful as the expert advice.
A trusted partner for growth What sets Business Sheffield apart is its combination of local insight and broad capability. Whether you’re a solo trader in Hillsborough, a familyrun firm in Attercliffe or a fast-scaling tech start-up in the city centre, the support is designed to meet you where you are – and help you take the next step.
That could mean a fresh marketing strategy, guidance on planning applications, help applying for funding, or simply a trusted advisor to bounce ideas off.
ahead
With over 4,000 businesses supported this year and millions in grants channelled into the local economy, Business Sheffield is more than just a council service. It’s a longterm partner for Sheffield’s business community – one that continues to champion innovation, unlock growth and back the city’s entrepreneurs every step of the way.
Whether you’re just starting to grow or already well established, we’re here to be that extra pair of hands you can rely on. Get in touch today to find out how we can support your
Boring admin tasks not what you signed up for?! It IS what we signed up for! Jokes aside, Slice Virtual Assistance lends itself to any business who needs additional support.
We get to know your business’ needs as if we worked there ourselves. In doing so, we can fulfil Recruitment support based on areas of growth and development.
HR services is as much about celebrating, motivating, and protecting employees as it is about disciplinaries and handling grievances
The UK tax system has undergone profound changes over the last decade, driven by digital transformation, shifting legislation and unprecedented economic uncertainty. HMRC is continuing to take big strides towards digitisation of the UK tax system, and we’re seeing constantly evolving laws, digital reporting obligations and changing incentives.
What’s more, taxes are rising.
For business, this means reactive tax planning and compliance alone are no longer enough to stay competitive. Good tax planning is no longer a once-a-year event. It’s a continuous process requiring foresight, flexibility, and deep knowledge.
WORDS: LUKE JAMES, TAX DIRECTOR – GRAVITATE
The scale of change affecting the UK tax system for businesses is daunting.
R&D Tax Credits have been reformed with many SMEs finding they now fall outside the criteria they once met, and reliefs for those still within the scheme have been slashed. Dividend taxation has tightened, impacting the tax efficiency of ownermanaged businesses. Capital Gains Tax rules are also in flux, especially around business asset disposals and property.
Critically, compliance standards are also rising. This means at a time when businesses are trying to reduce their newfound tax burdens, HMRC are better prepared than ever to dish out penalties for late, error strewn or fraudulent submissions. This also includes honest mistakes.
Add inflationary pressure, big energy costs, and recruitment challenges (such as increased NICs), and it’s clear: Tax planning must now be strategic, timely, and integrated into broader business decisions.
The UK economy, while performing better than others post-pandemic, is still volatile with an uncertain future. Inflation has eased from its peak but remains built in, driving up costs for everything from energy to raw materials. Interest rates are also high, putting pressure on business borrowing and investment.
Meanwhile, rapid wage growth and increased NICs are adding to operational costs at a time when consumers and clients are pulling back on spending.
Then there’s Brexit. Brexit-related friction continues to affect supply chains and exports, particularly in manufacturingheavy regions like South Yorkshire.
Combine all this with a new government, a changing tax regime, increased HMRC scrutiny, and the complexity of transitioning to digital compliance — and the result is a business environment where cash flow is tighter, margins are thinner, and financial decisions carry higher risk.
For firms of all shapes and sizes, tax planning is seen as a reactive process. It’s usually discussed after the year-end accounts have been finalised and it brings no value retrospectively. Similarly, on projects, tax can be overlooked or considered as part of the final sign off pre completion, which hinders the value of the work and options available.
But this approach risks missing opportunities, making errors, and can result in needless overpaying tax.
This approach means businesses are focusing on compliance but are not looking 6–12 months ahead to optimise things like profit extraction, or relief eligibility. Nor are they looking 24+ months in advance on bespoke projects, retaining senior management, acquisitions or exit planning.
From capital allowances on commercial property to patent box claims in manufacturing businesses, many regional enterprises are missing out on valuable support they’re entitled to.
Businesses also need to look at their corporate structure regularly to ensure it is still appropriate. A company set up as a sole trader in 2015 may now be turning over £1m with five employees while still operating under an inefficient structure.
Proactive tax planning means taking steps in advance to reduce your tax liability. It involves strategically organising your finances, investments, and business decisions throughout the year, not just when it’s time to submit tax returns.
By taking a proactive approach to tax planning, not simply responding to what you see each year-end, you can significantly improve your bottom line at a time when efficiency and profit are desperately needed.
The good news is proactive planning doesn’t require a full overhaul. It just means taking a more strategic, year-round approach.
Review your business structure annually, with tax implications front and centre. Ensure you’re using all available allowances and reliefs, from Annual Investment Allowance (which lets you write off qualifying assets) to R&D credits and Business Asset Disposal Relief (which reduces tax on selling business assets).
From a director’s perspective, instead of waiting until year-end, map out how to extract profits across salary, dividends, bonuses, loan interest or benefits based on both tax impact and cash flow.
If your business has grown, changed direction, or you’re just feeling left behind on the latest tax developments, you should definitely explore your proactive tax planning options. This means seeking high value advice that actually moves the needle. In today’s economic climate, every advantage counts.
Our team offers a free initial planning consultation to help identify opportunities and reduce tax risk. When it comes to tax, the cost of inaction is often higher than you think.
To find out more, give us a call on 0114 321 7459 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5.30pm) or email clientcare@gravitate.digital.
BY HARRY THOMAS, MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
This year we’ve seen three of the UK’s most recognisable retailers, Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods, hit by major cyberattacks, causing widespread disruption, data breaches, and financial losses estimated in the hundreds of millions. These incidents exploited weaknesses in IT help desks and internal systems, highlighting just how vulnerable even the biggest brands can be. For businesses of all sizes, these attacks are a wakeup call. At Simoda, we help organisations across the UK build smarter, more secure IT environments. Here are five essential IT tips to help protect your business in today’s threat landscape.
Cyber Security First – Not as an Afterthought
The recent attacks show that cyber security must be embedded into every part of your business, not just your IT department. From phishing emails to ransomware, threats are evolving fast.
Simoda’s cyber security services are designed to provide comprehensive protection. We offer advanced threat detection and response capabilities, robust endpoint protection, and detailed security audits to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. We also help businesses meet compliance requirements and deliver employee awareness training to ensure your team is equipped to recognise and respond to threats.
The group behind the attacks reportedly used social engineering tactics to trick staff into giving up access credentials. This highlights the importance of equipping your team with the knowledge and tools to defend against cyber threats.
Simoda’s modern workplace solutions include secure collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, identity protection through multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive cyber awareness training. We help your people work efficiently and securely, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.
Cyber threats are more sophisticated and frequent
than ever. From ransomware to phishing attacks, businesses of all sizes are at risk. A reactive approach is no longer enough.
Simoda’s cloud and infrastructure team helps businesses design secure cloud environments from the ground up. We monitor for threats, manage identity and access controls, and ensure your cloud infrastructure is both scalable and secure. Our goal is to help you take full advantage of the cloud without compromising on safety.
M&S and Co-op were forced to shut down systems and suspend services. The lesson? Every business needs a cyber incident response plan.
Simoda works with organisations to develop and test response playbooks tailored to their operations.
We implement robust backup and disaster recovery solutions that ensure your data is protected and your business can continue operating even in the face of a cyber event. Our approach to business continuity planning helps you minimise downtime and recover quickly, reducing the impact of any potential breach.
Data loss can be catastrophic for an organisation and are not only possible through cyber-attacks but can also happen due to hardware failure or human error. Regular backups are your safety net.
Simoda helps businesses implement automated, encrypted backup solutions that run on reliable schedules and store data securely on-premises, in the cloud, or both. We ensure your backups are tested and restorable, so you’re never caught off guard. Frequent backups mean faster recovery and less disruption when the unexpected happens.
We don’t just sell IT, we solve problems. Our team is here to help you make smarter technology decisions.
Visit simoda.co.uk or get in touch on 0114 553 3600 to find out how we can support your business.
Golddigger Trust is celebrating 20 years of supporting young people in Sheffield. We caught up with CEO Beth Stout at The Refinery, their bold new wellbeing space in the city centre, to find out how the charity has grown from grassroots beginnings into one of the region’s most impactful youth organisations.
Can you tell us how Golddigger Trust began?
It started in 2005, when three women with backgrounds in youth work and music met during antenatal classes. They didn’t know each other beforehand but shared a passion for supporting young women. Sheffield had one of the highest teen pregnancy and abortion rates in the UK at that point, and there were no real conversations happening about things like consent or self-worth. So they created a space for girls to ask questions like, “Who do I want to be?” rather than, “Who does society expect me to be?”
What was your journey to getting involved?
I moved to Sheffield in 2009. I’d been working in youth work in Liverpool but saw what Golddigger was doing and just thought: I need to be a part of this. There wasn’t a salary at the time, but I came anyway. I worked part-time jobs to pay the bills while helping grow the charity.
How did the charity evolve over the years?
Initially, we ran courses in schools and youth groups. Then around 2010, social workers started coming to us with young people who had experienced abuse or exploitation. At the time, you had to be on a six-month waiting list just to access help. So we said: give us the files.
We read every one and started supporting those young people one by one. It wasn’t about fixing them. It was about helping them realise they were worth caring about.
You also created a programme for boys. How did that come about? That grew from one of the girls we were working with. She’d experienced abuse and had a distorted idea of what love meant, believing intimacy was the only way to feel wanted. When she started a relationship with a boy who didn’t pressure her, she pushed him to have sex because she didn’t think it was real love otherwise. That made us realise we needed to support both sides of the relationship. So,
we launched Made of More, a boys’ programme that explores identity, consent and emotional health.
Mental health is a huge focus of yours now. Why did you move into that space?
Schools started telling us they didn’t know how to handle things like self-harm. They were afraid to even ask the question in case they didn’t have an answer. So we developed new programmes that helped young people understand their emotions and build healthier coping strategies. For three years, we were even embedded in the A&E department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital to support young people in crisis.
Tell us about The Refinery.
This is our new home. We used to be based on Psalter Lane but outgrew the space. The Refinery is 7,000 square feet and includes a café, yoga studio, art rooms, counselling spaces and an escape-room-style resilience training area called The Core. It’s designed to be a wellbeing hub for young people – a bit like a gym, but for your mental health. You don’t have to be in crisis to come here. We want to create a space where young people feel safe, valued and equipped to thrive.
What guides the work you do?
Everything is based on our theory of change: Value, Tools, Understanding and Courage. First, we help young people realise they matter. Then we equip them with tools and skills, help them understand why they feel the way they do, and encourage them to take the next brave step. That might be coming to a yoga session, opening up in a group, or simply walking through our door.
How can local businesses or readers support what you do? We’re always looking for partners. Businesses can sponsor sessions, hire our space, or get involved through CSR initiatives. We’d love to host more community and networking events here too. And of course, donations always help. But just talking about us, sharing our story, that goes a long way too.
Web: www.golddiggertrust.co.uk
Social: @golddiggertrust
Phone: 0114 327 1191
Email: info@golddiggertrust.co.uk
The third Jon Richardson and Friends Comedy Night in Sheffield has raised over £90,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Comedian and Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity patron Jon Richardson hosted his third annual comedy night at Sheffield City Hall on Monday 28 July.
The evening was sponsored by Arthrex, and raised vital funds for the patron-led campaign Bright Young Dreams. Founded by fellow patron Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill alongside Dan Walker and Jon, the funds raised will go towards tackling the mental health crisis amongst children and young people in the UK.
Jon was joined by Russell Howard, Louise Young, Dinesh Nathan, Harriet Dyer, Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue and Angela Barnes.
Jon Richardson said: “For the comedians to travel to Sheffield is very special to me, because they’ve literally travelled from every corner of the country to show their support tonight. It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart, and it means a lot to me that they gave their time to help raise money for the Bright Young Dreams campaign.
“I believe supporting children’s mental health is one of the most
important things we can do. If we can help them get the support they need early on, we’re giving them a better chance at a brighter, healthier future.”
John Armstrong, CEO of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re always amazed by the generosity and determination of those involved in our annual Sheffield comedy nights. To raise over £90,000 is a huge feat, and it’s going to a cause that affects so many young people and their families.
“The event would not have been possible without the generosity of the evening’s sponsor Arthrex, our supporters in the audience, and of course, all the comedians who kindly performed at no cost.
“The funds raised will help us to continue going above and beyond for Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.”
One of only three standalone children’s NHS Trusts in the UK, Sheffield Children’s is home to a range of world-leading clinicians in care and research, with demand for its services continuing to grow each year.
To support Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, visit sheffieldchildrens.org.
This October, the heat is on as three of Sheffield’s leading homelessness charities come together to host an unforgettable evening of excitement and adrenaline with a Firewalk fundraiser.
The Archer Project, Roundabout, and Nomad Opening Doors invite you to step out of your comfort zone and onto the hot coals in support of people experiencing homelessness across the city. This is a unique and powerful way to make a tangible impact, knowing that every brave step you take will help provide vital support to people who need it most in your community.
“Firewalking is a real test of courage, and it reflects the resilience we see in the people we support,” says Lucy Wilks, Archer Project’s Deputy Head of Fundraising. “Taking on a challenge like this is bold in both message and action – our charities provide critical services in our community, and we need the funds to continue delivering them.”
The Firewalk takes place overlooking the city from Sheffield Amphitheatre, and will be professionally delivered by UK Firewalk, with instructors to safely guide you every step of the way.
Homelessness in the UK has continued to increase. Research by Homeless Link & Changing Futures Sheffield shows South Yorkshire has experienced a ‘significant rise in homelessness’ of all types, whilst facing ‘increasing difficulties in effectively addressing it.’
For all three charities, 2024 was their busiest year to date, experiencing higher levels of demand for their services and supporting more people than ever before.
Tim Jespersen, Nomad’s Fundraising and Communications Officer told unLTD, “We’re all working towards the same goal, so it makes sense to come together to tackle homelessness in Sheffield as a united front.”
The Firewalk takes place on the evening of Tuesday 21st October 2025 at Sheffield Amphitheatre, located behind Sheffield Train Station. Registration is £25 per person and the charities ask that each participant aim to raise £100 in sponsorship. Bring friends, family and colleagues along to cheer you on, free of charge.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a community champion, or simply want to support a great cause, this is your chance to step up to the flame. Sign up today at www.sheffieldfirewalk.com.
Who Gives A Crap donates nearly 40 pallets of goods to Food AWARE CIC, helping families in need across the North of England.
Hundreds of local community projects and supported families are set to receive essential hygiene supplies, thanks to a recent donation of 39 pallets of toilet rolls, kitchen rolls and tissues to South Yorkshirebased social enterprise, Food AWARE CIC.
This significant donation comes from Who Gives A Crap, ecofriendly toilet paper brand that donates 50% of its profits to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives worldwide. It was made possible through a strong collaboration between Doncaster Chamber and Woodland Group – Who Gives A Crap’s global supply chain solutions partner, with warehouses in Doncaster.
Woodland Group identified the surplus stock and generously arranged free delivery to Hellaby-based Food AWARE CIC, following an introduction facilitated by Doncaster Chamber.
Food AWARE CIC, established in 2008, redistributes surplus food and essential household items to over 130 community organisations and partners across Yorkshire & Humberside, helping to support more than 4,000 people every week.
Sean Gibbons, Managing Director of Food AWARE CIC, said:
“This incredibly generous donation from Who Gives A Crap has been warmly welcomed, especially as many deprived communities continue to struggle to feed their families and afford basic household essentials during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“The average cost of a budget to mid-range toilet roll is around 45 pence each. For many of the households we support – often with young children – this seemingly small expense can quickly add up to the equivalent of an entire family meal each week. For families already having to make difficult choices, where parents often go without food to ensure their children can eat, the impact of this donation is simply invaluable.”
He added: “We are excited to continue working with Woodland Group and Who Gives A Crap to provide further surplus supplies to people in crisis. Through our network of dedicated community partners across the region, we are committed to ensuring that no one has to choose between basic hygiene essentials and food. I would also like to extend a huge thank you to Jade Dyer at Doncaster Chamber for the initial introduction and support.”
David Titman, Marketing Director at Who Gives A Crap said:
“We believe everyone deserves access to a clean, safe toiletwhether at home or in the community. That’s why we’re proud to support Food AWARE CIC and the incredible work they’re doing to help families across Yorkshire and Humberside.”
Do you have a business plan that you and your directors/trustees are working to? Do you have a written document that details your objectives as a charity or nonprofit for the next 12 months to three years?
Running your organisation without a business plan is like getting in the car without putting a postcode in the Satnav.
• Where are you going?
• What will you have achieved once you get there?
• How are you going to get there? Who will you have in the car with you?
• Do you have enough charge/petrol/ diesel to get you there? If not, how much do you need, and where will you get it from?
To go on any journey, you need a roadmap.
More of my work involves planning rather than doing – you can often handle the doing yourself. It’s understanding what needs doing that I can help you brainstorm. Listening to your ideas, asking the “Have you thought of…?”, “What about…?” and “How are you going to do that?” questions. Make sure you have a ‘work in progress’ business plan with you at all times for your organisation; it is a business, whether you like it or not. Please treat it as one.
For more information relating to the business planning for your organisation, contact - Wendy Ward, Let’s Save Consultancy Services, 0772 9481010. wendy@letssave.biz
Weston Park Cancer Charity is calling on supporters to sign up for the third annual Walk As One event, which will take place on Sunday 14 September in Endcliffe Park.
Previous Walk As One events have drawn huge crowds, with more than 500 people turning out for last year’s fundraiser.
So far, the event has raised over £100k, which has enabled Weston Park Cancer Charity to provide practical, emotional and physical support to people living with cancer.
This year, the charity has launched its biggest ever appeal, to bring an MRI Simulator cancer scanning machine to Weston Park Cancer Centre.
At this year’s Walk As One, some walkers will be taking part to help bring this revolutionary technology to our region. Supporters will also have the opportunity to learn more about the appeal and find out how they can get involved.
Walk As One participants can choose from two main
routes, which cover either 4 or 10 miles. The 4-mile option is a family-friendly waterside walk along the beautiful Porter Valley, which is suitable for pushchairs and prams.
The 10-mile challenge takes walkers along the brookside path to Forge Dam, out to the woodlands at Ringinglow and into the moors of the Peak District.
There is also 2-mile option
available for those who would like a shorter route, which is fully wheelchair accessible. All routes finish back in Endcliffe Park, where walkers can enjoy a festivallike atmosphere complete with live music, food, and refreshments from vendors such as Thornbridge Brewery. There will also be face painting and children’s craft activities set up for younger participants.
Attendees who want to take a moment to reflect can head to the event’s dedicated ‘in memory’ area. This has been designed as a calm space, where walkers can pause and pay tribute to loved ones lost to cancer.
Weston Park Cancer Charity’s CEO, Emma Clarke, said: “Walk As One brings hundreds of people together
to share their stories and form connections – all while raising crucial funds for people living with cancer.
“This year has been an exciting one for our charity, with our See It! Treat It! appeal in full swing.
“We can’t wait to return to Endcliffe Park this September and look forward to cheering our fantastic walkers on!”
There are a range of ticket options available for Walk As One, including family tickets and group tickets. All participants will receive a t-shirt in advance, which they can wear on their walk, and a medal to be collected at the finish line.
For more information or to sign up, head to westonpark.org.uk/events/ walk-as-one-2025
SYIP is a £3 million programme supporting organisations across the region to innovate and grow; develop new ideas, improve processes, access new markets, and launch new products.
You can access funding and support tailored to your organisation’s needs, and the stage you are at in your innovation journey:
“I want to innovate, but I don’t know what’s out there”
“I know what I want and it’s available ‘off-the-shelf’”
“I know what I want, but there’s no solution on the market”
Experiment in the Digital Media Centre MakerLab and CreatorLab. Learn how to innovate at funded workshops.
Access funding to implement an innovative business solution.
Work with sector specialist academics to develop a bespoke innovative solution tailored to your unique needs.
In a world where academic achievement is often prioritised over practical experience, the BiG Community Challenge offers a refreshing, hands-on approach to personal development, skills-building, and community impact. A core part of Sheffield City Council’s See It Be It campaign, it is an inclusive programme with a clear focus on employability. The Challenge invites young people – many with special educational needs and disabilities – to create, lead and deliver social action projects that benefit their local communities.
The BiG Community Challenge is more than a school project—it’s a structured but flexible framework for youth-led social action. Students work in teams to identify issues in their community, generate solutions, and take meaningful steps to make change happen.
Students begin the programme by completing a self-assessment, reflecting on their current skill levels. From there, they take on roles such as project director, marketing coordinator, finance manager, or community engagement officer. Each team is encouraged to choose a cause that matters to them personally – one that also benefits their wider school or local community.
The result is projects that are deeply relevant, often inventive, and always rooted in compassion.
This year, teams from across Sheffield took part between January and June, culminating in a vibrant celebration event on 9 July to recognise their achievements. What they accomplished over six months is nothing short of inspiring – and speaks volumes about the power of practical experience to transform confidence, capability, and career readiness.
The celebration event brought all participating teams together to showcase their projects and reflect on their journey. For many, it was a moment of validation – a
chance to take the stage and share their accomplishments with peers, educators, parents, and community partners. Every student who submitted a Reflective Journal was recognised, with some teams presenting their projects live. The atmosphere was one of celebration, pride, and possibility and being lucky enough to attend the event, we left thoroughly inspired by the achievements of these young people. The event was not just an end point, but a launchpad for future engagement, with many students expressing a desire to continue their projects or volunteer in new areas.
The team at Seven Hills chose to improve the area surrounding Peaks College, which they found uninspiring and strewn with litter. Their creative solution involved recycling old tyres, painting and decorating them safely, and transforming them into vibrant flower beds. Alongside this, the students engaged in litter picking to create a more welcoming and attractive environment.
More than just a beautification effort, this project gave the students a chance to build teamwork, take on responsibility, and see a tangible difference made through their actions. As one student put it, “Teamwork makes the community dream work.”
The Neurotastic 10 team envisioned something ambitious: to create a modern, inclusive library space at their school, dubbed the “Brain of Sheaf.” From
conducting student surveys to presenting their proposal to school managers, the team demonstrated both initiative and strategic thinking.
They didn’t stop at planning. The students were hands-on in clearing out space, assembling furniture, organising resources, and creating a functional lending system. Even when plans shifted – like the rescheduled opening date – they adapted, stayed positive, and learned how to communicate effectively and problemsolve in real time.
This project not only enriched the school environment but also gave the team experience in budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement. They even added thoughtful touches like a ‘worry box’ and a games cupboard to promote wellbeing.
A key strength of the BiG Community Challenge lies in its dual focus: community benefit and personal growth. Each stage of the programme is designed to develop vital workplace behaviours: setting goals, meeting deadlines, managing resources, and reflecting on outcomes.
Students taking part reported improved confidence, communication skills, and a greater sense of purpose. For students with special educational needs, these soft skills are especially valuable in opening doors to further education, volunteering, or
employment opportunities.
Moreover, by taking ownership of projects that matter to them, students begin to see themselves as capable change-makers – not passive learners. They gain real-life experience in managing people, tasks, and sometimes even disappointment, all in a supportive setting that celebrates progress as much as results.
In an era where employers increasingly value initiative, collaboration, and resilience, the BiG Community Challenge offers a meaningful way to cultivate these qualities early on. It gives young people, especially those who might not always shine in traditional classroom settings, a chance to be seen, to lead and to grow.
As the programme continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: when young people are given the tools, trust, and opportunity to act, they will rise to the challenge and their communities will be all the better for it.
If you would like to get involved in helping to improve life chances and career choices of young people in Sheffield, get in touch with us at seeitbeit@sheffield. gov.uk
WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD
If there’s one thing we’re good at in South Yorkshire – aside from knowing the acceptable price of a pint and navigating hilly streets without breaking a sweat – it’s underplaying our own brilliance. Sheffielders, in particular, have a wellworn tendency to talk their hometown down, often with a self-deprecating shrug and an “It’s nowt special, but it’s ours” attitude. However, the latest tourism figures suggest it’s high time we started giving ourselves a bit more credit – people are taking notice.
According to data released by the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, and processed by the Global Tourism's STEAM report, our region welcomed an impressive 36.3 million visits in 2024 – a figure that pumped a record-breaking £3.7 billion into the local economy. That’s not just a bump in numbers; it’s a clear sign that our local charm and culture are striking a chord well beyond the county lines.
Looking a little deeper into the stats, it seems that much of that growth comes from day-trippers, with over 32 million visits made by those popping in – a 5% increase on 2023 and more than 10% up on 2022. But the real cherry on top? The number of overnight stays is rising too, with visitors clocking up 9.4 million nights in local hotels, guest houses and Airbnbs.
And they’re not just here to sleep. They’re eating in our restaurants, exploring our green spaces attending our events and soaking up the cultural credentials of our region – all of which helps
support more than 32,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
Sarah McLeod, Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, says the figures speak volumes: “The STEAM data is invaluable for us as a partnership and for the wider visitor economy as it clearly highlights the vital role of this sector in South Yorkshire. By working collaboratively, we can drive sustainable growth, ensuring that – now more than ever – we encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more with our local businesses.”
From big-ticket events and Peak District excursions to independent venues and citycentre climbing walls, there’s
plenty here that clearly keeps people coming back for more. And for those visiting for the first time, the blend of big-city urban energy and rural beauty strikes a pretty unique chord.
Let’s have it right – when you can spend your morning brunching hard in one of our many independent cafes, your afternoon hiking in the Peaks and your evening getting cosy in a traditional pub or sipping natural wine and sampling small plates in a laidback bar (how about one built into the side of Europe’s largest listed, à la Pearl at Park Hill), it’s not a shabby day out.
The potential ahead is just as exciting. With long-term
growth strategies taking shape, fresh investment in regeneration and a shared ambition to boost the region’s profile, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. And crucially, as all of this progress unfolds, we’re keeping hold of the things that made South Yorkshire special in the first place – its warm welcome, proper pubs and social spaces, creative spirit and that timeless appeal of access to the great outdoors.
So perhaps it’s time we dropped the modesty act. Because when it comes to being a top-tier destination, Sheffield is a city on the move – and it’s only going to get better.
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