unLTD DECEMBER 25 Connecting business across Sheffield City Region #93

DEC 2025 | ISSUE 93 | FREE UNLTDBUSINESS.COM

THE UNLTD BUSINESS AWARDS RETURN TO CELEBRATE THE PEOPLE, IDEAS AND ORGANISATIONS DRIVING SOUTH YORKSHIRE FORWARD REALITY CHECK

WASTE NOT

RETAIL, REWRITTEN

South Yorkshire businesses give their straight-talking verdicts on the Autumn Budget

Food Works CEO René Meijer on tackling waste, strengthening communities and building a fairer system for all

Meadowhall’s Centre Director Darren Pearce reflects on 30+ years of change – and why people still come first

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Contents

ON THE COVER...

34: AWARDS SEASON A glittering night down in Kelham Island as the unLTD Business Awards returned. From start-ups to scaleups, hear the stories, speeches and surprises behind South Yorkshire’s standout winners – and meet the people driving the region’s business scene forward.

18: SIX APPEAL Six years on, Inc. Consulting is still growing with purpose. Founder Emma Conroy reflects on lessons learned, values-led recruitment and the power of Sheffield’s business community, alongside a fresh rebrand, new website and exciting future plans.

26: WASTE NOT Rethinking food waste and rebuilding community, social enterprise Food Works is on a mission to create a fairer food system. CEO René Meijer shares how ‘pay what you can’, partnerships and practical action are helping turn surplus food into social good.

28: CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS What does the Autumn Budget really mean for South Yorkshire businesses?

From chambers and accountants to hospitality, creatives and family firms, regional voices share where the pressure is easing, where it’s rising – and what the latest decisions mean on the ground.

54: RETAIL, REIMAGINED Meadowhall at 35, through the eyes of the man who’s been there almost from the start. Centre Director Darren Pearce reflects on retail’s reinvention, community over commerce and why experience, sustainability and partnerships are shaping the future of one of Sheffield’s biggest destinations.

@UNLTDBUSINESS UNLTD BUSINESS UNLTDBUSINESS

Hello, and welcome to the final unLTD magazine of the year!

So here we are. 2025 is almost done, Christmas chaos is looming, and I’m sitting down to write the final editor’s letter while nursing a slight hangover from the unLTD Business Awards. However, despite a sore head and the last couple of months being hectic on the workload front, I’m feeling pretty buoyant.

That’s largely down to one thing – the South Yorkshire business community. Last night’s awards at Peddler Warehouse were a real joy. A brilliant atmosphere, plenty of support in the room and some genuinely moving speeches that warmed the cockles.

Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such a special evening. It felt like the perfect way to round off the year. Turn to page 34 to see who took home the trophies and what they had to say.

Elsewhere in this month’s magazine, we explore local reaction to the latest Budget in Counting the Costs, speaking to business owners across South Yorkshire about what the numbers really mean on the ground. While measures like free apprentice training and a fuel duty freeze appear to offer some positives, rising wage costs and limited tax reform are still keeping the pressure on. See what else they have to say – and whether you agree with their points – on page 28.

We also sat down with Meadowhall Centre Director Darren Pearce for Retail Reimagined. With more than three decades at the helm and the centre marking its 35-year anniversary, Darren reflects on the evolution of retail, the importance of community and why people still matter most (p.54).

I also made a visit to the new retail space of Sheffield brand Made by Atelier (p.52), who have been turning heads globally with their punk-inspired threads. Elsewhere, Russell Thompson’s latest Inside Track interview features LensGo founder Stuart Turner, whose journey in visual storytelling continues to gather pace (p.22).

Throw in chats with award-winning firms, longstanding businesses and social initiatives working to make our region a better place, and there’s plenty here to catch up on.

So, take a breather from the festive madness, put your feet up and have a flick through.

Thanks, as always, for your support this year. We’ll catch up in the New Year.

Roll on 2026!

Joseph Food, Editor

EDITORIAL EDITOR Joe Food Joe@unltdbusiness.com

ONLINE EDITOR Ash Birch Ash@unltdbusiness.com

VIDEO CONTENT CREATOR Lizzy Capps lizzy@unltdbusiness.com

DESIGN Marc Barker ADVERTISING Phil Turner phil@unltdbusiness.com 07979 498 034

Nick Hallam nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk 07843 483536

FINANCE Lis Ellis accounts@ exposedmagazine.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Dan Bumby Steve Brown Wendy Ward Jill White Anneli Brett Isobel O'Mahony

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.

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THINGS YOU ONLY KNOW IF YOU'RE A...

COMMERCIAL CONTENT PRODUCER 1

WE CAN’T SHOOT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AT THE SAME TIME

I’m a hybrid shooter – which means me, and my cameras, shoot both video and photos. But something I have to explain regularly to clients is that, while my camera can shoot both, it’s generally a bad idea for one person to swap between the two at live events or conferences. I’d end up missing key moments because of the time it takes to change settings and hardware. If the budget allows, I always recommend hiring extra people to cover the shoot properly.

2

SOMETIMES WE FORGET TO PRESS RECORD

It’s happened to every videographer or filmmaker at some point. You see a beautiful shot – the lighting’s perfect, your settings are dialled in – you’re focused on staying steady and keeping things sharp. Then you glance down at the viewfinder and realise: no red light flashing.

We’re only human, and sometimes we just get caught up in the moment.

3

WE CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH BACKUPS

Photographers and videographers wake up in cold sweats worrying about SD cards corrupting, hard drives failing or cloud services letting us down. Anyone in content creation knows it’s worth investing in proper storage and backups. I have backups of backups of backups – but that doesn’t stop me stressing about the nightmare scenario: a full-day shoot involving dozens of people, all ruined by a single faulty memory card.

4

A LOT OF THE STUFF WE TAKE IS BAD

5

AI IS OUR FRIEND

Part of looking good as a photographer or videographer is knowing what not to show people. On a shoot, I might take hundreds of shots – and inevitably, many of them won’t be usable. A photo might miss focus or be underexposed, while a video clip could be shaky or misframed. The real skill lies in knowing what makes a good shot – and only sharing the stuff you’re genuinely proud of.

AI won’t steal my job – I’m confident of that. In a world where fake images and videos can be generated in seconds, I believe the value of authentic content will only grow. Real photos and videos of real people and places are especially important in commercial settings, where trust and connection matter. At some point, the legal and ethical frameworks will catch up with the pace of AI development.

That said, AI has already made parts of the job – like editing – much more efficient, and I’m all for using it to save time.

Will Roberts is the founder of Vox Multimedia, a photography and video production company based in Sheffield.

Head to voxmultimedia. co for more.

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

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Agenda

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE

A game-changing donation from the JG Graves Charitable Trust brings a flagship music hub closer to life

Harmony Works has received a significant £300,000 commitment from the JG Graves Charitable Trust, marking another step towards creating a permanent city centre home for music education in Sheffield.

The pledge adds vital momentum to the £14 million project to restore and repurpose Canada House, the Grade II* listed former nightclub on Commercial Street. The Harmony Works Trust, which acquired the building last year, plans to turn it into a hub for music organisations including Sheffield Music Academy, Sheffield Music Service, Concerteenies, The Choir with No Name, Brass Bands England and Orchestras for All. The JG Graves Charitable Trust was founded in 1930

SHEFFIELD: MUSIC CITY • Over 800 Estimated number of active music creators in Sheffield, the highest concentration in South Yorkshire and one of the strongest per capita rates outside London and Manchester.

• 30 per cent growth Forecasted for South Yorkshire’s cultural and creative industries by 2030, with music and performance identified as key contributors.

• Over 70 per cent Proportion of young people in Sheffield who take part in some form of music education, significantly above the national average.

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unLTDBUSINESS.COM

by local philanthropist John George Graves and continues to support community projects with a focus on education, heritage and cultural development. Its latest award places Harmony Works within a long tradition of civic-minded investment in the city’s cultural life.

The donation sits alongside funding already secured from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, as well as a number of other trusts and foundations.

Together, these commitments mean the project has now raised the bulk of its target. A final gap of just over £1 million remains.

Emily Pieters, Project Director at Harmony Works, commented on the update: “We are delighted and

deeply grateful to the JG Graves Charitable Trust for their generous support.

This local backing makes a huge difference and sends a powerful message that Sheffield believes in this project.

“Thanks to this pledge, we’re closer than ever to creating a permanent home for inspirational music making in the heart of Sheffield. But we’re not quite there yet – we still need to raise just over £1 million to complete the transformation of Canada House. If you believe in music, heritage and young people, now’s the time to get involved.”

The significance of the project for both heritage and youth opportunity was echoed by the trust’s chair.

Dona Womack, Chair of J G Graves Charitable Trust, said: “We are delighted to support Harmony Works with this important project to

establish a new city centre home for music education in Sheffield. This exciting initiative revitalises one of Sheffield’s great historic buildings and will create a warm, welcoming base for music education that provides inspiring opportunities for young people to find their talent and enrich their lives through music. Trustees were especially impressed by the potential of Harmony Works to connect young people from across the region, fuelling their growth and development for generations for come.”

Canada House was built in 1875 and is remembered by many as TurnUps nightclub during the 1980s. Its redevelopment is expected to begin next year, with an opening planned for late 2027.

More information and details on how to support the fundraising can be found at www.harmonyworks.org.

NIBS GLEADLESS VALLEY REGENERATION PLANS ANNOUNCED Sheffield City Council’s Gleadless Valley Regeneration Board has unveiled a draft Our Vision for the Valley, outlining 12 major projects to revive the neighbourhood over the next decade. The plan includes around 1,100 new homes, upgraded community centres, improved parks, safer streets, better transport links and major investment in skills and jobs.

The proposals go before the council’s Strategy & Resources Committee for approval on Wednesday 10 December.

AIRPORT REOPENING SECURES FINAL APPROVAL

A Local Love Letter From cosy pubs to indie shops – The Little Book of Sheffield celebrates all the businesses that makes this place special.

Over the last couple of months, our lovely sister company, Meze Publishing, have been putting together something special – a brand new book that celebrates the very best of Sheffield’s thriving independent scene.

The Little Book of Sheffield is exactly what it says on the tin – a pocket-sized guide to the city’s cafés, pubs, bars, shops, makers, cultural influencers and hidden gems, lovingly pulled together to showcase the people and places that give our seven-hilled home its unique charm. It’s a whistle-stop tour of the Steel City, packed with stories, recipes and conversations with some of the brilliant folk keeping this place creative and community-minded.

Whether you’re into exploring what’s on tap at real ale boozers, always on the hunt for your next favourite brunch spot or just love discovering the lesser-known corners of our city, this one’s for you. We reckon it makes the perfect stocking filler too – especially for anyone who’s passionate about supporting local.

The book’s a tidy 176 pages, crammed with gorgeous photography and plenty of heart. Best of all? It’s now available to order online Christmas – and it’ll only set you back £12.50 a pop. Just scan the QR code to grab yours while they’re still going.

Go on, treat yourself – or someone who loves Sheffield as much as we do.

More info at mezepublising.co.uk

The planned revival of Doncaster Sheffield Airport has cleared its final hurdle after councillors backed £57m in borrowing to support the £193m project. The council said the borrowing, which will peak in 2032–33, will not affect its wider budget. Forty-two councillors voted in favour, with nine against.

Freight operations are slated for 2027, with full passenger services expected by summer 2028.

TRAMLINES SCOOPS TOP HONOURS AT UK FESTIVAL AWARDS Tramlines has been crowned Inner-City Festival of the Year and won Headline Performance of the Year for Pulp’s standout Friday night set at the 2025 UK Festival Awards. The double win follows the festival’s fast-selling 2026 line-up announcement.

Judges praised Pulp’s curated main-stage takeover, while the festival’s community impact and charitable work also helped secure the accolade. Operations staff were additionally shortlisted at the Access All Areas Awards.

RESEARCH BOOST TO TACKLE NEURODIVERGENT EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS A potentially gamechanging new project at the University of Sheffield has secured part of £1.8m in National Institute for Health and Care Research funding to address employment barriers faced by neurodivergent people in South Yorkshire. Researchers will work with neurodivergent individuals, employers and policymakers to assess current support, understand lived experiences and develop practical solutions.

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

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Agenda

A SPLASH OF COLE-OUR A bold new mural by Sheffield artist Kid Acne has been unveiled on the side of the former Cole Brothers building, adding colour and energy to a key city centre location as redevelopment plans for the Grade II listed site continue to move forward.

The large artwork spans part of the car park elevation on Cross Burgess Street, which forms part of the building now owned by Sheffield City Council and set to be transformed by regeneration specialist Urban Splash. Funded by the Friends of Sheffield City Centre (FoSCC) with support from Urban Splash, the mural is the latest in a series of creative interventions designed to bring activity

and interest to the site ahead of its redevelopment.

Local resident and FoSCC member Bridget Ingle led the campaign, securing listed building consent with the pro bono help of planning consultants Made it Together.

She said: “After much hard work, I’m absolutely thrilled to see this colourful artwork come to life. Street art murals are widely appreciated and valued by people in Sheffield, and with Kid Acne - an established local artist

who truly understands and respects the culture of this art form - it’s been a joy to create something that breathes new life into our city’s streetscape.”

Urban Splash has a long-standing relationship with the artist, having worked with him at Park Hill on statement murals and a 2019 exhibition that helped reinforce the area’s growing creative identity.

Sian Stanhope, development manager at Urban Splash, said: “Celebrating art and supporting artists has always been central to what we do – helping communities connect with regeneration in a more meaningful way. Sheffield has such a strong creative spirit, and it’s a privilege to be part of projects like this

SKY’S THE LIMIT The long-anticipated regeneration of Sheffield’s Parkwood Springs area has taken another step forward, with a visit from New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises Ltd to discuss proposals for a major new outdoor leisure facility.

Skyline, which specialises in tourism and adventure attractions, visited the city to meet with stakeholders and tour the former Sheffield Ski Village site – a once-thriving attraction that closed in 2012 following a fire, and has since suffered further damage due to vandalism.

During their visit, representatives from Skyline met with Sheffield City Council Leader Cllr Tom Hunt and local MP for Brightside and Hillsborough, Gill Furniss.

They also held discussions with a range of interested groups from across the city to explore the potential of the site and its wider regeneration.

Cllr Hunt described the visit as a positive milestone in the project’s ongoing progress: “Parkwood Springs is an important part of our regeneration work.

Our plans to transform the whole area and the old Ski Village site continue to move forward. It was great to welcome 10 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

Skyline back to the city and have positive discussions about their exciting plans for the site. We hope to be able to share more information in the Spring.”

Skyline Enterprises Ltd is known globally for its adventure tourism experiences, including luge rides, zip lines and gondola attractions. The company has been in ongoing discussions with the council over a potential development that could significantly reshape the city’s leisure and tourism offering.

Geoff McDonald, CEO of Skyline Enterprises Ltd, said: “Skyline sees real potential in the Parkwood Springs opportunity and is keen to progress discussions with Sheffield City Council on how we can deliver this for the Sheffield community.”

The original Ski Village opened in 1988 and, at its peak, attracted over 180,000 visitors a year. The site featured the UK’s only halfpipe, as well as a playground, retail outlets and food and drink facilities.

The proposed redevelopment aims to build on that legacy, revitalising a highpotential area just minutes from Sheffield’s city centre.

Parkwood Springs and the former Ski Village footprint remain one of the largest brownfield leisure redevelopment opportunities in the UK, according to Sheffield Council’s 2023–2024 updates.

The scale and potential of the site are underscored by its troubled history, with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue recording more than 50 fires on or near the area between 2012 and 2020.

Stripping back the biggest business stories – what happened, who’s involved and why it matters to our region. that reflect and build on that legacy.

“Coles has a longstanding connection to the arts. The building’s original architects, Yorke, Rosenberg and Mardall, incorporated numerous pieces of artwork, and in this context, Ed’s mural aligns with the ethos of the original architects.

Its text-based design also complements their modernist approach, reflecting influences from the Bauhaus movement.”

The mural will remain in place as part of the meanwhile use of the site.

Reflecting on the installation, Kid Acne said: “I’m grateful to be invited to paint something on part of such an iconic building in the centre of Sheffield... The arrows represent the different directions each of us are heading, which celebrates the diversity of the city.”

NEW DIRECTORY BOOSTS VISIBILITY FOR SHEFFIELD BUSINESSES

What’s the story?

Sheffield City Council has launched a new online platform to help local businesses stand out and connect with buyers. The Sheffield Business Directory – developed by the Council’s Business Sheffield team – is free to use and open to all Sheffield-based suppliers, with the aim of supporting the local economy and encouraging ethical procurement.

The Directory already includes over 1,000 local businesses and is designed to help both public sector organisations and members of the public easily find and engage local suppliers.

What’s the issue?

While Sheffield is home to a vibrant and diverse business community, many smaller or minority-led firms still struggle to gain visibility within larger supply chains.

Accessing procurement opportunities – particularly from the public sector – has historically been complex and uneven.

The new platform responds to this by providing a centralised, accessible directory that promotes fair access to opportunities and strengthens the Council’s efforts to spend locally wherever possible.

How will it work?

Businesses signing up to the Directory will be asked to provide basic information, including voluntary diversity data. This helps build a more accurate picture of Sheffield’s business landscape and supports the Council’s proposed Ethical Procurement Policy, which includes a commitment to seek at least two local quotes for contracts up to £150,000 in value.

The platform is also monitored by the Council’s Diverse Business Board, which works to champion inclusion and ensure equal opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs – including women, disabled business owners, and ethnic minority-led enterprises.

What’s been said?

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee, said of the launch: “The launch of the Sheffield Business Directory is a significant step forward for our city’s business community. By making it easier for buyers and the public to find and support local suppliers, we’re not only strengthening Sheffield’s economy but also ensuring that opportunities are accessible and fair.

“This directory reflects our commitment to ethical procurement and our pledge to give local businesses every chance to thrive. I encourage all Sheffield-based businesses to register and become part of a more connected and resilient local economy.”

What happens next?

With registration open and growing steadily, the Council is encouraging all Sheffield-based businesses to join the Directory and boost their visibility. It’s free to use, quick to sign up, and gives businesses a better chance of being seen – and selected – by potential buyers.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS unLTDBUSINESS.COM 11

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Agenda VIVA CUBANA!

With Jill White of Andy Hanselman Consulting

PUSHING THE BUTTON A month of creativity, new experiences and a London adventure Sheffield’s Cubana celebrated its 25th anniversary last month with a lively fiesta in Leopold Square, bringing together hundreds of people who have helped shape the venue’s Latin-inspired legacy since it first opened on Trippet Lane in 2000.

The 25th Birthday Fiesta Grande offered guests a complimentary early bar, a tapas buffet and almost ten hours of live entertainment that showcased the musical breadth long associated with the venue.

Early performances included swing and rhythm and blues outfit Louis Louis Louis, followed by The Mariachis – known to many from the Doritos adverts – who delivered pop favourites with a Sheffield twist, including a rousing version of The Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’. The opening section was rounded off with a high-energy samba display from Samba De Janeiro.

As the evening progressed, a specially formed Cubana Allstars ensemble, made up of musicians who have played at the venue over the last quartercentury, took centre stage. DJs Anna de Orte and Ebo later closed the night with sets spanning salsa, samba and Latin house, keeping the dancefloor full until late.

Co-owners Adrian Bagnoli and Brad Charlesworth said the event was a fitting way to thank customers, staff and performers who have supported the independent venue over the years.

Adrian described it as a night to remember: “Celebrating with top class entertainment, and in style with many of the friends, customers and staff that have supported us over the years was genuinely moving. Twenty-five years is a landmark for any independent venue, and nights like this show why Cubana continues to mean so much to people.

It really is part of Cubana’s DNA to throw a class party.”

Brad added: “From Trippet Lane to Leopold Square, it’s been an incredible journey. Sheffield has supported us from day one and we’re hugely grateful.”

Painting at Weston Park Museum, pushing the button at the London Stock Exchange and getting creative with books and seasonal greenery made for a very interesting November.

First up was a new experience – mindfully painting at Weston Park Museum with a group of Sheffield women leaders, followed by pie and peas prepared by PJ Taste. What’s not to like?

Then it was an early morning at the London Stock Exchange – and what a moment to be welcomed by South Yorkshire is Open for Business branding on arrival. Kudos to David Richards, Peter Scott and ce Dodsworth from Digital Forge for making it happen.

A real pinch me moment, and a definite watch this space opportunity for the businesses presenting. Bravo to Exciting Instruments, FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, DigitalCNC and OLO Robotics – you did Sheffield proud.

Speaking of proud – Charley Whitehead from Example Marketing, take a bow. Your mum and dad were beaming, and I know your friend Rhys would’ve been bursting too. What a wonderful tribute and heartfelt presentation at Gameshow Allstars, supporting The Firefighters Charity. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Just brilliant – and a fantastic amount raised too.

Ditto for Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Posh Do at Wilde’s Resort, David Grey’s private dinner at Caffe Piazza, Connect Yorkshire’s annual awards night in Leeds (supporting Candlelighters Trust), and – last but by no means least – Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity Winter Ball. So much kindness, generosity and warmth on display, showing once again that Sheffield really is super.

Just sneaking in at the end of the month – a final shout out to Dave Hall and Jason Cheuk Long Chan from Paces Charity, who also hosted a Winter Ball. Not only did they smash their fundraising efforts ‘out of the park’ – they’ve helped build one too. And an accessible one at that!

Ooh, almost forgot – my beautiful door wreath! I absolutely love it. Thank you to Carys Thompson and Kerry Russell from Shakespeare Martineau, and the incredibly talented Flowers by Steph. With her past wreaths gracing the doors of the likes of Number 10, I’m delighted to be displaying mine with pride at The Bullpen.

And the tree’s up. Happy Christmas, all!

Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com. unLTDBUSINESS.COM 13

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13/11/2025 13:19:15

UNLTD BUSINESS CLUB

THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

JOIN THE CLUB The unLTD Business Club is thriving – 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 signups now – with immediate access to a host of benefits depending on your subscription tier.

Why Join?

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.

Get Started Today 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.

BUSINESS CLUB MEMBER £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 ⚫ Social media promotion via LinkedIn ⚫ Opportunity to co-host networking events with the unLTD team ⚫ PLUS… All Business Club member benefits

BUSINESS SUBSCRIBER £2.50/month (plus VAT) ⚫ 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

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 15

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FluidOne

BY STEVE BROWN, MD, FLUIDONE BUSINESS IT - SHEFFIELD

CUT THROUGH THE AI NOISE AI is everywhere right now, but many UK businesses are still trying to figure out what actually works. With headlines promising revolutionary change and a constant stream of new tools, it’s easy for business leaders to feel overwhelmed.

Yet, beneath all the noise, AI is already delivering real, measurable benefits. From saving time on routine tasks to unlocking new insights and improving decisionmaking, AI is no longer just a future concept – it’s a practical tool that’s reshaping business operations today.

What’s holding businesses back from AI? Many organisations are eager to embrace AI but encounter common challenges: • Uncertainty about where to begin: With countless solutions and use cases, identifying the most valuable starting point can be difficult.

• Concerns about data security and compliance: Protecting sensitive information and meeting

regulatory requirements is essential. Businesses need reassurance that AI adoption won’t compromise their security posture.

• Perceptions of complexity and cost: AI is often seen as a solution for large enterprises with big budgets. This misconception can deter smaller businesses from exploring accessible, costeffective tools.

• Fear of disruption: New technology can feel daunting, especially if it’s unclear how it will affect workflows or team adoption.

• Practical steps to get started with AI: If you’re exploring how AI could fit into your

organisation, here are four practical steps to help you move forward with confidence: • Start with a clear business need: Focus on a specific challenge like reducing manual admin or improving customer response times – where AI could deliver measurable impact.

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unLTDBUSINESS.COM 17

INC. CONSULTING

EMMA CONROY, FOUNDER OF INC. CONSULTING. Celebrating six years in a hugely competitive recruitment market with a new website and refreshed brand, Inc. Consulting’s Emma Conroy reflects on the challenges, growth and community spirit that have shaped her journey from startup to established brand, and shares what’s next on the horizon.

PHOTOS: MARCABARKERPHOTOGRAPHY

Looking back over the last six years, what’s your proudest moment, and what’s been the toughest lesson you’ve had to learn as a business owner?

Oh gosh. I couldn’t pick just one moment.

I work with a phenomenal bunch of driven, ambitious and kind individuals, and the fact that that just happens to be the business I created six years ago makes me both humble and proud.

The toughest lesson I’ve learned is that not everyone shares the same values as me, and that’s completely fine. I’ve been guilty of listening to others rather than following my gut at times.

How has the Sheffield community played a part in shaping the business?

The Sheffield community has categorically played a part. We work with clients not just in Sheffield but across Yorkshire, the Midlands and sometimes further afield.

We’ve even had a few international placements this year!

We’re forever grateful that those clients come back to us time and time again. Locally, there are so many key individuals who’ve had our backs (as we’ve had theirs) and been part of our tribe, even through tough times. I also have a fantastic mentor in Victoria ClarkeBrown, Finance Director at Kitlocker, who has been a consistent source of support, coaching, and encouragement throughout the past 6-years.

There’s a really strong sense of community in Sheffield, particularly across the small business community that make up 86% of Sheffield businesses. We love supporting fellow small business owners and believe in true collaboration across Sheffield’s business community, from referrals and sharing information to simply 18 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

being there as a friend. A great example is Sheffield Business Runners, founded by the brilliant Hannah Duraid, Sam Newton, and Phil Turner. It’s a fantastic example of local business owners getting together and finding time to look after their wellbeing while supporting each other.

Let’s talk about your values. Inc. Consulting are proudly women-led, APSCo-accredited, and focused on recruiting ethically and inclusively. How have those principles shaped the way you do business?

I’m proud to be part of the small but growing number of female-led businesses that have thrived beyond five years, and incredibly proud of the amazing women I’ve had the privilege to work with.

Inclusivity is hugely important to us at Team Inc., and it’s at the heart of everything we do. Being part of a membership body like APSCo matters because they background-check members and take client references, which adds credibility that I really value.

What I’ve learned is that it’s one thing to say you’re committed to inclusivity, and another to truly understand the complexity of what that means. I’ve definitely had moments of naivety, thinking we were further along than we were. But inclusivity is ever evolving, and we have a responsibility to keep learning.

Some of your newer values are ‘make a life, not a living’ and ‘never settling’. How do those show up day to day?

When we first started, our founding values of care, commitment and courage came from deep conversations about who we are and why we exist. They still hold true today, but our newer values reflect how

I’M PROUD TO BE PART OF THE SMALL BUT GROWING NUMBER OF FEMALE-LED BUSINESSES THAT HAVE THRIVED BEYOND FIVE YEARS.” we’ve evolved.

From day one, I wanted our business to stand for something meaningful, even if that meant doing things the hard way: challenging norms, challenging bias, and standing up when something feels wrong.

These two values go hand in hand. We work incredibly hard to maintain our high standards and deliver a tailored, high-level service, and that means our job isn’t your typical 9–5. So it’s vital that we also make space for life outside of work. This is where ‘make a life, not a living’ comes in.

This year we implemented a 9-day fortnight and introduced a range of health and wellbeing benefits to ensure balance and flexibility, helping the team take back personal time to recharge and be with their families.

How do you balance authenticity and values with moving forward with ambition and growth?

Accountability is a big part of how we work, and it really matters to us. There’s no hierarchy here, no airs or graces. If I mess up, I fully expect someone on the team to call me out on it.

We also value external input. Whether it’s picking up the phone to a mentor or a trusted adviser, we’re open to being challenged, and that keeps us grounded.

Moving forward can mean different things. For me, it used to mean increasing everything: headcount, turnover, client numbers. But it doesn’t anymore. Having the right people, the right infrastructure, and a loyal client base is far more important and naturally leads to organic growth.

Our culture has evolved over six years, and now it feels like we’re one cohesive team. We build each other up, celebrate each other’s wins, and support each other during the tougher times.

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 19

INC. CONSULTING

How have your clients shaped Inc.’s identity, and how do you keep their voices central to the business?

Without our candidates and clients, we wouldn’t be here. A huge proportion of our clients come back to us again and again, and our repeat business rate this year is 92%, which we’re incredibly proud of. Some have worked with us consistently over six years, and that loyalty has been fundamental to our success.

When we ran a marketing exercise last year, a consultant gathered confidential client feedback, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. That was humbling and reassuring. A few asked whether we were getting too big to stay personal. At the time, we’d grown too fast, and this was a fair question - but now we’re focused on building solid foundations to ensure we’re maintaining the service that earned their trust in the first place.

Even when feedback is hard to hear, it’s vital. That’s how we keep getting better.

What plans do you have to celebrate your six-year milestone, and what did you achieve in your fifth year?

This time last year, we were in a very different place, so we never had the chance to celebrate our fifth anniversary.

So we’re celebrating six years instead!

We’re thrilled to showcase our new branding and website, launched last month, and our upgraded system implementation will be completed by the end of this month.

In September, we hosted a charity quiz night to raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity, fundraising for me and a group of fantastic business owners who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in October, collectively raising over £105,000 so far.

We had an office refurb which has created a fantastic working environment for us all. People often comment that it looks like someone’s living room, and that’s the environment we want to create – a welcoming and relaxed space.

We’ve spoken at several events covering everything from ED&I to business leader challenges, and we’ve made a conscious effort to give back this year, from mentoring college students to supporting individuals re-entering the workforce and offering pro bono recruitment support.

Only a fraction of start-ups survives beyond five years, so hitting this milestone means a lot, especially given the market challenges.

Looking ahead, we’re launching exciting new brands in 2026 and beyond, and partnering with organisations like Freeths, ICAEW, Sheffield Hallam Business School 20 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

and S&DCASS on upcoming events and collaborations.

ONLY A FRACTION OF STARTUPS SURVIVES BEYOND FIVE YEARS, SO HITTING THIS MILESTONE MEANS A LOT, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE MARKET CHALLENGES.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to someone starting a small business?

Be clear on your values and your boundaries. They’re your ‘why’. Surround yourself with your people, your tribe, both within and outside the business. Listen to both your head and your heart, and make sure they align when you make key decisions.

And most importantly, have humility, and learn from the inevitable mistakes along the way. @incconsulting

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The Inside Track: Stuart Turner REAL INSIGHTS FROM THOSE WHO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN

Seven years after officially launching LensGo, filmmaker and storyteller Stuart Turner still has moments where he stops, looks around and thinks: Is this really my job? The founder of the award-winning South Yorkshire visual media company has built a business that now works across elite sport, major charities, construction, entertainment, tourism and some of the region’s biggest brands. Yet behind the cameras and campaigns is a journey shaped by instinct, hard graft, one extraordinary early phone call and, perhaps most of all, a rare ability to see and share people’s stories.

STUART TURNER

PHOTOS: MARCABARKERPHOTOGRAPHY

FOUNDER, LENSGO VISUAL MEDIA “It’s been unbelievable. I pinch myself every day,” he says as we settle down for a chat at Westfield House in Sheffield city centre.

Stuart had been freelancing for years when the opportunity to take the next step finally crystallised. “The opportunities arose, I was growing rapidly and I needed to go to that next level, really. And that’s why I decided to make it official,” he recalls.

LensGo was born in 2018. What he did not expect was that, just a week later, the sliding door would swing open with the force of an arena stage spotlight.

Within days of setting up, he received a call from Def Leppard’s tour management asking if his company could film the band’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert at the Royal Albert Hall. “All of a sudden it was, we want seven camera operators. We want multicam live feed. We want edits… It’s easy setting up a business if you get a call like this,” he laughs.

Of course, he immediately said yes, worked out the logistics later and found himself with seven camera operators running through backstage corridors as the likes of The Who and Kasabian brushed past. It was a case of baptism, meet fire.

“It really was my first taste of not only dealing with a big band, their agents and managers, but also dealing on the charity side with the Teenage Cancer Trust,” he says. That project, he adds, became the catalyst for a deep, long-lasting commitment to charity storytelling that still defines LensGo today.

However, the early years were not all rock concerts and high-profile campaigns.

Like every emerging business, particularly in creative industries, the company hit the wall in 2020.

“Obviously there was no more onsite film,” Stuart says. “Events stopped, concerts stopped, couldn’t go into the charities we work with, sport stopped… So, yeah, it was about adapting.”

22 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

Adapt they did. Almost overnight, organisations needed live-streaming, remote production and online engagement to stay connected with their audiences.

Stuart found himself filming in silent football stadiums, hosting virtual events for charities and moving pretty much everything online.

All this happened while navigating his own life-changing moment. “My son was born as well, on the first day of lockdown,” he says. “It was scary times!”

Yet through the turbulence, something solid began to form. The clients who relied on LensGo during the pandemic are, in many cases, still clients today.

Today, they operate with a core team of five freelance creatives. It is an intentional model, built for agility and chosen to give opportunities to emerging talent.

“Motivation comes from allowing them to be creative… and giving opportunities they might not necessarily have before,” Stuart says.

That commitment stems from his own early experiences in the industry.

“Something I never had and something I had to learn myself,” he adds.

The team has grown in confidence and skill to the point that clients now recognise LensGo not as a one-man outfit but as a collective of specialists. And in recent months, Stuart has made a conscious effort to shift the spotlight.

“As much as I like getting the limelight, it’s nice that we’re showing more of the team. People are now getting to know LensGo, not just Stuart.”

In a region full of creative talent, LensGo has carved a prominent position. Much of that success comes down to relationships – the very thing Stuart values most.

“I’ve always been very much a people person,” he says. “Our clients recommend us to their clients. It’s grown like that, really.

We’ve almost got this LensGo fan club now” .

OUR CLIENTS RECOMMEND US TO THEIR CLIENTS. WE’VE ALMOST GOT THIS LENSGO FAN CLUB NOW

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 23

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The Inside Track: Stuart Turner It shows. Their client list now includes Gulliver’s Theme Parks, Sheffield Chamber, City Taxis, Virgin Media, IKEA and Sheffield Wednesday. The company’s work with Gulliver’s, documenting the build of its Rother Valley theme park, opened the door to construction clients. Its charity campaigns led to awards and high-impact fundraising totals. And social media, Stuart notes, remains the company’s most effective marketing tool.

“Ultimately, social media is how we’ve grown,” he says. “The stuff that I’ve been able to put out has constantly led to more messages, more leads, more interactions.”

If there is one constant across the seven years, it is a deep connection to local charities. The work is hugely rewarding, of course, but it brings its own challenges too.

“We’ve been in some really tough situations,” he says sincerely. “We’ve literally had to interview someone who might just have lost their son or daughter… or might be dying themselves.”

Those conversations, he admits, stay with you. After filming at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice shortly after the birth of his son, he sat in his car and cried. “It puts everything into perspective,” he says.

But the outcome – the money raised, the awareness generated, the support delivered – makes every difficult moment worthwhile.

“Some of the videos we’ve done for charities have won awards, and the fundraising that’s come off the back of that is just unbelievable.”

LensGo now works closely with Sheffield Hospitals Charity, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, Paces and others. Their work has recently appeared on the big screens during the Sheffield derby.

Beyond the cameras, Stuart speaks openly about something that matters deeply to him: men’s mental health.

“I’ve had some dark moments,” he says.

"It’s easier for me to talk now, and I’m always encouraging others to do the same.”

His routines today reflect that commitment to balance. School runs, swimming, time with family and friends, and space to prioritise his wellbeing are no longer optional extras. They are nonnegotiables.

WHAT IS INSIDE TRACK?

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

His openness, he hopes, sets a tone that encourages his team and clients to feel comfortable doing the same.

As for what comes next, 2026 looks like an exciting one. Much of that centres on major investment and redevelopment across Sheffield’s hospitals and children’s services, where LensGo will be capturing the transformation as it unfolds .

That future growth, he believes, will come from the same place it always has – telling powerful human stories and building genuine relationships.

Every Inside Track interview ends with a final question: if you could create one rule everyone had to live by, what would it be?

And he answers without hesitation.

“Well, most people that see me at events would know that Jägerbombs are pretty mandatory!”

As rules go, it may not make statute books. But in Stuart Turner’s world – where creativity, community and connection matter the most – it fits perfectly.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON THE UNLTD BUSINESS WEBSITE unLTDBUSINESS.COM 25

Exploring the ideas reshaping society for the better – and meeting the South Yorkshire innovators leading the charge.

important element in that. For much of our food, we ask people for a contribution they determine themselves. This allows almost anyone to be a customer, regardless of their circumstances – and no one has to put their hand up for a handout.

If everyone can be kind and generous in their contributions, whatever that looks like within their means, it helps support us as a sustainable enterprise. That’s not always easy, but it’s a principle we really value.

unLTD speaks to René Meijer, CEO of Sheffield-based social enterprise Food Works, about rethinking food waste, building community and how local businesses can get involved in a fairer food system.

INTERVIEW: JOSEPH FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: JADE SELLICK

For those unfamiliar with Food Works, can you briefly explain the organisation’s mission?

Food Works is building a fair and sustainable food system for everyone in Sheffield – one that takes care of our planet and our people.

You take an approach of combining sustainability, community and enterprise – how do you balance those elements in your day-to-day operations?

Our ‘Pay What You Can Afford’ principle is probably the most

26 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

The idea of ‘upcycling’ food is gaining traction, but you’ve been doing this for years – what have you learned about making food waste into a community asset?

What’s key to us is that waste is a verb, not a noun. Nothing is waste until it’s wasted.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is how to value things – especially food. Value isn’t just about money; it’s about the potential something has to contribute to our lives, our communities or our planet.

That’s the lens through which we approach everything, not just food.

We find value in abandoned spaces (such as the Norton Nursery), in the spare time and skills people offer through volunteering, and in many other overlooked areas.

Another crucial element is the universal nature of food – we all eat. And food is not just about nutrition. Sharing food and being social over food is a fundamental part of being human. That’s why it’s such a powerful tool to (re)build communities.

You offer volunteering opportunities and team days for businesses – what does that typically involve, and what kind of response have you had from corporate partners so far?

We’ve always had lots of requests from teams wanting to get involved with our mission, and it’s been great to finally make space for that this year.

Several teams have joined us in different ways – some have taken part in batch cookery sessions to make large quantities of our

community ready meals, while others have helped dig new beds and plant crops at our plant nursery.

It’s been really positive to engage with this whole new range of supporters, and we’ve already had teams coming back for seconds – and even thirds – so it clearly resonates.

What are the main ways businesses can get involved with Food Works – and what kind of support are you currently looking for in terms of sponsorship or partnership?

We’re always happy to work with businesses to find sponsorship opportunities that are meaningful to them. That said, there are a few areas where we’d love to make a bigger impact and which are especially easy to support: School food growing - we’re on a mission to ensure every school has the opportunity to grow food with their pupils and parents. We can support any school in the region from just £250 per year. For some schools, that’s still a stretch – so businesses can sponsor one (or more) and we’ll deliver that support at no cost to them.

Holiday meals for kids - we provide

free meals for children during every school holiday. A meal costs us around £2, so providing a hot meal throughout the full 13 weeks of school holidays costs about £150 per child per year.

Electric vehicle sponsorship - our three electric vans collect food from across the region. Together, they help us save 500 tonnes of food from waste, provide the equivalent of one million meals, and prevent over 1,000 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere.

Sponsoring a van costs £250 per month. If a business can commit

to a year, we’ll brand the van to promote their support as we travel around the city.

Are there particular sectors or types of organisations you’re keen to work with at the moment?

We’re always keen to work with organisations in the food sector, particularly those that want to collaborate on redistributing or upcycling food. But ultimately, we want to work with everyone.

Everyone eats – and everyone should have the opportunity to be part of a better food system.

What are your biggest priorities as we head into 2026 – and what does growth looklike for Food Works in the next few years?

We have two major priorities for the coming years:

EVERYONE EATS – AND EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF A BETTER FOOD SYSTEM.”

Growing food - every neighbourhood in Sheffield and the wider region should have access to growing and eating naturefriendly food. We want to work with schools, community groups, allotmenteers and gardeners to help turn Sheffield into a city of growers.

Skills and workshops - we’re developing a range of workshops to help people reconnect with

food – whether through cooking or growing – so that everyone can enjoy their food more, make better choices for their health, and reduce their environmental impact.

How can local businesses play a meaningful role in that journey – not just financially, but in terms of collaboration and shared purpose?

There’s a huge amount to do – and to learn – when it comes to growing food. The Norton Nursery still needs a great deal of skilled input: plumbing, better irrigation, rainwater capture and solar power are all on the list. Every growing site we support, whether directly or in partnership, will need help building beds and infrastructure.

We’re looking for skills, labour and advice – and also for partners with land they’d like to use, or that we can help them put to use.

On a completely different note, we’re also exploring how we could better use IT. Labelling meals is currently a very manual task. If we can automate some of that – or find ways to use tools like AI more effectively – it would make a significant difference.

For more on Food Works and how to get involved, visit: www. thefoodworks.org

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 27

Still feeling the squeeze from last year’s Budget, many South Yorkshire businesses were hoping for real relief this autumn. While measures like free apprentice training and a fuel duty freeze have offered some positives, rising wage costs and a lack of deeper tax reform are keeping pressure high. We spoke to business leaders across the region – from family firms to freelancers – to get their take on what this Budget really means on the ground.

The Chamber Louisa Harrison-Walker, SCCI’s Chief Executive Before this budget we, at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for the Chancellor to offer help to SMEs – which represent over 95% of our region’s businesses – who were hit hard by last Autumn’s budget. While this budget hasn’t gone as far as we hoped, there have been some positives.

“Immediate positive takeaway for small businesses is the announcement that the Government is introducing funding to make training for under-25 apprenticeships free for SMEs. Not only does this remove a significant cost of hiring apprentices for smaller organisations, but it also helps them compete with larger companies to attract younger talent.

“Other positives include the permanent lowering of business rates for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, and closing the customs arrangements that allowed some online retailers to import their goods duty free – this will help local businesses as they will no longer be undercut by online retailers.

“The Chancellor also announced £13bn worth of funding to metro mayors to ‘invest in skills, business support and infrastructure’. South Yorkshire represents one of these regions so this is a welcome investment, one that may help offset years of underfunding.”

28 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

The removal of the two-child benefit cap is a positive step. It’s something people may not directly associate with ‘business’ but it will help to build a stronger, healthier and more skilled workforce of the future. We know through our own social value work that children who are raised in poverty have their life chances significantly hampered, they are 20% of the population but 100% of the future. Plus, this policy will support parents who make up a large portion of our current workforce.

Despite these positives, there were many challenges that SMEs face that weren’t addressed, “There were also some important measures that were omitted from this budget, namely no VAT threshold reforms and minimal mention of major infrastructure projects that represent catalysts for growth across the region and the country.

The increase to the living wage and the pension salary sacrifice cap – on top of the National Insurance Contribution (NIC) increase from last year’s budget – represent additional running costs which are difficult for many SME’s t shoulder right now.

In an economic environment that SMEs are already struggling to survive in, increasing the National Living Wage adds an additional cost that small businesses

AUTUMN BUDGET 2025

are expected to absorb.

On top of that, coming down the track is the new pension salary sacrifice cap which will hamper small businesses’ ability to recruit and retain staff further increasing their costs. However, unlike the NIC increase, the Government has given businesses time to prepare for this change as it won’t come into effect until 2029.

The Chancellor said: ‘Our job is to make Britain the best place in the world to start up, to scale up, and to stay.’ This is a sentiment that we strongly agree with at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and we hope the Government continues to build upon this commitment in the months to come.

THE CHANCELLOR ALSO ANNOUNCED £13BN WORTH OF FUNDING TO METRO MAYORS TO ‘INVEST IN SKILLS, BUSINESS SUPPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE’. SOUTH YORKSHIRE REPRESENTS ONE OF THESE REGIONS SO THIS IS A WELCOME INVESTMENT.” unLTDBUSINESS.COM 29

AUTUMN BUDGET 2025

THE FAMILY-RUN SMALL BUSINESS

HARRY HARROLD, DIRECTOR OF H HARROLD AND SONS

The Hospitality MD Rob Hattersley, Managing Director at Longbow Venue I thought the Government were helping hospitality out on business rates. A 318 per cent increase is nothing short of another attack on businesses that simply cannot absorb these costs.

We cannot just pass these costs on to guests. People are already watching their spending, and we are doing everything we can to keep prices fair and accessible.

Businesses like ours are being squeezed from every direction.

Hospitality has been absorbing hit after hit – rising wages, rising energy, rising duty, rising tax – all while guests are spending less. This Budget feels like a stab in the back for an industry that employs millions and keeps local communities alive.

The Chancellor said she wished to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Right now, what we are seeing is the opposite. Independent pubs and restaurants are being priced out of existence.

Places like the Peak District rely on independent hotels, pubs and restaurants to provide jobs, bring in visitors and support local producers. If these businesses cannot survive the next wave of cost increases, it will hit entire communities.

Hospitality does not want handouts. We want a fair playing field. Without immediate action, the closures already happening across the country will only accelerate.

Longbow Venues is independent hospitality business focusing on everyday premium food, drink and lodgings.

30 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

There are elements of the Budget that will support us as an SME such as the decision to freeze the fuel levy. This will offer short-term relief for our fleet.

The reduction of energy bills is good news but energy costs remain significantly higher than pre-2021 levels.

We hope these changes will provide greater stability for significant running costs, improve cash flow, and make budgeting more predictable again.

Rising labour costs and ongoing skills shortages continue to squeeze margins for businesses in the security industry.

The government’s pledge to make training for under-25 apprenticeships free for SMEs is a step in the right direction and provides some confidence in addressing long-term skills gaps, but immediate pressures remain.

For instance, although previous national insurance increases and other taxes have been frozen, the Chancellor has not reduced these costs, meaning that the additional financial pressure from last year’s budget continues to weigh heavily on businesses like ours.

Not only do these challenges remain, but the pace and structure of wage increases add a further challenge to SMEs. We’re fully supportive of ensuring people are paid sufficiently, but the gap between minimum wage and skilled roles is narrowing quickly. In a trade that takes years of training and investment, this approach means more of the financial burden falls on small businesses.

The cost of running a small business keeps rising faster than we can realistically absorb. We want to keep taking people on and supporting local jobs, but it’s not easy for small businesses at the moment.

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The Accountant Luke James, Tax Director at Gravitate Accountants The Chancellor’s budget statement was expansive and, in places, controversial. Tax freezes and fiscal tightening grabbed many headlines; however, the most consequential shift for most SMEs will be the sharp rise in National Living Wage (NLW) from April 2026.

For many businesses, this will land long before most tax announcements even take effect, and with a much wider impact.

The NLW for workers aged 21+ will increase to £12.71, while younger age bands see jumps of 6–8.5%. On paper, these rises support living standards. But, in practice, this introduces a series of ostensibly small, but thickly layered costs that that will continue to stress test the financial resilience of small and medium businesses.

Unlike targeted tax measures, wage rises cascade through entire pay structures, forcing immediate adjustments to supervisory and mid-tier pay to avoid compression.

For labour-heavy industries (such as hospitality, retail, care) this will reshape margins overnight. Many businesses will need to reforecast wages, reconsider pricing, and evaluate staffing models well ahead of 2026.

With no offsetting employer reliefs in the Budget, and the long-term removal of cost mitigation tools like the salary sacrifice cap (£2,000 from 2029), the pressure falls squarely on SMEs to absorb or adapt.

To make matters even more difficult, the salary sacrifice cap of £2,000 from 2029 will be removing a lifeline for staffing cost affordability following 2025’s Employer’s NIC increase.

Gravitate are digital chartered accountants based in Sheffield with a focus on start-ups, scale ups and growing businesses.

THE SELF-EMPLOYED CREATIVE

CHLOE WILKIN, FOUNDER OF WILKIN DESIGN On reflection of the Autumn Budget, my first thought was it’s going to be tougher on small businesses – and with staff wages and contributions increasing, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a rise in redundancies and unemployment. I believe increasing the tax-free allowance would have been a more beneficial approach for all. Earning a self-employed income and living alone with rising costs, it’s going to be tough having a frozen tax-free allowance for 6 years; this is going to stunt my growth both in business and my personal life unless I increase my rates.

However, thinking positively, I feel outsourcing instead of hiring will increase as outsourcing to people like myself means businesses can gain high quality skillsets without the additional and increasing costs, risks and responsibilities associated with hiring.

I can’t change the government’s decisions but what I can do is be resilient, adapt and prepare. So although there are challenges ahead for businesses of all sizes, I’m still remaining positive and confident that my businesses will grow.

Chloe Wilkin Design is a South Yorkshire-based studio that offers bespoke branding, design and social media strategy.

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 33

Now in its third year, the unLTD Business Awards returned on 11 December with a night to remember at Peddler Warehouse in Kelham Island – celebrating the region’s brightest start-ups, SMEs and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Chris Arnold, the evening brought together some of South Yorkshire’s most exciting businesses for a festive evening of recognition, reflection and a few surprises along the way.

With 16 categories, a three-course meal and live swing music to keep people entertained, the awards showcased the breadth of talent and innovation coming out of the local business community. From legal and financial services to creative industries, tech start-ups and social enterprises, the room was filled with energy, ambition – and more than a few emotional speeches.

And, of course, the night didn’t end there – a suitably boisterous afterparty at Factory Floor and the recently opened Palm bar kept the celebrations going well past our usual bedtime.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. With no further ado, here’s who took home the trophies on the night – and what they had to say.

34 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

BEST BUSINESS SUPPORT OR CONSULTANCY

BEST RECRUITMENT OR HR BUSINESS

BEST CREATIVE BUSINESS

HERD INCLUSIVE FENTI CONSULTING CONSULTING "As a people-first business, with a high-profile team of business analysts, delivery managers and product managers, we’re committed to delivering pragmatic, experience-led, human-centred change. Having this recognised with the Best Consultancy award, in our home city of Sheffield, is hugely meaningful for all 40 of us at Herd. Big thank you to Phil and the whole unLTD team for producing such a wonderful event that showcases all the amazing businesses in our region."

"We’re absolutely blown away – it’s our sixth year in business and to win our first proper award feels incredibly special. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the amazing Sheffield community, so a huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey so far. It also means a lot to be part of an all-female founder shortlist in this category – Chloe, Becca, massive congratulations to you both. Thank you again for your support!"

"It’s been an incredible week for us – we’ve just celebrated 15 years in business, so to win this award really tops it off. We’ve grown every year since we started, and this year has been another record-breaker. We moved offices and opened a second one in the centre of Sheffield. It’s been a big year, and this recognition means a lot. But most of all, this is down to the team. Their hard work and commitment to doing the best for our clients is what makes this possible."

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 35

BEST NOT-FOR-PROFIT OR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

SUSTAINABILITY & NET ZERO AWARD

SPONSORED BY CHAPTER II

GRAVITATE ACCOUNTING SCCCC "Parson Cross Development Forum, Roundabout and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation all make a real difference – we’re proud to stand alongside you tonight. At SCCCC, we support older people through difficult moments: reducing isolation, helping people return home safely and giving families peace of mind that someone will step in when needed. Sometimes a short visit, a phone call or a safe journey home can change someone’s whole week. You see it in their faces when the pressure lifts, even briefly. The need keeps growing, and we remain focused on practical actions that make an immediate impact."

BEST TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SPONSORED BY SHEFFIELD TECHNOLOGY PARKS

SIMODA "Wow – it's the second time we’ve won this award!

It’s all down to the team – every single person in the business is absolutely fantastic. To be six years in and delivering what we are right now is incredible, and it’s a credit to everyone in the organisation.

They are truly outstanding!"

36 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

MOSS VALLEY MEATS "Thank you, everyone. At the farm, we’re all about sustainability – producing quality pork and supplying it across the region. But with the new rating system coming in, our customers are about to take a real hit. So please, please support local whenever possible. Visit your local restaurant, go to your local pub – they truly need your support now more than ever. "

BEST LEGAL, FINANCE OR ACCOUNTANCY BUSINESS SPONSORED BY WILDFIRE AGENCY

GRAVITATE ACCOUNTING "A few people have said it already tonight, but it’s true – Gravitate wouldn’t be anywhere without our team. We talk a lot about technology and innovation, but it’s our people who make us truly special. Accountants get a bit of stick – we know we’re not always seen as the most exciting bunch – but we’re just trying to change that, even if it’s only by shifting the needle a little. Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported us on our journey so far – and a quick shoutout to the SBR Running Club!"

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We do this by providing a free, comprehensive service designed to help businesses start, thrive and grow.

Our services include: Tailored advice to support your business to grow Expert-led workshops and face-to-face sessions to develop your skills Highly skilled specialist advisors Funding advice and guidance for your business Contact Us

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WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR AWARD

INNOVATION AWARD

SPONSORED BY TRAVELMASTER

1101

SCCCC

"Massive respect to everyone here tonight – there are some truly inspirational people in the room. Our business started in 2009, and I joined in 2013. Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people who’ve shaped our journey. Our business is all about our people – those standing with me, those at home looking after their kids so we can be here, and everyone who’s been part of 1101 over the years.

Thank you so much – and Sheffield, keep fighting the good fight."

"Innovation matters most when it makes life easier for people. Banner Jones Solicitors, Taylor Emmett and Utility Source each demonstrate that, and we’re proud to be here alongside you tonight. At SCCCC, we’re always looking for practical ideas that improve daily life for older people. We test new approaches in real homes, reduce delays and strengthen support to help people stay safe, independent and connected. It’s often the small, effective changes that make the biggest difference – and that’s where we focus our efforts."

BEST START-UP

BEST MICRO BUSINESS

SPONSORED BY BUSINESS SHEFFIELD

SPONSORED BY SEVEN HILLS CREATIVE

PEST RISK MANAGEMENT

STREAM 7

"I haven’t prepared a speech – this was completely unexpected – but thank you so much. I’ve worked in the glamorous world of pest management for around 27 years, my son’s been in it for nine, and my dad spent 42 years in the industry. He worked right up until the age of 73 and never retired. Sadly, he passed away from cancer in 2024. Before he died, I made him a few promises – and we’re now delivering on them. We’re smashing it. This award is for him. This is for my dad."

"We’re another one who didn’t prepare a speech – we really weren’t expecting this – but I’ll keep it short and just say a huge thank you to our amazing team who made this possible. And thank you to everyone who has supported us!"

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 39

BEST SMALL BUSINESS

BEST MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS

SPONSORED BY TAYLOR EMMET

SPONSORED BY SIMODA

GRAVITATE ACCOUNTING R1SE BROOK PLACE LTD "The last six years with R1SE have been transformational. In the past six years, we’ve supported more than 40,000 people. And usually when we’re on stage, we’re doing squat thrusts!

Rosie – who’s done over 9,000 classes in the seven years we’ve been together – was the first yoga teacher I met, and I brought her to R1SE because she was the solution I needed. Whatever problems you’re facing, start with a breath. Calm your mind.

Everything is possible. You’re all miraculous. The future is bright – and Sheffield is awesome."

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

CHG ELECTRICAL "We’re really proud to receive this award tonight.

We’ve been in business since 2004 and have worked hard over the past 21 years, focusing on developing people from within – from promoting young apprentices to supporting internal growth across the team. I’m especially proud to see my son, Will Clark, already stepping up and taking over from me, while I’ve taken more of a background role. We truly believe in giving people opportunities to grow. A big thank you to our customers, our family, and everyone who knows and supports us – we really appreciate it."

JUDGES AWARD

SPONSORED BY ANDY HANSELMAN CONSULTING

DEAN PATTISON, BENCHMARK didn’t prepare a speech – I’m actually quite UTILITY SOURCE LTD "Ioverwhelmed – but thank you so much. This really "My nine-year-old daughter said, “If you win, you need to do a speech.” She told me to say that Utility Source is really good – and that every time we drive past a building we’ve worked on, I say, “We put the utilities in there.” Twenty years ago, I was just starting. Ten years ago, I was eating rice pudding for dinner and walking three or four miles to work. One day, my wife asked me what I wanted to do, and I said I’d love to start my own business and really give it a go. We did – and now, eight years in, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved."

40 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

does mean the world. The last 18 months have been incredibly tough, so to be standing here tonight and to win this is truly special. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me – whether you’ve been with me for 12 years or just two minutes, I’m so grateful."

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UNLTD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The shortlist BEST BUSINESS SUPPORT OR CONSULTANCY 1101 / Herd Consulting / OneSource HR / Resolve

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Fenti Ltd / Golf Fang UK / LensGo Visual Media / Zawadi Café

BEST RECRUITMENT OR HR BUSINESS Benchmark / Inclusive Consulting / OneSource HR Limited

SIMODA "Well, what can I say? I said it earlier – for me, the most important part of business is the people you work with.

When I set the business up, I made a conscious decision to bring in the right people and, importantly, not to be the kind of owner who holds others back. It’s about empowering people to make decisions and trusting them to drive things forward. We started just before Covid, and despite everything, we’ve pushed on and built something I’m immensely proud of. I’m nothing without this team – they’re absolutely phenomenal. I couldn’t be prouder."

BEST TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SPONSORED

BY SHEFFIELD TECHNOLOGY PARKS 1101 / Resolve IT / Simoda Limited / The Curve

BEST LEGAL, FINANCE OR ACCOUNTANCY BUSINESS SPONSORED BY WILDFIRE AGENCY Banner Jones Solicitors / Gravitate Accounting / Taylor Emmet

BEST NOT FOR PROFIT, CHARITY OR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SPONSORED BY CHAPTER II Parson Cross Community Development Forum / Roundabout Youth Homeless Charity South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation / SCCCC

BEST START UP SPONSORED BY BUSINESS SHEFFIELD Hello Social Avenue / The Northern Wine Guy / Pest Risk Management / Wilkin Design

BEST MICRO BUSINESS SPONSORED BY SEVEN HILLS CREATIVE Amazelab / Pest Risk Management / Stream7 / Utility Source

BEST SMALL BUSINESS SPONSORED BY TAYLOR EMMET R1SE Brook Place Ltd / Graphite DBM Ltd / Herd Consulting / Steel City Marketing

BEST MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS SPONSORED BY SIMODA CHG Electrical Ltd / The SEO Works Ltd / Taylor Emmet / Banner Jones Solicitors

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY ANDY HANSELMAN CONSULTING Andrew Lofthouse, The Northern Wine Guy / Dean Pattison, Utility Source / Mark Storey, SCCCC / Tony Houlihan, Twenty Four IT Services

SUSTAINABILITY & NET ZERO AWARD Moss Valley Fine Meats / Sheffield Action on Plastic / The Ultimate Balloon Company

WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY TRAVELMASTER 1101 / Affinity2020CIC / Herd Consulting / SCCCC

INNOVATION AWARD Banner Jones Solicitors / SCCCC / Taylor Emmet / Utility Source

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 43

ADVICE: FOSTER & SCOTT

The New Year Marketing Playbook for Small Businesses The start of a New Year always brings a surge of energy and fresh goals with renewed motivation and the desire to level up.

For small businesses, it’s also one of the best times to reassess what’s working, refine what isn’t, and invest in marketing and design strategies that can deliver quick, measurable results.

The good news? You don’t need an enterprise-sized budget to make a big impact. With thoughtful planning and smart prioritisation, even modest changes can drive meaningful return on investment (ROI) early in the year.

Here’s your New Year playbook which is a focused guide to the design and marketing moves that will position your small business for fast, sustainable growth.

Refresh Your Visual Identity (Without Rebranding Completely) A full rebrand isn’t always necessary, but a visual refresh can significantly boost how potential customers perceive your business. Consider updating your colour palette, typography, social media templates, or imagery style to feel more aligned with current design trends and consumer expectations. Even small improvements such as a consistent use of your brand’s design language across marketing collateral signifies professionalism and will help build trust.

A refreshed visual identity also revitalises your marketing assets, making your brand feel current and confident, helping performance, engagement and conversion.

44 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

Prioritise Your Website’s User Experience Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. If it’s slow, confusing, or outdated, you’re losing customers before they even see what you offer. The New Year is the ideal time for a UX audit to identify friction points.

Quick wins that boost ROI include: • Improving page load speed • Simplifying navigation • Ensuring mobile responsiveness • Strengthening CTAs (calls-to-action) • Updating product or service descriptions for clarity and conversion Even minor tweaks like adding FAQs, improving image quality, or restructuring your homepage can lead to immediate increases in leads and sales. Strong UX isn’t just good design, it’s good business sense.

Double Down on Short-Form Video Content Short-form video is no longer optional, it’s the most consumed and most effective content format across social platforms. The New Year is the perfect moment to adopt a simple video strategy. You don’t need professional production; authenticity is valued more highly now than polished perfection.

Fast ROI video ideas include: • Product demonstrations • Customer testimonials • Behind-the-scenes looks • Team introductions • Quick tips or educational snippets • Before-and-after transformations These videos build brand familiarity quickly and increase your reach organically. If you’re not using short-form video, you’re leaving inexpensive visibility on the table.

Strengthen Your Brand Story & Messaging

Leverage AI Tools to Save Time & Improve Output

Design attracts attention, but messaging converts. If your brand story, value proposition, or tone of voice feels inconsistent or unclear, the New Year is the perfect time to refine it.

High-impact messaging updates include: • Rewriting your homepage headline • Tightening your elevator pitch • Clarifying who you serve and why you’re different • Updating your social bios and service descriptions Clear messaging makes every design and marketing effort more effective.

Small businesses often struggle with limited resources, but AI tools can level the playing field. Use AI for: • Content brainstorming • Social media captioning • Email marketing sequences • Customer insights and segmentation • Ad performance analysis • Design prototyping and concepting AI doesn’t replace strategy or creativity, but it accelerates execution and frees up your time so you can focus on highervalue decisions. The fastest growing small businesses in the New Year will be the ones embracing automation to work smarter, not harder.

Create a Quarterly Marketing Plan (Not a Yearly One) Instead of trying to map out the entire year, focus on the first 90 days. A quarterly plan allows you to pivot quickly based on performance and small businesses thrive on adaptability.

A strong Q1 plan should include: • Your top 3 marketing priorities • A content calendar • Budget allocations • KPIs to measure success • A plan for testing and optimising Small steps, executed consistently, outperform big ideas executed inconsistently.

The Bottom Line Launch Targeted Campaigns Instead of Broad Ones The New Year often brings big marketing ambitions, but broad campaigns dilute your message and drain your budget. Start the year with micro-targeted efforts instead with specific offers, key audiences, and clear outcomes.

Examples of high ROI targeted campaigns: • A limited-time New Year service bundle • A referral reward program • A lead magnet with tailored follow-up emails • Retargeting ads for warm prospects • Promotions for your most profitable service or product The narrower the focus, the easier it is to measure results and optimise quickly.

The New Year isn’t about doing everything, it’s about making the right choices. By refreshing your visual identity, optimising your website, embracing video, leveraging AI, running targeted campaigns, clarifying your messaging, and adopting a focused quarterly plan, you set your small business up for rapid traction and longterm growth.

Need help turning this playbook into action?

For over fourteen years Foster & Scott have been working with small and medium size businesses to develop brands, launch websites and create strategies that deliver results fast.

Let us be the smart investment on your growth journey! fosterandscott.com

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 45

YARD BALL SHEFFIELD

From estate kickabouts to a local success story, Yard Ball is reimagining street football for a new generation – and reconnecting grown-ups with their inner child in the process.

Founder Scott Riley and Marketing Manager Hilary Newbould share how a nostalgic spark became a thriving venue, why it’s striking a chord with families and businesses alike, and what’s next for the fast-growing brand.

Yard Ball has such a nostalgic and unique concept – where did the initial spark for the idea come from?

Scott: The happiest time of my life (excluding meeting my wife and having kids) was being a kid growing up on my old estate back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. My life basically consisted of playing out 24/7 with my mates – usually with a ball – on the park fields. If it wasn’t the field, it was the yard. If it wasn’t the yard, it was the garages. If it wasn’t the garages, it was the pub car park. Pretty much anywhere was fair game for a kickabout.

The came when I took my lad to see his nan in the maisonettes I grew up in and started explaining all the stuff I used to do as a kid (the bits I could actually tell him about) – how we spent hours playing 1v1 or 2v2 on the yard with the washing posts as nets. At that exact moment, two lads were on the yard trying to knock a can off a bin – which was totally normal to me. My lad actually found it a pretty good game to watch. The lovely thing was, it was just two mates making up a game with a can and a ball.

That got the cogs turning and kicked off the creative thought process. From there, the idea for me was all about how I could pass my experience on to a new 46 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

generation – and give us older ones something to remember.

Kids and parents have it tough now: kids glued to screens, never bored enough to build that creative spark; adults doom-scrolling through life, constantly connected but never really present. My mission was to create a space that pushed back against all of that.

What were some of the early challenges you faced turning that childhood inspiration into a fully-fledged business?

Scott: Lots of challenges! The two biggest were: finding someone willing to invest and hand over their hard-earned money to help create the vision, and then finding a building in Sheffield. There were loads of opportunities

outside the city that would’ve been amazing, but I wanted the idea to be born in the place I grew up.

That part was mainly tough because, when you actually say it out loud – presenting a business plan built around kids and adults playing street football, kicking balls through maisonette windows, in a council-estate environment recreated indoors – it does sound mental. But as soon as I met my investor, he just got it.

He’s actually a distant relative who was born and raised in Sheffield before moving away. After meeting quite a few investors, he was the one where it instantly clicked. He understood the vision straight away and was willing to back it.

The next challenge was whether I could deliver everything on what was (at the start) a tight budget, while still keeping the standard high.

Thankfully, my background in design, branding, and generally being a creative person helped massively.

Being able to control the creative side myself and work with a solid team gave us a huge head start. Site 2, which is coming in 2026, should be a breeze...

How has the response been since opening – did you anticipate the level of interest

you’ve had?

Scott: The response has been incredible really. Over 90,000 people have played in the Yard – plus spectators like mums, dads, grandparents – and often, they end up joining in.

This is exactly what I hoped would happen: to bring joy to people, just like it did for me as a kid. It brings back the love of the game.

The overall feedback has been so positive from both adults and children. People don’t quite know what they’re going to walk into until they get here – and it’s amazing to hear the excitement when they go into the Yard. We’ve had lots of mind-blowing moments – current and ex-pro footballers and managers, a Lioness, and visitors travelling from as far as Cornwall and Northern Ireland.

One that still sticks in my mind is a visit from a grandad, his son and grandson – three generations playing together in the Yard, absolutely loving life and creating memories.

Yard Ball is described as “a place to love the game again” – how do you capture that spirit in your marketing?

Hilary: “A place to love the game again” means stripping football back to what made us fall in love with it in the first place – creativity, freedom and simply enjoying time with a ball.

We try to capture that by focusing on moments rather than messages. We show kids trying something new, families laughing together, and players taking on challenges in their own way. It’s not about elitist playing – it’s about imagination, creativity and fun.

Yard Ball is gaining a reputation as a go-to venue for team building and corporate bookings – was that always part of the plan?

Scott: It was never a key part of the strategy, but it kind of makes sense really – knocking off work to re-live your youth playing street football, listening to some absolute ’90s bangers, squeezing into

that classic football shirt, followed by a pint and a chat, with a game of Kerby thrown in. When I say it out loud, it really does nail what we’ve created.

Male, female, any ability – just bring your ‘give it a go’ attitude. Big shout out to the stag do who dressed the stag as Carlos Valderrama – top-tier effort.

Beyond the gameplay, you’ve created a full social experience – how important was that in your vision for the space?

Scott: The experience is everything, because it ties into all the elements I experienced growing up in Sheffield – time with family and friends, football, music, fashion. That’s really what underpins the essence of Yard Ball.

I grew up going to working men’s clubs most weekends with my uncles. We’d play football outside until dark, then head in for a go on the bingo, the meat raffle or a game of pool with some of the grown-ups. We’d play Green Beret on the arcade, then head back out for one last kickabout before finishing the night with a chippy. It was such a positive environment, and I wanted that spirit to be part of the experience.

We’ve brought that vibe into the café/bar area – our own version of the working men’s club – so people can relive that feeling or feel part of something new.

What kind of feedback have you had from businesses who’ve booked the venue for client entertainment or team building?

Hilary: Most businesses tell us they’re surprised by how much everyone ends up enjoying it. Often the booking comes from someone who already loves football, or someone looking for a team-building activity that’s a bit different – and it always exceeds expectations.

Book in at yardball.co.uk Inasta: @yard_ball

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 47

TECH IT OR LEAVE IT How Balliante’s honest, nofluff approach is powering serious growth

When Craig Boddy landed in Australia earlier this year, it marked more than just a much-needed holiday – it was the first time in six years he and co-founder Louis had properly stepped away from the business they built together. “We actually had a holiday,” Craig says, laughing. “Properly switched off. I think I needed it. Before I left, I was procrastinating and tired. Now I’ve come back firing on all cylinders.”

It’s a hard-earned breather for the duo behind Balliante, the Rotherham-based IT services and solutions company that has grown rapidly since its formal founding in 2019. Known for their technical excellence and straighttalking honesty, Craig and Louis have grown a side project into an international operation with a loyal

WE’RE NOT SALESPEOPLE. WE DON’T DO HARD SELLS. WE JUST DO A REALLY GOOD JOB AND HOPE THAT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT US.” 48 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

UK customer base, a foothold in the US and a string of recent awards.

Craig’s route into IT wasn’t typical. “I did IT at uni, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was average at school but for some reason I just got IT,” he explains.

While studying, he ran a small service and repair business, helping locals fix their WiFi or troubleshoot ageing laptops. He also worked part-time in a tech shop and began helping Louis – his partner and now business co-owner – with a modest but successful web hosting company Louis had started as a teenager.

In 2016, Craig was made redundant. The redundancy payment, combined with the sale of Louis’s business and a stint delivering parcels for Amazon, allowed the couple to buy their first home. But it also left them with time on their hands. “For the first time ever, we had to talk to each other in the evening,” Craig jokes. “We didn’t like that, so we ended up starting what is now Balliante – although it wasn’t called that at the time.”

The business evolved from ad hoc web and IT work into a more serious operation. A second redundancy in 2018 forced Craig to reassess. “I said to Louis, ‘I don’t want to get another job.’” They used a modest pot of

business savings to give it a go. “We weren’t up ourselves about it – if it didn’t work out, we’d have gone and found something else. But we thought, let’s try it properly.”

The turning point came when Louis handed in his notice. “We then hired a sales guy and a technician,” says Craig. “It meant we weren’t just doing absolutely everything ourselves.”

Officially, Balliante launched as a limited company in 2020, though the groundwork had been laid years earlier. The name itself is loaded with meaning. In Italian, Balliante means “dancing”, while in Korean, it translates to “courageous, individualistic and leading” – values that now underpin the business.

“We’ve got five values: courageous, individual, original, leading and innovative,” Craig explains. “They’re on the wall in the staff room. It’s not just a marketing thing. We live by them.”

The company has gone from strength to strength. One of Craig’s proudest achievements has been building the team. “They’re all a bit wappy and wonderful in their own weird ways. Technician people usually are.”

In 2023, the company moved into its own building – a striking Georgian property in Rotherham town centre with a rich history. “It was built in 1776. It’s been a law firm, an auction house, a bank, a private residence… even used as a holding cell for hangings when the town hall was out of use. As you can imagine, I didn’t know that last bit when we moved in!”

Their ambitions haven’t stopped at the Yorkshire border. In 2022, Craig and Louis established Balliante Incorporated in the United States, where they now serve clients in New York, New Jersey and even Wyoming. “We’ve probably been to the US 50 times,” Craig says. “99% of the work is still done from Rotherham, but we’ve got contractors over there if needed.”

The cultural differences when it comes to business have been striking. “In New York, if you haven’t followed up a proposal by the end of the day, it looks like you’re not interested. There’s no filter – they’ll just tell you straight if something’s not working for them,” Craig notes.

“It’s intense, but I like the honesty.”

While the US arm has faced some recent hurdles due to tariffs, business in the UK has flourished.

BALLIANTE “This year’s felt trickier in some ways – team changes, tax changes, general uncertainty – but we’ve still grown about 35%. That’s pretty good going.”

The recognition has followed.

Balliante has won multiple accolades in 2023, including Yorkshire’s Most Exciting Business 2025, SME of the Year from the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and Craig’s inclusion in the prestigious 42 Under 42 list of Yorkshire entrepreneurs.

“I don’t want to sound like we’re bragging, but we do seem to be winning a lot of awards,” Craig says.

He credits their success to technical excellence, authenticity and a no-nonsense approach. “We’re not

salespeople. We don’t do hard sells.

We just do a really good job and hope that people talk about us.”

That reputation has paid off.

“95% of our work comes from referrals,” he says. “We’re not always the cheapest, but we’re honest and we know our stuff. One client of ours was quoted £30,000 for Windows 11 upgrades. We went in, assessed the situation and it turned out only one machine needed replacing. The rest could just be upgraded. They couldn’t believe it.”

Craig is a firm believer in doing business the right way. He runs a monthly networking group from Balliante’s office, with members ranging from employment lawyers to energy consultants. “We’ve all become genuine friends,” he says.

“It’s not about hard selling. We even do fun socials once a quarter – we’ve had wine tasting, whiskey nights…”

It’s part of a wider effort to champion Rotherham, a town Craig feels is often overlooked.

“We’re really proud to be here. We’re trying to fly the flag, even if it feels like you’re pushing against the tide sometimes. We want to champion the business

community here.”

With an eye to the future, Balliante plans to continue growing – cautiously and sustainably. Craig is candid about the challenges.

“We’re tech people, not marketers.

Running the business means I’m doing VAT returns, payroll, sales, networking – not a lot of actual IT anymore. That’s why we’ve invested in the team. Some of our staff are on leadership courses, apprenticeships, degree-level training. If they grow, the business grows.”

And while Craig admits to occasional imposter syndrome – “I sometimes panic, wondering when the bubble’s going to burst” – he remains grateful. “Every year since we quit our jobs, something huge has happened – covid, economic uncertainty. But we’re still here.”

His advice to others looking to grow an IT business? “Know your stuff. Be nice to people. Keep looking for new work even when you’re busy and make sure you’ve got a strong network. Most of all, just be aware of how you do things and stay honest – that really matters” balliante.com

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 49

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DO WHAT YOU LOVE MEET THE MAKERS, CREATORS AND FOUNDERS WHO’VE TURNED THEIR PASSIONS INTO LIVELIHOODS

After the likes of Billie Eilish and Fontaines DC were seen proudly showcasing their garms, Sheffield-based brand Made by Atelier continues to grow – transforming a new warehouse into a bold DIY space where fashion, music, art and activism collide.

MADE IN SHEFFIELD,

WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: MARC BARKER

BY ATELIER In a repurposed warehouse just off Earl Street, an exciting new venue is flying the flag for cutting-edge fashion, art and music in the region. Made by Atelier – the Sheffield-based fashion brand founded by Morgan Sidle – has transformed its new home into more than just a production space. It’s now a multi-use creative workshop, showroom and DIY venue that embodies the ethos of the brand itself: raw, independent and fiercely authentic.

After starting in Barnsley back in 2021, with just a screen print set-up bought off Facebook Marketplace and a garage space, the brand has steadily grown from a one-man operation into something bigger, bolder and more collaborative. “It’s felt like a natural progression,” Morgan tells Exposed.

“This year it’s just been quite phenomenal, really – we’ve been able to take on staff for the first time. We have someone to come in to do e-comms stuff, and we’ve got someone on the sewing machine. It’s not just me anymore, which is exciting.”

Having moved out of a smaller retail unit at Leah’s Yard, the new Earl Street premises offers everything under one roof – from design to production, and now, live events.

“That was always the end game,” Morgan says. “Just bring everything into one, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.”

The first big test came on Saturday 29 November, when Made by Atelier hosted

52 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

a full-day DIY event in collaboration with events collective One To Another. Featuring live sets from Stone, Humane the Moon, Free Party, Gelder and Only Omar, the night also includes live merch sales and a pop-up Black Friday sale.

Jess, promoter at One To Another, described their involvement as a natural fit. “I’ve been putting on events for a while, mostly here in Sheffield, and the focus is always the same – it’s about music, community, and tying in art and activism.

This was the perfect chance to bring those things together.”

Morgan and Jess go back a few years – they first met when she modelled for the brand – and she saw the potential in the warehouse space as soon as it opened. “This could definitely become a cornerstone for fashion and music in the city. You’ll find a lot of places like this in Manchester, where people go every weekend for events, and there’s the potential for this to grow into that.”

It’s no coincidence that Made by Atelier has caught the attention of major artists like Fontaines D.C. and Billie Eilish. But it’s not celebrity co-signs that define the brand – it’s values. “We’re not afraid to be political,” says Morgan. “A lot of fashion brands don’t really seem to have a voice anymore.

Everyone’s just doing the same stuff. It’s really tame. No one really speaks out.”

That refusal to water things down is core to the label’s appeal. One of its most iconic designs to date is a T-shirt bearing Margaret Thatcher’s face with the slogan ‘British Scum’. “Why not just put it on a shirt?” he shrugs. “Literally wearing it on your sleeve – that’s what I believe in.”

Despite its national and international following, the brand has long had an interesting relationship with its hometown.

“We’ve always been more popular in London and Manchester than Sheffield,” Morgan admits. “It’s a bit of a weird one but

hopefully that can change a bit.”

And this space might just be part of the solution. With ideas brewing for screenings, exhibitions and fringe stages for next year’s Tramlines, the hope is that the warehouse can become a cultural hub for the city’s people – not just a clothing brand HQ. The long-term vision? Keep moving, keep challenging. “I always take it day by day,” says Morgan. “You never know who’s gonna pop up and be like, ‘Do you want to do this?’ At the minute I’m working on some commissions for Soft Play, which is cool. But for the next three or four years, this place is a good stepping stone.” @madebyatelier 73 Earl St S1 4PY

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 53

Highlighting the vision, adaptability and grit behind South Yorkshire’s longeststanding success stories.

DARREN PEARCE CENTRE DIRECTOR AT MEADOWHALL

WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: MARC BARKER

After more than three decades at Meadowhall, Centre Director Darren Pearce has witnessed the evolution of one of the UK’s most recognisable shopping destinations. From the early days of Sunday trading to today’s focus on immersive experiences, sustainability and digital integration, retail has transformed dramatically. But for Darren, the heart of it all remains the same: people, partnerships and place.

In the year the centre marks its 35-year anniversary, he speaks to unLTD about lessons learned, the changing face of retail and why community – not just commerce – has kept him here.

“I came here in the 90s, fresh from qualifying as a chartered accountant,” Darren tells unLTD over coffee in an office tucked deep inside the centre’s labyrinthine management suite.

“It wasn’t a sector I’d particularly aimed for – I’d told the recruitment consultants I wanted something new, one of those fast-paced, .com-style roles that were just emerging. They came back and said, ‘How about a shopping centre in Sheffield?’ and I remember thinking, ‘What am I going to do there?’”

Yet one visit was enough to shift his perspective. “I met Eddie Healey and the team, looked out over the Oasis, and thought – this place is amazing. I’ll stay for a couple of years,” he laughs. “That was the plan. And here we are.”

Now in his 31st year at Meadowhall, Darren has witnessed the evolution of both the building and the wider industry. “Back when I started, we were still laying extra wires across the floor to set up the first network,” he says. “Now we’re talking about AI and digital integration as standard.”

But for him, technology is only one strand of that story. “The role of an accountant has changed from transactional to entrepreneurial,” he adds. “In the same way, the retail sector – and Meadowhall

54 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

itself – has shifted from being just a place to shop to being a place to experience.”

Online shopping is often framed as a challenge to physical retail, but Darren sees it differently. “The internet revolutionised convenience.

In the early days, shops closed early. Sundays were off limits. Now it’s every day of the week, right into the late evening – and that’s a good thing for the customer.”

Rather than compete with convenience, Meadowhall has doubled down on what brings people through its doors.

“We’ve leaned into experience,” Darren explains. “Leisure shopping was something Eddie [Healey] understood right from the start. He was ahead of his time. Now, we’re putting on things like Meadowhall Cirque – performers on silks from

the roof – and our external Magical Winterland with a grotto, a circus, the works. It’s a full day out.”

This focus on experience also strengthens Meadowhall’s role within the wider region. “We’ve always believed in selling the whole of Sheffield. That means working with the arena, supporting the local food and drink scene, and being part of what makes the city vibrant.”

Community is a recurring theme for Darren – not as a slogan, but as the foundation of how the centre operates.

“We employ around 7,000 people in the centre over the festive period. It’s vital they feel supported, safe and part of something. We do Net Promoter Score checks with customers every week. But more than that, we talk constantly with retailers and partners. It’s not a case of ‘here’s your lease, get on with it’ anymore.

It’s a partnership.”

That partnership model represents a marked shift from earlier industry norms. “We used to sign leases with five-year rent reviews and very little dialogue,” he says. “Now it’s about shared success. We track about 85 per cent of our occupiers’ daily sales data – not to use against them, but to understand performance and

support them better.”

The strength of this environment was clear at this year’s Meadowhall retail awards. Held at Ponds Forge, the event welcomed almost 950 attendees – all part of the centre’s community.

“No one’s made to come, and they pay to attend,” he says. “That tells you something about the strength of the environment we’ve built.”

Not every challenge has been as celebratory. Darren points to the pandemic as the most demanding period of his career.

“We never closed – we were essential retail. At first, we thought it would just be food and pharmacy. But it quickly became clear it included a lot more.

Communicating clearly was hard, because no one had a blueprint.

I remember cycling back from Ladybower after getting a call saying the council might close us down if we couldn’t prove we’d taken the right safety steps. So we got the right people round the table that day. We made it work.”

As for the years ahead, Darren sees opportunity – both for Meadowhall and for Sheffield as a whole.

“Success for me is seeing more overnight stays, a stronger regional experience and Sheffield

becoming a proper destination,” he says. “We’re already seeing the momentum. I had a visitor from Birmingham last week who I took out and he said, ‘This is actually really impressive here’ – and he meant it.”

He believes the city is increasingly well placed to attract leisure-seeking visitors with disposable incomes. “They’re more active now, going out, looking for experiences. And if the city and places like Meadowhall can pull together to offer that, we all benefit.”

Within the centre, Darren remains focused on developing experiential elements and strengthening the foundations that underpin them.

“We’ve reduced our energy use by 65 per cent since 2007,” he notes. “We’ve got solar panels, a borehole that flushes the toilets with rainwater, and we’re rated BREEAM Outstanding – one of only a dozen in the country.”

But for him, the real driver is the culture that has grown around the centre.

“I believe in this place because of the community around it,” Darren says. “People might think it sounds cliche, but creating a sense of family – across the team, the occupiers, our partners – that’s what keeps me here. That’s what drives me.”

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 55

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SEE I T BE I T!

A BiG Thank You

There are moments in our work that remind us of why we do what we do – and our recent celebration event was one of those moments. An open invite to our BiG Thank You event brought together 40 businesses, our dedicated See It Be It team, and 20 teams of incredible young people from the BiG Challenge. We launched the See It Be It 2024/25 Impact Report not just with pride, but with genuine joy and gratitude.

SEE IT BE IT COLUMN BY CHERYL PLANT This wasn’t your typical business network event. It was a gathering of people who care deeply about the future of our region – businesses, educators, and young entrepreneurs, all under one roof. What made it truly special was seeing our BiG Challenge teams, brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, selling their products and receiving realworld advice from business leaders. The room was alive with energy, hope, and a sense of shared purpose.

UnLTD’s lovely Phil Turner commented that: “It was wonderful to hear about the impact this campaign (which includes The Big Challenge) has had on school kids from primary age up… and it was particularly heartening to meet some of the teams whose business enterprises began courtesy of the scheme. And yes, I did spend a small fortune on stocking fillers for my daughter!”

Watching our young people in action on their mini business stalls, soaking up encouragement from those who have walked the business path before them, was inspiring. It’s a reminder that when we open doors for the next generation, we all benefit.

The numbers in our Impact Report are impressive – the 184 businesses involved provided 630 volunteers to enable over 25,000 student interactions, and

national recognition for our work – but it’s the stories, the smiles, and the sense of community that matter most. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our business partners, volunteers, and See It Be It Ambassadors.

Thank you for believing in our young people and for giving your time, expertise, and encouragement so generously.

As we look ahead to the next academic year and the 2026 BiG Challenge, I invite you – whether you’re

a long-standing supporter or new to our network – to join us. Volunteer, mentor, sponsor, or simply come along and see the difference you can make. Together, we’re not just building careers; we’re building confidence, ambition, and a brighter future for Sheffield and South Yorkshire. seeitbeit@sheffield.gov.uk

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 57

SPOTLIGHT ON: HARMONY WORKS

Harmony Works is set to become a landmark project for Sheffield – a new music hub housed in the Grade II* listed Canada House, designed to inspire and empower young people through creativity and collaboration. With a focus on accessibility, inclusion and opportunity, it’s a space that will champion music education and hopefully create meaningful pathways into the creative industries. Max Hayward spoke with project director Emily Pieters to find out more about what’s in store.

How will Harmony Works operate on a daily basis?

Day to day, there will be multiple organisations working in the building simultaneously. It will be open to the public, with a café at the front, and a range of flexible spaces available to rent or hire – including the Heritage Hall, a new hall in the extension, and a basement hall. The top floor will provide office space for at least ten organisations. Young people will be able to use heritage rooms, basement rooms and newly built studios for music practice, recording, band rehearsals and lessons.

How will Harmony Works shape music education in Sheffield?

It will be a safe, inclusive and collaborative space where every young person feels welcome and supported. The idea is that they feel the building belongs to them.

For example, a school group with an idea for a band but no space to rehearse can come here – and might find other young people in the next room with similar ambitions.

Resident organisations might say, “We’ve got this group on a Thursday – do you want to join in?” It becomes a social hub, with trusted mentors and a real sense of belonging.

What impact will Harmony Works have beyond music development?

It will be a game changer – a beacon for music and creativity, and a central space with the capacity to support a range of projects happening across Sheffield. While there are already brilliant venues in the city, Harmony Works will offer something new: a fully accessible,

58 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

collaborative environment where different groups can connect, rehearse and create under one roof.

It’s also a learning space.

Students from Sheffield Hallam Institute of Arts and the University of Sheffield’s architecture department are already using the building for projects ranging from photography to measurement studies. The heritage of Canada House adds a layer of significance too – it’s not just a building, but a place where people can come together. Because the arts are naturally collaborative, this will create crossover between musicmaking, administration and creative careers. Although the core focus is young people, adult groups will be welcome too.

How can people support the project?

Advocacy is key – talk about what we’re doing, and share how transformative this space will be.

We’re still closing the funding gap,

BECAUSE THE ARTS ARE NATURALLY COLLABORATIVE, THIS WILL CREATE CROSSOVER BETWEEN MUSIC-MAKING, ADMINISTRATION AND CREATIVE CAREERS.” though the majority has already been raised to refurbish and extend the building. You can donate via our website at harmonyworks.org. uk, and there are other ways to get involved too. Businesses with audio kit or in-kind support can help, and we’ve already had brilliant pro bono contributions from organisations like CMS and Altitude PR. That kind of professional backing has been transformational and shows the level of care Sheffield professionals have for their city.

What has been the biggest challenge in turning this project into reality?

Funding has been the biggest challenge – but before that, it was building belief in the project.

That belief laid the foundations for fundraising and required a long-term commitment. I first got involved in 2017, and it took persistence to keep championing the idea, fundraising, and shaping a plan that people could get behind.

Raising money for major capital projects is never easy, but securing national investment for Sheffield has been a huge step forward.

What’s your vision for Harmony Works in 10 years’ time?

I’d hope that every young person in Sheffield and the wider region has had the chance to experience Harmony Works – even if just briefly. Not everyone will be drawn to music, but even limited engagement can help build confidence, resilience and teamwork. I also hope Harmony Works becomes a recognised and valued part of Sheffield’s cultural scene – a place people speak about with pride. Over time, it could become a catalyst for positive change in this part of the city, helping it thrive as a vibrant and inclusive community space.

To find out more or get involved with fundraising, head to harmonyworks.org.uk

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 59

CHARITY

ASHGATE HOSPICE BALL RAISES HUGE SUM AMID FUNDING CRISIS Ashgate Hospice has raised more than £100,000 at its recent Annual Ball – a lifeline at a time when the charity faces some of the most significant financial challenges in its history.

Held for the first time at the Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel in Sheffield on Friday 14 November, the black-tie event welcomed 180 guests for a four-course dinner and fundraising auction. The evening brought in a total of £108,818 to support Ashgate’s palliative and end-of-life care services for people across North Derbyshire.

The event comes as the hospice prepares for £2.6 million in budget cuts due to insufficient NHS funding. As a result, 33 jobs are at risk and nine hospice beds are

earmarked for closure, with up to 600 patients potentially affected by reduced services.

Anna Jinks, partnerships development officer at Ashgate Hospice, said of the evening: “This is without doubt one of the most challenging periods in Ashgate Hospice’s history, and that makes the generosity shown at

the Annual Ball even more humbling.

“The funds raised will make a real, tangible difference to patients and the people important to them when they need us most, and we cannot thank our supporters enough for standing with us at such a critical time.”

A live auction helped drive donations, with sought-after

lots including a signed Jude Bellingham shirt from the Euro 2024 final, a tour of the Silverstone Aramco Formula One facility and a luxury stay at Swinney Wood Log Cabins in Belper.

Richard Beck, general manager at Mosborough Hall Hotel, added: “Their work is invaluable to the region, and we wanted to join other businesses and private individuals in doing what we could to raise as much as possible for the hospice.”

Ashgate has now launched its Save a Precious Bed Appeal to raise £244,000 to keep two of the threatened beds open.

Donations can be made at: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/ precious-bed.

SOUTH YORKSHIRE CANAL VOLUNTEERS HONOURED AT NATIONAL AWARDS Volunteers from South Yorkshire have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the region’s historic waterways at the Canal & River Trust’s annual volunteer awards last month.

Two of the four national award winners hailed from Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire area, highlighting the vital role local volunteers play in preserving the region’s 250-year-old canal network for both people and wildlife.

Held in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, the awards celebrate the efforts of individuals and teams across the charity’s 2,000-mile canal network. This year’s ceremony was held at Holy Trinity Church in Leeds, with more than 80 volunteers in attendance.

Winners were presented with handcrafted miniature lock gate trophies.

Sean McGinley, regional director for Yorkshire & North East at the Canal & 60 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

River Trust, praised the commitment of volunteers across the area.

“Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and I’d like to thank everyone in our Yorkshire & North East region who’s chosen to give their time volunteering on the canals,” he said.

“The passion and commitment from our volunteers are vital to keeping our waterways alive — supporting boaters, protecting heritage, and helping

communities thrive.”

In South Yorkshire, 133 individual volunteers and 12 partner organisations have contributed over 22,000 hours of time this year alone, supporting activities such as lock-keeping, heritage restoration, and flood response.

Brian Marsh OBE, chairman of the Marsh Charitable Trust, added: “We would like to congratulate the individuals and volunteer teams who have been recognised through this year’s Awards... and we look forward to continuing to highlight these invaluable contributions in years to come.”

The awards have been running since 2015 and include categories such as Volunteer of the Year, Lead Volunteer of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit: www. canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer

SPONSORED BY

GRASSROOTS CHARITIES AWARDED £8,000 BY SYGN Four community groups from across South Yorkshire have each received £2,000 in funding at the South Yorkshire’s Giving Network (SYGN) Annual Achievement Showcase.

Held at Henry Boot’s city centre headquarters in Sheffield, the event celebrated the work of grassroots organisations delivering vital social value across the region. The funding was drawn from SYGN’s Giving Network Distribution Fund, with members voting on which projects to support based on local needs.

This year’s recipients were Help 4 Homeless Veterans in Barnsley, Doncaster’s Worth Unlimited, Better Today in Rotherham, and Sheffield-based In2Change – all chosen for their work supporting vulnerable people and improving lives at a community level.

Steve Bentham-Bates, CEO of Help 4 Homeless Veterans, responded to the support: “Thank you to all involved at SYGN in raising the donations of £8,000 shared between four local charities working at grassroots level to support some of the most vulnerable people in our county.”

Help 4 Homeless Veterans provides secure

accommodation and access to essential services, helping former service personnel transition out of homelessness and poverty.

Worth Unlimited Doncaster supports young people through school mentoring, youth work and personal development programmes.

Carol Parker-Cowan, branch director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding... this money will enable us to deepen our work with young people and help them build confidence, resilience and a positive future.”

Better Today offers support around addiction recovery, suicide awareness and mental health challenges, primarily through online engagement.

John Leaver, lead project coordinator, added: “This funding will help us continue delivering vital support and making a real difference.”

Sheffield-based In2Change works with young people at risk of offending, using lived experience to deliver education and rehabilitation programmes.

Founder Brian Wreakes said: “This funding is vital, and we are extremely grateful for the support.”

For more information, visit: www.sycf.org.uk.

CHRISTMAS CONNECTION Well, Christmas is here! It’s crept up on us again – or am I just getting old?

This time of year is a lovely opportunity for us adults to step back and let the light shine on our children, young people and older members of the community.

Traditional festivities are a great way to bring people together, helping them remember Christmases past and celebrate their connections with family and friends.

Heartbreaking as it is though, some young people – and older people too – live with loneliness all year round. They can feel isolated from society and lack the family connections that bring those special memories to life. That’s why it’s so important that community organisations are supported to play a part in local celebrations – whether that’s through fundraising, helping with event preparation or managing the day itself.

These events don’t come together overnight. They take dedication, effort and planning all year round.

Are you already managing events for 2026? Have you put together your calendar?

Do you have enough volunteers and staff to make everything happen? Strong project management will be key to making sure every detail is delivered on time, within budget and with care. It’s not easy – so if you need help, ask early. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

And for those of you still hard at work, tying up the final details of your Christmas events – good luck!

To everyone who’s read my ramblings throughout the year, thank you for sticking with me. I look forward to writing more for you in 2026.

For more information relating to the business planning for your organisation, contact - Wendy Ward, Let’s Save Consultancy Services, 0772 9481010. wendy@letssave.biz unLTDBUSINESS.COM 61

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FIVE TECH TRENDS UK BUSINESSES CAN’T IGNORE IN 2026 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for tech in the UK. The latest budget is throwing serious weight behind digital transformation, and businesses that jump on these trends will be the ones leading the pack.

Those who hesitate risk falling behind in a market that’s moving faster than ever.

Here are five tech priorities to keep firmly on your radar – and why ignoring them could hold your business back.

1. AI that delivers real value AI has moved far beyond chatbots and basic automation. Today’s systems are making complex decisions, streamlining workflows and even predicting future trends with remarkable accuracy.

For businesses, that means faster decision-making, lower operational costs and improved customer experiences.

With £2 billion allocated to AI development in the latest budget, the message is clear: the UK wants businesses to adopt AI now. Those that fail to act will be left behind with outdated processes while their competitors scale fast.

2. Data clarity and cloud sovereignty Data privacy and compliance are now front and centre – and customers increasingly expect transparency about where their information is stored. Sovereign hybrid cloud solutions are offering a best-of-bothworlds approach: security and compliance without sacrificing flexibility.

Government-backed initiatives like Made Smarter

are making it easier for SMEs to fund these upgrades.

Ignore this trend and you risk regulatory penalties, reputational damage and lost business in a world where trust equals revenue.

3. Cybersecurity that thinks ahead Cybercrime isn’t slowing down, and traditional defences won’t cut it.

AI-driven security systems are now detecting and neutralising threats before they cause damage. As more companies adopt AI, securing those systems becomes critical too.

The cost of a breach can run into millions – and destroy customer confidence overnight. With new investment in cyber skills and apprenticeships, now is the

time to act. Wait too long and you could become the next cautionary tale.

4. Physical AI and smart infrastructure AI is stepping into the physical world through robotics, IoT and predictive systems. From automated logistics to smart cities, these technologies promise improved efficiency, resilience and cost savings.

Government funding for clean tech and infrastructure is opening the door to innovation. Businesses that hold onto manual processes will struggle to compete with those embracing automation and scaling with ease.

5. Physical security and smart buildings Security today is about more

than locks and CCTV. AIpowered systems, biometric access and integrated building controls are fast becoming the norm for protecting people, data and assets. They also help meet growing compliance demands.

With government incentives supporting smart infrastructure, now is the time to invest. Delay, and you could face increased risks of theft, disruption and data breaches.

The bottom line These trends aren’t optional – they’re survival strategies. The UK government is backing tech in a big way, and the businesses that act now will be the ones leading the future. Those who hesitate?

They’ll be left playing catchup.

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 63

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YOUR PITCH

RYAN DEAN DESIGNS

Sheffield-based freelance designer Ryan Dean is passionate about creating accessible websites that make a real difference.

Tell us about your business – sell yourself!

I design websites that are tailored to a wide range of users – including people with disabilities, learning difficulties and autism. I first got into this work through supporting charities and non-profits, because they often work directly with those audiences. Making sure their websites are accessible is absolutely essential.

It felt great knowing that not only was my work supporting organisations commercially, it was also helping them help others.

That’s when I realised I wanted to use my skills for organisations that are doing meaningful work.

I use a full accessibility checklist and make sure every page I create aligns with the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It’s my job to ensure the site meets those standards, and I’m now looking to bring in people who can carry out proper user testing.

Do you see a lack of accessibility in web design?

I wouldn’t say there’s a shortage of people who can build accessible sites – the real issue is around education. Lots of businesses say “our website is accessible” when, in reality, it’s not.

A good example is homepage videos that auto-play. It might grab attention, but without simple controls like play, pause or volume, it’s immediately inaccessible – and for some users, it can be actively harmful.

What challenges do you face, and how do you address them?

Clients all have different needs, and it keeps me learning new skills all the time – which is great. But it also brings fresh challenges, especially when learning how to make something accessible in the right way.

Another challenge is persuading people why accessibility matters.

Some businesses might think they don’t need it, but I believe we should be striving for a more inclusive internet overall – one

that reaches as many people as possible.

What’s the ethos behind what you do?

Honestly, it’s probably not something you’d usually print in a magazine – but it’s just: don’t be a dick.

I’ve had clients come to me asking for a website when they didn’t really need one, and I’ve told them as much. I’d rather be kind and helpful than push someone into something they don’t need.

For me, that means using my skills in a way that puts something positive into the world – and that often means working with nonprofits and being a designer who really cares about accessibility.

What are you working on now?

I’ve just completed a project with ArtWorks, who support artists with a range of disabilities. They

do incredible work, helping people develop and sell their art.

I built the website for their international festival happening next year – they received nearly 400 applications from all over the world. The feedback we’ve had on the site’s accessibility and impact has been amazing, and now I’m working on their main website.

I’m also continuing work with Lick of Paint Fest, which is gearing up for next year, and I run a community for freelancers called Studio II Collective – helping creatives connect and collaborate.

Another exciting project is with a leadership coach on a new website, and I’m looking to expand into the public sector too – although that brings a different set of challenges.

Where can people find you?

At my website: ryandeandesigns. co.uk.

unLTDBUSINESS.COM 65

Reflections on a Big Year WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD So, here we are – the final page of 2025. From the perspective of a small independent publishing company in Kelham Island, it’s been a ride with its plenty of ups and downs – but, on balance, a fairly positive one. And if you’ll indulge me a moment, I’d like to end the year with a few reflections and, hopefully, leave you on a high note. There’s plenty in the world to feel jaded about at the moment – but this isn’t one of those articles.

This has been my second full year editing unLTD and, personally, it feels like I’ve now got my feet under the table. I’ve gone from simply talking to people in a fairly transactional context to – I hope – starting to build some genuine rapport and friendships. Getting out and about to offices, workspaces and networking events across the region, learning about exciting businesses and seeing innovation in action here in South Yorkshire – that remains the very best bit of this job.

That said, a few other highlights stand out and are worth a mention.

After the success of our first event in 2024, we took the plunge and ran two unLTD Business Expos this year – one in spring, one in autumn – both held at Magna and both met with fantastic feedback. We’re already working on some fresh ideas to improve things for 2026, so do keep an eye out for updates.

66 unLTDBUSINESS.COM

We also launched the unLTD Business Club – a subscriber-only platform that now boasts in excess of 100 members. Since day one, our mission has been to bring the region’s business community together, and the Business Club felt like the natural next step. With exclusive benefits, smarter networking opportunities, discounted services and members-only events, it’s something we’re really proud of – and we’ve got big plans to grow things further next year.

Our networking calendar has also grown. Alongside our regular Business Socials, the Business Breakfasts have gone from strength to strength and our new Working Lunch series has proved a hit too. The idea of bringing people together in a more relaxed setting – and

at times that fit better with busy schedules – has clearly struck a chord.

And of course, the awards – as you can see from the round-up in this issue, that was another memorable night. Even if I’m currently a little bleary-eyed writing this article the morning after the night before. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special event.

Lastly, a word on Sheffield.

For years, we’ve talked about what could happen in the city centre. About its potential.

About how one day we might have a city that truly reflects the ambition and creativity of the people who live and work here. Well – 2025 felt like the year things finally started to click.

The Heart of the City development, especially the area between Cambridge

Street and Pound’s Park, has really come alive. It’s now home to everything from beer halls to business analysts, coffee spots to co-working spaces. With its mix of striking new buildings, sensitively restored old ones, public spaces and everchanging street art, it’s fast becoming the kind of place we can all be proud of.

For me, Fargate is next up. With Thornbridge’s latest establishment, The Fargate, now open and consistently busy throughout the week, construction nearing completion and progress finally being made on the Events Central building, I expect we’ll be looking at a far more exciting part of town in 12 months’ time.

Here’s to more of that energy in 2026.

See you next year.

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:

DISCOVER DEPLOY “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’”

DEVELOP

“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.

Find out more: shu.ac.uk/syip innovation@shu.ac.uk

The South Yorkshire Innovation Programme is being delivered by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with The University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and is part-funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

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