unLTD. Connecting business across Sheffield City Region #30

SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 30 | FREE | UNLTDBUSINESS.COM

40-FIED

BRANDING As Steel City celebrates its 40th anniversary, MD James Biggin talks takeovers, turnarounds and creating brands and values that are worth celebrating any time

BRINGING THE OFFICE HOME:

INTERIORS SPECIAL

FOCUS ON:

ARMED

S E C R FOCOVENANT

LAUNCHPAD SUPPORT FOR START-UPS ● SCR GROWTH HUB ● EVENTS IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ unLTDBUSINESS.COM

INTRODUCING VIRALERT 3 A global leader in temperature measurement technologies based in the Sheffield City Region has used the expertise and knowledge of its workforce to deliver a market leading screening system to accurately detect elevated temperatures, which can indicate a fever, a symptom of COVID-19.

The roll-out of VIRALERT 3 has already attracted interest across a variety of sectors including healthcare, commercial, education, transportation, manufacturing, and sports .

The system provides an effective solution for scanning visitors at entry points. It is already in use at Sheffield’s Hallamshire Tennis, Squash and Racquetball Club, a medical practice in Dronfield and has been showcased to an MP who praised the innovative product.

Produced by AMETEK Land in Stubley Lane, Dronfield, near Sheffield, VIRALERT 3 provides real-time infrared thermal imaging from a safe social distance, scanning for elevated temperatures that could indicate infection.

Screening visitors at an entry point without slowing the flow of people, VIRALERT 3 scans temperatures without any person-to-person contact, a common mechanism in the transmission of disease.

ABOUT AMETEK LAND AMETEK Land is a business unit of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices. AMETEK Land designs and manufactures a wide range of instruments for industrial non-contact temperature measurement, combustion efficiency and environmental monitoring.

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HOW IT WORKS VIRALERT 3 is easy to use and can operate automatically, with audible and visual alarms alerting when high temperatures are discovered.

It is the first of its kind, providing a camera and a temperature-controlled reference source on a single mounting. This makes for a compact system that will not get in the way of queueing people and can be easily wall-mounted.

Using automatic face detection, it locates the best areas for temperature detection, taking a reading that is accurate to within 0.5 °C, then calculating core body temperature through a rapid test procedure of approximately two seconds.

Division Vice President Justin Smith at AMETEK Land said: “VIRALERT 3 can be easily installed into reception areas of buildings which

MAKING A DIFFERENCE At Sheffield’s Hallamshire Tennis, Squash & Racquetball Club, the system was easily installed in the reception area, scanning 250 visitors throughout the day in two seconds or less. meaning people can pass through without any lengthy queues forming.

At the Dronfield Medical Practice VIRALERT 3 has brought extra confidence to staff and patients. “We at Dronfield Medical Practice

means that people can pass through without any lengthy queues forming.

“We’re pleased that we can help facilities to open, allowing people to get back to work, visit key facilities, and return to sport and leisure.

VIRALERT 3 is a compact system, very easy to set up and use but more importantly, it is noncontact.

“Highly accurate readings mean that anyone with an elevated temperature will be identified before fully entering the building, thereby reducing the spread of infection.

“VIRALERT 3 is a major global technology in keeping people safe in the fight against COVID-19. We are proud to have developed and manufactured it here in Dronfield. The global market for this technology is expanding very rapidly and will provide a boost to the manufacturing profile in our region.”

wanted to see how we could all work together to “Stay Alert” by ensuring patients are seen appropriately, and by keeping all staff secure with the knowledge they are being looked after,” says Dr Stuart Saunders, Senior Partner, Dronfield Medical Practice. He continued, “The installation of the VIRALERT equipment by AMETEK Land has been a very effective way to achieve this. If a patient’s temperature is high, we can ask them to leave the premises, then arrange to see them safely without putting anyone at risk.”

After a product demonstration, North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley said, “It is fantastic that we have this high level of technology and innovation right here in Dronfield. I’m impressed by the people behind the product and the company itself.

For further information on the VIRALERT 3 Human Body Temperature Screening System visit www.landviralert.com

For additional information, contact: AMETEK Land, Stubley Lane, Dronfield, UK, S18 1DJ T +44 (0)1246 417691 F +44 (0)1246 410585 E land.enquiry@ametek.com

www.landviralert.com unLTDBUSINESS.COM

CONTENTS

26 COVER STORY: JAMES BIGGIN, MD OF STEEL CITY MARKETING

38 FOCUS ON: ARMED FORCES COVENANT

62 AFTERHOURS

52 INTERIORS:BRINGINGTHEOFFICEHOME 4

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

6-9: News A round-up of news in the region, including Sheffield Chamber's appoitnment of two new interim executive directors and expansion of Sheffield start-up following investment.

10-11: Appointments All the latest appointments from around the Sheffield City Region.

DAN SIGNING THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

@UNLTDBUSINESS UNLTD BUSINESS

SIGNING UP FOR unLTD SUPPORT 15: Calendar A selection of some of the best upcoming events from across the area.

35: Skills Focus The Source on an A-star recruit and flexible office space.

47: Launchpad Dominic Bohannan explains how support from Launchpad helped him set up Santini 7®️Sports, a nutritional supplements and clothing brand.

EVERYTHING ELSE: 13: The Diary 17: Financial Health 19: Entrepreneur Support 21: Evolving Technology 23: Legal Matters 25: Securing Your Assets 33: SYPTE 37: Technology 45: Troubleshooting 51: Social Care Funding 61: Charities

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

This month our head of sales Dan Laver has signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of unLTD – and so we turn our focus to the Forces.

We have been working with the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association for Yorkshire and The Humber who run the scheme in this area to find out why employers wanting to do their bit for the military should sign up.

It’s been fantastic to hear about the support that they give to the ex-forces community through working with local businesses so we’ve spoken to lots of organisations already benefiting including Milifix, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield Mind and ITI Network Services. Read the full feature from page 38.

Our cover story is one of celebration this issue.

As Steel City celebrates its 40th anniversary, MD James Biggin tells Jill Theobald about taking over – and turning around – the family business during a recession, the importance of peer-to-peer learning, and creating a company culture worth celebrating any time.

He also talks us through some of his favourite landmarks of Sheffield past and present, and regular readers will be used to James sharing his products of the month in recent issues so he reveals his current products that he predicts are not going anywhere in terms of popularity and longevity. Check out the cover story from page 26.

Not surprisingly, the increase in home and remote working as a result of COVID-19 has seen a rise in sales of office furniture, as well as new workspaces and hubs popping up in residential gardens.

So we decided to chat to The DL Company about the new interiors trend – plus unLTD readers share their home-working spaces with us from page 52.

And with some events returning to the city like Art in the Gardens in September and others including The Expo People and Wildfire adapting how they are run and hosted, we take a look at events in the ‘new normal’ in our After Hours feature from page 62.

UNLTDBUSINESS EDITORIAL Richard Fidler richard@unltdbusiness.com Jill Theobald editorial@unltdbusiness.com General hello@unltdbusiness.com 0114 252 7781 ADVERTISING Dan Laver dan@unltdbusiness.com 07867 313995 Phil Turner phil@unltdbusiness.com 07979 498034 General advertising@unltdbusiness.com FINANCE Michael Johnson accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk DESIGN Simon Waller and Simon Garlick CONTRIBUTORS Pat Abel Marc Barker Chris Coates Jo Davison Charlotte Higgins Sam Leeder Jade March

Anna McGuire Sasha Mossman Raj Shah Ian Snow Jill Thomas Helen Williams Ash Young

unLTD is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1B Rialto, 2 Kelham Island Square, Kelham Riverside Sheffield S3 8SD and HRM | PR & Creative Unit 1A Speedwell Works, Sidney Street, Sheffield S1 4RG The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and HRM 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 and HRM cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific listings.

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AGENDA NEWS

Caged Steel vow to enhance children's lives through martial arts Caged Steel have joined forces with Doncaster Martial Arts Centre (DMAC) to bring CAGED STEEL MARTIAL ARTS (CS-Martial Arts) - a dynamic martial arts programme for children based in primary schools.

Set to launch in September 2020, the new programme aims to bring martial arts into schools and create a legacy for the martial arts world.

The programme will pilot in Doncaster primary schools and roll out over South Yorkshire and the UK later in the year.

Dominic Gibbs, CEO of Caged Steel said: “Our goal at Caged Steel Martial Arts is to have a positive impact on every child through physical education, whilst teaching them the fundamental values of martial arts.

“We plan to do this by providing schools with a dedicated and qualified coach who will use a scheduled PE lesson to help our children with such things as, building selfconfidence and learning respect and discipline.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about CS-Martial Arts, or sponsoring the cause call 01302 430877 or email faye@caged-steel.co.uk.

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LOUISA HARRISON-WALKER AND ALEXIS KRACHAI

SHEFFIELD CHAMBER STRENGTHENS EXECUTIVE TEAM WITH NEW DUO Leading business membership organisation Sheffield Chamber has welcomed Benchmark MD Louisa Harrison-Walker and Counter Context MD Alexis Krachai to its dedicated team as new interim executive directors.

Alexis said: “We both love Sheffield, but we are also frustrated with this city. We want Sheffield to punch above its weight. We want there to be less inequality. We should shout more loudly about all that is good about this great city. That is why we have rolled up our sleeves to continue the process of turning Sheffield Chamber into the strongest Chamber of Commerce in the UK. “Sheffield Chamber was founded 163 years ago. It is one of the oldest organisations in our city. Local government grew out of business leaders coming together to provide services and support for their workers. Business leaders provided the city with some

of our most precious assets.

Assets like our parks and green spaces. Assets like our theatres and galleries. It was business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators who put Sheffield on the map with our excellence in manufacturing. The Chamber of Commerce has been central to a lot of the city’s historic successes. We have every intention of ensuring the Chamber is central to Sheffield’s future successes.”

Louisa continued: “Working with likeminded colleagues across the business community, we are looking to breathe new life into Sheffield Chamber. We have strong foundations to build upon.

We will only be in post on an interim basis, but we are focused on putting in place the additional building blocks needed to build the strongest Chamber in the country.

“Some might argue that Sheffield Chamber has not kept up with the times. It is not modern. It is not dynamic.

It is a relic of the past. On the contrary we are clear that Sheffield Chamber has a hugely exciting future. As one of 53 Chambers in the UK we have a direct link to government through our involvement in British Chambers of Commerce. We have an increasingly strong working relationship with our Town Hall and the City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis. Together there is nothing we cannot achieve for Sheffield.

“If you are intrigued – even if you are sceptical – we would love to hear from you. There are 30,000 businesses in Sheffield. We want a Chamber of Commerce to excite and provide benefit to every one of them.”

For more information visit www.scci.org.uk.

Alternatively, get in touch with a member of the Chamber team by calling 0114 201 8888 or emailing membership@scci.org.uk.

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AGENDA ADVERTORIAL

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE Considering a career change or want to learn new skills?

It’s not too late to apply for a Barnsley College Higher Education (HE) course starting this September.

Higher-level programmes are available in a wide range of subjects including foundation and honours degrees, Higher Apprenticeships, Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and professional business and leadership courses. Many courses are offered part-time, making them perfect for anyone wanting to fit study around work or family commitments.

You’ll learn in a supportive, helpful and safe environment with small class sizes and be able to easily get in touch with your tutors when required.

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Sheffield-headquartered Qualsys Ltd, a supplier of electronic quality management software, has been bought by AIM-listed Ideagen plc for £15.6m in cash.

Barnsley College launches new course guide for adults We will follow government guidelines for class sizes and social distancing measures and we will continue to utilise ‘blended learning’, with students receiving a mixture of online delivery and practical, on-site taught sessions.

Places are still available for courses starting in September so whatever your aims and

aspirations are, whether that’s wanting to learn something new or enhance your career prospects, studying with Barnsley College Higher Education could help you to fulfil your potential.

For more information visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk/ higher-education or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

SHEFFIELD WELLBEING STARTUP EXPANDS FOLLOWING INVESTMENT FROM TWINKLHIVE

HARRY BLISS

Software firm Qualsys bought for £15.6m

Sheffield-based organisation Champion Health is expanding its digital wellbeing platform after receiving an increase in enquiries, and new investment from global educational publisher, Twinkl.

Launched by entrepreneur Harry Bliss, Champion Health helps businesses optimise the health and wellbeing of staff.

Champion Health is a resident at Twinkl’s business accelerator, TwinklHive, which offers space, investment, and support services to startups that are set to make a difference.

Harry Bliss said: “We have

seen a significant increase in demand since the lockdown in the UK began.

“The platform enables businesses to build wellbeing strategies off the back of real data, which is essential for any organisation to perform at their peak.”

The investment will support Champion Health to expand its platform and create an app.

Jonathan Seaton, CoFounder and CEO at Twinkl, said: “We were absolutely delighted to invest in the team so they can continue transforming mental health and wellbeing in the workplace."

Barnsley College is offering new courses to inspire adults to return to education and enrol on a course starting this month.

EV tech company launches strategic partnership Sheffield-based Electric Vehicle (EV) tech company Mina has announced the launch of a partnership with Mitie to support its industryleading transition to a fully electric fleet.

Former digital head launches new agency Little Mesters Agency has launched in Sheffield, founded by Tom Scott, formerly of Umpf, Engage Interactive and Content OD.

Businesses hit by pandemic to access support Sheffield Business School is working with the Small Business Charter to deliver a specialised governmentfunded programme for small businesses to survive and thrive post-coronavirus.

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AGENDA Wellbeing firm calls on business owners to reconnect distanced employees An employee health and wellbeing firm has devised a way to re-connect colleagues separated by furlough and home working.

Everyday Juice Ltd has found a fun way for workmates to get back together – literally step by step.

StrollwithIT is a challenge aimed at boosting wellbeing and can be adapted for those currently unable to take physical steps.

Teams of up to five people can register on the StrollwithIT website and each team must download its total number of steps every week via step trackers, smart watches or an app.

The step challenge starts on August 31 and lasts for six weeks. Entry on the website opened on August 1.

Teams are encouraged to compete and share the experience on social media using #StrollWithIT. Creator of the challenge, co-founder and executive director of EJL, Gary Butterfield, said: “Since the pandemic started teams have been forced apart physically.

“Now that restrictions are gradually being eased this is an ideal time to get people back together.”

To find out more, go to https://www.juicelimited. co.uk/step-challenge

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CC33 CELEBRATES MASSIVE GROWTH OF BESPOKE SALES SERVICE Contact centre firm CC33 are celebrating a massive 200 per cent growth of their bespoke sales and support service for businesses – ‘Boutique’.

The CC33 Boutique division – which has over 100 people employed across sales, support and customer service – provides bespoke services for start-ups and smaller businesses who require a more tailored approach to their outsourcing needs.

Boutique, which operates from the firm’s Rotherham office, works with both local and national businesses of all sizes, offering support with outbound sales, lead generation, appointment setting or customer services.

CC33 have seen a wealth of growth over the past year – having recently announced a recruitment drive for over 150 positions across the firm.

Paul Fletcher, Managing Director at CC33 said: “We’re thrilled to have seen the massive growth in our Boutique arm – it’s a

PAUL FLETCHER, MD OF CC33

testament to the hard work of our fantastic team.

“Our clients' experience of using telemarketing varies, so our priority is giving each one unrivalled insight and analysis whatever their experience.

“We believe Boutique is successful because it allows our partners to achieve a partnership with all theinfrastructure, technology and process you would expect from an industry-leading

contact centre, alongside a support structure and access to an owner-managed decisionmaking structure you’d expect from a boutique centre.”

CC33 was established in 2015 as a more boutique and tech-enabled contact centre on Allen Street in Sheffield.

Last year, it expanded into offices on Mansfield Road on the edge of Rotherham town centre and on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield.

Former Council Chief Executive amongst quad of appointments for Sheffield charity Former Sheffield City Council Chief Executive John Mothersole (pictured right) has been named as the latest addition to the Trustee Board of one of the city’s leading older persons’ charities.

Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) has appointed John following his retirement from the council after 11 years at the helm.

Former Home-Start South Yorkshire CEO, Jack Scott has been brought in as Business Development Manager and Melody Mills as Communications Officer.

Meanwhile, Rehneesa Inez

has joined the charity as its BAME Community Engagement Officer in a bid to extend the reach of its flagship Good Neighbour Scheme amongst the city’s Black, Asian and

Minority Ethnic communities.

Mark said: “All of these appointments help to illustrate the exciting time ahead for the charity as we extend the reach of our services. We are not only strengthening the staff team, but also our governance and strategic leadership.”

John Mothersole said: “I am particularly committed to, and interested in, how people, communities and agencies can work together to improve lives.”

SCCCC works closely with the statutory agencies in Sheffield to provide a network of support for mainly older people, carers and families.

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AGENDA

Local aggregates business releases free ‘green therapy’ mental health guide Local aggregates business Decorative Aggregates has released a free ‘green therapy’ guide, including contributions from Sheffield-based charity, Flourish, after a survey revealed the health benefits of ‘green therapy’.

They surveyed 1,000 people with an uncontrolled diagnosed mental health condition. This revealed that nearly one in three (31 per cent) find green therapy more effective than exercise to manage their conditions.

Alongside this, the survey found 84 per cent think gardening has mental health benefits but only 45 per cent have tried green therapy.

Decorative Aggregates then released an expansive guide: ‘Green Therapy: Why Gardening is Kind to your Mind’.

With the help of case studies from Sheffield based charity, Flourish, the guide shows the easy ways to get involved with green therapy.

Jo Rammell, content specialist at Evoluted, said: "There’s increasing scientific and psychological evidence to show gardening has many mental health benefits.

“It was amazing to read case studies showing how being outside in nature had turned people’s lives around!”

STONES BITTER RETURNS TO SHEFFIELD WITH THE TRADITIONAL CASK RECIPE Molson Coors Beverage Company is partnering with True North Brew Co. to allow the Sheffield-based brewery to produce Stones Bitter by cask.

Officially launching on 3rd September, the iconic bitter will be brewed based on specifications derived from those used during the 60s and 70s.

First brewed in Sheffield at the Cannon Brewery, the beloved bitter will make its triumphant return to the steel city this year.

Head Brewer at True North Brew Co, Dean Hollingworth said “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a while, so we were excited when Molson Coors gave us the thumbs up.

“We want to do it right so we’re going all out to make sure the recipe is as close as it was back in the bitter’s glory days. “ The cask bitter will be distributed exclusively to

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British Academy recognises Sheffield professor The British Academy have announced that University of Sheffield Emeritus Professor, Keith Branigan, has been awarded The Landscape Archaeology Medal.

Experian ranks Keebles LLP in top 10 Leading Yorkshire law firm Keebles LLP has been named within the top 10 legal advisors by Experian in Yorkshire’s deal-making community during the first half of 2020.

Frenchgate welcomes two new restaurants

Frenchgate Shopping Centre, Doncaster, is the first UK location to launch WOWBURGER and Elephant & Castle.

Accountant to step down after 40 years After 40 years, Roger Thompson has announced that he is retiring from his position at Yorkshire and North Derbyshire’s leading accountancy firm, BHP.

TRUE NORTH BREW CO HEAD BREWER, DEAN HOLLINGWORTH

True North venues located throughout Sheffield, Barnsley and Derbyshire.

The launch will be marked by

a special 80s themed night at Riverside Kelham where visitors will be invited to celebrate an era that defined the steel city.

Artist captures Wentworth Woodhouse in new painting Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham is the latest inspiration for legendary Sheffield artist Joe Scarborough.

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AGENDA APPOINTMENTS

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sheffield City Council is excited to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive (subject to formal endorsement at the Full Council meeting on 12 August).

The post became vacant at the end of 2019 when John Mothersole retired after 11 years, before the current Chief Executive, Charlie Adan, stepped in on an interim basis in January 2020.

Sheffield’s new Chief Executive will be Kate Josephs, who will join the Council in January 2021. Kate is currently Director General in the Number 10 COVID Taskforce and brings with her a wealth of public sector experience from senior leadership roles in Government both in the UK and United States.

Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council said:

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“We are absolutely thrilled to be recommending Kate as the new Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council.

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone who met Kate as part of the recruitment process that we have been overwhelmed by her energy, passion for Sheffield and her engaging and inspiring demeanour.

Her qualities, experience and aptitude make her perfectly placed to bring the change we want for Sheffield and she stood out as the inspirational, outstanding and unique candidate in a very strong field.

“Kate has so much experience she would be a great addition to any organisation and how amazing that she has chosen Sheffield.

Kate is from our region, this is where she is rooted, where her heart is and part of who

she is. It comes across clearly and passionately that her background has shaped her values as well as driving her motivation and commitment to public service.

“Having being born and raised in Sheffield, living in the city my whole life, serving as a Councillor for 20 years and Leader of the council for the past 9 years, I am so excited by the opportunity this presents for the city that I love. It is a real once in a generational chance to make the changes we want to see and address some of the challenges we face.

“Kate’s experience and CV are extremely impressive and she will come here having worked in the highest level of Government in both the UK and in America, with Prime Ministers, Chancellors and Ministers. This experience

will bring Sheffield great opportunities on the national and international stage.

“We are convinced that Sheffield will welcome her in the same way that we already have, Kate is an incredible asset for our city. It is now incumbent on all of us to come together and to make this exciting new beginning work for our city, in the interests of the people of Sheffield.

“I also want to give my heartfelt thanks to Charlie Adan. Charlie joined the Council on an interim basis, during what was undoubtedly the toughest time anyone could join a large local authority.

Charlie has done a fantastic job throughout this crisis.

“This is an exciting time for Sheffield and we are over the moon to be welcoming Kate back home.”

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AGENDA SPONSORED BY

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DOUBLE ACHIEVEMENT FOR BHP CHARITY TEAM DONNELLA BUNTING, LEFT WITH RACHEAL LATCHFORD

Yorkshire and North Derbyshire’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, BHP, are celebrating the fifth member of their successful Charity Team being awarded a Diploma in Charity Accounting (DChA).

BHP Senior Manager, Rachel Heath, has completed an experience-based route diploma at BHP. Rachel has spent 20 years specialising in the charity and the not-for-profit sector and has now gained recognition for her work.

BHP’s Head of Charities, Jane Marshall, has also recently been appointed as Engagement Partner to assist the Charity Commission and the Charities SORP Committee in writing the next Statement of

Recommended Practice (SORP).

Lisa Leighton, Joint Manager Partner at BHP, commented: “Rachel’s Diploma in Charity Accounting (DChA) and Jane’s appointment as a SORP Engagement Partner is a great achievement for the Charity

Female presence on Gripple board doubles

HRM EXPANDS WITH APPOINTMENT OF NEW ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Gripple, manufacturer of the world-beating wire joiner, has its second female board director, within months of appointing its first.

Clare Legg joined Sheffield-based Gripple in purchase ledger 12 years ago and now on the UK board she is responsible for managing the finance function of the business, applying her expertise as a CIMA qualified chartered management accountant, bookkeeper and a degree in international business with French.

Clare’s responsibilities include management and financial accounting, treasury, share administration payroll and year end accounts and budgets.

HRM, the full-service PR and creative agency, has appointed Chris Coates as an account executive due to recent client wins and projected growth.

Sheffield-born Chris has three years’ experience working in the PR industry. He joins HRM to provide PR and communications support across the company’s wide client base, which includes the healthcare, legal and property sectors.

Chris said: “Having established myself in the industry, it is exciting to join an agency in my home city and I’m looking forward to progressing my career with HRM. “There are clearly some fantastic client projects in the pipeline and I’m eager to show what I can bring to the team.”

Richard Fidler, Chief Executive of HRM, said: “I am thrilled that Chris has joined

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Crystal Clean Service recruit more than 20 new team members BHP'S HEAD OF CHARITIES, JANE MARSHALL

Team. Both Rachel and Jane’s time, commitment and effort only highlights further the incredible talent and expertise we have here at BHP as our staff continue to go above and beyond for their sector – this a milestone for the Charity Team.”

CHRIS COATES

us. It is clear he has the skills to strengthen the team and his experience will allow him to start contributing to our client work straight away.”

Hayley Koseoglu business consultant at Crystal Clean Service said: “Like many business owners, lockdown brought many changes at Crystal Clean Service.

Initially 70 per cent of our clients closed their doors, which resulted in a number of furloughed team members.

“However, as health and safety, hygiene and cleanliness became a greater priority we noticed more business owners requiring an increased level of cleaning.

“As the weeks went by, our clients started to return, and we also gained a number of new customers, too.

“Cleaning has understandably become a heightened priority for many workplaces, with deep cleans and sanitisation services now being requested on a regular basis.

“With clients increased needs, we are happy to say that most of our team have now returned, and to assist with the uplift in demand we have recruited 21 new team members since May. Donnella Bunting, Racheal Latchford and Katie Drabble have also joined our management team to help with the ever-growing requests. Welcome to the team everyone!”

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The possibilities are endless.

The world’s fastest Internet technology in the palm of your hand.

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AGENDA

THE DIARY

BY RICHARD FIDLER

Our editor says remain positive despite the holiday season being less than restful

NEW TERM SHOULD BRING RENEWED OPTIMISM So that’s that then, the holiday season is over. Everyone feel nice and relaxed now?

The chances are that you’re probably still feeling as tense as before any break you’ve managed to have, what with the poor August weather, uncertainty as furlough comes to an end, being compelled to wear a mask pretty much everywhere and the realisation that the school run is about to begin again.

What has become apparent in many workplaces is that the cumulative effect on people’s mental wellbeing since the pandemic began back in March is beginning to take its toll.

And I think it is easy to understand why.

Throughout the spring and the summer, no matter which camp you fell in – furloughed or not – you will have been experiencing stresses that no previous situation could help you cope with.

Remember, while the problems are being felt from a business standpoint the reason is a health issue.

Whatever your views on the severity of COVID-19 to the general population – and there seems to be lots of amateur virologists out there at the moment – when this first hit the United Kingdom in January, we had no idea what was in store.

Clearly, we know now that the virus has hit certain age ranges and people with underlying health conditions more severely than the young and healthy.

Many people have lost much-loved friends and relatives and even if you haven’t it doesn’t mean that in the intervening months the ensuing fallout hasn’t impacted on each and every one of us.

Careers have been put on hold, children have been

prevented from going to school, businesses have gone bust, our high streets have seen footfall shrivel, our very civil liberties have been restrained, and behind it all there’s this nagging doubt that the people making the decisions on our behalf are digging a deeper and deeper hole.

So, what should we make of the coming months?

September and October are traditionally when huge amounts of work get done.

There is a back to school feel.

Everyone is refreshed after a summer break and Christmas is ages away. Projects are allowed time to breath with teams generally not one or two short because of holidays.

I really hope the turning of the calendar will give everyone a renewed impetuous this year, although my worry is instead of going into these months wide-eyed and

full of energy, we will need matchsticks to hold open our eyes.

True, there are still many thriving businesses, but people aren’t machines. You can’t put us on standby and recharge us by plugging us in to get the same performance day in, day out.

Even in firms that are doing well staff are still adjusting to a post-lockdown world with many sections of the media lowering society’s morale by casually mentioning a ‘second wave’ whenever they get the opportunity.

I hope September sees a successful and healthy return to school for children as that will be another hurdle overcome towards normality.

And despite what I’ve said, we must remain positive in our dealings with others.

Sometimes it may not feel like it, but we are still all in this together.

Got views of your own? Let me know: richard@unltdbusiness.com LinkedIn: Richard Fidler

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Higher Education

It’s not too late to join us in September

Apply online NOW!

www.barnsley.ac.uk/higher-education

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AUG1420HNU

We offer a range of HNC/Ds, degrees and Higher Apprenticeships

AGENDA CALENDAR

5TH – 6TH ART IN THE GARDENS 2020

Venue: Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Road, Broomhall, S10 2LN Time: 10:30am – 2pm, 2pm – 5:30pm Cost: £5 plus booking fee About: The annual Art in the Gardens event, held in Sheffield Botanical Gardens, is arguably the largest outdoor art market in the north of England with artists, craft makers and visitors coming from throughout the UK. This event is a truly wonderful opportunity to buy the perfect piece of art or craft direct from the artists, whilst enjoying the perfect surroundings that the gardens have to offer. Thousands of pieces of art and craft on show and for sale.

Contact: https://bit.ly/34g0xqm

4TH & 18TH PLATFORM NETWORKING - WOMEN'S BUSINESS NETWORKING

Venue: Webinar Time: 10am – 3pm Cost: £5 About: The group will be made up of a majority of experienced networkers who want to do business together but who are also keen to welcome, support and advise those new to networking in a friendly atmosphere.

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9TH & 23RD SHEFFIELD SPEAKERS: PUBLIC AUG1420HNU

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9TH LIVE VIRTUAL BROADCAST EVENT AND Q&A

Venue: Webinar Time: 11am – 12pm Cost: TBC About: The aim of this live broadcast is to provide greater awareness and understanding of the British Army.

Contact: yh-areed@rfca.mod.uk

10TH IN CONVERSATION WITH

AMBASSADOR WOODY JOHNSON Venue: Webinar

21ST & 22ND CONFIDENCE BUILDER ONLINE WORKSHOP

Venue: Weblink for booking Time: 7pm - 9pm Cost: £49 About: Learn more about how to grow, develop and sustain real confidence for you personally and for your business. Be armed with the tools to rely on yourself, learn how to be authentic and conistent with the action needed to acheive your goals.

Attendance on both dates required.

Contact: Helen Williams: 07881917665, helen@helping entrepreneurswin, www.helpingentrepreneurs win.com

Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm Cost: TBC About: Dr Adam Marshall virtually 'sits down' with US Ambassador to the UK Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV to discuss the UK - US trading relationship Contact: https://bit. ly/325KpVM

16TH CITY REGION BUSINESS NETWORKING

Venue: Webinar Time: 9am - 10:30am Cost: £10 or free for Chamber members About: The City Region Business Networking event is the ideal place meet potential clients in an informal online environment.

Contact: https://bit.ly/2CFqLqP

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AGENDA

FINANCIAL HEALTH

BY RAJ SHAH, DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL OF BLUE WEALTH CAPITAL The financial planner on the how the monetary allure of gold is a misconception

A GOLD-PLATED SECOND OPINION

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5pm Friday 24th July 2020. My OOO went on and my team was politely requested not to contact me unless it was an emergency. Fourteen days of 100% downtime in North Yorkshire with my young family – and breathe!

Ten days into the holiday and I had finally unwound. My wife and I were sat in the sunshine watching our boys dig trenches in the sand. She was catching up on the weekend newspapers, reading out the odd snippet, as you do. Only one of the ‘snippets’ was an article in the money section of this particular national paper about how some investment managers were increasing their exposure to gold in their portfolios to “protect” their clients’ hardearned wealth. My ears pricked up and my heart started to race.

The more she read, the more irate I became. I resolved to set the record straight in my next article...

Contrary to popular belief, in my opinion, gold is not an

investment at all. It is an inert metal which produces nothing, yields nothing, and is entirely without intrinsic value. Its reputed value exists only by common consent to the effect that it is allegedly an inflation hedge. That means, it is an investment that is considered to provide protection against the decreased value of a currency, made by investing in safe-haven assets and other less volatile things. In other words, gold doesn’t really “go up”; the value of the dollar (to which it is linked) just goes down.

Looking at some facts: • It is factually correct to say that gold – pushing toward $2,000 – has recently made new all-time highs. Its last “all-time high”, set in August 2011 at the height of the credit crunch, was $1,850. That being the case, gold has hardly produced any return at all over the last ten years or so.

• Furthermore, the day gold hit $1,850 (11/8/2011) an index of

some of the world’s biggest companies – the S&P 500 closed at 1,173. At time of writing it currently stands at 3,200. Who would have sold stocks and bought gold then?

Why is it different this time?

• Gold is often seen as a “hedge” against inflation. Some of you may remember the global inflation panic during 1979/80 when gold traded briefly above $800. It has gone up from $800 (1980) to $2,000 (2020) in 40 years. I calculate that as it being up circa 2.5 times. The UK Retail Price Index over the same span of time went up 4.1 times.

You could have done better investing in vintage Beano comics!?

• In January 1980 the S&P 500 was 111. At 3,200, it’s up 29 times compared to gold’s 2.5 times. Do you see a pattern here?

In my opinion - only a fool would invest in gold. But selling stocks to buy gold is beyond

foolish; it’s historically bonkers.

By far the greatest long-term inflation hedge ever has been a well-diversified portfolio containing (in part) an index of some of the world’s biggest companies – the S&P 500. This time is not different.

My question to you – “Do you want to invest in what’s working now or what’s always worked?”

A second opinion from a high-quality financial planner who challenges the opinions of “experts” in the money sections could be the way you pave your way to a retirement of independence and dignity.

The value of investments can go down as well as up and it is possible to get back less than the amount invested.

Raj Shah is founder of Blue Wealth capital and has been shortlisted for Financial Planner of the Year and Investment Adviser of the Year. www.bluewealthcapital.com

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AGENDA

ENTREPRENEURSUPPORT

BY HELEN WILLIAMS

Our columnist on why remaining optimistic is NOT ‘mission impossible’

CONFIDENCE DURING CHAOS We totally appreciate that the playing fields aren’t what they were for most. Goalposts have moved, rules have been rewritten and game tactics aren’t now as familiar for us as we have all navigated through some form of change. For some, it has been a degree or two of adaptation, for others a complete 180-flip.

We only need to switch on the TV and consume some of the daily media that could quite easily have us all living in fear – news of the worst recession, businesses closing, job losses, the threat of a second wave of the virus.

While not wishing to take anything away from the challenges and future impacts this will have on many, the fact is we must nevertheless remain optimistic and confident.

Sounds like a ‘mission impossible’, doesn’t it?

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Well no, not exactly and here is why…

Our own confidence is an inside job, so here are our top tips for realigning that crown and going out there with confidence and grace around who you are and what you do:

Do an internal audit – think of it as revising your CV and re-establishing your strengths and experience.

Reflection from time to time can be an encouraging task and immediate confidence booster.

Remember to control the controllable.

Primarily this being YOU – all your internal variables as well as anything else you have in your power. Essentially, the ‘controllables’ are your thoughts, emotions, actions and behaviours – your response rates, your reactions and general levels of proactive application.

You can’t control the external factors or other people, you can only control how you allow this to impact upon you personally.

MoT your skills by freshening up or upskilling to reload the tool belt.

If you need to adapt with the times, then do so. No-one feels confident when we are uncertain how to do something or aren’t familiar with a process, territory or system. So learn – don’t sit on a pity potty and get left behind. Inject yourself with new learnings and add more into your armour.

Remind yourself of what you bring to the table.

Checklist your own credentials.

Back Yourself!

Easier said than done when you don’t feel confidence is your friend right now.

But honestly – if you are

determined as hell to survive, succeed and thrive then you need to be behind your vision.

It’s not time for ‘Billy big balls’, to shout the loudest but what it IS time for is for you to be your own cheerleader.

Your confidence comes through doing, taking action and by creating movement.

The opposite of this is to stay still, freeze, get stuck, become stagnant, panic, become influenced by a negative spin and lose any last drop of confidence that you once had.

This isn’t how entrepreneurs, business owners and business leaders operate. Any dip in confidence is natural – it happens to the best of us and that’s okay.

Sometimes we don’t even see it coming. Staying in that dip, however, is a choice. helpingentrepreneurswin.com

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AGENDA

EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY

BY ASH YOUNG

Our tech expert with the latest Google search query tips

GOOGLE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE PANEL:

HOW CAN IT HELP YOU ATTRACT MORE CUSTOMERS? Being present on Google is even more important now than ever. When you search in Google, the Knowledge Panel appears on the right side of your screen in the results.

This makes it as simple as possible for searchers to find any information they need, before they visit your business.

Potential customers can read reviews, ask questions, phone you, make reservations, get directions to store and more – all directly from the local Knowledge Panel.

We know the algorithm controlling visibility takes into account factors such as relevance and distance, but the exact details remain somewhat a mystery and you can’t pay for better rankings here.

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Firstly, verify your listing and add as much relevant information as possible including high-quality images.

Then, I would recommend focusing on the following to improve the chances of your Knowledge Panel appearing and help to attract more customers.

Increase your domain authority Google aims to promote businesses that are the most relevant to the search query, provide up-to-date and accurate information, and those who are trustworthy.

Your domain authority (DA) sends a trust signal to Google – increasing your DA score can improve your likelihood

of appearing in the Google Knowledge Panel.

Create engaging content and secure links back to your site to show Google that you produce quality, credible information. A few other ways to optimise your DA include: ∙ Conducting a link audit and removing bad links ∙ Optimising for mobile ∙ Improving on-site title and meta tags ∙ Ensuring user-friendly navigation ∙ Building internal links Secure local reviews According to Google themselves: ‘Google review count and score are factored into local search ranking: more reviews and positive

ratings will probably improve a business's local ranking.’

Not only that, but ratings and review excerpts actually appear in the knowledge panel. Positive reviews add the element of credibility to your business and can influence someone’s decision to purchase.

Bing Places for Business While Google holds the biggest share of searchers, don’t miss out on optimising for Bing searchers – it’s also important to claim and update your Bing local business profile.

For help with anything SEO related, get in touch with the Evoluted team at www.evoluted.net/contact

21

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AGENDA

LEGAL MATTERS

BY CHARLOTTE HIGGINS, BELL & BUXTON

Our columnist on the importance of approaching a Subject Access Request with care

Rodgers

UK

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UK

SUBJECT ACCESS REQUESTS –HOW TO HANDLE WITH CARE Individuals have the right to access their personal data.

This is commonly known as a subject access request.

Individuals have the right to obtain a copy of their personal data as well as other supplementary information.

The COVID-19 pandemic may lead to an increase in employees or ex-employees exercising their right of access.

Let’s start at the beginning: how do you recognise a subject access request?

A request can be made verbally or in writing.

A request does not have to be labelled “subject access request” and can be sent to anyone within the organisation. It can also be sent via social media.

It is good practice to have a policy in place and appropriate training so that your employees

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can recognise when a request has been made.

How long do you have to respond?

You have one month to respond to a request, starting on the day you receive the request, until the corresponding calendar date in the next month. If the corresponding date falls on a weekend or a public holiday, you have until the next working day to respond.

You can extend the timeframe for the response, but only if the request is complex or you have received a number of requests from the same individual. The extension can be up to a further two months.

What information do you need to provide?

The individual has the right to receive a copy of all personal

data you are processing, including other supplementary information as to how you are processing their personal data (which should be included within your privacy notice).

How to determine personal data?

Personal data is information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. What identifies an individual could be as simple as a name or a number. The GDPR provides a non-exhaustive list of identifiers, including: • name; • identification number; • location data; and • an online identifier.

How to provide the personal data to the individual In the event that the request was made electronically, the

response should be made electronically. The GDPR sets out that it is good practice to set up a remote access secure system in order for that individual to gain access to their data.

Can you charge the employee a fee?

Generally you cannot charge a fee for dealing with a request, unless you are able to show that the request is manifestly unfounded or excessive, or an individual requests further copies of their data having already made a request.

Subject access requests can be time consuming and expensive to a business. If you need advice relating to how to deal with subject access requests, please contact Charlotte Higgins on 0114 249 5969.

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AGENDA

SECURING YOUR ASSETS

BY SAM LEEDER

Sam gives his tips on how you can mitigate expected insurance premiums rises

MAKING THE MOST OF AN UNCERTAIN INSURANCE MARKET

Whilst the economy has effectively opened back up, we continue to live with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic and how this might impact on our businesses going forward.

This economic uncertainty has affected most businesses and sadly insurance companies have not been immune to the impact. As the insurance marketplace is dominated by large multinational providers, the impact of a global slow down can have an adverse impact on insurer profitability, particularly as this impacts on global investment returns.

Whilst I’m sure most of us have very little sympathy for insurers who lose money, we must understand that the UK economy needs a strong

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and stable insurance sector, not only to provide insurance coverage at a reasonable cost, but also as a major contributor to jobs and the UK GDP. The insurance market is cyclical and goes through phases where the market is either hard or soft depending on whether premiums are going up or down.

In view of these issues we are therefore expecting that all insurance premiums will begin to rise over the coming months and years. This is likely to be particularly acute in businesses in high risk sectors where insurers are more likely to suffer large losses.

So having said how bad things could be, how can you as a business owner make the best of a bad situation?

The two main ways you can mitigate these increases are: ∙ Deal with your insurance renewal nice and early. Make sure you are discussing your requirements with your broker two to three months before renewal and even earlier if you are in a high risk industry. This will give you the time to react to what your current insurer is offering and also to look elsewhere if you are unhappy with it. ∙ Manage your insurance risk effectively. It may seem obvious but those companies with the best claims records will be the ones who get the best deal. Insurance companies will recognise good risk

management as they will feel that this gives them the best chance of a return on the premiums you pay.

We would urge you to discuss these issues with your current insurance broker and work out with them what specifications you can be taking in your business to be able to mitigate risk and obtain the best possible deal from the market.

If you would like to know more or discuss it with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Sam Leeder ACII Actus Insurance samleeder@ actusinsurance.co.uk 0114 2903624 07718 189476

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

40-FIED

G N I D N A R B

As Steel City celebrates its 40th anniversary, MD James Biggin tells Jill Theobald about taking over – and turning around – the family business during a recession, the importance of peer-to-peer learning, and creating a company culture worth celebrating any time “My father and his business partner first started Steel City Marketing in 1980, selling Sheffield-made gifts, quickly adding other product ranges in as demands changed, but I feel we hold the same Sheffield values that the company started with, 40 years on.”

Indeed, as I quickly learn during my chat with MD James Biggin, since taking over the reins James has used the ‘previous experiences which impact your current and future self’ and benefited from peer-to-peer learning to fortify those values and create a company culture at Steel City worth shouting about.

In 2000 James’s father’s co-director retired early with illness and father invited son to learn the business to eventually take up the reins.

He retired just as recession started in 2007, with James

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becoming a director in 2004.

“It was certainly a bit of a challenge taking it over in terms of that period of time and now reflecting on this year as well with COVID,” he explains.

“Graduating from the Goldman Sachs 10K small business programme in 2018, along with a cohort of incredible people, helped me to gain perspective and really invest my time into honing the company ethos. One of the Goldman Sachs partners called it the year of boiling frogs. The last recession being one where you didn’t really see it coming or the impact before it was too late – a really interesting metaphor. Whereas this time with COVID we were all dropped into a pan of boiling water as ‘frogs’, so you jump straight back out and start making decisions.

“When I look back at

the recession none of us necessarily knew what to do back then and there was a lot of learning that came from it.”

And that learning got turned into action for James in terms of re-thinking and restructuring the business.

“We ended up doing a massive turnaround for a company our size, cutting costs by a third, making some redundancies and becoming profitable inside one year.

That time felt like starting a brand new business but with an existing customer and supply base so it was really exciting and we moved along from there for about three years which culminated in us having enough reserves for the office move to our HQ on New Street in the city centre five years ago.”

Before then, the company had been at its previous home in Shalesmoor for 30 years –

“we were next to Record Tools and the big hammer used to go regularly and shake the building every day!

“It was open plan New York Loft style in the new offices which allowed for more collaborative working and the team immediately said: ‘we feel like a proper company now!’ So we are in our home, settled, comfortable and this place essentially sums up who we are now. Those people who stayed loyal after some pretty dark times are still here apart from one lady who very sadly passed away before the move.

She’d been with us a long time and would probably still be here now in her 70s. The guys who stuck with us have been part of that growth and how we got to 2018-19 with very strong successes and loyal clients.”

But getting to that point involved tough times and decisions.

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COVER STORY PRODUCT GUIDE Regular readers will be used to James sharing his products of the month – in recent issues he’s covered everything from outdoors and leisure to branded return to work items. Here are his current products that he predicts are not going anywhere in terms of popularity and longevity…

FACE COVERINGS

A COPY OF AN OLD STEEL CITY PRODUCT BROCHURE

“I’d always gone along to the company on a Saturday with my dad as a child, hanging around in the showroom looking at all the items which was pretty cool! It’s a powerful thing to have your dad running a company and when you step into it you think his and his partners’ way is the only way.

Will you fail, are you good enough to step up to the plate?

But you can get bogged down in that way of thinking and you’re in danger of risking a lot if you do.

“I took my learning and previous experiences to challenge the things which needed to change – principally the print brochure we produced every year.

"It was six months of someone’s time and it cost tens of thousands of pounds and I remember the conversation with my wife who was in marketing when I said: ‘we’re stopping it’, and the look of horror on her face! Why?!

Because we’re cutting costs and no-one can justify to me that we KNOW it’s bringing in work. We presumed it was but without it, would we still get the business … and thankfully we did!

“You need to go in on

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You need to go in on yourself, deepdive into business scenarios and trust your instincts – if something was done already it’s got to stay for the right reasons and not just because it’s always been done that way.

yourself, deep-dive into business scenarios and trust your instincts – if something was done already it’s got to stay for the right reasons and not just because it’s always been done that way. It was hard and made for some unpleasant times, but it builds you up as a person – it makes or breaks you.”

Around the time of the move, Steel City also underwent a re-brand.

“We had to decide whether to stay regionalised– do people just associate Steel City with Sheffield? We realised, no, we had enough clients around the country so that wasn’t limiting us and we were staying true to our core message and everything we represented.”

And how does a branding company re-brand itself?

Pretty swiftly and simply, it turns out.

“People take so long to go through re-branding and rightly so, they need to ensure they’re investing in the right concept but for us it fell into our laps! Getting that exercise done, we loved the ways the ideas came together with the fonts that look like steel bars going through the mills

These are the items that have the biggest use and potential. It’s surprised me how few brands are saying ‘get our logo on these right now and we will give every single one of our customers, suppliers and staff one to wear and display our logo everywhere they go!’ I never thought I would see something as big as face coverings in my time or that the entire hand sanitizer stock within our industry got bought up in 24 hours.

Now it’s part and parcel of people’s daily lives.

DRINKWARE

Brands have to consider what people are using every day and customers want convenience so that could mean people wanting their own mug on their desk or to be able to take their coffee on the go because they’re busy with a travel mug. People are aligning themselves with things that are useful so branding something that’s part of people’s daily lives is really important.

MOBILE PHONES

These ARE our lives!

We conduct so much of personal, professional lives through them and technology has meant we can operate as a 24/7 society. We need to keep these close to us, charged and clean at all times and so they are the perfect item to pop your brand on the back of.

29

COVER STORY

LANDMARKS Here James takes a walk down memory lane and talks us through some of his favourite landmarks of Sheffield past and present.

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PONDS FORGE & DON VALLEY

SHEFFIELD CATHEDRAL

These are places that for me sum up Sheffield because I am sporty, I grew up playing sport and I think it’s the reason I am in business and absolutely how I operate left right and centre and I don’t think Steel City would exist had I not been a sporty person. The current situation with Ponds Forge is something I am deeply concerned about. These landmarks are very important for me because sport in terms of our city will make the next generation of business people.

Again, memories and this time of my dad who used to walk by every day to go to the bank and used to pass it and I used to pass it, too. I even sang in the cathedral, just once!

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COVER STORY of forges and the energetic orange colour. It ticks every box, absolutely bang on.

“I took on Jennifer Burton as marketing executive and part of the recruitment was the re-brand. She embraced it from the second she was interviewed, living and breathing it and I don’t think we would have been able to shout about ourselves as well without that re-brand.

“We’ve continued to develop our culture and our value proposition, which came towards the end of 2018 where I did the Goldman Sachs programme. The first residential in Manchester, the buzz and conversations – I’d never heard anything like it! Everyone was there for a reason, not just because they’d done a previous course – we all knew we were lucky to be there, you could feel that from the first second. Immediately you’re told if you’re in the room you’re in the top four per cent because you want to grow but also the leadership course leaders think you CAN grow.

“The detail on that course was phenomenal and the only thing that’s stopped people is COVID, although some of the leadership learning can be used to help reimagine the business – we probably wouldn’t have done what we have over the last few months without it.

“We made decisions quickly on furlough and I wouldn’t have focused as quickly on structure. But

also it taught patience for things like applications for CIBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) – I avoided jumping through a lot of hoops by sitting back for a little while until the process changed and we got that across the line a lot more easily.

“HR was one of my first goals after the course – to ensure we were investing effectively in robust HR, primarily to grow. But it turns out it’s very important for crises as well and had I not got that in our partnership structure with a local company I would have had a significant headache.

“We ensured we could get people working from home quickly during lockdown. I had not been up for homeworking before because I think we’re better as a team working together in our HQ. I am not against it but it needs investment and can work for a lot of professional services but as a sales company we need to be with each other to bounce ideas off so it was great to see that desire to bring the team back when we could.”

And back into that environment and culture James had cultivated.

“Previous experiences impact your current and future self. We’ve all worked for people whose traits or personalities we’d never want to bring into the company – that are out of date or like an old boys’ network. As an MD

The expertise and experience in the team is phenomenal and there are opportunities for progression.

you decide there’s no way you’d run your company like that and those sorts of things define you, creating shared values.

“The Steel City team rightly want to feel they’re getting recognition for their work they’re putting in so we introduced bonuses over the last five years which weren’t in place before.

“People needed to take responsibility off the hands of the main people in the business – that was important

back when I took over, it couldn’t any longer be just about two people selling, clients had to be spread out over a wider team to even think about growing, and that was done with financial reward built in for continuing that work. It also freed me up to become solely a managing director, rather than a sales director as well.

“Then it’s as simple as being in this place and having fun.

Having the radio on – and arguments about which station to listen to! – it’s weird, if the music is off!

“Plus lots of decent treats.

For me to say ‘we’ve done alright this week so let’s all have coffee and cakes or a breakfast box from the local café’. They need us to buy from them as much as we need to have a good week but that’s not shouted about – that makes it fake and less genuine – it’s just done. That’s the humble, honest, hardworking side of where we’re at.

“The expertise and experience in the team is phenomenal and there are opportunities for progression.

This is showcased by Lucy Hill ending up moving into an accounts role recently. I didn’t have to recruit someone external – we had the right person already and that’s about our culture and making sure individuals can develop.

“It all creates and enhances the simplicity of what we’ve got here with our values and culture.”

THE HOLE IN THE ROAD

BRAMALL LANE

I’ve got great memories of the hole in the road. I remember my mum walking me through there as a child to go to the Co-op, which is now of course Kommune near our offices which is a really big deal for our city which, along with Cutlery Works, is bringing something special to Sheffield.

I’ll say Bramall Lane but equally that’s football in the city. The Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday grounds are iconic landmarks that are about community and the spirit of Sheffield.

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TRAVEL SOUTH YORKSHIRE

TRAVEL FLEXIBLY, TRAVEL SAFELY

With many commuters now heading back to work, Travel South Yorkshire’s senior travel advisor Nicola Bladen tells unLTD’s Anna McGuire how her team are currently supporting workplaces and helping commuters travel safely at this time

Employers across the region have been investing significant amounts of time and money into making their facilities COVID-19 secure to reassure their employees that their return to work will be a safe one.

Enhanced cleaning routines, one-way systems, and hand sanitising stations have become everyday essentials, no matter what the workplace setting.

Everyone wants to travel safely, whether it is by foot, bike, tram, train, car or bus.

Sometimes travelling by car may be the only option but with increased traffic and the inevitability of congestion, now is the perfect time to re-think how and when we use our cars.

Key ideas could include: • Could you drive on fewer days and switch some of those trips to walking or cycling?

• Is there a public transport option that you could try?

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• Could you park further away from your workplace and adopt a ‘park and stride’ approach to your journey?

• Could you combine the car with a short public transport trip by using a Park and Ride facility?

By reducing the amount of time spent in your car, you will help keep cars out of city and town centres, improve traffic flow, the environment and break-up what could have been a sedentary day.

Just like workplaces, public transport operators have also been working hard to ensure their passengers can travel safely and have introduced a range of measures to help both customers and staff.

Recent initiatives have involved making improvements to apps and other journey planning tools to show how busy services are likely to be at certain times and showing seat availability on individual services. These kinds of tools can really help

us all to plan ahead and potentially alter our commute to travel at a less busy time.

Flexibility and patience will be key traits for all of us as we begin to travel more over the coming weeks. We can all play our part, whether it’s travelling less, switching to a different mode of travel or even retiming our journeys. We will all have to think about our commute that little bit more. For me, I’m missing the bit of walking I used to do between the station and the office. If anything, I’m looking forward to getting that back. Every business has the challenge of helping to get their staff to and from work in a safe and supportive way.

At Travel South Yorkshire, we are on hand to help and by working with businesses to access people’s time whether that is through senior teams, support teams or even on a one-to-one level with employees, we can help people make the best choices

for them at this time. Hosting travel surgeries means we can discuss travel options and help those currently using public transport. All this can be done ‘virtually’.

We’re keen to talk to and work with businesses of all sizes – small, medium or large – and to see how we can help more people re-think their journey to work. We may not have all the solutions to hand, but if we don’t, we’re sure we’ll know someone who will.

To find out how Travel South Yorkshire’s Active and Sustainable Travel team can help your workplace and offer practical support, please contact sustainabletravel@ sypte.co.uk or alternatively, visit travelsouthyorkshire. com/workplace.

33

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SKILLS

SKILLS FOCUS

SPONSORED BY THE SOURCE SKILLS ACADEMY The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield is passionate about bringing out the best in people.

It has been helping businesses to increase the talents of their teams since 2003 and is proud to sponsor Skills Focus, a monthly spotlight on training and apprenticeship news and funding to help you develop your staff.

SOPHIA, 16, IS AN A-STAR RECRUIT FOR PROPERTY COMPANY Sophia Ward was caught up in the GCSE grades chaos like every 16-year-old from the COVID-19 class of 2020.

But she didn’t worry about her future… Sophia landed a job interview during the pandemic and started a digital marketing career on July 6.

The High Storrs pupil wanted to get into I.T. via an apprenticeship rather than study A-levels. But when COVID-19 hit the economy, she thought chances were slim.

On spotting an admin apprenticeship with The Source Skills Academy she jumped, but Kerry Cook, Business Development Officer for the

DIGITAL MARKETING APPRENTICE SOPHIA WARD AT WORK AT BLENHEIM PARK ESTATES

Sheffield training provider, thought Sophia was perfect for a more demanding digital marketing apprenticeship.

The role had been advertised before lockdown by Sheffield estate agents Blenheim Park

Estates, but had been put on hold.

When Kerry explained she was a stand-out candidate, Blenheim interviewed Sophia.

“When I got the job I couldn’t believe it,” said Sophia.

“I grabbed the opportunity of a career with both hands.”

Blenheim take on apprentices across their Estates and Developments businesses, reaping many benefits from moulding them into permanent staff.

Marketing Manager Emma Brocklebank, a former apprentice, said: “Lockdown had put plans on hold, but the matchmaking skills of Kerry at The Source introduced us to Sophia.

“She is perfect for us. Hiring an apprentice was the right thing to do. Our business is thriving and we’ve given a 2020 school-leaver a career.”

FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOURCE The Source Skills Academy is opening up to businesses looking for COVID-19 compliant, flexible workspaces and meeting places.

The not-for-profit registered charity on Meadowhall Way has 2,000 square metres of premium space. Government hygiene and social distancing guidelines are adhered to throughout.

But with much of the building under-used because of the pandemic, offering the

extra space to others was a logical step.

“This brings in income to support our work, while giving very flexible solutions to businesses who may have had to give up offices during the pandemic, or are not ready to move back to their premises,” said Dale Robinson, Director of Business Development.

Offices can be set up for a sole trader, small teams or companies with up to 12 employees for a day, a week, a month or longer term.

Costs are low and based on length of stay and flexibility required.

The site has tram, train and bus links on its doorstep, secure parking and is easily

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Enquire on 0114 2635600 or at roombookings@ thesourceacademy.co.uk

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The Source has re-opened its building on Meadowhall Way. Tutors are delivering workbased training in a setting fully compliant with all HSE guidance on COVID-19 and social distancing measures. Unfortunately, in line with Government restrictions, its conferencing facilities currently remain closed. For future enquiries, contact roombookings@thesourceacademy.co.uk

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The Big Business Benefits of outsourcing IT Support Managed Services • Data Security • Cloud Services

Find out more in our article on the right, or at: ct.co.uk/blog/outsourcing-it-post-lockdown unLTDBUSINESS.COM

TECHNOLOGY

THE (OUT)SOURCE OF

EFFECTIVE IT SUPPORT Ian Snow, MD at CT takes a look at why businesses should consider outsourcing IT support post-lockdown As a result of the current crisis, many businesses have had to prioritise reducing workforce costs including IT budgets.

It became clear very quickly that some businesses were not equipped for the move from office to remote working, and faced big challenges such as security and communication.

It is also apparent as lockdown eases, businesses will consider changing the way they

work in the future, to include more remote and flexible working. Here we wanted to be open and honest about why outsourcing your IT may be the most effective solution to getting back to business in a changed environment.

Cost-effective When companies return to the workplace, some will be heading back with

their in-house IT departments, but for others, it is likely that they will be looking closely at their budgets and cutting costs.

IT should be a priority after lockdown, so the need for a more cost-effective IT solution will be crucial. Advanced monitoring tools and a team of engineers from a managed service provider comes at a fixed price, giving you peace of mind knowing your costs are completely under control.

Encourages business growth During the pandemic, many companies have had to take action to ensure the business continues to operate, such as making the difficult decision to make redundancies.

Outsourcing IT will free up additional funds to invest in getting your business back on track and encourage growth down the line. It also frees up time for senior staff to focus on growth rather than dealing with IT issues.

Remote support Many businesses are already benefiting from outsourcing their IT needs during lockdown, to support their remote teams. For businesses that continue to use home and flexible working after you are back in the workplace, 24/7 support is one of the key benefits of working with a managed service provider.

At CT, highly-skilled service desk and on-site engineers are standing by, ready to respond to any IT issues your staff may

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experience, offering remote problem solving when you need it.

Security This period has seen a rise in Coronavirus related cyber-attacks which has left businesses questioning their current IT strategy. Whether you have been directly affected by an attack or are looking to boost your security, you should review your current strategy and identify what’s working and what’s not. An integral part of CT’s managed IT service is a disaster recovery and business continuity solution that will ensure your business is protected and your data secure.

Expertise Technical expertise is another reason why you should consider outsourcing your IT function after lockdown. Managed service providers can work closely with you to examine your business’s needs and provide a bespoke solution so that IT decisions are aligned with your business requirements.

Due to the remote nature of outsourced IT services, moving your workspace to the cloud is simplified. Cloud computing will benefit your business if you continue to adopt home and remote working, in ways such as increased security and storage.

Get in touch with our account managers today on 01246 266130 to find out more about how we can help your business.

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FOCUS ON

ARMED FORCES

COVENANT Across Yorkshire and the Humber, more than 330 employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) to pledge their support for the whole defence community. Jill Theobald caught up with the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA) who run the scheme in this area to find out why employers wanting to do their bit for the military should sign up – and spoke to lots of businesses already benefiting “The Armed Forces Covenant is a partnership between the Army and employers – this is a two-way street.”

Very early on in our conversation about the Armed Forces Covenant, Richard Lenton, Regional Employer Engagement

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Director at RFCA/MOD, shares how signing up can benefit businesses themselves as well as show their support for the Forces community.

The Covenant was launched by the Government in 2014 and employers of all sizes and

sectors, even sole traders, can sign the AFC which is a promise by the nation to treat fairly those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families.

As Richard points out, there are many reasons why so many

have signed up – and why the RFCA want to spread the word to even more.

“It enables businesses to show their support for Britain’s Armed Forces, get access to free, military-run leadership and teambuilding training,

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FOCUS ON to get help and guidance on advertising their vacancies on free, military-focused jobs boards, and make their organisation more attractive to high-quality and highly-skilled service leavers and reservists.”

Once signed up, many firms choose to deepen their commitment by embedding Forces-friendly policies and procedures into their working practices – enabling them to take part in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Richard said: “A lot of regular reserves and cadet force adult volunteers check out our website and look for organisations and companies, including many people looking to relocate to Sheffield, to see how many have signed the covenant – it gives a strong indication of the Forcesfriendly approach of a region.

“We are building up the footprint in Sheffield again as it is a strong area with 36th Signal Regiment, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment. It has been a strong foothold because historically Royal Engineers were training people and giving them qualifications and skills, because of the connections with the city’s steelworks and engineering firms.

“There was and still is a massive contingent at the universities studying management leadership skills through the Sandhurst Group that they undertake as part of their degree in line with Sheffield Military Education Committee (MEC), too.

“With Sheffield City Council’s support for the Armed Forces and the veterans’ community and giving them the Freedom of the City, the council has itself got renewed Silver ERS status and many other firms are following suit including the Chamber of Commerce. The support is building up and we need to share that feeling of spirit and camaraderie again which includes the support of some fantastic businesses.

“This is a partnership, it’s a two-way street. Historically if we go back to 2000 the Armed Forces were taking

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their reservists for operational activities because we were going through the Iraq and Gulf wars and into Afghanistan and there was pushback then from employers who were trying to run a business. The Army has changed the way they do things, through the Employer Engagement Scheme, and is very good at team building, communications and developing people under pressure – and that’s what we can offer free to employers.

“We’re giving it to employers as a thank you for signing the Covenant, being a supportive and giving opportunities to service leavers as well as reservists to allow them to go off and do training. There are financial incentives in place to help employers so the business is not out of pocket in any way – the Army will pick up the additional costs to keep that job open for that employee to return to.

“Some businesses recruit ex-Forces and reservists, some ex-Forces people have set up businesses here and it’s about supporting not just the personnel but their families, partners and children, and the veterans who have come back – to say thank you for your service, that’s what it is all about.”

Retired Major Edward Colver MBE is MD of Milifix Ltd which he set up two years ago helping people leaving the Forces re-use their transferable skills in repair and maintenance work.

He said: “Over the last 12-18 months the company has concentrated in particular on the contract cleaning and painting and decorating side of the business employing people from all military sectors where we can support our veterans but also add value to our customers, too.

“We’re proud to be ERS silver members which we proudly display. Having served 18 years in the Army myself I understand the difficulties veterans can find not just looking for employment, but stability, too, after they leave.

“By being a Forces friendly employer not only do you get the best of the best of the employment pool, but you speak the same language. It’s ensuring those transferable skills veterans have across many arenas are

for the Covenant and show our support. It meant updating some of our policies to fall in line with Reservists specific requirements – areas like Forces personnel needing extra time off for training – and our business has since been applauded for our flexible working practices and positive support for Reservists.

“We were growing our business with more forces personnel and went for the Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award and then in 2016 ITI was awarded the Silver.

“I decided we should push for gold, it was a two-pronged approach – we wanted to employ ex-forces personnel and show them we were a company they could come to but also it was good for ITI because they have unique and highly transferable skills and experiences that can benefit businesses.

“I know forces leavers struggle to transition those skills though, and that was a big driver for me having experienced it valued – whether that’s by us personally. It starts with their employing them or another CVs – if one lands on my desk company or a different sector, as I will understand the way it’s long as we’re helping veterans written and structure because that’s the main thing. of my time in the forces. Most “Companies should consider applicants have spent their employing veterans because not entire adult life in the military, only are they supporting people and tend to write using military who have made a commitment terminology. This might not to the UK in serving our Armed read well to someone who’s Forces but they are employing never served, so adapting the individuals who have received wording to civilian language the highest level of training in is very important in job their field, who are hardworking, applications. have integrity and a strong ‘can “It was great to be one of do ‘attitude which employers just 51 organisations in the UK will value in the running of their recognised with the Employer business.”

Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Dave Newton, ITI’s Award at a national ceremony in commercial director, was in London two years ago, and we’re the forces for five years serving still involved in conversations with Royal Engineers. He said: to this day about pushing the “Because of my background talents and skills of ex-forces and I knew the skillset ex-forces reservists in Yorkshire. personnel could bring. I met with “The RFCA’s Richard Lenton The Reserved Forces Association has been a strong force for us by in Sheffield on behalf of ITI and linking people with like-minded we met quite a few personnel businesses – Richard was invited including one who explained on stage at Sheffield Business how difficult he was finding Awards last year to present us getting into work. He came with our award! across as intelligent and keen to “I hope to continue our work, we had an opportunity so support for reservists and exinvited him for an interview, he Forces for as long as possible, ended up working for us for over they really are a great asset three years. to any business and would “I knew it would be good encourage business owners to for us as a business to sign up get behind the ERS scheme.”

It enables businesses to show their support for Britain’s Armed Forces, get access to free, militaryrun leadership and teambuilding training

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FOCUS ON EDWARD COLVER MBE MD OF MILIFIX Retired Major Edward Colver MBE is MD of Milifix Ltd, a business he set up two years ago helping people leaving the forces to re-use their transferable skills in repair and maintenance work.

He said: “Over the last 12-18 months the company has concentrated in particular on contract cleaning and painting and decorating side of the business employing people from all military sectors where we can support our veterans but also add value to our customers, too.

“COVID has been a difficult time as it was for many companies, but we negotiated our way through it thanks to the fantastic Sheffield businesses using us and our contracted and sub-contracted employees.

“We’re proud to be silver members of the Armed

Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme which we proudly display. Having served

18 years in the Army myself I understand the difficulties veterans can find not just

looking for employment, but stability too, after they leave the forces.

“By being a forces friendly employer not only do you get the best of the best of the employment pool, but you speak the same language. It’s ensuring those transferable skills veterans have across many arenas are valued – whether that’s by us employing them or another company or a different sector – as long as we’re helping veterans that’s the main thing.

“Companies should consider employing veterans because not only are they supporting people who have made a commitment to the UK in serving our armed forces but they are employing individuals who have received the highest level of training in their field, who are hardworking, have integrity and a strong ‘can do ‘attitude which employers will value in the day to day running of their business.

employ ex-forces personnel and show them we were a company they could come to, but also it was good for ITI because they have unique and highly transferable skills and experiences that can benefit businesses.

“I know forces leavers struggle to transition those skills though and that was a big driver for me having experienced it personally.

It starts with their CVs – if one lands on my desk I will understand the way it’s written and structured because of my time in the forces. Most

applicants have spent their entire adult life in the military, they tend to write their CV using military terminology.

This might not read well to a reviewer if they have never served, adapting the wording to civilian language is very important in job applications.

“It was great to be one of just 51 organisations in the UK recognised with the MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a national ceremony in London two years ago, we’re still involved in conversations to this day about pushing the talents and skills of ex-forces and Reservists in Yorkshire.

“Richard Lenton, regional employer engagement director at RFCA/MOD has been a strong force in all of this for us by linking people with like-minded businesses – Richard was invited on stage at Sheffield Business Awards last year to present us with the award!

“I hope to continue our support for reservists and exforces for as long as possible, they really are a great asset to any business and would encourage business owners to get behind the ERS scheme.”

DAVE NEWTON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR OF ITI NETWORK SERVICES Dave Newton, ITI’s commercial director, was in the forces for five years serving with the Royal Engineers.

He said: “Because of my background I knew the skillset ex-forces personnel could bring. I met with The Reserved Forces Association in Sheffield on behalf of ITI and we met quite a few personnel including one who explained how difficult he was finding getting into work.

He came across as intelligent and keen to work, we had an opportunity so invited him for an interview, and he ended up working for us for over 3 years.

“I knew it would be good for us as a business to sign up for the Armed Forces Covenant and show our support. It meant updating some of our policies to fall in line with Reservists specific requirements – areas like armed forces personnel needing extra time off for training during the year – and

40

our business has since been applauded for our flexible working practices and positive support for Reservists.

“We were growing our business with more forces personnel and went for the Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award and then in 2016 ITI was awarded the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award, showing we’re one of the country’s leading employers of Reservists.

“I decided we should push for gold, it was a two-pronged approach – we wanted to

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FOCUS ON SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE

BARNSLEY METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Adults and Communities, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised as Gold standard as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. It follows years of dedication from our teams who continue to work with and support our Armed Forces community in Barnsley.

“We would encourage other businesses and

local authorities to sign up – it really helps your organisation to focus on your Forces community, making sure they will not be disadvantaged when accessing services after they’ve served and help identify any gaps or needs in your business or local area. This work has been a huge success for us, and we have plenty more projects yet to come to continue our future Gold standard.”

SHEFFIELD MILITARY EDUCATION COMMITTEE (MEC)

ROTHERHAM DONCASTER AND SOUTH HUMBER NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Dr Charlotte Coleman, Chair of MEC, said: “The MEC exists to provide links between Sheffield’s two universities and the Military service units (Army, Navy and Airforce) aligned with our universities.

“We promote the acquisition of military and leadership skills that contribute to the personal development of serving students and maximise their future employability. We are doing our bit to ensure we treat students in the military fairly. We would encourage all businesses to sign the Covenant to show they will treat current and ex-military personnel fairly.”

Chairman Alan Lockwood said: “We employ a number of veterans and service leavers and really value the skills and work ethic they bring. We support their transition into civilian life by providing them with a mentor/adviser.

“We have flexible working arrangements that enable reservists to take time off for military duties and sponsor a local cadet unit, allowing them to use one of our buildings for parade evenings.

“We were granted Silver and Bronze ERS Awards and encourage other organisations to follow its lead as we sets our sights set on Gold.”

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Dave Struggles, Inspector Operational Police Training, said: “We fully recognise the value of employing Army Reservists or reservists from other services within our ranks. There are a raft of transferable skills, talent and experience within the military which is invaluable.

Core qualities such as respect for others, moral courage, commitment, loyalty, discipline, selflessness and integrity, coupled with the strong focus on service, teamwork and leadership are essential within the armed services and map across to the desired attributes we expect within our own workforce.”

SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL Councillor Tony Damms, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We recognise the contribution and sacrifices members of the Armed Forces community have made and the experience and expertise they bring.

“We want to tangibly show support, for example when they are making the transition back to civilian life, and constantly strive to improve our services to veterans.

“We are proud of our ERS Silver Award and very much support other organisations to become part of the scheme – it is a chance for organisations to satisfy themselves they are doing all they can to support the Armed Forces Community.”

SHEFFIELD MIND Samantha Mulholland, Keeping Families in Mind Coordinator, said: “Sheffield Mind signed the Armed Forces covenant in 2018 to show our support to the whole Armed Forces community and raise awareness of the support we offer. Not only did it help us raise awareness of our organisation, it has helped us create contacts with Reservists and Cadets, and introduced us to multiple businesses from Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

“The RFCA have been extremely helpful with facilitating us to build our network, and inviting us to events to learn more about how the Armed Forces community could benefit our charity.

We would definitely encourage other charities and businesses to sign the covenant, learn more about the Armed Forces community and to find out how members of the community can enhance their organisations.”

IT TAKES JUST MINUTES TO SIGN THE COVENANT AT: gov.uk/government/publications/corporate-covenant-pledge For more information about the AFC and ERS, contact the Employer Engagement Team at the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Yorkshire and the Humber at: yh-eeao@rfca.mod.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

UK CONSULTING POWERHOUSE

WITH THE ANSWERS TO A

HEALTHY FUTURE FOR RETAIL, TOURISM & HOSPITALITY “SUPPORTING BUSINESSES ACROSS THE UK ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME.” Those who are ready to grow, even in hard times, need partners and mentorship.

Savants’ people-first approach means small business owners get to meet the team that has their back, not just a wellbranded business name.

Recently appointed Regional Director for Yorkshire & Humber Jamie Baggaley caught up with us to explain what Savants’ can offer SMEs in the area.

Savants has the combined knowledge and resources to get UK businesses through any challenge, even the pandemic.

They are the team every SME needs at their back.

With access to over 200+ lenders across the UK Savants have ensured that SMEs have the right financing support.

They also provide mentorship and meaningful expert business support, which offers management the ability to improve performance, solve problems without the guesswork, and craft a custom growth plan, with full financial backing.

And in extreme cases where insolvency is involved, Savants launched a campaign titled “Think Insolvency. Think Savants.” Those who partner

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with the team, experience an “arm around business” approach that evaluates today’s challenges, determines custom solutions, and ushers the organisation through optimum outcomes, no matter the scenario.

With their finger on the pulse of UK retail, tourism, and hospitality, it is good to know SMEs now have real coaches in their corner. When your SMEs gain the insight of Savants’ mentors, they are gaining real leadership – something nice to hear during current business conditions.

THE PARTNER YOU NEED FOR RECOVERY, GROWTH, AND RESILIENCE ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME Some of the heavyweight champions that will fight for their client’s business as if it were their own includes Jamie Baggaley, the National Director of Savants Finance, Andrew Dixon, Savants’ National Director Retail/ Regional Director South East, Savants Regional Director, Andrew Carter, and others.

Together, this all-star team provides the needed support and mentorship through a suite of services designed to re-think and kickstart new pandemicrelevant business models.

“It’s great to be able to support more businesses in our local area. COVID-19 has put a strain on many businesses and being able to meet local businesses and support them with their business plans is great” says Jamie, “with my experience being in finance we’ve seen during the pandemic businesses struggle to get the support they need and not know where to turn.

But having the support and expertise of Savants’ now mean businesses have a partner that can help.”

Andrew Anthony Managing Director for Savants UK said: “We are delighted to be expanding our consultancy force into more areas of the UK to provide expert support to SMEs. “We’ve 150 years of experience offering expert business advise to operators when they need it most.”

WHAT SERVICE CAN SAVANTS’ OFFER? Business Start-up – Kick start campaign • If you are thinking about or recently set up business, then our kick start service enables businesses to get up and running and off to a flying start. From having a business consultant working with you to support with

website, digital marketing, and social media our package enables you to get everything up and running as quickly as possible • Our consultants will help to formulate strategy and support implementation whilst creating a robust business plan enabling your new venture to grow, develop and ultimately reach your desired goals.

Business Consultancy • From sales strategy through to monthly fin ancial planning our business consultants are on hand to work with your business and help your business to grow.

It could be looking at cost improvements, strategic project work or finance director support. We will work with you to create the right consultancy package for your business needs.

• Our projects could be one-off requiring an intensive period of consulting through to oneday a month board meeting supporting with financial performance and KPIs Business Health check • Over the years we have developed our unique Business Health Check which starts with the people and

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ADVERTORIAL organisation followed by products/services and finally business processes. We don’t complicate matters; we ensure that our business consultants not only give recommendations but are also able to provide hands on business consulting services to work as a member of your team to deliver those recommendations and dramatically improve your business.

• The Business Health Check is comprehensive and we provide straight forward advice to ensure you have the right information to make the right decisions for your business. We do not produce lengthy reports that only gather dust, we produce practical working documents that will assist you from day one.

• The report will cover aspects such as People/Organisation, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Strategy, Operation, Procurement, Cost Reduction and IT Systems Financial Support • Working with a network of lenders we can support new start-ups and existing businesses. This could be through our debt financing products such as Business Loans, Asset Finance, or Invoice Finance through to our equity finance products including crowdfunding or angel investor, or even a combination of the two.

Our finance consultants will work with your business to create the right package for you and review existing commitments that your business might have.

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Additional Support • We know that some businesses have found 2020 to be difficult and we can help businesses recover and turnaround. Whether that be looking at digitisation or working through your business plan to give you a clear sense of direction.

SMEs are the backbone and we want to enable SMEs to continue to thrive and succeed going forward • We also work with several additional partners to support with outsourcing, R&D tax credits and crowdfunding amongst many others.

Industry Specific Support • Tourism and Hospitality sectors worldwide are experiencing slumps and even widespread devastation due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Our leading consultants, Stephen Norfolk MIH and Paul Spencer are

no strangers to the industry, having more than 30 years’ combined experience in operating award-winning hotels, inns, and restaurants all across the North West.

Paul Spencer, said: “Local knowledge and national expertise has never been so important, especially for those who’ve recently taken advantage of the government grants and loan schemes.” Stephen Norfolk, added: “Now really is the time to take quality, informed advice and our in depth service means we can provide bespoke turnaround and restructuring solutions for tourism and all business sectors.”

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND SATELLITE OFFICES SMEs in hospitality and the spectrum of related sectors have a brilliant partner available to them as they craft strategies for a future in the COVID-19 era. Savants will not just set up a call and send an invoice.

We meet with companies in person, going directly to the client to provide free initial consultations to anyone in the UK. And with satellite offices in key locations across the UK, our awardwinning team

of consultants are always right around the corner. Savants strategy is to be in close proximity and by establishing our presence in Yorkshire and the Humber we can support SME’s through our “Project Relaunch” initiative. This is the first of many programmes to be rolled out as Savants plans to continue investing in its human capital and deploying more satellites to support SMEs across the UK.

THE FUTURE… I’m really pleased to be working with local businesses and supporting them come out of COVID-19 and recover from the downturn. There are still several challenges ahead for businesses and a real mix of business sentiment now with businesses seeing both the positives and negatives.

Now more than ever is the time for businesses to have a clear plan, enabling them to recover and continue to grow going forward.

For businesses that are looking for support our free initial consultation is the perfect opportunity for us to talk to you and create the right level of support that your business requires.

To book a consultation or discuss Savants’ services further contact Jamie Baggaley Regional Director Yorkshire & Humber on 07399 660 002 or email JBaggaley@Savants.co.uk

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BUSINESS POST LOCKDOWN

TROUBLESHOOTING

BY PAT ABEL, CORPORATE FINANCE PARTNER AT HART SHAW

Pat hopes local businesses can play their part to get the country back on its feet

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE Whatever you have done this summer, be it managing to catch a flight to the continent or having opted for a ‘staycation’ like myself (admittedly somewhat enforced by a change of heart by the government on FCO travel advice!) I hope you have had the chance to refresh yourself as we close in on the final quarter of 2020 – traditionally the run in to Christmas is a good time for doing deals prior to the Christmas holidays.

It has been a year of mixed fortunes so far in terms of corporate finance activity. When lockdown was announced we had a couple of deals reaching the due diligence stage and that looked likely to be completed

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by the summer holidays, well COVID-19 had other ideas and those deals are now on the backburner!

Hopefully, as we come out of the pandemic they will be in a position to progress, but having had up to six months negative impact on businesses in terms of income and profitability, it may mean such deals will not be ready to go again until next year.

On a more positive note, we have helped a number of local businesses to secure CBILS loans with 100 per cent success rate and have assisted with several distressed sales saving jobs along the way.

I regularly hear owners of businesses saying that they need higher valuations to get them to sell “because

if I hold onto it a few more years I could have earned that amount of money and still have the business to sell” – my typical response is that the money you receive ongoing is heavily taxed so you might only see 40 per cent of the money that you take out each year, whereas in a sale and with entrepreneurs relief in place, you would get all the cash now and at 10 per cent effective tax rate.

This therefore reduces personal risk and protects you from potential economic or business threats such as new technology, new competitors, recessions, global banking crisis, political uncertainty and now added to the list global pandemics!

I have been through

a number of economic shocks and they all create opportunities for some and threats for others, at the minute it is a buyers’ market, so opportunistic buyers will do very well.

So, as the old Latin phrase goes and rather aptly the moto of the British Army’s Yorkshire Regiment - Virtutis Fortuna Comes “fortune favours the brave” let us hope that the worst is now behind us and that local businesses can play their part in helping to get the country firmly back on its feet and flourishing again.

Patrick Abel Corporate Finance Partner Hart Shaw LLP patrick.abel@hartshaw.co.uk

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Your monthly guide to what’s on in Sheffield

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LAUNCHPAD

SANTINI 7

Dominic Bohannan tells unLTD how support from Launchpad helped him set up Santini 7®️Sports, a nutritional supplements and clothing brand

Tell us about your company?

Santini 7®️Sports is a nutritional supplements and clothing brand.

Our Angry Dog™ Whey Protein has two flavours – and we pride ourselves on the fact we have minimal ingredients, no preservatives, no fillers and no additives.

We also have our football Nutritional partners – Huddersfield Town WFC and Wakefield AFC. Our clothing range originally consisted of both women’s and men’s highperformance training t-shirts and vests.

We are now about to launch our fighter training Rash Guards and two new items exclusively from our partnership with Huddersfield Town Women’s Football Club.

When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?

Whilst walking home from having my car being repaired at a garage, I was looking for a gym to kill some hours but there was not any around. And then my first initial thought was ‘why not open a gym?!’

I quickly realised that would not in any way fulfil all the ideas and visions I had – then I thought of supplements!

I have also had quite a few family difficulties these last few years – things can really change your mindset and it has certainly mine.

If you want something and believe in something only YOU can make it happen.

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making relationships with top professional clubs and athletes. We now have three partnerships/associations with professional football clubs, an MMA athlete and a kick-boxer!

DOMINIC BOHANNAN

How has Launchpad helped you?

Massively! Launchpad have been extremely helpful in educating me on lots of marketing and business strategies.

I was lacking in knowledge around digital marketing; Launchpad have offered support, advice and great connections, meaning I am now working with a fantastic Barnsley based digital company who are helping me with an ongoing strategy.

What are your hopes and aims for the business?

I don’t believe in hope, to

be honest. I believe in hard work and absolutely going for it! My aim is for Santini 7®️ Sports to be a worldrecognised brand – trusted, vibrant, different from all the rest.

How has the pandemic affected your decision to start a business?

We launched on 28th January 2020 – six weeks later a world pandemic happened!

We were getting our products into local gyms, wholesalers, health shops – then, bang! – all shut. I started messaging people –

Launchpad business startup advisor Ben Hawley said: Dom has the right idea with this business, and is using influencers and people with a loyal following to help establish the brand and it’s values.

Using this as a spring board to drive sales with their followers is a proven way to grow a business.

Dom has really taken advantage of the Launchpad programme and has had one to one support as well as attending our workshops.

We feel that the blend of support we offer means we can help any prestart or young business.

Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.

Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.

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For further details, contact Mark on 0114 236 9640 or visit www.albion-detection.co.uk

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

SCR SKILLS BANK

SKILLS BANK BOOST FOR BEAUTY CLINIC Enhance Aesthetics and Laser Clinic in Rotherham have benefited from help with training from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership’s Skills Bank to support their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though the business was doing well before COVID-19, the business had furloughed its employees at the beginning of lockdown when beauty salons had to close, so they reached out to Sheffield City Region’s Skills Bank for support to help them build back better following the pandemic. They did this by securing 80 per cent funding support for employee training from Sheffield City Region’s Skills Bank.

Kate Killeen, owner of Enhance Aesthetics, told us: “I currently own two businesses in the beauty sector. I started as a clinic manager in 2014, and in 2017 I took over Enhance as my own successful business with two employees.

en ,

elp e

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“Although the pandemic has presented challenges, as we were amongst the first industries to close before lockdown and the last to reopen, it has also meant that some of the fundamental changes I wanted to make are as important as ever. These changes will now not just be the key to being profitable, they will be essential for survival.”

Having engaged with the Local Enterprise Partnership’s Skills Bank in 2019, Kate knew that help was available in the region and contacted the service to explore ways they could support her to not only survive the current crisis but also put in place the foundations for future success and growth.

For companies that need more support to understand the issues and identify needs, the Growth Hub and Skills Bank Skills Advisors are a dedicated and free service to help all companies identify how they can access the help, support and funding that’s available. Businesses can access growth specialists, finance advisors, innovation advisors and skills advisors, all via the Growth Hub. Expert skills advisors can help businesses to submit their applications and advise what other business support is available.

Kate continued: “Without the training I accessed through Skills Bank, I would not be planning for growth over the next five years” “The training, delivered by

a business in the Sheffield City Region, allowed me to examine the business, recognise our strengths, identify areas for development and develop a strategy to move forwards. This is just the start – I’m now keen to develop additional skills to manage the growth of the business.

“I have also initiated motivation training to help my staff adjust to returning to work after furlough. Together we will get used to new ways of working and to making sure our customers feel safe.”

Every business in Sheffield City Region can access highquality advice, training and funding to help them develop and grow. This includes online training programmes for businesses during the crisis and a rapid response service for businesses helping with the government’s Coronavirus strategy, such as producing protective personal equipment (PPE) or sanitisers.

Discover the range of services that are available to help your business and get in touch with our advisors by visiting www.skillsbankscr.co.uk

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Expert recruitment for employers across the Sheffield City Region

For advice or support on your next recruitment campaign drop us a line on 0114 321 1873

www.glurecruit.co.uk 50

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

SOCIAL CARE FUNDING

HOW DO WE PAY FOR SOCIAL CARE? Social care and care homes are never far from the headlines. With the government currently exploring new potential funding methods, Future Life Wealth Management MD Jill Thomas takes a look at an issue close to her heart So just how do we pay for social care? It is an issue that is close to my heart. I have an elderly mother who needs support. I too, like many of you I am sure, also think about how my own situation will be in the years ahead.

Latest figures show that 45 per cent of people in the UK cover the total cost of care homes, with another 12 per cent of people paying but having some ‘top up’ by local authorities. A care home can cost up to £1,500 a week.

How can we afford that as individuals and as a society as the population ages? And how can we afford to pay for social care for those who are able to stay at home?

By 2040 it is predicted there will be 10 million people over the age of 75, with one in five of us getting to 100. (The monarch will be busy signing all those birthday cards!)

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A few weeks ago, the press was full of stories saying over 40s will have to pay more tax or national insurance or be compelled to take out insurance. The idea, backed

by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, is being examined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s new health and social care taskforce and the Department of Health and Social Care.

The proposals are similar to what already happens in Germany and Japan. In Germany everyone pays towards their care costs as soon as they start working, and pensioners contribute, too.

Currently 1.5 per cent of every person’s salary, and a further 1.5 per cent from their employer or pension funds, is ringfenced to pay for social care. In Japan everyone starts contributing from the age of 40.

Exactly how it could work here is being looked at. Would

it be through payroll tax or insurance? Whichever way, experts say any insurance model would have to be compulsory to make sure people contribute.

In the meantime, as financial planners we know there are ways of helping with care costs and we can advise on various products, such as an Immediate Care Plan.

But in terms of the overall

cost to society what can we do? The Local Government Association estimates a £2.6 billion gap, in funding for adult social care.

One thing is for sure, social care and care homes are never far from the headlines. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 care homes have very much been in the spotlight.

Introducing a comprehensive and reliable system like that in Germany and Japan would “arguably [be] an appropriate act of national atonement after the catastrophic loss of life we’ve seen in care homes during the pandemic”, says Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK. I just know that the system of funding social care and care homes needs an overhaul.

After all, we all want to live as long as we can, and in the best way we can.

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INTERIORS

BRINGING THE

OFFICE HOME Not surprisingly, the increase in home and remote working as a result of COVID-19 has seen a rise in enquiries and sales of office furniture as well as new workspaces and hubs popping up in residential gardens. So, we decided to chat to The DL Company about the new trend – plus unLTD readers already benefiting share their spaces with us!

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INTERIORS

Been perching on a kitchen stool on the laptop or at the dining room table throughout lockdown while working from home?

You’re not alone. So, no surprise that The DL Company has seen a rise in enquiries about and sales of their Work @ Home range of late, as well as interest in their home garden offices and rooms.

Plus, Sheffield, it turns out, is perfectly placed to capitalise on the trend for home offices and workspace.

Daniel Lowe, managing director at the DL Company explains: “Thanks to the housing styles Sheffield has, with lots of terraced, detached and semi-detached housing, this means there is usually a back garden for people to create their office space. This means people can save money on a home extension and avoid having to put up with the inconvenience of holes in walls and lack of access to the rooms being extended while that’s being done!

“It’s all about extending

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the home, and office, into the garden and adapting the space to suit that.

“In the beginning of lockdown, working from the kitchen was quite novel! But with it becoming permanent for some and others looking for flexibility to combine working from home with the return to the office, routines have become established and it’s important for mental and physical health for there to be a work/life balance when it comes to the working environment.

“Plus, for those working in or near the kitchen the temptation to snack from the fridge is ever present – many have joked they’re twice the size they were before lockdown!

“You may not be travelling or walking to the office or meetings as much so the office furniture has to be suitable and appropriate considering how much more time people will be spending sat at their home desks so we’re seeing an increase in people wanting ergonomic chairs as well as the healthier option of electrically

height-adjustable, sit-stand desks for their home office spaces.

“Equally people need physical and mental headspace where they can concentrate and keep their mind focused on work – that isn’t always easy for parents working from home with young children or those returning from school! But people need to be able to move their brain into work mode away from competing demands, there still needs to be a separation of work and home life and that can happen by going somewhere physically, even if that is walking into the garden to the office pod.

“Some prefer to keep their office in the home and instead convert the space in the garden into a games, exercise or family room so children and other members of the family can enjoy that space in the garden while they continue to work – uninterrupted! – in the house.

So, we can also set up a stud or glass wall in existing rooms in the house to help separate work and home space, too.”

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BRINGING THE OFFICE HOME HOME GARDEN OFFICES AND ROOMS, TO YOUR SIZE AND SPECIFICATION, FROM THE EXPERIENCED CREATORS OF HIGH QUALITY WORKSPACE

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unLTDBUSINESS.COM

INTERIORS It took me at least two years and three room moves to finally find my ideal space to work from home, complete with a salt lamp, potted plants and dog bed under the desk.

I can't imagine ever going back to an office. The idea of the morning and evening commute fills me with dread.

But, successfully working from home requires discipline and a designated space. It does take a few reminders to family and friends that 'popping in' for coffee because they know you're at home isn't appropriate. Cleaning the bathroom can be a task that is a positive use of time when you are procrastinating on making a sales call or analysing data. Yes, I would rather clean the loo than check my sales data, so discipline is important.

My home office began in the living room, a small and compact alcove that I soon outgrew. The backbedroom came next, better WIFI and

Rich Davies account manager at Affinity said: “During lockdown Affinity continued to function with the team working from home to ensure our level of service to clients was maintained.

“Being a technical company, we had lots of weird and wonderful setups but two that stood out for us were our MD, Colin Beaumont, who had a fairly typical set home office set up. He said: ‘Being able to

run Affinity from home was critical both for our clients and also for myself and the Affinity Team. ‘It also helped that my home office wasn’t far away from the kitchen, so a fresh supply of coffee was always available.’

“David Eastaugh one of our Technical Services Engineers has a slightly more technical set-up and he added: ‘My wife is glad I’m back in the office now as the electricity bill will go down!’”

LORRAINE DIXON, OPEN NARRATIVE

more space so that lasted for a year or so before I found the perfect place in the attic.

There are two flights of stairs, so no-one calls round and the

postman has learned to be patient. It's good for my fitness levels too.

The additional benefit of having my office at the top of the house is that I am not tempted to check my emails or just sort that little thing out once I’ve closed the office door and descended to the ground floor.

Having a dog ensures that I take regular walks in the fresh air. Dude, the cat keeps a close eye on what's happening and networking means I'm not isolated. Sheffield has a great networking scene for small businesses and during lockdown this increased due to Zoom opportunities.

As for sustainability, I don't need to travel, my electricity is through a 100% sustainable source and there's no plastic packaging on my lunchtime panini.

RICHARD MICHIE, CEO -THE MARKETING OPTIMIST

Richard Michie, CEO -The Working from home has Marketing Optimist, said: worked out well for us overall, “The whole Marketing but we do miss the office Optimist team began interactions which have working from home before become a lot harder over lockdown, so we've been Zoom, it's not quite the same.” doing this for a while now.

“My set up is pretty simple –Ikea desk and chair, laptop, phone etc. To keep me inspired, and to have stuff to fiddle with, ?

I've got loads of Star rden Wars Lego around ur gaiture o y e in urn and my Tie Fighter offic ate f ce? omeppropriworkspa h sits proudly on the a y a Fancr office-ur home pany side, desk.

O or yo m River 2RX f L Co 9 “To remind me he D Jessopsffield S y.com T n 0 , She of my roots I've got a 2 : p s om ne res an illustration of the Add tside La@thedlc4 0202 ny a 4 h s Roxy Nightclub on Brigail: sale l: 0114 2 dlcomp Cal r: @the Em my wall by Sheffield te artist Jonathan Wilkinson.

Twit

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D E R I P S N I

AFFINITY MD, COLIN BEAUMONT'S HOME OFFICE

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ADVERTORIAL

INVESTMENT LIFTS STREET CRANEXPRESS AND BXH INTO A NEW ERA Sheffield-based national crane service provider Street Cranexpress and Electrical Control and Automation Products distributor BXH are moving into a new era.

The renowned companies – part of the SCE Industries group – has invested more than half a million pounds in expanded and modernised offices including a modern training centre, staff gym and workshop improvements, at Tyler Street, Wincobank.

The SCE Industries group has emerged following changes earlier this year when SCX Special Projects – the company which designed the Centre and Number One Courts at Wimbledon and designed and installed the retractable pitch at Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium – was acquired by

RAY FLETCHER

Elysian Capital. At the helm of the 100 plus strong team are chairman Simon Eastwood, managing director Ray Fletcher, operations director James Eastwood and Mick

Keeping British manufacturing moving since 1972 SCE comprises two complementary businesses that specialise in overhead crane asset management and maintenance, as well as industrial control, drives, and automation products.

Our new brand identity better represents who we are, the many key industries that we support and more importantly, the customers we continue to serve.

streetcranexpress.co.uk | bxh.co.uk

MICK SOUTH

South – BXH director.

“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Ray. “As we emerge from COVID-19, we are strongly placed with our range of services and

products to keep production lines moving across the UK in many sectors, from heavy industry to energy providers; from utilities to food distribution."

ADVERTORIAL

Business Development Barnsley College

Could an industry Placement transform your business?

Join a fully funded placement programme giving you access to the next generation of employees now.

Carl Britton, Organisational Manager, Whitshaw Builders

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“Owen has been an absolute star, picking things up really quickly and having a really positive impact on my workload. He’s even come away with Quickbooks Certification - something that wasn’t initially planned that he can use in his career going forward.”

Angela Proud, Proud Bookkeeping Ltd.

www.barnsley.ac.uk/industry-placements workplacements@barnsley.ac.uk

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“We have offered our second industry placement student an apprenticeship. He’s shown that he has fundamental qualities that employers wouldn’t be able to assess accurately through any other classic assessment, such as interviews etc. It really is an opportunity for both students and employers.”

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ADVERTORIAL

LINKEDIN – HELPING IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE Property investment strategist Rochelle Gilburn says LinkedIn has become more than just a sales platform – and explains how the 'LinkedIn community' has helped her in both life and business

LinkedIn used to be about showing off your CV to perspective employers. You’d add the people you knew in real life and reject the requests from anyone who wasn’t a recruiter. And people very rarely posted unless it was to sell you something.

Times have changed and so has LinkedIn. Lockdown has spoilt the fun of real-life networking events, but we still have LinkedIn – one of the best places to meet new people.

It’s become a fun place to hang out and you can easily get lost down that rabbit hole of interesting posts. Of course, there are a few people out to spoil it who we like to call the LinkedIn police. They hang around telling anyone who dare post about something that isn’t business related, “This is not Facebook”.

But we don’t want to see the same old sales posts being regurgitated every day. We want to get to know you. At the end of the day, people buy from people.

I post about everything from the difficulties I have after losing my husband, to the latest audio book I’m listening to, I can even get quite political at times. Then I throw in the odd business post.

I was shocked when one of my posts got over 10,000 likes and reached over 500,000 people. I didn’t think it was anything special, I was just sharing a simple story of how my little boy’s teacher had asked if I would mind him

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ROCHELLE GILBURN

making a Father’s Day card and who would I like him to write it to. I’d explained that even though his Daddy was in heaven, I felt quite comfortable for him to write it to Daddy and put it up next to his photo in our living room.

The post exploded and I had thousands of people visiting my profile and the connection

requests were going mad. I received lots of messages of support but also messages from people wanting to do business with me.

The support among the LinkedIn community is massive and I have really felt that over the last few months.

I sometimes think I’ve overshared. I don’t mean to

make people feel emotional, I don’t do it for sympathy, but I do want them to feel inspired.

To see that we are capable of anything we put our mind to, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn or feel free to email me at rochelle@ gilburninvestmentgroup.com

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

SHEFFIELD CITY REGION

BUSINESSES HELP TRANSFORM CAREERS EDUCATION FOR YOUNGSTERS Sheffield City Region has secured more than £130,000 of funding to further boost careers education, helping to tackle youth unemployment and supporting businesses to build back better from the challenge of Coronavirus. We’re asking businesses to support the initiative by opening up to young people for mentoring, shadowing and work experience to help with skills development.

A new Careers Hub will be launched in Sheffield, allowing up to 55 new local schools and colleges to work together with universities, training providers, employers and careers professionals to improve careers education.

The new hub will work alongside Doncaster’s existing Careers Hub. Employers are being asked to get involved to give young people great experiences in workplaces.

Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “The region’s new Careers Hub is crucial in helping to prepare and inspire young people for the fast-changing world of work. I’m determined that we support our young people and businesses through this incredibly challenging time, and the Careers Hub can give both the skills they need to thrive.

“This will help our effort to make South Yorkshire stronger and fairer as we build back better from COVID and is a step toward delivering our Renewal Action Plan, which will support over

unLTDBUSINESS.COM

55,000 training and job opportunities and create 3,000 apprenticeships.”

Careers Hubs are a central part of the government’s Careers Strategy, published in December 2017. A Careers Hub is a group of up to 55 secondary schools and colleges who work together to collaborate with business partners, the public, education and voluntary sectors. Mainstream and special schools will both be supported. Their aim is to improve careers outcomes for young people.

James Muir, Local Enterprise Partnership Chair, said: “The members of our Careers Hub will have a shared vision of how to work together to improve outcomes for the young people in their area.

“This is essential as we strive to drive economic growth, create new jobs and attract new investment from companies across the world. This work will secure our

pipeline of local talent ready to take on the work demands of the future.”

Sue Frost, Enterprise Adviser who currently volunteers with schools in the Sheffield City Region, explained the benefits: “My aim is to set young people up for success in the workplace by creating a strong link between the skills and knowledge that employers want and the school curriculum.

“Contact with an employer has a powerful impact on young people, bringing the world of work to life, widening horizons and boosting aspirations. The new Careers Hub will give employers an unmissable opportunity to inspire others by sharing their invaluable knowledge and experience of the workplace.”

Businesses that are able to help or would like to share ideas can contact katy.pugh@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk Find out more about careers hubs at sheffieldcityregion. org.uk/south-yorkshirecareers-hub/

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CHARITIES

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR BELL & BUXTON FUNDRAISERS! Sheffield-based Bell & Buxton Solicitors have raised over £1,000 during their fundraising Wing Walk for the Master Cutler's Challenge.

Solicitor Bal Boughan took part in the Wing Walk, raising £1087.90 – smashing the fundraising team’s original target of £800.

Bal took to the skies at Wickenby airfield, where she was perched on top of a Boeing Stearman Biplane, built in 1942.

During the Wing Walk, which lasted 10 minutes, the plane was at altitudes from 100ft to 700ft and travelled at speeds between 80mph and 110mph.

In 2019, Bal signed up for the Wing Walk as part of The Master Cutler's Challenge, however, due to the pandemic, the walk was postponed three times.

The Master Cutler's Challenge invites businesses in Sheffield to transform a £50 investment into as much fundraising as possible for two great charities - St Luke's Hospice and Rotherham Hospice.

The work of these charities means that people living with a terminal illness, and their families, are as comfortable, dignified and supported as possible.

BAL BOUGHAN TAKES TO THE SKY IN AID OF THE MASTER CUTLER'S CHALLENGE

SHEFFIELD FIRM SPONSORS FIRST ROOM AT PACES’ NEW HOME The plans for a new home for Paces, the South Yorkshire specialist centre, charity and school for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and motor disorders, are receiving a boost as a leading Sheffield firm signs up as the first sponsor of a room in the £3.6 million building.

Professional Energy Purchasing will support the new Adult Life Skills Room, a key part of the new facility under development just off the Sheffield Parkway. It is hoped the centre, which will be a national hub for conductive education, will open in 2022.

Linda Spencer MD of Professional Energy Purchasing said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Adult Life Skills Room which will provide individually designed support for adults to help them learn daily living skills such as food planning and cooking.

“Paces is personally

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JULIE BOOTH (CENTRE) OF PROFESSIONAL ENERGY PURCHASING

important to me as I have a 45-year old son with learning difficulties who can live independently because of organisations like it.

“Our team are looking

forward to getting involved with other fundraising activities to help Paces achieve their target to build their school and centre.”

Julie Booth, head of

fundraising at Paces, said: “We are incredibly grateful and extremely excited to welcome Professional Energy Purchasing as a charity partner.”

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AFTER HOURS

RE-OPENING

HOURS D L IE F F E H S IN S T N EVE

Last month saw both Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys raffling off his guitar to support The Leadmill and the #WeMakeEvents campaign make headlines across the UK. The events industry is no doubt one of the hardest hit by the pandemic with a long road to recovery ahead, so unLTD’s Dan Laver and Sasha Mossman spoke to the wider events community in Sheffield to find out their hopes for the future

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AFTER HOURS

The Expo People Address: Works 57, Chippinghouse Road, Sheffield S8 0ZF Website: www.theexpopeople.co.uk Social Media: Facebook: TheExpoPeople Twitter: @TheExpoPeople Paul Tomes, Director at The Expo People, said: “We install stands and displays at events mainly across the UK but also across Europe - given that the events that we operate at are essentially ‘mass gatherings’ our business has taken a huge hit since mid-February when organisers started to pull events that were scheduled.

“We’ve gone from looking like having our best year on record to turnover reducing to almost zero overnight – which obviously has ramifications.

Like many industries, we’re suffering at the moment and have adapted to, with the help of our fantastic clients.

“While the difficulties faced by the events industry have received plenty of publicity thanks to well-known artists and public figures, the sector stretches a lot further than

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music venues and theatres, with the pain being felt right through our own industry and the businesses that rely on events like conferences, expos and shows. We know the value of business events and the amount of money that they generate for individual businesses and in turn the economy – they often underpin a company’s sales strategy – as an example, a manufacturing client of ours takes 80% of their annual orders at an annual three day exhibition.

“The real challenge for the industry is getting the first exhibition to run – as undoubtedly it will be a huge success – never has there been such a demand and human desire to do face-toface business in a safe way after the amount of time that people have spent in lockdown this year. As an industry, we feel that we are ahead of the curve so to speak in terms of managing the spread of traffic and collecting attendee contact details for track and trace purposes (this was already normal at exhibitions) so it’s just a case of organisers and exhibitors having the

The real challenge for the industry is getting the first exhibition to run – as undoubtedly it will be a huge success – never has there been such a demand and human desire to do face-to-face business in a safe way.

confidence to go ahead with an event – something which was intended to be addressed by #projectconfidence.

“Although official government guidance is expected to allow events to take place post October 1st, subject to the successful test-event operation, it looks unlikely that any of the main organisers will run an event before at least mid-November as it is deemed as too much of a gamble. As an industry, we feel that there needs to be an industry wide compromise to get the exhibition industry moving again, whether that be flexible contracts or government subsidies. There are well over one million jobs on the line across the supply chain which includes not just the organisers but Stand agencies like ourselves and other key supply chain operators. Some of the big players in particular with large overheads are really struggling - for us, our 2021 order book has never looked stronger but there still remains the anxiety of a potential second wave and what impact that would have on the ability to hold mass gatherings in 2021.”

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ONE OF THE WILDFIRE EXPERIENCE AGENCY'S REMOTE ESCAPE ROOMS

Wildfire Experience Agency Address: Wildfire House, Bradbury St, Sheffield S8 9QQ Website: www.spreadlikewildfire.co.uk

together and came up with a range of events we can run through Zoom or other video platforms.

“While workplaces were fragmented and with many Nathan Angus, MD of Wildfire working from home, we Experience Agency said: believe that team building “Wildfire Experience Agency plays a massive part in creates and delivers exceptional helping wellbeing and mental activities, themes, props and health. Everyone needs some events, specialising in delivering interaction, fun and positivity team building and corporate at a time when having limited events with added quality and contact. professionalism, with a wide “Pivoting our business in variety of events and activities a short space of time came from Crystal Maze collection to with challenges – learning motorised sports. new technology, building “Prior to COVID-19 Wildfire green screen studios, creating was running around seven engaging events and ensuring events a day across the country everything pulled together. that usually had between 100 to Learning a lot from these, we 2,000 people taking part. With have created a strong product May, June and July being our range of remote and online busiest months and was on track events. to be a record, COVID-19 has had “With remote escape rooms, a huge impact on the business. online quizzes with our fabulous “As a family company that hosts, teambuilding activities has been built to always be or our online musical bingo, we positive, to strive for better and can still give teams that event to exceed expectations, we feeling to pull everyone together knew we had to adapt and pivot whilst keeping safe. Our online Wildfire to the new normal of events have gone down a hit online meetings and events. with us expanding our reach We knew that the industry will from not only the UK but across be changing for the foreseeable the globe to the USA, China and future so we pooled our ideas further afield. These events have

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PETER CLARK OF GRAYSON SOLICITORS, LEFT WITH ARTIST ALAN PENNINGTON

been enjoyed by businesses keeping their teams engaged, and for families and friends who have got together online.

“Our team have adapted brilliantly to the new normal by taking precautions, social distancing and following safety measures whilst running the online events. Planning for socially distanced events in the upcoming months is exciting for Wildfire as the team can’t wait to get out and run exciting events as nothing compares to face-to-face events. With plenty of events that can be adapted to ensure everyone is safe, this is a major step forward for Wildfire and getting back to providing exceptional events.”

Art in the Gardens Address: Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Clarkehouse Road, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN Website: www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/ visit/events/art-in-the-gardens Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons, said: “We were delighted to hear the news that Sheffield City Council had decided to stage Art in the Gardens this year following a time of great uncertainty.

“This year’s event will be one of the most important in the show’s history as it signals some sort of normality returning to the local arts world.

“Last year was our first as premier sponsors and it’s an honour for Graysons Solicitors to return in 2020.

“We have a keen interest in the art and the cultural life of our great city. “We’re also the new sponsors of Sheffield Young Artists 2021 and regularly work with local artist Alan Pennington.

“Many of his designs are displayed at our offices and you will also see his artwork when you visit our stall at Art In the Gardens.

“Lockdown had a dramatic effect on life at Graysons as it did everywhere. But I’m glad to say our lawyers and client advisors adapted well to working remotely and we have continued to deliver high standards of client care and service during lockdown and the ongoing restrictions.

“The arts sector has arguably been one of the last to get back on its feet after lockdown and we are pleased to do our bit to help by backing Art in the Gardens again.”

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NEIL ANDERSON (RIGHT) OF DIRTY STOP OUTS AT A RETRO BOOK LAUNCH AT ATKINSONS

Dirty Stop Outs Website: www.dirtystopouts.com Social Media: Facebook: dirtystopouts Instagram: @dirty_stop_outs When the region’s bars and clubs shut in March there was no one better placed to boost the morale of the leisurestarved region than Sheffieldbased Dirty Stop Outs. Owner, Neil Anderson, said: “As soon as lockdown hit, I realised I was in a unique position to provide a welcome distraction from the troubled times. We took the decision to plunder our archives and provide reams of free content celebrating long gone nightspots.

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“Newspapers were provided with scores of chapters from our best-selling books; our Facebook posts and blogs regularly attracted tens of thousands of views.

“We even changed our name, temporarily, to the Dirty Stop-Ins. “We kept boosting morale right up to the re-opening of the pubs – and we decided to continue as a show of support to live music venues and nightclubs which still remain shut.

“Over five months since the start of lockdown and the digital presence of Dirty Stop Outs has grown that much, we’ve now taken the decision to move eighty per cent of the business online and limit the

We kept boosting morale right up to the re-opening of the pubs – and we decided to continue as a show of support to live music venues and nightclubs.

amount of products we sell through high street retailers like HMV and Waterstones.

“We’ve just unveiled a new e-commerce platform at www.dirtystopouts.com, which is set to be the hub of the future operation.

“The reaction has been fantastic, and it has made me realise Dirty Stop Outs is in a position to be a strong e-commerce brand and that’s the direction we’re now going in.

“That’s not to say Dirty Stop Outs hasn’t been adversely affected by the lockdown.

We’ve lost thousands of pounds due to cancelled and postponed retro events. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that they can go ahead in the first half of 2021.”

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