TopicUK SouthYorks Jan 2017

ISSUE 9 JANUARY 2017

South Yorkshire's free business community magazine

WWW.TOPICUK.CO.UK WW

LEADING THE CHAMBER TO CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE Chamber Leader

Andrew Denniff,

PROFESSOR WINS DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

BT CREATES 500 JOBS IN DONCASTER

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Independent Education for Boys & Girls Aged 3-18

Silcoates School An all-round education with an academic edge

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Silcoates School, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, WF2 0PD 01924 291614 | enquiries@silcoates.org.uk www.silcoates.org.uk | Charity No. 1158796

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South Yorkshire Update

Contents & Comments

Details in this month‘s TopicUK, your Local Business Community Magazine

P07 Close Brothers commit to Doncaster’s future

P15 Keep safe on dark nights

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P17 All signs point to growth for Barnsley firm

P23 New Chamber President P26 Restaurant Review The Botanist

P41 Crowne Plaza wins industry Awards

Projects receive £50k Grants

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Horsebox manufacturer motors into Barnsley

MP campaigns to save steel works

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Professor is Director of the Year

Leading the region and the Chamber

The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers and therefore no responsibility can be held by the publisher for misinterpretation. Reproduction of this magazine without the express permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Whilst every

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care is taken in the production of this magazine, the publisher/editor cannot accept any responsibility for errors in articles, advertisements or programme schedules. To subscribe to this magazine, submit an article or press release please contact Gill Laidler on: or email editor@topicuk. co.uk Published by Ghost Publishing Limited.

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Editor’s Notes

by Cat Yaffe

TopicUK GROUP EDITOR Gill Laidler

Hi, and welcome to the latest issue of TopicUK South Yorkshire.

EDITOR CAT YAFFE

Since our last issue we have grown the TopicUK family by adding a Leeds edition to our portfolio which will sit alongside existing editions in Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale and our magazine here in South Yorkshire. We offer discounts for advertising across all of our magazines so if you’re looking to raise your profile outside of South Yorkshire please do let me know.

In this issue, resident restaurant reviewer Anthony Hegney takes a trip to newly opened Sheffield restaurant The Botanist. You can read his review on page 26. If you own or manage a hotel or restaurant and would like a free editorial review then contact me to discuss this further.

As you know, in the November 2016 edition, TopicUK South Yorkshire became members of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber, and it was my great pleasure to chat with Chief Executive Andrew Deniff. In this issue he shares his hopes for the region now, and in the future.

November also saw the launch of our very own networking event TopicTapas. Over 70 businesses from across Yorkshire attended and it was a tremendous success. Our next event is on the 12th January, and tickets are still available but get in quick as we fully expect it to be another sell out. Contact me directly to book your place.

Finally, as always a huge thank you to all our partners and contributors. Let’s make 2017 the best year yet!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ROB BLACKWELL

LOCAL HEROES EDITOR

THE ARTS HELEN BALL, THE CIVIC BARNSLEY

FOOD & RESTAURANT REVIEW ANTHONY HEGNEY, ASPARAGUS GREEN

WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SOUTH YORKSHIRE AREA? TopicUK can reach thousands of readers using both our printed and digital media at costs affordable to any size of business.

Full page advert £350.00 Half page advert £225.00 Quarter page advert £175.00 Should you want to become a sponsor, there are packages available that will give you a full page advert in every issue for one year, free editorial in each edition as well as free space on our website which currently enjoys up to 18,000 monthly visitors.

To take advantage of the superb offers available, call us now on

07741 271 788 07711 539047 or

email cat@topicuk.co.uk Barnsley Business & Innovation Centre Innovation Way Barnsley South Yorkshire S75 1JL

Tel: 07741 271 788 - cat@topicuk.co.uk - www.topicuk.co.uk - Ghost Publishing Ltd - Suite 6 Unity Works Westgate Wakefield WF1 1EP

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South Yorkshire Update

TopicUK family continues to grow November was a month of further growth for TopicUK with the launch of TopicTapas and TopicUK Leeds edition.

This follows hot on the heels of TopicTV and from January, readers and TopicUK followers will have access to our new website which will feature video, blogs and allow businesses to upload their own press releases and images.

The new site will feature interviews with business leaders, who appear in our magazines,” explained Group Editor and founder Gill Laidler “and similar promotional videos can be made for your own business, at very affordable costs, to appear not just on our website, but on your own and across social media.

visible so it can thrive and grow, but we appreciate this can be costly and takes a lot of time,” continued Gill. “This is why we launched TopicUK in Wakefield almost four years ago, so we can take care of this for you, affordably. Our partnership base is growing and we have retained partners who joined us when we first launched, proving that the service we offer works.”

“Video is very popular, so offering this service, alongside our printed magazine and of course with face to face networking at TopicTapas, we are in a position to take businesses and promote them at every possible opportunity.

The first TopicTapas took place in November at The National Coal Mining Museum for England, and despite the horrible weather, 72 businesses joined us for delicious food and great networking.

Partnered with Barclays, Yorkshire Telecommunications and Williams & Co Solicitors, TopicTapas is non-profit and all proceeds from the event will be reserved and we are inviting businesses who attend all six planned events over the year, to apply for this pot of cash! If you missed the first one though, don’t worry, there’s still an opportunity to get your hands on the cash. Email editor@ topicuk.co.uk to reserve your place for the next one on 12th January.

“It is so important to keep your business

November also saw the launch of a

fourth magazine, this time in Leeds.

Many Leeds businesses joined us at The Tetley for the unveiling of the new edition whilst enjoying drinks and canapes and entertainment from live band, The Brand New Vinyls.

If you are interested in joining the TopicUK business community with prices starting from a little over £2 a day, do let us know. You would also become a member of our business club where you can enjoy further discounts and offers from other businesses in your area.

Make 2017 the year for you.

BT Create 500 Jobs in Doncaster

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oncaster has been named as one of the four UK towns to benefit from a recruitment drive by Telecoms giant BT. The roles will be at BT’s Customer Service Division, BT Consumer.

BT had previously announced a target for creating 1,000 UK and Ireland customer service roles by the end of March 2017.

The Doncaster contact centre has already benefitted from this plan in May earlier this year, when 90

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new roles were announced.

Tom Keeney, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The workforce at BT’s Doncaster contact centre is once again set to expand. Back in May we announced 90 new jobs for the site and now I’m please to confirm that it will be one of the main sites to benefit from this latest round of UK-wide recruitment.

brilliant customer service looking for secure, well-paid and flexible jobs with long term career prospects and excellent training in one of the UK’s top companies.”

“This is the perfect opportunity for people with a genuine passion for

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Gibson Booth named as Launchpad associate A Barnsley accountancy practice is celebrating after being named as an official associate to a business start-up support programme. sessions and specialist seminars.

Robert Watson, managing director of Gibson Booth, said: “It was a very competitive tender process, we’re extremely proud to be named as official associates and we look forward to working with the Launchpad team.

“By giving a business the right support, you’re giving them the best possible chance to survive. We’ve experienced this first hand and we believe that we’re really going to help to make this programme a successful one.”

Paul Tinsley, manager of the Lanchpad Programme, said: “We are delighted to be working with Gibson Booth.

Enterprising Barnsley and Gibson Booth share a commitment to ensure anyone starting or growing a business in Barnsley gets the best possible support.

Gibson Booth succeeded through tendering to be named as one of the official associates to the Enterprising Barnsley ‘Launchpad’ business start-up programme.

The Launchpad programme is targeted at start-up businesses based in the Sheffield City Region and is overseen by the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub which aims to bring together business support in the city region.

As part of the contract win, Gibson Booth will be supporting businesses across the city region with one-to-one business advice

“Our aim to work together to make the Barnsley Launchpad service the gold standard of business start-up support, a service our local residents can rely on and be proud of.

“As a service free to the customer, being able to bring in an organisation with the stature and kudos of Gibson Booth to provide advice on business finance is a real coup for us.”

Gibson Booth has a wealth of experience in business structure, plans, cash flow projections, budgets and registration procedures. In addition to business start-up support, it offers a wide range of services including; tax planning, finance, audits, payroll, and self-assessment.

Close Brothers commit to future in Doncaster Close Brothers Motor Finance has announced its continued commitment to the Doncaster region by signing a new lease on its Head Office premises.

The £1.7bn business has been based in Doncaster since 1991 and the new lease will ensure their presence in the area for the foreseeable future.

Close Brothers Motor Finance is one of the largest employers in Doncaster, employing over 300 people. Nearly two thirds of employees commute from outside of Doncaster, with many citing superb transport links, as of one of the main advantages of working in the region.

James Broadhead, CEO, comments: “I am really pleased to announce our intention to stay in Doncaster. The final decision was primarily based on our commitment to an area which is an important part of our heritage, but more importantly it demonstrates a commitment to our people, who clearly enjoy living and working in Doncaster.

“I am greatly looking forward to the next chapter in Close Brothers Motor Finance’s history, which will be written, continued and enhanced by being based in Doncaster”

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South Yorkshire Update

Doncaster MP urges Government to save Doncaster Steel Works The Government is being urged to intervene to stop a Doncaster steel company from going into administration.

Balby-based Noel Village Foundry, is understood to be struggling in the face of changing demand and cheap foreign competition.

Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton raised the issue in the House of Commons with Business Secretary Greg Clark, asking for the Government’s ‘urgent advice’. The Labour MP said: “Surely, one of the Secretary of State’s priorities should be the steel industry. “Is he aware that Noel Village foundry in Doncaster is being badly affected by reductions in the steel industry supply chain? “Will he ask his Department to give urgent advice to the company?”

Mr Clark responded by saying the Government intends to publish the details of new public sector steel contracts, which he told the Commons he believed would be good for the industry. He said: “I am happy to meet the right hon. Lady about this, but I can give her some news on steel that I think she will welcome.

Following a £750,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire in 2014 Noel Village attempted to target a new net growth. It was hoped this would be achieved by investing in heat treatment facilities. Just last year the firm attempted to broaden their market to the nuclear sector and was included on the preferred supplier list by nuclear power plant builder EDF. However the company has not achieved the expected levels of growth and now faces administration.

Barmy Eve honoured to be an ambassador

Barmy owner Eve Lodge has been named the ambassador for a new Primary Schools enterprise project across South Yorkshire.

Sheffield-based company Louder Than Life approached teenage Barnsley business woman Eve and asked her if she would be involved in an

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exciting venture that will be rolled out to Primary School kids in 2017.

Starting in February, Louder Than Life (LTL) will be out and about at various Primary Schools in the South Yorkshire region delivering a challenge that is linked to music and business.

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Dawson secures 80 vehicle deal Leading commercial vehicle provider, Dawsonrentals | vans, has increased its customer base by striking up a three-year contract with maintenance, repairs and refurbishment company, Meddo CN Ltd. The new deal, which will see the firm lease up to 80 vehicles to Meddo, has become the largest for the Doncaster branch, taking its van count up to 700 - a 15 per cent year-on-year increase.

The employee responsible for securing the deal is Ellie Wade, who joined the company in March as part of Dawsonrentals | vans’ new Club 120, an initiative set up to hire talented Sales Executives in the early stages of their careers. As part of Club 120, Ellie has a goal of reaching 120 long-term van rentals – something she is now well on her way to accomplishing.

Dawsonrentals | vans will be delivering the vehicles, which have been livered in Meddo corporate colours, to the Lincoln, Rotherham and Warrington Meddo offices. Jim Ward, managing director of Meddo, commented “I am delighted to be working in partnership with Dawsonrentals | vans, their honest

approach and commitment to service made them an easy choice to work with.”

Gareth Jones, managing director at Dawsonrentals | vans, added: “This deal is a very exciting one for the company as it offers a fantastic boost for the Doncaster branch, which is currently seeing impressive levels of growth, and there is still potential for Meddo to expand its fleet further. It is also pleasing to see Ellie’s achievement, as she is the first recruit of Club 120. Her success to date makes for a very exciting time as we

hire more new talent via the scheme.”

In addition to the target of achieving 120 long-term van rentals, members of Club 120 also gain vital skills during a two-week training programme and enjoy a full benefits package comprising of a good basic salary, a first-class commission structure, a quality company car and a pension. Dawsonrentals | vans is currently taking applications for Club 120 in its Reading, Milton Keynes, Doncaster, Skelmersdale and Newcastle branches via LinkedIn and Reed.co.uk.

Recruitment drive for accountants Barnsley accountants Gibson Booth Limited has added to its growing team with the appointment of a new accounts assistant.

Becky Shelswell has joined the business from an accountancy firm in Sheffield and will help with the dealings of limited companies, including preparing their annual accounts.

Becky, 21, is working towards her level four AAT qualification and plans to

continue her studies to train to be a chartered accountant. She said: “I’m really excited to be joining a growing firm and put the skills I have gained so far into practice. I’ve had a really warm welcome from all the staff and I’m very positive about the future at Gibson Booth.”

Managing director Robert Watson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Becky on board. She has quickly gained experience and knowledge and I’m sure she’ll prove to be a great asset to the team.”

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A creative collaboration betw the launch of a new product South Yorkshire Update

Creative collaboration throws light on a new product Ironworker Nigel Tyas and ceramicist Sarah Jones-Morris have put their heads together to design and create wrought iron lamps and pendant lights with porcelain and stoneware shades. the ironworks has been brilliant for my business as I’ve been able to get so much more of my work fired and ready for customers. It’s meant I’ve been able to attend more events, handle more commissions and supply more galleries.

“On top of that I’ve had the chance to try something new and develop shades for Nigel’s lights. It really didn’t take long for us to start talking about working together on these shared projects.”

The Oxspring wrought iron desk lamp, designed by Nigel, incorporates an arched stand with punched or radial detail at its base, and Sarah’s textured stoneware shade at the top.

The Wellhouse pendant light features a delicate, decorated porcelain shade in white, created by Sarah, and suspended on silk braided cable from Nigel’s wrought iron ceiling rose.

The new products are now available via Nigel Tyas Ironwork’s online shop and from the company’s showroom at Millhouse Green, near Sheffield.

Their collaboration started a year ago when Sarah needed a new home for her three foot diameter top-loading kiln.

Nigel said: “We invited Sarah to put her kiln in the corner of our forge.

She’d recently set up her own studio at home, but couldn’t plug the kiln in there as it needs a pretty robust power supply to maintain the 1,240 degrees

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centigrade required to fire her pots.

“We have an industrial standard power supply here and the right environment for a hot piece of kit like that. Our own propane gas-powered forge needs to be heated to a white hot temperature of between 1,000 to 1,100 degrees centigrade every day for us to work our metal.”

Since moving her kiln in, Sarah has been popping up to fill it with new batches of work every couple of weeks.

Sarah said: “Having my own kiln at

Sarah has worked as a potter for ten years now after studying ceramics and fine art at Bretton Hall. She sells her decorative and functional work through galleries across England, Scotland and her native Wales, plus arts and crafts events and via www.notonthehighstreet.com Nigel, and his partner Elizabeth Stocker, set up Nigel Tyas Ironwork in 2000 after Nigel worked for 30 years in metalworking industries. He started his career as a 16-year-old apprentice blacksmith with the National Coal Board at Elsecar workshops in the 1970s and worked for large industrial engineering companies in South Yorkshire before setting up his creative business as a designer-maker.

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between a blacksmith and a potter has led to duct range combining their traditional crafts. as asset management in the shopping centre and industrial estates arena.

Associate Solicitor Sam Matkin has also joined the firm’s growing Business Legal Services division and is based at its Chesterfield headquarters.

The announcement follows recent international recognition for Banner Jones as part of this year’s Legal 500 – the most comprehensive worldwide coverage on recommended law firms broken down by area of specialism – in which its family law and personal injury teams ranked for the fourth consecutive year.

Executive Director and Head of Business Legal Services, Chris Sellars, said that the appointments would ‘further strengthen’ Banner Jones’ award winning legal services team, as well as ensure that the firm was well placed to meet growing demand from a rapidly expanding Sheffield City Region-based business community.

Law firm Banner Jones bolsters business legal services team Law firm Banner Jones has further bolstered its established business legal services division with the appointment of Director and Solicitor Cathy Thomas, as well as Associate Solicitor Sam Matkin.

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oining the firm’s Sheffield-based Commercial Property, team Cathy brings with her more than 10-years’ experience advising on matters including freehold and long leasehold sales, acquisitions and leasing.

Having studied at Liverpool University before joining Nabarro, and subsequently BRM Law, Cathy has particular expertise in landlord and tenant work, as well

He said: “Cathy is a welcome addition to our established commercial property team – bringing with her considerable expertise and experience, and further bolstering our ability to meet increased demand fuelled by an ever expanding business community based within the Sheffield City Region.

“Similarly, the support that Sam will bring to our Chesterfield-based team will be most valued, and we very much look forward to welcoming them both.”

Commenting on her appointment Cathy said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to join an award winning, ambitious law firm with a longestablished reputation for excellence.”

Banner Jones also received regional recognition recently when it was awarded an East Midlands Chamber Business Award for Excellence in Customer Service.

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South Yorkshire Update

Retailer goes for growth with Azzure IT

Reminder to keep safe on dark nights Lone worker experts Peoplesafe are reminding employers and staff to take extra care as the dark nights draw in.

A leading UK e-commerce retailer who designs and distributes unique kitchenware products, has invested in the latest technology to manage its fast growing business.

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ward-winning Andrew James, which sells over 750 niche kitchen and home products to customers across the globe, approached Sheffield business software expert Azzure IT to provide a solution to help meet the demands of a growing and increasingly complex organisation.

Specialists in Microsoft Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Azzure IT has been commissioned to provide and manage the new software for Andrew James, to ensure a single, integrated system to cope with the demands of a diverse clientele, growing business and a continually expanding product range.

Neil Warren, systems manager at Andrew James said: “We now sell to customers worldwide, and has recently expanded to two new locations in the UK. We were previously using ad-hoc IT systems but it became increasingly apparent that we needed an updated, integrated system that could improve visibility of customer demand requirements and to increase overall

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efficiency. We were impressed by both the Microsoft Dynamics NAV and CRM system proposed and Azzure IT’s understanding of our business and their enthusiasm and support.

“We’re confident that choosing a Microsoft product means our system is futureproofed due to ongoing investment and improvements from Microsoft.

“The software is very user friendly and intuitive which means the wholesale change we are implementing will be easy for our team to get to grips with.

We hope investing in the latest technology will mean further growth, efficiency and success for the company.”

Craig Such, managing director at Azzure IT said: “Microsoft Dynamics NAV has exactly the range of functionality that businesses like Andrew James need.

The system can manage everything from warehouse and manufacturing organisations to costing and supply chain. It makes everything much simpler and more efficient and reduces the chance of human error.

More than six million of the 30 million workers in the UK are thought to spend all or part of their working day alone.

They range from postal workers, district nurses and social workers to farmers, shop workers and security guards.

Peoplesafe’s managing director Ian Johannessen said: “The dark nights always seem to come as a surprise and they shouldn’t do.

“What often happens is you go in to a meeting in the daylight and then come out and it’s dark. Or you park the car somewhere that seems safe in the light, but not so when it is dark. A simple bit of planning ahead can make all the difference. Something as simple as parking near streetlights or where it’s busy.

“But it’s not just staff that need to plan ahead, employers need to take responsibility for their employees,” said Ian. “Employers have to remember that out of sight is not out of mind and they have a duty of care to their staff wherever they are. The dark nights are a reminder that organisations need clear and effective systems for managing staff safety throughout the working day.”

Peoplesafe, is one of the UK’s leading providers of simple and lightweight equipment, monitoring services and safety training for lone workers It provides an NSI Gold accredited service, which is the highest possible industry recognition. The service is fully compliant with the British Standard for lone worker provision (8484).

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Dyslexic help for business owners dyslexic can be a huge benefit, as the assessments can outline a person’s strengths as well as weaknesses. “Often someone with dyslexia is highly talented in certain areas but not in others.

One in 10 of us have a “dyslexic profile” according to the British Dyslexia Association, which is why it’s essential to make workplaces dyslexia friendly, said Charlotte Bell owner of CLB Dyslexia Support.

After spending years as a teacher, Charlotte has set up her own accredited business, specialising in assessing people for dyslexia as well as offering them tutoring and positive coping strategies.

She said, “It’s important that people are assessed sooner rather than later for

dyslexia, if they are showing some of the signs such as slow processing skills.”

She continued, “Finding out you are

“Dyslexic individuals frequently exhibit high intelligence; it is just that they are slow at processing certain things and their handwriting may be illegible.

“But once they know they’re dyslexic it can help to boost their confidence as there are a plethora of coping mechanisms and strategies which they can use.”

For more information, go to: www.clbdyslexiasupport.co.uk

Business woman wins award for the 3rd year running lift the face, rather than drain us.

Karina started working for House of Colour over 8 years ago and commented: “Winning this award, for the third consecutive year means a lot to me because it is the recognition that I have delivered a good service and empowered a lot of people along the way.”

“I love working as a colour and personal stylist because I want to empower and inspire individuals to be the best version of themselves through using colour and style techniques. My mantra has always been “dress your shape, know your style and wear your wow colours.”

Sheffield based Karina Laycock has won the prestigious Star Consultant award at the recent House of Colour annual awards.

Karina has won the award for a consecutive 3 years and is now ranked

in the top 10 consultants in the country.

She has helped 100’s of clients across the county to feel more physically and metaphorically confident in their skin.

Through Colour Analysis techniques the pigments that sit underneath someone’s skin can be defined to determine which colours of clothing and accessories

Managing Director at House of Colour, Helen Venables says “It is extremely important for hard work to be recognised and we are extremely grateful to Karina for all the work she has put into her franchise in order to help her clients look and feel wonderful, to have confidence and to be visible for all the right reasons.”

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South Yorkshire Update

All signs point to growth for Barnsley firm

A family owned signage firm in Barnsley has been able to expand and take on global orders resulting in a substantial increase in turnover, thanks to support from Yorkshire Bank.

Barnsley based Totty Signs (Brian Totty Signs and Design Limited) has been making signage for clients in Yorkshire for more than 35 years. The company was established by Brian and Gloria Totty as a traditional sign writers and screen printers. Over the years it has progressed into every aspect of sign manufacture and print, with in-house design studios and the latest technology. From small safety signs up to giant bespoke architectural branding, the firm caters for almost any sign requirements.

Growth at Totty Signs has continued year on year and over the past 12 months there has been a significant spike in turnover, thanks to an influx in enquiries from a number of global brands looking to open premises across the country. However, this put additional stress on the company, which has to buy supplies in advance to cope with increased demand.

To process orders, a substantial increase in cash-flow was required which Yorkshire Bank was able to provide. The deal was delivered by Jonathan Fletcher, relationship manager at the Bank’s business and private banking centre in Barnsley.

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Thanks to an increased cash-flow, Totty Signs has been able to continue taking bigger and bigger orders and now services customers such as Taco Bell UK, Ardagh Group, Dunkin’ Donuts, HSBC and Alton Cars. The Totty team, made up of 14 staff including a complement of designers, fabricators and installation staff, along with Brian’s son Jason Totty and daughter Debbie Brown, are looking to expand the business in the near future.

Commenting, managing director, Debbie, said: “Totty’s has experienced a real spike in growth recently, and it’s great Yorkshire Bank has been there to support us and allow us to take advantage of the influx in new orders. We never say no to a customer and we look forward to growing the business and employing more staff in the near future.”

Founder, Brian Totty, added: “I am really pleased Debbie and Jason have had the initiative to build on what we have created this far for Totty Signs in addition to the support the rest of the team has provided.”

Budvar boasts soaring sales at the Botanist Newly opened The Botanist in Leopold Square has seen thousands of visitors flocking to try the Budweiser Budvar from the Sheffield-exclusive Tankové Pivo.

Among its menu of botanical cocktails and spirits, The Botanist offers a wide variety of craft beers and ales but Budvar is the top choice of customers, with sales sky-rocketing Budvar in the city and love introducing new customers to the product.”

Simon George, Managing Director of Budweiser Budvar UK, said: “Sheffield is renowned for its burgeoning beer scene so we were keen to bring Tankové Pivo to the city in partnership with The Botanist.

“We suspected that Tankové Pivo may sell well but we have been overwhelmed to see just how well it has been received.”

Translated as ‘Tank Beer’, Budvar makes a special journey in airtight containers to give Sheffield drinkers a taste of the award winning beer, fresh and unpasteurised direct from the cellars of the Czech Republic.

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Luxury horsebox manufacturer motors into Barnsley A luxury horsebox manufacturer with royal clients is relocating to Barnsley, creating up to 30 jobs.

Equi-Trek, who export their equine transportation across the world, are moving into the former Fox Wire building near Stocksbridge to enable them to push forward with growth plans.

The family-run company is in the process of closing its five rented locations across Meltham and Slaithwaite in West Yorkshire, and will operate from its new 186,000 sq ft base from January.

The majority of the existing 130-strong workforce will move with them, and interviews are currently taking place for jobs in coach building and administration.

After launching in 1999, Equi-Trek is now the largest producer of horseboxes and trailers in the UK and the largest exporter of vehicles to Europe. They have clients in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East, and following the gain of a commercial relationship with Ford USA they are about to begin exporting vehicles to America.

mile long, will provide an additional 50,000 sq ft of space and will house a showroom at the front, with building and manufacturing facilities behind it.

Equi-Trek has invested £2.8 million in acquiring, clearing and building on the former Fox Wire property off Stocksbridge by-pass. The company’s relocation has been supported by Enterprising Barnsley, which has helped them to secure a £283,000 grant to back the move from the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for Barnsley Council and member of the Leeds City Region Business Growth Fund panel, said: “Inward investment is vital to the economic development of Barnsley and we’re delighted to see such a successful company move into the borough. As well as creating jobs,

Equi-Trek have some really exciting plans for the future and we’re looking forward to supporting their growth.”

Chair of the LEP, Roger Marsh, OBE said: “I am delighted Leeds City Region business, Equi-Trek, are growing their international customer base and creating a significant number of new jobs. The LEP is here to support ambitious companies.”

Tom added: “The support from Enterprising Barnsley and the LEP has been a huge help as we set up our new base here. Demand for our vehicles is growing every year and we’ve had a wonderful welcome to Barnsley, so we are very much looking forward to what the future holds.”

Equi-Trek are also suppliers to the Queen’s estates and the GB equestrian team, and in 2012 they began using their horsebox expertise to manufacture motor homes under the name of Moto-Trek.

Tom Janion, managing director of E1qui-Trek said: “Moving five sites under one roof is no easy task but this feels like the start of a new era for the company, especially now we are starting to supply to America, which could be a huge market for us.”

The new site, which is a quarter of a

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South Yorkshire Update

MK Public Relations appoints new PR Manager A leading Sheffield PR agency has expanded its management team with the appointment of PR Account Manager, Krissie Akrill after winning a burst of new business contracts.

Sheffield Hallam University Graduate Krissie joins MK after a successful career within the Events and Marketing industry.

Recently recognised as an Innovator, Krissie was awarded with The Theme Traders Innovation and Creativity Award in 2012 and is also a Trustee for East Yorkshire based charity, Kickstart Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Support.

Utilising her passion for social media and storytelling, Krissie will work with Directors Caroline Woffenden

and Ashlea McConnell to deliver communication strategies on behalf of local, regional and national clients.

Botanist, Brocco and Commercial Property Partners are among the clients to have recently joined MK’s line up.

MK Public Relations continues to represent some of the region’s leading brands within their individual fields; with Meadowhall Shopping Centre, telematics experts The Floow, and leading online grocer Approved Food remaining on its portfolio. The

Managing Director Caroline Woffenden said: “we continue to move from strength to strength with a raft of recent client wins and this appointment. Krissie’s background and skills will add to MK’s offering as we embark on a very exciting year ahead.”

Loneliness project boosted

by DVLP funding A Barnsley-based project that aims to reduce loneliness amongst men has been boosted thanks to funding from the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership.

Barnsley Men’s Shed, a woodworking workshop designed to bring together men over 35, has received a £2,000 cash injection to help them run a new project in the Dearne Valley area.

Based in the town centre, Barnsley Men’s Shed was established last year by community interest company Inclusion in Action and their new project,

‘Understanding Living Wood’, will encourage men to work together to learn about wood and understand more about its role within the natural environment.

Participants, known as ‘shedders’, will be guided by a living wood expert and the project will involve visits to woodlands in the Dearne Valley. Armed with their new knowledge, the shedders will then

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Prestigious Project for Cutting Technologies Yorkshire laser expert, Cutting Technologies has played its part in helping to create a stunning pavilion at the newly relocated Design Museum, London. of Art who, as part of a co-construction, developed the pavilion in response to this year’s theme – Open.

Designed in partnership with engineering firm, Structure Workshop, the pavilion is now on display and forms part of the inaugural programme at the Design Museum, which re-opened in its new home on Kensington High Street on 24th November.

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he work was commissioned as part of the annual Designers in Residence programme, which sees emerging designers provided with the time and space to reflect, research and consider new ways of practicing.

The pavilion has been designed and assembled by Clementine Blakemore in partnership with the Royal College

produce a series of factsheets to help others understand more about nature.

Phil Jackson, a director at Inclusion in Action, said: “Loneliness is not something that people like to talk about or admit to, especially men, but coming together at the workshops allows them to share their experiences and learn new skills together.

“We have shedders who have lost wives, and also those who simply need to get out of the house, and everyone is really looking forward to getting out into the woods as part of this new project.

“The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership has been nothing but helpful throughout the whole

Jane Robinson, director and co-founder of Cutting Technologies said: “This was a fantastic, collaborative project to work on, in one of the most important locations for the UK design industry.

The pavilion showcases how intelligent structure and engineering can be used to create something aesthetically outstanding and design-led when a team of experts come together.

“The project combines creativity, artistic knowledge and pure engineering

funding process and we’re really grateful to them for the support.”

The project was awarded the £2,000 as part of a wider community-focused initiative from the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP), which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Sally Gawthorpe, community officer at the DVLP, said: “All of the projects we support are worthy recipients, but the Men’s Shed project really stands out in the way it aims to use the natural environment to help tackle social issues.

“Much of our work at the DVLP is

skill – something we aim to bring together at Cut Tec - so we were only too happy to help on a pro-bono basis when approached by Clementine.”

Clementine Blakemore added: “It has been a real privilege to work at the Design Museum, particularly at this moment of transition into its new home; the fact that our pavilion was being built as the renovation of the Museum was still underway meant there was an exciting and productive atmosphere.

“The combination of curatorial input from the Museum, creative and imaginative engineers, a very skilled carpenter, and twelve engaged postgraduate design students from the RCA, allowed the project to become a really fertile ground for learning and exchange for every-one involved.”

The Design Museum officially re-opened on Friday, November 25. For more information, visit: designmuseum.org

around empowering the Dearne Valley community to make the most of the area they live in, so we’re really pleased to be supporting these groups in their work.”

The ‘Understanding Living Wood’ project is due to begin in the next few weeks. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Phil on philip@inclusioninaction.org.

Community groups are still able to apply for grants of between £500 and £2,000 for projects that meet the aims and objectives of the DVLP. Please contact SallyGawthorpe@ barnsley.gov.uk for further details.

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South Yorkshire Update

Regeneration of Sheffield’s ‘forgotten gateway’ Attercliffe Action Development Group to ‘add teeth’ to Council’s Regeneration Plan Ambitious new plans to regenerate the ‘forgotten gateway’ of Sheffield as part of a new initiative is being rolled out by a group of business leaders, based in and around Attercliffe, was unveiled at this year’s Sheffield Business Expo event which took place at the Holiday Inn, Royal Victoria, in October.

The Attercliffe Action Development Group used the platform to unveil its 10-point manifesto, committing to: • • •

Building more homes; Moving the sex trade; Building bridges between the public and private sector by working with the council to free up prime development land.

A spokesperson for the group said the overarching objective was to ‘add teeth’ to the original 10-year Council run Attercliffe Action Plan released in 2011 with a view to building on the success of the Olympic Legacy Park and to promote the economic regeneration and the renewal of the town’s centre to date.

Now, having received renewed commitment from the Sheffield City Council which has pledged to make currently dormant land available to investors and reduce the number of HGVs driving through the town, the renewed action development strategy commits to delivering against the goals in line with the original 2021 deadline.

David Slater from the group, said: “In its rawest form our plan is pretty similar to the plan produced by the Council in 2011; but five years after the original manifesto was unveiled, those on the ground have seen little progress, and we want to help change that.

“Our focus is very much on getting the plans back on track, the local community re-engaged and the business community sat up and paying attention.

“We want to transform this once forgotten gateway of Sheffield into a thriving residential and commercial community that the people of Sheffield East can feel proud of.”

Resolve Wins Outstanding Business of The Year Award Resolve IT have been awarded Outstanding Business of the Year Award at the South Yorkshire Business Awards 2016.

The IT firm, which has employed several new members of staff this year, was commended for excellence in customer service and continued growth.

The Outstanding Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that has demonstrated outstanding growth, customer service, leadership and vision for

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future growth, whilst being an inspiration to other businesses.

The South Yorkshire Business Awards said “This year’s winner has increased their turnover by not only increasing their workforce, but also by having an emphasis on training and progression to help keep customer service a high priority within their company.”

Managing Director, Andrew Seaton, said: “I am thrilled to

have won the award, because it recognises the hard work we have all put in at Resolve, and the fact that we are outstanding across the whole business.”

Resolve were also shortlisted for the Excellence in Customer Service Award and Andrew Seaton was also nominated for Male Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2016 South Yorkshire Business Awards.

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JRI Orthopaedics CEO wins director of the year The chief executive of Sheffield healthcare company JRI Orthopaedics has been named as the UK’s top Mid-Market company director. here in the UK. It is truly an honour to run such a fantastic British company.”

After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Prof Jackson spent the first five years of his career as a design engineer for car manufacturer Jaguar.

After a year of voluntary work in Africa, he returned to the UK to achieve an MSc in Biomedical Engineering.

A Chartered Mechanical Engineer and a Fellow of both the IMechE and the Institute of Directors, Prof Jackson worked in sales, product development and management at JRI Orthopaedics before being appointed Chief Executive in 2010.

In 2015, he was appointed as the IoD’s branch chairman for South Yorkshire and this month also took up the position of Visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

rof Keith Jackson, received the honour at the Institute of Director’s prestigious UK Director of the Year Finals event, held at the Lancaster London Hotel.

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Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK).

It has donated £12m over the last 10 years to fund world class research into bone and joint disease at centres of excellence across the country.

Multi-award winning JRI Orthopaedics has world-class expertise in the design, development and manufacture of orthopaedic implants and surgical instruments. The company, Britain’s largest orthopaedic manufacturer, is uniquely wholly owned by the charity

Prof Jackson said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award from the Institute of Directors. My inspiration comes from the thousands upon thousands of patients who benefit from the transforming implants that JRI Orthopaedics precision manufacture

The IoD awards recognise individuals who have displayed the highest standards of leadership in business, public and third sectors. Winners progressed through regional heats to the national finals.

Louise Gulliver, acting director general of the IoD, said: “Congratulations to all of the winners for their contributions to business and their communities.

Success is built on great leadership and it is important to reward those people have made outstanding contributions to their sector.”

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South Yorkshire Update

New Chamber President Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber are pleased to confirm Lisa Pogson, Joint Managing Director of Airmaster Air Conditioning, as their first female President since the 2007 Chamber merger.

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isa’s focus as President will be on core business and continuing to build on the work that has been ongoing, such as; engagement with Chamber members, Infrastructure and Connectivity, and collaboration across the City Region.

and mentors. Still, I never thought I’d become the first woman President of the Joint BR Chamber or that along the way I would achieve a Masters Degree in Management and become Joint Managing Director of a £12 million business this year - but here I am!”

Commenting on her new appointment Lisa said: “When I left school at 16 with a handful of average GCSEs, a love of English, an interest in property and buildings with a willingness to work hard and help people, I was happy to start on a Youth Training Scheme, as an admin ‘dogsbody’. I have worked at every opportunity and have made fabulous friends and had some great support

Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said. “I am delighted that Lisa has been appointed our President and I look forward to working closely with her over the next two years, during what will be an exciting time for everyone here at the Chamber.”

Airmaster joined as a member in 2011 and Lisa has since become a member of

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Representation Council, Audit & Finance Committee and also an active member of the Women in Business group.

Retiring President, Paul Jagger was presented with his Past President’s badge of office, whilst new appointments to the Board include Anne Wilson MBE of Numill Ltd and Mark Broxholme of Swallow Consultancy, who also becomes a Vice President together with Matthew Stephens of Quest Property.

The appointments were made during the 10th Annual General Meeting which took place on the 10th November at Aston Hall Hotel.

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UK’s 'Internet of Things' guru visits Barnsley

Barnsley school children have had a visit from the UK’s leading champion of the technology of the future – the Internet of Things.

Caroline Gorski leads the Internet of Things UK programme at Digital Catapult. She visited Barnsley to speak to a group of young people at Horizon Community College.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is all about promoting the potential of ‘smart devices’ which connect to the internet and exchange data to carry out everyday tasks. This new technology

extends the power of connectivity from computers and phones to everyday things such as kitchen appliances, security systems and energy meters.

The children at Horizon, aged 11-12, are all taking part in a national competition called ‘TeenTech City of Tomorrow’, creating models of futuristic ‘smart buildings’ which will explore the endless potential that IoT and other new technologies may have to transform our lives. Caroline said: “The Internet of Things is tomorrow’s exciting technology, here today. It is already being used to create innovative solutions to everyday challenges such as managing our homes

and workplaces better, providing health and social care improvements, saving energy and simply organising our lives more efficiently – and it has the potential to do so much more.

“It was great to talk to young people in Barnsley about where this technology may take us in future and to discuss their own projects exploring its potential.

The UK is a leading light in the global development of IoT and bright new ideas can come from anywhere. “That’s why it is so important to engage with youngsters in Barnsley and everywhere to develop their understanding and encourage their inventiveness and creative thinking.”

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SYUpdate

Business in Sheffield is about to change Infrastructure provider CityFibre has announced that businesses in Sheffield City Region will soon be able to take advantage of gigabit speed internet services in a partnership with Exa Networks.

CityFibre is already enabling businesses across the country to expand, future proof and increase productivity through Gigabit Cities; this pure fibre network will provide businesses with a gigabit speed connection (1000mbps), up to 100x faster than a standard business connection.

The network, which spans 110km, will provide local businesses in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster with the following benefits: • Gigabit speed uploads & downloads • Ultra-fast file transfers - speed up your interaction with customers • Buffer-free video streaming & conferencing • Effortless use of cloud applications and services • Future proof your business This next-generation network comes at a critical time as businesses across the country are increasingly concerned about their internet connectivity as the digital dependency and bandwidth needs are ever increasing.

The Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham Gigabit City projects are being delivered in partnership with Exa Networks, an established telecoms provider based in Yorkshire who have been delivering high quality internet services to schools and businesses for over a decade.

Exa Networks’s DarkLight service has been designed as the last internet connection a business or school will ever need to install, providing truly future proofed internet connectivity.

Join the pure-fibre revolution Businesses in Sheffield city centre are now accessing gigabit speed pure fibre internet connectivity, thanks to CityFibre’s completely independent network.

Plug in and supercharge your business:

Ultra-fast upload and downloads: Speeds of up to 1000mbps enables you to fully embrace next-generation cloud services.

Future-proofed connectivity: Supporting your business now with quick and easy upgrades as your digital requirements evolve.

Responsive and resilient network: Allowing your business critical services run smoothly.

Find out more at cityfibre.com/sheffield In partnership with

#digitalrevolutionnorth

To find out more, please visit: https://www. cityfibre.com/gigabit-cities/sheffield/

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Advertorial

Hickton clerk of works builds towards future success with LEP support

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arnsley-based Hickton has been awarded two grants from the LEP’s skills service, totalling £1,897.50. The investment will help to support future growth, allowing the business to continue to build on its 25-year track record in supporting construction projects.

Hickton oversee building work within the construction industry, performing a quality assurance role on high value projects. The wide breadth and scope of its work includes site inspection, project management, forensic investigating, quality assurance, and compliance inspection.

Creating new roles The business recognised the need to invest in training to meet its growth ambitions and allow an existing member of staff to become an internal auditor. This is a role that hadn’t previously been available in the company. The investment in training allowed the business to achieve immediate cost savings, as well as helping to work towards achieving the next certified Quality Management System (QMS) accreditation.

Tony Mobbs, Managing Director

of Hickton, said: “Thanks to the funding from the LEP, we’re now in a great position to deliver further growth for the business.

The training provided the skills to prepare, conduct and follow up on audit activities, creating immediate cost savings for the business, as well as increasing internal capacity.

“We’re currently looking to transition to the newer certified QMS accreditation, and training was required to develop the internal skills and competencies needed to understand, implement and maintain this new quality standard.

“Previously we’ve had to incur costs to outsource the function of an internal auditor so this has helped us save the business money. The training gave the employee the underpinning knowledge of the audit process and for the confidence to lead all our internal audits. We’re grateful for the funding from the LEP as the transition focus of this training, combined with the business benefits and performance strategy elements, has elevated her skill set and knowledge base.”

Since the training has been undertaken, Hickton have been successful in securing additional funding of almost £1,500 from the LEP for management training.

Through the LEP skills service employers have the opportunity to work with a team of expert skills advisors, discuss their long term growth plans and skills needs, and put together a robust training plan for their staff. Businesses can also apply for grants of between £500 and £50,000 to contribute towards their training costs in some cases attracting funding for up to 50% of training costs.

The funding is time limited and applications must be submitted by 31st March 2017.

To find out if your business is eligible for skills support and funding, please visit: www. the-lep.com/skillsservice or contact the team on skills@ the-lep.com or 0113 386 1910.

Further training ambitions

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SY ArtsUpdate

Sometimes it’s not just about ticking the boxes…

BY HELEN BALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE BARNSLEY CIVIC THEATRE

As a child measuring was all about equipment. Rulers for detailed drawings on paper, beakers for liquids in Science experiments and protractors for the angles in Maths.

how many participants attend, how many audience members come to see their performances and even how being part of the work made the participants feel and how they feel it enhanced or developed their skills.

As we get older measuring becomes more complex. It becomes about more than just a simple value calculation. When we measure something we now have to explain why we are measuring it and what impact the act of measuring will have.

In the arts sector where much of the activity is subsidised by supportive grant giving bodies and investors of public funds the measuring is intensified. Demonstrating the return on investment is not just about the quality of what is produced or bought, it’s also about the long term plan for the item. The impact beyond the initial event, the initial purchase; everything must have a purpose.

What is more difficult to identify and more challenging to articulate is what the long term and deep routed impact will be. We can predict with some confidence that participants will over time have gained technical skills in drama or music making, gained in self-confidence and also made some strong new social connections along the way.

Whilst I am completely accepting of the responsibility being publicly funded brings and the absolute Image 1 need to demonstrate transparently where that money is invested, there are aspects about our work that it is often difficult to measure.

For example Cross the Sky who are our theatre company for adults with learning difficulties meet once a week. They produce performances that they devise themselves and they also take part in workshops and skills development sessions. The focus of the theatre group is about participating in the performing arts.

But it is also about so much more than that. We can easily report on

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What we cannot do easily is measure how the participation has changed their life. How attending once a week has really helped them feel less isolated, more valued and improved their self-esteem. Why? Because in all of the participants it’s a very personal thing. Some participants only attend for a short while, others are long standing members. All have varying needs and some struggle significantly with communication.

And so we are beginning to look Images: at ways we can capture people’s stories. How can we measure impact ©Pauline Neild for Across the Sky June2016 in a creative way? How can we encourage participants of the group to express those stories in their own way whilst ensuring we capture the depth of their experience?

I know its value for money. But I can’t fit it into a box. I can’t articulate the value because the depth of the impact is so personal it’s impossible to know its full extent.

However at the same time, that very thing I can’t measure, is the reason why we do the work we do.

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I would welcome advice from any business leaders out there who have identiďŹ ed methodologies or initiatives that could assist us in this area. In the meantime as I embark on writing our next applica-tion for core funding that will support us for a further four years, I wonder whether or not the funder will ever really fully understand how important their investment really is to us, or indeed the people we work with.

If you would like to ďŹ nd our more about Cross the Sky and the amazing talent our members have please contact The Civic on our general number 01226 327000.

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Restaurant Review

By Anthony Hegney Director at Asparagus Green

The Botanist Wow, wow, wow how very lucky are the people of Sheffield with their very own Botanist in the heart of the city centre?

By Anthony Hegney Director at Asparagus Green n entering this amazing building with its stunning architecture we were greeted by a female hostess who swiftly took us to the bar for drinks.

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Glen opted for a mocktail Cucumber & rosemary cooler. He found it very refreshing and the rosemary gave it a great flavour.

Mixologist Oliver, presented us with a cocktail list; where do you start with such amazing choice on the list? This isn’t just a normal run of the mill cocktail bar, it’s at the top of the tree!

We were more than spoilt for choice but, here goes in for a penny in for a pound, myself and Murray opted for one of the Watering Cans which is one of the botanist specialites. We went for the Gin featuring Apricot & Basil it tasted amazing and didn’t seem to last long to say it was served in a standard garden watering can!

Well when I say standard, it was made of metal painted in a soft green colour!

After a short while our hostess came to collect us to take us to our table. I honestly thought we would be just going to a table in the corner near the bar but how wrong could I be. We were taken up three flights of wide stairs lined with wooden panelling, a willow entwined on the ceiling with the odd plaque and an old fashion bike propped up against the wall. We were led into an open dining space with the bar on the far wall. Located about half way down the hall was a band stand where there was a guy playing the guitar and a girl singing in the back ground with some old favourites.

Some impressive dining room this was.

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On closer investigation we found out it was an old music hall in a school.

After a short wait, our waitress introduced herself as Victoria who was a very pleasant young lady with her own style and fantastic table manners, great knowledge with passion.

She presented us with the menu while we were still enjoying our drinks and asked us if we would like any side dishes

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while we were waiting. She highly recommended the Salt & Pepper onion petals & the Pork crackling. These are a firm favourite of mine and both dishes looked amazing. The onion petals were in a light salt & pepper batter served with a small dish of sour cream, while the crackling was served on a board with a pan of homemade apple sauce.

On to the main event. I chose another firm favourite of mine Gambas Pil Pil, Glen went for the Pan-fried garlic mushrooms while Murray opted for Curried Mussels. All were very well explained to us by Victoria with any questions that we sent her way.

and topped with water cress. What more can I say than perfect.

Glen enjoyed his pie but after he and Murray swapped notes it was clear that the curry in the pie was the same one that was in Murrays mussels or so it seemed. One thing that Glen did compliment was the side of winter slaw. It was served with chilli & coriander and was full of flavour.

a little more imagination could have been applied to the presentation.

I have no complaints about the quality of the cheeses though.

Glen chose the sticky toffee pudding served with ice cream which he thoroughly enjoyed and Murray opted for Victoria’s recommendation, the Vanilla Rice Pudding, again an old classic, how could you go wrong?

Murrays hanging kebab came with succulent pieces of lamb kofta with piri piri sauce and a bowl of seasoned chips. I think all round on the main

Starters range from £4.25 to £7.50.

Mains from £10.50 to £18.95 for a whole chicken. Booking is advisable to avoid disappointment.

The Gambas was in a traditional cast iron frying pan sat on a wooded board as you would expect; succulent prawns cooked in olive oil, chilli and garlic.

Glen’s meal was served in a trowel, sat on a wooden board topped with lamb’s lettuce and garlic bread. He had no complaints, apart from the portion size being on the small side but he was happy with the flavours and seasoning.Murray enjoyed the mussels which was more of a Thai dish than an original curry, as you would have expected, however he said the mussels were of good quality.

For main courses, I choose the 10oz Rib eye steak while Glen had the sweet potato & spiced lentil pie with Murray opting for the Lamb kofta which is a hanging kebab that seems to be on trend now. Victoria’s eagle eye picked up that our glasses needed refreshing so she swiftly brought the drinks menu over, and while we were choosing, our main courses arrived. courses it was a 10 out of 10 for us.

My steak was perfectly cooked (medium to rare) even though I like it blue or at the very most rare due to the fat content, this isn’t wise with rib eye so it’s always best to play it safe with medium to rare. The steak was served with mushrooms, vine tomato, proper cooked chips

The cocktails kept on coming with Victoria plying us with as much as she could but we weren’t refusing either!

For desserts, I chose the simple cheese board, but if I’m honest, considering our themed surroundings,

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South Yorkshire Update

Awards hat-trick for ‘escape expert’ Hannah

shortlistings to her name.

“Awards raise the profile of the business and the Sheffield Business Awards were the icing on a very big cake. I was so honoured to win two major business awards in my home city,” said Hannah.

“I was up against some very experienced and successful companies and some really strong business concepts.”

Hannah’s life changed course after missing her flight home from a belated gap year in Australia three years ago.

She and her Australian boyfriend Peter Lacole slept through their early morning alarm and ended up stranded in Malaysia for four days. After scanning TripAdvisor for something to do, they tried out Crystal Maze-style escape games, which were taking off throughout Asia.

On returning home Hannah discovered the UK escape room scene was way behind and spotted a business opportunity.

Hannah quit her teaching dream and the couple launched The Great Escape Game in Sheffield’s Cultural Quarter in January 2015. The venue’s escape rooms fuse scenarios from horror movies and detective dramas with the challenges of live theatre and video games and within a year attracted 50,000 visitors and a hit Sheffield rating on TripAdvisor.

A young Sheffield entrepreneur is celebrating after scoring an awards hat-trick - picking up three prestigious wins at two business ceremonies in just one day Hannah Duraid, who is at the forefront of the escape room phenomenon sweeping the UK’s entertainment scene, was named National Young Entrepreneur 2016 in the Forward Ladies Women In Business Awards.

Just hours later, the MD of The Great Escape Game, which launched in

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Sheffield in 2015 and now has a sister site in Leeds city centre, scooped The Next Big Thing Award and Young Business Person of the Year at the hotlycontested Sheffield Business Awards..

“It was quite an overwhelming day. Who would have thought within 24 hours I’d walk away with a triple award win,” said Hannah. It is something I would never have dreamed could happen two years ago when my heart was set on becoming a primary school teacher.”

Despite being only 25 and being in business less than two years, she now has 12 award wins and

This October Hannah and Peter launched their second venue at Atlas House in King Street, Leeds city centre, which pulled in 1,519 visitors in its first month.

Said Sheffield-raised Hannah: “Having studied games all over the UK, we believe we have one of the most technologically advanced escape games in the country.”

The company employs 23 staff and further growth is planned.

Revealed Hannah: “We will be creating more jobs in the next few months, plan to move our Sheffield branch to bigger and better premises and open another three venues across the UK by the end of 2017.”

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Walnut Creative in cracking first-year growth A young Barnsley marketing agency has got off to a ‘cracking’ start, enjoying exceptional growth just eleven months after launching.

opportunities came along and it would have been foolish not to take them.

“I spent five years in marketing roles within the food services industry, so already had a reputation and contacts to build upon, and we’ve quickly built a strong position in a niche sector thanks to our passion for what we do.”

Walnut Creative is being helped to grow by Launchpad, the start-up and growth support service from Enterprising Barnsley, which is an integral part of the Digital Media Centre’s offer for businesses.

Launchpad is funded by the England European Regional Development Fund.

Walnut Creative, who specialise in marketing for the food services sector, are set to triple their expected firstyear turnover. Initially setting a target of £70,000, they are on track to hit £250,000 by the end of the year.

Glen Crossland, 27, set up the company in November last year and won two new contracts within his first week of trading.

He now works for clients as far afield as Indonesia, offering design and web services as well marketing. He moved into Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre at the beginning of 2016, taking on two members of staff.

Glen said: “I started out working on my own from my kitchen and never intended or expected the business to grow so quickly - but the

As part of this support, Walnut Creative have received one-to-one advice on HR and business administration, and have been supported to implement project management systems, to manage their growing number of clients.

Glen said: “There’s been so much to consider as we’ve moved forward so having access to Launchpad has been a huge help. Dealing with bigger clients brings big opportunities, but also big risks, so it’s great that we have that additional support to keep us on top of our game.

Without the Digital Media Centre, we wouldn’t have been able to employ staff as quickly as we did, have a platform to grow, or take on work from other businesses in the centre.”

Glen is now looking to recruit another full time employee, to add to the three-strong team at the centre, and plans to move into larger office space within the building.

News from Barnsley BIC Winners of Barnsley Means Business Competition In November, the winners of the BBIC competition were announced. Both businesses had to submit a two page business plan, and must have been trading for under three years.

The winners were Firesafeone Products Ltd who provide a safe easy and effective means of escape from domestic home/flats or commercial property fire and will make use of the shared office space available.

Flexicare & Support Ltd were the second winners and will take residency in January 2017. Flexicare is a community support service for adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues and vulnerable older people.

As well as free office space both companies will receive business support including mentoring, IT, social media, business strategy and finance.

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South Yorkshire Update

Manufacturer Receives £400K investment

Cashflow forecasting As we approach the first quarter of the new year, many businesses will come under pressure for CASH. Neil JAGGAR Jackroyd Developments

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s with most things if you plan in advance and ask for the money before anybody else does then you are in with a chance of getting it in first.

However if you are in this position now that means you either didn’t plan or weren’t strong enough with your request.

So the first thing to do is list the people who are overdue, largest first and start to ring them asking when you will be paid.

Make notes (a diary is good for this) about when you are told you will be paid. If the payment isn’t made when promised ring again and tell the company when and who promised you the payment and ask again when it will be paid. You might want to mention that you held up your part of the bargain by delivering the goods and

service as requested and all you want is for the company to hold up their side of the bargain by paying you on time.

For the companies that you owe money to (include HMRC in this), ring them before it is due and explain the situation to them, give them a date you expect to be able to pay them based on when your customers have told you you will be paid. If you can’t pay them ring them before you agreed to pay and explain why you can’t pay them.

The above is a sample part of a process called cashflow forecasting and you should do this all year round, not just when you are in a problem position.

Think of the cash as water and your bank account as a bucket with a tap at the bottom. The water filling the bucket is cash you receive. The water flowing through the tap is the money you pay out. As long as there is water in the bucket you have cash, unfortunately the more you need to open the tap the more water flows out, so unless you can keep the water flowing into the bucket at the same or a greater rate than that flowing out you will get an empty bucket and an empty bank account.

Forecasting is about being able to keep the water flowing into the bucket so that if you need to open the tap there is enough there. Alternatively you could start to close the tap so the bucket fills up more quickly, this is the planning process.

If you need help with this or want to understand the whole process then you can contact me on 07973 281881 or neil@jackroyd-developments.co.uk.

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A Sheffield based company that designs, manufactures and installs architectural metalwork products for the construction industry has secured a £400,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise.

Rapidly growing Architectural Fabrications Ltd said the funds will enable the business to meet growing demand from customers; and whilst the company has doubled in size over the last few years, so have the number of orders being received.

Introduced to UK Steel Enterprise by Patrick Abel of Hart Shaw, Architectural Fabrications Ltd (AFL) is a supplier of architectural metalwork to the construction industry.

The company designs, manufactures and installs metalwork products for construction companies and main contractors throughout the UK; with products including walkways, balustrades, access ramps, staircases, balconies and decorative façades - especially those where the work is complex or there are difficult installation challenges.

The company has had to take on more space and recruit more staff to cope with the growth, and the new investment – which comes from the UK Steel Enterprise Equity Growth Fund – is giving them the firepower to bid for bigger contracts and put them on track for further growth in 2017.

Employing 44 staff, the business has already started recruiting some of the 14 additional new jobs that the company is planning to create in South Yorkshire over the next three years.

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Capt Lisa Head Memorial Cyber Security: human error Statue It is said that here are two types of company – those that have been the victim of cyber attacks and those that don’t even know they’ve been attacked in the first place.

Pam GOODISON

While for many of us cyber security still conjures up images of global thermonuclear noughts and crosses against grumpy ZX Spectrums, the myriad of digital threats a company now faces on a daily basis (the IOD recently found that 72% of members surveyed had received bogus invoices and requests for electronic payments alone) are actually very human in origin.

According to the UK government’s 2015 information security breaches survey, 75% of large organisations - and nearly a third of small ones – suffered staff-related IT security breaches in 2015, with a whopping 50% of the worst breaches caused by human error.

Furthermore, as well as crippling a business’s daily operations, security breaches can now see the victims themselves being fined huge amounts.

For example, the European Union’s stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, which affect

every single business and organisation, are expected to become law in 2018.

The final text of the GDPR was agreed in December 2015 after four years of political negotiations and lobbying.

A key element is that it not only gives rise to increased compliance requirements, but that these are backed by heavy financial penalties - up to €20m or 4% of annual worldwide turnover (whichever is greater…) for every single data loss ‘event’.

Tenant Company Silver Lady welcomed the Yorkshire Officer Training Regt on 10 November to unveil the Capt Lisa Head Memorial Statue.

Capt Lisa Head RLC was one of the British Army’s first ever female bomb disposal Officers. She was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. Her selfless commitment and courage in the face of adversity should serve as an example to all.

Cyber security is a real risk for all businesses large and small. With 59% of employees stealing proprietary corporate data when they leave a business, and employee-targeted ‘phishing’ costing global organisations $4.5 billion in losses in 2014 (UK total estimated losses in 2015 are around $130 million), it is imperative that companies not only face up to the war that is taking place in the wires under the floor, but also their staff ’s vital role in the battle.

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IT Security – prevention is better than the cure data at risk; there is that of your Customers or Clients and Suppliers.

So what can you do to help to minimise the risk?

In the second part of our IT Security articles by Richard and Pam Hardy from IT Men we take a look at Bring your own device (BYOD) and passwords and how you can keep safe online.

The security of your system starts with you and the people you allow access it. There isn’t just your company

Portable Devices Some companies encourage staff to bring in their laptops or tablets and let them work on them. Ideally, these should be equipment which has been purchased from your Company, and is specifically for business use only. It means that the equipment belongs to your business and is therefore covered by your insurance policy, should anything go awry.

However, caution still needs to be exercised. When issuing staff with such equipment, get them to sign it out and check it regularly to ensure no personal information is stored on it.

Do not allow anyone to bring in USB sticks or DVD’s, etc, from home and use these on your network. You could provide a “stand alone” computer for this, but usage still needs to be overseen.

Also discourage them downloading programmes from the Internet.

You can lockdown certain websites to help to prevent this. If they have a virus or malware on their devices, this can be passed onto your system and cause serious downtime, which means loss of money.

Passwords Make these a little complicated, but not enough for staff to keep forgetting them. Ideally they should be at least 8 characters long with an alphanumeric mix and hyphens or other symbols. Ensure that staff do not use each other’s login details. Discourage them choosing their children’s or pet’s names, as these can be guessed too easily. Systems can be hacked every 3.5 seconds in the UK, so minimise the risk.

HomeInstead Memory Cafe Barnsley based Home Care Service, HomeInstead are having huge success with its Memory Cafe at the Berneslai Cafe, Barnsley Town Hall.

the fact that those attending are suffering from memory problems and is an opportunity to just go out and enjoy themselves in the wonderful surroundings of Barnsley Town Hall.

he event was attended by The Mayor of Barnsley, Linda Burgess, along with Lisa Pogson, President of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

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“It makes you realise that you can still have precious moments full of enjoyment and smiles and it provides respite to carers whether they choose to come along or stay at home.”

The café is open to patients that have dementia and their families and carers.

Michelle, who cares for her mum Daisy said of the café “It’s held on a Sunday, so a good option for family and

If anyone would like to book a place for just £5.00, please contact Kathy Markwick, Community Development Officer, Home Instead Senior Care Sheffield, on 07801 285 992.

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carers who may be working during the week. The fabulous entertainment, afternoon tea and raffle detract from

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60 Seconds with…

Lee McGuire is Managing Director of Quartz Consultancy based in Barnsley.

He supports business to establish and Implement Quality Management Systems To BSI Standards.

Doncaster food company secures investment

Lee has specialist skills in the Security Industry and writes a regular advice column with Security News Desk Newspaper.

A food company, which specialises in delivering frozen ready meals to homes throughout the UK, has bought a depot in Doncaster after securing a five-figure funding package.

What was your first job?

I began as an apprentice motor mechanic with a Datsun dealership in Leeds – do you remember them? I qualified, then joined West Yorkshire Police for 18 years, rising to Sergeant. I guess they are connected by a “Nuts and Bolts” approach.

What do you enjoy about your current job?

I love the variety and different personalities of the people I meet. Although in essence they are all working to achieve the same industry accreditations, no two companies are the same in the way they interpret its implementation. Variety is definitely the ‘spice of life’. I help them become a Customers Best Choice.

How do you spend your time off?

Time off? I must try that sometime.

Outside work my main activity is spent at the gym pushing weights and rowing the English Channel of course! Even the Gym is to prepare me mentally for a hard day’s work.

If you could have a super power for one day what would it be and why?

I would be invisible so that I could eavesdrop on the many government meetings regarding the country and

economy, to understand why they make such a difficult job of it. They might wonder how the Coffee Pot was moving though!

The purchase by Wiltshire Farm Foods has led to the creation of additional local jobs including delivery drivers, warehouse workers and office staff.

Who is your biggest inspiration, either business or personal?

It's a cliché I know but what gets me out of bed in a morning is the potential to make a difference. I have always been selfdriven and motivated but I draw genuine inspiration from seeing my clients develop into industry professionals and gain the recognition they deserve from their peers.

The financing from HSBC consists of an acquisition loan, which has enabled Trowbridge-based Wiltshire Farm Foods to strengthen its presence in Yorkshire.

What improvements would you like to see for businesses in South Yorkshire?

Being a Barnsley based business who benefitted from the Enterprising Barnsley support programme as a new start up three years ago I appreciate first-hand how invaluable support is, not only from a financial perspective but also the open access offered in relation to coaching, business mentoring and networking. This has allowed me to support many new companies and I would like to see more of this investment.

Rajan Panesar, operations director said: “Acquiring depots in towns and cities across the UK is a critical part of our business growth strategy. HSBC has actively supported us in the acquisition of the Doncaster depot, which was essential to our business in Yorkshire.

If you would like to feature in our 60 Seconds with… contact cat@topicuk.co.uk

In addition, the business expects the depot to boost its overall productivity and increase annual revenue by 15% in the depot’s first year of operation.

“The new depot will enable us to deliver to a larger volume of customers and provide a much more regular service.

With their guidance and funding, we have been able to not only grow the business, but also benefit the local area by recruiting Doncaster-based staff to manage and run the depot.”

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LEADING THE REGION South Yorkshire editor Catherine Yaffe, caught up with Andrew Denniff, leader of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber for the last 6 six years, to find out a little more about Andrew and what part the Chamber play in the local business community

By Cat Yae Editor TopicUK

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ndrew has worked for over 30-years in business representation and policy roles. Before joining Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in 1999 he had worked for a national trade association in the dairy industry as their regional representative in Yorkshire & Humberside, prior to that with the County Football Association, based in Sheffield.

Since 2010 he has been Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and has been at the forefront of strategic business representation both locally and regionally on behalf of the Chamber’s 1100 plus members.

“Over many years’ people have recognised the worldwide brand of Chambers of Commerce - but I am regularly asked - ‘What Do Chambers Do’, my standard response has always been ‘We Do Stuff ’; says Andrew.

“Our key function is to Support, Represent and provide Guidance for our members.

Given the limited resources within our own business is the national network of other chambers, of which we are one of 52 across the UK - but more importantly is the vast and diverse local network of our own member companies and the individuals they employ.

“The usual next question after people begin to understand the roles of Chambers is ‘What Do I Get out of it Then’ ? Well that depends on just what you are prepared to put into the relationship. No one business is the same as another, every one of our members join for a different reason.

There are a host of services, benefits and packages to suit all requirements and budgets, which is fine as far as it goes.

But the real benefit to be derived from Chamber membership is by engaging as often and in as varied a way as possible.

“With exit from Europe over the horizon, the growth of a very politically-driven regional economic agenda and the increasing uncertainty around global markets it has probably never been more important for businesses to be engaged and informed about the world they operate in.

“Whilst we cannot profess to have all the answers, our role is to make sure that the voice of our members is heard both locally and nationally, and that the views of businesses are reflected as accurately as possible when we can influence the agenda and engage with the media. We can only do that with the support of our members and by developing a vibrant and well respected Chamber that plays its part in promoting a strong and sustainable economy across the region”.

Business leader Andrew Denniff

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Introducing CSR… Each issue of TopicUK South Yorkshire we will include a case study or overview of how businesses are getting involved in Corporate Social Responsibility.

In this first column we chatted to Graham Booth from Endeavour, Corporate Engagement Manager for this Sheffield-based youth charity.

If you would like to contribute and share your CSR activities, send details to cat@topicuk.co.uk Tell Topic a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been working in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for several years, for organisations in both the corporate and charity sectors. Here are some things I’ve learnt about corporate charity partnerships and reasons why I think it makes so much sense for companies to get involved in their local community.

It’s great for staff engagement Volunteering and fundraising events bring people together from all levels within your organisation and are great fun. There’s a real feel-good factor from getting involved and helping out and it’s a great way for teams to bond and do something different for a day.

It also helps your company build a connection with your employees; corporate and individual values can often differ, but supporting CSR activities can help staff know you can share the same values as them.

It’s great for your profile Volunteering and fundraising events make great news stories and social media posts. Charities will want to promote these activities and link to your company with pictures and thank you messages as it helps improve their profile too.

It’s free marketing and improves your

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image as a public-spirited company keen to be involved in your local community.

Charities really appreciate the support It’s about more than money; volunteers have amazing skills and get stuff done in large numbers. Small charities especially can gain so much from volunteering.

Every new group working with us also means a new group of supporters of the charity, raising awareness and spreading the word.

Working together The best projects are mutually beneficial.

It’s good to find shared values between your company and the charity and exploit these. For example if your company makes sports equipment, get involved in projects that support the promotion of sport to young people; if you’re in financial services, volunteers could help with financial literacy projects.

If you are interested in finding out about how your company can get involved with Endeavour, get in touch: graham.booth@endeavour.org.uk

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Is a zombie workforce harming your business?

Presenteeism (being at work while not in a fit state to fulfil your job role effectively) is reported to cost the British economy double what absenteeism costs (over £14 billion per annum).

With this ‘eye watering’ figure it is imperative that businesses do everything they can to reduce presenteeism.

One of the most prevalent underlying reasons for any employee suffering presenteeism is poor health. An investment in human capital, in particular a workplace health scheme can have a dramatic positive impact to your business. Recent studies show that employees that carry out light to

moderate exercise three times a week are up to 37% less likely to take a day off sick, and can be 49% more productive than their non-exercising colleagues.

Corporate health and exercise programmes can help energise your workforce at your place of work. Improve workers health, levels of fitness, lose weight, tone muscle, improve mood and improve team cohesion. Exercises is a scientifically proven method to help combat depression and improve overall feelings of happiness. Either before work, at lunchtime or after work, offer an employee benefit that has a positive effect on the employee and the business.

So instead of working a team of ‘zombies’, help give back to your employees so they can give back to you. Take an active role in improving their health so when they are at work more often, they are working to their maximum potential Barry Wood Seven Hills Fitness www.sevenhillsfitness.co.uk

Barnsley College’s Employer Engagement Initiative LV FHOHEUDWLQJ LWV ¿UVW \HDU DQQLYHUVDU\ Since its launch a year ago, Talent United has generated over 1400 work-based opportunities for the students of Barnsley College thanks to the 194 businesses who have signed up to the initiative.

These opportunities range from work placements, workplace tours, employability workshops, guest speaker sessions, workplace demonstrations, live projects, student mentoring and volunteering.

If you would like to join the initiative and inspire the next generation please call +44 (0)1226 216 480 or email talentunited@barnsley.ac.uk.

To see a list of all the Talent United businesses visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk/tu-partners

Recognised as Outstanding by Ofsted

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South Yorkshire Update

The personal touch

he Practice has continued to grow and opened its Barnsley office at the beginning of 2016, which is overseen by Liam Cockfield.

The Practice deals with all aspects insolvency and business recovery with the emphasis on turning both individuals and incorporated business around.

aim to provide a ‘hand holding’ personal touch as a family firm where possible.

Since the inception of the Insolvency Act 1986, the fundamentals of creditor engagement have not really changed, although they have been subject to various changes designed to improve the procedure.

Transparency is a key word, to the extent that nominated Office Holder is now quite rightly required to provide an estimate of fees for the work to be done on an insolvency assignment.

Not easy as often the IP does not know what he is getting into.

Many other professionals such as accountants and solicitors recognise the quality of service that their client’s receive when referred to the Practice. We

However there are big changes to legislation being introduced as new Insolvency Rules will be effective from 6 April 2017.

Philmore & Co was formed in 2010 in Huddersfield by Paul Philmore and Diane Kinder, as a licensed Insolvency Practitioner.

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The aim is to consolidate existing rules, simplify and modernise the language and reduce red tape.

Highlights include no more physical meetings of creditors, instead business will be conducted by post and electronic means, creditors will be able to opt out and opt back in to the process and details of employees, ex-employees & consumer claims are not to be revealed in the process.

Where creditors’ claims are less than £1,000, the Office Holder will not require a proof of debt to make a distribution on a claim but can rely upon records provided to him.

This shows a change in emphasis in how business is conducted in Insolvency proceedings – whether vital creditor engagement is lost remains to be seen.

Philmore & Co Business Rescue, Recovery & Insolvency Yorksh hire’s Businesss Rescue & Recovery Expe erts •

At Philmore & Co Ltd, as Insolvency Practitioners, we have over 40 years combined experience in assisting businesses and individuals in times of financial difficulty, providing our specialist recovery and insolvency expertise.

•

Based in Huddersfield, the Practice offers informal and confidential advice, giving practical solutions to all types of businesses, including limited liability companies, partnerships and sole traders, as well as their creditors and other stakeholders in times of financial uncertaincy.

For an initial free consulttation, please e contact Pau ul Philmore or Diane Kind der.

Unit 8D, Barnsley Business & Innovation Centre, Innovation Way, Wilthorpe, Barnsley S75 1JL. Tel: +44 (0)1226249590 Email: enquiries@philmoreandco.com www.philmoreandco.com

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Businesswomen honoured in business awards Two South Yorkshire Business women have been honoured in the regional finals of the national Women in Business Awards 2016, sponsored by HSBC and organised by Forward Ladies.

Kate Krachai, founder and director of Quality Context was commended in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) category.

Now in its seventh year, the Awards have grown from being purely regional into one of the most prestigious events in the national calendar for professional women. Forward Ladies, founded in 1999, supports women in their professional lives and celebrates and champions the role of women in the workplace.

Griselda Togobo, MD of Forward Ladies said: “This has been a fantastic year for women; we continue to start, grow and run high profile successful companies.

We have been surprised and delighted by the number and calibre and diversity of the applications we have received, and look forward to celebrating their success.

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mma Chidlaw of won the SME (Growth) Business woman category, while Hannah Duraid won the Young Entrepreneur category.

Emma is the resources director of Unita Maintain, in Sheffield, which provides specialist cleaning & facilities management including security, handyman, washroom, deep cleaning, waste management, carpet cleaning, and grounds maintenance to some of the UK’s largest abattoirs and meat processing plants. It is both hard and perceived as ‘dirty work’, but has won new

contracts this year from companies such as Morrison’s and Manheim Auctions.

Hannah Duraid is the CEO of the Great Escape Game, Sheffield’s first live escape room experience. She and her partner opened their first room last year and have recently opened four more, with thousands of visitors passing through their doors in the past 16 months.

Highly commended acknowledgements went to Toni Anne Sanderson, marketing and operations director at Nest.co.uk, in the retail category, while

“The award categories are a reflection not only of the types of businesses with which women are involved but also industries which need to attract and encourage young women to join for future growth and prosperity.”

Debra White Regional Director of Small Businesses for HSBC and Awards judge, and who presented the trophies said: “There was an impressive number of high-calibre entries this year, highlighting the quality of talented businesswomen we have in the UK. These entrants are the future entrepreneurs of our country, with the Forward Ladies event showcasing the best Britain has to offer. HSBC will be providing support to help these businesses prosper and thrive in the long term.”

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South Yorkshire Update

UK Business Manager appointed at JRI Orthopaedics Multi-award winning health care company JRI Orthopaedics has appointed a new UK Business Manager.

Alistair Wheatley brings a wealth of experience in the medical devices and orthopaedic sector, having worked for most of his career in senior sales positions in UK-based healthcare organisations.

He was previously UK Sales Director for Biomet and then Zimmer Biomet which

followed 10 years with Exactech, helping to build the UK business including several major product launches.

By joining JRI Orthopaedics, Alistair is returning to his Sheffield roots. “This is a brilliant opportunity to help drive a British company to greatness.

“JRI Orthopaedics has a fantastic history which I am very keen to build on. The company has never quite realized its full potential but I can see phenomenal possibilities for future development and growth.

Will 2017 be your year?

Did you manage to switch off from work and spend quality time with friends and family over the Christmas and New Year break? Is 2017 finally going to be your year to deliver?

By Gary King

returned tired and stressed, ask yourself the following: • Are you clear how you performed and what you need to achieve each month in 2017?

• Do you have a clear strategy that will finally deliver the business that you desire?

• Do you have the right team around you to grow?

• Will you finally access the financial rewards and the lifestyle that you crave?

Managing Director of Tendo

January is a great time to take stock, to reflect on your previous year’s results and then to look forward at what you wish to achieve and do differently.

If you didn’t get adequate time off or

If you don’t have positive answers to these questions, the chances are you are not going to achieve your desired results and worse still, are at risk of future business failure if you cannot significantly reduce stress and improve your financial position.

There is a simple solution. January is a great month for starting to deliver the strategic plan you have in place. It’s also a perfect opportunity for catching up with

clients to review and plan for the year ahead.

Having a dynamic growth strategy that makes you accountable and delivers your purpose is the key to getting started. More than 75% of SME business don’t have documented strategy, meaning they risk not achieving their desired results, or worse.

With around 600,000 new businesses started last year in the UK and statistics still showing that half of these will be dead in the water by 2021, having a strategy in place and hitting the ground running is imperative.

To quickly diagnose the important issues in your business and see instantly where to focus first, take Tendo’s five-minute business success test here http:// businessgrowthindicator.com/

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Heating firm joins HomeServe family New partnership will see Yorkshire Gas and Insulation offer domestic heating services under a new ‘HomeServe South Yorkshire’ brand.

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orkshire Gas & Insulation, based in Barnsley, will rebrand as ‘HomeServe South Yorkshire’ as part of an agreement that will see its engineers providing boiler installations and a range of other central heating services to residents in Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

“This is a very proud day for our business”, said David Taylor the new Managing Director of HomeServe South Yorkshire. “We’re really exited to be joining HomeServe and this partnership will allow us to expand the services we provide across the residential market in South Yorkshire.

“We want HomeServe South Yorkshire to become the first

business people think of when they need anything from a new boiler to a smart thermostat and with winter just around the corner, we’ll be working hard in the months ahead to make that happen.”

HomeServe South Yorkshire joins an established network of HomeServe franchise businesses operating across England, Scotland and Wales. More information about the business can be found at www.homeserveheating. co.uk/southyorkshire “We’re delighted to welcome HomeServe South Yorkshire into the HomeServe family,” said Thomas Rebel, Managing Director of HomeServe’s UK installations business, HomeServe Connect.

“Through HomeServe Connect, we’re establishing a nationwide network of best-in-class heating firms that offer truly exceptional boiler installations and expertise on a wide range of smart home devices. HomeServe South Yorkshire will play an integral role in helping us deliver those services effortlessly to even more Customers across the UK.” HomeServe South Yorkshire offers a range of domestic services including boiler installations, boiler servicing, boiler repairs, emergency boiler repairs, power flushing, appliance services and smart thermostat installations. To celebrate the launch of the franchise, new Customers can get two years servicing worth £200 with any new boiler installation completed on or before January 31, 2017.

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So, how was it for you?

Beautiful Pensions William Bottomley is the Communications Director at Barnsley-based financial management company Lifetime.

He strives to discover the concerns, goals and ambition of clients and helps them achieve their life plans by telling the truth about money.

He has been with Lifetime from the company’s inception in 2002.

Was it amazing? Was it life changing? Was it mediocre or maybe a bit lack lustre?

I’m talking about 2016. Did you achieve what you set out to do?

Maybe you exceeded your own expectations or maybe you didn’t achieve them. Perhaps you never set yourself any expectations and therefore you can’t really answer the question – is that you?

I completely understand people’s reluctance to set New Year resolutions only to have binned them by the beginning of February. What I can’t accept is that so often we don’t set ourselves any intentions at all. We have no idea of what we want, how to get it or indeed what it’s going to be like, if by any miracle we actually get there. I used to be one of those people, happy to say what I don’t want but really unclear about what I did want.

Not having an idea on what we want from life, be it professionally or personally, is like setting off to find an address in a new town with no map or sat nav. You might have a vague description of the building or the road it's on but nothing else. Your chances of arriving at

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the right place and at the right time are very slim, and even if you do get there the chances are you might not even realise it!

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’m stood in the corner of a kitchen nestling a glass of wine and trying not to catch anyone’s eye. The party is buzzing all around me but I’m stood on my own, with no-one to talk to. Why? Well, it’s because my so-called mate Pete, whose house warming I have come to, has introduced me as a Pensions adviser!

Setting yourself some meaningful goals/intentions/targets (whatever you are comfortable calling them) will give you clarity which in turn will give you confidence to go on and achieve them. If you have a plan you have a chance of understanding where it might go wrong, where you might need to work a bit harder and where you might need help. Start this New Year with greater clarity and you will have greater confidence in your abilities for the next 12 months .

There are so many reasons why people are put off even talking about Pensions - and I have to say that on the whole I agree with them! These are complicated products with layer upon layer of rules and regulations, which change practically at every budget. It’s so difficult to keep up with legislation unless you are dealing with these things day in day out, coupled with the dreadful publicity that Pensions have had, from Robert Maxwell to Philip Green, and it’s easy to see why my evenings out can be so quiet!

Since I came into this industry, time after time I get asked the same question: “What does it mean?”

After all, the time will pass anyway so you may as well get on and do some of the things you’ve been promising yourself.

Be bold, be brave, be clear – with clarity comes confidence.

At the beginning of this year I had a hip replacement. When I saw the consultant I told him where I was having pain and described the restriction in my movement and after a couple of x-rays he was able to diagnose the problem. Here I am, almost twelve months down the road, back to playing golf and keeping up with my granddaughter.

lisa.walker@whiteapplethinking. co.uk www.whiteapplethinking.co.uk

It seems to me that that process was quite

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straightforward, but I am under no illusions as to how complicated getting me from diagnosis through to operation and recovery has been; indeed I will always bear the scars! And this is what’s required when we are discussing Pensions.

When we discuss retirement planning we have to stop concentrating on the process and start thinking about the outcomes, because that’s what people are interested in, what’s really important to most of us is what does this product mean for me when I start to rely on it when I finish work. Will I have enough to live on? And when will I be able to afford to give up work? Generally people are not interested in the mechanics, but only the outcomes. It’s the ‘Big Questions’ that keep us all awake at night.

I would suggest that the questions to ask your adviser next time you discuss your pension planning should be steered away from the ins and outs of the product and should focus on the things that are important to you: Will I have enough? Will I ever be able to stop working? What do I have to do to ensure the lifestyle I want when I retire? If they can’t answer these questions, then the next time you see me stood in the corner at a party, come and have a chat.

Making Tax Digital During the last budget that he would deliver on behalf of the coalition government, George Osborne announced the beginning of a digital revolution at HMRC accompanied by the startling headline ‘the death of the tax return’. Making Tax Digital (MTD) will be the biggest shake up of the tax administration system since Self Assessment was introduced in 1996 and involves HMRC using data it already holds to prepopulate a taxpayer’s online digital tax account giving them a complete picture of their tax affairs with an almost real time ability to track their year end tax liability.

This appears fairly simple for the individual tax payer but what about the small business owner or the buy to let investor whose income isn’t reported to HMRC by a third party? The MTD project also applies to these businesses, both incorporated and unincorporated.

HMRC also wants to collect information from businesses in as close to real time as possible which means that from April 2018, unincorporated businesses, including landlords, will have to update HMRC quarterly with details of their income and expenditure, and to enable them to do so HMRC require that their accounting records are

maintained digitally using compliant software. These rules also apply for VAT purposes from April 2019 and corporation tax from April 2020.

Despite the proposed deadline of April 2018, the plans for MTD are still in their infancy, six HMRC consultations recently closed to feedback and we wait to hear if the adverse feedback from the ac countancy profession, small businesses and low income tax payers on the timescale and administrative burden MTD imposes will be taken into consideration and we also await clear guidance on what the requirements actually are.

HMRC currently have no plans to offer a free MTD Solution and are reliant on the software industry to provide solutions for taxpayers. Whether the initial implementation timetable is too ambitious or not we do believe that MTD is going to happen therefore don’t leave it too late to find a solution that works for your business.

For more information contact Nichola Hawden or Jon Taylor on 01226 282461 or n.hawden@harrisaccounts.co.uk/j. taylor@harrisaccounts.co.uk.

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South Yorkshire Update

Viamaster show their support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance One of the UK’s leading logistics providers has launched a fundraising drive to support the life-saving work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The rapid response emergency services iconic yellow helicopter will feature on the sides of the latest edition to Viamaster’s urban vehicle fleet.

The branding – which includes an appeal to make a £3 text donation to the YAA – was unveiled at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield.

The new SDC Trailer will become a distinctive sight on Yorkshire’s roads as it makes daily deliveries in cities and towns throughout the region. Andrew Warrington, Chairman of Viamaster, said: “We hope a lot of people will see the message and show their support for their local air ambulance service.

We will also be taking the trailer to events throughout the year to help raise awareness and funds for the charity.

“We are a family business and wanted to show our support for the amazing work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It is a service that anyone at any time could need and, as part of the transport industry, Viamaster recognises the vital service YAA provides, saving lives across Yorkshire.”

Based at a state-of-the-art distribution, warehousing and training facility in Castleford, West Yorkshire, Viamaster

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has been in business for more than 40 years. The company is one the UK’s leading logistics providers with a fleet of around 50 vehicles operating a UK wide and international service.

You can support the Viamaster fund raising drive by texting YAAV50 £3 to 70070 to make a £3 donation to the rapid response emergency service.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance serves 5million people across the four million acres of Britain’s largest county and carries out over 1,250 missions every year. The charity needs to raise £12,000 every day and is currently replacing its two, ageing aircraft with brand new, stateof-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters.

Kerry Garner, YAA Regional Fundraising

Manager, said: “We have been planning this campaign for some time now and it is amazing to finally see the finished design on the sides of the Viamaster vehicle.

“We knew it would look good, but until we saw it with our own eyes, we didn’t realise just how much impact the advertising was going to have! We cannot thank Viamaster enough for this opportunity and are very much looking forward to continuing to work with the team. We’re sure that our supporters will not miss the vehicle on the roads across Yorkshire!”

Pictured: (L to R) Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedic Pete Rhodes, Doctor Rob Anderson and paramedic Kit von Mickwitz by the YAA branded Viamaster vehicle.

January2017 - South Yorkshire Edition

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23/12/16 04:11

Beware new flat rate VAT pitfalls Local business owners have been warned to avoid the pitfalls of a new rate for the VAT flat rate scheme, which was announced in the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement.

Nick Brook from TaxAssist Accountants said: “Many service-based local business owners, such as IT contractors and consultants, already utilise the optional VAT flat rate scheme to simplify their tax affairs, but it is vital they check if the newly-imposed 16.5% flat rate applies to them.

“Although the new rate does not go live until April 2017, it could mean that the scheme is no longer beneficial for them and they may have to revert to standard VAT accounting, but they must take action before the new rate is introduced.

“The Government wants to crack down on the small minority of businesses who misuse the scheme, but we want to ensure that local business owners who play by the rules do not get caught out by the changes.”

that spend less than 2% of their VATinclusive turnover or £1,000 a year on goods. The figure cannot include capital expenditure or food and drink for the business or its employees. It also excludes vehicles, vehicle parts and fuel, except where the business carries out transport services – such as taxi firms – and uses its own or leased vehicles.

Businesses with total income of less than £150,000 are eligible to use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme, which applies a set percentage to their turnover, rather having to record the VAT on each sale and purchase they make.

Aimed at service-based companies with limited costs, it applies to businesses

Hire a venue with a difference

The Civic, Barnsley

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Introducing IONIQ – the first car in the world to offer separate hybrid, full electric and plug in hybrid South Yorkshire Update powertrains within one body type. Seductively styled with smart technology and a driving experience that’s responsive and rewarding, IONIQ represents the next-generation in eco-friendly vehicles.

Hyundai IONIQ

Hybrid, Electric and Plug-In Hybrid

IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Electric launch in late 2016, the line-up will be completed in mid 2017 with the IONIQ Plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Every IONIQ will share the same unique platform.

With three exceptional powertrain options in one beautifully designed car, it’s easier to make better choices when all the choices are better.

Deciding on the right IONIQ for you depends on how often you drive, how far you drive, and your driving style.

Whichever powertrain you choose, you’ll enjoy a rewarding driving experience and a car that fits perfectly with your lifestyle. Here’s a brief overview of the advantages of each IONIQ powertrain.

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IONIQ HYBRID

IONIQ PLUG-IN

IONIQ ELECTRIC

The IONIQ Hybrid delivers performance, impressive efficiency and low emissions.

It does this by combining an advanced electric motor which delivers acceleration immediately on start-up with our latest 1.6 GDi petrol engine - quietly engaging once IONIQ reaches optimum speed. The electric motor recharges on the move, while a Dual Clutch Transmission delivers smooth automatic gear changes.

The Hybrid is the perfect replacement for any family hatchback on the road today.

The IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid can be driven in electric only mode, giving you up to 31 miles of emission-free driving – ideal for your daily commute.

The 45kW electric motor is powered by a battery which recuperates energy on the move and is recharged via a charging cable. When working in tandem with the 1.6 GDi petrol engine you can enjoy a considerable performance boost with no restriction on how far you can drive.

A leader of the electric car revolution, the IONIQ Electric allows you to drive for up to 174 miles on a single charge – all emission-free. It achieves this via an 88 kW electric motor designed to enhance the driving experience with its torque-rich performance. The motor is powered by an efficient 28 kWh Lithium- Ion Polymer battery located low in the chassis. This lowers the car’s centre of gravity, providing optimum handling and responsiveness on the road.

No other car has been designed from the ground up to be powered by three different electrified drivetrains. Within the robust and lightweight body are high-performance components that have been specially designed and engineered to work perfectly with each other.

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23/12/16 04:11

With its beautifully sculptured crossover design, responsive and engaging hybrid drive, the all new Toyota C-HR offers complete harmony in active lives. Forget the continual stop-start, it’s time to flow through life at the wheel of the all new Toyota C-HR.

Toyota C-HR The all new Toyota C-HR is available with our latest and most advanced hybrid system to ensure the feel-good factor continues to rise.

The efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine works in harmony with the lightweight and compact electric engine to offer impressive fuel efficiency and responsive performance.

Honed by engineers with racing spirit in their veins, the Toyota C-HR responds to its driver with the agility of a dynamic hatchback cloaked in the comforts of an SUV. Step on the gas and immediately you feel the acceleration; turn the wheel and C-HR’s response is tangible, its crafted linearity remaining true and consistent no matter the conditions or the environment.

Climb inside the all new Toyota C-HR and you’re greeted by a stylish design and premium quality that’s a match for the striking exterior. The fashionable and comfortable cabin offers a high-riding position, commanding all-round visibility of the road and ample room in the boot to

cater for holidays or weekend getaways.

A sweeping, driver-orientated dashboard - featuring signature accent and soft leather trim - crisp piano black and satin silver details and beautifully contoured, supportive bucket seats put you very much in control... at the heart of the action.

Crafted like a precision-cut gemstone, the Toyota C-HR’s facetted five-door crossover body combines a muscular stance with a sweeping coupé-like cabin that features disguised rear door handles and floating roof design to immediately catch your eye. Elegant LED headlights, a diamond-patterned grille and distinctive boomerang-shaped rear lights – incorporating signature LED lightguides – turn heads, while bi-tone metallic paint and imposing 18-inch alloy wheels complete the illuminating new look.

Contact Details Ian A Johnstone Business Centre Manager Burrows Fleet & Business Centre Claycliffe Island Barugh Green Road Barnsley S75 2RS Direct Dial: 01226 720454 Mobile: 07984 677733 Fax: 01226 245377 www.burrowsmotorcompany.co.uk/business/

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South Yorkshire Update

What I’ve learned from 10 years in business In 2006, my business partner Barry Simmons and I started a specialist recruitment company from an office in Barnsley, where we began by helping 30 schools fill supply posts…

Katie Buckle, Managing Director of Provide Education

T

en years later Barnsley is still home to our head office in Barugh Green, but we now have three other branches across West Yorkshire, the East Midlands, Greater Manchester and the North East.

Below are just a few of the things I’ve learned about business whilst growing Provide Education over the last decade: It pays to look after your staff.

When we employ staff, we do all we can to support them to

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grow. In turn, they have shown loyalty to the business and many have risen through the ranks to take on further responsibility.

Recruitment is a demanding industry, but we try to keep things fun by encouraging the team to get involved in things like fundraising and volunteering activities and we make sure we reward them for their hard work. Champagne and lunches out always go down well!

You need to take risks if you want to grow. 2016 has seen us open a new office in Teesside and expand our services into Greater Manchester.

The Teesside office is headed up by one of our senior recruitment consultants who initially joined us in Barnsley as a trainee. It’s always risky moving into new areas but it’s calculated risk and without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

You need to demonstrate you take safeguarding seriously. Working with teachers means our candidate vetting procedures have to be really thorough, and it’s important to the schools we service that we invest in this area. In 2014 we became one of the first companies in the UK to be awarded the REC Audited Education Gold Status and we retained it at the last inspection too.

It is possible to balance business and family life. I had my first child nine years after starting Provide Education and am expecting my second baby in February. I make it work because I trust my staff and my business partner – and I love what I do.

January2017 - South Yorkshire Edition

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23/12/16 04:11

New Year… time to raise your online profile?

Social media is a great way to promote your business online, but can prove challenging to those not familiar with it. So each issue, Barnsley based social media consultant Pamela Hopkinson will be telling us how to maximise its potential and raise our profile.

Business in South Yorkshire 2017 Kate Betts, Director at Capital B Media Capital B Media is a PR consultancy based near Penistone, which also offers media training and crisis communications advice.

The New Year is a great time to review your personal and business social media presence. So, whether looking for a refresh, refocus or maybe it’s time to take your fist tentative steps towards promoting yourself and your business online. Here are 3 steps to help getting you noticed.

1. Identify the Right Platform Take the time to identify or review your ideal customer profile. Work out which platforms they use. These could well be beyond the usual suspects of LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Establishing the right platform to promote yourself and your company on, will ensure you are not speaking to an empty space.

2. Review your Profiles Does your LinkedIn profile photo

no longer look like you? Maybe your company details or logo have changed since you set up your profile; check and update your profile to bring eve-rything in line with your branding. Consistency is key and your social media should link to your other marketing.

3. Shout about it Help people find you. Ensure you sign post contacts to your profiles by including links in your e-mail signature and details in all your marketing literature from business cards, to leaflets, newsletters, banners and beyond.

“At Capital B Media we ended 2016 on a high, winning the business growth category in the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, and being finalists in two categories in the Chartered Institute of PR regional awards.

Next year the plan is to continue the sustained growth that has made us one of the most successful PR agencies in Yorkshire. We are starting January with the appointment of a new account manager and hope to add more staff throughout 2017. We plan to continue to expand our own knowledge base with ongoing CPD. PR and media relations are changing all the time, so we ensure we keep on top of the latest trends in order to offer the best service to our clients.”

Pamela Hopkinson Social Media Solutions (UK) Limited pamela@smsukltd.co.uk 01226 249 590

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South Yorkshire Update

Dressing for Success Our image is a way of communicating a message about us, before we even speak.

Karina LEACOCK Consultant, House of colour Does it really matter what we wear at work?

We’ve all read that first impressions are very important, and largely these are formed within seconds of first meeting someone, based on what we see. In a world though, where dress codes have become more and more relaxed, are we sabotaging our success by not presenting ourselves in a manner we aspire to? The fact is, in many cases, the intention is different to the reality.

How to dress for the job you want?

Whether we like it or not getting ahead in business is still about looking the part. In a highly competitive world, how do you project authority and still express your individuality?

will project authority, add a splash of a wow colour near the face will and instantly the look is more memorable.

Just a quick word about black… it emphasises dark circles and makes you look a bit tired. Also, it’s everywhere.

You’ll create an instant impression by wearing a dark neutral that isn’t black.

Go for quality… and consistency It’s not compulsory to spend a fortune.

Quality is about cut, fabric, finish and fit. If it’s the right style and within your colour spectrum, a lowerbudget item may not look cheap.

Start with the dress code Each profession has its own dress code. The well cut formal suit works great in a professional services environment, but works less well in a more creative industry.

Consistency is important – it’s guaranteed to create professional trust.

But looking approachable is equally crucial. To be honest, lots of people tell us it’s the most difficult thing to balance. If you want some expert help, just book yourself into a style class.

You’ll be able to maintain that million dollar look – authoritative, approachable and comfortable in your own skin.

You want to fit in - but also stand out.

If your look is identical to everyone else, it’s uniform like and individuals become less visible. Once you know the dress code, you can start adding individuality, which when used consistently becomes part of your signature look.

Casually powerful. Do the words `dress down Friday’ fill you with dread?

You’re not alone. Casual dressing at work is an authority-destroying minefield. And if you work in a creative industry, dress down Friday is every day. How do you get it right?

Colour is key. Again, each industry will vary but it’s best to avoid looking like a 1970’s children’s TV presenter!

It’s the neckline. OK, bear with us… here’s the history bit. A few hundred years ago a strict dress code, Sumptuary Law, dictated what each rank and class should wear. Neckwear indicated status. The higher classes wore ruffs and elaborate collars, the

Neutrals with a splash. Never underestimate the power of your best neutral colour. Your best dark neutral

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lower classes had bare necks.

Today, we still unconsciously associate a high neckline with authority. Wearing a shirt and tie, covering the neck communicates power and authority.

You can do the same thing with highnecked tops, scarves and jewellery.

Dress upwards, move onwards.

Dress upwards - as though you’ve already achieved that promotion - and you just might land it.

To learn more about the power of colour, style and dressing for success, contact HoC stylist, Karina Leacock 07984 809070 Karina.Leacock@houseofcolour.co.uk

January2017 - South Yorkshire Edition

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Remembering the lives lost in the mining disaster The lives of almost 400 people lost in England’s worst mining catastrophe were remembered in a series of commemorative events in Barnsley during December.

Research suggests the 1866 Oaks Colliery Disaster at Hoyle Mill, Barnsley, claimed 383 victims when two underground explosions devastated the mine.

Monday 12th December 2016 marked 150 years since the disaster and events observing the anniversary took place across the town to remember the 294 men and 89 boys killed.

A formal gathering at the Town Hall in December included talks, readings and the showing of a film. Present were ancestors of those who died, dignitaries, and the local community - along with volunteers and groups involved in the anniversary. Members of the public were also invited to attend.

Ian McMillan, Barnsley’s Poet Laureate, wrote a poem to mark the occasion, which he read at the event.

In November he also lead a free writing workshop themed around the disaster, which is part of the Hear My Voice project led by Barnsley Museums.

explosions, ready for events next month.

The DVLP has also been delivering guided walks around areas linked to the disaster, telling the story of the catastrophe and those who were killed.

The newly formed Barnsley Main Heritage Group lit a beacon from the spoil tip at 1:15pm on 12th December, the time of the first explosion, and placing wooded crosses naming the victims.

Alongside this, People and Mining and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have been working to raise funds to commission local artist Graham Ibbeson to create a lasting memorial sculpture to mark the lives lost. The group have raised thousands of pounds for the memorial to be placed in the town centre.

‘When the Oaks Fired’, an exhibition that focuses on the human stories of the disaster, will run at Experience Barnsley from 30th November to 8th February.

The evening event and exhibition are being delivered by the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP) and Barnsley Council. The DVLP is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund – thanks to National Lottery players.

A memorial to all those killed was raised at Christ Church, Ardsley, in 1879 and for the 150th anniversary, a team of specialists will be restoring the stonework. A special memorial service took place at the church on Sunday 11th December at 3pm and a reading of the names at 1:15pm on 12th December.

Commemorative events closed with a talk at St. Edward’s, Kingstone, at 2pm and a special service at St. Mary’s, Barnsley, on Wednesday 14th December.

The DVLP has worked with the Barnsley Council Central Area Team to organise volunteer groups to clear the area around Barnsley Main Colliery, the site of the

Stephen Miller, community officer at the DVLP said: “For years the Oaks Disaster had not received the attention it deserved but many more people are now aware of

its significance. The events to mark the 150th anniversary are the culmination of years of intense work for many people.

“The community effort has been an inspiration, from volunteers undertaking thousands of hours of historical research to the amazing clearance at Barnsley Main. We’re looking forward to the people of Barnsley, and beyond, coming together to remember the men and boys who lost their lives.”

Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of

Over the last year, research organised by the DVLP has suggested that more people were killed in the Oaks Disaster than first thought. Volunteers discovered the names of 383 victims – 22 more than the official death toll at the time. youngest was aged just 11.

Barnsley Council said: “The Oaks Disaster was a terrible tragedy that shocked not just the local community, but the whole world.

150 years on it’s a testament to the people of Barnsley that this anniversary will not be forgotten. It is of particular poignancy for me as my Great, Great Grandfather, John Riley, was one of the volunteers who risked his life to search for survivors.”

To find out more about the events taking place, and how you can get involved, visit www. discoverdearne.co.uk and www. experience-barnsley.com 51

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South Yorkshire Update

WAKEFIELD - KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE - south yorkshire - SOHO

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January2017 - South Yorkshire Edition

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