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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
A focal point for more than 80 years Do you have any interesting stories to share with us about Barnsley? We would be interested in sharing them with our readers, so please do get in touch by emailing editor@topicuk.co.uk
SUMMARY & CONTENTS
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OUTSTANDING Economic Growth
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Tarrant, Centre Manager at the Alhambra Shopping Centre in Barnsley. John talks about the changes taking place not just in Barnsley but within the Alhambra itself, exciting times ahead. If you would like to feature in this section of the magazine please do get in touch. At a recent networking event I was chatting to a number of small businesses about the local economy and the general feeling was that of optimism. The recent Quarterly Economic Survey for the Sheffield City Region certainly seems to show that there is an uplift in particular areas such as export and manufacturing, whilst the labour market also continues to show that businesses are investing in their workforce – all very positive signs for future growth. If you’re a regular reader of Topic UK you’ll have noticed the changes that we’ve made to the outward appearance of the magazine. We’re thrilled with the new look which we think brings the magazine more up to date and current. Our restaurant review this month is by our regular reviewer Anthony Hegney of Asparagus Catering and this issue he takes a trip to Cawthorne to review The Spencer Arms, take a look at his thoughts on pages 26 and 27.
EDITORS NOTES Welcome to the fourth edition of Topic UK South Yorkshire. In this issue we have introduced a few new contributors and a business advice section that covers everything from health and wellbeing to tax advice. This will be a regular section in the magazine but as always we’re open to other contributors so please do contact me if you would like to contribute. Special thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue. Our Local Hero this month is John
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 Barnsley sets new targets after a record breaking year
Outstanding economic growth Barnsley smashed its targets for economic growth in the last twelve months and attracted nearly three times more new businesses to the borough than expected.
Official figures show property enquiries from companies interested in relocating were up more than 50 per cent on the previous year and led directly to 23 new businesses moving to Barnsley. This means Barnsley achieved its highest level of inward investment in seven years with nearly 805,000 square foot of additional commercial space taken and £32 million worth of private sector investment in premises, equipment and machinery. This movement of new employers into the borough, combined with the growth of hundreds of existing businesses and the creation of 121 start-ups, means Barnsley gained 1,385 new private sector jobs in the last 12 months. Enterprising Barnsley, the economic development arm of Barnsley Council, which provides specialist support to businesses with growth potential, now aims to repeat that performance and help create an additional 1,300 private sector jobs in 2016/17. Matt Gladstone, who heads up Enterprising Barnsley as part of Barnsley Council, said: “We are proud to have worked in partnership with so many new and existing Barnsley businesses who through hard work, innovation and ambition have invested in growth and created jobs in the last 12 months. “We’re particularly pleased to have attracted so many new companies to the borough. It’s good to see that national and international businesses looking for somewhere to grow are liking what they see in Barnsley. “We are in a great location at the heart
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50% increase in business Property enquiries
1,385
new private sector jobs in the last 12 months.
Amanda And Joel Dickinson Of Rethink
of the Sheffield City Region and there has been significant investment in new business parks and infrastructure in recent years. On top of that we offer award-winning business support to help with relocation, recruitment, access to finance and other business matters. “That package is proving attractive and we look forward to working with more new and established Barnsley businesses to expand the local economy further this year.” Companies which have moved to Barnsley in the last year include cross-media marketing specialists Rethink CMYK, who have invested half a million in their new digital print and production workspace at Shortwood Business Park in Hoyland and aim to create seven new skilled jobs this year; and specialist machinery supplier MOBA which has moved its national HQ to Park Springs industrial estate near Grimethorpe and
aims to recruit 20 people within the next five years. Universal Components UK, global distributor of truck and commercial vehicle parts, is also expanding from Sheffield in to a new purpose built 165,000 sq ft advanced logistics facility at Ashroyd Business Park in Barnsley this year.
Lone worker experts grow team South Yorkshire lone worker experts Peoplesafe have expanded their workforce with the appointment of a new marketing manager.
And established Barnsley business Melett Ltd, which supplies turbocharger parts to international customers, has recently taken on an additional 12,500 sq ft of warehouse space next to its HQ at Barnsley’s Zenith Business Park. This expansion has enabled them to increase stock availability in response to growing demand. Managing director of Rethink CMYK Amanda Dickinson said: “The support we’ve had to re-locate and expand here in Barnsley has been brilliant. It’s been great to talk through our business strategy right from the start and gain real and significant backing for our growth plans.” Enterprising Barnsley has now relaunched its business support programme and set out its aims for the next 12 months which include supporting the creation of 140 new Barnsley businesses and the creation of 1,300 new jobs. A key part of this year’s economic growth strategy is to attract businesses to three newly-developed industrial units near junction 36 of the M1, part of the R-evolution @Gateway 36 mixed-use scheme. These properties, between 13,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft, have been developed by Harworth Estates and supported by Barnsley Council’s Property Investment Fund. Enterprising Barnsley was awarded the top national award for Driving Growth by the Local Government Chronicle last month. The Barnsley team beat off stiff competition from other local authorities for the way they work with the private sector to support growth and job creation. Enterprising Barnsley, which supported 300 Barnsley businesses last year, aims to help businesses across the borough develop and expand; generating economic growth and creating jobs. It provides specialist support to private sector investors moving to the borough; existing Barnsley-based businesses with ambitions to expand; and entrepreneurs launching start-up commercial ventures. Barnsley’s economic development figures are published by Barnsley Council which has a four year plan for economic growth set out in its Jobs and Business Plan 2014 -2017.
Pat McMahon, 31, has joined the team at their offices in Dinnington, near Sheffield, from a secondary glazing company. Pat, from Doncaster, has previously worked in industries including education and law, and ran his own marketing agency for two years. He has been appointed following a period of growth for the company, which helps protect lone workers by providing simple and lightweight equipment, monitoring services and training. Elicia McManus has also been appointed, as marketing executive, and between them the pair have 15 years of marketing experience. Elicia, 29, has held previous positions with a software developer firm and a laboratory group. Ian Johannessen, Peoplesafe’s managing director, said: “Pat and Elicia have been recruited to help develop the business further and strengthen the support and training service we provide to our existing clients. Their appointments complement the existing talent in our workforce and with such a strong team, we’re very much looking forward to the rest of 2016 and beyond.” Peoplesafe’s clients span the public, private and third sector and include a range of major retailers, housing associations, facilities management companies, charities and house builders. They provide 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 (BS8484).
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 NEWS UPDATE - Theme park company brings dinosaurs back to life
King of the Theme park A Barnsley theme park company has brought dinosaurs back to life with the creation of a five metre long animatronic dinosaur.
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hemesparx, based at Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth, were approached by Paultons family theme park in Southampton to create a fully-functioning baby Tyrannosaurus Rex. The company spent five months creating the dinosaur, which is five metres long and three metres high, utilising an aluminium frame and a latex exterior. The T-rex has been unveiled at the theme park in Southampton as part of its new immersive 4D experience ‘The Lost Kingdom’. Themesparx managing director Matthew Kitchen-Dunn said: “This project has really pushed our boundaries as it’s different to anything that we’ve ever done before. It’s been a great project to work on and we’ve had a lot of fun in the process. “It’s a great sight to see, and I’m impressed with my team that we’ve managed to create something that looks so realistic. It’s great when a project like this comes to an end and we can showcase it to the rest of the world.”
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The animatronic dinosaur is fitted with cameras, microphones and speakers to ensure maximum safety when in operation. It weighs 40kg, and has been designed to be as lightweight as possible. It has undertaken extensive tests in different weather conditions, including high winds to make sure that it doesn’t topple. Themesparx, which set-up in 2013, designs and makes all their products from concept through to installation. The company specialises in making animatronics or models that move independently – most recently working on designs for an animatronic Shaun the Sheep ride in Sweden. The company currently employ a team of 11 and has a turnover in the region of £1.2m. They specialise in developing and delivering bespoke themed solutions for theme parks, but also work with shopping centres, themed restaurants,
visitor attractions and exhibition stands. Over the years, the company has worked with popular tourist attractions around the UK, including Alton Towers, Legoland and London Dungeons. They also supply their products internationally, most recently working with theme parks in Sweden and Norway, and exporting their products as far afield as Russia and China. Matthew said: “It’s been such a whirlwind ride to say that we only set-up three years ago, but we take unbelievable pride of where we are today and the T-rex is another string to our bow. “We get all sorts of work from around the world so sometimes we get a project completely out of the blue and we have to really think about how we’re going to do it. But, we love a challenge and I couldn’t be more proud of the finished project.”
1 A single point of contact for all businesses across the nine local authority areas Business Growth Board, which is made up of representatives from the public and private sector, and reports directly to the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board. The overall ambition of the Sheffield City Region LEP is to help create 6,000 new businesses and 70,000 new jobs by 2025, by encouraging innovation, investment and collaboration.
Support service launched for businesses across the Sheffield City Region The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub is designed to be a single point of contact for all businesses across the nine local authority areas, from Thorne in the north to Ashbourne in the south, Penistone in the west to Retford in the east and anywhere in between. The Hub, which has core funding of £4.82m, acts as a ‘gateway’ for businesses to access specialist support in a number of key areas to enable growth, including innovation, exporting, accessing finance and training. Businesses can contact the Growth Hub via phone or online. The launch follows a successful pilot project, which has already helped more than 300 businesses, and is part of a national roll out of 39 Growth Hubs across the country, funded by central Government. Head of the SCR Growth Hub, David Grimes, said: “The Growth Hub means that wherever you are in the Sheffield City Region you will have the same access to the same level of support, as we are working with a wide range of partners. Whether your business is large or small, new or wellestablished, you will have just one place to go to find out about, and access, the best
possible advice that suits your needs.” The Growth hub is working with, and will be signposting to, industry experts, including successful companies, consultancies, universities, Chambers of Commerce and local authorities, and national provision such as Innovate UK, UK Trade and Investment and a wide range of other business support partners. Businesses may also be offered direct support and guidance from one of the Growth Hub’s own business growth advisors; all of whom have extensive experience of running businesses. As well as the core funding, the SCR Growth Hub includes a £22m Business Investment Fund, a Skills Bank fund of more than £17m and access to the Sheffield City Region European Structural Funds of approximately £90m. The Growth Hub is overseen by the
Paul Houghton, chair of the Business Growth Board and managing partner of Grant Thornton in Sheffield, said: “The official launch of the Growth Hub is great news for businesses across our region. It is all part of the LEP’s ambitions to grow the city region economy by working together to create a stronger and bigger private sector that can compete in national and global markets. Whether you are a creative technology start-up looking for financial advice or business training, a manufacturer looking to export your product to a new overseas market, or any other business looking to grow and expand, then the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub can help you access the support that you need.” Diana Terris, chief executive of Barnsley Council, one of the nine local authorities within the Sheffield City Region, added: “We welcome this new support service, because we know that the public sector and private sector working together will make our region stronger. We have shown that in Barnsley with our own ‘Enterprising Barnsley’ business support programme, which will now form part of the overall Growth Hub offer. To compete on a national and international stage we know we need the best support for our businesses and this is what the Growth Hub will give us.” The Growth Hub can be contacted on 03330 00 00 39, emailing growthhub@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk or visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 NEWS UPDATE - New office at the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC)
Educational consultancy supports local schools and education in South Yorkshire.” Pivot is being supported by Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC), through Enterprising Barnsley, the business development arm of Barnsley Council. They have helped them set up their office at BBIC, in the Wilthorpe area, provided specialist coaching and advised on areas including recruitment, marketing and business strategy. Michael said: “From day one, BBIC have been really supportive. Coming from a local authority background in education, the private sector was relatively new to me, so their advice and signposting has been a huge help.
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ivot’s head office is in Huddersfield and they already work with schools, multi-academy trusts and partnerships across West Yorkshire. They are also contracted nationally by the Department for Education and in total, the team has supported over 60 schools across five local authority areas. By opening this new office, they are hoping to attract more schools in Barnsley in the first instance before extending across South Yorkshire. Pivot Educational Consultancy evolved from Pivot Care, which was set up by directors Michael and Lucy Smith and Andrew Kitterick in 2013, initially offering residential care for eight to 18 year olds. The educational consultancy arm
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was launched in 2014 to provide assistance to schools dealing with challenging pupil behaviour. Pivot help through training, staff deployment, assessment and leadership support, with the aim of improving performance and promoting best practice. Managing director Michael Smith said: “The business has grown very quickly over the last couple of years and we’re really proud of what we have achieved. Barnsley is an area where we have seen some fantastic examples of inclusion that have often been hindered due to a reduction in public spending. “Our aim is to work with local schools and social care providers to ensure that children get the best possible outcomes and our long term vision is to bridge the gaps between public, private, social care
“We’ve found the Barnsley business community to be inclusive and innovative, with strong values, and we are really looking forward to expanding Pivot in the area.” Kevin Steel, Enterprising Barnsley’s business development manager at BBIC, said: “Michael and his team are forward thinking and ambitious and the business has come a very long way in a short space of time. It’s been a pleasure to support their expansion into Barnsley and we wish them all the best for the future.” Over the next few months Pivot plans to link up with other businesses in Barnsley to provide opportunities for pupils to experience ‘real life’ workplace situations. They are currently looking to add to their 28-strong team and are recruiting staff in both the social care and education sector, with roles ranging from senior managers to support consultants.
PR pro is youngest to gain accreditation
Life is Rosie for college Intern Barnsley College intern is celebrating receiving a Sheffield Business School (SBS) Inspirational Students Award from Sheffield Hallam University. Rosie Gash, 22, won the Impact on an Organisation category at the SBS Inspirational Students Awards 2016. She is currently studying a BA in Accounting and Finance at Sheffield Hallam University and began a one year placement in the External Funding and Projects department at Barnsley College in July 2015. Tricia Smith, Head of External Funding and Projects at Barnsley College, said: “Rosie has had such a profound impact on the department and winning this award is testament to her hard work.” “She was the first intern to work in the External Funding Department and she has set the bar that all interns will have to measure up to in the future. Rosie has adapted to the college’s culture quickly and has become an integral part of the team.” During her internship, Rosie has developed a new system
to monitor the college’s projects, capturing financial data and quality performance in much greater detail. Due to her expertise, she became a key contact within the team, working with senior managers to monitor all project finances worth over £1.98m. Rosie said: “I am very grateful to have been nominated for this award by my managers at Barnsley College. Whilst I’ve been completing my placement, I have worked extremely hard to ensure that the college and I gain the utmost from it. Winning this award recognises that and I’m extremely proud of my achievement.” In its third year, the SBS Inspirational Student Awards are a celebration of the great things business and management students at Sheffield Hallam University are doing, such as their dedication to extracurricular activities, delivery of projects or going beyond the requirements of the course. For further information, contact Barnsley College’s Work Based Learning Team on +44 (0)1226 216 166, email employer@barnsley. ac.uk, or visitwww.barnsley.ac.uk.
A 20 year old public relations professional from South Yorkshire has become the youngest ever accredited member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the UK’s professional body for PR practitioners. Chloe Staniforth, from Rotherham, started work at Barnsley-based PR agency Cream when she was just 17. Since then, she has been promoted twice and currently holds the position of account executive. To gain CIPR accreditation, an individual must be a member of the CIPR and complete two consecutive cycles of Continuous Professional Development, proving their commitment to professional development and continuous learning. Chloe said: “Becoming an accredited member of the CIPR has given me confidence in my skills and knowledge. I started my career straight from college so didn’t have the degree to fall back on to prove my capabilities. Following the CIPR’s CPD programme allows me to develop my credentials in a practical way that I can apply to my work. It’s also a great quality standard to reassure clients of my commitment to professionalism.” Koray Camgoz, CIPR Public Relations Manager, explained: “Chloe’s recent accreditation is an outstanding achievement and serves as an excellent reminder of the role CPD can play at every stage of a practitioner’s career. To achieve Accredited Practitioner
status at such a young age is a tremendous accomplishment.” Jane Whitham, Director at Cream, added: “Chloe is a fantastic role model for any young person wanting to get into PR. Her enthusiasm and drive, combined with her aptitude for PR, mark her out as someone with huge potential within the profession. The fact that she joined us straight from college should challenge the often widespread view that a degree is necessary for a successful career in PR.” “At Cream, we are committed to professional development and all our client-facing staff are CIPR members. Our clients are willing to trust us with their brand and reputation, so we have an obligation to make sure that our team is fully up to date with the latest developments within our industry.” Earlier this year, Chloe was named a finalist in the prestigious Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award 2016; a national awards programme set up in memory of one of PR’s brightest stars. The award aims to acknowledge individuals of exceptional character, integrity and determination.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 NEWS UPDATE - Digital challenge in Yorkshire and Humber
Prototypes to improve healthcare
Digital technology prototypes designed to improve care for people with multiple sclerosis and people with learning disabilities were celebrated at a recent Yorkshire and Humber challenge.
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he Digital Health Design Challenge, which took place at the Digital Media Centre (DMC) in Barnsley, brought together technology innovators, healthcare professionals and patients to co-create new products for the NHS and wider healthcare sector. The teams tackled a wide selection of patient care challenges identified by local NHS trusts over two ‘hackathon’ days and the whole event aimed to encourage greater collaboration and partnership working to support digital health innovation in the NHS. The challenge was organised through the Connected Healthcare programme which has been initiated and organised by the DMC, through Barnsley Council’s Enterprising Barnsley business support programme, in partnership with sponsors Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) and Tech North. Winners received prizes designed to help them carry forward their ideas. Digital design agency HMA worked with frontline staff from Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to devise a new app which could help people with learning disabilities communicate their sometimes complex needs to improve their experience of treatment and care. Their innovation won them a combined business support package from Yorkshire & Humber AHSN and
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Enterprising Barnsley, to help boost their product development plans. Gospelware, working with a team from the multiple sclerosis charity Shift. ms and a consultant neurologist and specialist nurse from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, created an app to help people with MS to monitor and manage fatigue issues. Their proposal won them a £5,000 Innovation Voucher from the Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH), at the University of Sheffield who judged it the most promising idea linked to their research themes. Their investment, which must be match-funded, comes with specialist development support input from CATCH too. Enterprising Barnsley’s DMC project director Tracey Johnson said: “We are really pleased with the way creative businesses, healthcare professionals and academics have come to the DMC and embraced the Design Challenge. “The participants have co-created some excellent ideas through this process and we hope to see several of their prototypes further developed as patient care solutions. We particularly look forward to working with the AHSN to help HMA work up a successful business model for their new product.” The Design Challenge judging panel
included Steve Wragg, chair of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Richard Stubbs, commercial director, Yorkshire & Humber AHSN; Tania Hide, Head of Economic Development, University of Sheffield; Rob Lewis, Head of Health Transformation, R&D Innovation, Reckitt Benckiser; Dr Peter Cudd, President of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe; and Phil Coffin, Head of Creative Strategy, Appitized Health. Richard Stubbs, commercial director, Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, said: “The
Finance’ event with speakers from funding bodies and business support organisations will be held at the DMC on June 10th. It will consider sources of funding which may be available to develop healthcare solutions and is open to all designers and creative and digital agencies – whether or not they have participated in the Design Challenge. Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, said: “The adoption of health innovation and increased use of technology is vital if the NHS is to create services fit for the future. “It was very encouraging to see the commitment to co-design and partnership working in response to patient care challenges at this event. There is a real drive to resolve these issues as creatively as possible and the Design Challenge participants showed a real energy and passion for delivering high quality patient-centred solutions. We are overdue a digital health revolution in the NHS and events such as this help to bring that vision a little bit closer.”
adoption of health innovation and increased use of technology is vital if the NHS is to create services fit for the future. “It was very encouraging to see the commitment to co-design and partnership working in response to patient care challenges at this event. There is a real drive to resolve these issues as creatively as possible and the Design Challenge participants showed a real energy and passion for delivering high quality patient-centred solutions. We are overdue a digital health revolution in the NHS and events such as this help
to bring that vision a little bit closer.” Steve Wragg chair of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Design Challenge was a unique opportunity for our staff to meet digital designers face-to-face and analyse a service delivery challenge together, then come up with the prototype for a digital solution to tackle it. It was a really interesting event and we do feel we have made some good relationships to build on for future innovation too.” A Connected Healthcare ‘Access to
Steve Wragg chair of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Design Challenge was a unique opportunity for our staff to meet digital designers face-to-face and analyse a service delivery challenge together, then come up with the prototype for a digital solution to tackle it. It was a really interesting event and we do feel we have made some good relationships to build on for future innovation too.” A Connected Healthcare ‘Access to Finance’ event with speakers from funding bodies and business support organisations will be held at the DMC on June 10th. It will consider sources of funding which may be available to develop healthcare solutions and is open to all designers and creative and digital agencies – whether or not they have participated in the Design Challenge.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 NEWS UPDATE - New online customer support system
Collaboration to create online system
A Barnsley technology company plans to double its client base after setting up a new online customer support system - with a little help from their friends. Active Voice & Data has collaborated with its neighbours Praxsoft and Genius Division – all based at Barnsley’s Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) - to create a new online gateway for its customers. This will allow users to log a problem and track its progress anytime and anywhere. The company, which specialises in telecommunication and broadband solutions, expects its new facility will enable them to give clients a quicker, more efficient service and save them time. Managing director Iain Simpson, who set-up Active Voice & Data 14 years ago, said: “In one fell swoop this innovation will enable us to improve our communication with existing customers and increase our capacity to take on more. We’ve built our turnover up to the millionpound mark over the years and on the back of this development we aim to expand and increase that three-fold within the next three to five years.” When the company had the idea to have a customer relations management (CRM) system they knew they didn’t have to go far to find the expertise they needed
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to set it up. IT experts Praxsoft were enlisted to help with the background technical work, whilst digital design agency Genius Division was drafted in for the design aspect of the software. All three companies are based at BBIC. They were introduced and supported in getting the idea up and running by BBIC, through Enterprising Barnsley, the business support arm of Barnsley Council.Iain Simpson said: “It’s great to be based at BBIC as the companies around you are often the ones helping you to grow and expand.” Active Voice & Data’s speciality lies in cloud-based telecommunications system, which is the most secure environment for businesses. The company also offers traditional phone systems and lines, mobile connectivity, broadband and networking. The company currently has a turnover of around £1million and employs eight communications experts and support staff. Their 300-strong client list includes start-ups, small and medium enterprises, large corporations and charities, including The Princes Trust, GoCompare and John Nicholls Group. Active Voice & Data are a working partner
with big name telecommunication brands such as Onyx, Gamma and Unify, all of whom have helped and advised in the integration of the CRM software. Managing director Iain was also speaking in Barcelona last month as part of the Global partner community for Unify on how the company are taking voice into the cloud. The company can provide both on-site and cloud unified communications and can supply their services for up to 100,000 users. Kevin Steel, Enterprising Barnsley’s business development manager at BBIC, said: “It’s not only great that Active Voice & Data is integrating a system that is going to help them grow massively over the next couple of years, but also they’ve enlisted fellow Barnsley businesses to help them do this. “BBIC is a great place for any business to be based, because you have so many other great companies on hand to help you develop, grow and realise your ambitions. And, if a problem ever arises, a solution is quite often on your doorstep.” Active Voice & Data’s new system, which is set to go live soon, will be integrated on the home page of its website. It allows customers to log a problem, in detail, through a designated web portal any time of day or night. Once the office is manned, problems can then be picked up; eliminating the need for phone calls. Customers can then log-on to see updates on the progress of their job as they go along. Iain added: “We’re entering into an age where everybody is online and wants to know the status of problems and how long it’s going to take. This system will allow our customer to log their problem, and then track our work on the solution any time. “It’s putting a lot of trust into us as a company that we can turn problems around quickly and efficiently, but I have confidence in my staff that we can give customers peace of mind.”
Weston Park 2020 for Business Campaign is launched Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire – a population of almost 1.8million people Last year, Weston Park Cancer Charity was proud to invest more than ever before into life-changing projects which keep Weston Park Hospital at the forefront of cancer treatment, research and care. Half of all people born since 1960 will be affected by cancer in their life time. Over 18,000 patients are currently under the care of Weston Park Hospital, which equates to over 150,000 individual patients visits each year. Throughout 2016 the charity will fund various projects to enable the continued
improvement of Weston Park Hospital; including the expansion of research studies, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and supporting the ongoing care provisions of patients and their families affected by cancer. New for this year, the cancer charity is inviting businesses from across the region to join them on a ‘Mission to £1Million’ and pledge £1,000 each year over the next 5 years. Weston Park 2020 for Business hopes to engage with forward thinking organisations, big or small, who want to make a real difference to the lives of cancer patients and
their families who rely on the world-class facilities provided by Weston Park Hospital. The mission is simple; Weston Park Cancer Charity need to raise an additional £1million over the next 5 years to invest in attracting, growing and retaining local research, clinical and nursing talent to ensure the regions only cancer hospital remains at the forefront of cancer treatment and care. Supported by Charity Patron and Chairman of the FA, Greg Dyke, the cancer charity hopes to work with a range of businesses over the next 5 years and support those fighting cancer locally. Weston Park 2020 for Business is an opportunity for business leaders across our region to engage with Weston Park Cancer Charity and invest in the improved health of friends, family or colleagues affected by cancer. To find out more about Weston Park 2020 for Business and become part of this unique campaign visit www.2020forbusiness.co.uk or call the cancer charity office today on 01142265370.
Top 10 Tips to writing a good business article By Cat Yaffe
Having been both a journalist and editor here are a few of the top 10 tips (in no particular order) for things I would look out for when deciding whether or not to publish a submitted article. Timeliness – is it relevant to now? News so quickly becomes out of date it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of the publicity you’ll garner, magazines tend to plan copy months ahead. Impact – ask yourself, “Does it matter?” Sure it might to you but is it life changing? Probably not but if it passes the So What test you’re onto a winner. Human Interest – always a good one. Does your story involve the creation of more jobs, the hiring of apprentices, an unlikely promotion? Editors always look for these kind of good news stories. Planning – much like an English lesson
at school, planning is key. Even if you just plan a beginning, middle and end you’ll at least have the bare bones of good article and it will show in the end result. Use Plain English – don’t get over technical (unless you’re writing for tech mag!). Use simple language and easy to read, short sentences. Facts not flower – stick to the facts, move away from irrelevant content, make each word count. Don’t say in 6 sentences what can be said in 6 words. Watch your grammar – and spelling, no excuse with spell checker and online tools available. Qualify your expertise – at the beginning of the article qualify (in a short, succinct sentence) why you’re qualified to write about this particular topic.
Relevance – if you have an outlet for your article, great! If not and you’re thinking of approaching a publication buy at least a couple of back issues of the magazine. Study their style, the type of articles they already publish. Unless you’re a freelance writer, you’re looking for ideal outlets for your target market, not the other way around. Locality – if you’re based in London and your story is London centric it’s pretty pointless approaching a business magazine based in Yorkshire, chances are they won’t be interested. Keep it local to stand more chance of publication. Don’t forget, if you looking to use the same story online, on your company blog for example it will need to be rewritten to take into account the different needs of the online reader. www. catherineyaffe. co.uk // contact 07741 271 788
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 NEWS UPDATE - New leisure centre for Meadowhall also been designed to accommodate large outdoor events including live music. More than 1,000 jobs will be created by the Leisure Hall, in addition to a number of temporary construction jobs. The jobs will be promoted via The Source, Meadowhall’s on-site recruitment and training facility founded by British Land with Sheffield City Council in 2003. The plans will be on display at Meadowhall on 3 June (11am to 6pm) and 4 June (10am to 4pm). More details on the proposed scheme can be found at: www.FutureMeadowhall.co.uk
British Land reveals details British Land, joint owner of Meadowhall in Sheffield, has revealed details of the proposed Leisure Hall at Meadowhall, Yorkshire’s premier shopping destination, as the company begins a public consultation on the proposals. The plans represent the single biggest investment in Meadowhall since it opened more than 25 years ago. At over £300 million, the proposals are also one of the largest investments in the Sheffield City Region for a decade and will create over 1,000 jobs. Comprising 330,000 sq ft of space, the proposed Leisure Hall will add a
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range of dining and entertainment experiences not currently available at the centre. These include a number of new restaurants, a state-of-the-art cinema to replace the existing cinema in the Oasis Dining Quarter, a new café court, gym, and other leisure space that could be used to offer everything from ten-pin bowling to indoor golf. Housed under an elegant glazed roof, the Leisure Hall will integrate with the existing centre to create a new multilevelled, landscaped mall with high quality internal and external spaces for promotional and community uses. It has
Darren Pearce, Meadowhall Centre Director, said: “This is a very exciting era for Meadowhall. The proposed Leisure Hall is designed to give our shoppers ever more choice and variety. We hope that many will share their views and thoughts during the public consultation in June, ahead of the planning application, enabling us to maintain Meadowhall as Yorkshire’s premier shopping and leisure destination.” Charles Maudsley, Head of Retail and Leisure for British Land, said: “We are continuing to drive Meadowhall’s evolution to ensure it remains an outstanding place for modern consumer lifestyles. This significant step change in the scheme’s leisure provision will contribute to Sheffield’s continuation as a driving force behind the Northern Powerhouse. This is a very exciting time and we look forward to working with Sheffield City Council to help ensure Sheffield’s future success.” A detailed planning application for the Leisure Hall will be submitted in late summer 2016, following extensive consultation with local stakeholders. If the proposals are approved, British Land hopes to start on site during 2018 and open the Leisure Hall to visitors in late 2020/early 2021.
1 NEWS UPDATE - New partnership profits patients across the nation
A ‘fighting fit’ initiative
Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity have this week announced details of a major new five year partnership, as part of a commitment to support cancer patients across the region. The partnership will see BPL - who operate a number of leisure facilities throughout Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire – support the work of the cancer charity over the next few years in a bid to help raise vital funds. Weston Park Hospital, who TopicUK partner, is the only cancer hospital in South Yorkshire and currently has over 18,000 cancer patients under its care. The dedicated charity for the hospital is committed to this new partnership which will help enrich the lives of cancer patients and their families through health and fitness. Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity raises funds to improve the research, treatment and care for people fighting cancer locally. With cancer currently affecting 1 in every 3 people in the UK, both BPL and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity enter this new partnership with plans to promote exercise as a means of improving the quality of life of cancer patients. With recent research highlighting the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle for both current cancer patients and to prevent cancer diagnosis’s in the future, the cancer charity is hopeful that their new partnership will promote this message further afield. Chief Executive of BPL Tim Wilson, said, “We are delighted to have this partnership in place and be able to offer our services in support of cancer patients in the region. As a charitable not-forprofit company ourselves, being able to offer our facilities to those suffering with the disease is something we were extremely eager to get involved in.” “We look forward to what will be an extremely successful partnership
with Weston Park and hope to help them raise the funds they need - as well as promoting the health benefits of exercise - in the process.” The partnership was launched on the 18th April at the Barnsley Metrodome where colleagues and supporters of both organisations came together to express their dedication to the campaign and express their mutual hope of assisting cancer patients get ‘fighting fit’ by engaging in an active lifestyle. BPL will also help promote the cancer charity’s Run and Raise initiative over the next 5 years- encouraging members and staff alike to take part in runs whilst raising vital funds for the charity. The cancer charity need to raise £2 million this year to fund ground-breaking projects within Weston Park Hospital- supporting patients and their carers throughout and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Cancer Charity Director, Samantha Kennedy, said, “We are extremely grateful to BPL for offering their support through this new 5 year partnership.” Staying healthy and active is paramount for improving the physical and mental recovery of cancer patients during and long after treatment. Last year, the cancer charity invested more than ever before into projects within Weston Park Hospital and we continue to look for new and life-changing ways for us to
support those fighting cancer locally.” “We are excited to be working with BPL for the next five years, in which time we will collaborate on various fundraising initiatives and events to help enrich the lives of cancer patients and their families through health and fitness.” Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire – a population of almost 1.8million people. The charity needs to raise over £2 million this year to enable the funding of committed and new projects that will keep patients at the forefront of cancer treatment. To find out more about the new partnership between Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and BPL call the charity office on 01142265370. To join the cancer charity’s Run & Raise team visit www.runandraise.org.uk For more information on the services and facilities that Barnsley Premier Leisure have on offer, visit www.bpl.org.uk or alternatively call 01226 730060. To find out more about Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity visit www.wphcc.org.uk
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 NEWS UPDATE - Financial advice from Lifetime FM
I FELT LIKE ALICE FALLING THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS!
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By Bill Bottomley
alking up the stairs in 1993 was a bit like being Alice falling through the looking glass; I was entering a world that I knew nothing of, with strange and frightening characters speaking a language I didn’t understand and talking about things that were a mystery to me. Sweat dripped down the back of my neck as I viewed charts and graphs and numbers extolling the virtues of “Top Performers” - with names of men and women grouped into Gold, Silver and Bronze, a roll call of the achievers and the strivers and those that even to my inexperienced eye were not cutting the mustard. Bing Bong (who previously worked in a warehouse), Rambo, Ozy, Penty, Smithy and Gaz were the leaders of this ‘motley crew’. Sharp suits, polished shoes, high performance cars and giant egos: These were the role models, the ‘stars’ who shone the brightest, who knew everything there was to know, and had been there, done it, and got the proverbial! These were to be my mentors (one still is), my guides through this world of wonder and excess. It was a dream land where little made initial sense to me but even then I could see there was a land of opportunity. It would become ‘my nest’ for life. Before I entered the world of Financial Services I’d been a Religious Education teacher for nine years. The contrast was stark as you can imagine, but over the years I have come to see many parallels between the two. This may surprise you, it has certainly surprised me. The first thing that hit me as I fell down the ‘Rabbit Hole’ was the realisation that I would have to learn a new language if
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I was to survive in this strange land and come to terms with a culture that was alien to my previous life experience. The language of Pensions and investments were a foreign tongue to me, indeed some of the words I’d never seen before: With Profits, Endowments, Term Assurance, Fund returns, index, the long list went on. The acronyms also meant nothing to me: PHI, PEPs, WOL, GILTs. And then of course was the realisation that it was also my scary task to explain what these meant to other people! Making difficult concepts simple enough for others to understand, without being patronising. Can you start to see those parallels between Financial Planning and teaching Religious Education? Defining a culture is always difficult, but at that time I felt there was a ruthless self- serving atmosphere throughout the finance world and that legacy remains with us today, when we still have to explain the miss-selling scandals that have dogged the industry for many years. When I started, in my first year, our branch was the top selling business throughout the whole of the organisation. Sadly that had little to do with the wealth of the area but everything to do with the unfortunate miners whose perfectly good pensions were being moved into personal arrangements. Has this changed? Moving away from commissions to fees has helped a great deal, but there are still those, I’m sorry to say, who look to short circuit systems designed to protect the consumers. Alice’s Wonderland still remains a place of smoke and mirrors if you are not careful. So much has changed for me personally and professionally in the last twenty three years my head is still spinning. The first time I sat in someone’s front room and
listened to their concerns, their dreams and aspirations and then gave them my advice, the memory still fills me with fear. I was sent on a two-week course and then was given a client bank of over 200 clients, entrusted to me as their Financial Adviser. I shudder now at my inadequacy and lack of knowledge and insight and hope to God that I didn’t damage their financial prospects. Let’s wiz through to the present day and finish this protracted introduction to what I hope will prove to be a series of insightful and helpful articles tip-toeing through the land mines of Financial Planning. When asked to write this article I was most worried about being boring; a mate of mine introduces me to his friends by saying “look out he’s a Financial Adviser.” As a result, I’ve spent many times stood on my own in a corner at his parties, he’s really funny! I want to be your ‘White Rabbit’ on this journey and help you to understand some of the difficult concepts we deal with, as well as getting you to ask yourself some of the big questions that have a profound effect on how we lead our lives and determine the decisions we make for ourselves, our families and the people we work with. Actually, quite like RE teaching…… William Bottomley is the Communications Director at Barnsley-based financial management company Lifetime. A father and now proud grandfather, he helps provide a financial planning service which puts the client right at the centre. 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.
A BRIEF GUIDE TO MANAGING EMPLOYEE SICKNESS ABSENCE
Did you know that mental ill health is now the most reported reason for sickness absence, with musculo-skeletal problems now the second most common reason? Many small to medium size employers feel anxious about responding to and managing sickness for many reasons. Here are my top 5 tips to do so fairly and effectively: 1) Set out your expectations from the first day of employment Setting reasonable expectations helps your staff to understand what you expect of them should they report sick and assists you with ‘setting the scene’ and being clear of the employee’s responsibilities. 2) Record and monitor absence levels If you don’t record absence, you can’t monitor what is happening and then you can’t manage any problems effectively or fairly. I have conducted many absence review meetings where employees have had no idea of the
total of their sickness absence and who improve their attendance when they realise how much time they have taken as sick leave and the impact this is having on them and the business. 3) Conduct ‘Return To Work’ meetings after each and every absence This may seem un-necessary and time-consuming. In reality, return to meetings can last from 30 seconds following straight-forward & no issue absence through to as long as needed for complex and long term absences. The value of meeting to the business is to demonstrate your duty of care towards your employees. The value to employees is to know that the business takes absence management seriously and is interested in it’s staff. 4) Record return to work and absence review meetings
As with Top Tip number 3, this may seem un-necessary and time-consuming. However employers can use a template to record the meeting and retain on the employee personnel file. The importance of documenting such meetings is to protect the employer should there be any dispute about how the business has managed absence, in particular in relation to unfair dismissal, disability and potential employment tribunal claims. 5) Treat all employees consistently but as individuals It may sound trite to say this… However, it’s true. A ‘one-size’ fits all sickness absence management policy and procedure will not work for all employees all of the time. Employers need to ensure that any policies/procedures and practices are consistent and fair, respond where appropriate and reasonable to individual circumstances and do not place the business at risk of unfair dismissal and/ or disability discrimination claims. If you would like more information about the services I offer, please contact me on 07985972316 or jo.c@taylorbracewell.co.uk
Chamber Means Business
with South Yorkshire’s Leading Business to Business exhibition Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is set to host their annual business to business exhibition, in association with Barnsley College, Enterprising Barnsley and Segmentation Group, at the Oakwell Stadium on Thursday 15th September 2016. On the day the event will run from 9am to 3pm and as always will provide businesses the opportunity to meet with exhibitors, network with local businesses and make new contacts. Over 50 Chamber members will be exhibiting in the Chamber of Commerce Legends Lounge and across the hospitality areas of Oakwell, plus FREE seminars which are due to take place in the Premier Lounge
at various times throughout the day. Chamber Operations Manager, Mark Hannigan said: “The exhibition continues to go from strength to strength and gives business people the perfect opportunity to meet other businesses from the region and develop your relationships. We would encourage all businesses within the City Region to come along for an hour or two. It’s free to attend and booking isn’t necessary - we hope to see many of you there on the day”. Exhibition space and event advertising is available to all Chamber members, for further details contact Mark Hannigan on 01709 386200 or email mark.hannigan@brchamber.co.uk
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 FEATURE - Historical account of a local mining disaster
England’s biggest mining disaster Researchers have found that more people were killed in England’s biggest ever mining disaster 150 years ago than was previously thought. A team of volunteers has been delving deeper than ever before into the history of the 1866 Oaks Colliery Disaster at Hoyle Mill, Barnsley.
history and its officially reported that the death toll has always been 361. But volunteers have now discovered the names of 384 victims.
The catastrophe - which marks its 150th anniversary this year remains the worst mining disaster in English
This research project has been organised through the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP) which is
supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund – thanks to National Lottery players. The DVLP has now published its findings online and would like anyone with further information about the lives of the listed men and boys to come forward. Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership community officer Stephen Miller said: “We are really pleased with the outcome of this research project. The volunteers have done sterling work in identifying those killed. Sadly, we knew that poor record keeping and the chaos in the aftermath of the disaster meant that the exact number of people killed at Oaks Colliery has never been properly revealed and it has long been known that the figure of 361 was only based on an estimate by the mine owners. “Our aim from the outset was to try and find a more accurate figure and find out more about the individual stories of those that died.” DVLP put out a call for volunteers ten months ago and provided them with specialist training in studying historic records. They have now collectively spent more than 3,000 hours going through records online, at Barnsley Archives and other sources such as the Mining Institute in Newcastle. Their rigorous research has produced a new list of 384 names, including 91 children, who died in the disaster – that’s 23 more victims. Their research has also put names to unknown fatalities within the original estimated count. Stephen said: “It seemed wrong that after 150 years the best list we had was produced by the Barnsley Chronicle in 1867, and that only named 337 of the 361 death toll. Our first aim was to identify and find out about the unnamed victims. The overall number was never the most important thing for us, but it was very interesting to see our list of names go beyond the 361 figure
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that has been accepted for so long.” The new list produced by the volunteers has now been published at www.discoverdearne.org.uk. It includes fascinating new details about the men and boys’ lives, including how far they travelled from to work in the pit, coming from as far afield as Wales, London, Ireland and Northumberland. Records of the day suggest 400 miners in total were working below ground on the day of the first explosion on December 12. A second explosion the day after killed 27 volunteer rescuers. Research into burial records has also suggested that 169 bodies were never recovered and remain in the old colliery workings beneath Hoyle Mill, Ardsley, Kendray, Monk Bretton and Stairfoot in Barnsley to this day. Volunteer Noel Shaw said: “This research presented an unmissable opportunity to delve into the lives of those who perished and their families, whilst also working to produce a more accurate list of fatalities. I was surprised to see how many people travelled the length and breadth of the country to Barnsley for employment in the dangerous coal mines. I think I can speak for all the volunteers in saying that it has been a privilege and pleasure to contribute to this project.” Commemorations of the Oaks Colliery Disaster will culminate in an exhibition at the Experience Barnsley museum in December this year. The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership is keen to hear feedback on the new list published at www. discoverdearne.org.uk and would welcome any further contributions of stories and images. They can be contacted on 01226 772139 or DVLP@barnsley.gov.uk.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 CHARITY - Stand up comedy raising funds for Weston Park
Comedy hopefuls try their hand at stand-up comfort zones into the bright lights to raise much needed funds for the Charity.
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en brave business leaders from Sheffield are set to take to the stage in October to perform a stand- up comedy routine in support of their local cancer hospital. Now into its fifth year, Funny Business Sheffield - a unique event organised by Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity will see the brave participants deliver a five minute comedy sketch at the City Hall on the 20th October. In a similar style to previous years, the comical contestants will undergo a five week training regime with policeman turned creative comic, Alfie Moore. Alfie, who has recently finished a successful touring stint in Edinburgh and over in Australia as well as having had his own show on BBC Radio Four, will coach the contestants how to separate the laughs from the lulls ahead of their final performance. The event, which is sponsored by One Health Group, Hampton by Hilton Sheffield and Marcos New York Italian will see business bods step out of their
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The high profile participants include: Peter Swallow, Managing Director at Bolsterstone PLC, Jim Bell, Director at Arup, Anne Wilson MBE, Managing Director at Numill Tooling Solutions, Chris Sexton, IT Director at The University of Sheffield, Jackie Freeborn, Managing Director at Skin Care Yorkshire/ Work-Wise and a trio act from Westfield Health Leadership Team, Jason Hogan, Finance Director, Paul Shires, Marketing Director and Chairman, Graham Moore. Derek Bickerstaff, Chief Executive of One Health Group, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Funny Business for the second year running. The event is a fantastic and unique way to raise money for such a worthwhile charity. “Last year one of our consultants took part in the event so we have first-hand experience of just how nerve wracking being a stand-up comedian can be. We wish all this year’s contestants the very best of luck and we are really looking forward to attending Funny Business in October and watching the region’s leading business people trying their very best to make us laugh!.” The money raised from individual sponsorship and ticket sales will go towards funding a wide variety of projects for Weston Park Hospital including the expansion of research studies, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and supporting the ongoing care provisions of patients and their families affected by cancer. Last years event delighted an audience of over 450 to eight impressive stand-
up comedy routines and in total raised over £15,000 for the Cancer Charity. Now into its fifth year, the people of Sheffield are invited to ‘laugh out loud’ once again as influential faces take to the stage in their hometown. Deciding the contestant’s funny fate on the night will be four high profile Sheffield figures; past contestant and Partner at Irwin Mitchell, Martin Loxley, CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters, Graham Honeyman, Chief Executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sir Andrew Cash OBE and Presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield, Paulette Edwards. Deputy Charity Director, Tina Harrison will be supporting the contestants throughout their training and on the night performances, whilst helping them each raise as much money as possible to support the vital work of Weston Park Hospital. Tina said, “Funny Business has now become a fixed date in the business event calendar and we’re delighted to be returning to the city hall with such a diverse group of Business leaders from across the city.” “The stark reality is that half of all people born since 1960 will be affected by cancer in their life time and we need to raise funds to ensure Weston Park Hospital remain at the forefront of cancer research, treatment and care. This is by no means a walk in the park and the contestants will need to go above and beyond to prepare their routines and deliver them on the night. We want to encourage friends, family and colleagues alike to buy their tickets and come and show their support on the night.” “However, with our high profile contestants it will be a sell-out event and we advise booking early to avoid disappointment!” “With the invaluable support of our
Everyday People work remotely sponsors, we hope that this year’s event will raise even more money to support those living with cancer in our region!” Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire – a population of almost 1.8million people. Weston Park is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer. Director of Arup and Funny Business contestant, Jim Bell said, “Over the past year I have become aware of the importance of the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity through a close colleague who is currently receiving treatment at Weston Park Hospital. Having learnt about the vital work they do, I wanted to actively support a charity that helps so many people, as well as one that I feel a particular connection to. In terms of preparation for the big Funny Business event, I tried a few lines out on my ever-supportive family and friends… no one laughed. If all else fails my plan is to blag it!” Tickets for Funny Business are just £15 each and can be purchased online at www.funnybusinesssheffield.org.uk or by calling the charity office on 01142265370. For those who can’t come along to the event, the participants can be individually sponsored at: https://www.justgiving. com/teams/funnybusiness2016
In recent years, many companies have become more agile, by making use of the robust independent workforce. Yorkshire’s freelance economy is booming according to a report published by People Per Hour, York alone has seen a 195% growth in the number of freelancers over the last three years, and Leeds has the 4th highest numbers of freelancers outside of London. (Source: People Per Hour, November 2015 ). Ben Reid Owner of York based creative agency, Cascade Creative describes the key role freelancer’s play in today’s economy. “The agility of business in today’s volatile economic climate is critical. A workforce needs talented specialists to do great things. Expert and skilled freelance support can bolster a company's resources at a fraction of the price of employed equivalents. Often freelancers are at the top of their professions and have invested in their own equipment, so a business doesn't have that capital outlay, but does have access to skills that they can draw on and pay for, only when they need it “There’s an extremely talented pool of independent workers in our region. If Yorkshire businesses are to seize the opportunities of the Northern Powerhouse they need to start thinking about using freelancers who will be able to hit the ground running and deliver results quickly,” Samantha Agnew, founder of Everyday People, a new Yorkshire based freelance sourcing platform Samantha Agnew suggests there are two pillars of managing independent workers: 1) Finding the right person. Not everyone can work remotely, so before you outsource or hire an independent worker be sure to communicate: exchange messages, talk over the phone or skype, all the while asking questions, keeping
your eye out for certain key traits. (LIST) Are they a doer? Are they pro-active and timely when communicating? Are they trustworthy? Look at references and testimonials; what do previous clients have to say.? Are they a good communicator? Most communication with a freelancer is written. Can they write clearly and concisely? How well do they follow written instructions? Are they organised? How do they prioritise and organise tasks? 2) Enhanced Communication Utilise advances in web applications and tools, to ensure remote workers are able to become productive and integrated members of the team. A study by Cisco, which surveyed 2000 employees, found that by telecommuting, 83% of employees said their ability to communicate and collaborate with coworkers was the same as, if not better than, it was when working on-site. Russ Huntington, founder of I-Finity Associates describes how he manages his distributed team in their role of supporting a global web application. “To facilitate communication, we use a central cloud-based project management site that allows us to keep a track of work items and bugs. We use a shared Google document to communicate priorities to our developers, so that they can pick them up while we’re offline, and have the items sorted by the time our working days cross-over. At this point we use Skype to catch up every day, largely because we can add as many people to a conversation as we need to and share screens for discussing code/database changes and fixes. In practice, the setup that we have means that we can react quickly and flexibly to whatever issue may arise.”
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 THE ARTS - The value of the arts today
Supporting the arts sector to thrive and flourish BY HELEN BALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE BARNSLEY CIVIC THEATRE
Ambitious plans are in place for the future of Barnsley. In recent weeks I have been spending time reflecting on the sector I am part of whilst beginning to plan for the next phase of development for The Civic. I have been party to numerous discussions about the reduction of the arts in our school curriculum, the challenges artists face when completing their training in furthering their careers and the ways in which the sector can work together to retain talent in the UK, in particular the North of England. As an arts centre that places its
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emphasis on growth in creative practice we have, at The Civic, an important role to play in improving the landscape and opportunities in all these areas. Artists and arts companies need inspiration, space to create, support and mentorship. They are looking for ways to explore their craft whilst often managing on a very small budget. As a venue that often means we have to take risks. We have to allow for the space to facilitate ideas, new projects and new opportunities. We have to also sometimes allow
for mistakes, misjudgements and often give frank and honest constructive feedback that may not always be welcomed. Our artist development programme at The Civic is in its fourth year and growing fast. There is certainly no shortage of demand for the help and assistance we can provide. I know therefore that the value of what we do is significant. I know that the people who have been part of our programmes have benefitted enormously and gone on, in
an artist to redesign their staff canteen for free in one of their London stores. The response on social media was one quite rightly of outrage and disbelief from the artistic community and those that champion it. Prompting many to challenge the supermarket chain to give something back in return. Why is something that adds positivity, light, depth and colour to our lives and communities so often undervalued? Is it because often it is so difficult to articulate the value of it? Or is it because it is deemed to not be for everyone and therefore is only something you pay for if you have disposable income? Therefore frivolous, a luxury and something that is nice to have.
all cases, to be able to attract investment into their work, stage finished works and in a number of cases tour. I wonder though how well that value is understood. As arts venues we are always asked to evidence our worth, make the case for what we do, indeed justify the subsidy we are given on an almost weekly basis. At the time of writing this an article made the news highlighting that one of the large well known supermarket chains had advertised for the services of
My theory is that just like people can live surrounded by beautiful countryside and often never take a walk past the end of their street to enjoy it, so too are many people surrounded by wonderful art but simply never notice it or engage with it. It is taken for granted. So how do we move that forward? How do we change that perception? I don’t have all the answers but I am determined to try.
In a society where people are lobbying for the arts to be on prescription for patients struggling with depression and mental health conditions. Where the arts is championed as a means through which to grow and inspire confidence and aspiration in our children and young people, this feels short sighted at best. Harking back to the days when young people were advised to get a proper job rather than have aspirations to work in the arts. So why do people today place so little value on something so often life changing and enjoyable?
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 RESTAURANT REVIEW - The Spencer Arms
Wonderful village pub! Cawthorne’s hidden gem is The Spencer Arms, a typical British chocolate box style village public house which dates back to 1720 and his full of history, with its impressive rural location, it has a beautiful outside space where you can enjoy a drink on the summer evening. By Anthony Hegney - Director at Asparagus Green
It’s been a while since we have been to Cawthorne, so we decided to visit the Spencer Arms one Friday evening, Glen came along with me, as we enjoy eating out and as it was a nice evening we decided to take the scenic route and I have to say it was well worth it, the drive is just stunning from Huddersfield to Cawthorne. We were greeted by very pleasant staff who asked if we would like to go straight to our table or have a drink at the bar. We opted for a drink at our table on this occasion, Glen had a sparkling mineral water and I went for the Gin & Tonic and was delighted when I was offered a choice of Gin. My favourite wasn’t on the list, Masons which is a shame but I settled for a Bombay Sapphire, which was served very well with ice and juniper berries a great touch. While we were enjoying our drinks the waiter came and introduced himself. Conner was a ‘real’ character as we later found out, with his friendly banter with customers but this didn’t distract
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from his great customer service. Browsing the menu, I was spoilt for choice as most of the dishes got my taste buds tingling. I opted for the prawns & crayfish with lemon, coriander and fennel, Glen went for the Chicken Liver parfait & warm woodland mushrooms on brioche and crumbled Wensleydale. Our starters were delivered pretty quick for a busy Friday evening which is a great start. My Prawns & Crayfish tasted delicious, the Lemon & Coriander really complimented the shellfish and the parfait was rather a large portion, which I could see was conquering Glen’s appetite, as he didn’t want to spoil his main course, the texture of the parfait was good nice and smooth and very flavoursome. One thing that I like about the Spencer arms is that they like to source all their produce locally. Greedy Little Pig is a perfect example as the restaurant features their belly pork on the menu and most of the meat is
The service and the banter from Conner continued to be great through the meal. When we were asked if we would like desserts to finish off our meal, how could we resist, I opted for the four cheese selection with homemade chutney and water biscuits, it was an absolute treat and great that they gave you an individual cheese menu to choose from. Glen opted for the Rhubarb and Ginger cheesecake and from the textures and flavour it was very clear that it was homemade. Starter prices range from £6.50 to £8.00 and main courses from £12.00 to £28.00 for the fillet steak. The bar and restaurant is very tastefully decorated, its light and airy, the has the benefit of a private dining room which is cladded with brick work and decorated with copper and Brass pans on the walls, old fashioned style lighting is suspended from the ceiling. I will be definitely returning to the Spencer Arms in the not so distant future. My observations looking at the rest of the diners, the restaurant has a regular customer base who support it on a weekly basis.
sourced from Cannon Hall farm. After a short break our main courses arrived. I went for the famous Barnsley Chop, I love lamb so it seemed like the perfect option to me. Glen opted for the Chicken, Mushroom & Leek Pie. I was somewhat surprised to see that the Chop was covered in a glaze when it arrived and had the small jug of Lamb Jus on the side, which would have been sufficient as a choice, it came with wilted winter greens and pressed lamb potatoes which were divine. The lamb was cooked to perfection, nice and pink not over cooked in the slightest. Glen really enjoyed the chicken,
mushroom and Leek Pie, which was served with fresh market vegetables. He commented on the flavours in the creamy chicken stock sauce and succulent chicken, the veg was also cooked to perfection. We didn’t opt for the wine list on this occasion however they have a great selection, with the wine starting at £16.00 per bottle. They also have a range of fizzes on the menu with prices starting from £24.00 per bottle, we however, just ordered from the bar and Conner was very good at keeping our glasses full and the gin was going down very well.
As usual when I do my reviews, I always have a good look at Trip Advisor and take an average of the comments. They are all very positive about The Spencer Arms, including one comment of “Gorgeous little place” which I would agree with.
If you are going to pay the Spencer Arms a visit, you can book a table on the website at http:// www.spencerarms.co.uk/ or give them a call on 01226 792795. The restaurant is open 7 days a week.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
Burrows Toyota is a family owned business situated in Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield. Topic UK went to meet local business development managers Mark Taylor & Adam Hughes at the Barnsley showroom to hear about the latest in commercial vehicles.
Burrows Driving Value in Yorkshire The new RAV4
showcases a vast array of pioneering technologies with tangible real-world benefits: from the advanced dynamics of a new hybrid system and reassurance of optional Toyota Safety Sense features (excluding 'Active' grade). New RAV4, more reasons to explore.
Vehicle Benefits • • •
24% BIK Reversing camera Multimedia system with satellite navigation & DAB radio
RAV4 BUSINESS EDITION
£230+VAT
£1,380
24% BIK
per month* (Business users only)
initial rental + VAT
Reversing camera
123g/km CO2
Multimedia system with satellite navigation and DAB radio
The new RAV4. The SUV. Redefined.
Burrows Toyota Barnsley Claycliffe Island, Barugh Green Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 2RS 01226 308337
Burrows Toyota Sheffield 260 Penistone Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 2FQ 0114 3582231
Burrows Toyota Doncaster Quest Park, Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN2 4LT 01302 791958
/BurrowsToyota @BurrowsToyota
www.burrows.toyota.co.uk Model shown is 2016 RAV4 Business Edition 5 door FWD 2.0 D-4D Manual £24,595. Price excludes metallic paint at £495 ex VAT. *Business users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Available on new sales of model shown when ordered and proposed for finance between 1st April and 30th June 2016 registered and financed by 30th September 2016 through Toyota Financial Services on Toyota Contract Hire. Advertised rental is based on a 3 year non maintained contract at 8,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £1,380+VAT. Metallic or pearlescent paint are not included. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. At participating Toyota Centres. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC. Registered Office: Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For full details of terms and conditions and to book your test drive please visit www.brilliantforbusiness. co.uk. Vehicles are subject to availability and drivers must be 25 years or older.
2016 RAV4 Business Edition 5 door FWD 2.0 D-4D Manual. Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 52.3 (5.4), Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3), Combined 60.1 (4.7). CO2 Emissions 123g/km. All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These are provided to allow comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect your actual driving experience.
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BUR_TOY_260x203_Topic_RAV4_PRIUS_halfpg_AW.indd 2
27/05/2016 12:21
ALL NEW PRIUS BUSINESS EDITION
£218+VAT
£1,308
11% BIK
per month* (Business users only)
initial rental + VAT
Full hybrid: no need to plug in
70g/km CO2
Multimedia system with satellite navigation and DAB radio
Even lower emissions, even more appeal. The benchmark’s moved. Again. Burrows Toyota Barnsley Claycliffe Island, Barugh Green Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 2RS 01226 308337
Burrows Toyota Sheffield 260 Penistone Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 2FQ 0114 3582231
Burrows Toyota Doncaster Quest Park, Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN2 4LT 01302 791958
/BurrowsToyota @BurrowsToyota
www.burrows.toyota.co.uk
Model shown is 2016 Prius Hybrid Business Edition 5 door 1.8 Auto (CVT). £24,195. Price excludes pearlescent paint at £650 ex VAT. *Business users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Available on new sales of model shown when ordered and proposed for finance between through Toyota for finance between 1st April and 30th June 2016 registered and financed by 30th September 2016 on a 3 year non maintained contract at 8,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £1,308+VAT. Metallic or pearlescent paint are not included. Excess mileage charges apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. At participating Toyota Centres. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Terms and conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s only. Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC. For full details of terms and conditions and to book your test drive please visit www.brilliantforbusiness.co.uk. Vehicles are subject to availability and drivers must be 25 years or older.
2016 Prius Hybrid Business Edition 5 door 1.8 Auto (CVT). Official Fuel Consumption Figures in mpg (l/100km): Urban 97.4 (2.9), Extra Urban 91.1 (3.1), Combined 94.1 (3.0). CO2 Emissions 70g/km. All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU regulated laboratory test results. These are provided to allow comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect your actual driving experience. BUR_TOY_260x203_Topic_RAV4_PRIUS_halfpg_AW.indd 1
Prius. A Hybrid Icon. Again.
The Toyota Prius took driving to a new level in 1997 as the world’s first mainstream hybrid car. Today marks another leap forward in intelligent design and technology: the more responsive, more efficient and quieter-than-ever all-new Prius continues to redefine that outstanding Toyota hybrid. Now available with Toyota Safety Sense features as standard.
Burrows (Barnsley)
27/05/2016 12:20
Vehicle Benefits • • •
11% BIK Wireless mobile phone charge Multimedia system with satellite navigation & DAB radio
Claycliffe Island, Barugh Green Barnsley South Yorkshire S75 2RS T: 01226 302 191 29
July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 LOCAL ECONOMY - New service in the Sheffield City Region SCR Launchpad programme manager Anna Smith said: “Launchpad has been set up to ensure that wherever entrepreneurs are based in our region, whether in the city of Sheffield, in our growing towns or in rural communities, everyone has equal access to the best quality business development support.
START-UP SUPPORT programme launched to support Sheffield City Region entrepreneurs A free and comprehensive support service has been launched to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up and run successful new businesses in the Sheffield City Region. Sheffield City Region Launchpad is a new fully inclusive and co-ordinated programme of start-up support which aims to help create hundreds of new businesses across the region over the next three years. The £4 million programme is being delivered through the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub, launched
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by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership last month, and involves a consortium of the region’s local authorities, and the Princes Trust. Through Launchpad people just starting to think about working for themselves and new business owners keen to grow their companies and create jobs can quickly access a wide range of new and existing business advice, workshops, seminars, one-toone coaching and mentoring services.
“Its aim is to ensure that no-one misses out on the support they need to help them set up and grow their business. Wherever they are based they can contact Launchpad and a start-up business advisor will talk through their business aims, discuss their needs and signpost them to the most appropriate support.” Launchpad is being delivered through a collaboration of the region’s local authorities and business support organisations, led by Barnsley Council’s business support arm, Enterprising Barnsley. Developed and delivered under the SCR Growth Hub banner, Launchpad brings together the wide range of startup support services provided by these partners and combines them with new services being provided through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub. The initiative is backed financially by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and has attracted £2,359,613 investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Europe Union’s support for the region’s economic development. Chair of the Sheffield City Region European Structural Investment Funds Sub-Committee James Newman said: “Through unprecedented collaboration across the Sheffield City Region’s local authorities and business community we have co-ordinated all our efforts to identify and support pre-start and early stage businesses with growth potential. “Our ultimate aim is to increase economic growth and create jobs through fostering the development of new businesses
across the whole region. The simple message is that if you want to set up and grow a business in the City Region you should contact Launchpad and its team of advisors can help you access a region-wide network of support. “This is exactly the type of programme that European funding should be supporting and we expect Launchpad to become the definitive springboard for successful business start-ups in the Sheffield City Region.” Launchpad is open to new businesses in Barnsley, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales, Doncaster and North East Derbyshire, Rotherham and Sheffield and offers entrepreneurs anything from access to free workshops and events to one-to-one mentoring from successful entrepreneurs and business owners. The Princes Trust will provide business support to 18-30-year-olds across South Yorkshire. Entrepreneurs and new business owners can contact Launchpad through the SCR Growth Hub gateway on 03330 00 00 39 or growthhub@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk Visit www. scrgrowthhub.co.uk to find out more. The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub, through which Launchpad has been developed, is designed to be a single point of contact for all businesses across the nine local authority areas. It was launched by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership last month. The overall ambition of the Sheffield City Region LEP is to help create 6,000 new businesses and 70,000 new jobs by 2025, by encouraging innovation, investment and collaboration. Similar Launchpad start-up support programmes have been established by LEPs through their Growth Hubs in other city regions across the UK.
Auto enrolment are you ready? Chartered Accountants + Chartered Tax Advisers
by Nichola Hawdon
Are you already up to date with the requirements or are you, like many other small to medium size businesses, confused and bewildered by the new regulations and what they may mean for you? Do you need advice, guidance and someone to take the headache out of complying with the new pension regulations? The Pensions Act 2008 introduced an obligation on all employers to provide a workplace pension for their eligible employees. The regulations have been phased in gradually starting with larger employers required to comply (ie their “staging date”) in October 2012 ending with micro and new employers in 2017. The staging date for many of our smaller clients is now looming and we are starting to see staging dates for clients with just 1 employee this year. To these employers we ask the questions - are you ready? Do you know what your obligations and responsibilities are? Do you have an advisor to help you through the process? Have you chosen a pension scheme? Yet many employers are still burying their head in the sand, they either think it will go away, or more commonly think that because they’ve spoken to their employees and they are not interested in a pension they
have fulfilled their responsibilities. It is important to remember that the workplace pension scheme is an opt out not an opt in scheme. An employer must enrol all their eligible employees into an appropriate scheme at the first payroll run following their staging date and they do not have a choice. It is then the employee’s responsibility to opt out of the scheme should they wish to by contacting the pension scheme directly. The government’s initial forecast was an opt out rate of 30% but this has since been revised to 15% over the life of the project as the actual opt out rate has been much lower (10% in 2015 ) than initially projected; it therefore appears that the opt out approach is working. It is also important, as an employer, that you understand your Auto Enrolment responsibilities as the penalties for non compliance can soon add up to significant sums. Penalties start at a flat rate of £400 with up to an additional £50-£10,000 penalty per day (depending on the number of employees) for persistent non compliance. An English League One football team was recently fined £22,000 for repeatedly failing to comply with its Auto Enrolment duties. With 1,600,000 employers expected to stage in the next couple of years please don’t leave it too late to seek advice and put your pension plans into practice.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1BUSINESS GROWTH & strategy expert to collaborate with stakeholders. These could be local government, education bodies, other businesses (including competition) and the community. This is often counterproductive in the long term.
COLLABORATION TO MAXIMISE GROWTH By Gary King
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s the number of SME businesses grows at a record rate we must look for new ways to maximise our potential. Given we don’t know what we don’t know, collaborating with the right partners can help illuminate some of these blind spots and drive mutual growth. We are in the most dynamic, fast-paced business environment for a decade, with high customer expectations, strong competition and increasing costs. So how and why do we need to collaborate? I meet many business owners that don’t want to or can’t justify the time
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If you accept and understand your shortfalls as a business and as a leader, collaboration is the key to overcoming these effectively. This may be access to technology, tapping into knowledge and expertise or just challenging the status quo. We have to put value creation ahead of self-interest if we are to prosper. Of course, you have to collaborate with the right partners. For example, I would not advocate collaborating with a direct competitor who will look to take business from you. Effective collaboration builds a two-way relationship that creates and maximises shared benefit over a sustained period of time. Collaboration partners must have shared values and a shared vision to enable the best results. Understanding these and also agreeing the desired outcomes of any such relationship are key. Collaborating also builds strong relationships and a sound reputation for you and your business, the value of which should offset the time and any financial investment. Who would be your number one choice of collaborator?
Seven steps to getting the best from meetings and events Becky Gill is sales account manager at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, which has space that can be booked for both meetings and events. Here, she shares her seven steps to making the most of business meetings or networking opportunities, and organising your own events. Recognise when a meeting or networking event is more appropriate than a telephone call or email. Meeting people face to face helps build trust and relationships, and, as the saying goes ‘people do business with people’. Once you have met someone in person, follow up the meeting by dropping them a line and connecting with them on social media. Face to face and online networking work best when combined together. Smile, even if you feel nervous. First impressions count and when someone meets you for the first time, they make up their mind about you in the first three seconds.
Having spent more than 25 years in business, Gary is perfectly placed to advise businesses with an appetite for growth.
Pay attention to detail when organising your own meeting or event. Your success depends on your reputation, so put the time into getting it right
Active Response to Child Safety Award winning Active Response Security Services based in South Yorkshire are continuing to receive plaudits from far and wide for a community initiative aimed at protecting Primary School Children. Whilst the Initiative is to be pre launched the benefits are available to Schools nationally. It is even expected to be used in Children’s Museums, Kidz Clubs and in Shopping Centres.
Be able to talk about your business succinctly when you meet new people – practice summing up who you are what you do in a couple of sentences, and always have business cards to hand. Listen to what other people have to say too!
The Idea was formed by Managing Director Michelle Bailey who takes up the story. “Whilst death and injury on sites amongst children is reducing according to national figures provided by HSE, the numbers are still astonishing and we cannot afford complacency. We all have a shared responsibility to keep our children safe and this is a common danger that presents itself to us often whilst providing security on sites. We wanted to develop a fun, interactive way of educating our young ones on how to recognise dangers and avoid them. We decided to develop a series of HD Videos using a 3D animation character that could be used by teaching staff to engage children and alert them to varying dangers. Episode one deals with avoiding building sites and derelict/void buildings and will appear in Schools in early July 2016”.
If it’s appropriate, use your meeting or event as content for your social media channels. Upload images, tag new business acquaintances, and shout about what you are doing.
The project is being fully funded by Active Response and has no cost implications to those wishing to use it to educate our children.
and you’ll avoid your name being associated with a flop. Choose the venue carefully. Location, capacity and facilities are the most important things to consider, and your chosen venue should always be happy to discuss your requirements and do their best to meet them.
Magna is based in Templeborough, Rotherham, and can accommodate meetings and events from small gatherings to large exhibitions. For more information, visit www.mymagnaevent.co.uk or call Becky on 01709 720002.
Animascot of London was engaged to develop the 3D character and design and produce the first Video of the series. Active Response, after engaging in focus groups, decided on a Bee character “Bee Active”, the character and story
theme is light and humorous, however also highlights the difficulties one could find themselves in when entering unauthorised or derelict areas. The pre-launch with special guests will take place on June 24th 2016 in Barnsley, although Schools Nationally will be encouraged to use this teaching tool. Senior figures from South Yorkshire Police and local Members of Parliament will join other guests to support this Initiative. Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner will address the audience on the value of such initiatives. Michelle Bailey concluded “We have always been passionate about safeguarding and invest heavily in staff training, this initiative seemed a natural next step for us and we are very excited to be working in partnership with educational authorities – helping to get this message across. Building sites, derelict building may seem fun but hide many hidden dangers” Active Response Security Services Ltd The Coach House Berneslai Close, Off Church Field BARNSLEY S70 2FL Tel: 01226 288886
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 BUSINESS LEADERS - City centre manager’s challenging views on Barnsley retail
EXCITING CHANGES COMING to Barnsley’s retail future Topic South Yorkshire editor, Cat Yaffe recently met up with John Tarrant, centre manager at the Alhambra Shopping Centre to find out more about what it takes to run a busy shopping centre and John’s vision for the future. John, originally from Doncaster, moved to head-up the Alhambra management team as is also chair of the Town Centre Security. John can boast more than 34 years’ experience in the retail industry and has previously worked as regional manager for Birthdays before taking on centre manager roles at Freeport Hornsea, Junction 32 Outlet Village in Castleford, Meridian Centre Havant and Ankerside in Tamworth. TopicUK asked John, why Barnsley? “I love a challenge! Seriously, Barnsley has so much potential. I see the Alhambra as being a massive part of that potential and change within the town. The people of Barnsley are loyal, with a strong sense of community spirit which applies to everyone from our faithful shoppers to our tremendously hardworking team. I’m proud to just be a small part of that, as after much delay, finally the changes to the town centre are going ahead.”
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Credit: Mark Skeet Photography
What are your thoughts on that? “It’s exciting. Change always comes with an amount of uncertainty and we have had to go through some pain barriers and attract external investment to make sure it happens, but everyone is embracing the changes. Of course the town centre has it’s issues as much as every other area but we’re tackling those head on, both within the Alhambra team and in the wider area.” How do you think these changes will affect businesses in the centre and beyond? “It can only be a good thing. Barnsley isn’t currently a destination of choice. We have a loyal footfall at the The Alhambra which is great, but if change attracts a new, wider more family oriented audience then that can only be a positive thing.” You’ve mentioned the town has issues, and as you are chair of the town centre security committee, what are those issues and what is being done to tackle them? “Antisocial behavior in certain parts of town has been an issue for some time. It was recently revealed that a dedicated PSOP team are now on the streets dealing with this, and their increased visibility will hopefully have an impact. We have had issues at the Alhambra previously but we’ve dealt with it head on and it is no longer such an issue.” Let’s talk about your role within the Alhambra, what’s your vision? “My vision is simple; to be the best we can be. I believe in empowering the whole team and helping them to develop to their full potential. For example we took on an apprentice electrician five years ago who qualified and has stayed with us
since. It’s this kind of commitment that I look for in a team. As long as they’re putting more in than they take out I’m pretty easy going! Having said that, I’m not afraid of making hard decisions. When I joined the Alhambra two years ago there was very much a mindset of ‘well, we’ve always done it that way.’ But in order to future proof the Alhambra changes had to made. Either you bought into my vision or you didn’t. “It goes back to my comments earlier on the loyalty of the team that is the strength of the success of the Alhambra and I’m proud of what we have achieved so far, but the story has only just begun!” What do you mean by future proofing? “We’re aware of our carbon footprint and sustainability. With this in mind we have swapped mall and car park lighting from fluorescent to LED lighting in order to make the centre brighter and ultimately safer for shoppers. This also means cost savings for the centre and also applies to the lifts. Waste management has also been improved thanks to the installation of a general waste compactor and cardboard and polythene bailing machines.” So what does the future hold for the Alhambra Shopping Centre? “Well, an agreement has been reached with Empire Cinemas to open a new multiplex cinema in 2017 and that will mean huge changes. It will effectively be on the roof and be surrounded by restaurants and eateries so there will be something for all the family. It’s been a while in the making, but plans are moving at a pace and personally I can’t wait to see how it develops.”
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
FIRST CHOICE!
Sheffield entrepreneur saluted for multi-million pound success
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Sheffield entrepreneur has received prestigious recognition for the £14.2m of business he has helped stimulate within the county’s building and construction industry.
Craig Wilkinson, founder of the Trades Hub Academy, picked up Business Man of the Year at the inaugural Yorkshire Choice Awards. Initially nominated by his peers, Craig was among strong competition in his category, but ‘people power’ led to him being crowned the winner. He received thousands of votes from members of the public. Having left school at the age of 16, Craig became an apprentice joiner. Eight years later he set up his own business – loft conversion firm Restyle Lofts – which grew to become the most successful company of its kind in Yorkshire. But it was in 2012 that his journey with the Trades Hub Academy began. Repeatedly asked to share the secrets of his business success, Craig arranged for 40 industry contacts to meet him in a working men’s club in Sheffield one Friday afternoon. Quick-fire discussions about networking, planning, strategic marketing, websites and social media unfolded and, from that very first event, £250,000 of business was passed. The Trades Hub Academy soon became a regular fixture in these contractors’ diaries, with Craig chairing networking and knowledge-transfer meetings every month. Keen to give something back to the industry that had done so much for him, the focus was helping attendees grow their business whilst delivering more added-value to
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clients and securing a better quality of lives for themselves and their families. Craig explains: “I know from personal experience what factors can hold trades people back – working long hours, little time with family and friends, an unmanageable level of paperwork, delayed payments, poor marketing – the list goes on. Having built, grown and sold a building company I have made all these mistakes along my journey. I set up Trades Hub Academy to help highly skilled and ambitious tradespeople who want to improve and grow their businesses without making all the classic errors. A second Academy was ‘born’ in Leeds in October 2013 and, fast forward to the present day, the Trades Hub now has hundreds of members across the whole of Yorkshire. But there’s even more to come from this fiercely passionate and now award-winning entrepreneur. “We also hold full day masterclasses coaching workshops every month for contractors who want to take their business to the next level,” Craig elaborates. “These currently take place in Yorkshire but they’re attracting attendees from as far afield as Glasgow and Southampton. So, over the next 12 months, the masterclasses will be going national, so that people are no longer bound by geography. By this time next year, we’ll also have monthly events in
London, the Midlands, the North East and Scotland. We could be looking at hundreds of millions of pounds generated as a result.” It seems it is Craig’s inspiring vision that led to him attracting such significant support for the Yorkshire Choice Awards. Presented to him by broadcaster Christa Ackroyd at a glittering ceremony at The Centenary Pavillion, Leeds, the trophy now sits proudly in his Sheffield office. “I can’t describe the feeling to have won,” he comments. “I was gobsmacked. I am proud and honoured to have been recognised in this way.” 525 people attended the Yorkshire Choice Awards ceremony to celebrate the local achievements of 300 outstanding nominees from the world of business, charity and sport. The event was in aid of Martin House Children’s Hospice, supporting children with life-limiting illnesses. The chosen charity for the 2017 Awards will be the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund. Restyle Lofts grew to become a 20-strong business, which Craig sold last year.
Say I Do’ 140 meters below ground unique, there is also the opportunity to get married 140 meters below the surface in the actual pit’s underground room! That’s the height of Blackpool Tower!!
To add to an array of exciting new events being held at The National Coal Mining Museum for England, Asparagus Green Catering Limited have now been granted a license to hold Civil Wedding Ceremonies at the Wakefield venue. Not only can you tie the knot in the newly decorated Caphouse Suite, but for those looking for something totally
Asparagus Green Catering are offering bespoke packages for couples wanting to stage their dream weddings, from seaside themes with deck chairs, serving cockles and mussels, to replicating the Gatsby era, with the flamboyance of table centre pieces featuring real ostrich feathers and serving oysters at the wedding breakfast. Managing Director Anthony Hegney said “We are so excited about growing our Wedding offer. Over the last year, there was only the one Wedding Reception here but following our successful 12 months plus at the Museum, we are absolutely delighted to now have 5
weddings currently being planned and co-ordinated – each and every one of them different and bespoke to the couples themselves and our first “Underground Wedding” takes place in July of this year! He added, “Now we have the Wedding License to hold Civil Ceremonies, it gives us the opportunity to offer an all-encompassing, hassle free day! The Caphouse Suite can be dressed to suit any styles and taste and we are driven by the fact that we can assist and deliver the ideas and vision that literally could just start with “I want a seaside wedding . . .” For more information on holding your wedding at The National Coal Mining Museum for England, contact Jaine Binns, Sales Manager, Conference & Events: 01924 844581 or Email: jaine.binns@ncm.org.uk
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
OUTDOOR AQUATIC ADVENTURE REOPENS AT MAGNA Visitors to Magna are preparing to get wet and wild as its outdoor water adventure, Aqua-tek, re-opens for the summer.
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he splash play area in the grounds of the science adventure centre near Rotherham opened again on 28th May, after being closed for the winter season. Aqua-tek, which is suitable for children of all ages, is one of the UK’s largest outdoor water play areas and features fountains, squirts, splashes and sprays. Stuart Ballard, Magna’s education manager, said: “Re-opening Aqua-tek always signals the start of summer for us here at Magna, and it is one of our most popular attractions for families. It’s a splashingly good adventure in all things water, so we recommend people bring a towel and change of clothes, and prepare to have some serious fun. Visitors can also make the most of Magna’s outdoor space with Sci-tek, an adventure-based play structure featuring linked trampoline sets, spinning bowls, tilted roundabouts, twisted slides, rockets and castles.” A number of indoor family friendly activities are also available at the visitor attraction over the half term period. They include the Steelos Gallery, which charts the history of the Templeborough site from Roman times to the present day, and The Big Melt, which brings
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the region’s steel heritage to life. Stuart said: “We all know how unpredictable the great British weather can be, so whether the sun shines or not, there is plenty for families to enjoy at Magna over the half term holiday. Although they are on a break from school, kids are still learning when they visit our attractions - only they often don’t realise, because they are having such a good time!” Magna houses more than 100 hands-on exhibits designed to explore the four elements of air, water, earth, and fire. The venue also hosts regular school visits and business and social events.
Stuart Ballard of Magna
in the UK today and we are committed to our tried and tested ways of working and standard of craftsmanship. But we are also a forward-looking business and dedicated to new principles such as fuel efficiency, sustainability and using digital technology to enhance our customer service. Our new e-commerce website is part of our ongoing modernisation.”
Linking the Iron to the digital age Traditional ironworker boosts sales through launch of online store
A traditional craft business which uses artisan tools and techniques dating back thousands of years has launched its own online shop. Nigel Tyas Ironworks, which still fires and works metal following the same principles developed in the Iron Age, has embraced e-commerce and digital marketing to reach more customers and boost trade. The company, established in 2000 by husband and wife team Nigel Tyas and Elizabeth Stocker, produces hand-made wrought iron products using traditional methods at its forge in Bullhouse Mill, north of Sheffield. Nigel Tyas’ chandeliers, light fittings, fireside irons and curtain poles can be found in castles, cathedrals, pubs, hotels, heritage properties and family homes across the UK and abroad. The company’s handiwork can even be seen on the sets of Emmerdale, in The Woolpack, and Game of Thrones, in one of the many castles. Nigel, who has a team of three blacksmiths including one apprentice, said: “The
basic process of creating beautiful and functional wrought iron objects hasn’t changed much in thousands of years. We still need to heat the metal in our forge to a white hot temperature between 1,000 to 1,100 degrees centigrade and literally strike while the iron is hot. “The design of the anvil has never been beaten and, although we have some machines in the forge today, the hand-held hammers, tongs and the jigs we mostly use to shape, mould and finish the steel wouldn’t look amiss in an ironworks of any era.” Nigel Tyas has established a national reputation for quality and authenticity over the past 15 years and as well as selling direct to property owners, the company has developed relationships with dozens of professional interior designers, architects, conservation and renovation consultants and electrical contractors. Nigel said: “There are very few people keeping alive traditional ironworking skills
Nigel Tyas’ forge is powered by energy efficient propane gas with heat controllers installed to ensure maximum efficiency. All its light fittings and chandeliers are fitted with energy saving LED bulbs as standard, which use 80 per cent less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. The company uses local suppliers for its raw materials and components wherever possible and uses recycled packaging to post its products to customers all over the UK – and even the USA, where it has recently sent a delivery of chandeliers. They have already developed a strong online presence through its website and social media platforms, but its new online shop at www.nigeltyasonline. co.uk enables customers for the first time to view and purchase a selection of its products online 24/7. Elizabeth, who heads up the customer service side of the business, said: “We pride ourselves on the personal service we give to customers and handle a lot of sales one-to-one, but our online shop obviously extends our offer and is needed to meet growing demand. People can now view, select and pay for products 24 hours a day. And we are still on the end of a telephone line if they need a chat.” Now employing seven people, the company has grown its customer base and increased trade steadily over the past 15 years, constantly adding new products to its 500-strong catalogue of goods. It gained the prestigious Made in Sheffield mark in 2010 which recognises the quality of its manufactured products and further celebrates Nigel Tyas’ close association with Sheffield metalworking heritage.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 ECONOMY
CONCERNS OVER THE LIVING WAGE IMPACTS ON SALARY GROWTH Employers are expecting to give pay rises on average of only 1.7 per cent this year, falling from just under 3 per cent in 2015, after the government-imposed national living wage for people over the age of 25. As well as this, and the soon-to-be introduced auto-enrolment scheme, businesses are spending a lot more on simply employing staff.
The newly introduced payments are having an effect on employing staff. A lot of companies have to take into account the impending pay-rise of anyone they employ under the age of 25. Additionally, almost half of the respondents to the survey said that they have vacancies in their organisation that they’re having a hard time filling.
It’s now a legal requirement for employers to pay the national living wage to any employees who are over the age of 25. The rate as of April 2016 is £7.20 an hour, replacing the previous national minimum wage rate of £6.70.
Due to the increased government charges, plus auto-enrolment, this means that employers have to adjust pay accordingly, which could potentially discourage a potential employee from applying. Some predictions are saying that pay growth is set to remain sluggish until the end of the decade.
The new payment requirement will see businesses increase salaries on average by only 1.7% per cent in the upcoming year. Employers are now saying that due to the weighting on the balance sheets, pay rises are less likely to happen in the future. With further increases in the national living wage forecast in the next four or five years, businesses are reporting that it’s likely to hit their profits badly. The statistics come from a survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development that asked 1,000 employers what the effects of wage increases were having on their business and what they planned to do about it in the future.
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Robert Watson, managing director of Gibson Booth, said: “It’s become a very difficult balance for employers between paying people what they deserve, what the government requires you to pay them, and the additional costs that also need to be taken into account.
part in the survey, 22 per cent of employers say they plan to make redundancies in the upcoming year. Robert said: “It’s startling to see that over a fifth of employers who took part in the survey are expecting to have to make redundancies and it goes to show that the national living wage isn’t having the desired effect.”
“The national living wage was brought in to improve the standards of living for lowpaid employees, but this cannot happen without business seeing an increase in productivity from staff or having to cut the costs with significant job losses.”
Employers are required to record all salaries into their payroll software, including employee payments. Other payments including, bonuses, commission, holiday pay, maternity pay and travel expenses should all be recorded. If employees are receiving benefits such as uniforms and company cars, employers must record this separately at the end of the tax year via forms P11D, which need to be submitted by 6 July.
Of the 1,000 employers who took
Give Gibson Booth a call today to talk to
Huddersfield & Barnsley based small business specialist, Nick Brook of TaxAssist Accountants, gives advice on tax & accountancy matters: Q: I’ve heard Wear & Tear Allowance is coming to an end. What should I be doing? A: Under current proposals, from next year the annual Wear and Tear Allowance will be removed. The Wear and Tear Allowance serves to reduce property income and is available against lettings of furnished, residential properties. It was intended to account for the deterioration of the fixtures and fittings. It does not cover fixtures that are deemed to be “integral” to the building, such as baths, toilets, etc. Instead of the Wear and Tear Allowance, landlords will be able to deduct the actual costs they incur on replacing furnishings in the property; but no tax relief will be available on the initial cost of furnishing a property. The new relief will be available to unfurnished and part-furnished properties, as well as fully-furnished. If you are planning significant refurbishments, you may wish to postpone spending too much until after April 2016 to take advantage of the new relief. Alternatively, if your properties need very little upkeep from year-to-year, you may unfortunately find you are worse off under the new relief. There are a number of recent and forthcoming changes that affect the tax treatment of rental income. If you would like to discuss your affairs in more detail, please contact us.
one of our expert advisors on how your business can manage its employment costs, including the operation of payroll and autoenrolment, and tax-efficient ways to reward your employees. Tel: 01226 213131 or email info@gibsonbooth.co.uk Gibson Booth has been looking after local businesses in Barnsley and across the county for over 125 years. How we can help; •
Help grow your business and improve your bottom line.
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Help advise with financial and other aspects of your business.
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Identify unrealised potentials in your business and ways to fulfil them.
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Identify potential weaknesses and suggest appropriate remedial action.
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Advice on audits, mergers, start- ups, corporate finance, tax planning, international service, VAT and many more.
Q: My brother and I run a company together- we’re the only directors and shareholders. We don’t have any other staff members. We our company still be eligible for the Employment Allowance? A: The Employment Allowance was introduced to incentivise employers. It is offset against the employer’s secondary National Insurance. Previously it has been £2,000 but from April 2016 the allowance rises to £3,000. Unfortunately, another business type has been added to the list of those excluded from claiming the allowance. Limited companies with a single director, and no other employees, will not be able to benefit from the employment allowance from 6th April 2016. As your company has two directors, you should be able to continue to claim the employment allowance. If you’d like any support with looking after the affairs of your limited company, please contact us.
Nick Brook specialises in managing tax and accountancy affairs for small businesses. For more information about the topics covered above contact Barnsley 01226 449554 | www.taxassist.co.uk/barnsley Huddersfield 01484 424961 | www.taxassist.co.uk/huddersfield
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
Window company celebrates record-breaking month
Euroglaze A growing Barnsley company that manufactures windows and doors is celebrating a recordbreaking month for sales as its income tops £500,000.
Euroglaze Ltd has seen rising demand for its bespoke windows, doors and conservatories, fabricated at its Carlton workshops and supplied to double glazing companies, commercial installers and trade counters across the UK. The bumper month follows month-onmonth growth of between seven and 11 per cent and means the business anticipates hitting a £5 million turnover for the first time this year. Euroglaze managing director Martin Nettleton puts growth down to a resurgence in the house-building market and also his company’s investment in innovative technology and the latest
lean manufacturing techniques. Martin said: “The up-turn in the construction industry has been very welcome after some tough years. And, on top of that, we feel really proud that we’ve found ourselves in a strong position and ready to respond speedily to rising demand in the market and to grow with it. “We’ve invested in equipment, software and workforce development to introduce leaner, faster, more efficient production processes, through which we’ve been able to up-scale production and deliver more high quality products to our customers.” Enterprising Barnsley has helped Euroglaze increase productivity by modernising its manufacturing, customer service and logistics processes. The company has invested £30,000 over the last 18 months in touch-screen stock control systems and other digital technology to manage, monitor and track the movement of products through its factory. It has worked with
Martin Nettleton, managing director at Euroglaze
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Enterprising Barnsley’s business coaches to put these systems in place and support workforce development and training. Martin, who took over the business from his father Alan in 1999, said: “I used to look onto the shopfloor and see lots of window and door frames sitting in racks and think ‘that’s great we’ve got lots of work on’. But now, I don’t see the products standing still for long. Every item moves smoothly through the factory process, on to a van and out to the customer as efficiently as possible. This means we can get the job on to an invoice for payment all the quicker too. It’s been a revolution in the workplace and the whole team has moved along with it.” Euroglaze now produces around 900 frames a week with the capacity to increase that to 1,500. It employs a workforce of 54, with plans to create 14 new jobs over the next two years. The company, established in 1979, achieved a turnover of £4.4 million last year and anticipates hitting £5m in this financial year. Enterprising Barnsley business development manager Angela Pedley said: “We’ve been delighted to work with Martin and the team at Euroglaze and it is remarkable what they’ve achieved. It is a perfect example of an established company not standing still and relying on existing trade, but taking the opportunity of a slowdown in the market to develop new and better ways of working. Euroglaze has put itself in to a strong position for growth and fully deserves to notch up its most successful month yet as a windows fabricator.” Martin concluded: “The support we’ve received through Enterprising Barnsley has been excellent. I can honestly say it helped us safeguard jobs through the challenging times as their expertise helped us improve productivity, and since then it has helped us develop our business and realise our vision for growth.”
1 WELL BEING - Tips for a healthier day
Seven steps to kick-start your day and your business Salwa Podvorica owns AsDahar, meaning ‘prosperity’ in Arabic.
Salwa works in partnership with a Global Brand Leader in Health and Wellbeing. She has spent time working on her personal development by following daily practices that have made her stronger and more successful. Salwa’s mission is to help other women globally to becoming strong, independent proud women. Frustrated at always being busy but your never ending list never gets shorter? Disappointed how the day seems to run away from you? Is Procrastination your middle name? I used to be able to relate to all of these. Then I found out about this and haven’t looked back since! Excited I put this into practice. They say a new habit takes between 21 days to form. It’s all about getting your morning right, being in control of your day and setting your day for success every day.
Step 1 Wake up tomorrow and every day going forward an hour earlier than you usually do. This can be hard especially if you’re not particularly a morning person. •
Put your alarm clock at the other side of the room.
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Brush your teeth immediately
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Get dressed
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Drink a full glass of water, we are dehydrated from the night and this makes us tired
Step 2 Silence is Golden. Skip the emails and social media updates. Enjoy being silent from as little as 10 minutes a day can really help us all. The chance to be still and calm your mind. This can take a number of forms, prayer, meditation, Deep Breathing, reflection. Silence gives you time to concentrate
on you and your business. It can reduce stress, improve your health and improve your cognitive performance.
Step 3 Affirmations It certainly is a rollercoaster of emotions running your own business or a career you are passionate about. Our mindset is key to your success. Whether we know it or not our mindset is already set for us subconsciously, but that is a result of all your experiences thus far. The good news is we can take control and change our mindset. In fact, it is imperative we do to truly succeed in life. A proven way to do that is affirmations. I’m not talking about the clichéd ‘Money flows easily to me’ then sit back and expect a miracle. Think SMART objective. e.g: ‘To guarantee I increase my business by 20% this year, I am fully committed to making 20 cold calls a week - no matter what!’
living room like no one is watching!
Step 5 Visualisation It’s a well-known fact that top athletes use this to enhance their performance and there are many studies to show how this can help you achieve your goals. What you visualise you achieve.
Step 6 Expanding your mind. Imagine if you read just 10 pages a day in a book about personal development, your industry, mindset, wealth etc that would be 3650 pages a year; that’s 10 books a year! Imagine where your knowledge would be. How much more skilled and better would you be? How much could you have brought to your business! By making that commitment to those 10 minutes in the morning again means it’s done and all before 8.30am!
Step 7
Write these down every morning and read them out load.
This one is one of my favorites and it wasn’t to begin with.
Step 4 Movement
Journaling.
Even a few minutes of exercise each morning significantly enhances your health, improves your self-confidence and emotional wellbeing and enables you to think better and concentrate longer’ Pat Ptrini The Miracle Morning. Starting your day with exercise and movement raises your serotonin levels. To do it in the morning means you’ve done it before the day takes over and you can come up with all the excuses not to do it. It also gives you a sense of achievement to start your day. This could be a walk, a run, yoga, an exercise DVD or simply putting on the load music and dancing around the
A chance to sit down and reflect on your day. Take lessons from it. I have a section to write down my gratitude’s every day and even a section for what i am proud of. Have a section for success of the day, failures of the day and most importantly lessons. So there you have it. You may choose some or all of these things but the important thing is to find a routine that suits you and to be open to try new things you never know. We are all creatures of habit. The most important thing is to turn up every day as the best version of you and success will naturally follow. For more information take a look at www.asdahar.com
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition The move will allow Beta to further strengthen long standing customer relationships with Blue Chip organisations who supply into a variety of competitive global market segments, including armoured vehicles, rail, geotechnical and structural construction systems, as well as increase its international activity. UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel that has helped over 6,000 businesses to-date in steel regions across the country and is committed to investing in expanding companies which can create sustainable jobs, invested £50,000 as part of the deal.
Beta Engineering Services Ltd Acquires Daver Steels Funding Boost UK Steel Enterprise, Finance Yorkshire and Lloyds Bank financial backers behind business expansion.
saying the announcement ‘demonstrates a commitment from the financial sector to support the manufacturing industry’.
South Yorkshire-based Beta Engineering Services Ltd has completed the acquisition of Sheffield manufacturer Daver Steels’ Bar and Cable Systems division, in a move that will create new jobs and allow the business to expand and trade internationally.
Established in 1984 Beta - which specialises in precision machined components - recently relocated to a new 15,000 sq ft facility in Goldthorpe that now houses its 27-strong team of highly skilled operators and staff. Staff of the former Daver Steels’ division based on Petre Street in Sheffield, will now also make the move, along with the company’s state-of-the-art equipment comprising of a bar sawing line, various truing, threading and polishing machines with extensive racking and inventory.
The purchase follows a significant funding boost of more than £300,000 from investors including UK Steel Enterprise, Lloyds Bank and Finance Yorkshire; with the company’s MD, Hugh Davies,
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Keith Williams, UK Steel Enterprise Regional Manager, said: “This deal strengthens an already successful company, bringing new jobs into the Dearne Valley and creating further growth opportunities for the combined business. Their success to date demonstrates that there is strong demand for high quality products manufactured here in South Yorkshire. “We continue to have funds to invest and are particularly keen on supporting growing companies like Beta Engineering which have the potential to create jobs.” Hugh Davies, Managing Director at Beta Engineering Services said: “This acquisition will further strengthen our reputation as highly skilled engineers within our sector, and we are delighted to be in a position to expand our team and service a broader customer base thanks to the additional capabilities we now offer in-house. “Following what has been, a difficult time for manufacturing, the support that Beta has received from UK Steel Enterprise, Finance Yorkshire and Lloyds Bank in facilitating this acquisition truly demonstrates a commitment from the financial sector to support the industry.” “The investment has allowed us to expand
our business and create new jobs and we hope to continue the expansion in the future”. Finance Yorkshire, provides businesses across Yorkshire and Humber with funding from £15k to £2m to help them grow and develop. David Ward, Portfolio Manager at Finance Yorkshire said: “Beta Engineering Services is a well-established and successful business which Finance Yorkshire is pleased to support. Our investment which will be used as working capital will help enable Beta to achieve its ambition to grow further and create valuable jobs in the region.” Chris Perkins, Relationship Director for SME manufacturing firms in South Yorkshire and East Midlands, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Beta Engineering is a fantastic example of a British manufacturing business whose quality components are in demand around the world. “Asset based lending facilities like this are ideal for companies like Beta Engineering that are looking to expand, as it allows them to invest in growth without affecting day-to-day cash flow. We worked closely with the business to ensure it has the tailored support it needs to take it to the next level. “We are dedicated to helping companies capitalise on expansion opportunities, and have increased our lending to small and medium sized businesses by 25 per cent since 2011, while the market has contracted by 13 per cent.”
Practical steps that can save a business by Neil Jaggar Jackroyd Business Consultants was set up in July 2008 by Neil Jaggar, following the sale of Godfrey Autoparts – a car parts distribution business Neil had built from zero to £5.5m turnover in a 7 year period. Neil is a highly successful and profit-driven business leader. He is an unconventional thinker with a wide-ranging skill set, who is passionate about utilising his skills to help business owners through the trials and tribulations of running and growing a business. With a decisive and enthusiastic approach to the key areas of: Financial, Sales, Marketing and Operations Management, Neil thrives on the challenges posed by developing a business and its team to its full potential. The first in a series of articles looks at what business owners can do when faced with acknowledging that the business is failing, with practical steps and advice to stop the worst before it happens.
Failing to plan is planning to fail Admitting the truth The majority of business owners struggle to acknowledge that things are not quite going as they envisaged. This can be for a number of reasons; pride, failure in front of peers, wearing too many hats to name just a few. Guess what? You don’t have to do everything and be all things to all people. If an area of your business is showing signs of weakness act now – outsource the book keeping, HR, project management to other SME’s or micro businesses that are specialists in their own field. Alternatively, recruit with purpose, have a defined recruitment plan with ‘must-have’ skills. Most
importantly – know your limitations.
Fundamentals Sometimes it’s a case of going right back to basics. Do you have a business plan, complete with costings? Have you forecasted your profit and loss? Be honest, when was the last time you looked at it? Do you even have one in place? As your passion for your business and product/ service gathered pace in the early days you were probably swept along and didn’t worry too much about the basics. Well this is a good place to start, albeit a little late in the day. Don’t struggle on your own if finances are not your thing, look to an expert, ask for help. Once it’s all done and in place constantly revise and update, set targets and KPI’s and become accountable for your results.
Relationships Don’t neglect the people who probably helped you in the early days; the bank, loyal customers, stakeholders. Be honest with them, transparent with where you are and show them your revised plans that can demonstrate how you’re prepared to restore the cash flow, your biggest client, or whatever fundamental you found to be the root of the problem. If you feel that even after all this, you still need external help then there are insolvency practitioners that can work with you who will waive their fee should the business turn around. For further information contact Neil Jagger on 07973 281881 or visit the website on http:// www.jackroyd-developments.co.uk/
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
1 HEALTH - Running for fun! Towards the end of my half marathon training I resented running. I was running 10-17k at least once a week and hill training every Wednesday with smaller but intense runs on at least two other days. The sheer volume of miles combined with the necessity to do them meant It just wasn’t any fun anymore. I had a goal in mind, and I knew I would stick to it, but boy did I hate running by the time half marathon day came. Not the greatest mental preparation I have to admit.
For the Love of Running by Stephanie Osman
Stephanie Osman is the Director of Marketing for fds, a business support company. She lives in Sheffield and in the last year has taken up running. We catch up with Steph as she achieves another of her personal running goals. The Plusnet Yorkshire half marathon took place in April and I did indeed complete it in 2 hours 29 minutes! Physically it was everything a half marathon should be; painful, exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure, but mentally it
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was like nothing I have experienced before. In spite of those words I will be doing another half marathon in October this year because the feeling of achievement post-race is incomparable. After the race I made the conscious decision to do….nothing! I had spent the previous year changing my body for the better, pushing it to new limits and it was time for a break. Well, for three days anyway. I had a 5 mile team road race the following Wednesday. That day I got a new personal best and honestly I believe it was because I was just running for the sheer joy of it.
Since the half I haven’t really got back into a regular running pattern and I am happy with that. Sometimes things that started out as fun can become a chore if you forget why you started them, and the fun gets lost somehow. I started to run to lose weight yes but I carried on running after the weight loss, because I loved the feeling of accomplishment and that endorphin rush! But when you’re trying to fit a run in between work and taking your daughter to rugby, or between the dark and light washing loads, or if life just isn’t giving you time to fit it all in it can seem like just one more task to somehow squeeze into the day. The thing with running though, is that it doesn’t take any preparation, just lace up your shoes and you’re away. With that in mind I have come to realise that running, for the love of running is the best kind. Start running, or any physical activity, with a goal in mind yes but don’t let it become a chore. Remember the feeling of triumph when you complete your first C25K, or your first fun run or even your first race and that feeling will be enough to get you off the sofa and back out there when motivation is low. I am still running regularly, the difference now is I don’t care what or where I run and I don’t have the added pressure of ‘having to’. I ran 12 miles with a friend recently just because we could, and have also completed my second Pretty Muddy race for life 5K, and both were equally as glorious!
1 NUTRITION - Tips for a healthier day
Breakfast like a King by Zoe Fisher
Y
ou definitely need to eat breakfast if your job is physical. When your blood, liver & muscles run out of glucose your body has to work harder to convert it from fat stores and like a runner you could ‘hit the wall’. But what if you just sit at a desk all day? Does (what and) when you eat affect you? Eating more at breakfast seems better for health. A 2013 study in overweight women compared those with a 700 calorie breakfast & 200 calorie dinner, versus a 200 calorie breakfast and 700 calorie dinner (with lunch the same 500 calories). The women who ate more at breakfast felt fuller and had healthier blood measurements of sugars and fats after 12 weeks. The body has a natural rhythm and that affects our energy metabolism. Breakfast skippers are shown to delay fat burning during the day. We are programmed to use our energy
early in the day and store it later on. I see a lot of people who skip breakfast in a hurry, snack at work then eat virtually all their day’s food in the evening, too late. Sound like you? Well try eating more food earlier in the day. May be you are in a hurry, you don’t feel hungry or you are off to the gym early? Try a healthy breakfast to go? What about taking soaked oats (bircherstyle) or fruit salad with a handful of nuts, a protein shake, or hard-boiled eggs? It just needs a bit of planning. Many of those people who tell me they aren’t hungry in the morning are when they start eating less in the evening. Next time you have a hotel buffet breakfast or breakfast meeting try it out. Perhaps start with fruit then a cooked (grilled) meal with eggs. Avoid pastries!
Have your normal lunch and then a small dinner. What about soup, salad, or even a bowl of porridge for the last meal of the day? It might do your waistline a favour.
Zoe Fisher has a BSc degree in Nutritional Medicine and is a member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) as well as being registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which is the governmentsponsored regulator. Before becoming a Nutritionist Zoe worked for over 10 years in the food industry both in food buying and supply and have lots of knowledge about food and the UK food industry. 47
July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
Are you getting in your own way? So often we are our own worst enemy. Self-sabotage comes in a number of forms and can at best leave us frustrated with our own lack of focus but at worse it can impact on our lives with debilitating effect. Here are just a few of the self-sabotage behaviors I see in my clients:
The Perfectionist
Lisa Walker is a Personal Development Coach who helps people to become better versions of themselves. Building confidence, getting focus and clarity and working on a person’s self-belief enables them to feel more motivated to achieve their own success, be that in their professional or personal life. Are you getting in your own way contact Tel: 07525 843015 E: lisa.walkerwhiteapplethinking.co.uk W: www.whiteapplethinking.co.uk
This behaviour allows you to never, ever finish a piece of work, project or task because it’s still not right. There’s always something that needs tweaking, an ‘i’ that needs dotting or a ‘t’ that needs crossing. The Perfectionist prides him/herself on their work and their home being, well, just perfect! They will spend hours on the futile and pointless, ensuring that reports are formatted beautifully, underlined to perfection and checked within an inch of their life! Whilst this behaviour is commendable for some technical professions (brain surgery perhaps!) it can lead to delays, absolute paralysis, time wasting and frustration for peers and colleagues. Unfortunately, this behavior is often brought on by a fear of not being good enough to complete a task or a lack of confidence in presenting something as a completed piece of work for fear of criticism or fault finding.
The Over Thinker
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This type of behaviour often goes hand in hand with The Worrier (see below) and leads to the person concerned thinking of every conceivable outcome for any given situation before even considering moving forward with something. The Over Thinker must have the answer to every possibility, often the more unlikely the better. Knowing what will happen does not always mean that The Over Thinker can relax, unfortunately they are often left in a state of flux, exhausted and confused by their own thinking resulting in a lack of movement and clarity on any given situation. Confidence is often in short supply for
The Over Thinker and they will often envy their more confident colleagues for being able to make decisions quickly.
The Worrier
The Worrier can spend hours thinking of what might happen in any given scenario only to find that the scenario never actually happens anyway. Laying awake at night trawling over the day’s events whilst worrying about the next day are familiar traits for The Worrier, unfortunately it is the most futile of past times and serves next to no purpose. The best thing for The Worrier to do is act! If you can do something about whatever it is you are worrying about then do it and if you can’t change the outcome what will worrying about it do anyway?
The Procrastinator
The behaviour of The Procrastinator usually involves ‘to do’ lists and people that constantly tell themselves that they work better ‘under pressure’! The Procrastinator will always put off today what can be done tomorrow or even better next week. Working to deadlines means working beyond it and putting themselves under unnecessary pressure often because they fear just getting on and doing it. The Procrastinator will often wrongly believe that they should know everything about their job and therefore can’t ask for help or guidance. They will often not consider what they can do to get that one thing off their ‘to do’ list for fear of asking for help. Do any of these behaviours sound familiar? Be honest with yourself, do you suffer with any or maybe all of the above? A lack of self confidence is often the root cause of such behaviour and in our working world we are often afraid to ask for the help we need or for support. We assume that we should have all of the answers.
Retaining customersthe journey Retaining your customers is about meeting or exceeding their expectations. You never want to give them a reason to stop using you. So, how do you do that?
expectation of low prices in the future and annoy existing customers. That’s because they see that you value new customers more than you value them!
Well, for me it’s about the customer journey – mapping and understanding it. That means you can be sure about the customer need at every stage of the journey. Only then can you make sure you have the right things in place at the right time for each customer.
Next, think about when an existing customer will buy from you again. You already have a lot of information about them so make sure you use it. Simple things like pre-populating forms to save the customer time work well. Don’t put an existing customer through the same process as a new customer – let them see that you remember them!
Journey mapping is an art (with a lot of science behind it!). It works best when an expert does it (yes, I know you expected me to say that!), but here are some simple things you can do: First, think about the start of the customer journey. This is when someone becomes aware of your business and starts to consider buying from you. It’s where most businesses spend most of their time and money to attract new customers. It’s also where you set customer expectations through promises about your products and service. Check you don’t over-promise. If you set high expectations of products and service you need to be sure you can meet or exceed them. Otherwise your customers will soon feel let down and start looking for another supplier. This also means you shouldn’t have offers that are only available for new customers. All they do is set an
Online customers are invisible to you (and you to them). The lack of visual and tactile presence means it is key to create a sense of personal connection. When you do communicate, use different channels. E-mails are cost effective but can lack impact. Using a postcard as a reminder that a service needs booking for example can be much more effective. Think about why and how the customer will be using your product or service. If it’s something that they will use for a long time, try to work out what stages they will go through and when. Then communicate with them when they may need reminders about how your service can help them. You can contact Nigel on 07545 569775 or email nigel@simplycustomer.co.uk
Even better, try to work out when they might need you. For example, a printer may sell someone 500 business cards and get a repeat order 6 months later. A clever printer will work out that the customer gets through 500 cards every 6 months. 5 months after an order they will contact the customer and ask if they need more cards. It makes it easy for the customer, shows you understand their needs and increases sales. Next, think about when they may need to contact you with a query. Make sure they have the information they need before they call you! It always improves customer loyalty. Make sure the quality of your communications is consistent as well. A monthly statement should look just as good as the sales brochure that made them a customer in the first place. If they do need to contact you, make sure they can talk to a person – on or offline.
Nigel Greenwood has worked with SMEs and corporates, improving their customer experience for 25 years. He has helped SMEs double in size within a year by increasing lead to sale conversion by 100% and customer loyalty by 80%. He is a published author and runs workshops worldwide. Photo by John Steele Photography.
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July 2016 - South Yorkshire Edition
New talent for South Yorkshire festival Up-and-coming musicians will perform on a new stage added to South Yorkshire festival Underneath the Stars. The new stage will showcase emerging artists from across the region and will be programmed and managed by the Chapel FM multimedia arts centre in Leeds, which trains young people in a range of performance based creative arts and behind the scenes production roles. Underneath the Stars festival is held in Barnsley and organised by the family of international awardwinning singer-songwriter Kate Rusby, who is keen to lend her support to enable more young people to get involved with performing arts. The stage will be fully covered in a purpose built tent at the event which runs from July 22nd – 24th at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley. The Chapel FM stage will not only provide performers with an opportunity to get up and perform, but the centre’s sound and lighting students will also look after the technical aspects of the stage. The venue will also play host to workshops, where families can learn together about music, arts and crafts. The emerging Yorkshire artists playing the new stage will join acclaimed international performers at the festival including traditional Irish band Dervish, Malian guitar maestro Vieux Farka Touré,
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Ron Block of Alison Krauss and Union Station and, of course, Kate Rusby herself. Kate, who is based in Barnsley, said: “It’s really important that new musical talent is given the chance to be heard and Underneath the Stars is a great platform for them. “Music fans come from all over the country – and sometimes further – hoping to discover their new favourite band or artist at the festival, so it’s a great opportunity for up-and-coming musicians. “Our association with Chapel FM shares the common goal of nurturing new local talent and we hope that the new stage will become a longstanding feature of the festival.” Chapel FM is a broadcasting and live arts centre in Seacroft, Leeds. It runs regular projects with students keen to learn more about the music industry, and works to mentor young and emerging musicians. Adrian Sinclair, creative director at the centre, said: “We support and promote the vibrant local music scene
in Yorkshire in all its flavours. And that’s exactly what our stage will be doing at the festival, by celebrating young and grassroots music from the region. “We’ll be taking the spirit of music and community that exists at Chapel FM and mixing it with the magic of the Underneath the Stars Festival.” Up-and-coming acts performing on the new stage across the weekend include Americano folk vocalist Lilac’s Daughter, and teenage acoustic duo Papa Quebec, both from Leeds. They are joined by Fold, an experimental live trip hop four-piece from West Yorkshire. As well as two stages of music, families at Underneath the Stars can take part in activities including storytelling, street theatre, nature walks, and music and dance workshops. There will also be crafts, a giant planetarium and award-winning food and drink. Weekend and day tickets for the festival are available now by visiting www.underthestarsfest.co.uk.
1 Grammy Award winning musicians perform at South Yorkshire festival
South Yorks Festival Updates Headliners A member of the band who have received the most Grammy awards ever, will perform at South Yorkshire’s Underneath the Stars Festival this summer.
Banjo and guitar player Ron Block, a long standing member of Alison Krauss and Union Station, joins the line-up at the festival being held at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley in July. Alison Krauss and Union Station have won an unsurpassed 26 Grammy awards over a music career spanning three decades. Ron, who has recorded with Kate Rusby as well as a host of the American Bluegrass scene’s biggest stars, will be performing at the festival in a duo with Sierra Hull - a rising star of the bluegrass and US roots scene who was discovered by band leader Alison Krauss. Fellow American Sierra Hull has been recognised from age 11 as a virtuoso mandolin-player, astonishing audiences and fellow musicians alike. Now a seasoned touring musician nearing her mid-20s she is set to wow audiences at Underneath the Stars. Ron and Sierra are amongst a number of international performers who will share the bill with home-grown talent at the festival, which is taking place for the third time this year. The festival will be headlined by multi award winning singer songwriter Kate Rusby, whose family-run production company organise the event. Joe Rusby, festival artistic director and Kate’s brother, said: “It’s a real pleasure to work on the line-up for Underneath the Stars Festival and bring a great range of quality musical acts to Barnsley. I’m delighted Ron and Sierra could make it to our festival on what will be a short
UK tour of only a handful of dates.” Held between 22nd - 24th July, Underneath the Stars will also feature British folk singer and guitarist Fabian Holland and Leeds based band Biscuithead and the Biscuit Badgers, who describe themselves as ’riotously odd’. Other international artists on the line-up include Bye Beneco, from Johannesburg; Malian blues singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, Curtis Eller’s American Circus and Nashville duo Ten String Symphony. Dancing Years, The Grand Old Uke of York, King Zepha, and 2016 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards nominees Damien O’Kane and Gilmore and Roberts are just some
of the performers who will fly the flag for Yorkshire at this year’s event. Visitors to the festival can choose from day tickets or weekend camping with hot showers and free family activities including a giant planetarium, storytelling, music and dance workshops, street theatre and crafts. On-site glamping pitches are also available through Yorkshire based luxury camping provider Glampit.
Tickets are on sale now at www.underneaththestarsfest. co.uk and they include half price access to Cannon Hall Farm, which is open as normal throughout the weekend. 51
WAKEFIELD - KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE - south yorkshire - SOHO
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