The Bulletin - Issue 1 May/June by Kirsty Arnold

THE Issue 1 - May/June 2013

www.brchamber.co.uk

THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS NETWORK Find out about the new and improved Chamber website

ALL SET FOR THE CHARITY BALL! ‘Yorkshire Pride’ Event To Support Local Charities

Also inside this issue: • G overnment Endorses Greater Role For Chambers of Commerce • B igfoot Digital Step Up Munchkin Campaign

Quality Assured Legal Services Our services include: BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Commercial Property Company Commercial Commercial Disputes Employment (Employer) Planning INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS Care of the Elderly Probate and Wills Family Law Childcare Residential Property Property Disputes Employment (Employee) Accident Compensation Industrial Disease Compensation Resolving Disputes Crime and Road Traffic Offences

Founded in 1791, Oxley & Coward is one of the region’s longest established law firms. We are based in Rotherham and provide a quality legal service to individuals and businesses. Oxley & Coward is committed to providing the very best service to our clients. In fact, many of our clients have used the firm for generations, satisfied that they will always receive an excellent service at a competitive rate. Judge for yourself… we look forward to establishing an ongoing relationship with you as a new client. We are members of LawNet, the UK’s pre-eminent group of law firms.

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CHAMBER VIEW

Welcome To The Bulletin! 2013 is proving to be an important year for the Chamber and the re-launch of The Bulletin as an in-house publication focused on members is a key part of our organisation’s activity over the course of this year.

I trust that you will find the magazine’s spotlighting of member companies and their activities across our region to be of continuing interest and I encourage all members to engage with us by sending through good news stories as the projected economic upturn takes place. Please e-mail fhall@brchamber.co.uk if you have story leads or press releases to submit. The whole Chamber organisation has undergone a recent restructure to ensure it is fit for purpose and our emphasis is now centred on core membership activity, namely promoting members and representing businesses in the region. We will also maintain and develop our working relationships with neighbouring Chambers of Commerce within the City Region and continue to influence the agenda of the Local Enterprise Partnership. The month of May is an important one for the Chamber as our annual President’s Charity Ball takes place at Magna Science Adventure Centre on 11 May – the first of Owen Gleadall’s term of office as President. The ball is a highlight of our events calendar and will be themed around ‘Yorkshire Pride’, supporting worthy causes in the form of the Street Pastor Groups in Barnsley and Rotherham, Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project and Shiloh – see page 5 for more information on the event. Preparations are also underway for our other major ‘black tie’ event - the 2013 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards ceremony in October - and I would encourage businesses to put themselves forward for awards in suitable categories and be honoured for their achievements and successes. There is more information about the ceremony on page 4.

Patrons

Chamber News All the latest news and information from inside the Chamber.

Member News A variety of news stories from our members.

REP Programme How the Chamber has helped businesses through ERDF funded support.

Policy Updates on our Policy and Representation activity.

The second part of 2013 will provide a number of opportunities for our Chamber, perhaps resulting most notably from the recommendations which have been adopted from the Heseltine Review. These recommendations will position Chambers of Commerce very firmly at the centre of business support and representation provision, therefore we have to take the lead in this area and establish ourselves as the first port of call for businesses requiring help.

I hope that you will enjoy the contents of this vibrant publication and we will welcome the submission of feedback relating to The Bulletin, via direct e-mail – fhall@brchamber.co.uk – or our Twitter account - @brchamberuk. The centre pages of this issue also explain more about how members can give views and suggestions about the Chamber website, which was launched in January. This feedback is important to us as a key part of our ongoing commitment to effective communication with members so, please, give us your honest views.

Cover Story An in-depth feature on the new Chamber website.

Platinum Members News from our Platinum Members.

New Members A full listing of new members and contact details.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber.

Events/Training A listing of forthcoming events and a focus on our e-learning platform.

Andrew Denniff Executive Director DESIGN BY:

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CHAMBER NEWS

Steel Yourself For A Night Of Yorkshire Pride Sitting on the site of the former Templeborough Steelworks, Magna provides the perfect setting in which to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yorkshireman Harry Brearley’s discovery of stainless steel with a night to remember. Suitably, the evening’s guest of honour will be a model of the Man of Steel – the 125-foot sculpture which will overlook the area from a site in nearby Kimberworth, Rotherham when it is erected in 2015. The ball is a past winner of the prestigious Insider Business Tourism Awards ‘Corporate Event of the Year’ prize and will mark the key social developments and business

achievements which have helped shape Yorkshire into the vibrant region it is today. Guests will experience a unique J‘ ourney Through Yorkshire’ thanks to a specially-themed menu and an evening of entertainment provided by the Gillian Banks Theatre School. The ball will support the Barnsley and Rotherham Street Pastor groups, the Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project and Shiloh - a Christian charity helping Rotherham people living in poverty, transition, oppression and homelessness to rebuild their lives.

Owen Gleadall, President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have so much that is good to celebrate in Yorkshire and this evening is going to demonstrate how people and products ‘Made in Yorkshire’ have influenced the world of sport, music, industry and the arts. It is an event that you do not want to miss.” Tickets are priced at £65 plus VAT, or £500 plus VAT for a table of 10, and sponsorship opportunities are available from just £30 plus VAT.

2013 Business Awards Your Chance Of Glory Chamber members and businesses from Barnsley and Rotherham will have the opportunity to bid for glory when the prestigious Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards ceremony takes place in October. The ceremony (sponsored by BULL Information Systems) is a highlight of the business calendar in the City Region and will see the cream of local businesses bid for honours in front of hundreds of guests at the Magna Science Adventure Centre on Friday 18 October.

supporting the ceremony by sponsoring award categories:

Shortlisted companies will compete in 10 sectoral award categories, while the Business of the Year Award (sponsored by RBS) will be presented to the outstanding organisation picked out from the list of nominees.

•B egbies Traynor - Business Growth Award

In addition to BULL Information Systems and RBS, the following companies are

• ASD Lighting/Rotherham United F.C. Excellence in Export Award • Barnsley College - Skills Development Award

Andrew Carr, Chief Executive Officer at BULL UK & Ireland, receives the 2012 Business of the Year Award from Andy Tyas, Relationship Director at RBS.

• B ULL Information Systems Businessperson of the Year Award

• Rotherham Partnership - Business Community Impact Award

• E -ON – Environmental Business Award

• Tata Steel Europe – Excellence in Manufacturing Award

• Gala Tent - Apprentice of the Year Award

• The Source – Most Promising Business Start-Up Award

Award Sponsors For more information visit our website www.brchamber.co.uk - or call 0844 414 5100.

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CHAMBER NEWS

The Chamber is all set for the return of its awardwinning President’s Charity Ball at the Magna Science Adventure Centre – which is a fitting venue for this year’s theme. Event Sponsors

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for further information

Call 0844 414 5100 or visit www.brchamber.co.uk to book tickets or for more information on sponsorship.

Chamber Donation Boosts Children’s Hospital Charity Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has handed a cheque for £600 to The Children’s Hospital Charity – to go towards their biggest ever fundraising appeal. Chamber members dug deep at the organisation’s Christmas lunch late in 2012 to support the charity’s Make it Better appeal, which is aiming to raise £20m towards The Children’s Hospital’s £40m planned transformation on its current site. The monies were raised through a raffle and a special auction, which saw Ian Wragg of Chamber Patron Kinspeed pay £110 for a signed Sheffield United shirt, while Lisa Pogson of Airmaster Air Conditioning Limited paid £90 for a signed Sheffield Wednesday shirt.

Tchad Western, Corporate Fundraiser at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re so thrilled to receive this very generous donation. Our hospital is already an amazing place, providing specialist care every day. What we need now is a hospital environment that matches this level of care.

“The appeal will fund more single rooms to give families space, privacy and dignity, as well as a special play tower, gardens, specialist medical equipment and artwork. The Chamber’s donation will help to make an extraordinary hospital even better!”

Chamber Patron Highlander IT kindly donated a Kindle for which Nikki Jones of Barnsley College, who also sponsored the lunch, paid £85. Andrew Denniff, Executive Director at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “The Children’s Hospital does an excellent job of caring for many children from the Barnsley and Rotherham areas and we are pleased to support their charity appeal with this donation. I would like to thank our members for their superb show of generosity towards this very worthy cause.”

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CHAMBER NEWS

SAFE@LAST Launches New Service South Yorkshire based children and young people’s charity SAFE@LAST has launched a new service to support families in the region. The charity has two Parent Support Workers in place to work with the families of children and young people who run away and go missing from home. SAFE@LAST delivers a range of services based on the recommendations of the Reach model, a model that brings together seven key prevention and support services for children and young people at risk through running away. The charity has been providing services for young people since 2004 and is developing this new service, with funding from the Railway Children, to also provide support for families. SAFE@LAST will now be the only organisation in the UK delivering all seven recommended services from the

Julie Is Most Influential Woman In Security 06 Bulletin

Reach model including a helpline, oneto-one support, return home interviews, a preventative education programme, a detached street work project and the only refuge in England for children and young people who are aged 16 and under. SAFE@LAST receives referrals for young people from any statutory or voluntary agency, organisation or from the young person themselves. Support will be offered to the parents of the young people the charity works with where appropriate but parents can also identify themselves to the charity. Tracy Haycox, SAFE@LAST Director of Children and Young People’s Services, said: “Parenting young people is hard work. As

Rotherham businesswoman Julie Kenny has been further recognised for her work by being named the most influential woman in the global security and fire industries. Julie is Chairman/Chief Executive of Rotherham-based security equipment manufacturer Pyronix and, with a global placing of 15th, was the highest ranking woman in a list comprising of directors and influencers from all sectors of the

adults we’ve usually forgotten we were once a teenager and how difficult it can be. Quite often a boy of 12 and a half loses the power of speech, except with their friends. Then they regain it at 19 and a half. It’s tough for parents to spend seven years with a grunting kid. “If we’ve got parents or guardians identifying themselves to us and referring a young person, saying ‘I’ve seen what you do and this is what’s happening to me,’ we want to make sure we’re equipped with the right skills to be able to help. The Parent Support Workers will provide emotional and practical help and advice to families who are experiencing long or short term difficulties. They will try and signpost them in the right direction, on to children’s centres and community groups.”

industries compiled by IFSEC (Europe’s largest exhibition organisers) to mark the 40th birthday of their trade show. Julie said: “Being in the security industry for over 25 years, I have seen a gradual change from what was a totally male-dominated market; to one where women are playing an increasingly influential role. “It is fantastic to see women included in the top 40 most influential people in the security and fire industries, and I am over the moon to be recognised by my peers in this way.”

CHAMBER NEWS

Two New Apprentices At Billington Structures Billington Structures Limited has joined forces with Barnsley College to take on two new apprentices as the firm continues to develop its Wombwell operations. With apprenticeship schemes running for many years at Billington Structures, Shane Vowden and Sam Armstrong have joined the Billington apprenticeship scheme in Fabrication & Welding. They will be trained within Billington’s modern factory facilities and spend one day a week at the College studying towards an NVQ qualification. Traditionally, apprentices are aged between 16 and 18 years of age with funding available to easily finance apprenticeship training. Shane and Sam are both over

the age of 19, but the structural steel fabricator have been able to fund both apprentices because of the Barnsley College apprenticeship programme. Billington Structures HR Manager Darren Kemplay said: “Partnering with Barnsley College has allowed us to employ two local apprentices during difficult economic times. We constantly look for ways to work with Barnsley College and have recently hosted some of their engineering students as they visited our facilities.”

All of the College’s Apprenticeship programmes are currently fully funded, however, changes to funding mean that from apprentices aged 24 and over will need to take out loans to pay for their training 1 August 2013. By taking on apprentices now, Billington’s trainees will be unaffected by these changes.

EMSc (UK) Claims UKT&I Award Green tech manufacturer EMSc (UK) Ltd is celebrating after winning the UK Trade & Investment (UKT&I) ‘Exporter of the Year’ award. The company was nominated for the award by the Yorkshire branch of UKT&I, thanks to the continued global success the company enjoyed throughout 2012 across a number of international markets, including Cyprus, Spain, Malta, Greece, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. A major contributing factor to EMSc (UK) Ltd winning the award was the company’s expansion into Australia during 2012. Working alongside UKT&I, a series of seminars, exhibitions and events were held across the country to raise awareness of the company’s market leading products. The activities subsequently led to the successful opening of an Australian operation. Paul North, International Business Development Manager for EMSc UK Ltd, said: “We are not only extremely proud to have won the award, but to have been nominated by UKT&I. ‘Made in the UK’ is an internationally recognised brand and we hope our success will inspire manufacturing companies everywhere.”

EMSc’s (UK) Ltd’s flagship product is the market leading Powerstar, a unique triple wound voltage optimisation system with a patented design that actively reduces a considerable percentage of a building’s electrical energy consumption. The multi award-winning system, which has been helping organisations large and small save energy and reduce carbon emissions for over a decade, has truly become a global market leading product. Powerstar is available in a full range of solutions including variable (Powerstar MAX) and fixed (Powerstar). The company firmly believes that manufacturing has a major part to play in kick-starting the UK economy. As a result, not only are all its products manufactured in the UK, but all component parts are sourced from UK suppliers, ensuring everything is 100 per cent British-engineered.

EMSc (UK) Ltd’s Managing Director Dr Alex Mardapittas and International Business Development Manager Paul North receive the award from Mark Robson, UKT&I Regional Director.

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PATRONS NEWS

Business Continuity And Disaster Recovery

It’s 10am on a busy Monday, the weather is freezing and your phone systems have just gone down. You have orders to take, customers to call, suppliers to contact... what do you do? We’re all fully aware of the absolute necessity to integrate Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery into our IT systems. But how often do we really think about these issues for our organisation’s telephony that is, after all, the vital first point of contact between you and your clients. For the vast majority of businesses their telephone system is business critical. However, in this fast paced IT & Telecoms world, it is often difficult to know if you are making the right choices for your business. Here are a few key concerns to consider:

New General Sales Manager For Copier Systems Ryan Eastwood has been promoted to the position of General Sales Manager at printing and photocopier supplier Copier Systems Ltd. Ryan will work closely with Andy Bethel and the recently expanded sales team operating from the business’s head office in Barnsley. As General Sales Manager, Mr Eastwood progresses from his position on the sales team where he has helped Copier Systems to become one of the largest and most successful suppliers of Canon printing and copying equipment in the north of England. In his new role he will manage the expansion of the sales department and continue the growth of the business by promoting the full suite of solutions the company has to offer. As well as providing systems from Canon, Copier Systems also supply print management solutions, document management software and most recently have become a supplier for Develop who provide a range of

cost-effective printers, photocopiers and multifunction devices. Andy Bethel, Managing Director at Copier Systems Ltd, commented: “Ryan has been a valuable member of our team for nearly eight years now so we are delighted to able to use his knowledge and enthusiasm to help us grow our team. His knowledge of the industry is fantastic so I’m sure that he’ll help us to achieve our goals in the future.

• H ow long could your business survive if your telephone system went down? • W hat do you do if you, or your staff, can’t get to the office? Can your incoming calls, for example, be diverted to mobiles? • I f callers can’t get through first time, will they try again? Our experience here at Highlander tells us that the convergence between data networks and voice networks means the best providers in the industry are those who have evolved from an IT, rather than a telecoms, background. Highlander partner with a number of telecoms providers (Avaya, Cisco, Siemens) and have just launched our Mitel partnership to broaden our offerings in this area. Contact us or your service provider to ensure you avoid those Monday morning blues and potentially damaging lost business…

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for further information

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For more information about Copier Systems Ltd, please visit www.copiersystems.co.uk

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REP PROGRAMME

Experts Help Sportswear Firm Get Up And Running A Rotherham man is fulfilling a long-harboured ambition after setting up an online sportswear business thanks to free business advice from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce through its Regional Enterprise Programme (REP). James Batchford has established Batchford Sports – www.batchfordsports.co.uk – after accessing business support from the Chamber through the Regional Enterprise Programme which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Specialist Enterprise Coach Jav Khan helped James to prepare the business for launch by offering guidance in a number of key areas. “I had a number of meetings with Jav between October and December and he

assisted me with formulating my business plan,” said James. “This process involved going through my ideas for the business and devising a strategy which would enable me to meet these goals. We analysed how the business’s cash flow will operate, judging potential profit and loss, and Jav also advised me on dealing with HMRC and tax registration.” James has also benefited from Jav’s tips on how to raise the company’s profile, particularly use of the internet, and is glowing

in his praise for the Chamber’s assistance. “I am using the company’s Facebook page to create interest and the page has had over 400 views in some weeks. I am also selling some products on e-bay and Gumtree, all with links back to my website. “All in all, the help I have received from the Chamber made possible by European funding has been invaluable and I have been given some excellent information to take the business forward. I would urge anyone thinking of setting up a business to give the Chamber a call.” The Regional Enterprise Programme is part financed through the Yorkshire and Humber European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013 which is investing in projects that support local businesses and create jobs.

Call 0844 414 5100 for more information on business support from the Chamber.

Yorkshire and The Humber ERDF Programme 2007-2013 The European Regional Development Fund Programme is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The programme has €583 million from the European Regional Development Fund to invest by 2013. Further information about the ERDF Programme in Yorkshire and The Humber, including information about the projects that are receiving ERDF Investment, is available at www.gov.uk/browse/business/funding-debt/european-regionaldevelopment-funding

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REP PROGRAMME

Legal Costs Firm’s Business Support Boost A Rotherham-based legal cost consultant has reaped the benefits of free business support from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Enterprise Programme (REP). Chantry Costs Consultants accessed expert guidance in business planning and dealing with red tape through the Chamber’s Regional Enterprise Programme, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

business plan in place and his help on red tape was invaluable.” Lynsie also gained free sales and marketing advice from the Chamber when she attended an Entrepreneur Networks event focussed on selling and marketing of businesses.

Company owner Lynsie Whyke worked with the Chamber’s Specialist Enterprise Coach Jav Khan on formulating a plan for the business, general business guidance and handling tax returns.

“The event was a great help in giving sales and marketing advice, and also as I was able to meet other people who were in a similar position to me with their businesses.

“It was really useful being able to get all this help from Jav, made possible by the European funding, rather than having to hunt around for the information I needed,” Lynsie said. “He walked me through the stages of putting my

“All in all, the assistance I have had from the Chamber has been fantastic and has helped me avoid making any costly mistakes in setting the business up. I would recommend that other people in my position go to the Chamber and use their expertise.”

Chantry Costs Consultants provide a full range of legal costs services including drafting, advocacy and negotiation. They deal with all cases from fast track matters through to high value claims and their services are tailored to suit the client’s needs. The Regional Enterprise Programme is part financed through the Yorkshire and Humber European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013 which is investing in projects that support local businesses and create jobs.

Call 0844 414 5100 for more information on business support from the Chamber.

Chamber Advice Enables Florist To Blossom Free specialist business advice from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce through the Regional Enterprise Programme, which is partfunded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has enabled Rotherham florist Vanessa Stewart to turn a setback into an opportunity to start her own business. Vanessa turned to the Chamber when she decided to set up on her own after losing her job working for another florist. She established her own business – Butterfly Florists – in a shop at Kimberworth Park which had been occupied by her previous employers and now stood empty. Vanessa worked with the Chamber’s Specialist Enterprise Coach Jav Khan, through the Regional Enterprise Programme which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to produce her business plan and guide her through vital administrative duties.

“I initially spoke to the Job Centre and they steered me in the direction of the Chamber for help,” Vanessa said. “Jav worked with me to create a business plan for me to work from and this was a brilliant help for me, creating the basis for me to get up and running. “I also attended a free, finance entrepreneur’s networking event through the Chamber and this explained how to deal with issues such as tax and bookkeeping. “The advice and help I have received has been fantastic and, thanks to the Chamber’s help and made possible by European funding, my business has benefitted. I would recommend

that anyone thinking of starting a business should contact the Chamber and access their experience.” The Regional Enterprise Programme is part financed through the Yorkshire and Humber European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013 which is investing in projects that support local businesses and create jobs.

Call 0844 414 5100 for more information on business support from the Chamber.

European Regional Development Fund The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was set up in 1975 to stimulate economic development in the European Union. ERDF is provided to support the European Union’s cohesion policy that seeks to redress imbalances in development between regions and Member States. It is used to support projects that can help local economies address the challenges of globalisation and contribute to delivering Europe’s 2020 strategy of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Information about the European Union’s support for regions is available at http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm

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MEMBER NEWS

Perfect 10 For The Source

Inspiring business leader Claire Young was on hand to host The Source’s 10th birthday celebration, recognising learners and businesses that The Source has supported over the last decade. Claire is the straight talking, no-nonsense business woman who is well known for reaching the final in series four of the BBC1’s The Apprentice - watched by over 11 million viewers. Claire said: “When The Source approached me to host their 10th birthday event, I gladly accepted. The work they do with individuals and businesses across the UK is inspiring and it’s always great to see an organisation that has young people at the heart of their business.”

in 2003 came back to celebrate the 10th birthday milestone and opened the event with a rousing speech. Ann Cadman, Managing Director at The Source, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the event was a complete success.

We cannot believe what has been achieved in the last 10 years and are grateful to all our partners. Together we have achieved some excellent results for the region. I am delighted that so many people joined us to celebrate our 10th birthday. We are hoping that the next 10 years will be even better.”

The event featured an awards ceremony recognising inspirational individuals and businesses from across the region. Key speakers and council leaders presented the awards including Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Martin Kimber, Chief Executive of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Richard Wise, Head of Retail Development at British Land. David Blunkett, MP Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, who opened The Source back

Award winners at The Source’s 10th birthday event.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport Team Up With Robin Hood Flights Doncaster Sheffield Airport has partnered with a new comparison website, Robinhoodflights, to help customers get the best possible prices when looking for a holiday or flight online. The partnership will see joint promotion from both organisations which will allow potential holiday makers to search, identify and book their holiday on one website. The site enables visitors to browse a variety of offers available through multiple airlines and tour operators, including Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Balkan Holidays, with all flights taking off from Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Steve Gill, Airport Managing Director, said: “We believe this partnership is a positive step

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forwards. Our main priority is to continue to provide a great service for our customers and this website provides the opportunity for visitors to look for holidays in a user-friendly environment. “Bookings for the summer season are already looking strong especially for Tenerife, Alicante, Turkey and Paphos. Many travellers, families in particular, have made the decision to book in advance and this is thought to be as a direct result of the wet weather experienced in the UK last summer.”

John Cooper, Commercial Director at RobinHoodFlights, said: “We are delighted to be working with Doncaster Sheffield Airport. We recognise the huge level of demand there is for flights and holidays from the airport and our website has the functionality to demonstrate the extensive level of choice that is available. “The website will continue to develop and the future is looking really exciting.”

MEMBER NEWS

Space Provides New Frontier For WorldLeading Team Space satellites will be launched on a mission to observe worlds beyond the known solar system, thanks to revolutionary new plasma developed in the labs at Sheffield Hallam University. Experts have developed a new coating for space satellite cryocoolers - the specialist device that regulates their temperature so that they can function in space. The University has been working with the Space Science Technology Department of Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), after finding that the component coatings created by the University team are better at maintaining the optimum temperature of satellite systems on missions to observe the solar system and beyond. And they are now set to be used in a space observatory to help characterise the physics and chemistry of planetary atmospheres beyond the known solar system. It means the University can help support the £9.1 billion space industry, currently experiencing an annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent.

characterise the physics and chemistry of exoplanet atmospheres.”

human or extra-terrestrial life – this is the first mission in space dedicated to such a goal.

Professor Arutiun Ehiasarian and his team at the University’s Nanotechnology Centre for Plasma Vapour Deposition has developed a new coating technology called High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS) for the deposition of very dense and highly adherent metal and ceramic materials.

“Cryocooling of space satellites is crucial due to the low operating temperature of on-board detectors that are used to collect data from distant celestial objects and the Earth.

The team is a world leader in HIPIMS technology and has developed new applications for space, manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor and photovoltaic sectors. Professor Ehiasarian said: “The satellite is going to be in orbit around the Earth and will search for inhabitable planets beyond the known solar system by looking at the atmosphere of planets orbiting other stars. The goal is to find planets that could support

“Low temperatures ensure higher sensitivity due to reduced thermal noise and better image quality due to reduced thermal vibrations in optics. Additionally, due to the low thermal conductivity of the vacuum operating environment, there is a necessity to cool vital systems while they are in space in order to avoid temperature build-up over years of use. The increasing complexity of satellites demands improvements in cooling efficiency and Sheffield Hallam is expertly placed to carry out this work.”

Dr Martin Crook from RAL said: “Cryocoolers are a key enabling technology for spacebased science and astronomy and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory are world leaders in this technology. “For some years we have been aware of the potential for rare-earth coatings to enhance the performance of our coolers, but despite numerous attempts were not able to implement a flight-worthy solution. Now Sheffield Hallam has developed an excellent coating suitable for a flight qualification programme. “Directly through that work, our Stirling cycle cryocooler has demonstrated a clear advantage over other technologies at this temperature, and is the first choice for scientists currently entering instrument proposals for forthcoming missions such as EChO, a space-based observatory to

One of the University’s space satellite cryocoolers.

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PATRONS NEWS

RBS Finances Kinspeed Fit Out Kinspeed have acquired an additional 1500 square feet of office space adjoining their current office, to enable them to grow and offer more services to their rapidly expanding customer base. The extra space will be used to provide a large training room, another meeting room and extra desk space for current and future Kinspeed employees. Kinspeed approached their bank about finance to refurbish the unit and Steve Ebsworth, RBS Business Development Manager for Kinspeed was happy to oblige. Pete Sorsby, Director of Corporate Banking, was also involved in the negotiations and provided valuable recommendations and ideas of capital take-up and re-payment structuring. Ian Wragg, Managing Director of Kinspeed, said: “Kinspeed are taking on more and more contracts for supply and development of Sage accounting software, development of e-commerce websites and general cloud based projects. We needed extra space to employ more people and continue to grow. Luckily the unit next door came up and we

have now acquired it. It does need some work though but Steve looked at our needs and provided us with the funds to refurbish.” Steve Ebsworth, RBS Business Development Manager, was equally upbeat, saying: “We will always strive to help innovative companies such as Kinspeed who have long term growth plans. It was a pleasure to help Ian and the team out and this proves that the banks are still willing to lend.”

Work is now well underway. To follow progress, go to Kinspeed’s blog at www.kinspeed.com/blog

POLICY

Manifesto For Growth 2013 Following on from the 2013 Conference for Growth, the second Manifesto for Growth produced by the City Region’s Chambers of Commerce is now available to be downloaded via our website – www.brchamber.co.uk.

Government Endorses Greater Role For Chambers of Commerce

The Chamber’s Policy & Representation Adviser Dominic Beck on the City Region’s Manifesto For Growth and the Heseltine Review. The document picks up on the discussions and debates that were held at the conference, around the three main themes of skills, infrastructure and the right conditions to aid and stimulate growth in the region. It is a view of the Chambers that we should further develop and promote the advantages that apprenticeships have for businesses of all sizes across the region and that this approach should encourage as many businesses as possible to take on at least one apprentice over the coming years. We are frustrated that, with the demise of the Regional Development Agency and the rise of the Local Enterprise Partnership, the skills agenda still hasn’t settled down into a coherent and effective model that delivers results. With the inception of the City Deal project, we hope that this can go some way to addressing this void in provision and direction in relation to the skills agenda.

Lord Heseltine delivered his ‘No Stone Unturned in Pursuit of Growth’ report in November 2012 with over 80 recommendations, covering topics as diverse as local government reorganisation, the role and capacity of business representative organisations including Chambers, and the rules around foreign acquisition of UK companies.

Infrastructure is an intrinsic element of a fast moving modern economy that is fit for purpose. We believe long-term plans around High Speed Rail are merely aspirational at this stage and that short to medium term measures will receive as much support from the business community. Through the Chamber’s Red Tape Working Group, we have been promoting the agenda of the reduction of red tape and burdensome regulation for some time. Regulation is a good thing when it is applied and enforced appropriately but we believe all too often that small businesses are disproportionately hindered by regulation that is wholly unnecessary in some cases. Strides forward nationally to focus on regulation impacting on small firms would achieve more value added in increased productivity and output than general sweeping tweaks and abolitions of burdensome regulation.

Raise your profile with The Bulletin Want to get your message across? Then feature your business in The Bulletin. Whether it’s a quarter, half or full page advert, the choice is yours. Call 0844 414 5100 for more information.

The report’s headline message was that empowering local areas to take charge of their development was essential to the future competitiveness of the country. For Chambers, the key recommendations were to localise over £50 billion in publicsector funding in England via a ‘single pot’, alongside an enhanced role for Chambers of Commerce as ‘one-stop shops’ for the delivery of business support at a local level. Andrew Denniff, Executive Director of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Chambers of Commerce welcome the Government’s commitment to localise some funding and decision-making around transport and skills in order to unleash the enterprise and growth latent in local communities across the City Region. We commend Lord Heseltine for his dogged pursuit of a growth blueprint that promotes business and innovation and reduces dependency on Whitehall and Westminster. “Over the coming months, Chambers will seek to ensure local businesses have a strong voice in the system, and that its overriding objective is to help areas generate wealth.

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for further information

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COVER STORY

A brief survey is available at www.castus.co.uk/brchamber that will only take a few moments of your time. We welcome all feedback and will review all suggestions with Castus.

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COVER STORY

Our New Website -

Your Views

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code to check out the new website

The Chamber unveiled its new-look website - www. brchamber.co.uk - earlier this year and, three months on from its launch, we are looking for feedback on the site from members. The website has been developed as part of the Chamber’s ongoing drive to enhance the way we communicate with members and we have worked with member company Castus Design to restructure and enhance our online presence. This process was undertaken with the aim of providing a website which is easy to use, informative and attractive and we are now asking users to tell us what they think. This is your chance to let us know what you think works, what doesn’t and what you would like to see on the site. Full details of how to give your feedback can be found at the foot of this page. Below is a rundown of the new features and improvements that were implemented by ourselves and Castus. • Navigation We’ve made the website easier to navigate so you can find the services and support we offer quickly from the menu bar. From the menu bar you can also discover the services that are available with each membership type and find out our activities via the working groups and policy.

• Straight From The Homepage We’ve added useful links to the homepage to direct you straight to the page you need. We’ve also made our business directory searchable from the homepage, so you can jump straight to the category you need. • Events & Training Courses You can now search our events and courses by date and location with a much simpler booking process than previously. You are no longer required to login to the site in order to register your interest in an event or a course. • Business Directory There are some big changes to our Business Directory to better meet the needs of our members. Firstly, our members are all listed with their logo - logo sizes vary depending on the membership status. Our Patron and Platinum members have an enhanced listing, so they show first, followed by other Chamber members in alphabetical order. Secondly, all members have greater control of their business listing, so members can control the layout of their entry. Members can showcase their business through the gallery feature and also add a corporate video.

There is an update listing link available in the header of the website where you can log in using the email address assigned to your account along with your password. You can search the directory by business category, but you can also choose to only show members who are offering discounts to fellow members. Feedback We’re well on our way towards our goal of a website that will help you to make the most of your membership but we would like your feedback. Chris Harpin, Commercial Director at Castus, said: “Personally I love the site and we’ve received great feedback so far from everyone that we’ve spoken to about the new site. “This feedback process is an opportunity for all members to shape what I hope will become a great tool for years to come. Please take a moment to share your thoughts with us regarding what you like and what you don’t like, so that we know what’s important for you as a member of the Chamber.”

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PLATINUM MEMBERS

£2m Project To Help 100 Yorkshire Businesses Innovate Sheffield Hallam University has won new funding to help more than 100 businesses in Yorkshire and Humber to innovate. The team has already worked with 160 businesses over the last four years to solve technical problems or develop new ideas. These include broadband provider Ask4, food company Shaws of Huddersfield, gasket manufacturer Whitby and Chandler, Westfield Health and Martek Marine. Alex Prince, Director of Innovation Futures at the University, said: “We have a team of 12 consultant academics, all with business experience. Businesses tend to come to us either with a technical problem - such as product corrosion issues - or they have a great idea and don’t know where to start to

development projects.” The project is part-funded with £900k from European Regional Development Fund and match-funded by the university for projects until end June 2015. make it happen. “Projects have included working in interactive design, increasing the energy efficiency of production processes, introducing lean manufacturing, spectroscopic analysis, improving food production to reduce preservative levels, and a wide variety of new product

Innovation Futures has a dedicated team of staff who work in Sheffield Hallam University’s leading research centres - Materials and Engineering Research Institute; Cultural, Communication and Computing Research Institute; Centre for Food Innovation; Biomedical Research Centre and Sheffield Business School.

Gala Tent Secures Major Wentworth Woodhouse Deal Gala Tent has secured a major new partnership agreement with Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, to supply marquees and gazebos for a number of events throughout 2013. The company will be the venue’s preferred supplier of marquees and gazebos which will be available for stall holders to buy or hire when attending Wentworth Woodhouse’s exciting range of events. As the prestigious stately home will soon also be offering itself as a wedding venue, Gala Tent will also be supplying marquees for such celebrations. Giles Newbold, Owner of Wentworth Woodhouse, said: “We chose to work with Gala Tent as they are a local company that shares

PLATINUM MEMBERS

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the same values as us and does a lot of work in the local community. We have an exciting range of events planned this year, so need a reliable and experience marquee partner. It was great to find such a company based locally too.” Jason Mace, Managing Director of Gala Tent, said: “It is great to be working with such a prestigious venue as Wentworth Woodhouse and we are looking forward to adding value to their events. We can offer affordable and

professional looking stalls and marquees to traders and exhibitors and also provide stunning marquees that make it the perfect wedding venue. “As a Rotherham-based company, we see this as just the start of a great partnership and look forward to helping to put Wentworth Woodhouse on the map as one of South Yorkshire’s major attractions.”

PLATINUM MEMBERS

Business In The Superfast Lane Over the last decade, faster and more reliable internet access has revolutionised how we live, work and play. Next-generation superfast broadband is now in place across South Yorkshire, enabling businesses to improve performance, customer service and the bottom line, writes Teresa Robbins, Managing Director of Chamber Platinum member, superfast internet provider littlebigone.com. Plans for superfast fibre broadband networks from large telecommunications firms are patchy and will take years to build. Large parts of South Yorkshire are not currently due to be included. Thankfully, South Yorkshire is ahead of the game. A unique public/private partnership, funded partly by European money, means more than 80 per cent of premises across the county can already access superfast broadband though locally-focused providers like littlebigone.com. Superfast broadband enables a major change in how businesses operate. Better connected businesses communicate and collaborate more effectively and efficiently, driving growth and improvements to the bottom line. Barnsley-based Chamber members Lifetime Financial Management had a particular reason to improve their broadband speeds:

can now upload videos and images to our Facebook and Twitter pages, something we simply couldn’t do before connecting to superfast broadband.”

Cloud computing Superfast broadband enables businesses to access the full benefits of cloud computing. The huge amount of business applications and low-cost storage available in the cloud provides a significant opportunity for businesses to reduce usage of costly local servers and even remove them altogether. While there are significant financial savings associated with cloud computing, business users need to be able to access their files, customer data and applications as though they were stored in the office. Superfast broadband enables this.

Voice & video conferencing over the internet Voice and video over internet services have changed how consumers communicate, and services such as Skype are increasingly used by businesses as an alternative to traditional telephony.

“One of the biggest differences we have noticed has been with our advisers who work remotely and log in online. The speed at which they can complete work online has improved significantly.”

Voice over internet also allows free and easy routing of landline calls to people online via a decent connection, providing greater flexibility in working patterns and enabling customers to reach their contacts in your business more easily.

Other business users are able to embrace social marketing tools like never before. According to Training Ventures, the first aid training company based near Sheffield: “We have very active social media accounts and

Efficiency drives mean many businesses are seeking to balance the cost of travel and time away from the office with the value of engaging with customers and colleagues

Yorkshire Training Partnership Makes Bluebell Wood Donation

The awards ceremony always involves charitable activity and the 2013 event saw prizes auctioned from several generous partners, including Barnsley FC, Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Doncaster Rovers and Manchester United.

Yorkshire Training Partnership have made a donation of £1330 to the Bluebell Wood Hospice Appeal from monies raised at the partnership’s Annual Training Awards Ceremony earlier this year.

Teresa Robbins, Littlebigone face-to-face. Superfast broadband helps address this by providing capacity for high definition video conferencing, without the hiccups, lag-time and buffering currently endured with standard connections. The vast majority of businesses in South Yorkshire can access superfast broadband from service providers like littlebigone.com, meaning they are amongst the first to be able to connect and drive competitive advantage and cost efficiencies through it. When business people can collaborate and work together without having to worry about the limitations of internet speeds, amazing things are possible.

For more information on our Platinum Members, use your smartphone to scan our QR code for further information.

The awards are an excellent way of celebrating learner, employer and training provider success and this year was no exception. The Morthyng Group, headed up by their Chief Executive Chris MacCormac, picked up four Awards on the night and were crowned ‘Training Provider of the Year.’

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PATRONS NEWS

Solar Europa And Chamber Develop Business Package Solar Europa and the Chamber have worked together to develop a package for businesses for which the consumption of environmentally friendly electricity will bring much needed longterm cost savings. Solar Europa provides the solar PV system free of charge to businesses. In exchange for the free system, Solar Europa requires the business to enter an agreement to consume the Green Electricity generated by the system.

should a member decide to sell its business or move premises the new owners can also benefit from low cost electricity.

energy. For every ton of emissions produced by Industry in consuming carbon creating energy the CRC is charged at £16 per ton.

The UK has now introduced the Carbon

This tax could prove to be ruinous to every size of business over 25 to 30 years. By generating renewable energy from solar PV, this reduces the consumption of electricity created from carbon creating sources so it is not only the cost of energy bills that is reduced, but also the amount of tax payable under the CRC scheme – a double saving for members to enjoy.

This Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is for a period of 20 years saving up to 50 per cent of grid prices and will not only secure a material reduction in utility based electricity costs but will also protect against energy price inflation (historically at least more than 3 per cent above RPI and rising) as a result of linking increases to RPI only. The electricity costs are agreed at the outset, on signing the PPA and incorporated into the contract. The contract is portable so

Reduction Commitment (CRC) which is a direct business tax calculated by reference to the energy that a business consumes and the carbon created in producing that

For more information, please contact 01226 249852 or e-mail info@solareuropa.co.uk.

You’re Hired!

An inspirational apprentice from The Source has won the highest accolade of all after triumphing as BBC’s Young Apprentice, chosen by Lord Sugar. 17-year-old Ashleigh Porter-Exley, a Sales Executive at C Roberts Steel Services in Rotherham, is working towards her Business Administration Apprenticeship with the help of The Source. After being crowned the winner of The Young Apprentice and winning a £25,000 prize, Ashleigh is set to invest her winnings in setting up her own property management or financial consultancy business. Ashleigh has been working with The Source since early 2012. She said: “The last 12 months have been completely life changing. I was winner of the Young Apprentice and I’m progressing through my qualification really well. The Source has been fantastic throughout the whole process. My Assessor was totally supportive, encouraging me and helping me believe I could do it. “I am lucky enough to have received some great feedback following my experience on

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the show, and I am so excited about how The Source will support me even further in my career.” Mike Denby, Head of Employer Engagement at The Source, said: “Ashleigh is a fantastic example of an individual who is willing to work hard to develop her skills and grow her career. Her experience on the show has been out of this world, and she is an inspiration to other young people who are looking for work and not sure which path to choose. Ashleigh is the real deal – a true apprentice!”

To speak to an advisor about recruiting an Apprentice for your business, contact The Source on 0114 263 6652 or email apprenticeships@ thesourceacademy.co.uk.

Whose email is it

anyway? Oxley & Coward warns business to protect the content of business emails Who owns an email? This was the question facing the High Court recently when an employer challenged a former employee to handover emails exchanged in the course of his duties. The answer has led Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP to advise business to take steps to tighten up internal processes to protect the content of business emails or face the consequences. The High Court’s judgement in Fairstar Heavy Transport NV v Adkins and another backed up earlier rulings in saying no one can claim the content of emails because property rights do not exist in information. This position is one no company using email can afford to ignore. “From a legal perspective, this judgement means that any contractual agreements, such as employment contracts, consultancy agreements or business contracts should include obligations about the use and retention of emails,” explained Oxley & Coward commercial law expert Dawn Cherry. “It should also cover for the return of emails and protect against the distribution of confidential information.” The Fairstar case arose when the company was taken over and the employment of Mr Adkins, the managing director was terminated. The new owners tried to obtain emails held by Mr Adkins related to business transactions before the takeover and a £37 million cancellation charge under a ship building contract in particular. When Mr Adkins refused to hand the emails over, the company went to court, claiming in today’s business environment, an email is a form of property. The judge rejected this view, reinforcing previous rulings which suggested no property rights exist in

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“We are all sometimes guilty of making use of modern tools like email without a thought to the consequences” Oxley & Coward commercial law expert Dawn Cherry

information and citing a House of Lords case from 1967 which held that information is not property that can be controlled, except where disclosure to a third party would be a breach of confidence. “The rejection of this case can seem strange to the average layman, but as the judge pointed out, if an email were to be considered property, it could have impractical consequences,” explained Dawn. “If an email was considered property, would this make the sender the owner and therefore have the right to demand it back or for it to be deleted, for example?” The judge said there was already protection against misuse through copyright, reasonable restrictions on the use of confidential information and through contract law. This is a stark reminder if any were needed for

business to tighten up their operations when it comes to email. “We are all sometimes guilty of making use of modern tools like email without a thought to the consequences,” added Dawn. “Operationally, companies need to ensure emails are regularly archived, with daily backing up, ideally off-site. It is also best to avoid emails being sent from personal accounts. If this does happen, or if external consultants are involved, there needs to be a way to capture and archive those email exchanges as well. The Courts are clearly not going to let business treat the contents of emails as their property any time soon.”

For further information on Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, please call

01709 510999 or visit the website at www.oxcow.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

Bigfoot Digital Step Up Munchkin Campaign Bigfoot Digital have been asked to build on the success of their work marketing major US baby brand Munchkin Inc by promoting the company in France – all from their Barnsley headquarters. The project is a continuation of Bigfoot Digital’s award-winning relationship with Munchkin and has led to the internet marketing agency recruiting a new team member - a native French speaker residing in Barnsley – while they are also seeking additional staff members to work from their base at the Digital Media Centre. The new campaign is targeted at gaining strong follower growth on the new French Munchkin page and also includes an outreach campaign, asking French parents to test and review Munchkin products and share their feedback with the Facebook community. Bigfoot Digital has already made great progress in gaining online profile for Munchkin and Lindam, the UK’s number one child safety brand which was acquired by Munchkin in 2010.

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Mid-2011 saw Bigfoot Digital tasked with managing Munchkin Inc’s social profiles on Facebook and Twitter to establish strong brand awareness and a clear communication channel with customers and retailers alike. The campaign involves active page management on a daily basis, customer relations such as answering customer queries and complaints, and Facebook app development. Within 12 months, Bigfoot Digital built both the Munchkin and Lindam Facebook profiles up from 200 followers to 84,000 on the Munchkin profile and 45,000 on the Lindam profile. The Munchkin profile now has in excess of 100,000 followers while Lindam’s profile has over 60,000 followers. These achievements were recognised when Bigfoot Digital beat off competition from other regional companies to win the Best

Digital Communications Award at The 2012 Star Business Awards for their work with Munchkin and Lindam. Munchkin Brand Manager, Gareth Matthews, said: “Munchkin is a brand with huge potential. We’ve got our work cut out to rival more established UK brands in our market but the work Mark and Lindsey have done with our social media has been amazing. We’ve been delighted with the results and hope to see the Munchkin online presence continue to go from strength to strength. “The team work hard to fully understand the brand and products, liaising with Customer Services and our PR company to enable them to deliver a credible voice for our brand via Facebook. By skilfully managing our online advertising, they have delivered a cost effective campaign with really fantastic results.”

MEMBER NEWS

HRH Prince Michael of Kent presenting the award to the Flex Accounting team.

Flex Accounting Scoops Top Industry Award A bookkeeping business dubbed ‘rescuer to the rescuers’ because of its charitable work has won an industry accolade at the Savoy Hotel. Rotherham businesswoman Beverley Flanagan set up Flex Accounting after being made redundant from her job as Financial Controller for the Daily Mail Group. Just three years on, Beverley has travelled to London with her three staff to be presented with an award by HRH Prince Michael of Kent as part of the bookkeeping profession’s annual awards, the ‘Lucas’. The Luca Award for Bookkeeping Practice of the Year was presented in recognition of

the growth of Beverley’s business, which has seen a 40 per cent increase in clients over the last year. Beverley said: “Flex Accounting is now becoming a well-known brand all through referrals and word of mouth and without spending a penny on advertising!” The success of Flex Accounting has bucked the trend of the recession and mirrors what professional regulator, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), has seen

across the country. Flex Accounting has moved to larger premises in South Yorkshire and taken on a virtual London office to cope with rising demand further south. In addition to supporting the training of the young apprentice she has recently taken on, Beverley also finds time to give back to the community by working free of charge for local animal rescue charity South Yorkshire Pet Ambulance, who fondly refer to Flex Accounting as ‘rescuer to the rescuers.’

Lifetime Celebrates Successful First Decade One of Barnsley’s best kept business secrets is now eager to share its success story – as it motors into its second decade with 56 staff. Financial planning company Lifetime started out over 10 years ago with a small team situated in an equally small office in Penistone - and then moved to Wombwell before pitching up at Great Cliffe Court, Dodworth, where they are in the process of purchasing second premises. Lifetime now has clients all over Yorkshire, from Leeds through to Barnsley and on to Sheffield, and from York to Scarborough, as well as others from around the UK. Lifetime Communications Director William Bottomley said: “We regard ourselves as alternative financial planners. We tell the ‘truth’ about money; answer a client’s big questions (goals, ambitions and concerns);

and help clients live how they want to live, now and in the future, without ever running out of money no matter what happens. “Our emphasis is on ‘this is it’ – you need to get it right because life is not a rehearsal! We have specialist teams in pensions, mortgages, legal services as well as Trusts and we are proud of the service we provide our clients.” The company also have a deep-rooted commitment to putting something back into the community. They are sponsoring the forthcoming Barnsley Hospice Golf Day and have also launched the ‘Lifetime Referral Scheme’, with the promise to give 10 per cent of the initial

fees generated from a new client that is introduced to them to a chosen hospice. Lifetime also support Penistone Church Football Club’s fundraising drive to finance ground modifications in a bid to climb the football pyramid. William added: “We believe that we are a company with a heart, a company that is different. We believe passionately in community values and that is why we are championing the hospice, as well as providing support to a forward-thinking local football club. We are committed to ‘giving’ and supporting good things in simple but effective ways.”

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MEMBER NEWS

Winning Pitch Gives Glue The Bulletin Success Following Invitation To Tender documents published on the Chamber’s Glooberry service, Glue beat off stiff competition to land the Chamber’s flagship publication - The Bulletin. Glue’s Creative Director, David Briggs, explained: “When we saw on Glooberry that the Chamber were looking at producing their own magazine again we knew the strength of competition being faced would be fierce. At the subsequent pre-pitch meeting we weren’t at all surprised to be informed of over 10 other companies responding! When we were told of our success in winning the pitch there was real jubilation in the office.” Glue, established in 2001, have a long history of working with the Chamber designing various pieces of marketing collateral spanning over a decade. David continued; “Having extensive working knowledge of the Chamber’s identity and brand values, we were confident in our ability to deliver the Chamber’s flagship publication which Members could recognise, whilst at the same time being creative and fresh.”

Winning The Bulletin is the latest in a string of recent successes for the agency. Since moving to larger premises just over two years ago, Glue have increased their creative capacity with the recruitment of graphic designer, James Bartram, and welcome back former graphic designer Rachel Edge to oversee the company’s marketing and development strategy. Glue’s clients include established and respected local brands such as Ponsford, Dormer Tools and Chamber Patrons Highlander, as well as national brands including The Football League, Manchester Cathedral and Whole Foods Market. Whilst graphic design remains integral to all activities, the company also offers a vast array of promotional merchandise ranging from mugs, keyrings and mousemats, through all types of branded clothing, to high value bespoke items and one-offs allowing clients to maximise their branding exposure.

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for further information To request a copy of Glue’s 2013 promotional merchandise catalogue ‘The Directory,’ telephone 0114 247 9120 or email info@glued-up.com. For further information visit www.glued-up.com and follow via Twitter @gluecreative

6 Shepcote Office Village 333 Shepcote Lane Sheffield S9 1TG

T W

0114 247 9120 www.glued-up.com @gluecreative

MEMBER NEWS

New Financial Year Brings New Partner For Hart Shaw Hart Shaw Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers has announced that Emma Legdon has become a new Partner at the firm. Emma’s rise to the top completes what is a great success story since joining Hart Shaw in a temporary administrative role in 1993. Working her way up the managerial ladder, Emma qualified as an Insolvency Practitioner in 2011 and obtained her license in 2012 before being made a Partner of the firm on 1 April. Emma said: “I am very proud to have been named a Partner in a firm with the stature and history of Hart Shaw. Having been with the firm for all of my working life it is a great personal achievement and I feel very honoured that the current Partner group

think enough of me to invite me to join them, which I have duly accepted.” Managing Partner Paul Dawson said: “The appointment of Emma as a partner shows that there is no bar on anybody reaching the top. Emma joined us as an office junior 20 years ago and has worked hard to get to where she is today. Well done to her, she is a role model for everybody within the firm.” Emma will be leading the Business Recovery & Insolvency department at Hart Shaw, along with fellow Insolvency Partner Christopher Brown.

Behind The Spin: Get Your Story Published

Regularly creating media friendly stories is one of the most effective ways of helping your business to grow. Pound for pound there are few other ways in which a company can inform, educate, influence and even challenge in a way comparable with a well-executed PR campaign.

2. Be relevant:

An essential part to any PR campaign is working with and understanding the media. Media publications come in many different shapes and forms, but such is the power of PR that journalists can receive hundreds, if not thousands of media stories every day – so just how do you make your story stand out from the crowd?

Avoid the sales pitch, it’s all about engagement.

Here are five tips to consider when planning your PR strategy:

1. Be targeted: Research the media titles most relevant to your area of work and find out what types of subjects are covered by individual journalists. Most publications have journalists to cover specific areas in the publication (whether geographical or subject specific).

Tailor your stories accordingly and understand what the publication you are targeting covers.

3. Be interesting:

4. People matter: Few publications outside of industry trade titles are likely to be interested in a new product or service. Look at the impact and what it will mean for people using the service. Case studies used to illustrate how a product or service can offer an effective way of achieving this.

5. Photographs: A picture can say a thousand words. If you have the budget available consider professional press photography to accompany your story.

Matthew Ridsdale is an award-winning public relations professional and founder of Rotherham-based Cannon PR.

Find out how Cannon PR can help to give your business extra firepower. Special discounts available to Chamber members tel: 01709 321585 or email: info@cannonpr.co.uk.

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PATRONS NEWS

Getting Worked Up Over Stress If the never-ending ‘To Do’ list at work seems unachievable and lunchtime means another hurried sandwich eaten ‘al desko’ in the office, then you’re not alone. According to research, 40 per cent of office workers are under ‘dangerously high’ levels of stress due to a combination of unpaid overtime, unachievable expectations and taking on additional duties for colleagues. ‘Staff burnout’ is becoming a common problem for nearly a third (30 per cent) of companies, according to the study of HR directors, with 67 per cent of respondents believing workload to be to blame. Long working hours and unachievable expectations were also piling on the pressure for stressed workforces. Phil Sheridan of recruitment firm Robert Half UK, which commissioned the research, said: “Employee burnout can affect almost any professional, from top boss to rank and file employee.

“Many employees who have been tackling increased workloads while putting in long hours are beginning to lose their motivation at work.” There are also proactive steps employees can also take to help themselves when times are tough. Westfield Health’s Chamber Primary Health Plan, which is available to all Chamber members, includes a 24 hour counselling and advice line. Policyholders can call the 24/7 line and speak to counsellors day or night to access help and support with issues including workrelated stress and anxiety, as well as any personal issues affecting them, and the plan also offers access to up to six face to face counselling sessions.

For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.com/ chamber or call 0845 602 1629, available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Expert Advice In Tackling Cyber Risk From Robert Earl at Bull TCL. In 2011 our Government released figures highlighting that the cost of cybercrime in the UK is as high as £27 billion a year, of which £21 billion is a direct cost to businesses. Almost half of this cost relates directly to the theft of intellectual property – a critical asset for many organisations. In November 2012 the Department for Business Innovation & Skills stated via the Institute of Directors that “one of the most significant threats facing businesses is poor risk management. The cyber risk is no different to other strategic risks facing business today in terms of its potential impact on businesses performance.” The article then goes on to say “the cyber threats facing businesses and their supply chains will not be solved through investment in technology alone, but through concerted risk assessment which culminates in businesses identifying what critical information assets need prioritising – and in the establishment of a cyber-risk oversight governance structure managed at Board level.” In my opinion the key takeaway points from the statements above are 1) One of the most significant threats facing businesses is poor risk management, and 2) Critical information assets need prioritising, and 3) Cyber-risk must be managed at Board level. However, the more I thought about this, the more I found myself raising the questions of how can organisations identify, assess and manage risk within their organisation in a consistent and intuitive way and how can a consistent approach be used to help identify critical information assets and the administrative and technical controls needed to protect those assets? There are several different views regarding what risk management actually involves, how it should be used and implemented and what it can achieve overall. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) published standard 31000 in 2009 which aims

recognised standard can be a daunting task for any organisation; however, I also believe acquiescence should never be the preferred option either. In my opinion, an effective starting point to enable you to identify your risks and appropriate controls can be done in a simple way - by asking simple questions and acting on the responses received. Here are my ‘top 10’ key questions for you to ask within your organisation that will help you understand your priority risks and required controls to mitigate the risks to your critical information assets to a more acceptable level:

1. W hat information do we handle that is of value to our organisation? eg. Financial, HR, Customer, Commercial.

Robert Earl at Bull TCL to provide a level of consistency in terms of answering these questions. A robust risk management process driven ‘top down’ will help organisations identify critical information assets and the threats to those assets, which in turn will help drive effective decision making in terms of the technical and administrative controls required to protect those assets. The ISO27000 family is a series of information security standards developed and published jointly by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The ISO2700 family of standards provide a globally recognised framework for best practice information security management – and information security risk management. ISO27001 for example provides over 135 information security controls, which when adopted properly within your organisation will help you reduce risks to your critical assets to a more acceptable level. I understand that the undertaking of a full compliance programme to meet the requirements of an internationally

2. H ow do we classify this information? eg. Secret, Confidential, Internal Only, Public. 3. W hat are our legal, regulatory and/or contractual requirements in relation to our handling of this information? 4. H ow do we accept, transmit and/or store this information? 5. Who has access to our information and why? 6. Where are they accessing this information from? 7. H ow long do they need (or have had) access to this information? 8. W hat would the impact be to us, our customers, suppliers and/or business partners if the information was lost, stolen or unavailable for long periods? 9. H ow long should we retain the information before destroying it? 10. D o we destroy this information in a secure way when it is no longer required?

For further assistance with your Risk Management or Information Security requirements, please e-mail Robert Earl - robert.earl@bulltcl.co.uk.

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NEW MEMBERS LIST

New Members List

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for further information on Membership

Contact details for our latest members

Platinum We would like to welcome the following Platinum Members: Jengar UK.Com Gary Jones 5 South Parade DONCASTER DN1 2DY T 01302 342440 E gary.jones@jengaruk.com

Z1 Telecom Ltd Mike Birt Dunston Innovation Centre Dunston Road CHESTERFIELD S41 8NG T 0800 0278888 E mike.birt@z1telecom.com

Silver

We would like to welcome the following Silver Members: ABE Health Care Ltd William Phiri 10A Fitzwilliam Road ROTHERHAM S65 1PT T 01709 378080 E william.phiri@sky.com

Frankie & Benny’s Rotherham Fiona Gooch Stadium Way Parkgate Shopping Centre ROTHERHAM S60 1TG T 01709 780044 E fiona.gooch@trgplc.com

Hoselines Ltd Grant Shepherd Unit 25 Wharncliffe Business Park Longfield Road Carlton BARNSLEY S71 3HT T 01226 240838 E hoselines@btconnect.com

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IMS Access Ltd

Flex Accounting Services Ltd (Cont)

Cheryl Chapman 130c Upwell Street SHEFFIELD S4 8AJ

T 01709 363337 E info@flexaccounting.co.uk

T 0114 3602131 E cheryl@imsaccess.co.uk

Green Deal Excellence

Prompt Vehicle Deliveries Ltd Anne Temple Low Range Off Moor Lane Pontefract Road BARNSLEY S71 5SX T 01226 710207 E promptdeliveries@hotmail.com

The Dearne ALC Eddie Child Goldthorpe Road Goldthorpe ROTHERHAM S63 9EW

Liz Fisher 31 Staincross Common BARNSLEY S75 6JD T 01226 381800 E l-f@btconnect.com

JPW Consulting Ltd John Wynn 2 Gildhurst Court Birdwell BARNSLEY S70 5ST T 01226 743210 E j.wynn@jpwconsulting.co.uk

Manda Foods Limited

T 01709 892565 E echild2@barnsley.org

Royda Manda 1 Greenwood Avenue Worsbrough BARNSLEY S70 4BH

Sole Traders

T 01226 495796 E mandafoods@aol.co.uk

We would also like to welcome the following Sole Trader Members:

Moorgate Financial Services

Clean My Office (Barnsley) Ltd Liz Fisher 31 Staincross Common BARNSLEY S75 6JD T 01226 381800 E l-f@btconnect.com

Core Teaching Solutions Martin Wick 56 Norton Park View Norton SHEFFIELD S8 8GS T 07861 498360 E m.wickcts@gmail.com

Flex Accounting Services Ltd Beverley Flanagan Bradmarsh Business Centre Bow Bridge Close ROTHERHAM S60 1BY

Steven O’Mara 55-57 Moorgate Street ROTHERHAM S60 2EY T 01709 375586 E steve@moorgatefs.co.uk

Mother Earth Eco Housekeeping Michelle Powell 28 Cockerham Avenue BARNSLEY S75 1BA T 07857 137399 E gemstones7@hotmail.co.uk

ND Training Solutions Nigel Donohue 1a Blackamoor Road Rawmarsh ROTHERHAM S62 7SP T 01709 527787 E ndtrainingsolutions@sky.com

NEW MEMBERS LIST

Why not upgrade?

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Could your company benefit from the additional benefits that Platinum and Gold membership provides? For a full run-down of the extra benefits available, call our Membership team on: 0844 414 5100

Expiry Date: hip No.: Members

Membership No.:

c Chris MacCorma President

Expiry Date:

Denniff Andrew Director Executive

Chris MacCormac President

Andrew Denniff Executive Director

Rethink Laser Skin Clinic Ltd

Blues n Twoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Company

S2S Electronics Ltd

Paula Catley 5 Park Hill Swallownest SHEFFIELD S26 4UN T 0114 2945286 E paula.catley@rethinkclinic.com

Michelle Paddey Unit 2a Enterprise Court Manvers Fairfield Park ROTHERHAM S63 5DB T 01302 771534 E contact@bluesntwosart.co.uk

Bob Hall Unit B Brookfield Park Manvers Way Wath Upon Dearne ROTHERHAM S63 5DJ T 01709 878878 E bob@s2s-solutions.com

GoZapi

Shiloh Rotherham Homeless Charity

We would also like to welcome the following Associate Members:

Ben Hawley G10 Digital Media Centre County Way BARNSLEY S70 2JW T 01226 720710 E ben@gozapi.com

Jonathan Lang Millfold House Westgate ROTHERHAM S60 1BD T 01709 373377 E jonathan.lang@shilohrotherham.org.uk

Axa PPP Healthcare

Hygienex T/A HSG UK

Thorntons Accountants

Kate Finnegan Beechcroft House Ervington Court Meridian Business Park LEICESTER LE19 1WN T 0116 2655341 E kate.finnegan@axa-ppp.co.uk

Charlotte Guest Unit 19 Victoria Way Pride Park DERBY DE24 8AN T 0800 0327760 E charlotte.guest@hsguk.com

Steve Heeley 176-178 Pontefract Road Cudworth BARNSLEY S72 8BE T 01226 716794 E steve@thorntonsaccountants.com

Associate Members

Bulletin

EVENTS/TRAINING

Forthcoming Events

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for our latest Chamber Events

For further event details and to book your attendance, please visit our website www.brchamber.co.uk or call 0844 414 5100 President’s Charity Ball

Summer Social BBQ (with Sheffield Chamber)

Our award-winning ball will be a celebration of Yorkshire Pride, raising funds for the Street Pastor groups in Barnsley and Rotherham, Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project and Shiloh - a Christian charity that helps Rotherham people living in poverty, transition, oppression and homelessness to rebuild their lives.

We have joined forces with Sheffield Chamber for this early summer social - Joint Chambers Summer Social – the perfect opportunity to network with familiar faces and meet new ones.

Saturday 11 May Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham 6.30pm arrival £65 plus VAT per person, or £500 plus VAT for a table of 10

Date: Wednesday 3 July Venue: Wortley Hall, Sheffield, S35 7DB Time: 4.30pm arrival Price: £15 plus VAT to Chamber members, £20 plus VAT to non-members. Stand spaces are available at a cost of £55 plus VAT.

South Yorkshire Chamber Evening Networking

Barnsley & Rotherham Means Business Exhibition

An opportunity to network with members from the other South Yorkshire Chambers in a structured and beneficial way – includes a ‘hot fork’ buffet.

This business-to-business exhibition will celebrate the best of business in Barnsley and Rotherham and will give you the chance to showcase your company and network with other businesses from the region.

Date: Venue: Time: Price:

Date: Tuesday 18 June Venue: Rotherham Time: 5pm arrival Price: £20 plus VAT to Chamber members, £40 plus VAT to non-members

Date: Wednesday 11 September Venue: Tankersley Manor Hotel Time: 9am arrival Price: FREE entry, limited exhibition stands are available priced at £250 plus VAT

Quick Ways To Increase Sales Performance The recent British Chambers of Commerce survey has given an indication that a triple-dip recession may have been avoided, fuelled by an increase in exports to emerging markets. This may be encouraging news, but for you, the most significant indicator would be a rise in your own turnover figures. So how do you achieve an increase in the sales of the products or services you provide and how good are you and your sales team at attaining high levels in markets that are likely to be more competitive? It may not be easy to invest in training your sales people or to find time to take them off the road, and that is where the Chamber’s

E-learning Platform comes into its own. With over 30 video-based sales modules, delivered by expert sales trainers, learners can tap into all aspects of the sales process or identify parts where they need to develop. The platform works on most tablets and smart phones, so it is a truly mobile solution, making it easy and convenient to access.

Below is an example programme for Professional Selling: • Opening the Sale • Selling Features & Benefits • Closing the Sale • Overcoming Objections • Gaining Agreement & Commitment • Selling to Multiple Decision Makers

If you are interested learning more about how e-learning could benefit your company, please call 0844 414 5100. Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for more information on Training.

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• Winning New Business • Maximising Incoming Business As a Chamber member, you can gain a 20 per cent discount on the platform.

NEW GOVERNORS Thomas Rotherham College is looking to appoint Governors to its Board. Are you passionate about education and helping young people succeed? Would you like to make a positive contribution to our community? Thomas Rotherham College [TRC] has around 1500 Sixth Form students drawn from Rotherham, all areas of South Yorkshire and beyond. TRC Governing Body is looking for volunteers who are able to contribute towards the continuing development of the college. Being a College Governor is a rewarding experience, bringing benefits both to you personally and also to any other organization to which you belong. Experience and skills gained in education, the public and voluntary sectors, business and finance, law and the media are all relevant to the role.

T. 01709 710 000 www.bbpress.co.uk sales@bbpress.co.uk B&B Press (Parkgate) Ltd, Aldwarke Road, Rotherham S62 6DY

If you are interested please contact Neil Candy Acting Clerk to TRC Corporation

01709 300726 neil.candy@thomroth.ac.uk

Your advert here? Want to get your message across? Give your business a higher profile? Then feature your business in The Bulletin. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quarter, half or full page advert, the choice is yours.

B&B Press, we make buying your print as comfortable as wearing your favourite T shirt For all your PrinTing requiremenTs, from business stationery to advertising brochures and everything in between (except T shirts!) talk to B&B Press

For a Free print consultation from one of our experts contact B&B Press Ltd ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / FSC / Carbon Neutral Printing

Call 0844 414 5100 for more details.

Business IMPROVEMENT

PPRENTICESHIPS 100 IN 100

Are you looking to recruit?

Would you like free recruitment support? Would you like sector specific training for your new recruit fully funded? *

Would you like a grant of

ÂŁ1,500

towards supporting your new recruit? ** At Rotherham College of Arts and Technology we offer a wide variety of apprenticeships which cover a number of job roles in a variety of industries. We can support you in finding the right employee, sourcing the right apprenticeship course and potentially help you receive the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers. Throughout the 100 in 100 challenge we are offering a mentoring course free of charge to every business who takes on an apprentice.

For more information contact the Business Improvement team at Rotherham College on: Call: 08000 890909 / Email: business@rotherham.ac.uk / Visit: www.rotherham.ac.uk @BusinessRothCol

Rotherham College of Arts & Technology Official

*For training for apprentices aged 16-24 ** Eligible to employers who employ 1000 or less staff and have not recruited an apprentice in the last 12 months