Bulletin issue 14 Jul/Aug 15

Issue 14 July/August 2015

www.brchamber.co.uk

DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

Also inside this issue: • Latest Chamber Patron Added • 2015 Business Awards Latest

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Chamber View

Chief Executive, Andrew Denniff brings you right up to date with the Chamber and its plans, hopes and expectations for the next few months.

In my foreword in our previous Bulletin, which went out at the beginning of May, I commented on the likely outcome of the Election and its potential effect on business.

Well, I suppose like many other pundits, the actual result was very different from what most of us expected. I will leave you to draw your own conclusions as to whether this was a good result, or not, depending on your own personal views.

What it does give the country though, is a degree of relative political stability, which is undoubtedly what the majority of businesses crave. However, I do believe that there are major challenges for us here in South Yorkshire.

For the first time in many years this region has no direct representation within government and with the growing voice of Scottish nationalism, there is a potential disconnect between many northern regions and central government thinking.

It is true that there continues to be robust discussion around the so called ‘Northern Powerhouse’, but with a stated intention of

devolution to the major city regions, surely this will lead to increasing friction between each region seeking to get what it believes is their fair share of the money available.

Bearing this in mind it is probably the right time to reflect on the direction of travel for our region’s economy and indeed the role and effectiveness of the Chamber. It will be more important than ever that your Chamber represents the interests and views of all its members. In particular in the engagement with all our partners across the Sheffield City Region, whether they are our local authorities, the Local Enterprise Partnerships or indeed our six MP’s.

Someone has to be representing the region and this is a job for all of us, our combined voices will be more meaningful and influential if we are focused on getting what is best for our region’s developing economy.

C H A M B E R

Talking about what is best about our region very nicely brings me on to our annual Business Awards, details of which appear in the magazine. As ever I would urge all our businesses to seriously consider putting your name forward to recognise what you may have achieved in developing your business and reflecting the growing strength of our regional economy.

Most companies or organisations will have something, or indeed someone, they can be really proud of - now is the opportunity to have that success recognised by your peers.

Andrew Denniff Chief Executive

PAT R O N S

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Supporting businesses to build a solid foundation for the future

“Apprentices form a key part of our business and by investing in young, hard-working individuals, we can form a solid foundation of skilled and high calibre employees for the future.

Barnsley College is helping us achieve that goal.�

Darren Kemplay HR Manager, Billington Structures Ltd

Contact us to find out how Barnsley College can benefit your business.

Email: employer@barnsley.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)1226 216 166 Web: www.barnsley.ac.uk Twitter: @BCApprentices Facebook: Barnsley College - Apprenticeships

CONTENTS

Inside This Issue of

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Chamber News All the latest news from inside the Chamber.

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13

Bite Size News Latest news in brief.

13

15

Platinum Members News from our Platinum Members.

18

External Affairs Latest Policy and Representation activity.

20

Main Feature Education and Skills

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Member News More news from our members.

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New Members A full listing of new members.

06 2 Genesis Business Park Sheffield Road Rotherham S60 1DX

The Core County Way Barnsley S70 2JW

01709 386 200

01226 308 444

Editor Victoria Clarke

Design By

victoria.clarke@brchamber.co.uk

www.glued-up.com

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Events Forthcoming Events

If your company would like to feature a news item in The Bulletin, please contact our marketing team: T 01709 386 200 E thebulletin@brchamber.co.uk For more Chamber news and information please visit

www.brchamber.co.uk

In issue 13 of The Bulletin we printed the wrong email address on page 11 for I.T Desk UK. We would like to apologise and the correct email address is chris.wright@itdeskuk.com.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Business Awards – Open for Entry The 2015 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards officially opened for entry on Monday, 1st June and companies have until September to enter the awards.

The awards are open to all businesses in Barnsley and Rotherham and to any Chamber member regardless of location.

The ceremony, taking place at the Barnsley Metrodome in October, recognises the achievements of businesses and individuals in 10 award categories, as well as awarding an overall Business of the Year.

As well as the 10 categories there will also be the opportunity for Charity members of the Chamber to receive the accolade of “Charity of the Year”, last year won for the first time by The Pippa Jones Little Treasure Trust.

But why enter?

Entering your business or nominating a colleague can be challenging and daunting to those who haven’t previously entered a business awards, but we’ve got some handy tips on our new awards website – www.brawards.co.uk to help you through the process.

Entering can bring great benefits to your business, not only does it provide the obvious profile through the local media, online and at the event, but it is also a great way to recognise the achievements of your

staff, build positive recognition and add value to your brand for your customers.

Remember to make the most of it! The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards is its own community, why not use the hashtag, #BRawards15 to tell people you’ve entered? Use our media profile to build your own presence and engage with other businesses.

Good luck to those entering this year’s awards!

EVE N T S P O N S O R S

Companies can find the full category information and application forms on the Business Awards website – www.brawards.co.uk. The final deadline for entries is Friday, 4th September 2015.

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CHAMBER NEWS

2015 BARNSLEY & ROTHERHAM BUSINESS AWARDS CATEGORIES

MOST PROMISING NEW BUSINESS Open to all businesses that have been established less than three years, entrants for this award must display a strategic approach to business, successful implementation of a business strategy and have good prospects for the future.

BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD To recognise a business which, through outstanding vision and leadership, has achieved significant and sustained growth.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD To recognise a person or organisation that has shown continued commitment, enthusiasm and energy in working to improve the environment or quality of life within a community.

MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE AWARD This award will recognise a business which can demonstrate all-round excellence, continuous improvement and support of the regional manufacturing agenda in its operation.

DESIGN AND INNOVATION IN BUSINESS AWARD This award will recognise a business that has developed an innovative product or process or has diversified through analysing market factors, supply and demand, which has been implemented successfully.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD This award will recognise an individual who has been instrumental in the overall success of a business over the last three years, whose entrepreneurial outlook and vision for their business sets them apart from the crowd.

EXCELLENCE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE This award will recognise a company which can show smart use of research which has enabled it to meet the challenges of trading overseas, particularly in major markets. This award is for companies which have excelled in the field of export or import and have built relationships with suppliers or customers overseas.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARD This award will recognise an organisation that can demonstrate excellence in its approach to the skills development of its workforce to positively impact on the overall business.

DIGITAL AND CREATIVE AWARD This award will recognise a business that has used digital and creative methods to further their business. Businesses will be expected to demonstrate real creativity in building their brand and brand awareness, the use of digital communications to promote their business and communicate to their customers and how this has impacted the business.

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD This award will recognise an inspirational individual on the basis of outstanding occupational progress, practical and theoretical ability, positive approach to employment and personal qualities.

Applicants must, at least, be in the second year of an apprenticeship programme, or have finished their apprenticeship within the 12 months previous to September 2015.

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PATRONS

Partner named Chair of Academy Council at Olympic Legacy Park Following the topping out ceremony of the highly anticipated Oasis Academy Don Valley, which is one of the first buildings to be completed on the newly coined ‘Olympic Legacy Park’ in Attercliffe, confirmation was received that Wosskow Brown Partner, Emilda Morgans, has been appointed as Chair of the Academy Council.

Emilda’s role, which will be up for renewal in 3 years’ time, will include chairing the meetings of the Academy Council and overseeing its activities, supporting the academy and the Senior Leadership Team and helping to develop the community links. “I could not be more surprised and delighted with this honour and am looking forward to working with Oasis to help raise the pupil’s aspirations, expectations and achievements in our local community.”

Emilda, who has been with the firm for just under 3 years, heads up the Private Client

Department, which includes Wills, Probate, and Family Law. In November she was named Business Woman of the Year at the Forward Ladies’ Woman in Business Awards in Leeds.

She was introduced to members of Oasis Community Learning the Academy Sponsors a few months ago and after a few interviews was offered the position. This is not the first time Emilda has been on a council as she served as a governor to Westbourne School in Sheffield for 8 years from 2005-2013.

Norma Downer- Powell, Head of Governance Services stated: “We appreciate all Emilda

does and look forward to working with her.

Together we can build a strong community and improve standards for students at Oasis Academy Don Valley.”

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CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber adds latest Patron to growing membership Yorkshire based Safetynett (UK) have become the latest company to join the Chamber at its top level of membership.

The Health & Safety consultants with over 20 years’ industry and regulatory experience have become a Patron member after approaching the Chamber to offer advice and support services to members and businesses in the wider city region.

Founder and Managing Director of Safetynett (UK), Paul Simpson said “We are very excited to have become patrons of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and are looking forward to getting to know the local business community.

“We felt that Patronage was the right level for us because we are keen to play a prominent role and to really engage with local businesses.

We encourage members of the Chamber to come to us for help and advice with Health and Safety, which we are aware can be a daunting subject for any business to tackle” Safetynett (UK) offer consultancy services to assist businesses to achieve legal compliance and to improve the health and safety culture and performance within the business. As well as consultancy, the company also offers a range of training services for Health & Safety and Environmental subjects, as well as providing legal briefing seminars for the latest legal updates.

Chris Rawson, Operations Director and Paul Simpson, Managing Director of Saftey Nett UK.

The team at Safetynett (UK) have over 20 years’ experience and have a proven track record of working with companies from a wide range of services from SME’s to blue chip companies such as BT, Kcom and Fasthosts.

The company have recently welcomed Chris Rawson as Operations Director. Chris has worked alongside Safetynett (UK) for a number of years as a HSE Consultant and has now joined the team on a permanent basis as a director.

Safetynett (UK) now takes the total number of Patron members to 18 for the Chamber, with

Nicholas Associates and Stafforce upgrading their membership earlier in the year.

Commenting on the growth of the Chamber’s Patronage and the latest addition of Safetynett (UK), Chamber Chief Executive Andrew Denniff said, “It is always a pleasure to welcome new and innovative businesses

to the Chamber, especially as patrons.

I am sure that this latest addition to our top-draw membership will start a longterm relationship that will bring benefits to both organisations”.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Korean visit a first for the region For the first time, a business delegation led by a representative of the South Korean government has visited a British region outside of London.

It is hoped the visit to Sheffield City Region could lead to more two-way trade and investment in the UK. The 30-strong group was in Rotherham and Sheffield led by Mr. Han Junghwa, who heads the Republic of Korea’s (RoK) Small and Medium Business Administration, a government department with a £4.7bn budget.

The visit has huge potential. The delegation brings the combined trading power of 35,500 South Korean companies and, through Mr. Han, its SME sector – which comprises of 99.9% of all companies in the country.

South Korea invested £7.6bn in the UK in 2014, second in the EU only to the Netherlands. UK investment in the RoK over the same period was £7.9bn.

Andrew Denniff, the Chamber’s Chief Executive met with the South Korean delegation at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Waverley. Commenting on the visit, Andrew said: “This is exactly the type of visit from overseas businesses that we should be hosting and encouraging more of in the future. The reputation of the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley in Rotherham is spreading worldwide and we should not shrink back from using that as an attraction to bring foreign investment into the region.

“The kind of organisations and businesses that want to come and talk to us with a view to doing business across South Yorkshire is increasing. The opportunities for inward investment into the ‘SheffieldRotherham’ corridor over the next few years has to be welcomed and supported, whilst not forgetting the potential for our own local businesses to benefit from an increase in supply chain engagement and the chances for trading into new foreign markets”.

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PATRONS

Westfield Health helps Shane on road to recovery When Shane Young, the Chamber’s membership executive, ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, he was facing a long road to recovery.

Fortunately, through the Chamber, he had Westfield Health cover and was able to use it to speed up his treatment and recuperation.

Shane said: “I was one of the unfortunate ones to suffer a serious sports injury. After spending hours in A&E, I was assigned an NHS consultant and later booked in for an X-ray and MRI scan.

“Months went by while I waited for the next step, so I decided to contact Westfield Health and I was admitted to Claremont Private Hospital in Sheffield within two weeks.

“The hospital treatment insurance team at Westfield Health were superb. The process was

very speedy and they kept in regular contact. I had the operation in March and Westfield Health covered the cost. Since the operation, I’ve been having regular physiotherapy, which is covered by the Chamber Plan. Going private wouldn’t have been an option if it wasn’t for my health cover. I didn’t have to worry about anything.

“I can’t fault Westfield Health. Due to no fault of my own, I have relied on them to make sure I get back to where I was before the injury in as little time as possible. If I didn’t have access to health cover, it would’ve taken much longer to sort out.”

The Chamber Primary Health Plan is available alongside hospital treatment insurance (minimum five employees) to all members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber. For more information, visit www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber

Bite Size News Content provided by Rotherham Business news editor, Tom Austin. For the latest Rotherham Business News as it happens visit www.rothbiz.co.uk

Use your smartphone to scan our QR code for the latest RothBiz News

Heart of Steel for MGB invests Rotherham town centre in Rotherham A two metre high “Heart of Steel” is set to be installed in Minster Gardens in Rotherham town centre - “a symbol of love that local people have for their town.”

facility

Manufacturing firm, MGB Plastics, has made a seven figure investment in new machinery at its Rotherham facility to help increase production and target new markets.

The artwork is linked to the Man of Steel project - the iconic piece of art designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production.

Local sculptor Steve Mehdi, said: “Ultimately the Yorkshire Man of Steel is about the sons

and daughters of Rotherham; past, present and future. It’s also about the wider region, its heritage of steel and coal and perhaps more importantly it’s about the recent advances in the new technology sector.

“The Yorkshire Man of Steel will become a destination for visitors, adding significant economic and cultural capital to the region.”

Rotherham retailers relocate as restoration is revealed

MGB Plastics is the UK’s leading manufacturer of wheeled bins and kitchen caddies and its 54,000 sq ft Barbot Hall facility now has the manufacturing capacity of two million wheeled bins per annum.

The recent addition - its fourth investment in as many years - will complement its existing portfolio of equipment to allow the company to manufacture more products, cope with extra demand and boost sales as it targets a growing share of the market.

A number of independent retailers are moving into new premises as the wraps come off two historic buildings at the centre of the heritageled regeneration of the town’s High Street.

Local businessman, Chris Hamby is creating a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings and the scaffolding came down recently to reveal the hard work put in to rescue Rotherham’s oldest surviving non-religious building, the Three Cranes, and the prominent Georgian town house at 29-29a High Street.

The former Three Cranes Inn, that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the

15th Century, The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre.

Now housing Hamby’s own antique centre, the restoration will allow for rooms above to be used as a heritage centre given the historic nature of the building.

Conscientious owner Chris has also highlighted the historic fabric of the building by leaving certain features on show.

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in g+

Barnsley and Rotherham’s premier free to attend, business to business exhibition.

We welcome a variety of companies to network, trade and showcase their business.

• Free entry for attendees • Last few stands remaining

Wednesday, 16th September Wentworth Woodhouse 9am – 3pm

For more information visit www.chambermeansbusiness.co.uk

PLATINUM MEMBERS

ITS rate apprentice benefits Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular pathway among young people and more and more businesses have begun to feel the benefits of an apprenticeship.

Government statistics show the positive impact apprenticeships can have on an organisation with almost 9 out of 10 employers reporting benefits to their business when employing an apprentice, with 70 percent reporting improved productivity or quality of their product or service.

Lorna Lewington, Employer Engagement Officer said “The benefits for apprenticeships are mutual, employers are gaining real results from guided apprenticeship learning and apprentices get on track to establish a career with real work experience.”

For more than 30 years, ITS Group has helped many people progress in a career and the Barnsley based organisation provide apprenticeships to a number of businesses in the region with proven success rates.

Last year, ITS Apprentice Elliott Mann was Highly Commended at the 2014 Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards for his role as an apprentice at Berneslai Homes. Elliott has since completed his apprenticeship and has continued his role with Berneslai Homes

and is now a full-time member of staff in the Lettings Department.

level, potentially leading to a management role within five years”

Lorna went on to say “We are extremely proud of Elliott’s achievements and wish him well in his future career with Berneslai Homes.

We have worked with employers and learners for a number of years to find the right fit for both. Many times those who choose an apprenticeship pathway continue onto higher study, which can be the equivalent to a degree

ITS is a registered charity and reinvests any profits made to support its learners and the wider community.

To find out more about ITS Group and the apprenticeship programmes available visit www.ind-training.co.uk.

Penistone FM – Celebrates a move to new studios in the town Penistone FM 95.7 has finally completed the move across town to their new studios in the impressive office building at Penistone 1 Regents Court, St Marys Street, Penistone.

The station has relocated with the help of an Awards for All community grant to provide more volunteering opportunities for local people. The new studios have the added advantage of no stairs to climb for anyone with mobility issues.

They have relocated from above a shop in the High Street where they have been broadcasting since they started in 2009.

Martin Sugden, Station Director, said “It’s great to be able to move to brand-

new studios and offer even more to the community. We are hoping to attract even more local people to get involved in radio as reporters and presenters or other roles to add to the great team of over 40 current volunteers.

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PATRONS

Millers home kit revealed

The 2015-16 Rotherham United home strip is now available to purchase at the Red and White Shop and online.

The new strip, manufactured by Puma, is available in a full range of sizes including the child mini-kits.

Supporters who are purchasing via www.rotherhamunitedshop.co.uk will need to be aware that, due to the expected volume of sales, arrival by post may take a little longer than normal.

If you are purchasing online for collection in store please be aware that your items may not be available on the same day for collection, again due to the expected volume of sales.

There will be no shirt printing available until the 2015-16 official squad numbers have been confirmed.

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PLATINUM MEMBERS

Exciting new venture for Financial Services in Barnsley Barnsley Financial Services has opened its doors for business with effect from 1st April 2015.

Always looking for new, innovative and creative ways to deliver customer excellence the Council has launched its new trading company Barnsley Financial Services.

From its office in Westgate Plaza its dedicated team of finance professionals benefit from a shared wealth of expertise, knowledge, practical experience and significant investment in new sector leading technology in the delivery of business and financial services.

With a deep understanding of the ever changing Education sector, Barnsley

Financial Services is ideally placed to offer assistance and work closely with schools and academies, colleges and universities to deliver professional support tailored to individual business needs.

A range of solutions through a variety of financial support packages can be tailored to your individual requirements from the outset, which includes: • Payroll and pensions • School absence cover

The Commercial Services team headed by Amie Goodyear have been working hard in building strong links with local businesses, schools and academies and are looking forward to the exciting opportunities the future holds.

For more information please see www.barnsleyfinancialservices.co.uk or contact the team on 01226 773717.

• Financial management

P L AT I N U M

M E M B E R S

pro ide

education

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EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Business Rates Relief The Chamber’s Policy & External Affairs Committee have recently examined the intricacies of the minefield that can be business rates.

For several years business of all sizes but particularly small businesses have made representations to the Chamber about their disapproval of the ‘unfair’ application of business rates.

Business rates or ‘Non-Domestic Rates’ to be precise, has been around for decades, and is viewed by many businesses as an outdated and pernicious tax that doesn’t reflect business performance and doesn’t encourage small business growth.

Business rates are set by the Valuation Office Agency and collected by local authorities. There are various discounts that businesses who qualify can take

advantage of, including small business rate reliefs.

While discounts and reliefs are greatly received, the very spirit of business rates is being questioned and the British Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the Government’s committed to review business rates nationally over the next couple of years.

The Chamber’s Policy Committee reflected on a presentation explaining the detail around business rates and agreed to communicate some of the discounts that businesses may benefit from.

Discounts available Small Business Rate Relief • 1 00% relief for properties up to £6,000 rateable value.

• R educing sliding scale of relief for properties over £6,000 rateable value up to a maximum of £12,000 rateable value.

• Retail Relief of up to £1,500 if rateable value is less than £50,000. Premises must mainly be used as a shop, café, restaurant or drinking establishment and doesn’t include financial or professional services.

Rural Rate Relief • 5 0% reduction if property is in a rural area of 3,000 population and is the only village shop, post office, pub or petrol station up to a rateable value of £12,500.

Charities and Not for Profit • R egistered charities and community amateur sports clubs receive 80% mandatory discount.

Empty properties • N o charge for empty properties for 3 months, most pay 100% after the 3 month vacant period.

For more information on External Affairs visit www.brchamber.co.uk/working-groups

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• S ome properties are exempt including industrial premises which receive an additional 3 months of empty property relief

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Highlights of the 2015 Queen’s Speech The Chamber has welcomed an encouraging starting point for the new government during the announcements in the Queen’s speech, but feels there is more needed.

While recognising that an incoming government cannot do everything at once, alongside these encouraging ideas, businesses will want to see the government seek to ease the housing crisis and tackle access to childcare in a sustainable way.

Firms will also be concerned by the absence of any concrete measures to ensure young people are ready to make the transition from education to work and, crucially, measures to bring about a revolution in the UK’s export performance.

Enterprise Bill This bill will include measures to reduce regulation on small businesses in a bid to boost job creation. It will seek to cut red tape for British business by at least £10bn and, for the first time, require independent regulators to contribute to that target.

National Insurance Contributions and Finance Bill Specifically that there would be no rise in income tax rates, VAT or national insurance before 2020 and that “no one working 30 hours on the minimum wage pays any income tax at all”. It will also enact a commitment to raise the threshold before which people pay income tax to £12,500 Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill Businesses across the UK broadly support the concept of further devolution of decision-making powers. Whether it’s devolution to the nations or within the nations of the UK, the transfer of powers must deliver greater efficiency and greater accountability at a local level, with businesses having a say in local economic development

Local Transport Update: The Chamber has been working behind the scenes and keeping an eye on various transport related projects that are happening around our region.

Locally in Rotherham there have been a number of works taking place. By the time this goes to print, the Pool Green highway improvements should have been completed and at the time of writing, the final traffic signal installations were taking place.

Rotherham Council will also be looking at adjusting the Traffic Singal Timings around Parkgate to achieve better flows of traffic.

They have also installed a Toucan Crossing

for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists.

Work continues on the Sheffield Parkway from Junction 33 of the motorway to Catcliffe on widening the Parkway from two to three lanes.

The Tinsley Link Road is on track and scheduled to open to traffic in April 2016 although the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will start at a later date. The BRT has

been developed to help people travel into and between the centres of Rotherham and Sheffield.

Finally, the Managed Motorway scheme being installed on one of the major routes into our area between Junctions 28 and 31 on the M1 is nearing completion. The next part of the planned works on the scheme has commenced between J32 and J35a.

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FEATURE

SPONSORED SPONSORED BY BY ®

Where is the Economic - Education strategy?

“What a privilege it is having an opportunity to write something I feel very committed to, that being the future of our young people. In my various roles as Chair of Women in Business, one of the co-founders of The Work-Wise Foundation and as an employer and mother, I am again in the privileged position of meeting amazing young people who are preparing to embark on the transition from education into adult and working life.

Unless you have been hibernating for the past few decades you will have seen the countless surveys, heard never ending debates and read the abundance of articles (this being yet another one!) about the concern that many employers and parents have about our young people being inadequately equipped for starting work - Yet we have skill shortages and vacancies that will impact on the economic prosperity of our region, so how can this be?

Debates rage over the source of skilled labour, with many companies having to resort to hiring from overseas, this only fuels the debate about immigration, unemployment and youth unemployment. So why do we continue to have a mismatch between the availability of jobs and filling them from our own grown talent?

Often the blame is apportioned at the feet of young people for not being work ready, aspirational, and not choosing the career path that will lead them into jobs that will help stabilise our regional and national economy bringing with it improved prosperity for all. Yet young people are of our making, they learn what we teach them, they experience what we expose them to, they make decisions based on the information we give them as parents, teachers, and employers.

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My view is that our national education policy does not align to economic policy and until we manage to do this we will not solve this problem. That lies with central government and I, along with other business leaders, have challenged politicians but still there is little evidence of a long term education/ economic strategy.

We should not be berating teachers, teachers teach what they are measured to do and if success in education does not have alignment to economic opportunity, then we will not solve this problem that has prevailed for so long.

We need change on national policy and I really do hope that with the onset of a newly elected government that, we do see this starting to happen.

But let’s not hold our breath, and in the meantime let’s not sit and whinge let’s do something about it ourselves. I urge you all to do whatever you can to help support our local schools and young people by helping then to understand the plethora of work opportunities there are; expose them to the benefits and positivity about work, and prepare them for their entry into employment – employers are best placed to do this. “ Jackie Freeborn Chair of Women in Business and founder of The Work-Wise Foundation

SPONSORED BY ®

Work progresses on new Sixth Form College campus Work is progressing well on the new Barnsley Sixth Form College campus on St Mary’s Place in the town centre.

Due to open in the 2015/16 academic year, the £18m campus will provide a first-class learning environment for A Level students from South Yorkshire and beyond.

Barnsley manufactured steel has formed the frame of the Sixth Form College campus, made locally by Wombwell’s Billington Structures, and stone cladding has been used to complement the Town Hall.

Gerard Garvey, Barnsley Sixth Form College Principal, said: “This new 21st century Sixth Form College will show the young people of Barnsley that they deserve the best A Level provision and help future generations to realise their potential. This is a significant investment in the education of our young people and we aim to provide them with the skills they need to excel in their

A Levels, afterwards at university and in their future careers. This landmark project also contributes to the regeneration of Barnsley town centre and improves the gateway into Barnsley for the benefit of residents, businesses and the wider community.”

The new campus will house all of the college’s A Level provision. Currently more than 25 A Level subjects are on offer, including Economics which is new for 2015.

It’s not too late to apply to study at Barnsley Sixth Form College. Go to the newly launched website www. barnsleysixthformcollege.co.uk or call 01226 216123 for more information.

FEATURE

Construction Centre coming September Barnsley College’s new £10.8 million Construction Centre will open to students in September 2015, providing brand new, stateof-the-art facilities for study in a range of construction trades, including brickwork, wall and floor tiling, plumbing, plastering, joinery, painting and decorating and technician studies.

The Centre will house innovative and inspiring work areas, providing a high quality learning experience for students. Facilities will include new workshops, classrooms and machinery incorporating a comprehensive IT network, supported by industry standard software; a project workshop for new construction technologies; break out areas allowing students to work independently and dedicated student support encouraging positive progression into employment or further study.

The college has received an Enhanced Renewal Grants (ERG) from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) covering a third of the cost of the project.

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FEATURE

SPONSORED BY ®

Skills Interview: Bigfoot Digital Barnsley based Online Marketing Agency, Bigfoot Digital announced in December 2014 that their team had doubled in size and hoped that 2015 would bring continued growth.

The company hoped they would again experience further staff growth and young people have become part of their growth plans. To strengthen their commitment to this they recently signed Barnsley’s Apprenticeship Pledge, which means the business has committed to employing 2.5% of its workforce in apprentice positions.

We spoke to Lindsey Watson, Director at Bigfoot Digital and digital apprentice Cally Strutt to find out why they believe young people are the future for their company and why they have pledged to support young people looking to work in the digital industries sector.

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Do you think there is enough support and development opportunities for people in digital industries?

Lindsey: I think this is a great one for our apprentice Cally to answer…

Cally: I am currently studying Digital Design at Barnsley College but I found that the majority of the digital placements were with companies based in city locations such as Leeds or Sheffield. For transport reasons I wanted to be more local and this meant Barnsley.

I wanted a placement that would allow me to learn and develop a variety of skills within the digital industry, and if I’m honest, I was quite surprised as to how few local companies were offering such opportunities. When I came across the placement Bigfoot Digital were offering it seemed perfect. It was one of the few vacancies that was offering the opportunity to learn a variety of skills, rather than just one specific thing. My job varies every day so I have gained experience in digital design (infographics, banners and posters), copywriting and social media management. I have also had an invaluable insight in the day to day operations of a marketing agency and gained new skills which can be showcased on my CV which for me personally was one of the most important things.

Is education enough in your industry?

Lindsey: I think it could always be improved and it certainly needs to be adaptable so it can keep up with the rapid changes that occur within the digital and online environment. We have interviewed a number of college students for our apprentice positions and find that their courses and skills are very niche, for example some students are studying design, others I.T. and others sales and marketing. What we would benefit from is a course that teaches students how to market within a digital space. Often, for example, these students know how to use Facebook, Twitter, Vine and Snapchat but only on a personal level.

They are not taught how these platforms can be utilised in a marketing sense and how they can represent and really promote a brand or business online using these everyday social platforms.

Why is it important to you to support young people in your sector?

Lindsey: I think regardless of the sector, real-life training is invaluable to any young person. From personal experience my university degree required a compulsory 12 month placement in industry and I was secured a position with Celestica Inc., a global electronics manufacturing services

SPONSORED BY ®

FEATURE

“I think regardless of the sector, real-life training is invaluable to any young person.“ Lindsey Watson Bigfoot Digital

company that really valued its undergrad trainees. Forget photocopying and tea-making – I was given real clients, deadlines and targets and worked with these clients on a face-to-face basis in both the UK and in their German and US headquarters. I think I learned more in that 12 months than I did during my 3 years study and many of the skills I gained then are still relevant today. I want to offer young people the chance to do the same now I have my own business.

What are you hoping to achieve over the next 6 to 12 months?

Lindsey: Working with Barnsley College we hope to recruit at least one more apprentice within the next few months and will also be looking at recruiting newly qualified marketing graduates from the local universities. As our business continues to grow it’s likely that we will recruit apprentices from a wider variety of disciplines, such as web design, I.T. , marketing and accounting.

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FEATURE

SPONSORED BY ®

The invisible language As an employer do you realise you have something unique, powerful and precious that it appears to have magical powers?

®

It transforms people’s lives, it enables prosperity and growth and in addition to this it brings with it a sense of achievement we all cherish when we feel that we have made a difference.

And what is this powerful thing? Well it’s quite simply that you all speak a special teenage language, you don’t know that you do, or how you learned it and you are utterly unaware of it potential. So how was this revealed?

From my son.

“Mum, I really need to knuckle down and work hard and get my grades if I want a job that is interesting and I can earn lots of money. And I’m going to do that paper round I didn’t want to get up early for” My very shocked but pleased response “So you’ve finally heard what we’ve been saying to you!”

“No mum, you just nag. This guy on my work experience told me that I need my grades otherwise I will be in a boring job and that at an interview I need to show I know what work is like. He’s a real employer mum and he actually knows what he is talking about.”

Sound familiar?

As employers you break through the barriers of adolescence and open their eyes to the potential of work. Many employers have negative perceptions about young people and are concerned about where the next generation of enthusiastic and ambitious employees will come from, and you don’t realise that you have it within your grasp to transform students into work ready young people.

So turning negative perceptions into positive energy, five years ago in partnership with a number of other business leaders we created The Work-Wise Foundation - employer led and designed specifically to help inspire, prepare and introduce young people to the world of work. Why? Because you, as employers are the best people to do this, you speak a special teenage language, they hear your words and respect you as role models, whereas parents and teachers can be invisible.

We set about developing an employability competency framework, we developed careers and work preparation programmes and work trials. For employers, we take away all the fear and anxiety about working with young people by providing training and tool kits and on-going support and advice.

Our plethora of programmes are designed to bridge the in gap between education and employment. Our flagship careers event, Get Up To Speed ran in April, saw 1850 visitors, introducing the next generation of employees to the employers who need them.

We run a 2 week employability internship in the summer holiday, host “What Employers Want” Seminars and much more, our latest venture is Apprentice-Connect, a web-site designed to link local apprenticeship vacancies to young people. Many of our employers recruit directly from our programmes, because they have already invested in the work readiness of students and the returns have been immense – enthusiastic, hard working and ambitious employees, an asset to any business.

To find out more about The Work Wise Foundation, contact Jackie Freeborn or John Barber on jackie@work-wise.co.uk or john@work-wise.co.uk. www.work-wise.co.uk

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MEMBER NEWS

College students repair World Record holder’s charity race car A Guinness World Record holding race car driver is back on the road thanks to the skills and dedication of a group of Dearne Valley College’s Motor Vehicle students.

Just a year ago, students from the College built a specialist, dual-pedal race car in collaboration with local business, MK Engineering and Doncaster Communication Specialist College, which was presented to blind racing driver, Mike Newman.

Mike holds the World Records for fastest blind speed records for land and water, and is the figurehead for his charity, Speed of Sight, providing exhilarating driving experiences for disabled individuals of all ages. After a few bumps and scrapes, Mike returned the car to

the students for some repairs and servicing as part of their course. Mike and his team visited the College, where the car was presented back to him, his team and his guide dog Baxter, but not before some of the students took the opportunity to drive the car around a temporary track on the college campus.

A spokesperson for the college said: “We value the partnership that Dearne Valley College has with Mike Newman and his team at the Speed of Sight charity, and we were honoured to be asked to build his latest car last year, so it

seemed only fitting that the students see the car return to the college for necessary repairs and servicing. The students also got to test drive the car, and try out the specialist, dualpedal function that the car benefits from so that Mike can offer his driving experiences.”

For more information about the Speed of Sight charity, visit the website at www.speedofsight.org

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PATRONS

Are you putting your business at risk?

“Any unexpected IT interruption represents a potential disaster which we must either be prepared to avoid or from which we must be prepared to recover” - Disaster Recovery Planning Guide According to The Business Continuity Institute the top three global threats to business continuity are cyber attack, unplanned IT and telecoms interruptions and data breaches.

If you’re a small business, what do you do when you have an IT problem? It may seem like good value to use ‘someone who knows a bit about IT’ to help you out, but how would you manage if they were away on holiday, or not answering the phone?

If it means losing data and valuable operating time it can come at a very high price indeed.

And the real life consequences of lost hours and data can be lost revenues, profits, customer confidence and even closure of your business.

If you only have five computers in your office

you may feel that it’s not worth looking into an IT contract. But the cost can be a lot less than you think and the service a whole lot better.

With a package like IT Desk’s microserver you pay a monthly fee of £149 + VAT and everything is managed for you.

If you’re a Chamber member you also benefit from additional anti-virus protection and premium support for your laptops. And we won’t be waiting for you to call us because we work proactively to prevent problems from occurring.

By remotely monitoring your systems 24 hours a day we can pick up on any issues affecting your business - and even fix them before you’ve poured your first coffee of the day. We also offer overnight maintenance which means that your computers are up-todate and ready to use when your staff are in the office.

More importantly, if you’re working, we’re working so there’s always someone on hand to give you advice and get your business back on its feet.

To find out more call Chris Wright at IT Desk on 01709 470073, email chris.wright@itdeskuk.com or visit www.itdeskuk.com

Having seen hundreds of businesses fail means we’re perfectly placed to prevent yours doing the same.

Prevention is better than cure, that’s why we believe solving potential problems early is the best strategy for long term commercial success. From help to improve your profitability & cash flow, advice to get your business trading itself out of difficulty, or finding the best options to bring things to a close – we have the experience and knowledge to provide the right solutions for your business.

For details of our range of Business Support & Insolvency Services, visit our website today.

Business Solutions & Insolvency www.gibsonboothinsol.com

MEMBER NEWS

Plate Spinner Extraordinaire joins Human Recruitment Amy Stephenson, Founder of Human Recruitment, South Yorkshire’s independent, ethical recruitment services provider has recently appointed Caroline Travis as ‘Plate Spinner Extraordinaire’.

Amy invited Caroline to join the business after 2 and a half years operating as a Sole trader.

Caroline said “I have always had a passion to provide excellent customer service and enjoy working within recruitment which enables me to give this to both clients and candidates” Based in Rotherham, with a virtual office in Sheffield Human are excited to announce Caroline’s appointment as the first of many in the coming years. Caroline brings over 4 years’ experience of supporting individuals in the recruitment arena which she joined after beginning her career in Retail Operation Management.

Caroline goes on to say “When I first met with Amy I could see that her commitment

Amy said “I love what I do, but it is hard work and to enable the business to grow and develop, I needed help to continue providing the level of support Human prides itself on. Human have a 99.9% candidate retention record and with Caroline’s support we can retain that level of success for our clients”.

and passion for recruitment was a genuine gene and not a money making ‘same old’ she’d developed over her many years in the industry. It’s a great feeling to be able to put the ‘Human’ touch into recruitment to help the individual stand out as Amy did with me”

Amy and Caroline are available Monday to Friday and beyond if you have any questions regarding recruitment or searching for work. You can find them at www. recruithuman.co.uk , or call them on 0114 3990085 or 01709 717212.

50th Primary School signs up to awardwinning Team Activ Award-winning social enterprise Team Activ is now working with its 50th primary school – giving staff the skills to teach excellent Physical Education lessons.

Hoyland Springwood Primary is the latest school to join Team Activ, which currently works with every secondary school in Barnsley and more than half of all primary schools in the borough to deliver extra-curricular sport.

Overall Team Activ works with 50 primaries and 10 secondaries in Barnsley, Sheffield and Wakefield, and also Barnsley College and focuses on upskilling staff to lead better PE lessons.

Team Activ will provide curriculum support to Hoyland Springwood’s teachers to raise

standards in PE and will also train lunchtime supervisors to increase children’s physical activity at break and lunch time.

Specialist coaches will train staff to lead simple games for pupils in the playground.

The training has a proven track record of reducing poor behaviour with the children as well as improving the standards of pupils in PE lessons.

Darren Padgett, director of Team Activ, said: “We’re very much looking forward to working with staff at Hoyland Springwood, especially

the lunchtime supervisors.

“As part of the training we look at different ways staff can communicate with children and practice methods to get a clear message across, including praising, motivating and managing them.

“We play some simple games aimed at lessable children and we also look at the different ways of organising space in the playground and discuss how surroundings can affect an activity and what changes can be made to overcome any obstacles.”

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MEMBER NEWS

Rotherham metal fabrication business set for expansion Custom Metal Products, based at Masborough in Rotherham, is celebrating its 5th year in business by embarking on exciting plans to break into European markets.

The company wanted a more targeted approach to its marketing and approached Julia Millea from RiDO’s ERDF-funded Soft Landing Zone to assist by providing a complete market research project and Export Communication Review.

The market research project identified new market sectors for the company’s metal fabrication services in the oil and gas and energy sectors, with opportunities in Norway, Poland and across the UK. The Export Communication Review included a series of recommendations for

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the company to develop a website that would target customers both in the UK and overseas.

Howard Hughes, Managing Director at Custom Metal Products, said: “It has been fantastic to have RiDO’s help in researching new market sectors for our services. As a relatively small business, we would not have had the resources in-house to dedicate to this and we see many opportunities for growth in these markets. The Export Communication Review has also proved invaluable for us to develop our website and we now feel we are

on the right track to be able to do this.”

Julia Millea, business development coordinator for RiDO, said: “The market research project has identified new markets that Custom Metal Products had not considered before. They are in a great position to take advantage of the international opportunities that we have identified and have an exciting future ahead of them.”

Custom Metal Products is a fabricator of products in a wide range of metals for applications ranging from electrical engineering to street furniture.

MEMBER NEWS

Family run business marks 30th year Barnsley based Paul Winfield & Son Ltd are celebrating their 30th year in business this year.

The family run business was established in 1985 by Paul Winfield and over the years has seen many changes including multiple relocations as the business has grown to be where they are at present on Summer lane in Barnsley.

provide a wide range of imaginative design solutions to improve the use of outside space. In addition to this they are expanding their online offering and IT services solutions to help their customers with any it issues, both from a site engineer point of view to remote access.

The company originally began providing domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services but has now expanded its repertoire to include all aspects of property maintenance. The company now offer plumbing and heating, joinery, catering, airconditioning and refrigeration and building works as well as electrical to offer one stop shop managed services.

needs, working with long standing domestic customers to large blue chip companies.

The company have recently ventured into property development and this has meant they can offer a complete package.

The firm prides itself on being able to respond to a wide range of customer

They also have subsidiary company called Approved Decking & Joinery which can

The business is currently managed by Paul’s son Mark Winfield who started as an apprentice back in 1998 and is now company Director and he says “I would like to pay a huge thank you to all our staff and customers old and new for their continued support and hope that Paul Winfield & Son ltd will continue to be successful in many years to come “

Four new jobs created as Barnsley Norse announces £95k new cleaning business Barnsley Norse has announced new cleaning and caretaking deals worth over £95 thousand a year and created four new jobs in the process.

The company has been awarded cleaning contracts with two schools, Gooseacre Primary Academy in Rotherham and Stocksbridge Junior School in Sheffield, and the cleaning and caretaking contract for the Spectrum Community Health Centre and the Digital Media Centre, both in Barnsley.

business wins this year to over £300,000,” said Jo Taylor, Operations Director at Barnsley Norse. “Barnsley Norse is now recognised as one of the leading premises cleaning and caretaking companies in South Yorkshire, for both private and public sector organisations.”

“We are delighted to have been awarded these four new contracts that take our new

Kay Godfrey, Head of Academy at Gooseacre Primary Academy, said; “The contract

was awarded to Norse due to excellent reputation in the area, commitment to customer service and a competitive quote.”

In total 13 staff will transfer into Barnsley Norse and the agreements have created two new cleaning roles and two new caretaker jobs.

Barnsley Norse has an annual turnover of £4 million and employs 480 people in the region.

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Nicholas Associates – Helping You Discover the Best Talent for Your Business Looking for some new talent to help boost your company? Sheffield-based Nicholas Associates can help.

A recruitment and consulting business with a difference, the company helps source and develop talent at top and grass roots level.

We understand that business growth and success requires the right vision and, just as importantly, the right people.

Nicholas Associates is a professional recruitment agency that sources talent across a number of specialist disciplines and sectors. The company also assists

clients in expanding their talent pool by offering tailored apprentice employment solutions, whilst helping prepare hundreds of young apprentices each year for a long and fruitful career.

Not only that, the company is helping to prepare young people for the world of working and giving them a chance to see what it’s like. Nicholas Associates partners with universities, education and business

organisations, delivering its All Together placement management software to support the transition into work and making future career choices.

Bringing graduates into its own business and offering them meaningful placements, the company also prides itself on practising what it preaches.

Want a no-obligation chat about your future talent requirements? Simply give Nicholas Associates a call on 0114 252 5730. Alternatively, head to www.nicholasassociates.co.uk for more on how the company can help you.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Focus

Pinning your Business for success Choosing the right social media platform for your business is a minefield.

While Facebook and Twitter are great for sharing relevant content and engaging with your audience, it’s visual sites, like Pinterest, that provide the perfect platform to exhibit your work in an interesting way.

Pinterest is all about visual content.

‘Pinners’ share, create, collect and repost content to customised pin boards. And it’s not all about cooking recipes and DIY. Pinterest is now targeting the business community with their ‘Pinterest for Business’

users than Pinterest takes the crown.

However, while both are visual, they are completely different formats. Instagram focuses on creating your own content and showcasing your business while Pinterest focuses on creating an online community based on similar interests.

Pinterest is all about telling and sharing stories. And while it’s a great way to show off your business, the main focus is to interact with other users and share what they have to say.

Like any social network, you have to make sure Pinterest is the right fit for your business. The Pinterest audience may still be primarily female but according to cofounder Evan Sharp, the ratio of women to men is gradually shifting. This means, now is the time to take a look at your current and potential audience and ask yourself, ‘are these people likely Pinterest users and could I build a community on this visual website?’

Content provided by Fortay Media.

The social media platform is no longer a predominately female driven social network, but is now a place for businesses to build a community and inspire people to get involved. Being visual is important for any business and Pinterest has become a site where content can be new and exciting.

When posting visual content on Facebook and Twitter, it will eventually be lost in the noise of your news feed which means you have to keep posting to ensure it stays relevant. Content on Pinterest is constantly being pinned to a myriad of people and therefore stays relevant.

Pinterest can also open up more opportunities for social media advertising.

Businesses are now paying for pins to be seeded into regular content, where information blends with the regular feed of a category, as compared to Facebook and Twitter, where advertising can be seen as intrusive.

However, Pinterest is not on its own.

Instagram with 3 times the number of

Chamber social media sponsored by

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PATRONS

Free Sage 200 courses There is still time to book on the summer schedules of Free Sage 200 courses. The courses last a morning, are based in our state of the art training centre and attendees are invited afterwards to indulge in the famous Buffet.

All attendees have access to a laptop loaded with Sage 200, and get quality time using the system after listening to the instructor cover sections of the module.

You can easily book by going to www.kinspeed.com/events and booking online. There is no restriction on numbers from one company but we ask that you do not book all places for one organisation. You can book on as many courses as you need to. Keep returning to the events page for future courses.

– 04/08/2015 – 9:30 am – 12:30 pm • S age 200 Nominal Ledger Module Training – 08/09/2015 – 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

• S age 200 Sales Ledger Module Training – 14/07/2015 – 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

If you need any further information on any course please call Kinspeed on 01246 437000 or email sales@kinspeed.com.

• S age 200 Purchase Ledger Module Training

** Sage 200 2015 now out. Call the above number for a free no obligation demonstration **

ADVERTORIAL

Digital Marketing hits the right notes for Castus Castus are a digital agency based in Dinnington, Rotherham who will celebrate their 10th birthday later this year.

The agency uses various digital marketing strategies such as traditional SEO and online directories but they also identify niche strategies for themselves and their clients. An example of which is a series of industry awards that were targeted following a re-launch of the castus.co.uk website in 2013.

The aim of the strategy was to attract enquiries from established international companies. The agencies completely overhauled their online profile to market themselves as an agency capable of producing world class creative for clients of all levels.

An unprecedented number of enquiries were received by the agency during the awards campaign, some of which still produce revenue almost two years later.

Commercial Director Chris Harpin credits the campaign as being the introduction that started a working relationship with New York based classical music PR and strategic specialists, 21C Media Group.

Chris says “Working closely with 21C we have been awarded web site design and development for three leading artistes from the classical music genre.

“The first site to launch was peralmusic.com for leading pianist Daniel Barenboim supporting his Peral Music record label. The launch event took place at the Apple store in Berlin presented by Stephen Fry. As a fan of QI it was great to see Stephen tweeting about a site we produced.

“The second site to launch was gustavodudamel.com, this site has been described by many as being the best in its class winning many of the awards that castus.co.uk did “And to complete our trio of classical stars we will soon be launching a site for one of the biggest names in music Plácido Domingo.”

If you would like Castus to support your website or digital marketing strategy you can find out more about the agency at www.castus.co.uk.

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New Members List Contact details for our latest members

PATRON

GOLD

Nicholas Associates

Office Link

Paul Brammer 8 Europa View Sheffield Business Park Sheffield S9 1XH

Clare Lunt Road One Winsford Industrial Estate Winsford CW7 3QG

T 0114 3840101 E paul.brammer@nicholasassociates.co.uk W www.nicholasassociates.co.uk

T 01606 866800 E clarel@office-link.com W www.office-link.com

Safetynett (UK)

Bizspace (Rotherham) Ltd

Victoria Hill The Balance Floor 7 Pinfold Street Sheffield S1 2GU

Rebecca Rainford Bradmarsh Business Park Bow Bridge Close Rotherham S60 1BY

T 0114 2094095 E victoria.hill@safety-nett.com W www.safety-nett.com

Stafforce Personnel Ltd Jane Benson Reginald Arthur House 2-8 Percy Street Rotherham S65 1ED T 01709 789000 E jane.benson@stafforce.co.uk W www.stafforce.co.uk

PLATINUM

T 01709 782300 E rebecca.rainford@bizspace.co.uk W www.bizspace.co.uk/spaces/rotherham

Leeds Bradford International Airport Andrew Liddell Whitehouse Lane Yeadon Leeds LS19 7TU T 0871 2882288 E andy.liddell@lbia.co.uk W www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk

SILVER Andy File Associates Ltd

Anthony Temperton 1 Watervole Way Doncaster DN4 5JP

Andy File 280 Bawtry Road Wickersley Rotherham S66 1JY

T 01302 260195 E enquiries@katcommunications.co.uk W www.katcommunications.co.uk

T 01709 717842 E andy@andyfileassociates.com W www.andyfileassociates.com

Knowledge About Telecoms

KD Navien Ltd Graham Parkes 20 Hanover Square London W1S 1JY T 0844 3322323 E grahamparkes.gp@gmail.com W www.navien.eu

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Aviva Protects Claire Horner Floor 3 Yorkshire House 2 Rougier Street York YO90 1UU T 01904 452335 E claire.horner@aviva.co.uk W www.aviva.co.uk/avivaprotects

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

Ewe Move (Barnsley) Ltd Alan Nicholson 1 Locke Street Barnsley S70 6ND T 07913 951982 E alan.nicholson@ewemove.com W www.ewemove.com

Frank Creative Limited Ian Durman 1 The Beeches Hemmingfield Barnsley S73 0PH T 07984 716337 E ian@frankcreative.co.uk W www.frankcreative.co.uk

GRC Precast International Neil Gervis Unit 1, The Ickles Sheffield Road Rotherham S60 1DP T 01709 252324 E info@precastinternational.com W www.grcprecastinternational.com

Prima Industries Limited Louise Smith Unit 2 Chesterton Court Eastwood Trading Estate Rotherham S65 1SJ T 01709 524162 E louise@primaind.co.uk W www.rivelin.co

RETAIL British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical Dawn Charlesworth 45 Peel Street Barnsley S70 2RL T 01226 207985 E B71@bhf.org.uk

Little Poppets Childrenswear Michelle Barnes Unit 1 The Old Orchard Pot House Hamlet Silkstone Barnsley S70 4PY T 01226 872500 E kibarnes@hotmail.co.uk W www.littlepoppetschildrenswear.co.uk

CHARITY Toc H Barnsley Andy Hodgkinson Jump WMC Wentworth Road Jump Barnsley S74 0JX T 0794 7826970 E vespajud@talktalk.net

SOLE TRADERS Andrew Rogers Wealth Management Andrew Rogers 3 Shorland Drive Treeton Rotherham S60 5UP T 0115 9242899 E andrew.rogers@sjpp.co.uk W www.andrewrogerswm.co.uk

David Eades Electrical Engineer & Contractor David Eades 15 Pembrey Court Sheffield S20 2GY T 0114 2473407 E davideades@sky.com

Vardan Design Services Daniel Vardy 53 The Lea Swinton Rotherham S64 8EX T 07904 251040 E danvardy@vardan.co.uk W www.vardan.co.uk

Red Button Associates Amanda Ryalls 250 Herringthorpe Valley Road Rotherham S65 3AQ T 07941 019706 E amr@blueyonder.co.uk

RTC Energy Solutions James Rae 17 Dawcroft Avenue Barnsley S70 5BN T 01226 248182 E james@rtcenergysolutions.co.uk

Safa Training Stephen Benton 29 Barberwood Road Rotherham S61 2DG T 01709 252485 E steveb@safatraining.co.uk

Scribble Marketing Nicholas Dempsey-Foakes 82 Barnsbridge Grove Barnsley S70 3RW T 07887 405898 E nicholas@scribblemarketing.co.uk

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 4N Bob Brown 1 Watervole Way Doncaster DN4 5JP T 01302 260195 E bob@inspire2aspire.co.uk

Graham Parkes Consultancy Ltd Graham Parkes 29 Moorgate Croft South Grove Rotherham S60 2DH T 01709 331111 E grahamparkes.gp@gmail.com

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Did you know?

As a member you have free access to the following: • • • • • •

HR advice line HR website & Document Library £130,0000 of employment indemnity insurance Health & Safety advice line Health & Safety website Legal advice line

As a Chamber member you can also benefit from exclusive Chamber rates on a full range of HR and H&S services.

There are three tiers of HR service, so matter on the size of your company or the size of your budget there is literally something for everyone.

ChamberHRPlus-Essential – with the aim of helping you to get compliant and to stay compliant. This service provides you with a bespoke Contract of Employment and a bespoke Employee Handbook ChamberHRPlus-Protect – has a focus on compliance and includes an onsite Compliance Audit. This service offers you the ongoing support of two HR specialists, a Business Manager (who is a fully qualified consultant) and a dedicated Telephone Advisor.

ChamberHRPlus-Extra – for the company that has a focus on developing its HR strategy as well as getting everything right. Includes a full onsite Development Audit and additional consultancy time to help you get your HR strategy in line with your business strategy.

ChamberH&SPlus – enhanced health and safety support, including an onsite audit, to help you comply with HSE regulations. Ongoing support provided by a HS Business Manager.

To find out more call the ChamberHR Team on 01455 852028 or email chamberhr@qdosconsulting.com

Earlsmere Ltd has customers spread all over the world and has a need to produce high quality reports of technical information.

EW DEALE •N

Jim White, Managing Director of Earlsmere, explained why the relationship was so strong and had lasted so long;

EW DEALE •N

2015 has seen Earlsmere purchase their 8th photocopying system in a partnership that has spanned 25 years between the two local companies.

F THE YEAR RO

F THE YEAR RO

Earlsmere & Copier Systems Cement Relationship “It is perhaps not normal to stay with one supplier for so long. However, Copier Systems has always understood our needs and requirements and ensured that we always had what was needed within our budget to meet our requirements. In terms of service, in all those years, I cannot remember a single day that we had a system that was out of use or awaiting repair. The aftersales service the Copier Systems team is second to none.

I still remember Andy Bethel (Managing Director of Copier Systems) coming to see me at our then head office in 1991. I was so impressed with his knowledge and skill that I offered him a job. He of course refused by took away the order for our first system which began the journey.

Barnsley’s only print solutions company for businesses like yours.

I have no reservation in recommending Copier Systems to any company looking for good quality equipment and a good aftersales back up service.”

Leasing | Servicing | Sales For more information about photocopying and printing solutions from Copier Systems please

visit www.copiersystems.co.uk

MATCHDAY & SEASONAL HOSPITALITY, SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING VISIT THE COMMERCIAL WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR RANGE OF PACKAGES

BARNSLEYFCCOMMERCIAL.CO.UK

01226 321 181 copiersystems.co.uk

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 01709 386 200

TUESDAY

7

Business Connect

JULY

4

City Region Business Breakfast

AUGUST

Business Connect is a new, Bi-Monthly event for us from 2015.

These events are designed for you to maximise the amount of people you can introduce yourself and your company to in the shortest possible time as to not interfere with your working day too much! Whether you are new to networking or a seasoned networker, this event is ideal for you.

The City Region Business Breakfasts are a joint initiative between Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.

VENUE: TIME: COST:

VENUE: TIME: COST:

N ew York Stadium, Rotherham 8.00am £13.95 + VAT Member £19.95 + VAT Non Member

THURSDAY

13

Speed Networking

AUGUST

38

TUESDAY

We are giving you the opportunity to do business, make new contacts and grow your network, all before your working day starts!

Tankersley Manor, Barnsley 7:30am - 9:30am £12.95 + VAT Member £19.95 + VAT Non Member

FRIDAY

11

St Leger Chamber Race Day

SEPTEMBER

Meeting new people and building relationships is a sure fire way of ensuring that your business will continue to grow.

Join the Chamber for a superb day at the races at our own St Leger Winning Post Marquee for the 2015 Doncaster Cup Day.

You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to every other guest. You will be in a position to explain how you can help your potential customer and also to explain what makes you “stand out from the crowd”.

The Winning Post Marquee provides a superb dining and social experience, positioned at the very heat of the action and offering unbeatable views of Doncaster’s straight mile. Feel the adrenaline with the sounds of thundering hooves and crowds roaring, as the horses’ race towards the post.

VENUE: TIME: COST:

VENUE: TIME: COST:

B arnsley Football Club, Oakwell Stadium 12 noon - 2:30pm £15.95 + VAT Member £20.95 + VAT Non Member

Bulletin

Doncaster Racecourse 11:30am £195 + VAT Member £249 + VAT Non Member

THE WORLD’S OLDEST CLASSIC SINCE 1776

TICKET FROM S

* £ 8 ! e l a s on Tickets R E B M E T P 9 - 12 SE www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk 01302 304200 | info@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk Terms & conditions apply. *Exclusions apply, not available on Saturday 12 September. Prices per person and include VAT. For full details please visit our website. Doncaster Racecourse encourages responsible gambling and operates a strict Campaign 21 policy.

HELPING BUILD BUSINESSES PRACTICAL ADVICE, NOT JUST LEGAL Commercial | Corporate | Employment Dispute Resolution & Debt Recovery | Property Wealth Management | Restructuring

call

01226 212345

www www.wosskowbrown.co.uk visit

31 Regent Street, Barnsley, S70 2HJ 620 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3QS