Providing (fossil) fuel for thought
Exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse digs up the facts about the role coal-mining played in its history
FEATURE: CORPORATE CHRISTMAS
SECTOR FOCUS: SOLICITOR IS ON THE BALL
PLUS: SOUTH YORKSHIRE BIKE ROUTE LAUNCHED
PROMOTING ENTERPRISE IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE
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Front cover: Wentwood Woodhouse launches Coal Story, an exhibition that digs into the building’s mining past See pages 16-17
The next issue of BUSINESS CONNECT will be available in November 2024
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Welcome ...to Business Connect
Enjoying a sizzling summer of action in South Yorkshire
Is everyone enjoying the summer? Now is the perfect time to get involved with the local community and get out to enjoy the region while its looking its best.
Ever wanted to see South Yorkshire by bike? Well now you can! Mayor Oliver Coppard has launched a 250km cycling route that visits every corner of the region, showcasing heritage and cultural sites along the way.
Part of South Yorkshire’s ‘Summer of Cycling’, the route has been carefully designed to provide family-friendly fun for all ages (page 6)
other brilliant exhibits will also be on display until 6 October.
‘Now is the perfect time to get involved with the local community’
Our cover story this issue takes a deep dive into Wentwood Woodhouse’s coal mining past. The Grade I listed building has carefully curated a brilliant exhibition that tells such fascinating stories as the miner who saved his pit pony (pages 16-17) and the pomp of a royal visit, but countless of
Laura Blake EDITOR, BUSINESS CONNECT
It might seem a bit early to be thinking about Christmas, but when it comes to organising the perfect party, you need to move quickly before all the best venues are snapped up. Our Corporate Christmas feature (pages 24-27) offers some top tips on how to properly thank your staff and loyal customers this holiday season. Meanwhile, our Legal Services feature (pages 28-31) takes a look at what a new government will mean for the employment law landscape.
We also celebrate a Rotherhambased entrepreneur who has been named an inspiring business leader in the manufacturing industry (page 42) and take a look behind the curtain at Sheffield’s top theatres (pages 20-21) I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
BUSINESS CONNECT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please send your press releases and images to laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk for consideration for the next issue.
Business News
On your bike! 250km route launched
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced a new 250km bike route, South Yorkshire by Bike, designed to encourage communities to get involved in the fun and freedom of cycling.
Part of South Yorkshire’s ‘Summer of Cycling’, the new route will visit every corner of South Yorkshire, highlighting heritage and cultural sites. It will have easy to manage sections that are family friendly and fun to complete.
Triple Olympic champion Ed Clancy, South Yorkshire’s active travel commissioner, and Emily Chappell, cycling hero and campaigner who designed the route, rode the 250km circuit over three days in July and the route was published after the ride.
Ed Clancy used one of South Yorkshire’s 130 new e-bikes, funded by Active Travel England, which will extend the existing free e-bike loan scheme across the county.
Mayor Coppard and Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, revealed the plans before opening the Sheffield Grand Prix with a family friendly ‘Rock Up & Ride’ circuit on 17 July, ahead of the main elite cycle race.
Oliver Coppard said: “This is a cycling
summer in South Yorkshire. We have elite cyclists and enthusiastic amateurs taking part in the Sheffield Grand Prix and Rock Up and Ride, and the Tour of Britain is arriving in September.
“We’re extending our e-bike loan scheme to every local authority and we’re building more and better infrastructure to make cycling easier and safer. And to further celebrate and promote what we have to offer, we are now developing South Yorkshire by Bike; a new 250km route taking in every corner of South Yorkshire, showing off the best of our landscapes, our landmarks and our communities.”
Half a million pounds has been allocated to help South Yorkshire become a national leader in its e-bikes offer to residents. Over 130 new e-bikes will provide free e-cycle loan schemes across the community. They will extend South Yorkshire’s e-bike fleet to over 200, making it one of the biggest in the country.
providing the skills, confidence and the right environment to give it a go. That includes more e-bike loans, bike training and repairs in the community, and building new cycle lanes.
“It’s also about getting more people excited about the fun and freedom of cycling by showcasing the best South Yorkshire has to offer. That ranges from the Year of Active Travel and family-friendly South Yorkshire by Bike routes, through to hosting well-established events that communities can get involved in, like the Sheffield Grand Prix and Tour of Britain.
‘A new 250km route taking in every corner of South Yorkshire’
Ed Clancy said: “A big part of my mission to help people to walk, wheel or cycle more is
“On my South Yorkshire by Bike ride I’ll be visiting some of the best places for short, easy bike rides, taking in industrial heritage, cultural attractions and green spaces.
“I’ll also be meeting the brilliant people and volunteers, who work tirelessly helping people get walking, wheeling and cycling more in our communities, along the way. It’s gearing up to be an exciting summer of cycling in South Yorkshire and I hope it will help people to get involved and get out on a bike too.”
The team from SYMCA, including Tom Clancy and Oliver Coppard, riding the 250km trail
Funding to help protect region’s young people
Community groups across the county will benefit from nearly £340,000 of funding from South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard to deliver projects that are aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in violence.
This is the latest round of the Violence Reduction Fund which has so far seen nearly 200 organisations across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield receive over £2.3m of funding from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) since it was established in 2019.
Mayor Oliver Coppard has recently taken over the functions of the police and crime commissioner, which includes the VRU and chairing the Serious Violence Reduction Executive Board.
The Violence Reduction Fund focuses on supporting communityled projects working with young people aged between four and 25
to reduce and prevent violence by providing a range of initiatives to help them develop skills and strengths to reduce their risk of developing offending behaviours and becoming involved in serious violence.
‘Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure’
In this year’s grant round, 19 organisations will receive funding to develop and deliver projects across communities. Projects supported include Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services, Dinnington Community Boxing Club, Cricket Arena in Darnall, and Doncaster MIND.
The supported projects will deliver a range of interventions to support young people, from diversionary sporting activities such as boxing, cricket, and football; to educational workshops on community safety, anti-social
behaviour, violence prevention, and mental health support; and therapeutic wellbeing support for young people suffering from trauma.
Oliver Coppard said: “Serious violence destroys lives and rips apart communities. But everyone has the right to feel safe and secure, wherever they are in South Yorkshire. As mayor, I’m particularly
committed to making sure we are giving the next generation of young people the chance to grow up in a place where they don’t feel the fear of violence.
“Those organisations are helping to provide positive role models, mental health support and activities that divert young people from crime and violence. I look forward to working with them to give young people across South Yorkshire every opportunity to live their best lives.”
For more details on the projects, view the South Yorkshire VRU website: southyorkshireviolencereductionunit.com
Sweet taste of success for chocolatier
Choc Affair, the celebrated chocolatier based in York, has been honoured at a national level with the inaugural Made Smarter Adoption Award.
Known for its ethical and awardwinning creations, Choc Affair achieved a huge leap in capacity to produce their handmade delights thanks to their new secret ingredient – a high-tech labelling machine funded by a £20,000 grant from Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, delivered regionally through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and locally via the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub. The machine has led to an increase in capacity from labelling 600,000 bars annually to a staggering 1.5m.
The Made Smarter Adoption Awards, launched to recognise and celebrate SME manufacturers who have embraced technology and skills to digitalise, decarbonise, and drive growth, saw regional winners from across the UK compete for the national title at an awards show in Liverpool. Choc Affair emerged
victorious, showcasing the significant strides they have made in leveraging digital technologies to enhance their operations and sustainability.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s mayor, who leads SYMCA on the delivery of the Made Smarter programme across the Yorkshire & Humber region, said:
‘Choc Affair’s success story is a testament to the impact of the Made Smarter programme’
“The Made Smarter programme is making a huge difference, not just across Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield, but across every part of Yorkshire.
“Programmes like Made Smarter are helping us to future proof industry for manufacturers, and helping us to create a bigger and better economy across our whole region.
“Congratulations to Choc Affair for their continued growth, their work and their thoroughly deserved win, and for now being recognised as outstanding
ambassadors for driving digital change.”
Brian Holliday, cochair of the Made Smarter Commission, said:
“The Made Smarter Awards celebrate digital transformation among SME manufacturers, and it is with great pride to see these inaugural awards taking place this year. I would like to congratulate all winners and nominees, from across all the regions, as we collectively celebrate the successes the Made Smarter adoption programme has helped support in each of the individual manufacturing businesses.”
Julian Barrie, managing director of Choc Affair, said :“We are delighted to receive this national award in recognition of our success and innovation this year. The
process with Made Smarter was really easy. The support and financial assistance have been invaluable. We’re excited to scale up our business and secure our future thanks to this investment.”
Choc Affair’s success story is a testament to the impact of the Made Smarter programme on businesses in York and North Yorkshire. As the national winner, Choc Affair not only celebrates their achievements but also serves as an inspiration to other SMEs looking to innovate and grow through digital transformation.
Julian Barrie pictured with Joseph Quinn, SYMCA’s director of growth and sector development
Mike Pennington and Julian Barrie with the new labelling machine
A competitive edge for SMEs: social value and ESG
By Sonya Pervez, Laurel Research Consulting
Corporate social responsibility (CSR), equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), social value (SV) and ESG (environmental, social and governance) have all become an essential part of business.
Large or small, working in the public or private sector, businesses need to measure and communicate efforts and commitments to creating social value and inclusivity. This contributes to growth, brand recognition and customer loyalty.
The challenge is how to measure this social impact. This is where frameworks like TOMs (themes, outcomes, measures) offer a comprehensive solution, even for small businesses.
Value of CSR and EDI
Incorporating CSR into business operations brings many direct benefits:
• Financial: a well-defined approach to measuring, recording and communicating CSR commitments and successes is an effective way to be more competitive when responding to tenders in the public and private sectors.
• Recruitment and retention: companies with strong CSR commitments attract and retain top talent. Diverse teams can lead to improved problem-solving, greater creativity and enhanced productivity.
• Customer loyalty: Enhancing brand image and reputation through clear CSR initiatives leads
to stronger relationships with customers, investors and the community. Consumers are more likely to support brands with clear CSR commitments leading to greater survivability.
Evolution of CSR to ESG
Though CSR has been a cornerstone of ethical business practices, businesses are increasingly shifting towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and ESG.
ESG allows for a quantifiable assessment of sustainability across three key aspects: environmental policies, social responsibilities, and governance practices. With growing government and investor preference for business practices that can be audited and verified, ESG may well be replacing CSR.
Role of TOMs in social value measurement
The TOMs framework structures the approach for measuring social value. This is particularly helpful for small businesses, as it evaluates proposals based on the quality of their contributions to desired outcomes. TOMs allows businesses to tailor their initiatives to their capacities while still delivering significant social value.
Practical steps for small businesses
Practical steps to build TOMs into activities:
1. Integrate the TOMs framework into
procurement and operations. Identify key themes and outcomes that align with your business objectives and community needs. Use TOMs to measure and report your social value contributions transparently.
2. Incorporate ESG metrics into your business model. Develop policies that address sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance. Set measurable goals with regular audits to ensure continuous improvement.
3. Promote EDI within your workforce and supply chain. Have policies that support equal opportunities, fair treatment, and a diverse workplace culture. Engage with local communities to understand their specific needs.
4. Use CSR principles as a “business ethics foundation.” Ensure your CSR activities are aligned with broader sustainability goals and are measurable.
5. Involve stakeholders in your sustainability initiatives. Include employees, customers, suppliers, and community members; this will ensure your efforts are relevant and impactful.
Conclusion
Every business, regardless of size, has the power to make a difference. Start small, act soon, and take practical steps towards a sustainable growth and resilient future.
Mentoring scheme enjoys further success
Avoluntary sector leaders across the region is celebrating two key charitable developments.
Due to its continued growth and success, South Yorkshire Charity Mentors (SYCM) has now become a standalone charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
A CIO is a special type of legal structure designed specifically for charitable organisations in England and Wales.
SYCM was originally established by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) in 2021 and formerly a part of SYCF. The two organisations will continue to collaborate following the formation of a new reciprocal, partnership agreement.
SYCM’s free mentoring and peer support is delivered by a team of almost 40 experienced mentors across a variety of sectors, including business, legal services, health, higher education, finance and manufacturing.
Mentees are carefully matched with the mentor whose skills and experiences put them in the best place to help with leading change, managing transition, generating strategies, improving board relationships, managing capital projects, career changes, personal development and leadership skills.
Martin Singer, CEO of South Yorkshire Charity Mentors, said: “The voluntary sector undertakes vital work within our community, and we recognise that these organisations face unprecedented challenges today.
“In the last year, we worked with almost 60 voluntary sector leaders from across the region and our mentors delivered an estimated £66,000 worth of free mentoring support.
“The organisation’s new CIO status, together with our partnership with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, will help us to build on this success by expanding our offer and growing the mentoring services we provide across the region.”
‘Our mentors delivered an estimated £66,000 worth of free mentoring support’
Steel City Marketing Ltd scales new heights
Steel City Marketing Ltd is delighted to announce the successful completion of their charity abseil event in support of Cavendish Cancer Care. On 16 June, three of their brave team members – David, Jenni, and Rowan – overcame their fears and abseiled down the Sheffield Hallam Owen Building, raising an impressive £430 so far for this vital cause.
Steel City Marketing has extended its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this endeavour. The contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, providing essential therapy and support services through Cavendish Cancer Care. The charity has been a cornerstone of support in Sheffield for over three decades, offering free services to individuals and families battling cancer.
The company also expresses gratitude to the members of Cavendish Cancer Care who helped make this event possible. Their dedication and support were invaluable in ensuring the event ran smoothly and safely.
A special thank you goes to Dolomite Training for their professional guidance and ensuring the safety of the participants throughout the abseil. Their expertise and encouragement played a crucial role in the success of this challenge.
Jenni, marketing executive at Steel City Marketing, said: “Completing this abseil was both a personal achievement and a meaningful way to contribute to our community. We are incredibly proud to support Cavendish Cancer Care and are grateful for the generosity of all our supporters.”
The brave abseilers from Steel City Marketing
Martin Singer, CEO of SYCM and Chris BoothMayblin, chair of SYCM
The incredible benefits offered by sensory rooms
There is currently a sensory revolution taking place, represented by a fundamental shift in how we perceive, design and access our environments. It acknowledges that sensory experiences significantly impact our wellbeing, productivity, and overall quality of life.
At the forefront of this revolution is a Doncaster-based company applying its expertise and innovative skill set to create sensory spaces in everyday places throughout the UK and the USA.
‘It has the well-being of inmates in mind’
BBC News at 10 recently featured a report on a neurodivergent wing including a sensory cell at Pentonville Prison, highlighting a groundbreaking approach to
incarceration. Designed and installed by Ambispace Ltd, it has the well-being of inmates in mind, creating a safe proactive space for self-regulation and promotion of positive mental health. It features soft lighting, calming colours, and interactive sensory equipment to reduce stress and anxiety. Inmates can adjust sensory elements to create a personalised environment. The purpose is to stop the rinse and repeat cycle of offending often experienced by neurodivergent prisoners.
The Pentonville sensory cell exemplifies a progressive shift towards more humane and therapeutic prison design. The results speak for themselves with reduced incidence of violence and self-harm. Staff absenteeism is
lower too. Neil Fraser, custody manager at Pentonville advocates to “Put a sensory room in every single prison in the country”.
For neurodivergent individuals, navigating public spaces can be overwhelming. It is also quite a challenge for businesses and facility managers to be able to create space for someone to selfregulate, reduce anxiety and avoid meltdowns.
This is where an intelligent mobile pod called Sensory Nook is proving very successful. These innovative pods offer a calming refuge for individuals with sensory integration disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia.
They are transforming public spaces and promoting greater accessibility.
The self-contained mobile units are designed to optimise small spaces making them versatile solutions being taken up by schools, libraries, hospitals, event venues, and even churches.
As we continue to recognise and embrace neurodiversity, the sensory revolution is opening up everyday places to more and more people.
It is important that they cannot only access but thrive in their surroundings. Sensory solutions are changing individual lives and society as a whole.
The new sensory space in Pentonville Prison
The power of information
By John Henshall (pictured), general manager, TravelMaster
The internet is a powerful tool. Customers are more knowledgeable about the services they want and need, mostly for the better. Smartphones means this information is to hand at all times and companies can use this to their advantage to provide added value and growth.
Over the past couple of months in the bus industry there have been a couple of examples of how information has caused ‘problems’ for regular service users. In one example, in Barcelona there is a bus route which, according to reports, was becoming over-crowded and causing friction between locals and tourists. The solution taken was not a conventional one in that a route was removed from Google maps. The locals were happy, the tourists couldn’t find the route and their service returned to normal levels of loadings.
knowledge of fares more money conscious customers were choosing the cheaper options.
So, what has this got to do with TravelMaster? Well, the TravelMaster App has recently been upgraded. We are bringing in live bus information into the app.
Why just live information? TravelMaster customers are by their nature are generally regular travellers. We already have a link to Travel South Yorkshire’s Journey Planner within the app so wanted to add value within the app and most customers know where they want to go.
A second example, a bit closer to home, was from the Isle of Wight, around the services provided for the festival. There was a festival shuttle provided by the local company, which had a premium price attached as it was a direct service. Locals were again unhappy with tourists (in this case festival goers) abandoning the shuttle service to instead use the less convenient but local services and paying only the governmentsupported £2 single fare. Journey planning information has become more accessible in recent years and with a
What is not as accessible is information about when the next bus will arrive or what route it will be. With our update this information is available at the passengers’ fingertips and presented in a way where through one or two clicks they can see the stopping points of the different routes and if there are alternatives to their usual route without having to journey plan every time.
This has been one of our most requested features for the app and something we are really looking forward to hearing feedback from our passengers on.
If you are interested in helping your workforce travel sustainably please get in touch via sales@sytravelmaster.com
Digging deep to discover the past
It is known worldwide as the Black Diamonds house built on coal. And while it’s true that a seam runs beneath Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham’s Grade I listed architectural masterpiece was actually built before the black stuff reaped gold for its noble owners.
The saying has now been debunked by a team of local history buffs responsible for the first exhibition exploring the mansion’s 200 year coal-mining history.
Staged in two of the mansion’s ground floor rooms, Wentworth’s Coal Story explores the stories of the men who worked underground on estate land and their relationships with their aristocratic employers.
‘Mining is deeply embedded in our region’s history’
Wentworth’s Coal Story, which launched on 9 July and runs until 6 October, explains how the fossil fuel industry affected the mansion’s rise and fall, with all information painstakingly collated by 15 of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s team of research volunteers.
One of the researchers, former teacher Joan Jones, said: “We have been totally absorbed in the house’s mining history for months and found out many interesting things. What stood out for me was the fact that, when the First Marquess of Rockingham began building Wentworth Woodhouse in 1724, he had only one mine. It had opened in 1723 and employed just a handful of men. It certainly didn’t fund his architectural ambitions. Income from his vast estates paid for that.
“At the end of the 18th century the entrepreneurial 4th Earl Fitwilliam inherited just as mining techniques and transportation were improving and by the mid 1800s, his income from the mines rocketed.”
At the heart of the exhibition is a fascinating collection of cherished memorabilia and old photographs loaned by local people after an appeal from the Trust.
Victoria Ryves, the trust’s head of culture and engagement, said: “The 40th anniversary year of the UK miners’ strike prompted us to examine our coal story. Over the years the Rockinghams and Fitzwilliams developed scores of pits, which brought them vast wealth, and they provided for the families of their colliers. All of this features in our exhibition, but we were determined to include the memories of people from these mining communities. We wanted to know how they lived and worked, about their hobbies and social lives.
“We were over the moon with
the response we got after appealing for stories and memorabilia. People told us fascinating things and loaned us possessions handed down through generations. They tell another side of the story and it is really important social history.”
Over 30 exhibits will include a pair of rabbit skin gloves handmade by a miner, a Fitzwilliam Medal presented by Countess Maud Fitzwilliam in 1904 to a collier who displayed great kindness to a pit pony (see story opposite), numerous commemorative plates, miners’ lamps, photographs and never-before displayed items from Wentworth Woodhouse’s archive.
The exhibition will also feature a specially-written song called The Pony’s Tale and a short film about how coal is made. Pit disasters, mining methods and safety
Queen Mary, pictured visiting a Fitzwilliam mine during the 1912 Royal visit
Wentworth Woodhouse
Unearthing the story of one courageous miner
The bravery of a teenage miner who laid his life on the line to save his pit pony during a mining accident is set to pull on heartstrings in the new exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse.
During a roof fall at his pit in Elsecar, while all uninjured miners ran to find their way out of tumbling rock, pit props and choking dust, John Willie Bell deliberately ran the other way - to find his pony.
When a rescue team eventually found them, he told his workmates, “I knew you would dig for a man, but not for a pony.”
The Wentworth man’s heroic story will be told at Wentworth’s Coal Story Exhibition, thanks to his grandchildren.
Brother and sister Steve Hardy and Val Noble, who both grew up in Elsecar, responded to an appeal for stories and mementos for inclusion in the exhibition exploring the Rotherham stately home’s 200-year coal-mining history.
developments and the impact of mining on the landscape - not least the government-ordered opencasting from 1943, which reached the lawns of the mansion’s West Front - are also told.
During its three-month run, there will be opportunities to find out more about miners’ lives.
‘Down The Pit’ gives families with children over eight a chance to discover what working life was like underground, meet a former collier, make charcoal drawings and pack up a ‘miner’s snap tin’.
Former miners are being invited to talk over old times at coffee mornings on 3 September and 1 October and on 19 September, a folk night is being staged at the house. Performed by Alan Wood and John Snook, Remember The Coal is described as a musical journey telling the story of the mining industry through original folk songs and spoken narrative.
Research team member and former nurse Valerie Hales said: “It’s an unmissable local history event. Mining is deeply embedded in our region’s history and people who have a strong connection to our coal-mining past will find lots to reminisce over, but we also hope that new generations will come to discover how their ancestors lived and worked.”
MAIN PICTURE: John Willie Bell, pictured aged 21 in 1907
INSET: The silver, coal wagon-shaped Kindness To Pit Ponies Medal presented to John in 1904 by Countess Maud Fitzwilliam
Details of 17 year old John Willie’s actions, and a silver medal awarded to him, will feature among an array of fascinating mining memorabilia and old photographs loaned by descendants of local colliers.
The coal wagon-shaped Fitzwilliam Medal for Kindness was presented to John Willie Bell by Countess Maud Fitzwilliam in 1904. Through research, his family believe the Countess was so impressed by the miner’s courage, she devised the medal especially for him and that he inspired her to found an association for the prevention of cruelty to pit ponies.
The medal has remained in the family ever since and first came to light when Val took it along to an episode of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow being filmed at Wentworth Woodhouse in 2013.
Said Val: “At that time, we knew very little about it even though it had been in our family for over 100
years. The show’s silver specialist Ian Pickford said it was the most delightful thing he had ever seen and dated it to 1904.”
Following the TV appearance, their cousin Joy said she vividly remembered their grandad telling her how he had stayed with his pit pony Flo and had taken his jacket off and wrapped it around her head, to protect her from falling rocks and dust.
“By sheer luck they must have been in a place where the roof supports held and they had enough air,” said Val.
Joy also remembered that when Flo the pony retired, John Willie asked Earl Fitzwilliam if he could buy her and put her out to pasture. The Earl charged him just one penny and Flo spent the rest of her life in the miner’s garden and nearby fields.
When Flo died in old age, John Willie had two of her hooves made into poker stands, which stood either side of the fireplace - much to his wife’s horror.
Added Val: “We got back in touch with the BBC in 2014, told them about Joy’s recollections and we were invited to tell the updated story in an episode of Antiques Roadshow Detectives
“Programme researchers contacted local historian Roy Young, who had researched the medal’s history and discovered that John Willie’s story had got back to Countess Maud Fitzwilliam. He believed the Countess was so impressed by the miner’s courage, she devised the medal especially for him and it inspired her to found The Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Pit Ponies.”
To book tickets for the exhibition, go to: wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk
About John Willie Bell
John Willie was born in 1887 and grew up at The Fold, off Street Lane, Wentworth, with his father Alfred Thomas Kitchen Bell, mother Emma and two sisters, Florence and Evelyn.
He developed a love of horses while helping on the local farm, and with his parents’ horses. He was just 13 when his mother died and a year later he went to work down Low Stubbin pit and later to Elsecar Main Colliery.
He married Florence Brassington, from Chesterfield, in 1912 - the third Flo he loved in his life - and they lived in Wentworth until moving to Elsecar in 1938. They had two sons and four daughters. Eldest son Alfred followed his father down the pit. Eldest daughter Kit went on to marry a miner, Fred.
John Willie remained in the collieries all his working life. He died in 1962 aged 75 of lung disease and kidney failure. He had requested his medal be passed to his daughter Margaret and it is now with her eldest son Steve, who was employed at Elsecar pit, where his grandfather had worked. After Elsecar’s closure in 1983 he transferred to Maltby Colliery.
The Trust’s research volunteers, choosing some of the exhibits for Wentworth’s Coal story. Left to right: Andy Wallis, Ian Smith, Deborah Smith, Andy Smith
It is imperative to ensure the fundamentals are in place within an organisation if they want to develop a robust foundation for health and safety. Robust hazard identification, risk assessments, and safe working practices are necessary. If you want to develop HSE excellence, then you must turn to the people as follows:
Safety leadership:
Cultivating a proactive health and safety culture Safety leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a proactive health and safety culture within organisations. As designated leaders, safety champions set the tone for how employees view and prioritise safety. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of safety leadership and provide practical strategies for creating a safer workplace environment.
Going from good to great in organisation HSE performance
By Andrew Stanley (pictured), CEO/owner, Pro-Vision Health, Safety, Environmental Consultancy Ltd
What is safety leadership?
Safety leadership involves enforcing physical safety procedures within a workplace or organisation. It goes beyond mere compliance with regulations; it is about inspiring a collective commitment to safety. Effective safety leaders prioritise the well-being of their team members, recognising that human lives are irreplaceable.
Here are some key practices for successful safety leadership: Vision: Great safety leaders have a clear vision of safety excellence. They can “see” what a safe workplace looks like and articulate it throughout the organisation.
Collaboration: Safety leaders actively engage with employees, encouraging open communication and collaboration. They seek feedback, involve workers in safety decisions, and promote a sense of shared responsibility.
Accountability: Leaders hold themselves and others accountable for safety. They lead by example, consistently following safety protocols and addressing deviations promptly.
Risk awareness: Safety leaders understand potential risks and hazards specific to their industry. They proactively identify areas for improvement and implement preventive measures.
Empowerment: Empowering employees to take ownership of safety fosters a culture of responsibility. Leaders encourage reporting near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions.
Continuous learning: Safety leaders stay informed about industry best practices, emerging risks, and technological advancements. They invest in ongoing training and development.
‘Safety champions set the tone for how employees view and prioritise safety’
Adaptability: Effective leaders adapt to changing circumstances. They respond swiftly to safety incidents, learn from failures, and adjust strategies as needed.
Creating a safer workplace To promote safety leadership, organisations can implement the following strategies:
Leadership training: Provide safety leadership training for managers and supervisors. Equip them with the skills to inspire safety-conscious behaviour.
Communication channels: Establish clear channels for safety communication. Regularly share safety updates, success stories, and lessons learned.
Recognition programmes: Recognise and celebrate safety achievements. Acknowledge individuals and teams who consistently prioritise safety.
Safety committees: Form safety committees comprising representatives from various departments. Involve employees in safety initiatives and decisionmaking.
Safety audits: Conduct regular safety audits to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Involve leaders in the audit process.
Behaviour-based safety: Encourage leaders to observe and provide feedback on safe behaviours. Positive reinforcement reinforces a safety-first mindset.
Leading by example: Leaders should visibly follow safety rules, wear appropriate PPE, and actively participate in safety drills.
Remember, safety leadership is not just a role – it is a commitment to protecting lives. By fostering a proactive safety culture, organisations can create workplaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.
Who are Pro-Vision Health, Safety & Environmental Consultancy Ltd?
We are a newly formed company bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to your HSE needs. Let’s hear from the owners.
“With over 30 years in technical, operational, and HSE senior roles, I, along with other members of Pro-Vision can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to support you with
your health, safety, and environmental needs and requirements. Being in both senior operational and HSE director roles I can bring a sensible pragmatic approach and achievable solutions to the HSE problems that many companies face having been in their position many times myself.
“Another key passion within HSE I bring is relating to health and safety leadership, which for me is the key enabler once the framework is in place to ensure a sustainable and improving health, safety and environmental culture. I see so many great frameworks destroyed by poor leadership. We at Pro-Vision can help you with this at all levels of supervision and management, from front line supervisory management up to the board level as required.”
Andrew Stanley, CEO/owner (pictured left)
“Fifteen years of valuable manufacturing and production experience, supported by 20 years of experience working for some of the major players in the highly competitive retail sector. Proven skills include implementing ISO standards, and supporting to qualification, writing, and implementing policies for quality control, health and safety. I bring a sensible and pragmatic approach to solving problems and achieving results. A professional management
and health and safety practitioner who understands the pressures and challenging deadlines, and tight timelines that managers are under.
“Decisive assertive, sensible in my approach, with the necessary skill sets to achieve success. These skills set Pro-Vision ahead of others to provide sensible solutions to support companies where needed.”
Nigel Boucher, Operations director/owner (pictured below)
‘Theatre producers have to be risk-takers: there’s really no other way’
connect PROFILES
outside of London, with three theatres in the heart of Sheffield; the Crucible, Lyceum and Playhouse. We make theatre for our city, which often transfers to the West End or on national tour, and we present the best of the UK’s touring shows. Each year we welcome about 400,000 people through our doors for a great night (or afternoon) out!
How did it all start?
I had a stupendously good drama teacher at school in Newcastle – sadly he’s no longer with us – whose love for theatre was infectious. It’s really good for the business world if children are taught creative subjects in school: we have to protect this. If no-one can think creatively, how will we innovate?
What’s your greatest achievement so far?
When I worked for the Globe Theatre in London, I produced a version of Hamlet that toured to every country in the world. The Economist called it ‘the greatest tour in the history of theatre.’ It needed boundless energy and resilience – but I’m so proud of what we did. At the end of the tour we invited the US President Barack Obama, to come to the final show – and to our total amazement, he accepted and met us all in London!
What has surprised you most in your job?
At Sheffield – I’m constantly surprised by the vibrancy and the passion of the people in this organisation and in this city. The place has a surprising mix of creative ambition and friendly humility.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken –and did it work out?
Theatre producers have to be risk-takers: there’s really no other way. One that stands out is when I asked Kyiv City Ballet to be the first Ukrainian performing arts company to visit the UK after the invasion. I knew the administrative timescales would be extremely tight, but it felt like an important thing to do. They were
booked to do an extremely high profile gala performance, and we had national news coverage booked in. In the end, they received their visas to come to the UK on the morning that they travelled! It was nervewracking, but worth it.
What keeps you awake at night?
Sadly, I feel like the world my kids are going to grow up in is a more volatile and dangerous one than the one I grew up in.
If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?
If I could do my education again, I would study a language degree at university. I speak a couple of languages to a basic level, but having total proficiency in a language like Spanish, Chinese or Arabic would have helped my career.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Don’t be afraid of pursuing big ideas. There are always people around you telling you your big idea is wrong, or bad, or too much to take on. If you can see a path to it, and it doesn’t negatively affect anyone else in the long-term, pursue it.
What exciting projects is your organisation working on?
At the moment, we have just opened a huge new production of Chariots of Fire in our stunning Crucible Theatre. It’s the perfect time to do this, as July 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the Paris Olympics where the original film was set. It’s a stupendous show. We’re then looking forward to a new version of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in the Crucible in September, adapted by the brilliant Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), and Dizzy in our Playhouse, which is a dynamic new play, coproduced with the team at Theatre Centre.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like going to football matches with my children and I like reading. Whenever I can travel, I do, but my focus these days is on my new home city of Sheffield.
X: @tomwbird
LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/tom-birdb9534229
The Dezaro Limited projects team take their hats off to their maritime logistics team for their unwavering dedication.
We understand that complex projects require precise coordination, expert management and tailored solutions. Our project logistics services are designed to meet these demands, ensuring the seamless movement of oversized, heavy, and high-value cargo to and from any location worldwide.
With over 15 years of experience, we offer a complete portfolio of services to handle the door-to-door movement of turnkey projects, from the largest equipment to the nuts and bolts. Regardless of your project scale, we pledge an unparalleled commitment to safety, proficiency, and reliable coordination of your operational needs.
From the inception stage to the ultimate delivery, we meticulously oversee every aspect, ensuring the timely and cost-effective completion of your project.
The team successfully exported whole automotive factory movement covering extensive operation covering flat racks, open top containers, maffies and breakbulk services from the UK to Turkey. Challenges like site surveys, police permits, escorts and customs clearances for such heavyweight cargo were expertly navigated. The team handled the entire process perfectly from loading at site to transportation to the port of loading.
Their involvement spanned from receiving the cargo from load sites to port storage, coordinating customs clearances, direct collection of units and loading onto flat racks and break bulk vessels, ensuring a smooth and efficient process at every turn.
• Corporate Christmas • Legal Services
Festive fun or HR nightmare?
When organising the office Christmas party, an employer will have to face a minefield of HR challenges to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their staff. Business Connect explores some of the questions an employer should ask before hosting a Christmas bash.
As an employer, what should I do to prepare for the festive season?
Your first step should be to issue a statement to all employees ahead of a Christmas party or similar work-related event. This should not simply outline the where’s and when’s of a party but also remind staff of conduct matters, what could constitute as inappropriate behaviour and what the penalties for such behaviour will be.
A dress code is always a good idea to keep things professional. Additionally, make sure that all managers familiarise themselves with the workplace policy on workrelated social events.
Do I really need a policy on workplace social events?
Yes, regardless of the size of your organisation. Employers should always maintain a policy on
workplace events because they have a duty of care towards their staff, and this will ensure that all staff know what appropriate behaviour is in such settings.
The Equality Act 2010 makes employers liable for acts of discrimination, harassment and victimisation carried out by their employees, unless they can show that they took reasonable steps to prevent such acts.
Can I make attendance at any Christmas events compulsory?
It is prudent to allow employees to decide themselves if they wish to attend a Christmas party or group event. The chosen date may fall on a non-Christian holiday, or staff may simply find that in the run-up to Christmas they are simply too busy with other commitments to attend.
Feature: Corporate Christmas
‘It is prudent to allow employees to decide themselves if they wish to attend a Christmas party or group event’
Additionally, making attendance compulsory means that employees may be entailed to claim the time back too.
Is it appropriate to do an office ‘Secret Santa’?
It’s a nice gesture to bring the spirit of giving into the workplace and a Secret Santa gift-giving ceremony is a great way to involve the whole company.
However, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, review your company’s gift giving policy and make sure all staff are aware of it –and if you don’t currently have a bribery policy implemented, now would be a good time to have one written up. It is important to remember that in a work environment, gifts cannot be inappropriate or offensive. It’s also wise to include an upper spend
limit on any gifts exchanged to keep it fair.
What if an employee comes to work late or not at all the day after the Christmas party?
You can include in your disciplinary policy the fact that you can take action for any lateness or nonattendance after a Christmas party, and staff should be reminded of this.
As an employer, you can make deductions from employees’ pay if they turn up for work late the morning after the company Christmas event – providing the right to make deductions for unauthorised absence is written into the employment contract.
If an employee misses work due to legitimate illness, you should follow you usual attendance management policy and procedures.
‘Tisthe seasonof giving…
CFeature: Corporate Christmas
hristmas offers the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation to those who you care about and value. And while it is probably a given that you’ll lavish gifts on your nearest and dearest, have you considered the positive impact of giving gifts to your clients?
A corporate gift can help nurture long-standing and valued client relationships and will certainly make a better impression than a generic Christmas card or email. But how do you pick the perfect gift?
Planning and budgeting
If you do plan on giving gifts to your customers and clients this year, don’t leave it until the last minute. You will need ample time to compare and choose a supplier, and factor in the time it will take for branded gifts to be produced and distributed. Corporate giving should be seen as a business investment. Implement and stick to a budget, as you would for any other investment, and keep the value of the gift in proportion to what your client spends with you.
personal level so try to choose a gift that will suit your clients’ needs, demonstrating that you care about them as an individual and value your partnership.
Create a clear marketing message
Many options for corporate gifts will have a dual purpose – a useful item that the recipient will appreciate that also serves as a practical marketing tool for your business.
Branded gifts are a popular option, especially around the holidays; by simply adding your logo, icon or a subtle brand message to the gift or its packaging – or even by implementing your brand colours – you are raising brand awareness.
‘A quality gift is more likely to be used and kept for longer than a cheaper item’
While you’re hardly likely to make a lasting impression or prove your appreciation with a cheap bottle of wine or a generic box of chocolates, it’s also important to make sure you don’t overdo it. Gifts that are seen as too expensive and lavish can imply that you’re trying to buy business from your customer. It’s important to strike the right balance, as there is a fine line between a thoughtful gift and a bribe.
Make the gift useful
A quality gift is more likely to be used and kept for longer than a cheaper item – think of how many cheap corporate gifts you may have discarded or lost over the years.
With that in mind, it’s important to put some thought into the gift to make sure it won’t just end up in the bin by New Year’s Day. What are your client’s likes and hobbies? Would they value a Christmas hamper over a new sports bottle? People make deeper connections with a brand that speaks to them on a
But don’t go overboard, or your effort at self-promotion could distract from the gift itself. There is also the option to personalise gifts with the recipients’ logo – a thoughtful gesture that is sure to impress. Finally, adding a call to action, such as a phone number, website or even a social media hashtag is a great way to reach people and make sure you’re remembered.
Consider how you send the gift
If you are sending your gifts via the post or a delivery service, make sure you factor delivery time in your initial planning, as Christmas is a very busy time for Royal Mail! For your most important clients, do you have the option to deliver their gift in person to make it really special? No matter the delivery method, you’ll find that including a handwritten, personalised note will go a long way in helping strengthen personal relationships.
Year-round appreciation
While it’s natural to think of sending gifts during the holiday season, is there anything that is stopping your business from appreciating your clients all year round? Other cultural holidays can also be celebrated with tasteful tokens of your appreciation, and if you send gifts when your clients least expect it, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd.
Factor in the time it will take to deliver your gifts
In-house legal services for SMEs
Your lawyer will work with you to identify and manage any hidden threats
Feature: Legal Services
Getting legal advice when you start out on your journey as a business owner is essential for learning how to protect your business and how to avoid costly legal issues. But SMEs often delay seeking legal advice, only employing a lawyer when they feel it is absolutely necessary. Business Connect explores the benefits of having in-house legal services and why they might be worth the expense.
What are the risks – and the options?
There are many reasons why an SME might not consider retaining the ongoing services of a lawyer, with cost being a key factor, and they may attempt ‘DIY’ methods of solving their legal issues before seeking out expert advice. However, this comes with considerable risk; you are not protecting your business against hidden threats and, if any should arise, to delay seeking help could be more costly in the long run than engaging assistance from the moment it is needed.
Employing an in-house lawyer brings many business and cost benefits, and many larger businesses will have already realised the advantages. But while SMEs may not be big enough, or have the finances to justify retaining full-time legal service, there are still options available to them. For example, it is possible to come to an arrangement with a law firm to employ their services on a part-time basis or short-term contact. But what benefits will it bring?
Avoid threats
Your retained lawyer will work with you to identify and manage – or avoid – any hidden threat to your business that might cause significant disruption or delay your plans for the future.
There are many legal considerations that you might not have considered before or factored into your business plan: risks can include renegotiating the terms and conditions of your lease, employment law issues, health and safety, data protection breaches and the modern slavery act. If you overlook or breach any of these issues, you can be faced with serious financial impacts that could have a knock-on effect on your operations – and your reputation.
Stay ahead of the game
Your consultant will be able to provide you with legal updates as you need them and conduct training, if necessary, for your staff. They will also be able to check out any issues you’re unsure of – small worries that you might not want to incur the expense of instructing external solicitors on.
Knowing your business
Your in-house lawyer will know you and your business well, and so will be able to respond quickly and appropriately to your legal needs. As an expert in the field, they will take on a central role in the business, learning the ins and outs of your operation and anticipating your legal needs. You will build a solid relationship so you know you can rely on a personal service and remain certain of the quality of advice.
Cost control
While retaining a consultant lawyer might not entirely eliminate the need for outside legal advice, having your legal work carried out in-house comes with obvious and significant cost savings. If you do ever need to retain the services of an outside law firm, your in-house consultant can still be of assistance. They can source and even manage the services of an appropriate expert lawyer, ensuring that you get the advice you actually need. An added benefit includes having your adviser negotiating the best fee and terms on your behalf.
Despite the cost issues, the results do speak for themselves. The more you work with an in-house lawyer, the better protected your business will be. In the long run legal pitfalls can be avoided, risks can be mitigated, money can be saved and future plans can be fulfilled.
Feature: Legal Services
Preparing for the new employment landscape
By Emma Gross (pictured)
,
employment partner at Spencer West LLP.
Since the election victory, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government has been hard at work to implement some of its manifesto promises. The King’s Speech emphasised the new government’s plans for change with a litany of legislative commitments – some of which have profound implications for the employment sector. Here, we examine some of the party’s manifesto and proposed policies and explore what Labour’s landslide win means for the employment landscape moving forward.
In its 2024 manifesto the party presented a bold vision for transforming the workplace. It placed a strong emphasis on fairness, equality, and security focussing on a fair and properly managed immigration system, supporting people into work, and ensuring work pays fairly.
Firstly, it promised a “fair and properly managed immigration system”. In practice, these means that the party plans to reform the pointsbased immigration system to ensure that it is fair and properly managed. To do this, they propose to make visa regulations stricter by implement appropriate restrictions on visas to better control net migration; and to link immigration to a skills policy by ensuring immigration policies are aligned with the country’s skills needs.
Secondly, in a bid to support people into work, Labour plans to streamline and enhance employment support through integrated services and localised plans. To do this, they propose merging Jobcentre Plus and The National Careers Services and so creating a national jobs and careers service to streamline and enhance employment support. By integrating these, they aim to provide a more cohesive and responsive service that addresses the specific needs of job seekers and employers.
The party also points to providing local areas with funding and autonomy to develop their own tailored work, health, and skills program.
‘The government has strongly vowed to invest in local workforce development’
These changes would have an impact on employment law and practices, not least by enhancing both oversight and enforcement. Employers and recruitment agencies will face stringent scrutiny to prevent the abuse of the visa system. Those who flout the rules will be barred from hiring workers from abroad, promoting compliance with employment laws. In addition, any violations of employment law related to immigration could result in severe penalties, encouraging businesses to adhere strictly to legal standards.
The government has strongly vowed to invest in local workforce development by promising upskilling initiatives for local people rather than continue the country’s dependency on foreign workers. To do this, it promises the implementation of training programs to upskill local workers.
Sector specific workforce plans are also promised in a bid to develop comprehensive workforce and training plans for sectors heavily reliant on foreign labour, such as health and social care, and construction, to ensure sustainable local employment solutions.
Labour also plans to enhance the role of the Migration Advisory Committee, fostering collaboration with skills bodies, the Industrial Strategy Council, and the Department for Work and Pensions, with the aim of addressing the skills shortages effectively and holistically.
Devolving funding will allow local authorities to create programs that cater to the unique needs of their communities, enhancing the effectiveness of employment support services.
Thirdly, enhanced support for vulnerable populations has also been proposed. Labour plans to work with local areas to develop strategies to support disabled individuals and those with health conditions into work.
This includes tackling the backlog of Access to Work claims and reforming the Work Capability Assessment to better support these individuals. They also propose establishing a guarantee of access to training, apprenticeships, or employment support for all 18- to 21-year-olds, aiming to reduce youth unemployment and improve career prospects. Additionally, guaranteeing two weeks of work experience for every young person and enhancing careers advice in schools and colleges.
And finally, Sir Keir Starmer and his team have promised to “Make Work Pay”. Labour’s manifesto focuses on
improving workers’ rights and working conditions, ensuring fair wages, and promoting collective bargaining. To do this a legislative overhaul is to be expected within the first 100 days of government and will focus on improving workers’ rights and working conditions, and engage businesses, workers, and civil society in consultations to ensure practical and effective implementation of any new legislation.
These overhauls will have a huge impact on employment law and practices with a real focus on enhanced worker protections by way of introducing legislation to ban exploitative zero hour contacts and end fire and rehire practices; and focusing on basic rights from day one which are designed to ensure workers have access to the likes of parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment.
The “Make Work Pay” initiative also includes strengthening collective bargaining by empowering trade unions and establishing a Single Enforcement Body to ensure employment rights are upheld with the aim of providing a robust mechanism for addressing any violations. Fair wages have also come into this proposal ensuring the minimum wage is a genuine living wage by adjusting it to reflect the cost of living, and removing any discriminatory
age bands to ensure all adults receive the same, thereby providing a pay rise to much of the workforce.
All of the above will have many implications for businesses and their HR departments across the UK.
The proposed changes indicate a comprehensive approach to addressing employment challenges, focusing on fair treatment, local skills development, and strong enforcement of labour laws.
These changes reflect Labour’s vision of a fair, inclusive, and prosperous labour market that benefits both workers and employers, fostering a stronger and more resilient economy.
Thus, the landslide victory marks a transformative moment for the UK’s employment landscape. The party’s ambitious policies promise significant improvements in wages, job security, and work life balance for employees, while presenting both challenges and opportunities for employers.
As these changes unfold, ongoing dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders will be crucial to navigating this new era in employment. By fostering a fairer, more equitable workplace, Labour’s vision has the potential to create lasting positive impacts for both employers and employees across the UK.
The proposed changes will focus on fair treatment and local skills development
Sector Focus
The latest news from South Yorkshire businesses operating in the Corporate Hospitality, Digital & Technology, Green Business, International Trade, Legal & Finance, Manufacturing & Engineering and Skills & Training sectors.
Planning a corporate event
Whether you are a start up or a well-established business, corporate hospitality may well be just what you need to make, strengthen and maintain professional relationships. Business Connect identifies the key considerations for businesses considering investing in corporate hospitality.
First impressions
A well-considered approach to corporate hospitality will help showcase the best of your business to potential new customers. Hosting a high-quality event can leave a lasting impression, while making your guests feel important and valued will have a positive influence on your brand value and ultimately increase your return on investment.
Maintaining existing relationships
It can be hard to build up a client base, but it can be even harder to maintain it. Fostering long-lasting, positive relationships with your customers is important but increasingly difficult in a competitive world – so corporate hospitality can provide a timely
reminder of your value and your relevance.
Standing out from the crowd
How do you stand out from your competitors? By demonstrating that you’re willing to go the extra mile to keep your customers engaged with your business. Unique events, such as race days, golf tournaments, or private screenings will keep your clients interested in what you have to offer.
Thanking loyal customers
A well-organised event is a great way to extend your thanks to existing customers, which may in turn make them more inclined to stay loyal. However, failure to properly tailor such events to your clients can be a waste of resources
and worse, a loss of long-standing clients. High-value clients should be catered for with an event that demonstrates your knowledge of their business and their aims.
Remember your staff
If you look after your employees, your employees will look after you. It is important you maintain excellent relationships with your staff as well as your clients, as a little motivation can go a long way. Events, such as team building exercises and away days, can be used as a reward for hard work, or as an incentive.
A different setting
Corporate hospitality is a great way of demonstrating a side of your business that customers might not see outside of a boardroom. As
opposed to a formal, professional setting, a tasteful event, held in a chic bar, restaurant, or even a sporting ground, can provide a much more social and relaxed setting, providing better opportunities for forging personal connections.
Launching new products
You can use corporate hospitality as a platform to launch new products in style. However, careful consideration is needed – would an intimate setting be more suitable, or should you opt for a larger, conference-style event?
Speedy rewards
As the organiser of the event, you can establish relevant contacts with key businesses and build up new relationships face-to-face.
New lease of life for historic events space
The Empress Building & Ballroom, a venue steeped in rich history and recently refurbished to its former glory by entrepreneur Jason Mace, is once again the crown jewel of Mexborough’s event scene. Known for its breathtaking high ceilings and capacity to seat over 300 guests, the ballroom’s restored ornate decor is a visual feast that continues to attract full-capacity crowds.
On 5 July, the Fabulous Soul Sensations delivered a sellout performance that had attendees dancing all night long. Led by worldrenowned singer and songwriter Cris Quammie, the band performed timeless classics from the Four Tops, Drifters, and Temptations, including hits like Stand By Me and My Girl. The historic ballroom stage, now equipped with the latest technology in sound and lighting, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable concert, with guests enjoying the fully restored vintage sprung dance floor
The
Empress Building & Ballroom
‘It’s truly heartwarming to see the Empress Building come alive again’
reminiscent of the ballroom’s heyday.
Jemma Evans, general manager of the Empress Building & Ballroom, said: “It’s truly heartwarming to see the Empress Building come alive again with such vibrant energy. Our goal has always been to honour the
rich history of this space while incorporating modern amenities to enhance the guest experience. Nights like these, where the community comes together to enjoy incredible music and dance, make all our efforts worthwhile.”
Jason Mace, owner of the Empress Building, said: “The Empress Building has always been
a beacon of entertainment and community spirit in Mexborough. Our recent refurbishments aim to preserve its historical charm while offering state-of-the-art facilities. We’re thrilled to see such a positive response from the community and look forward to hosting a variety of events that cater to all ages and interests.”
Sector Focus: Digital Technology
Full service health and wellbeing company
LIVEWELL have selected multi-award winning digital agency The SEO Works to bolster their online visibility through SEO. With huge ambitions of becoming the go-to company for all things health and wellbeing, the team at LIVEWELL identified digital as the perfect channel to help boost their reach to the required level. Following a series of investments in their online presence, the wellbeing specialists
began to see some encouraging progress which in turn produced some great results.
However, as competition within their niche began to increase and the war for rankings heated up, it became clear to the LIVEWELL team that additional expertise would be required to continue this growth - which is where The SEO Works came in.
Following an initial enquiry for assistance with SEO came an indepth audit from the expert team at The SEO Works. The findings
identified several opportunities that could be taken to help meet the needs of LIVEWELL - all of which were highlighted within a competitive pitch process.
New director appointed at Jibba Jabba LIVEWELL partners with The SEO Works
appointment of director Rich Davies.
Rich’s appointment comes after the Doncaster-based company experienced a period of significant growth and new client wins.
Joining the firm with more than 30 years’ experience across several professional services sectors, Rich will be responsible for developing and executing a business development strategy, building long-lasting relationships with local organisations and utilising his networking skills to develop the company’s reputation.
As well as managing the team and overseeing day-to-day operations, Rich will be working alongside the company’s managing director Ashley Harris in their proposed expansion of the firm as they plan to open a brand-new office in the Sheffield and Rotherham area.
Rich has held senior business development roles at FluidOne (recently rebranded from Highlander) and The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce. Rich was also the owner of a social media business for almost 10 years where he
was to create a website experience that is not only user-friendly but also rich in high-quality content that provides real value to our visitors.
Impressed by the detail demonstrated in the audit, as well as their strong track record of work with clients in the health & wellbeing sector, LIVEWELL felt that the Sheffield-based agency was a clear choice to lead this campaign.
Managing director Steven Hartill said: “Since our inception in 2012, LIVEWELL has grown substantially, broadening our service offerings beyond the domestic market to include the corporate sector. In recognition of this expansion, we recently undertook a comprehensive revamp of our website and brand image. Our goal
‘LIVEWELL felt that the Sheffieldbased agency was the clear choice to lead this campaign’
“To achieve this, we partnered with SEO Works, a leader in their field known for their professional and ethical approach to search engine optimisation. Their commitment to using high-quality, white-hat SEO techniques aligns perfectly with our own business ethos. We chose The SEO Works because they focus on sustainable, organic growth strategies rather than quick, short-term fixes. This partnership ensures that our website ranks well for our specific services while maintaining the integrity and professionalism that our clients expect.”
executed campaigns for local non-league Football clubs Sheffield FC and Hallam FC as well as working with Sheffield-based GB Boxing.
Rich said: “I am genuinely excited to start my new role at Jibba Jabba. It’s an honour to be a part of an organisation that is truly going places and has an exciting future ahead of it.
“It’s a fantastic time to join as we look to further build on the firm’s recent growth, and we plan for our expansion.
“My vision is to make Jibba Jabba the brand name that people turn to for everything for IT, VoIP and telecoms.
“I have more than 30 years of experience, and pride myself in my networking and business development skills. I am looking forward to further building my South Yorkshire network and bringing those contacts into the company.”
Ashley said: “We are delighted to welcome Rich to the team. He is a fantastic addition and has already hit the ground running with implementing a strong business development strategy.
“Rich’s business development expertise and skills within the sector are exactly what we need to move the company forward and we look forward to working with him.”
Leading South Yorkshire IT and VoIP provider Jibba Jabba is delighted to announce the
Providing advanced soft tissue release therapy following the London Marathon
LIVEWELL sports therapists in London attended a corporate wellbeing day
Rich Davies, director, and Ashley Harris, managing director, Jibba Jabba
Sector Focus: Digital Technology
Revolutionising efficiency and customer service in IT through AI
By Mike Smith (pictured), managing director, TwentyFour IT Services
How long do you expect to wait for an IT support ticket to be acknowledged? Two hours? Four hours? Six hours? We recently sat down with a prospective customer who had waited four days to even have their business-critical ticket acknowledged by their existing provider. This is not good enough –customers’ needs must be addressed promptly and efficiently.
For always, it has been apparent in the IT support industry that many queries and tickets do not require highly specialist skills but are time consuming for support engineers. We knew we could do better by creating new solutions, in-house, to revolutionise this process. Developing tools leveraging advances in AI, machine learning & automation, TwentyFour has improved operational efficiencies significantly, reduced ticket wait and resolution times, improved workflow, increased customer satisfaction, and freed up highly
skilled time to focus on more complex tasks.
Traditionally, IT support teams have manually, assessed, categorised, and prioritised tickets as they came onto the service desk. This time-consuming process can be prone to human error, so we developed an automated, AIpowered ticketing system.
TwentyFour can now automatically analyse and classify tickets based on urgency, severity and business impact, summarising ticket information; relating this to previous tickets and resolutions, thereby speeding up the ticketing process.
Leveraging natural language processing, our model can ‘recognise’ the sentiment and context of user queries, ensuring that business critical issues are promptly escalated to the necessary skilled and qualified teams to respond swiftly and effectively.
Since implementing these AI solutions in 2023, we have seen average ticket resolution times
drop significantly. For instance, 80% of tickets are now resolved on the first response, with 99.45% of these also resolved within an hour. This efficiency has led to improved customer satisfaction while enabling our engineers to focus on more complex requests.
This is great, but we knew that we could do even better by introducing another solution that could be available 24/7 to our customers.
After much investment and development, in early 2024 we introduced ‘NEO’, our support chatbot which can sit securely, directly in our customers environments and handle many tasks such as; raising and reporting on tickets, provide guided resolutions, perform a number of common yet repetitious tasks. By automating many of these timely ‘Line Zero’ queries, NEO has freed up our support team to concentrate on tasks requiring their specific skills, training and certifications. However, investment and development in AI, automation and
machine learning is not just about improving our efficiencies. Customer service is the heart of our work, committed to providing tailored solutions, improving the customer experience, reducing the frustration of customer IT woes, and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
The impact these new solutions has been profound over the last year. Customer satisfaction scores have risen from 88% in early 2023 to over 96% consistently throughout 2024 as a direct result. This is a pivotal leap forward in customer experience.
The success of TwentyFour IT Services’ AI investments underscores the importance of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Sector Focus: Green Business
Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, opened its eighth UK space in the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield on Friday 14 June, replacing its temporary pop-up location at the popular retail destination.
The space became of Meadowhall Shopping Centre's large array of 310 shops, restaurants, and leisure spots. The opening also coincides with the arrival of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 later this year.
Meadowhall Shopping Centre has further contributed to the promotion of electric vehicles by installing 30 charging points throughout the centre. Furthermore, it hosts the largest solar panel installation of any UK shopping centre, comprising 3,418 panels covering 60,000 square feet. This installation generates 770,000 kWh of solar energy annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 230 average UK households. Sheffield City Council also created a Clean Air Zone last year in a bid to increase air quality in the city.
Ahead of the opening, Jonathan Goodman, head of Polestar UK, said: "We are thrilled to be opening our eighth space in the United Kingdom during what promises to be an exciting year for the brand. The timing is perfect with the upcoming arrival of the Polestar 3, our luxury SUV, and the Polestar 4, our SUV coupé. As a shopping centre committed to a sustainable future, Meadowhall was an obvious choice for our next Polestar Space."
‘As a shopping centre committed to a sustainable future, Meadowhall was an obvious choice for our next Polestar Space’
Polestar’s pop-up becomes permanent
MAIN PICTURE: Polestar 2 on the streets of Sheffield
INSET: The Polestar store in Meadowhall Shopping Centre
SectorFocus: Green Business
Private sector must lead net zero growth
Decarbonising the North’s industrial sector can be largely funded by the private sector, according to a new report by business-led thinktank the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP).
The report builds on new analysis from Cambridge Econometrics which shows that industrial decarbonisation and reducing emissions from real estate are the sectors offering the highest potential private investment
leverage overall. The report suggests that for every £1 of public money invested, at least £4 can be generated from the private sector, demonstrating the substantial economic benefits of these initiatives.
This analysis comes as South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard announced the creation of SY Energy, a partnership with the private sector and academics that will maximise
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investment, jobs and supply chain development in the area’s leading clean-tech sector.
South Yorkshire has unique strengths in small modular reactors, hydrogen and sustainable aviation and is aiming to become the natural home for these emerging sectors. SY Energy will work to derisk investment decisions for clean-tech businesses together with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority who will help to attract talent and develop targeted skills programme.
‘We could use the net zero transition to drive our region’s economy’
Businesses will also be supported to grow and build links with other regions and businesses in the UK and across the world.
Across the North, private funding that can be attracted to industrial decarbonisation includes £15bn across the Humber for bioenergy initiatives with £2bn specifically allocated for carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology at Drax power station in Selby. This is alongside £5bn towards HyNet’s hydrogen clusters on the Mersey as
well as separate further investment on the Tees.
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “The private sector needs to be the lead player in decarbonising our economy and investing in emerging green sectors. Billions in private investment is ready to flood into the North’s net zero economy.
“The North bore the brunt of the UK’s last rapid de-industrialisationwhich took place without a plan to protect workers - which is why we need to stop artificially reducing emissions by moving our heavy industries overseas.
“With the right plan we could use the net zero transition to drive our region’s economy and close the North-South divide for good.”
Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire is already home of the largest clean-tech cluster in the UK and at the forefront of nuclear tech, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels. SY Energy will build on these strengths and make our region the natural home of clean-tech businesses, both nationally and internationally. We’ll do this by bringing the sector together to maximise investment, jobs and supply chain development.”
Bluebell Dairy gets a scoop of solar power
Apopular family-friendly farm park and artisan ice cream wholesaler in Derbyshire has undergone a significant green transformation to become more environmentally friendly and reduce its energy costs.
Geo
renewable
Power to install a 210
ground-mounted solar PV system, which will generate over 188,000 kWh of electricity per year.
This solar energy will power the wholesaler’s industrial freezer system, along with other key operations on the 300 acre farm, which features two sites for ice cream production and a number of family attractions.
The energy generated by the solar PV system is sufficient to power approximately 49.5 homes
for a year. This is equivalent to taking around seven cars off the road for a year, based on average UK car emissions.
Increasing energy costs and a growing requirement from their corporate customers to reduce emissions in their supply chains led to the Bluebell Dairy team investing in the system.
Oliver Brown, director of Bluebell Dairy, said: “Our freezer system uses a high amount of energy, and investing in solar power is the ideal solution to reduce both our energy costs and carbon footprint. This advancement towards a sustainable future for our business will not only make us more environmentally friendly but also meet the increasing green credentials demanded
by our distribution partners, such as the National Trust and National Heritage.
“Geo Green Power has been excellent at every stage and completed the installation much quicker than we expected. They have helped us sort out the connection back to the grid and our electrical system on site. We can’t wait to see how it works, and can’t fault them at all, they’ve been great.”
Email: info@geogreenpower.com Call: 0800 988 3188 / 01509 880 199 www.geogreenpower.com
Wind turbines at Royd Moor, Penistone
Bluebell Dairy has partnered with
energy experts
Green
kW
Sector Focus: International Trade
New issues impacting the shipping industry
By Andrew Ford, branch manager, Davies Turner & Co Ltd
The shipping industry was finally returning to a sense of normality after the pandemic, but unfortunately new issues have come to test the industry once again. These have caused increased freight rates, delays in transit times and threats of port strikes, all adding up to more woes for the supply chain. So very similar are these issues that affected the industry throughout Covid-19, but hopefully they do not persist for as long.
Red Sea crisis reaches peak impact on box ships
With our large portfolio of ocean freight forwarding and logistics services, Davies Turner was interested to read that almost all of the services from the top 10 container lines have diverted via the Cape of Good Hope and escalation of Houthi attacks would have little impact according to maritime analyst Linerlytica.
That is according to a news item on the Seatrade Maritime News website, which reported that of the leading container ship operators, only CMA CGM has continued to transit Suez, with an 11-ship service, of between 9,000 and 11,000 teu, all of which are operated by CMA CGM with its Ocean Alliance partners, COSCO, OOCL and Evergreen taking slots on the service.
At Davies Turner, we remain committed to helping clients manage the difficult situation facing container shipping at present and mitigate where possible additional costs incurred.
Our ocean freight team will endeavour to keep in close contact with all clients to provide updates on specific movements.
Have container spot rates peaked?
The Loadstar website recently posted an interesting article that stated that there was more evidence in container port freight markets that peak prices on the main east-west deep sea trades have passed.
This was of great interest to us at Davies Turner, with our comprehensive network of international container shipping services, including LCL and FCL import and export operations, as the article also stated that all three major indices recorded single-digit declines on the back of lower utilisation of ships loading in Asia.
‘Davies Turner remains committed to helping clients manage any difficult situations’
“Any further escalation of the Red Sea crisis would have a limited impact on the container markets as only 14% of the ships currently deployed on the Asia-Europe trade are using the Suez Canal,” said Linerlytica.
It added that the most significant drops were seen on the transpacific Asia-North America route, where Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) Shanghai-Los Angeles declined five per cent week on week, to yesterday’s level of USD6,934 per 40ft, while Xeneta’s transpacific XSI saw a six per cent drop, to USD7,322 per 40ft, and the Freightos FBX dropped four per cent, to USD7,738 per 40ft, with pricing on the AsiaNorth Europe route either flat or seeing slight declines.
The article quoted sources saying that space
had become easier to procure, suggesting that either demand has begun to wane, or that the large-scale capacity additions since the beginning of the year are finally beginning to make their presence felt.
North America: Threat of port strikes
The threat of port strikes across North America continues to send jitters across already stressed supply chains, reported the Splash247 website, and as transatlantic trade is an important part of Davies Turner's business, we are considering contingency plans should the threats turn into reality.
Recently, Canada’s Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled that a planned 72-hour strike against DP World in Canada went against the country’s labour code, narrowly averting a threeday shutdown.
Shippers still have to contend with the prospect of Canadian rail workers going on strike, with teamsters at both CN Rail and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited readying for strike action.
In the USA, while a deal was finally struck in June last year for a six-year labour contract at 29 US west coast ports, contract negotiations over a current agreement that expires 30 September (covering about 45,000 dockworkers at facilities including six of the 10 busiest US ports), broke down between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance.
Davies Turner remains committed to helping clients manage any difficult situations facing global supply chains and will endeavour to keep in close contact with all clients to provide updates on specific issues.
Sector Focus: Legal & Finance
Sheffield solicitor is on the ball
Fantasy street football become a reality in Sheffield thanks to commercial property law specialist, Mason Thomas Law. Acting on behalf of Yard Ball’s owners, Tekkers Leisure, Sheffieldbased Mason Thomas Law negotiated the lease on a 50,000 square feet. facility which is now home to the UK's first street football theme park.
Located on Little London Road, Heeley, Yard Ball is already proving a success, with the owners reporting the first two days of opening being fully booked.
The immersive experience, which opened on 15 July, includes shooting against mock garages, crossbar challenges, and even the iconic and nostalgic ‘kerby’ game.
The 15-year lease on the building was negotiated by solicitor Cathy Thomas, managing director of Mason Thomas Law. She said: “It has been an honour to help bring this brand new football concept not only to Sheffield but also to the UK. Yard Ball has long been anticipated since being announced back in June last year, so to see it finally open and exceeding everyone’s expectations already is wonderful.”
Graeme Hinchliffe, non executive finance director of Tekkers Leisure, said: “I have worked with Mason Thomas Law previously in my role as a business consultant and had no hesitation in recommending them to the team when it came to negotiating the lease for the new site. I wasn’t disappointed; the whole team was on the ball.”
‘It’s fantastic to finally be open and welcoming football fans to this great facility’
Formerly a timber depot owned by Arnold Laver, the building has since been transformed into a £1m street football activity centre and created 25 new jobs.
Graeme added: “Mason Thomas Law was very efficient throughout the lease negotiations and held our hand throughout the process. Because of the repairs needed, they had to undertake a lot of diligence work with the lease and were proactive in helping us secure both reduced rent and a rent-free period while we transformed the building. We’ve also had significant support from the landlord Arnold Laver in supporting us to bring Yard Ball to Sheffield. It’s fantastic to finally be open and welcoming football fans to this great facility.”
Firms hit by financial woes
Yorkshire & The Humber businesses accounted for 11% of administrations in the first six months of 2024 – the third highest region in the UK – according to analysis by law firm Shakespeare Martineau.
A total of 879 businesses, 99 of which came from Yorkshire & The Humber, filed for administration between 1 January and 30 June –marking a 16% increase compared to the same time period in 2023 and 42% rise in comparison to 2022.
Retail, manufacturing, construction, real estate and hospitality were the worst-hit sectors for the second year in a row, accounting for 57% of all administrations.
Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The continued increase in the number of businesses filing for administration is indicative of the prolonged economic challenges that are plaguing the country.
“The data highlights the disproportionate impact on the retail, manufacturing, construction, real estate and hospitality industries in particular, which, together, constitute a substantial proportion of all administrations. Changing consumer buying habits means the retail and hospitality sectors are bearing the brunt, and there has also been a reduction in housebuilding, which has a knock-on effect in the construction and real estate sectors.
“Our advice remains consistent – seeking professional advice early can open up more options for struggling businesses. It is crucial not to ignore the signs and bury your head on the sand, and, instead, take a proactive approach to address underlying issues. By doing so, businesses can better navigate the tough trading conditions.”
Law firm welcomes new corporate partner
National law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed corporate partner Matt Ainsworth (pictured) to its Sheffield hub.
With more than 24 years’ experience, Matt has joined Shakespeare Martineau from Knights plc, where he spent the past seven years as a partner. Prior to this, he worked for Irwin Mitchell and DLA Piper.
Specialising in corporate finance, Matt advises public and private companies, individuals and institutions on domestic and crossborder mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, IPOs and secondary fund raisings, restructurings, and joint ventures, spanning a wide variety of sectors, including manufacturing and industrials, healthcare, digital and technology, and hospitality.
Matt said: “I am thrilled to have joined a highly rated and respected
national law firm that has its roots centred around client-focused delivery, and values the development and ambitions of its partners and people.
“In my new role, I am looking forward up developing Shakespeare Martineau’s corporate and wider legal offering across South Yorkshire, transforming the brand into the ‘go-to’ mid-market law firm in the region.”
Cathy Thomas
Sector Focus: Manufacturing & Engineering
Zonegreen continues to put safety first
Sheffield-based Zonegreen has returned to a rail depot in Nottingham to replace an existing safety system, installed more than a decade ago, enhancing the protection offered to staff.
Working with principal contractor, RTS Infrastructure, the rail safety specialist – part of the Sentric Safety Group – has installed its Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS) on two roads at East Midland Railway’s Eastcroft facility, as part of a £2m overhaul. DPPS provides physical protection from the dangers encountered in a rail depot, enabling staff to create safe zones in which to work through the use of powered derailers and warnings of vehicle movements. It is now protecting double-ended roads four and six in Eastcroft’s maintenance shed and has been linked to Zonegreen’s Depot Manager SCADA software, which provides a graphical overview of the entire system’s status and full traceability.
Zonegreen has also installed a protection system on the fuel road. It uses shunt signals to prevent vehicle movements if anyone is working in the vicinity, while treadle switches detect a signal passed at danger and activate visual and audible warnings. In addition, two manual gates have been added to a level crossing to ensure they are locked against road traffic and can only be opened when a train is authorised.
Christian Fletcher, Zonegreen’s head of engineering, said: “We are really pleased East Midlands Railway has chosen to invest in staff safety as part of the major upgrades at its flagship Eastcroft depot. The fact it has commissioned us to provide the equipment demonstrates its ongoing faith in our technology and the service we provide.
‘DPPS provides physical protection from the dangers encountered in a rail depot’
“Working with RTS, UK specialists who are delivering change for customers and the railway, on this installation is the perfect example of how our dynamic systems can be adapted to the changing needs of depots and tailored to their individual layouts.”
Eastcroft is at the heart of EMR’s regional operations and is responsible for maintaining trains that provide services across the country. The £2m upgrade is being carried out to increase capacity, while ensuring the continued safety of workers.
An honour for inspiring industry leader
A Rotherham-based entrepreneur has been named as one of the most inspiring business leaders currently working in the manufacturing sector.
Adam Bradley (pictured) was named as one of the top 100 most influential people by industry publication The Manufacturer during a special event that took place at the Birmingham NEC.
Chosen by a judging panel comprising academics, senior business leaders and established industry bodies, The Manufacturer’s Top 100 list was launched in 2013 in response to academic studies and parliamentary reports that identified a lack of visible role models within the manufacturing sector.
Resistant Materials. Since becoming a director of the business in 2020, Adam has successfully seen the company enjoy significant year-onyear growth, which has seen the business export its products to 38 countries across the world, where it supplies goods and services to the advanced technology, energy and food and drink sectors.
‘I feel incredibly honoured that the work I have delivered has been recognised’
Adam secured his place on the list after overseeing a significant period of growth at Corrosion
Corrosion Resistant Materials secured a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2022, and since that time both Adam and the company he oversees has secured a number of prestigious industry accolades. In the same year, Adam was awarded Business Person of the year by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and since that time, both Adam and Corrosion Resistant Materials have been presented with a number of prestigious industry awards including Business of the
Year and the coveted Made In Sheffield Award for Exporting.
Adam said: “The Manufacturer’s Top 100 list is a prestigious industry accolade, which is often referred to as the Who’s Who guide of British manufacturing, and I feel incredibly honoured that the work I have delivered has been recognised in this way.
The manufacturing sector plays a vital role in Britain’s economy, yet for the sector to truly prosper, we must inspire and educate the next
generation about the many different career opportunities available. We all have a part to play in realising this, and I feel truly humbled that my efforts have been recognised in this way.”
Joe Bush, editor, The Manufacturer, said: “Over the last decade, those who have been inducted into The Manufacturer’s Top 100 have used their experience to highlight the amazing opportunities that exist for the next generation of UK manufacturers. To be part of it means each person has been nominated, and judged, to be an outstanding role model for the young people we all want to encourage into careers in our sector.”
Corrosion Resistant Materials was founded by Chris Williams and Lee Perry in 2015. The company provides a comprehensive range of services including heat treatment, machining, testing and forging. Today, Corrosion Resistant Materials successfully exports more than 70 different grades of specialist materials to 38 countries across the world.
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Sector Focus: Skills & Training
Student designs seating area
ACollege student, has been installed at Hexthorpe Park, Doncaster.
The seating area, designed by Nathan, a local student from Doncaster College, is a result of a project given to students by City of Doncaster Council’s ‘Get Doncaster Moving’ (GDM) team.
Doncaster College’s visual arts students were invited to work on a project last year with the GDM team and were tasked with thinking about how they would like to use parks and open spaces, what would encourage them to visit more, and how they currently feel about using them.
A running theme throughout many of the students’ work was around creating social spaces for young people to feel welcome in. Nathan’s design caught the attention of the team as it was designed in such a way that it brought to life a lot of the recent recommendations that have been published nationally around how to make parks more inviting for young people.
Councillor Glyn Jones (Hexthorpe and Balby North), deputy mayor, said: “I would like to congratulate and thank Nathan for sharing their ideas with us and creating a unique social space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. Hexthorpe Park has seen a number of improvements over the past few months that have come to fruition after engagement with local residents.”
Councillor Sophie Liu (Hexthorpe and Balby North) said: “Nathan’s bright and open design is eye catching and different to what is currently seen in Doncaster parks. This is the first project of its kind in Doncaster, and it’s wonderful to see that we were able to not only support local students with their college courses, but to end up with a design being made and installed in Hexthorpe Park is fantastic.”
Nathan said: “When starting my design, I thought of people around my age (15-17) and what I would want in a park. What I would want in a park is a place to meet up with friends on a nice day. The colours in my design reflect those of a kid’s playground but by using the pastel versions it creates a more teenage style, all while still fitting in with the main colours of a kid’s park. I hope people enjoy the space.”
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Available at various levels and across numerous industries, apprenticeships are ideal for recruiting new talent into your team or upskilling your existing employees.
Email employer@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 166 to find out how apprenticeships could help your business.
Northern College welcomes two new board governors
Northern College in Barnsley has strengthened its employer links and expertise with the appointment of two new governors.
Matthew Stephens and Raymond Low have recently joined the college’s governing body with a focus on strengthening the organisation’s links to local and regional employers.
Mark Sanders, chair of the board of governors, Northern College, said:
“Our three-year strategy builds on a long and celebrated history of changing lives through education.
“It clearly states our ambition to ensure that Northern College meets the needs of its students, communities and the economy now and in the years ahead.
“The appointment of Matthew and Raymond will help us to achieve that and we are delighted that they have joined the governing body.
‘Our three-year strategy builds on a long and celebrated history of changing lives through education’
development and regeneration in South Yorkshire and Wales where he grew up. He said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to become a governor at Northern College. I have spent the past 20 years working in Barnsley and across the wider Yorkshire region and am looking forward to working with fellow governors to take the college forward. I am passionate about what the college brings to so many people and I hope that my experience can make a difference.”
“Their expertise will enable the college to build its links with employers and boost careers and skills development opportunities for students.”
With a career spanning over 25 years, Matthew Stephens has significantly impacted property
Raymond Low has enjoyed a 40-year career providing technology services to the worldwide financial industry including managing teams across 30 countries. He said: “I am excited to join the team of governors at Northern College. I look forward to working with the team to help make the college the most successful residential educational facility in the country.”
Northern College in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is the only adult residential college in the North of England and educates adults from across Yorkshire and further afield.
Hexthorpe Park’s new social space
