Unlocking potential, one story at a time
Funding helps children’s charity reach new audiences Pages 16-17
FEATURE: HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
SECTOR FOCUS: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
PLUS: WELLNESS HUB SEEKS FURTHER SUPPORT
PROMOTING ENTERPRISE IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE
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Front cover: Grimm & Co relocates to a new premises See pages 16-17
The next issue of BUSINESS CONNECT will be available in February 2025
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Welcome
...to Business Connect
Looking forward to another great year for South Yorkshire
Welcome to our last issue of 2024. How time flies! There has already been so much to celebrate this year, and this issue is no exception.
New figures have shown that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has invested £150m over the past financial year into transformative projects across South Yorkshire. A whopping 182 projects have benefited from this funding, and you can read all about the great work the SYMCA is doing on page 6.
UNESCO Biosphere. If status is secured, it will be the first Biosphere in the north of England. Our cover story delves into the outstanding work that Grimm & Co, a Rotherham-based children’s charity, do (pages 16-17).
‘I’m confident that 2025 will be just as positive and prosperous’
There have been two major wins for the region’s clean energy and carbon capture efforts too (page 12). The news that Holtec, a US nuclear energy company, has selected South Yorkshire for its new small modular reactor (SMR) factory has been warmly welcomed. In addition, Doncaster is one step closer towards becoming a
Laura Blake EDITOR, BUSINESS CONNECT
Bolstered by a boost in funding, the charity has been able to move into new headquarters and expand its reach, sharing the magic of storytelling and giving even more children a voice.
In our Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership feature (pages 24-25) we take a look at Sheffield Theatre’s roll in the local community, while our Health & Social Care feature (pages 26-29) explores how social care businesses can be improved.
2024 may be nearly over, but I’m confident that 2025 will be just as positive and prosperous for South Yorkshire. See you in the new year!
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.
Part of Sheffield’s Heart of the City 2 development, Block H will provide hi-tech office space as well as a ground floor of retail units
Rising to the challenge of transforming the region
New figures have shown that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has invested £150m over the past financial year into transformative projects across every part of South Yorkshire.
In total SYMCA has invested in 182 projects through the Capital Investment Programme which aims to give people and businesses in South Yorkshire the best chance to thrive. Many of the projects are helping to improve public transport, revitalise town and city centres, protect areas from flooding, develop underused areas and provide improved health care access.
These exciting investment projects, which cover Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield were discussed at the SYMCA board meeting on Tuesday 10 September (see panel, right).
businesses in Rotherham, backing the transformational Heart of the City 2 development in Sheffield and funding the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
“There’s talent and opportunity right across our region and by investing in our people and places I’m determined to unlock South Yorkshire’s full potential.”
Capital investment is different from day-to-day revenue expenditure. It represents investments into assets such as roads, buildings, equipment, and infrastructure that will improve the region today, tomorrow and into the future for residents and businesses.
‘I’m proud that we’re investing in every part of South Yorkshire’
Financial year 2023/24 saw the MCA have its highest ever levels of annual capital investment into the region’s priorities.
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I’m proud that we’re investing in every part of South Yorkshire to help all of our communities stay near and go far.
“We’re renewing vital parts of our Supertram network, supporting the brilliant Glass Works development and Market Gate Bridge in Barnsley’s revitalised town centre, improving flood defences to protect people and
Some of the projects invested in by SYMCA during the 2023/24 Capital Investment programme include:
Renewal of Supertram £100m
Extending the life of tram tracks, improving reliability and safety and connecting communities for generations to come.
South Yorkshire Airport City
The MCA invests into its communities and places each year through its Capital Investment Programme that covers the whole of the region.
There have been several projects that have successfully been completed this year as part of this Capital Investment Programme, helping to ensure that the region has the right tools to tackle productivity challenges and the right platforms to give people and businesses the best chance to succeed.
The report discussed at the MCA board meeting highlights the scale, status and location of investment right across the region.
To find out more and to read the whole report visit: rb.gy/ylx64s
Over £3m of funding committed to support Doncaster Council to undertake the processes needed to acquire the airport site and go through the procurement process to appoint a new operator who will re-open Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Glass Works £3.6m and Barnsley Market Gate Bridge £8.9m
Helping deliver the award-winning Glass Works retail, leisure and public space in Barnsley’s regenerated town centre and deliver the Market Gate Bridge, a much-needed active travel link into the town centre.
Sheffield Heart of the City 2 £9m and Westbar £3.65m
Supporting Sheffield’s Heart of the City 2 development which is currently transforming the city centre with an improved retail, working, leisure and living environment and Westbar, the second largest regeneration project in Sheffield that will deliver accommodation, offices and retail.
Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme £2m and Forge Island to Riverside footbridge £1m
Improved flood defences to reduce risk of flooding in Templeborough, Rotherham town centre, Parkgate and Kilnhurst area and a new footbridge across the River Don connecting Forge Island to Riverside, supporting regeneration to the town centre.
Zero emission buses £18.1m
The introduction of zero emission electric buses across South Yorkshire through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme.
Businesses urged to help Rotherham wellbeing hub
YFleming Gardens is appealing to Rotherham businesses and residents to help build a much-needed wellbeing hub for local women, children and families.
The Rotherham-based charity works with young women and their children to create better futures. Supporting hundreds of families locally since 2004, Fleming Gardens has recently launched an appeal to fundraise for a community wellbeing hub.
The charity team provides support to 10 households on the Fleming Gardens cul-de-sac, 10 more households dispersed across Rotherham, and 27 families in their own tenancies. The people Fleming Gardens support often don’t have the safety net of friends and family to fall back on which is why the specialist services provided are so important.
‘It would be brilliant to have a wellbeing hub on site’
The wellbeing hub will provide a physical safe space for women and
children to access support for their mental health, past trauma and to support general wellbeing. With so many
people being supported throughout the community, having one central hub will give families and individuals the opportunity to
day lives and access compassionate, inclusive and expert support from a safe an accessible space. The hub, based at Fleming Gardens, Flanderwell, will also be used by other local charities and community groups delivering vital services and peerto-peer support groups to Rotherham residents.
A goal of £25,000 has been set to ensure the hub can be designed and built. The build requires materials, labour to build and fit amenities, decoration and furnishings. The hub will sit within the Fleming Gardens cul-de-sac and will be accessible to all those supported in the community, providing a quiet, welcoming space away from the office. Other local providers will access the hub to run workshops and sessions for women, children and families.
Fleming Gardens typically supports young women with budgeting, emotional well-being, parenting skills, domestic abuse, neighbour disputes, and access to education and training for both parents and children.
One of their supported young women, Tiana-Louise Renaulds,
Fleming Gardens project worker Tracy Knell and Rotherham resident Tiana-Louise Renaulds
said: “I have now got a place at Rotherham College, and I am completing a level 1 maths course and I’m hoping to move on to complete my GCSE maths qualification. My confidence has grown, and I feel that I would not have been able to achieve this without support and encouragement from my project worker Tracy Knell at YWCA Yorkshire. It would be brilliant to have a wellbeing hub on site where we can go with our children to attend all the parenting and support sessions being delivered.”
YWCA Yorkshire are reaching out to businesses to help raise funds and donate services to build the Wellbeing Hub and help more young women like Tiana-Louise.
Local businesses can get in touch with Rebecca from Fleming Gardens to learn to support the Wellbeing Hub design and build: Rebecca.Lockwood@ywcayork shire.org.uk
To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ fleminggardens
Mental Health Specialist award for Horizon star Glen
Horizon Care, a Yorkshire-based family owned and run care provider, has proudly announced its award win at the Stars of Social Care Awards 2024.
Mental Health Specialist was awarded to Horizon’s Glen Robson, in recognition of his unparalleled understanding of debilitating mental health conditions and supporting individuals to avoid acute hospital admissions, by fostering their independence and improving their overall quality of life.
The awards are a renowned platform that honours the achievements and excellence for the home care and care home sector, paying tribute to the workforce, who through dedication and a commitment to care, going above and beyond to support those who are most vulnerable.
Glen Robson, mental health specialist, Horizon Care said: “My passion has always been to work in the mental health community, and being recognised for all of my efforts across the years is such an honour.”
A vital look at crime and safety
Plans to tackle crime and safety fears in South Yorkshire have been set out by the region’s Community Foundation after the issues came out top in a major report.
The Vital Signs 2024 survey, carried out by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) to identify local priorities, revealed crime and safety as key concerns, particularly among the disabled and LGBTQ communities, elderly individuals and women.
The seven-month study, supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, collated the views of people living in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
At a special Vital Signs event, held at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, in Rotherham, SYCF announced ambitions to launch a new programme which would support local communities by awarding grants to groups and organisations tackling crime and safety fears.
Ruth Willis, CEO of SYCF, said: “Residents’ perceptions of crime and safety in the community are extremely concerning. Our research shows genuine fears about various types of crime, including drugrelated, property and violent crime as well as antisocial behaviour, with feedback highlighting a lack of support and economic disparities as underlying causes.
“The impact on communities is significant with many people feeling unsafe in their neighbourhoods, especially at night. Crime and anti-social behaviour are negatively impacting residents’ daily lives and enjoyment of their neighbourhoods.
“As a community foundation, our work is dedicated to improving the areas we serve and making a positive difference, which is why were keen to do all we can to support local people.”
SYCF’s host Andy Kershaw with guest speaker Helen Butler, who is a member of Motiv8 - a Doncaster-based groups that supports people with disabilities
Vital Signs data has been collected by SYCF through community surveys, focus groups and using a combination of local knowledge and official research to measure the vitality of a community.
Chris Booth-Mayblin, chair of SYCF, said: “The latest research highlights a complex picture of crime and safety in our communities. That’s why our Vital Signs survey is such a critical piece of work. By collecting the opinions of seldom heard marginalised and minority voices, it enables us to identify some of the most prevalent issues facing our communities.
“From this, we can develop tailored programs as part of a multifaceted approach to tackling crime and safety fears in our region.”
Glen Robson with his award for Mental Health Specialist
Young people invited to play a part in future of South Yorkshire
South South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is extending the membership of its Youth Combined Authority (YCA) and is looking for young people aged 11-24 years to join.
‘Young people will live with the consequences of the decisions we make now’
The YCA is a chance for young people to get involved in supporting the work and priorities of SYMCA and South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard.
The mayor’s priorities include improving South Yorkshire’s economy, transport and active
travel across South Yorkshire, planting 1.4 million trees and improving health outcomes for South Yorkshire’s residents. He recently took on responsibilities for policing, and is focused on improving the safety of our communities and taking a zerotolerance approach to knife crime.
SYMCA is responsible for transport, housing, skills, training & education, employability and tackling climate change across South Yorkshire.
An initial launch event, supported by the Youth Work Unit, was held in Doncaster in October.
Ahead of the event, Oliver Coppard said: ‘It’s South Yorkshire’s young people who will live with the consequences of the decisions we make now. That’s why they need to be heard loud and clear as we develop our ideas and put our plans in place.
“I want South Yorkshire to be a place where our young people can stay near but go far. I look forward to working with the Youth Combined Authority to make sure that vision becomes a reality.”
At the workshop, attendees explored how young people can work with and influence SYMCA and the mayor, and what
commitment might be needed on an ongoing basis.
Charlee Bewsher, The Youth Work Unit’s strategy manager for Yorkshire and the Humber, added: “The South Yorkshire Youth Combined Assembly (SY YCA) is a great project, supporting SYMCA to hear the voices of young people and respond positively, such as with the Zoom travel pass for young people.
“Joining SY YCA is unique opportunity to influence positive change in both local communities and across South Yorkshire. Launch day will explore how priorities of young people and SYMCA overlap and how we can work together in the future to make South Yorkshire the best place to live.”
Supertram on track with charity initiative
Just over six months into its new journey as a publicly operated tram network, South Yorkshire Supertram has launched a new charity initiative to help match its employee’s charity fundraising and support the local community.
‘Tramendous Together’ is a charity fundraising initiative designed to support and increase the impact of colleagues’ charitable efforts. It aims to encourage and amplify the philanthropic actions of Supertram employees by matching any donations they raise for their chosen charities by up to £2,000 per year.
The initiative matches donations up to a total amount of £500 every quarter to not only show its support for charitable causes, but also encourage a culture of generosity and community
involvement across the entire organisation.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity are the first to receive a Tramendous Together donation following a UEFA Euro 2024 fundraising campaign by Supertram colleagues. All funds raised will specifically go
to the Jessop Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Keith Swallow, head of finance and commercial for Supertram, said: “We are incredibly proud to launch Tramendous Together, which signifies our ongoing commitment to supporting the
communities our network serves. We are particularly thrilled that Sheffield Hospitals Charity, supporting Sheffield’s beloved NHS, is the first beneficiary of the scheme.
“This initiative is a testament to our team’s dedication to making a difference. We believe that together, we can contribute to positive change in a very real and impactful way.”
The Supertram team raised a total of £572.18 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity. This cause holds special significance for two members of the team, David Johnson and Stephen Selby, who both nominated the charity due to their own challenging experiences with premature births and wanting to support the Jessop Neonatal Unit.
The Supertram team raised £572.18 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity
Experienced leader takes role at charity
Martin Singer has been appointed as the new chief executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF). He will take up the role in Spring 2025 on the retirement of SYCF’s current CEO, Ruth Willis.
Martin joins from South Yorkshire Charity Mentors (SYCM) where he holds the position of CEO. He is also an independent consultant for the voluntary sector and small businesses, and formerly a commercial director in the private sector.
Martin held senior roles and led large teams at the John Lewis Partnership, Debenhams and Waitrose. He is also a director and a trustee at Sheffield Museums and Age UK Rotherham, as well as a director at Sheffield Cathedral Enterprises. He was a founding member of Sheffield Business Together.
“He has a proven track record of delivering results through collaborative working, combined with outstanding skills in delivering strategic solutions to challenging business wide issues and a deep purpose and passion for the not-forprofit sector.
“We’re confident he will be instrumental in driving us forward to achieve even greater things as we look to build on the solid foundations and success delivered by our outgoing CEO, Ruth Willis, who has given tremendous service to the community foundation over the last 12 years.”
‘He will be instrumental in driving us forward to achieve even greater things’
SYCF is the region’s largest local grant giving charity and last year awarded more than £1.7m to more than 400 community groups and organisations.
Chris Booth-Mayblin, chair of SYCF, said: “Martin is a hugely experienced leader with a strong background in building successful teams, creating strategies and leading change, innovation and transformation.
Martin said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as CEO of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and looking forward to leading the team as we enter an exciting new era. SYCF’s mission to support community groups throughout the region and help people facing hardship and disadvantage aligns with my own visions and values developed during a career dedicated to the voluntary sector.
“I look forward to working with the fantastic team of SYCF staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and donors as we strive to act as a catalyst for even bigger and greater change in South Yorkshire.”
New SYCF chief executive Martin Singer
Another win for clean energy in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard has warmly welcomed the news that South Yorkshire is set to become the new home of Holtec’s planned new small modular reactor (SMR) factory.
South Yorkshire is already home to the UK’s largest clean-tech cluster and has unique strengths in SMRs, hydrogen and sustainable aviation. Holtec is a US nuclear energy company, and its decision to build its new major SMR facility in the region has cemented South Yorkshire’s place as the natural home for emerging clean energy sectors.
After a process that involved 13 locations that were shortlisted down to four around the UK, Holtec Britain – which has been working at Sizewell B for over 15 years and in the UK for nearly 30 years – chose South Yorkshire as the location for its new SMR factory to serve the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
The factory represents a major £1.5bn investment and is set to create hundreds of highly-skilled jobs.
Holtec’s decision comes after Rolls-Royce SMR also chose South Yorkshire to become the home of its new multi-million pound facility earlier this year. RollsRoyce SMR will manufacture and test prototype modules for SMRs in South Yorkshire, further strengthening the region’s clean tech cluster.
‘We are the new home of the emerging clean energy sector in this country’
Oliver Coppard said: “In South Yorkshire, we’re building on hundreds of years of innovation and engineering heritage to create world leading facilities, skills and expertise today; assets that will power the clean energy transition in the UK and beyond. We are right at the cutting edge of the new nuclear, hydrogen and sustainable aviation sectors, and proud to be home to the largest clean tech sector in the UK.
“That’s why Holtec has chosen South Yorkshire as the home of its £1.5bn manufacturing facility,
because it recognises we are the new home of the emerging clean energy sector in this country. Its decision to invest in South Yorkshire has the potential to support hundreds of high-paying jobs, while its SMR Learning Academy will help train the next generation of nuclear engineers and experts.
“I promised to deliver a clean energy transformation and this decision is just more evidence of the huge and increasingly rapid progress we’re making.”
Gareth Thomas, director at Holtec Britain, said: “South Yorkshire overcame stiff competition from other areas of the UK to be our preferred location for
our advanced SMR factory. Holtec Britain was impressed by the resounding interest in our new SMR factory across the UK and the strong support received by the local authorities during our engagements. However, after a rigorous process, South Yorkshire was finally selected as our preferred location.
“In addition to the technical, supply chain, training, and logistics criteria for the formal evaluation, we were also impressed by the history and pride of the people we met during our visit to South Yorkshire, which demonstrated the workforce really cares about the quality and reputation of their work. For Holtec, that translates to a workforce that can be trained and will remain committed to delivering the high-quality nuclear products that Holtec, and our customers, demand.”
Doncaster Biosphere plans move forward
Doncaster has taken a huge step towards becoming a UNESCO Biosphere. It will be the first in the north of England and the first noncoastal location in the UK. UNESCO Biospheres encourage sustainable development and investment, while helping to protect and enhance nature for future generations.
There are 738 UNESCO Biospheres around the world and seven in the UK, providing learning places for sustainability and aiming to find local ways to help solve big global challenges. They
contain important plants, animals, and landscapes, alongside places where people live and work. The Doncaster area is home to some of the most important natural habitats in the country, which need protecting, enhancing and celebrating, such as the two large lowland peatlands - the biggest in England.
UNESCO projects across the UK bring in around £151m worth of additional investment annually. A Biosphere increases Doncaster’s opportunity to unlock more investment and grant funding.
Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, said: “This progress towards becoming the first designated UNESCO Biosphere in the North of England is fantastic news for Doncaster and an important part of our plans for protecting our natural environment. In 2019, I declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and I am keen to explore new ideas and approaches that can deliver positive change for residents, businesses and our natural environment. A UNESCO biosphere will not bring any new restrictions, but will create many opportunities for Doncaster. It will allow for further protection of our nationally important peatlands carbon store and allow us opportunities to attract investment into the area, green jobs, and put Doncaster on the map to a wider audience.
“The Biosphere gives us the opportunity for carbon capture projects, enhancing our ability to meet our Net Zero targets while also providing opportunities for businesses in terms of potential investment and creating jobs around sustainable industries and wider supply chains.”
Securing candidate status from the UK Man & Biosphere committee is the first step towards a full UNESCO designation. The project aims to apply full nomination by September 2026 following a period of consultation.
Holtec International’s storage modules depart Holtec’s factory in Camden, New Jersey
Driving modernisation through digitisation
By John Henshall (pictured), general manager, TravelMaster
For the last decade TravelMaster tickets have been a mixture of smartcards, scratchcards and paper tickets.
Paper continues to be a key ticketing media due to its accessible and low-cost nature. Some tickets have printed QR codes but this isn’t widespread but a future potential when considering day tickets. There is also a lack of standardisation in the bus industry which makes them usually only useful on single operator tickets (for now).
Smartcards, while some detractors believe are old or past technology, still remain current and provide key data for apportioning revenue to where journeys are undertaken.
dynamic QR 1-day tickets (including flexible bundles of 1-day tickets). This change will allow us to serve more people in a similar way to how passengers have become accustomed to purchasing a train ticket.
Other forms of technology are also available now from mobile QR to contactless payment cards with capping, both of which bring customer benefits but if not implemented carefully can open the door to fraud. Having a robust and secure system is imperative but smartcards do create barriers for first time and infrequent users.
For these reasons we are expanding our ticketing media portfolio to include mobile
The stumbling blocks have been at the acceptance end, we want a secure system so that means the scanning of tickets. Without the standardisation which exists for smartcards this means we need to persuade everyone to use the same standard (not an easy ask) and also have the equipment on board to scan tickets.
We are now in a position where we are happy to launch and from 10 November we’ll be bringing functionality to our bus only, and bus and tram tickets.
So how is this affecting B2B? Day tickets currently are fulfilled by scratchcards. Scratchcards are expensive, historically used to be at high risk of fraud and have large management overheads. For this reason they are only available B2B now.
From 10 November scratchcards won’t be a thing of the past but will begin to be phased out
by mobile QR tickets. Rather than posting large numbers of books of scratchcards out to clients they’ll receive a list of single use codes. Codes are flexible and can be billed on redemption or upfront. Scratchcards on the other hand have a choice of date but long validities, require physical distribution and can be damaged.
Modernisation and digitisation are fine for the majority but scratchcards won’t be phased out completely. Clients range from students to job seekers and new employees to event attendees and even released prisoners. One digital solution won’t fit all but even just having them as a potential option is expected to reduce costs and increase client satisfaction with TravelMaster’s services.
If you are interested in finding out more about how we are transforming public transport ticketing including how we can help businesses improve on their ESG targets through public transport ticketing schemes then contact us at sales@sytravelmaster.com
Funding takes children’s charity to new heights
ARotherham charity has completed work on a new headquarters and cultural destination in Rotherham town centre, thanks to £617,000 in Gainshare funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
Established in 2013, Rotherhambased Grimm & Co, is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and young people by helping them improve their confidence and skills in writing and creativity.
With SYMCA’s support, Grimm & Co has relocated its internationally renowned headquarters to a stunning Grade II listed church building in the heart of Rotherham. The move establishes a new cultural, educational, and visitor destination, enabling the Grimm & Co team to collaborate with young people and families from across the region and beyond.
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The work that Grimm & Co does is inspirational. The impact it has on young people and families, using literacy and imagination to unlock the full potential of young people, is something truly special.
‘Breathing new life into an iconic building in the town centre’
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support the team to create this world class venue for children and young people in South Yorkshire.
“By growing its team and space and moving to the heart of Rotherham in a Grade II listed landmark, Grimm & Co will not only be able to grow its offer for young people, but they are also breathing new life into an iconic building in the town centre”.
The towering Gothic Grade II listed building required urgent attention to address extensive issues, such as repairing the roof, treating pervasive dry rot and
dampness, and making once inaccessible spaces accessible. Louise Treloar, communications co-ordinator at Grimm & Co, said: “The Gainshare funding from SYMCA allowed us to improve the level of detail for our immersive spaces. We use these spaces as a ‘holding area’ for children's imaginations where they can truly feel free. The SYMCA funding allowed us to really take that to the next level, and the awe and wonder
The funding allowed Grimm & Co to improve their immersive spaces
Photo courtesy of Tracey Kidd
The Grade II Building needed extensive repairs
Photo courtesy of Tracey Kidd
that we’re constantly seeing now in the children mean they completely buy into our way of working and our child-empowered signature pedagogy.”
Through partnerships with artists and mentors, Grimm & Co unlocks creativity and fosters a passion for writing and stories through the power of play. It engages children in the art of storytelling and exploration of new fantastical worlds. The building’s heritage,
fairy tale-like aesthetics and landmark location will form the cornerstone of Grimm & Co’s Emporium of Stories, for children and the community.
Louise added: “We want to be one of the drivers for Rotherham becoming a story town where all stories are celebrated, no matter a person’s history or experiences. Everyone has a story, and it’s an interesting story because it’s theirs; we want to give a platform to that and celebrate all voices of Rotherham. We aim to be a shining light for creativity in the town, and that shows in the way we have interwoven stories into every aspect of the visitor experience –whether that’s sitting in the Feastery café and completing the activities there or exploring the Apothecary via a creative writing activity.”
This project will enable Grimm & Co to significantly increase visitor numbers and contribute to the redevelopment of Rotherham. Grimm & Co expects to attract over 120 school visits and 46,000 visitors to its new home, in addition to over 12,000 tourists, each year. The funding from SYMCA has also helped protect and create 22 jobs and 78 voluntary roles since May 2023.
The “fairy tale-like” aesthetics
Photo courtesy of Tracey Kidd
Artists preparing for a school residency
The Apothecary
Supertram joins pioneering rail safety initiative for young people
South Yorkshire Supertram has become the first in the light rail network to join a pioneering rail safety initiative aimed at young people.
The partnership, with Rail Safe Friendly, an initiative by Learn Live, is committed to educating young people about rail safety in the UK. By joining the initiative Supertram is emphasising its dedication to championing light rail safety information in South Yorkshire and beyond.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in promoting tram safety awareness and underscores Supertram's unwavering commitment to the well-being of its passengers and the wider community.
Mark Moore, head of safety, health, environment and quality at Supertram, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Rail Safe Friendly and take the lead in light rail safety education. Our commitment to the safety of our passengers and the broader community is unwavering, and we believe that by educating our young people, we are investing in a safer future for everyone. This partnership allows us to extend our reach and make a lasting impact on rail safety awareness.”
‘In the video, Ciaran provides insightful advice’
Recognising the importance of fostering a culture of safety from a young age, Supertram has funded 10 schools in joining the
programme, enabling them to receive invaluable support and resources dedicated to rail safety education. These schools were carefully selected based on their close proximity to the light rail network.
This pioneering move will leverage content expertly crafted by Network Rail, ensuring that students who frequently use the trams receive comprehensive and engaging learning experiences.
An instrumental part of this learning experience includes an educational resource video by Learn Live, featuring one of
Supertram’s conductors, Ciaran Crawford. In the video, Ciaran provides insightful advice on safe practices around trams, emphasising the importance of awareness and caution in and around tram zones
As the first tram network to embark on this venture, Supertram is at the forefront of championing light rail safety information, working closely with Rail Safe Friendly to integrate this crucial aspect into the broader rail safety education curriculum. This groundbreaking collaboration between Supertram and Rail Safe Friendly paves the way for a more informed and safety-conscious generation.
Funding boost for apprenticeship service
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is to receive new funding from the BBC to support apprenticeship training within local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Yorkshire.
The service, which forms part of the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, is funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and delivered by the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership. The BBC has now pledged £100,000 to the apprenticeship levy fund, which will allow people who want to work in the creative and digital industries, or who currently are, to earn while they learn.
an aim to encourage SMEs in their area to apply for the funds so they can recruit apprentices and create apprenticeships for their businesses.
‘We need the right people with the right skills, and the right training’
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is one of several services receiving levy funds from the national broadcaster with
The South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, which aims to see 300 new high-quality apprenticeships brought to the region by 2025, was launched by South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard, in December 2023.
Welcoming the BBC’s additional funding, he said: “This contribution from the BBC recognises the significant contribution the creative and digital industries make to South Yorkshire’s young people and the wider economy. South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy. That means we need the right people with the right skills, and the right training and education to support them.”
Supertram conductor Ciaran Crawford, who featured in a Learn Live video
Assessing the risk of fire doors
By Anthony Dunnachie (pictured), head of fire safety services, Cerberus Passive Fire Protection
The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that flat entrance doors must be considered in the Fire Risk Assessment mandated by the Fire Safety Order.
Fire doors require regular checks to ensure that self-closing devices are working and the fire doors, including flat entrance doors, are in efficient working order and in good repair. These checks are to ensure that the existing door standard is maintained.
‘Fire doors require regular checks to ensure that self-closing devices are working’
During the fire risk assessment, the assessor may recommend improvements to be made to the door and it will be for the responsible persons to determine how these are
implemented. If faults are found with the doors, then it may be necessary to undertake appropriate maintenance to ensure they remain fit for purpose or, where needed, to replace them. However, there is no requirement to replace a fire door simply because it does not meet the current standard under building regulations if the door remains in full working order from a fire safety point of view.
The minimum requirement is for the responsible person to undertake an inspection of the doors to identify any obvious damage or issues. Furthermore, it is not envisaged that those checking the doors carry out a detailed technical examination on the fire
resistance of the door (which is a matter for the fire risk assessment), unless it appears that an original fire resisting flat entrance door has been replaced with a non-fire resisting door or is visibly damaged in a way that would impact on its performance as fire door. It should not be necessary to engage a specialist for these checks as the responsible person should be able to carry out these checks themselves.
The frequency of fire door checks can differ and as per the Fire Safety England Regulations
2022, residential buildings above 11m require a more rigorous inspection regime.
Despite there being no requirement for inspections to be undertaken by a technical fire door inspector it is common practice for them to do so. While identifying deficiencies with doors can be relatively straightforward with many publicly available guides, identifying what action and remediation work can be undertaken in practice requires additional knowledge usually beyond that of nontechnical persons.
Connect Profiles
Welcome to Connect Profiles, where local firms can tell our readers all about their business.
Joe and Emily Barber
Organisation: Travel with Joe and Emily Ltd.
Job Title: Directors/personal travel consultants
What does your organisation do?
Travel with Joe and Emily Ltd. is an independent travel company franchised through the awardwinning Not Just Travel. We provide an all-in-one travel booking solution that allows the client to be able to book the perfect getaway without spending hours doing so.
So how does it work? Its simple! The client contacts us with their personal criteria for their perfect getaway and then we take care of all the hard work to find the ideal accommodation, flights, transfers, etc. for them based on their requirements provided.
This saves the client time and effort comparing many websites to find what they are looking for. Not to mention that there is no added cost for our service, while all being fully ABTA bonded! This is perfect for anyone who has a busy work life and struggles to find time to fit in personal tasks that need doing.
To make this an all-in-one booking solution too, we also offer all the other amenities that you may require such as pre-stay hotels, airport parking, travel insurance, attraction tickets, etc. making the whole experience simple and straight forward.
So where can we book? We can book all the regular relaxing European destinations, as well as the adventurous three months travelling across South America or the luxury getaways to Mauritius. Weddings, honeymoons, cruises and even UK cabin breaks we can book them all too! The possibilities are endless with us!
The special touch we also provide is that we treat every client’s wishes with love and care like it was our own holiday so you know that your holiday is in safe hands.
How did it all start?
Joe: Earlier on this year we were lucky enough to become parents for the first time. It has changed our lives forever. Because of this, I decided that I wasn’t happy working in a 9-5 job with a long commute anymore and I needed a way to work towards changing it.
One day we were at my brother’s house when they told us they were looking at booking a holiday. We both suddenly became very excited as we hadn’t been away for almost a year (which was irritating us badly as we love our travel) so we helped them book one. I went back to work two days later to which my brain cogs started ticking away. I thought “could I do this for a living?”.
So I started to search online and discovered Not Just Travel. There happened to be one of their discovery events in Leeds the following day so I thought “what have I to lose?” and decided to attend. I became very quickly obsessed. I spent the following two weeks searching everything about them and what they were doing for the travel industry. I was sold and so after many discussions with Emily we decided to go in together on this and we bought a franchise. One month later we completed our training and as they say the rest is history.
What’s your greatest achievement so far?
Our greatest achievement has to be our 10 month old son. He has changed everything in our lives and has pushed us to want to achieve so much more than ever before. Everything is now all for him and his future.
What has surprised you most in your job?
‘We treat every client’s wishes with love and care like it was our own holiday’
You all know the saying “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. I didn’t know if this was really a saying but it couldn’t be more true with this business. We love it. Spending all day looking at and talking about holidays and amazing destinations, it honestly doesn’t feel like work! It feels like more like a hobby - that’s how much we love what we do! Every booking is a high-five moment.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out? We would say taking the leap of faith to actually do this in the first place. We are confident many more risks will follow but to actually commit to this while just becoming parents and working full time - it was a huge risk vs reward moment but we are so glad we took a chance as are loving every single day.
connect PROFILES
What keeps you awake at night?
Apart from sometimes our son, our own sales targets and personal business ambitions. Joe is an ideas kind of person who will often dream big and put himself under pressure to achieve it, so we would say Joe and his ideas keep him up at night.
If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently?
We wish we had started sooner. Travel had a huge boom after lockdown ended so we wish we had started it at that moment. Though we are also the sort of people that don’t regret anything in life and always look forward not backwards.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Joe: I have wanted a business of my own all my life but have been too scared to make that leap of faith. Now, I wish I had done it years ago. So I would say to someone else thinking of starting a travel business or a business in general - don’t be scared, tomorrow isn’t promised, give it your all and just go for it.
What exciting projects is your organisation working on?
We are currently looking at how we can help families who have a hard time travelling with loved ones diagnosed with autism. We have experience within our own
families with autism and know what stresses this can cause to many families when they want to go on holiday.
Some feel that they can’t or feel that the difficulties that may come with it, make it not worth it for them. We would like to work with
suppliers to be able to find suitable solutions and take care of any special assistance required for families, so they are able to go and have a great experience without feeling major stresses that they might currently experience.
What recent news story has had the biggest impact on your business?
ETIAS coming to UK passengers next year, which will change the way everyone travels to most European destinations. This means that UK passengers will be required to have an approved visa before travelling, very similar to if you were travelling to the USA or Canada.
What is your biggest ambition? Joe: My biggest ambition from the start was to be a proud father who can make the school runs. So by the time our son starts school we aim to have the flexibility to put our family first. Emily: To keep travelling the world with our family, with a safari in South Africa at the top of my bucket list of places to go.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
We both are very much obsessed with travel having been to 32 cities in 12 years but we have so many more on our list to visit. Joe is also a woodworker and Emily loves to attend music concerts.
•See advertisement on page 31
Website: joeandemily.notjusttravel.com
Email address: joeandemily@notjusttravel.com
Telephone: 07549 645041
Social media: Facebook.com/travelwithjoeandemily Instagram.com/travelwithjoeandemily www.linkedin.com/company/travel-with-joe-and-emily-njt
Features
• Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership
• Health & Social Care
Be part of something
extraordinary at Sheffield Theatres
By Adam Battey (pictured), trust and partnerships development officer, Sheffield Theatres
Our theatres, the Crucible, Lyceum and Playhouse belong to our brilliant city. In the heart of Sheffield city centre we welcome over 400,000 audience members each year for incredible productions on our stages alongside ground-breaking participatory projects.
We present the best of UK theatre and create productions made here in Sheffield, many of which transfer to the West End or tour. Together with the theatres’ incredible audiences, supporters, and the donations made to Sheffield Theatres as a registered charity, we’re proud to contribute to the vibrancy of our city by offering a great night out, investing in talent and creating with our communities.
Creating joy
working here. Launchpad brings together adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to develop skills in performance and production, showcasing their talent and creativity.
‘We want to share the magic of live theatre with as many people as possible’
Sheffield People’s Theatre is our intergenerational theatre company for anyone aged 12+ with a shared passion for creating great theatre, and Young Company unites ambitious creatives aged 18-25 who are looking to develop a career in the creative industries. Each project creates the opportunity to build bonds and shared passion, and experience the joy of performing together on one of Sheffield’s world-class stages. Each production feels like a celebration.
A fantastic experience
Getting to witness the work of Sheffield Theatres’ community companies is one of my favourite parts of
We pride ourselves on offering a warm welcome and a brilliant theatre experience that is accessible, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Over the course
Feature: Charitable Causes, Promotion & Partnership
of a year, Sheffield Theatres averages over 100 accessible performances across our programme of events.
Alongside being a Dementia Friendly organisation, captioned, audio described, British Sign Language interpreted and relaxed performances are on offer.
Developing local talent
Sheffield Theatres is committed to supporting artists in the city region with skills workshops and development opportunities, all helping to attract and retain talent in the region. The Bank Cohort is Sheffield Theatres’ flagship programme for directors, producers, and writers.
Early-career creatives in the region develop their own projects and practice over a ten-month period, receiving mentoring and workshops from Sheffield Theatres’ producing and artistic experts.
The Making Room offers a supportive network and promotes opportunities for artists who are currently working – or are looking to work – professionally in the arts industry within Sheffield and the surrounding area.
Creating meaningful relationships
Sheffield Theatres is a charity committed to sparking imaginations at every stage, with work that shines as brightly as the spirit of our city.
We want to share the magic of live theatre with as many people as possible – whether that be through our award-winning, world-class productions or our pioneering programmes with schools and communities across the city. The generous support of donors, members, corporate supporters, trusts and foundations ensure that Sheffield Theatres can continue to inspire even more participants and attract more new audiences.
These meaningful relationships enable this work and, for that, I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to anyone who supports Sheffield Theatres, and who shares my excitement for even more Sheffield-forged shows coming in the future.
The Crucible and Lyceum Theatres in Sheffield
Feature: Health & Social Care
How we can help to improve care businesses
By Lorna Smith (pictured), care business consultant at Care Ideals
Our motivation
To strengthen the managerial level of social care businesses via improved skills, more confidence and greater business knowledge. This will result in sustainable and long-term benefits for the manager and the business.
The issues
1) Most registered managers who work in social care come from a care background.
They are promoted from carer to senior carer, then to deputy manager and then to registered manager.
Very few receive or are sent on bona-fide business management or leadership training. Yet, they are responsible for the operation of a care business.
Some registered managers are promoted in the care business in which they’ve worked for many years, and there are times where they’ve become friends with the staff they now need to line manage. Only a small number of these managers are taught about the importance of professional boundaries and culture.
This difficult set of circumstances can be made more complicated if the business owner doesn’t come from a care background, has other businesses that are their main focus, or he/she only visits the care business every two or three months. This point is more relevant to smaller and stand-alone care businesses.
2) The Skills for Care social care workforce data report from 2023 states as follows:
“Registered managers had a turnover rate of 23.2%, equivalent to around 5,700 leavers during 2022/23”. The cost of replacing 5,700 leavers will be in the many tens of millions of pounds. The financial cost includes:
• The cost of interim managers
• The cost of finding a replacement manager.
The cost is also dramatic in terms of time and disruption, which ultimately also becomes a financial cost, as follows:
• The care business not having a registered manager for weeks and sometimes for months
• The time cost of inducting the new manager
• The time it takes for the new manager to properly understand their role in this new business
• The impact on the staff team and the subsequent impact on the care being provided to residents and service users
• The stress created for owners due to not having a registered manager in charge of their care business, especially if the owner doesn’t live nearby.
3) Many registered managers are leaving social care altogether because of the stresses involved in being a registered manager.
It is evident from what we see and hear every week, that this is a regular occurrence, which results in a significant loss of sector experience.
4) The combined impact of points 1, 2 and 3 above is enormous and drastically affects both the care businesses involved and the industry at large.
Our solution
A management development programme that is practical, filled with real-life examples and that is based on our many years of experience working in social care.
1) It teaches the attendees:
• Creating and maintaining a healthy culture
• Leading your teams
• How to have difficult conversations effectively via improved communication skills
• The role that marketing and business development plays in the success of any business
• Financial awareness.
• Better decision-making.
2) Benefits for the care business:
• Managers who are more motivated because of the company’s investment in them
• Better leadership and improved culture
• More direction and guidance for staff, that most importantly will result in better care for residents and service users
• Strengthening the business from within
• Increased profitability
• Improved retention among registered managers.
The investment in our Management Development Programme will pay for itself many, many times over.
‘If your employees come to you to talk about their problems, the most important thing is that they feel heard’
Feature: Health & Social Care
Ways to support mental health at work
Mental health issues can seriously impact an employee’s ability to cope in the workplace. It can lead to low morale, low self-esteem, absenteeism and physical illness.
As an employer, senior leader or line manager, there’s a lot you can do to support your employees who are undergoing mental health struggles and create a better working environment.
Start with knowledge
The best place to start is making sure you have good knowledge of common mental health problems and the warning signs of poor mental health.
You should also take the time to get to you know your team so that you can notice any changes in their behaviour – however, it’s important to remember that different people will react to stress in different ways, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. You may have to adapt your approach to suit the different needs of individuals, so getting to know them is the first step in providing useful support.
Additionally, make sure you’re aware of your company policies regarding mental health and wellbeing. If you don’t have any policies in place, now’s the time to write them.
Be approachable
Conversations about mental health can be difficult, so try to remove any barriers that might make your staff feel reluctant to open up.
Schedule one-to-ones and catch ups with your staff and let them know they have a safe space in which to talk about any difficulties they are having, whether that be at work or in their personal lives. Getting to know them can make it easier to spot any concerning changes in their mood or outlook.
Active listening
If your employees come to you to talk about their problems, the most important thing is that they feel heard. The best way to do this is to use a technique called active listening. Firstly, try to maintain eye contact and open body language. Acknowledge what they are saying by repeating it back to them to make sure you heard correctly.
Ask direct questions, but make sure you’re not probing or pushing them too far – you can gauge what is acceptable from their body language. At the close of the conversation, recap what you’ve discussed and what your next steps are.
Don’t be tempted to offer solutions too quickly: while you may want to show how much you want to help, they may just need a space to vent and get things off their chest.
Wellbeing matters
Show your staff that their physical and mental wellbeing is important. Encourage them to take their full breaks, work reasonable hours and use their annual leave –because overworked staff are stressed out staff.
You can also implement initiatives such as home or hybrid working, the cycle to work scheme, volunteering days and team building activities.
These initiatives can improve physical fitness, boost mood and help them feel valued, all of which will have a positive impact on their mental health.
Prioritising workloads
While it might not be possible to offer your staff complete control over their workload of hours – after all, targets must be met – you can work together to find areas in which your staff can make their own decisions and have more autonomy.
You should also make sure that your employees are properly trained to do their jobs, because inadequate training can lead to stress or a lack of motivation. One way to increase morale is to offer regular training and development opportunities.
Look after your own mental health
As an employee or manager, it’s your job to support your team. But remember, your own mental health and wellbeing is important too.
You can’t effectively support your staff if you’re feeling burned out or stressed, so take time away from your desk and make sure you have someone to talk to, too.
If you’re a manager, you can ask for mental health first aid training to better understand how you can effectively support others and boost your own mental health too.
Sector Focus
The latest news from South Yorkshire businesses operating in the Corporate Hospitality, Creative Industries, Digital & Technology, Green Business, International Trade, Legal & Finance, Manufacturing & Engineering and Skills & Training sectors.
Magna adds extra dates for Christmas party season
Rotherham-based Magna Science Adventure Centre is giving more revellers the chance to step into Christmas in style, after releasing additional dates for its 2024 festive party celebrations.
Throughout December, Magna will ‘Deck the Big Hall’, promising an unforgettable evening to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Complete with fairground attractions including dodgems,
‘Our Christmas party evenings are shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets in town’
Heart FM’s DJ Dixie will bring the party to life with plenty of Christmas crackers to boogie along to. Eat Bump & Groove is a Christmas party like no other, and with the popular event heading for a sell-out, Magna has added new dates for 2024 to ensure no-one is left feeling lonely this Christmas.
Magna unveiled its Christmas party programme earlier this year, with the first evenings selling out in record time.
Each night will see guests treated to a welcome drink, a tasty threecourse meal and an all-inclusive drinks package. There promises to be something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s celebrating the start of the festive period with work colleagues or making memories with friends and family.
Kevin Tomlinson, chief executive, Magna Science Adventure, said:
“We’ve been truly humbled by the incredible response we’ve received
to our Christmas party nights. This year, demand has surpassed all our expectations, and we’ve decided to increase the number of dates on offer, to give more people the chance to soak up the unique atmosphere and kick off their Christmas celebrations in style.
“Our Christmas party evenings are shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets in town, and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of joining us at Eat Bump & Groove to get in touch soon to avoid disappointment.”
Unlocking the power of video
By Liam Gilroy
In an era where digital presence can make or break a brand, video marketing has emerged as an undeniable asset. For businesses keen to connect with audiences, video offers a fast track to engagement, memorability, and trust.
As we head into 2025 an agile and well-thought-out approach to video is vital in standing out. But as with any powerful tool, staying ahead means adapting and being open to change.
Short-form video is currently leading the charge, fuelled by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. These bite-sized clips – often under 60 seconds – cater to today’s short attention spans, delivering quick, compelling messages. Yet, for companies seeking deeper engagement, longform content remains invaluable.
Webinars, in-depth tutorials, and interview series offer an extended platform for thought leadership, appealing to audiences ready to
invest time for a deeper dive.
A standout strategy in the current landscape is the use of user-generated content (UGC for short). In an age where authenticity trumps slickness, real content from customers themselves is among the most persuasive forms of marketing. User testimonials, candid product experiences, and even user-shot “unboxing” clips carry the weight of unfiltered opinion – a priceless asset in a trust-driven market. By encouraging customers to share their stories, brands benefit from genuine endorsements that speak directly to potential buyers.
Live video still lives and holds particular sway that most don’t take advantage of. Real-time streaming has evolved beyond a novelty, becoming a compelling way for businesses to host product launches, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes peeks. Unlike pre-recorded content, live video fosters direct engagement, inviting viewers to connect on a personal level. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube have made live streaming accessible and versatile, providing businesses with a channel to build transparency and openness –qualities increasingly valued by today’s consumers.
‘Live video still lives and holds particular sway that most don’t take advantage of’
(pictured), video specialist, Video Pros
Long-form video content remains an invaluable tool for businesses
Sector Focus: Creative Industries
accessible to people on the go, broadening reach and impact.
For those serious about growth, data-driven insights are a critical piece of the puzzle. Analytics have transformed video marketing from an art to a science, providing detailed feedback on viewer engagement, watch time, and preferences.
This information allows brands to refine their strategies based on what’s truly resonating with audiences, adjusting content to meet evolving interests and driving stronger results over time.
Yet, while platforms and formats diversify, one truth remains: mobile optimisation is paramount. With the vast majority of video content now consumed on mobile devices, businesses must ensure seamless playback on smaller screens. Vertical or square video formats have become non-negotiable, while subtitles are essential for the many viewers watching without sound. With a mobile-friendly approach, brands can make their content
As the video marketing landscape grows ever more dynamic, businesses have an opportunity to harness its potential – but only with a strategy that’s as flexible as it is focused. By embracing short-form snippets, interactive engagement, and genuine user experiences, brands can stay relevant in a crowded field. Video’s power lies in its ability to transcend words alone, offering a visually and emotionally rich way to connect, engage, and convert.
The digital future is inherently visual, and video marketing is set to lead the charge. Businesses that make thoughtful investments in video will find themselves not only on trend but also positioned to build lasting, meaningful connections with their audiences in 2025 and beyond.
The digital future is inherently visual
Sector Focus: Digital & Technology
Doncaster firm revolutionises the future of AI
Doncaster-based company
Automated Analytics has set out a ‘Unlocking Data, Unlocking People’ White Paper at Scale Space White City, London, explaining how and why UK businesses should harness Artificial Intelligence for their competitive advantage to boost productivity, identify efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase profits. There is no doubt that the artificial intelligence (AI) technology revolution is positively transforming our lives, workplaces, and social interactions as well as the potential to significantly impact our economy and society.
However, there is ambiguity surrounding AI’s potential benefits as well as threats. The White Paper focuses on facts and real client case studies to validate the expertise of Automated Analytics and how they have been able to demonstrate the reliability, benefits, and improved efficiency by using AI technology.
Some of the company’s most noteworthy successes mentioned in the Paper include Pizza Hut, Dyno, Europcar, IN‘n’OUT Autocentres and Barchester Health Care.
Working with global brands such as these, it’s no wonder that Automated Analytics is recognised as a global leader in the field of AI with over 5,000 clients across both the UK and the US.
AI holds the transformative potential to drive growth, competitiveness, and sustainable success to enable businesses to harness its power to lead, thrive and gain significant advantage.
And Automated Analytics can provide the right solution and support to any business looking to achieve just that.
‘The new digital tech hub will act as a focal point for the city’s growth aspirations’
The White Paper also provides Doncaster with the opportunity to write the next chapter, curate the identity of the North’s newest city, and the opportunity to create a legacy. It reinforces the belief that Doncaster has the attributes to aim for the
stars in its ambitions for the future.
Doncaster is a place built on meaningful reciprocal relationships, a place with a strong culture of business and entrepreneurship, a place where innovation, dynamism and the pushing of boundaries is encouraged, and a place that has both actively shaped and thrived on its identity.
This is clearly demonstrated by the collaborative working Doncaster Council has with Automated Analytics and many other creative and digital businesses across the city.
Damian Allen, chief executive of Doncaster Council, said: “Our partnership vision of a city of thriving people, places and planet is at the heart of our borough strategy, and we wholeheartedly believe that AI is, and will continue to be, a foundational building block of our efforts to achieve that goal.
“It is our mission to make Doncaster a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence for AI in the UK. Doncaster is a place that looks beyond continuity, beyond what is easy, and is a place that will always explore the art of the possible.”
Mark Taylor, CEO of Automated Analytics, said: “Doncaster is a city on the cusp of becoming a leading destination for innovative digital and technology businesses to locate and grow.
“The new digital tech hub will act as a focal point for the city’s growth aspirations, enabling businesses such as ourselves to grow and prosper.
“The last decade has seen Automated Analytics scale to a global client base that now exceeds 5,000 clients – a journey that started here in Doncaster. As our products and services demonstrate, the use of AI offers real competitive
IT service specialists launch joint venture
Business IT managed service specialists Connectus Business Solutions has announced the launch of a new venture called Connectus Mobile Device as a Service.
The new company aims to satisfy market demand and the increased need among Connectus’ clients for fully managed mobile workflow solutions on devices including tablets and phones on as ‘As a Service’ Model.
It has been established in joint venture with leading telecommunications solutions provider PRS Group and cements a trading relationship that has lasted almost a decade.
Connectus and PRS Group have, in addition, set up a second joint venture – called PRS IT –to offer PRS Group clients the full range of Connectus’ Connect, Protect and Collaborate managed services on a white label basis.
Roy Shelton, CEO of Connectus Business Solutions, said: “Connectus has always been a partner-friendly company, so building on our foundation technology relationships with leading vendors such as Microsoft, Pax8, Brigantia, Dell, Vodafone and Xelion, we are
thrilled to be extending our relationship with PRS Group.
“Collectively, we service over 1,300 businesses across the UK in vertical sectors such as financial services, legal, sports and leisure, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, property developers and retailers.
“Our white label IT managed services offering along with PRS’ extensive experience in the field of mobility solutions provides a wider range of proven capabilities for our current and new clients. I have been a huge admirer of Paddy and his team for many years and feel the time is right to extend our service offering.”
Commenting on the new chapter with Connectus, Patrick Gill, chairman and founder of PRS Business Holdings, said: “Roy and I have worked on various projects and initiatives over the years and we both recognise, realise and are motivated by the unification of our portfolios. This is the beginning of a new adventure for everyone involved in both PRS and Connectus.”
Damian Allen, chief executive of Doncaster Council, at the AI event
Roy Shelton of Connectus with Patrick Gill of PRS Business Holdings
Sector Focus: Digital & Technology
It’s time to sing our own praises
By Mike Smith (pictured), managing director, TwentyFour IT Services
When writing these articles for Business Connect, recently around the cyber threats we all face, I have tacitly avoided mentioning my company, TwentyFour IT Services, a South Yorkshire-based IT support, cyber security, cloud services and managed infrastructure business.
However, 10 years since rebranding as TwentyFour, we have been announced as finalists for three Business Awards in the 2024 Doncaster Business Awards.
These awards nominations end an incredible year of growth for TwentyFour IT Services. We’ve not only celebrated 10 years of the TwentyFour brand, but increased the support base by 25% and onboarded 12 new team members across our three sites.
Customer Service of the Year award
Customer Service is vital, so being announced as finalists for the 2024 Customer Service of the Year Award is a wonderful testament to
the never-ending work of the entire Services team, who have given us an average of 98.3% Customer Satisfaction score throughout 2024. This score is especially humbling when considering that in the IT Support Industry, any C-Sat score of above 90% is considered “excellent” (Source: Salesforce).
These are from our smallest (three users) to largest (3,300+ users), and the Customer Service of the Year finalist nomination highlights this commitment to deliver excellent service.
Campaign
of the Year
Throughout 2024 we have undertaken the largest brand awareness push in our history, aiming to increase brand recognition throughout the local and wider business community.
The “TwentyFour In ‘24” brand awareness campaign has not only led to increased leads, website traffic and social following, but has also led to recognition on a national scale. With Tariq Shah of Vigo Group recognising
TwentyFour as “Everyone’s Favourite IT Company” and Doncaster Council CEO Damian Allen speaking at national conferences about the impact the business has had within the success story of business across the local region. The campaign has led to TwentyFour’s vibrant purple and green colour scheme becoming instantly recognisable across the local business community.
Partnership of the Year Partnership, for us, is more than just a word. It is about knowing your client - every client, across all business areas, and their business goals over the coming years.
Any of our customers could have entered with us for Partnership of the Year, but I think the work done with our charity partner, Active Fusion, best exemplifies our commitment to supporting our local business community. Lindsy James and the team do wonderful work with children and young people, but like everyone, they need to be supported and remain
secure against the evolving threats we all face, we decided to provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed... free of charge.
Although it is amazing to be finalists, we are grateful, not only to the team for their hard work and dedication, but to our entire customer base for their support in this anniversary year.
David to chair initiative to boost clean-tech sector
The former CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters and director of BAE Systems, David Bond, has been unveiled as the chair of SY Energy, a new partnership that will maximise economic investment and jobs in South Yorkshire’s clean-tech sector.
The vision of SY Energy is to support and maximise the economic opportunities in South Yorkshire in emerging areas of the energy sector, such as small modular reactors, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels.
David will lead the work of maximising supply chain development in the clean-tech sector as well as attracting investment and jobs within the region. SY Energy, a partnership of private sector companies, researchers and public sector bodies was launched by South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard earlier this year.
South Yorkshire has unique
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strengths in small modular reactors, hydrogen and sustainable aviation and is becoming the natural home for these emerging sectors.
SY Energy will work to de-risk investment decisions for clean-tech businesses together with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) who will help to attract talent and develop targeted skills programmes.
Businesses will also be supported to grow and build links with other regions and businesses in the UK and across the world.
‘Step by step we’re making South Yorkshire a clean energy manufacturing superpower’
transition to clean energy, while unlocking new export opportunities.
David said: “I am very excited to be asked to lead the important work of SY Energy – a partnership that will help the region meet its significant potential to be a major contributor in driving the UK
Oliver Coppard said: “Step by step we’re making South Yorkshire a clean energy manufacturing superpower. SY Energy, chaired by David Bond, will be one of the most important parts of that plan;
helping us to build on our industrial strengths to continue creating those new industries of the future right here.
“David has an unparalleled wealth of experience, knowledge and industry contacts, which is why we’re so grateful he has chosen to continue his long association with South Yorkshire by agreeing to take on this new role.”
Can solar PV pave the way to Net Zero?
Energy Secretary, Ed Milliband, has relaunched the Solar Taskforce with ambitions for a solar rooftop revolution: what could this look like for local businesses?
The increasing legislative and competitive pressure to deliver true sustainability with solid Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies; and the focus on Net Zero puts carbon neutrality high on most agendas. This is where solar PV can deliver an immediate impact.
As soon as a solar PV system is commissioned it generates energy and reduces carbon emissions. Even a relatively small 50kWp system will save around 12 tonnes of CO2 a year – it’s clear, it’s measurable and it’s a perfect first step towards your Net Zero commitment.
If carbon savings weren’t enough, there’s even better news – it’s very hard to install solar panels and not save money. During the energy crisis, with spiralling electricity bills, the transition to solar accelerated threefold.
Manufacturers embraced the global surge in demand and increased output. The market has cooled, energy prices have stabilised, but material prices have continued to fall and solar is now cheaper to install than ever.
With a 25-30 year warranty, and a length of life extending way beyond, solar panels generate free energy for decades, delivering electricity bill savings to invest elsewhere. The commercial scale projects we’ve specified and installed this
year are on track to deliver a full payback in the next five years and, when incorporating solar energy into ESG plans, these savings can be allocated to fund longer term activities as part of an integrated strategy.
Quite simply, if you haven’t yet investigated solar panels, you should; if you found it too expensive in the past you should look again. The industry is still young and the advancements in
technology are huge; 10 years ago your roof may have been too small for the size of install you require, but panel outputs have increased by at least 50% in that time.
info@geogreenpower.com Call: 0800 988 3188 / 01509 880 199 www.geogreenpower.com
Oliver Coppard and David Bond
Sector Focus: International Trade
Rail can be a better option than a slow boat to China
By William Sweeney, import operations, Davies Turner & Co Ltd
China is the largest exporter of goods in the world and Europe’s primary trading partner, accounting for approximately 20% of all imports into Europe.
However in times of disruption caused by numerous events, from adverse weather, blank sailings and national holidays, to more extreme events such as the Suez Canal blockage, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Red Sea attacks, rail freight has proven to be a valuable option for importers in place of traditional ocean freight.
The flexibility of rail services enables quick deployment of additional equipment when needed.
Importers with time sensitive shipments can avoid high airfreight costs but still manage to have a much faster service than ocean freight.
As an example, you can achieve circa 27 days transit time departure date to devan date by rail, whereas ocean is usually in excess of 50 days.
With the introduction of CBAM slowly being enforced in the EU at the moment, and the UK planning to introduce their own carbon measuring systems, it would be wise for importers to look towards more carbon efficient ways of importing.
With the UK government setting a target of reaching net zero by 2050, we can only anticipate further carbon neutralisation legislations being put in place.
This can be tricky for time-sensitive shipments, with speed taking priority over environmental consideration. To work around this, a positive experience when shipping via rail is that rail freight emits up to 70 times less carbon dioxide than air freight.
Importers can feel eased knowing they are reducing their emissions and complying with potential future CBAM regulations, while also receiving goods in a timely manner to satisfy production needs.
significantly reduced for both the importer and the exporter. Rail freight from China can positively impact the European market for UK businesses.
‘Rail freight has proven to be a valuable option for importers’
On the export side of things, rail freight can also really help businesses expand their clientele to further locations within China, the train terminate at locations more inland, such as Chengdu, making areas that are difficult to access by sea freight more attractive to exporters, as the stress of the final leg delivery is
With rail services mainly terminating in mainland Europe and then proceeding to the UK via road freight, UK businesses that use the European market to reexport can have their goods terminate in Europe when shipping full containers, save on cost and have goods delivered directly to their European client, instead of having to import into the UK and then reexport to Europe. This can assist businesses on saving in customs fees, lead times, and extra transportation costs.
Even with all the current affairs going on in the world, the logistics industry continues to thrive and power through challenging circumstances, proving that there is never a bad time to grow your business. Rail freight is growing, and this trend will only continue upwards.
Sector Focus: Legal & Finance
Venue given new lease of life
The future of a legendary London music venue has been secured by Sheffield-based Mason Thomas Law. The commercial property law specialist has secured a lease renewal on the iconic 100 Club’s Oxford Street venue.
Owned by Jeff Horton, 100 Club is a punk institution on Europe’s busiest shopping street and has been a cornerstone of the live music scene since 1942. It is renowned for having hosted performances by some of the biggest names in music including The Sex Pistols, Oasis and Kings of Leon. Sir Paul McCartney is also among 100 Club’s many supporters.
With the law firm previously used by the 100 Club having, unfortunately, been dissolved during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mason Thomas Law was recommended to Jeff by the 100 Club’s accountants, BCL Accountants, which has recently merged with Derbyshire-based SMH Group.
twice. I’m sure this helped speed up matters and certainly saved me time.”
Mason Thomas Law’s associate solicitor Candice Birch supported the iconic venue in renewing its lease for a further three years.
Describing the lease renewal as ‘complex’, Jeff said: “The lease document alone was over 90 pages long and when you’re really busy running a business, it’s easy to get bogged down by things that don’t happen day-to-day, particularly when coupled with legal terminology. It was brilliant to have Candice on hand to explain everything simply.”
‘It was a pleasure to work with Jeff and 100 Club to secure favourable lease terms’
Candice added: “It was a pleasure to work with Jeff and 100 Club to secure favourable lease terms. I was delighted to play a supporting role in the continued success and cultural legacy of the legendary 100 Club.”
Jeff said: “The close working relationship between my accountants and Mason Thomas Law mean it was like dealing with one business – everyone knew what was happening and I didn’t have to explain everything
The club has been run by Jeff’s family since 1964, after his grandmother bought shares in the club in 1958. It now boasts four generations of Horton at its helm, having recently welcomed Jeff’s daughter into the fold. “My daughter absolutely loves this place and wants to carry it on,” added Jeff.
Sheffield law firm moves to bigger office
Leading law firm Shakespeare Martineau is relocating its Sheffield office hub to an upgraded city centre location.
The firm is moving from its current location in Cemetery Road, Sharrow, to a larger space at Cubo in Carver Street, which is in the Heart of the City development and a short walk from Sheffield railway station.
As well as providing more desks and a breakout area to support agile working, the new hub offers shared access to a kitchen, roof terrace, multiple meeting rooms, large coworking lounge, breakout zones, bar and events area, and bike storage.
Carys Thompson, head of Shakespeare Martineau’s Sheffield hub, said: “It was time for us to move to a space that better reflects our empowered and collaborative working ethos.
“Cubo not only offers a modern, accessible and agile space for our people and clients to
work and collaborate in, but it also provides flexibility for the space to grow with us and is right in the heart of Sheffield city centre.
“Location means a lot to us and our clients and, while many law firms are retreating from regional locations, we’re continuing to invest in
them. Being closer to where our clients need us allows us to better serve them, providing local expertise and accessibility backed by the strength of our 1,200-people-strong national firm.”
Shakespeare Martineau is a B Corporation and, as part of its environmental commitments, is refreshing its 13 national hubs with at least 80% recycled, upcycling or sustainably-sourced materials.
Carys added: “We remain absolutely committed to Sheffield for the long-term and we look forward to continuing our investments in South Yorkshire, growing our team and welcoming clients to our new hub.”
Shakespeare Martineau recently expanded its team in Sheffield with the appointment of corporate partners Matt Ainsworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick. The firm is proactively recruiting lateral hires, teams and brands.
The new offices at Cubo
Candice Birch
Mason Thomas Law renewed 100 Club’s lease for another three years
Cheers! Employees take over brewery
Sheffield-based Abbeydale Brewery Ltd has become an employee ownership trust (EOT), strengthening the commitment to its talented team, safeguarding its long- standing values and securing the legacy of the business.
Since its foundation in 1996, Abbeydale Brewery have always utilised a people-focused ethos, growing organically over the past three decades and being open to learning from the team. The business, which employs over 50 staff (split between the brewery itself and their pub, The Rising Sun in Fulwood), has always been firmly rooted within the community. It benefits from an engaged and committed workforce, all of whom reside within the local area.
Both the brewery and pub are now 100% employee-owned, with a company name chosen by the new employee owners of Sheffield Beerworks EOT Ltd.
The new board of trustees will be comprised of Jon Conroy who will be the independent chair, Pat Morton (selling shareholder), Dan Baxter (co-managing director), and two employee representatives - Finlay MacDonald who is a bartender at the Rising Sun and brewer Christie McIntosh representing the manufacturing side of the business.
So a massive thank you for enjoying our beer. We will continue to do what we do best.”
Shorts acted as lead advisors on the transaction, including valuation, fundraising, tax advice and project management, with legal advice provided by James Burdekin of MD Law.
Sue Morton, one of the selling shareholders of Abbeydale Brewery, said: “Working on this transaction with our accountants Shorts was an obvious choice. They already know our business well and the corporate finance team have experience in EOTs. Connor Marshall, who led on this for the corporate finance team, has also been able to pull in advisors from other teams as needed. Shorts also introduced us to James Burdekin of MD Law in Sheffield who has done all the legal work on the transaction.
‘This solidifies the prospects of both the business and employees for the longer term’
Brewery founders Pat and Sue Morton will continue to be involved with Abbeydale Brewery – while they will step back from the day-to-day running of the business, their positions on the board of directors will remain, and they will continue to play an advisory role in the management of the business.
Dan Baxter said: “I could not be prouder of our team and everything we have achieved together over the years. We are a humble bunch, mentored by Pat and Sue, and a have a vast skill set among our staff at both the brewery and the Rising Sun. The future for the business is very exciting! The support of our customers and our community is paramount as it always has been.
Both James and Connor have been great throughout, responding quickly and providing support and guidance every step of the way.”
Connor Marshall, of Shorts, added: “It has been great to work alongside MD Law in transitioning such a well-known, acclaimed business into becoming an employee-owned business. From the start, the shareholders and senior management team wanted to do what was best for the employees and, with the implementation of the EOT, this solidifies the prospects of both the business and employees for the longer term. We all look forward to seeing the continued success of such a prominent Sheffield business.”
James Burdekin, of MD Law, said: “It was a pleasure to work alongside the team at Shorts in implementing the transition of Abbeydale Brewery to employee ownership. We have no doubt that employee ownership will be a perfect fit for the iconic business which has established itself as a cornerstone of the thriving Sheffield beer community and we wish all those involved continued success in the next stages of their journey.”
Bhayani Law in acquisition
Make UK, one of the UK’s leading providers of employment law and HR services, has announced the acquisition of Bhayani Law, a specialist law and HR consultancy based in Sheffield.
As part of its portfolio of high-quality business services, Make UK already provides advice to thousands of businesses across the UK, from FTSE100 companies and hallmark British brands through to innovative startups. This acquisition forms part of an ongoing strategy to strengthen and grow Make UK’s employment law service regionally throughout the UK and to increase its customer base by acquiring one of the most exciting and dynamic specialist firms in the UK. Furthermore, it also gives Bhayani Law access to a wide range of support and resources available from Make UK to grow its HR and employment law business to even more effectively support the business community in the South Yorkshire region.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK said: “We are delighted to have acquired such a fast-growing, dynamic and successful business in Bhayani Law. Our leading employment law service is already best in class and is a critical part of our offering to manufacturers and other businesses of all sizes. This will help us broaden our reach and appeal.”
Jay Bhayani said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in the 10 years since the set up of Bhayani Law. To become part of Make UK is a heartwarming endorsement of our success. The collaboration will bring together our mutual strengths, allow more opportunities for my team, greater resources for our clients and enable us to achieve our growth ambitions.”
Jay Bhayani
Staff at Abbeydale Brewery in Sheffield, which is now 100% employee-owned
Sector Focus: Manufacturing & Engineering
How women are shaping the future of manufacturing
Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber heard from the women leading the way in bringing digital innovation to manufacturing across the region, as a part of Leeds Digital Festival.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) were responsible for the delivery of the Made Smarter programme in the Yorkshire and Humber region, which helps manufacturers to leverage the power of digital adoption to increase productivity and secure a competitive edge.
Leeds Digital Festival ran from 16-27 September, and celebrated digital culture in all its forms, openly and collaboratively. As the largest ‘open’ tech event in the UK it is continuing to grow its voice and reach, so the team at Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber identified it as an ideal platform to discuss the digitalisation of manufacturing, and the place of women within that.
‘Attracting more women to engineering and manufacturing is key’
As part of this, Made Smarter organised a Women in Digital Manufacturing panel event which took place at Schneider Electric.
Chairing the panel was Mandy Ridyard, financial director for Produmax, who comes with a background in chemistry and manufacturing. Mandy moved to West Yorkshire in 1994 and has previously worked for CarnaudMetalbox, Mars Inc and Rank Hovis McDougall, jointly leading a buyout of Produmax in 1997. She is also chair of the West
Yorkshire Innovation Network as well as the West Yorkshire Business Board, and is an advocate for our region, innovation, manufacturing, productivity, and women in engineering and skills.
Mandy said: “Our region is proud of our manufacturing heritage and committed to our manufacturing future. From our textile companies supplying fabrics to leading fashion houses, to our space sector making critical components for the satellites in orbit, we are the supply chain to the world. By building on our strengths to grow and innovate, we can secure
more talent to the sector. Attracting more women to engineering and manufacturing is key. By listening to the needs of business and using our devolved powers, we will support businesses and help to build the diverse skills pipelines they need to succeed and grow.”
The event featured female industry experts as they shared their insights on how digital technology is revolutionising the industry, the challenges they have faced, and how they have successfully navigated their careers in the manufacturing sector.
Based at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Hub in Leeds, there
were also opportunities for guided tours around the site, where attendees discovered all their latest digital innovations complete with engaging ways to experience them. As it stands, women make up around 29% of the manufacturing workforce. By raising this to 35%, there could be 800,000 more female employees in this industry. This could fill almost every open job in the manufacturing sector today, which is why it is so important to reflect on existing female experiences, as well as how digital innovation has changed the way everyday working looks for employees in the industry.
Naylor welcomes guests to new office
Naylor, a Barnsley-based manufacturing company, marked a significant milestone with the official opening of its new office and the unveiling of recent investments in additional manufacturing capacity at its Cawthorne site.
The event showcased the impact of the £16m invested by Naylor at the Cawthorne site over the past two years. Key customers and local dignitaries, including Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, leader of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, the LordLieutenant of South Yorkshire, were in attendance to celebrate this achievement.
Edward Naylor CEO, said: “We’re very proud of our new facilities which give us the office and factory space we need to maintain the growth of recent years.
“The investment has enabled Naylor to expand its production capacity and launch new products. This expansion is expected to create new jobs and boost the local economy.”
Panellists at the Women in Digital Manufacturing event at Schneider Electric
The Naylor team open their new office
Sector Focus: Skills & Training
A podcast boost for education
By Maria Dumitrescu, (pictured) director of 21st Century Educators
With the invention of the podcast in 2003 by Dave Winer and Christopher Lydon, the world of social media gained another tool to help spread the word about peoples’ interests, fads, hobbies, music preferences and generally sharing personal or professional information with and on the Wide World (Web).
The name itself was coined by journalist Ben Hammersley in his 2004 Guardian article. It sparked a new trend where tech enthusiasts, bloggers, and independent creators, saw this new “invention” as a way to produce niche, ondemand content. Hosts and guests were discussing specialised topics such as technology, culture, and entertainment.
When I began podcasting, my goal was to share my experience as an educator with the world. I didn’t follow a structured plan – just a simple idea that led to a series of interviews with fellow educators. We wanted to acknowledge that something was happening in schools and educational institutions. Something that caused a lot of our fellow teachers to leave the noblest profession in the world. Something not (all) good.
Instead, it became a series of interviews with notable personalities, where I started asking
uncomfortable questions and talking about topics like the lack of modernisation of education systems, the resistance at implementing emotional intelligence in the workplace or the lack of intercultural understanding. That is when the Great Minds Think Alike podcast series came to life.
I invited my guests to talk about issues like violence in schools, lack of empathy for the special educational needs of SEND learners in mainstream schools and the consequences of not understanding cultural differences in international institutions, including educational settlements.
This is where I “met” with personalities like Dr. Mitchel Adler, a clinical psychologist, co-author of Promoting Emotional Intelligence in Organizations, Dr. Graham Lawler, author, publisher and radio broadcaster, Kellie Noon, of Kellie & Co. and Ian Cleverdon of Karona Sound.
Two young Doncaster men with autism disorders have landed jobs at a leading warehouse company thanks to specialist employment service Aspire to Be.
Thomas Brown, 18, who has ADHD and is autistic, and Logan Coulthread, 20, who has Asperger’s, recently started work with Doncaster-based GXO.
Thomas and Logan are both registered with Aspire to Be (ATB), the employability service of Doncaster Deaf Trust.
ATB offers tailored, sector-specific training for those aged 16-60 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It aims to build on personal skills and provide opportunities to increase confidence, self-esteem, self-development, and improve health and wellbeing, with individuals being supported to achieve employment in various sectors.
Tina Rafferty, programme manager for Aspire to Be, said: “Thomas and Logan are inspirational young men who it has been a pleasure to work with. They are fantastic
During my search for likeminded people to interview for my upcoming ENERGISe podcast series, I met Lucy Barnwell, director of marketing and learner improvement at RNN Group. As we started to get to know each other better, we discovered mutual interests, many of them relevant to my work in education over the past decade. I invited her to introduce her newest initiative, Skills for Employment, to my audience, which she has been developing over the past several months. During the interview, we talked about the importance of
transferable skills and how employers are looking at hiring those potential team members who, not only posses such important skills, but are able to use them in the work environment to become an integral part of the team.
The two-part interview will be available in November and will talk about the tools we can provide the young generation to help them become prepared for the future. More episodes will follow, where I will explore how social media should help the young generation see what the right way is to contribute to society.
Tailored support for finding employment
examples for everyone who has struggled to find work because of their autism and Asperger’s, and they should be proud of all they have achieved.
“ATB is a service for adults from across South Yorkshire who are deaf/hard of hearing, neuro diverse or those who have any other
communication difficulty, which helps to make a valuable difference to their lives by developing their skills and supporting them into work.
“We are keen to hear from anyone within South Yorkshire who thinks our programme might be right for them.”
Lucy Barnwell, director of marketing and learner improvement at RNN Group
Thomas Brown
Logan Coulthread with work coach Brian Green
New partnership to support educators
RNN Group, made up of campuses including Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College, North Notts College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR) and the National Fluid Power Centre, has announced a new partnership with HOW2 Platform.
The RNN Group has chosen the HOW2 Platform to support its ambitious Community of Practice initiative, aimed at fostering continuous professional development (CPD) by enabling educators to collaborate, share best practices, and enhance their teaching skills, irrespective of their location or experience level.
The decision to implement the HOW2 Platform was driven by the need for a flexible, on-demand solution that supports educators across multiple sites, promoting a culture of collaborative learning and consistent teaching quality.
Rachael Williamson, academic standards lead at RNN Group, said: “We particularly liked the collaborative nature of the HOW2 Platform. As an organisation spread across multiple sites, we needed a tool that could bring our educators together, allowing them to share best practices and develop their pedagogical skills collaboratively.”
The Community of Practice initiative, launched earlier this year, is central to the RNN Group’s commitment to providing all educators – from new teachers to seasoned professionals – with tailored support and opportunities for growth. Through the HOW2 Platform, educators will have immediate access to a plethora of evidence-based teaching techniques, fostering an environment where staff can explore, share, and apply new techniques to enhance their teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
In addition to promoting collaborative learning, the HOW2 Platform also supports the RNN Group’s goal of building a more inclusive teaching environment. It enables staff working with Special Educational Needs (SEN) students and other practitioners to quickly access and implement effective teaching strategies, ensuring highquality education for all learners.
Rachel added: “CPD is not a onetime event for us; it’s a revolving door of opportunities for growth and learning. The HOW2 Platform perfectly aligns with our vision of fostering continuous, collaborative professional development, enabling our educators to thrive.”
Sector Focus: Skills & Training
A stronger foundation for supervisors and managers
By
David Beattie (pictured), founder and managing director of business consultants Care Ideals
In many industries, a staff member may be promoted to a supervisory or management role because they’re very good at their job or because they work incredibly hard.
As a “worker”, they received training and learnt the job. However, when they’re promoted, they often don’t receive management or leadership training, even though they now manage staff and must lead a team.
The assumption is that high performing individuals will be able to easily transition from managing a process or project, to managing people. But these are two very different skillsets.
The supervisor or manager is now responsible for their team’s wellbeing, productivity, attitude and much more. That’s far removed from the tasks they’ve completed previously, be that working on the assembly line, being a courier, teaching a class of school children, etc.
those supervisors and managers are lazy? Does it mean they’re incompetent? In most instances, that isn’t the case.
The reality is that these supervisors and managers were promoted into a role they didn’t receive training for. They might struggle to transition from being an “at the coal-face worker” to being a supervisor or manager. They might find it very difficult to manage people.
‘Supervisors and managers were promoted into a role they didn’t receive training for’
The situations listed above can lead to wasted time for everyone, including for the senior leaders of the business, who can’t then focus on strategy, development and expansion.
I’ve been told by supervisors and managers that nobody explained what was expected of them in their new roles. Or that they came to work terrified for months after being promoted, because “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do”.
• 82% of those who enter management positions and a third of current managers and leaders haven’t had any formal management and leadership training.
They might also now be responsible for a budget, but haven’t previously been exposed to management accounts, a P&L statement, etc. For example, I’ve met managers who thought “profit” and “revenue” were the same thing.
I’ve spoken to regional managers who are constantly drawn back to dealing with HR and operational issues, which in theory should have been dealt with by the supervisors and managers who report to them. Does that mean
These supervisors and managers could no longer think only about what they were doing as an individual. They had to consider many other variables, including what their team was or wasn’t achieving, why non-achievement might be happening and how to fix it. They had to drive results through others. However, they hadn’t been shown how to motivate staff, hold staff accountable or how to set the tone for their team.
Research conducted in June 2023 on behalf of the Chartered Management Institute found:
• Many managers reported that they don’t have confidence in their ability to do their job and deliver results.
These are real issues that can negatively impact the individual, their team and in some cases, the entire company.
Management and leadership training for supervisors and managers, from those who are recently promoted to those who’ve been in their role for years, can positively impact them, their team and their company, now and in the future.
Davies Turner established the Express China Rail service in 2016 in conjunction with our long term partners in China, Air Sea Transport, who already had years of experience in the China rail sector.
Initially, predominantly an import service, offering both LCL (groupage) and FCL (full load containers), the service quickly gained momentum as clients took advantage of the fast transits, compared to ocean freight and the much lower costs, compared to air freight.
With confidence and demand for China rail freight services soaring, February 2022 seeing the 50,000th China-Europe train embarking on its journey, Davies Turner, keen to fulfill the desire of the UK export market, has established a dedicated weekly LCL rail service from the UK to China.
Following successful trials, where transit savings in excess of 20 days compared to ocean freight were achieved, we are sure our export clients will benefit from this third freight option.