connect Q3 2022 FEATURES: Corporate Christmas, Green Business & Sustainability PLUS Made in South Yorkshire PROMOTING ENTERPRISE IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE A Jurassic World of opportunity Theme park’s employment project and training schemes a roaring success - Pages 16-17 The wheels on the bus must still go round South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard spearheads campaign to protect the region’s school buses
Welcome 5 Summer might be over... but South Yorkshire is sizzling! Business News 7 Mayor fights to keep school buses running 8 Mechan plays role in depot upgrade 10 Recognition for child health centre 13 New face on S2S Group board 14 Worker shortage brings boost to local law firm 16 ‘T-Rific’ opportunities for everyone at Gulliver’s Valley 19 Further funding for northern firms 20 A working win for South Yorkshire Features 24 Corporate Christmas The corporate Christmas cracker 26 Green Business & Sustainability Making small changes to help improve nature 28 Unlock the benefits of renewable energy 31 Made in South Yorkshire Management reporting for SMEs 34 A place for all people Sector Focus 39 Digital & Technology Phone switch to digital will ring the changes 41 International Trade What you need to know about selling overseas 42 Finance Financial firm sponsors footie club 44 Manufacturing & Engineering Manufacturing firm looks to the future 46 Skills & Training Deaf Trust opens wellbeing room 48 Corporate Hospitality Why Sheffield is the perfect location for your next conference Contents BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 3
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unique approach to recruitment was designed to not only help improve the lives of young people, but also boost employment during a time when many employers are struggling to find the right staff. In addition, the entertainment group celebrated as its latest cohort of trainees graduated from its bespoke managerial training programme, further demonstrating its commitment to training and retaining local young talent (pages 16-17) Green Business and sustainability is a hot topic right now, and on pages 26-28 we offer some simple ways you can adopt sustainability and do your bit to help protect the environment. And speaking of hot topics… we might still be enjoying sunny weather, it’s never too early to be turning your attention to the workplace Christmas party. Our Corporate Christmas feature (pages 24-25) showcases some of the best options available for you and your staff to party in There’sstyle.certainly plenty to celebrate! might be but South is sizzling! treat wish to, you can www.kempspublishing.co.ukvisit view full Privacy Notice and to learn more about legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.
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It’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over, but that doesn’t mean things are cooling down in South Yorkshire. From a new interim chief executive being appointed to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (page 7), to the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund supporting local businesses (page 19), it’s clear that the region is capitalising on its momentum. At Gulliver’s peopleopportunitiesfocusedtheYorkshirerepresentativesValley,fromSouthbusinessesattendedlaunchofanewprojectoncreatingemploymentforautisticpeopleandwithlearningdisabilities.This
sustainabilityBusiness‘Greenandisahottopicrightnow’ BUSINESS CONNECT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please send your press releases and images to laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk for consideration for the next issue. Business Connect
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Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 5 PUBLISHED BY KEMPS PUBLISHING LTD Unit 8 The Courtyard 707 Warwick Road Solihull B91 3DA T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk MANAGING EDITOR Laura Blake E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk DESIGNER Lloyd Hollingworth T:ADVERTISING 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk PRINTERS Buxton Press W: www.buxtonpress.com Front cover: Gulliver’s Valley launch initiatives to help careers See pages 16-17 The next issue of BUSINESS CONNECT will be available in November 2022 BUSINESS CONNECT is produced by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to businesses without charge. The publishers are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd. BUSINESS connect PROMOTING ENTERPRISE IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE
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“While we wait for the money and the powers to fix our broken bus system, I’ve promised to do everything I can to keep our service going. “So I’m recommending that local leaders approve our plan of using part of our budget reserve to keep these buses going in the face of brutalSchoolcuts.”buses that carry children who get a zero fare bus pass from their local authority are not affected by the cuts, as these routes are already funded by SYMCA. The routes under threat are the ones which also carry children paying 80p fares. The mayor is proposing that up to £5.1m is used to protect these services over the next two years. SYMCA lost out in the most recent round of government bus funding. Mayor Oliver Coppard has called on the government to provide emergency funding to keep the service going
while SYMCA is in the process of seeing if it can take buses back into public control through the franchising process. Most buses in South Yorkshire are run by private companies. When bus companies withdraw services – as they are expected to do in October when government funding stops –SYMCA can pay other companies to run the route. However, in the most recent tender process, a number of routes received no bids from operators.
Mayor fights to keep school buses running Oliver Coppard
Martin steps up as chief to lead SYMCA ‘I privilegedam to have opportunitythe to lead throughSYMCAthisperiod’
South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard is stepping in to protect school buses at risk from brutal cuts to the bus network.
BusinessNews Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 7
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has appointed Martin Swales to step inas interim chief executive and head of paid service, following Dr Dave Smith’s decision to stand down in June. Martin first joined SYMCA in March 2021, and has provided interim senior leadership as a director in the MCA. An experienced leader, Martin served as chief executive of South Tyneside Council for over 10 years, was UK president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and was one of nine chief executives covering the English regions, working directly with government
AuthorityNortheastpaidincludingdevelopmentonofnationalpolicy.MartinalsoheldresponsibilitiesheadofserviceoftheCombinedandservedon the board of Newcastle Airport.Welcoming the announcement, mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said: “Martin’s experience and his influence across both local government and in Westminster will allow us to continue driving forward our ambitious plans to fix our buses, hit our net-zero goals, and build a better economy, not just a bigger economy here in South Yorkshire. “In Martin, we’re lucky to be able to appoint an interim CEO who knows the organisation and the region so well and can hit the ground running from day one.”
“South Yorkshire’s roads are already among the most dangerous in the UK for children. So unless we want even more cars on the school run - not only increasing traffic and making our air more toxic, but also potentially making it harder for many parents and carers to get to work - a reliable school bus service is vital.
The region is facing the loss of a third of its bus network, after government funding to help operators get through the pandemic comes to an end in October. Commercially-operated school bus routes are among those at risk.
Martin Swales said: “I am privileged to have the opportunity to lead SYMCA through this period. It is a hugely exciting time for the region and I look forward to continuing at pace and at scale to attract new and more investment to the region – to make a positive impact on South Yorkshire’s places, businesses and people.”
At a forthcoming board meeting of the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), the mayor will propose using part of the MCA’s budget to keep those school buses going. Oliver Coppard said: “We are facing the immediate threat of the biggest and most damaging cuts for a generation, and sadly school buses are among those at risk of being pulled.
“He is a capable, knowledgeable solicitor who receives consistently positive feedback from“Likewise,clients. the team’s award for ‘Deal of the Year’ demonstrates the breadth of our capabilities.”TheSouth Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards were held at Sheffield’s Mercure St Pauls Hotel and celebrated the top deals of the last 12 months, as well as the companies and individuals that made them happen.
Mechan is also creating a bespoke rail removal system, which will be installed in a pit under one of the new roads added at Gosforth as part of the development work. The self-contained unit enables undercar modules to be exchanged easily, without lifting a train, saving valuable servicing time. A remotely operated scissor table is positioned in the pit to help staff remove and refit the heavy modules, while rails lock into place at ground level so the road can be used for general maintenance when the rail removal system is not Lindseyactive.Mills, Mechan’s sales director, said: “The team at Gosforth is familiar with the quality of our equipment, and Stadler has been involved in other bespoke projects with us, so they were aware of our design capabilities. Catering for several different vehicle types is a challenge for our engineers, but one they have relished. We have worked hard to meet the client’s expectations and now look forward to installing the various components later this year.”
Michael Steiner, programme director Newcastle, Stadler, added: “We have pledged to support the regional economy and involve as many UK-based companies in the project as we can, so it’s fantastic to be appointing Mechan to supply lifting and handling products for us.
“Our aim is to use local suppliers for a wide range of goods and services associated with the Tyne and Wear Metro project, including materials and services for the depot re-build, the manufacturing of the new trains and ongoing maintenance.”
The specialist manufacturer is designing lifting and handling products for the South Gosforth Traction Maintenance Depot in Newcastle, as part of a £70m upgrade.
International rail company, Stadler, is manufacturing 46 new state-of-the-art trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro, as well as building this facility, which will accommodate them.
‘This shows that there is work for firms in the supplyStadlerchain’
Head of fleet and depot replacement programme at Nexus, Michael Richardson, said: “It’s fantastic to see another UK firm supplying essential components for our new £362m train fleet. This shows that there is work for firms in the Stadler supply chain. Stadler is committed to using local suppliers where possible and this helps to secure jobs and drive inward investment into our region as well as other parts of the UK.”
Visit: www.mechan.co.uk
Visit: www.tayloremmet.co.uk
Rail depot equipment produced by Sheffield-based Mechan will be key to improving the efficiency and safety of maintenance teams working on the Tyne and Wear Metro.
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Law firm celebrates double award win
Mechan plays role in depot upgrade
Tom Haywood (centre) celebrates his win
The corporate law team at Sheffield’s Taylor&Emmet LLP has been honoured at a prestigious regional awards ceremony, securing two top prizes. Associate solicitor, Tom Haywood, was named ‘Emerging Dealmaker of the Year’ at the South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards, while the team was recognised for its role in the ‘Deal of the Year (up to £2.5m).’
Rob Moore, head of Taylor&Emmet’s corporate team, added: “Tom is a worthy winner of the ‘Emerging Dealmaker’ award and we are very proud of his achievements.
Mechan, in partnership with Stadler, is building a set of 21 multi-purpose lifting jacks not only to cater for the new fleet, but also for a further five different vehicle types maintained at Gosforth. The 15-tonne jacks will work in various configurations, from sets of four, to a completely synchronised set of 20 and can be moved around the facility by pallet truck.
An artist’s impression of the Gosforth depot
Tom was nominated for ‘Emerging Dealmaker’ by members of the local corporate finance community and placed on a shortlist of five. His win reflects the complexity of his deals and the results achieved for clients. The firm also took home the ‘Deal of the Year (up to £2.5 m)’ accolade after representing the sellers in the management buy-out of industrial oven manufacturer, Airflow Group. Hentons Corporate Finance acted for the management team. The awards’ judges hailed it a “regional success story supported by local dealmakers.” Tom Haywood said: “I am pleased to be recognised by my peers and grateful for the support I receive from Taylor&Emmet and colleagues across the sector.”
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 9 Business News
“To receive regional and national recognition for the project despite not yet having obtained planning consent speaks volumes.”
After the Met Office issued an extreme weather warning in July, one Yorkshire-based health and safety company says that such gestures could potentially save lives.Health and safety specialists Protecting.co.uk say that under the cost of living crisis, many people won’t be able to keep themselves cool as temperatures rise into the thirties day after day.
“The National Centre for Child Health Technology is set to develop the most advanced therapies through digital and technology development for children and young people.
Cllr Martin Smith, chair of the economic development and skills policy committee, said: “The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park continues to go from strength to strength and is integral to the future impact of the region’s pioneering Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID), a transformation innovation-led economic development programme which is driving regeneration, training and business activity - connecting local people. The NCCHT development is a great example of the fantastic collaborative approach of local and regional partners and will be an exciting addition to AMID’s growing reputation as global centre of innovation excellence.”
“The simple gesture of opening up an area for local people to go to take shelter from the extreme weather has obvious benefits. Think about it – there are air conditioned offices, shops and businesses all over the country. And we can get good odds on many of them having a reception area, break room or conference room that could be opened up to the public. “And obviously, there is the opportunity of excellent publicity to any business or council who extends this offer.” With many office workers still working from home after the Covid pandemic, there is sufficient spare office capacity all over the country for this to happen. Anna added: “That means there is spare and luxuriously air conditioned capacity just about everywhere, and instead of half empty offices, we could be using this capacity to help vulnerable people.”
Professor Paul Dimitri, professor of child health and director of research and innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted that our plans for the centre are already receiving recognition from award panels, who are seeing the impact the centre can make for children and young people around the world.
Companies with air conditioned offices should open themselves up to the old and vulnerable to help them cope with higher summer temperatures.
Aproposed international centre of excellence supporting world-leading research and innovation in child health to be located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park could be named Public Private Collaboration of the Year at two separate awards ceremonies.
The National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT), which is being delivered in partnership with Scarborough Group International (SGI), Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield City Council and part-funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund, has been shortlisted in the same category at the 2022 EG Awards and Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards.
Recognition for child health centre
“It will play a central role in ensuring that we advance the way we develop sustainable and transformational healthcare and drive prevention for children to ensure the future is bright.”
‘This is a public-privateexampleperfectofsectorcollaborationdoneright’
Empty offices heatwaves
could help in
“While the elderly are rationing electricity so they can afford to eat, many businesses are using offices that are beautifully air conditioned and cool,” said company spokesperson Anna Edwards.
Empty air-conditioned offices could save lives
SGI submitted detailed plans for the circa 45,000 sq ft building, which will form part of its ambitious vision for the next phase of development at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, earlier this year. If approved, the £26m flagship project will become a global first, facilitating the development of some of the most advanced therapies in the world for children and young people through partnerships between industry, clinical and academic experts.
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Kevin McCabe, chairman at SGI, commented: “This is a perfect example of public-private sector collaboration done right. The whole team has worked in tandem to understand and interpret Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust’s specific requirements and priorities in order to deliver a commercially-viable solution.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 11 Business News 01904 bridgeemploymentlaw.com360295
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Speaking after confirmation of the appointment, Rachel said: “I’m delighted to take on the role as operations director at S2S Group. As the ITAD industry continues to grow rapidly, the company decided that now was the right time to advance my role, not only to strengthen our leadership team but to also ensure that S2S Group continue to lead the way in data security, sustainability, and the environment.”S2SGroupcontinue to invest in their female leaders, especially in what is traditionally seen as a male dominated industry. The company is dedicated to creating pathways for the future for all its employees and this was an important first step S2S Group needed to take.” S2S continue to invest in their management teams and equal opportunities, inclusivity and diversity are key elements of this plan.
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Rachel joins the S2S Group board
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 13 Business News
TfN has established itself as a regional centre of excellence for strategic transport planning and the capability and capacity provided by Tf N is greatly valued by its members and is seen as something that needs to be retained and nurtured. The 2022/23 Business Plan looks to build on those foundations and ensure that TfN’s new operating model is focused on being: A centre of technical excellence for the North A sourced of trusted information A strategic thought leader and champion of strategic transport planning An enabler of accelerated delivery trusted collaborator Members, who are representatives of the region’s 20 Local Transport Authorities and 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships, were asked to approve the budget and business plan. Priorities for the year ahead include taking forward work to update the North’s Independent Economic Review and the revision of the Strategic Transport Plan. Martin Tugwell, chief executive of Transport for the North, said: “Over recent years TfN has become widely recognised for providing a key evidence base which helps with critical decision-making across a wide range of transport-related issues.“This has been recognised at a national, regional and local level and is helping inform how the North evolves as we emerge from a period of significant turbulence. We now want to continue to build on this work with our partners unlock the full potential of the north."
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Grant Barton, CEO at S2S Group, added: “Due to the increased demand for S2S Group services, the company felt the time was right to appoint Rachel to the board of directors. I am very pleased to now confirm the appointment of Rachel in her new role as director of operations.“Rachelbrings with her a huge wealth of experience and knowledge of the ITAD industry. Rachel brings to the board an impressive record of dedication, professionalism, and high performing team leadership.”
The board were also given updates from the Rail North Committee on the performance of the train operators and discuss the HS2 Phase 2B Bill which is currently being considered by parliament. ‘I believe I’m well placed
to help push S2S Group forward’ Rachel Hall TfN leaders set out priorities for the year Tudor Rose Workplace Wellbeing Consultancy West Yorkshire, covering nationwide t: 0796 975 7041 w: ForWewww.tudorroseservices.co.ukwelcomeyourinterest.furtherinformationpleasecontactus.
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• A
The North of England’s political and business leaders met at the Transport for the North (TfN) Board meeting to discuss how TfN will continue to act with ‘one voice’ for the North as it set out its business plan for the coming year.
Rotherham-based S2S Group has taken the decision to strengthen its board, with the appointment of Rachel Hall as operations director with immediate effect. Rachel joined the company in 2007 and has held senior roles in operations management and key account handling during this time; supporting the continued growth as the company evolved.
National staff shortages and employees seeking a better work-life balance has led to a surge in business and a bigger workforce at a Sheffield headquartered employment and HR law firm.
To cope with demand, Bhayani Law’s workforce has recently grown by 40 per cent and an additional corporate lawyer is sought as the firm’s business legal servicesEmploymentexpand.lawyer Nikita Shergill is bolstering the company’s office in Belgrave Gate, Leicester, established in 2020. The arrival of Charlotte Bates and Blythe Roberts boosts Bhayani Recruitment, which launched in 2021.
The company, launched in 2014 by former Yorkshire Employment Lawyer of the Year Jay Bhayani, has set on four new employees to keep pace with demand in Sheffield and at its branches in Leeds, Leicester and Barnsley. A flood of clients from a range of sectors have signed up to the company’s tailored monthly HR support service, Watertight, in the last 12 months.
Support manufacturersfor SME manufacturers based in South Yorkshire have been encouraged to make use of a business support programme to create plans for growth and improvement. Providing support to SME manufacturers across 18 LEP regions including South Yorkshire, the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) works to identify opportunities and create plans for growth, connecting members to external experts to implement a bespoke improvement project based on their business needs. Warbox, a communicationsbrand agency based in Nottingham, is working with the programme to help MGP clients to develop their digital and brand strategies.
“Since the pandemic, we are seeing more unhappy workers prepared to go to tribunal instead of letting things lie. The furlough scheme and working from home gave them time to think - and strive for a better work-life balance. In addition, they feel more confident about standing up for themselves at a time when they believe it will be relatively easy to find new jobs.”
“They recognise that, during a candidate shortage, the best way to protect their businesses is to retain and reward valued staff and are placing more importance on HR. They want to find out what employees want so they can better support them,” said Jay.
But there has also been a 30% increase in demand for its HR support and employment law expertise.
Bhayani Law’s recently-launched recruitment arm has seen vacancies increase by 80% over the last six monthsanticipated growth given the current jobs climate.
Worker shortage brings a boost to local law firm
Vacancies are coming predominantly from the firm’s existing client base and range from part-time admin roles to head of people and charity chief executive roles.
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Jay Bhayani
Mark Fensom, director at Warbox said: “Initiatives like MGP are very important to SMEs looking to grow, especially given the challenges facing the manufacturing sector.” programme.co.ukVisit:www.manufacturinggrowth
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 15 Business News
The Employment is for Everyone launch event
Gulliver’sforopportunitieseveryoneatValleyGulliver’sThemeParkResorts offers more than just fun for the whole family. A number of initiatives have been enacted designed to help young people into the world of work, building secure futures and upskilling the next generation.
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The event, held in collaboration with Gulliver’s Valley, RMBC/RiDO and DFN Project SEARCH, showed employers how inclusive hiring strategies can overcome recruitment issues while helping to achieve social value commitments.Marketleaders discussed the benefits of encouraging diversity in the workplace and shared success stories. Information on supported internships and support into employment is now available for people and employers following the launch of the new Employment is for Everyone website. Andy Flowers, resort manager at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “It was great to see so many people in attendance at this“Atevent.atime when many South Yorkshire businesses are struggling with recruitment, this is a great initiative with which we are proud to partner. Gulliver’s Valley is a flexible and inclusive employer and we hope this unique event will help other employers in the region see the benefits of this approach to recruitment.”JodieBradley – founding member of Employment is for Everyone, said: “We were thrilled to launch Employment is for Everyone at Gulliver’s Valley. “Being in employment transforms people’s lives. It also has a positive impact on business productivity and its employees. We know businesses across South Yorkshire are facing significant challenges in terms of recruitment and filling“Wevacancies.alsoknow that businesses across our region like to be market leaders and have a competitive edge. Together with our partners, we believe we have some of the solutions to the recruitment issues local businesses face.”
More than 170 representatives from South Yorkshire businesses attended the launch of a new project focused on creating employment opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Gulliver’s Valley hosted the Employment is for Everyone launch event, which shared solutions for local businesses to fill vacancies and retain staff.Employment is for Everyone is creating a movement across South Yorkshire to increase employment opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities. The movement has been created through the collaboration between four local community enterprises (Speakup, DEXX, Artworks and EDLounge) and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. It came about following a South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS) event and the ICS continue to endorse the project.
Visit:www.employmentisforeveryone.org.uk
‘T-Rific’
‘We're excited about the role our playgraduateslatestwillinthefutureofGulliver’s
“I would highly recommend and encourage people to consider a career with Gulliver’s. I have never known a job quite like this for how dynamic, challenging and rewarding it is. There’s a lot of room for both personal and professional development within a company that encourages both of these. The higher management and directors actively seek out creativity and suggestions from the trainees, making you feel you are helping to shape the future of Gulliver’s.
I hope to continue developing myself within the rides department at Gulliver’s World and to one day work my way up to operations manager or higher. There is a lot of room for growth within Gulliver’s so I’m excited to see what my future holds.”
Roarsome opportunities are available for young people
The other successful graduates are Hannah Waghorn, Cory-Jay Brzezicki, Adam Timms, Danielle Flint, Kerry Staten, Beth Saxby and Mae Spencer. Visit: careers.gulliversfun.co.uk the trainee management scheme at Gulliver’s, including Adam Fletcher (fourth from left)
The graduates – drawn from across the UK –have managed their own bespoke projects, received mentoring from senior Gulliver's staff and had access to external development coaches and experts. Having successfully completed the training programme, they will now step into leadership roles across the company.
Dean Kimberley, director of loyalty and marketing at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “Congratulations to the latest cohort of graduates from our inhouse trainee manager programme.
One graduate is Adam Fletcher,Adam,28.who has a degree in Geography and Geology from Manchester University, has secured a role as rides manager at Gulliver’s World in Warrington. Adam said: “I have had a great year on the trainee manager scheme. It’s a very fun and dynamic job where no two days are ever the same. I have enjoyed getting to experience the Gulliver’s parks – it’s a good opportunity to see other parts of the country, meet people from the other parks and see how the parks all function differently from each other.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 17 Business News
A group of future theme park managers has graduated from a bespoke training scheme run by Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts. Eight trainee managers have completed the year-long programme, designed to develop leaders to work at any one of Gulliver’s UK sites, in Warrington, Milton Keynes, Matlock Bath or Rotherham.Theprogramme offers trainees opportunities and experience across different areas of the business on a series of placements.
“We had a strong and diverse field of candidates who have shown a commitment to learning new skills and gaining experience that will prepare them for successful careers at Gulliver’s.“Asour unique business expands, we’re excited about the role our latest graduates will play in the future of Gulliver’s.”
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Further funding for northern firms
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 19 Business News
In its fifth anniversary since launch, the £500m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is celebrating having invested in more than 1,000 businesses across the North of England. With an investment total of £334m and an additional £504m attracted in private sector coinvestment, NPIF has delivered a total of over £800m of funding to northern small businesses in the last five years. NPIF was launched in 2017 by the British Business Bank using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), HM Government and the European Investment Bank. NPIF forms a key part of the Bank’s activities to back the government’s Levelling Up agenda by helping to reduce regional funding imbalances and create economic prosperity in the North of England.Throughout the past five years, NPIF has worked closely with the North’s 10 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Combined Authorities and Growth Hubs. NPIF and its Fund Managers have worked with these organisations to support small and medium businesses across the North West, Yorkshire & Humber and Tees Valley Regions.
Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire and chair of LEP, Neil MacDonald OBE, vice chair at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority LEP and Lucy Nickson interim chair of the South Yorkshire LEP
‘More than 100
Jenni Ashwood and Joe Clark from Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery with the Booths anniversary whisky
businessesYorkshireSouthhavesuccessfullysecuredfunding’
At the Spending Review in October 2021, the Chancellor pledged a further £660m for the next generation of NPIF, which is set to cover every corner of the North, including the North East LEPNPIFarea.offers a range of funding options to suit all types of businesses including Microfinance between £25,000 and £100,000, Debt Finance between £100,000 and £750,000, and Equity Finance up to £2m. Catherine Lewis La Torre, acting CEO of British Business Bank, said: “Supporting over 1,000 businesses across the North of England is a significant milestone for NPIF. This investment has provided these businesses with the capital they needed to invest in R&D and to bring new products and services to Neilmarket.”MacDonald OBE, vice chair at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and NPIF Strategic Oversight board member, said: “More than 100 South Yorkshire businesses have successfully secured funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund over the past five years. The impact has not only been in business growth and productivity, but it has also allowed companies to create new jobs, invest in new technology, plants & equipment, expand their products or services into new international markets and to train and develop more staff. We look forward to supporting even more local businesses to access the NPIF fund in the future.”TheNorthern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery has bottled a rare single cask whisky in response to a request from premium independent grocers, Booths. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, home to Filey Bay single malt whisky, was invited to select and bottle a single cask whisky to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the fifth generation family grocers. Cask#175 was one of only three Pedro Ximenez (‘PX’) Spanish sherry butts that were filled in the Hunmanby distillery’s first year of production in 2016, making it one of the oldest Filey Bay releases to date.
“2022 marks 175 years since 19-year-old Edwin Booth secured an £80 loan to open his first shop, The China House in Blackpool. Booths have been a great supporter of the distillery since we started running the stills in 2016 and we were honoured to be asked to select a cask for a whisky to mark this special occasion," said Spirit of Yorkshire co-founder, David Thompson. “Cask #175 represents our PX matured whisky in its absolutely purest form. It is a delightful whisky that is rich and fruity with flavours of honeycomb, chocolate, toffee and dried fruits.” Only 521 70cl bottles of the 62.5% Filey Bay Single Cask Booths 175th Anniversary Edition were available and its launch. Booths Wine and Spirits buyer Pete Newton said: “We have followed Filey Bay's journey from a maturing malt to a world class whisky with interest and were delighted that the team at Spirit of Yorkshire were able to bottle a rare and exclusive whisky for our landmark celebration. Booths is committed to sustainable agriculture, and we love the fact that Spirit of Yorkshire is one of a handful of whisky distilleries worldwide that grow 100% of the barley used in its field to bottle whisky production and that our anniversary whisky is made from barley grown on co-founder Tom Mellor's farm in East Yorkshire.” Distillery anniversarybottleswhisky
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•Support to continue working and manage your health at work
•Flexibility
Over the past four years, more than 5,200 people have been supported, with 2,552 returning to work or finding work, with thanks to the programme, which is completely free to participants. The extension to the scheme means more South Yorkshire people can be supported thanks to the funding boost from the government’s Work and Health Unit.
The ground breaking Working Win programme that helps people in South Yorkshire to find and stay in work has been extended until March 2023*, providing welcome news to local people and employers.
Delivered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with the DWP, NHS England and South Yorkshire Housing Association, Working Win provides support for people who have a health condition and are unemployed, off sick or in work but struggling.
As well as providing practical support to improve wellbeing and enable people to thrive in work, Working Win gives participants access to free Westfield Health and Vitality at Work wellbeing packages. This includes a 24-hour advice and information line and a 24/7 GP
•Help with job applications, CVs and interviews to find work that matches your skills and strengths
•Offer to meet with your employer to talk about your needs at work to apply for grants like Access to to a team of qualified health and wellbeing coaches benefits and employment law advice to meet in person, or support over phone or video appointments. programme will be accepting referrals until December 31 2022. more information or to register for support visit ca.gov.uk/Explore/Working-Winsouthyorkshire- or for advice visit www.workingwinreferrals.co.uk is Working Win for? live in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley or Bassetlaw 18 and over have a physical and/or mental health condition you are unemployed and looking for work, or are working and want support to continue working, or you are off work sick, and want to return to work.
•AccessWork
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working win for South Yorkshire Contact us now T: 01623 825516 E: nfsl@notts-fire.co.uk
•If you
•If you
If you’re looking for a new role, or struggling at work, sign up for our free support. We’ll work with you to build on your strengths, and to feel settled and flourish in your role.
•Support
•Debt,
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: “It is really important that here in South Yorkshire we do everything we can to help people to stay in or to find work. Working Win has had a dramatic impact on so many people’s lives, as well as on local businesses and the wider economy. It is part of our Renewal Action Plan which aims to support jobs and businesses to recover from the impact of the Pandemic.”
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You will receive one-to-one support from a dedicated employment specialist. This includes:
telephone line, plus expert support with employment, housing and finance, income and debtWorkingadvice.Win supports people who have a health condition to find and stay in employment.
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Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 21 Business News
22 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Business News
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 23 Business News
LIVE‘Christmaswilldeliverbeyondyourexpectations’
The task of organising the staff Christmas party is not an enviable one especially as there is a dazzling array of venues, themes and options on offer these days. It may also be the case that you have offices in different regions and have to co-ordinate dates and locations to strike a seemingly impossible happy conclusion to suit everyone. Arena Racing Company have a party offer that will take the heat off the organiser and be the talk of the office for months afterwards. Not only that, they have courses up and down the UK each within easy access of main road and rail networks. If you’re in the Midlands, South Wales, West or Southern areas of the country for example, you can opt for a traditional-themed shared Classic Christmas party night that will provide you and your colleagues with a slice of nostalgia complete with traditional menu, music and all the trimmings. You’ll have a choice of shared party dates throughout December all with free parking at the following popular racecourse locations: Bath, Chepstow, Fontwell Park, Great Yarmouth, Lingfield Park, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton and Worcester.
Don’t hold back From the welcome drink to the last dance, all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the evening. However, if the shared nights are not your ideal concept, you could pick your own date and get access to their preferred supplier list of entertainers, activities and theming. This means you can really think outside the boardroom and dream big. In previous years they have staged giant snow globes, fire walkers, stilt performers and acrobats. You could utilise some of the outdoor spaces and marquees too and put on a winter fun fair with outdoor bars and live music. In the past, the sites have been transformed into Winter Wonderlands and hosted New York ‘Rockefeller’ themed nights and even Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
The crackerChristmascorporate
24 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
Feature: Corporate Christmas
By Paul Stewart, hotel and events marketing manager, Arena Racing Company
Pick your own They’ve also partnered with Eventurous, a company with experience in staging motivational and team building activities cleverly disguised as fun. Exactly how you could define ‘corporate fun’ in December couldn’t be better explained by taking part in a Santa Soap Box Derby or Christmas Casino. If competitiveness is something your company thrives on, these activities will really bring out the worst!
Requests for the weirdest and wackiest are nothing new so nothing would surprise them; in fact, you may even impose a clause that all colleagues attending a party must come in fancy dress. It’s a great way of breaking down hierarchy and is the perfect ice breaker for newer team members and putting everyone on the same footing.
So, whether you opt for the traditional, create your own custom-built party night or choose the ultimate Christmas party night that will see colleagues staggering to the taxi rank in the early hours, you’ll find everything you need along with dates, ideas and brochures here: yourvenue.co.uk/christmas-parties
The ultimate Christmas party night If you’re within driving distance of Doncaster in December and looking for something livelier, then Christmas LIVE will deliver beyond yourFromexpectations.thefirstsip of welcome bubbly on the red carpet, thereafter you and your co-workers will be immersed into a world of cabaret, live music and dancers with an entertainment village, casino and of course, plenty of Festive food and drinks. Christmas LIVE is now considered to be one of the best party nights on the Festive calendar and this year, it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 25 Feature: Corporate Christmas
The relationship between business and the rivers provides an example of how changes in business practice can allow nature to recover and how this, in turn is good for business. The Climate Emergency is happening and it is up to us to take action to reduce the impact.
Making small changes to help nature
A place to appreciate nature and wildlife
The evidence of this can be seen throughout its towns and cities, from the old water mills along the Rivelin Valley, to the weirs, culverts and canalised sections in the city centres where people harnessed the power of the water to create the great steel mills in the Lower Don Valley area. The damage to the environment, caused during the industrial growth, has been well highlighted - the pictures of mills pumping out smog, the descriptions of smells emanating from the watercourses, the fig trees that grow on the Don, caused by the rivers being artificially heated by the steel factories sending contaminated water directly back into the watercourse.
The damage caused to the environment has created problems for people and for business. The climate emergency, announced by the Sheffield City Region in 2019, highlights the challenges we are facing. The historic damage to the environment and rivers has had a direct impact on the business of the Lower Don Valley area. Litter and debris, dumped into the rivers over the years, increased the impact of the flooding here by clogging the river and causing the water to spill out of the river corridor into businesses, with such devastating effects.
The pursuit of technological development and the pursuit of money at the expense of the environment, was seen throughout the industrial revolution.
The history of Sheffield and South Yorkshire is intrinsically linked with the rivers that run from the Peak District moorlands and out into the wider Humber basin. The power that the rivers provide, fuelled the great Sheffield and South Yorkshire industrial revolution.
By Brendon Wittram (pictured), managing director, River Stewardship Company
It is a different picture now however there is still work to do, especially around water quality, but the rivers are in much better health than they once were. Life has returned to the rivers. Salmon are spawning in Sheffield city centre. The recovery is underway and, thanks to changes in industrial practice, the rivers are becoming more vibrant. The waterways can now be viewed as a positive asset, where people can appreciate wildlife, undertake some exercise or simply take some time out from the workplace to enjoy a peaceful moment listening to the relaxing sounds of the water.
Feature: Green Business & Sustainability 26 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
Developing a Sustainability Action Plan will enable each business to identify what steps they can take to reduce their impact on the planet. The plan will focus on the direct, and indirect, negative impacts that your business practices have and how these can, over the short medium and long term, be reduced, removed and then eventually turned around to ensure businesses are having a positive impact on the environment.
The climate emergency is already having an impact on business, and this is only going to get worse if we don’t make these changes. Creating a Sustainability Action Plan will take time and effort, but it needs to be viewed as an insurance programme. By investing now, and creating a clear plan to look after the rivers and the environment, we can all work towards helping the planet recover. Riparian businesses will be less at risk to flood events, extreme weather events will reduce in frequency and impact, but more importantly the staff who work for you, and future generations, will have a nicer environment to work and relax in.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 27
Feature: Green Business & Sustainability
thebetweenrelationshipbusinessandriversprovidesanexampleofhowchangesinbusinesspracticecanallownaturetorecover’
As with any Business Plan, it will take work to create and implement but we are at a tipping point where business and the environment need to work together to help the stop the environmental damage we are currently causing, in order to help businesses survive. The industrialists, pumping polluted water into the rivers, may not have known the impact they were having, but we do. We know that the planet is under threat due to our actions. We have continued to pursue profit over sustainability and this balance needs to be addressed, and can be addressed through good business practice.
Changes can be small, like implementing a re-cycling programme in the staff canteen or switching power supply to green energy providers, to larger, more fundamental changes in business practice aiming for Net Zero by 2050, such as moving to a full electric fleet and ensuring that changes are made throughout your supply chain by working with your suppliers and sub-contractors.
‘The
At the River Stewardship Company, our main focus is the improvement of the rivers of Sheffield and South Yorkshire. They have provided life and prosperity to the region, and we work hard to improve them for People, Place and Wildlife. Through hard work, and an alternative look at how a business can work, we’ve seen improvements in the waterways, and this is something every business should consider.
Small changes in industrial practice mean that wildlife can once again flourish
Renewable energy at home
Kevin Oldfield, director at All Seasons Energy
Unlock the benefits of renewable energy
2021 was a record year for EV sales in the UK
Demand for renewables is increasing
Integrating numerous renewable and energy-efficient measures such as an air source heat pump with solar panels and good quality insulation means it’s easy to create carbon-free and eco-friendly homes. Going green in the office To help show others how they can benefit from renewable energy, our head office has been running on renewable energy since March 2021. Our renewable energy comes from 78 on-roof solar panels that are linked to battery storage, and there are two air source heat pumps for heating requirements. We aim to produce as little emissions as possible, and producing renewable energy is how we do this. We want to help show others how it can be done.The electric vehicle (EV) market is growing quickly, and 2021 was a record year for EV sales. According to government data from June 2022, there are 1.8 million electric vehicles (EVs) in Britain. There are four EV chargers outside our office, allowing employees to benefit from free charging and make the switch to EV or hybrid cars.
“We’re not only passionate about the incredible technology that we get to work with daily – but we also care a lot about the environment and the future of our planet. Climate change isn’t something that’s going to happen – it’s already happening, and it’s affecting the world we live in today. We still have time to limit the worst impact and we want to play our part in this and reduce carbon emissions for good. We want to encourage and assist others in becoming self-sufficient and making a move towards a greener future.”
Harness the power of the sun In addition to the government’s net-zero carbon emission target by 2050, the ongoing rise in electricity and gas prices is another reason why renewable energy is the way forward. Solar power is the UK’s most popular energy source and homes can reap the benefits. Homeowners can save on energy bills and sell surplus electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – bringing in even more money.
Feature: Green Business & Sustainability 28 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
Solar panels also appeal to potential buyers - a market that is booming with average house prices in the UK exceeding £350,000 for the first time in history. Who wouldn’t want to buy a home that can save you money on your energy bills every month?
Renewable power and heating technology are the only way forward. With various schemes always in place and the government’s claims that by 2025 all new homes must be heated by low-carbon alternatives to gas boilers, there has never been a better time to plan toward a carbon-free and sustainable future.
By Kevin Oldfield, director at All Seasons Energy
‘The demand for powerrenewableisrapidlyincreasing’
Doing the right thing for the environment can come in many different forms and starting your journey in renewable energy and going carbon-free at home couldn’t be any easier with solar panels, heat pumps or EV chargers.
As a leading supplier and installer of renewable power, carbon-reducing and energy-saving technologies, here at All Seasons Energy, we offer honest and tailored advice to customers for the best energy-saving measures for their homes. With advancements in technology and reduced product costs, the demand for renewable power is rapidly increasing.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 29 Feature: Green Business & Sustainability
30 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
Before a trading year commences a budget should be agreed with easy to measure statistics each week, month, quarter and annually.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 31 Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
Set targets Celebration of good sales is a must however hearing from the accounts team that the budgeted Gross Margin has been achieved is the real winner, even better if Net refit target has bees surpassed.
A dynamic discussion on budgeting with all departments contributing ensures everyone buys into the targets. Adding non accounts KPI’s can be useful: what number of sales leads are expected, how many should be converted, where should the marketing budget be spent to maximise success.
Once budgets are agreed an accountant should produce regular Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet and Cash flow forecast showing actual results versus budget with significant variances positive and negative investigated. Repeat how positive results have been achieved. By having reliable frequent financial information negative
Management forSMEsreporting
SMEs (small or medium enterprises) are managed by entrepreneurial skilled tradesman who prefer to engineer or sell rather than prepare key financial information. While they are good at finance it is the task they spend the least amount of time on so how do they know if they’re making profit or cash flow is positive or otherwise.
Having a good accountant internal or external to the business can give the business owner data required to hold themselves and team members to account.
By Mark Smallman (pictured), managing director at Brearley and Co Accountants
Discuss budgets
I started at Brearley & Co Accountants started as a trainee in 1987. Giles Brearley the founder and now retired, trained me, trusted me, and empowered me. Our Team are repeating my journey providing a culture within our organisation that works closely with SME businesses that will last for many years. We now have three offices across South Yorkshire employing over 50 people advising SMEs every day on accounting, taxation, and business advice. Cloud accounting software can help you stay ahead of your competitors
Keep it simple Personally, I’m a huge fan of keeping it simple: budget, report, easy to access to data, set targets that are measurable and work as a team. In the skill sets where you are weak, surround yourself with people that are better than you. Train, trust and empower In our business we train, trust and empower. Firstly, Train colleagues, you can’t trust them unless you do. Once they are trained, trust will follow, and then you can empower them. We can work with you to achieve this in your business, why not start with your finance team and allow them to help you maximise your business potential.
‘In the skill sets where you are
32 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
surroundweak,yourselfwithpeoplethatarebetterthanyou’
Feature: Made in South Yorkshire variances can be confronted. A good accountant should be part of this process, don’t allow them to present the data with no explanations or discussion. Finance teams interpret a business performance differently to the owner however together the discussions are progressive. Use software Allow cloud accounting software to ease your financial planning and reporting. Linking your bank account to accounting software, scanning invoices as you receive them and issuing invoices from the app on your phone provides real time reporting to stay ahead of your competitors. Your accountant can access this 24/7 allowing you to work collaboratively.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 33 Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
Sheffield Cathedral is a unique and inspirational place. Not only is it a place of worship, it is a wonderfully versatile venue which can host exhibitions, conferences, concerts and gala dinners.
Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
The cathedral even played a role in the recent UEFA Women’s European Championships through hosting UEFA’s conference to thank all the host cities and celebrate the creative ways in which they had reached out into their communities to inspire new people of all generations to enjoy and play the beautiful game. There is evidence confirming people have been gathering on the site of Sheffield Cathedral for over one thousand years. A church has stood here for more than 900 years. Formerly the parish church of Sheffield, it was granted cathedral status in 1914. A 9th century Anglo-Saxon cross once stood at this place, known as the Sheffield Cross. It is now on display in the British Museum.
The cathedral is the oldest building in Sheffield in continuous daily use and like many places of worship this beautiful place tells a story of days gone by. In this case, it is the story of the origins of the city in the early 12th century, the town’s development through the years and its industrial heritage.Today, the cathedral meets the needs of a multicultural population, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. There is no charge to enter the cathedral and for those that do we invite you to take your time, explore the building and discover secrets hiddenSheffieldwithin.Cathedral sits at the heart of a great city and even has its own tram stop! Known throughout the world for its steel, its football and its music, Sheffield is a city that has survived tough times, and is loved passionately by those who live here. The cathedral has a history of hosting cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions, as well as providing educational opportunities for children and young people. We aspire to be ‘A Place for all People’.
34 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
By Ben Rossi, development manager at Sheffield Cathedral A place for all people
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 35 Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
36 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 37 Feature: Made in South Yorkshire
38 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Sector Focus: Digital & Technology s: International Trade
SectorFocus
There are an estimated 2.4m businesses using PSTN based services and they all need to migrate by 2025. However, the more pressing date is September 2023 when analogue products are withdrawn from sale meaning customers can no longer order, change or upgrade their service, move provider or increase capacity. Organisations will face complex migration programmes, risk noncompliant insurance policies and may be unable to upgrade kit due to global supply chain issues.
‘The beingnetworktelephoneoldisreplacedbyanewdigitalone’
The PSTN has powered the phone network since the late 1800s, but we’ve all seen the dramatic changes in technology over the past few years and the need to be constantly connected wherever we are. What isn’t obvious is the complex infrastructure that makes it all work, the copper cables under the pavement and the telephone wires coming into homes and offices. The fact is that analogue systems are now incapable of satisfying our demands, they’re end of service life and like many old technologies, they need to be retired and make way for the infinite possibilities of digital. Why are we talking about this now?
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 39
The latest news from South Yorkshire businesses operating in the Digital & Technology, International Trade, Finance, Manufacturing & Engineering, and Skills & Training and Corporate Hospitality sectors.
Why is it happening?
The UK’s analogue telephone network (PSTN) has been used for over 100 years and is being switched off between now and 2025. Awareness of the consequences are low and the impact to businesses could be significant. However, for those who want to embrace the move to digital, the benefits can be transformational.
Is digital better? In short yes, as with digital you can make calls on any device from wherever you are. Business applications and systems link with video chat, calls and collaboration services, so you can work virtually and as effectively as ever. Contact Centres integrate seamlessly with wider business services allowing you to improve user experience. Research shows that SMEs who switched have saved ~31% of total telephony costs so there’s no need to wait until the last moment and risk being switched off. What do I do next? If you haven’t already, I urge you to review your telecommunications infrastructure, understand how the switch off will affect you and ideally seek professional advice. For more information visit Hexagon PSTN Switch-off (pstn-transfer.com)
Damian Fisher (pictured), managing director of Telecoms and Transformation at Hexagon Consultants explains what’s happening and what businesses need to do.
Phone switch to digital will ring the changes
You may remember around 10 years ago when the whole country moved from analogue to Digital TV. Now there is another nationwide switchover taking place as the old telephone network is being replaced by a new digital one, so everything needs to move in just three and a half years. It’s not only voice services that are affected as many others use the PSTN to communicate critical information e.g., intruder/CCTV and healthcare alarms, monitoring systems, point-of-sale machines, door entry systems, emergency phones in lifts and faxes.
What’s happening?
40 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Sector Focus: International Trade
Delivering the goods Make sure you have the logistics in place to deliver what you’ve promised. You may have already considered such factors as warehouse capacity, staffing, cost of delivery and estimated delivery times, but you should always keep in the mind the infrastructure of your chosen market. Simple things such as the conditions of the road, the lack of broadband or different office hours can cause huge delays – and even bigger expenses.
on what to consider before deciding if trading overseas is a viable option for your business.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 41 Sector Focus: International Trade
What you need to know about selling overseas
Selling your brand Check that all of your designs, trademarks and domain names are registered in all of their markets. It is also wise to check that you can use your trading name in is current format; find out what it means locally, how well it translates and, most importantly, that no other business is using it.
Understanding value Those selling overseas for the first time need to understand the value and desirability of what they are bringing to market. Whether it’s an innovative product, you’re the first to take it overseas or you have a strong and appealing brand, understanding what makes you stand out is they key to figuring out if selling abroad is a feasible option for your business. You also need to consider whether your product might need modifying to suit a new audience.
Exploring the market
At this early stage, research is key. When choosing a market, your main points of concern should be how viable and in demand that market is, paying particular attention to currency exchange, language and geographical location. Once you’ve chosen a market, your attention should turn to gaining market knowledge –considering factors such as the size of the opportunity, potential competitors and possible partners, as well as any geo-political risks.
Not considering the cultural and lingual differences can be a costly mistake. Business culture varies around the world, from the necessity of business cards to the importance of dress – take account of any cultural differences and understand fully what is and isn’t appropriate in a new market. It is also prudent to understand the importance of communicationinter-culturalandtoadapt your approach accordingly.
Cultural differences
42 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022 Sector Focus: Finance
Ed Rimmer, Time Finance chief executive
sustainable for anyone. Something needs to change in order for businesses to not only survive, but create jobs, inspire innovation and continue generating wealth for our economy.
“Something’s got to give in the coming weeks and months for businesses to remain viable, as reactive changes to their service offering and increasing costs will only go so far in overcoming the challenges they face.”
Laura said: “Charlie and his team mates look extremely smart in their new kit and are eager to lace up their boots and return to competitive football very soon. “As parents, it is great to see the positive impact grassroots sport can have on our kids and I’d like to thank my colleagues at Belmayne for continuing to support an organisation that makes such a difference to the local community.”
The alternative finance provider reveals that one in five businesses fear they are struggling to remain competitive in the wake of rising costs. 63% of firms were found to have increased their prices by 10% and one in five by up to a significant 30%. Whether permanent or short-term measures, these vast figures show just how hard hit UK businesses currently are, with this knock on effect naturally filtering down to be felt most heavily by customers. Of the businesses surveyed, ‘soaring energy and utility costs’ and the rising ‘cost of materials and stock’ ranked the two greatest threats to businesses right now.
‘Our figures show that one in five businesses arecompetitive’tostrugglingremain
Prices on the rise amid soaring operational costs
Dronfield Town FC comprises 35 junior and adult football teams and more than 400 footballers from the local area, competing in ten different leagues. The club is run by volunteers and relies heavily on corporateBelmaynefunding.partner, Martin Birch, added: “We are really pleased to be renewing our association with Dronfield Town FC, which is thought of so highly by local residents, and to be supporting Charlie’s team once again, after a tough 2021/22 season. Grassroots sport has an important role to play in our community and we recognise local businesses have a responsibility to ensure volunteer organisations can continue their excellent work.”
Ed Rimmer, Time Finance chief executive officer, said: “It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising at a rapid and unmanageable pace of late. Our recent survey figures show first hand the significant impact that this is now having on both our small business network and only further amplifies the domino effect this then has on consumers and local communities.“Ourfigures show that one in five businesses are struggling to remain competitive and this also creates cause for concern. As inflation continues to rise at an accelerated rate, the only option businesses have to deflect the detrimental impact and continue trading, is to increase their costs. But with the interest rate now taking a hike consecutively month on month, the mountain of rising costs across the board are not
The U16 boys’ team In the wake of UK inflation reaching a 40-year high of 9.1%, Time Finance has revealed its latest data around the cost of doing business crisis, with 91% of UK SMEs forced to hike their own prices in order to keep up with soaring operational costs.
For more information about Belmayne’s charitable and community activities, call (01246) 298181, visit www.belmayneifa.com or follow the firm on Twitter, @belmayneifa
The latest survey has seen Time Finance investigate the true impact currently being felt by UK businesses as they grapple with rising energy and fuel costs, increased National Insurance, rising wage bills, supply chain issues and the recent rise in inflation to 9.1%.
“On top of this, we’ve found that nearly 50% of the business owners we spoke to are considering switching to cheaper supply chains. While this kind of impact can usually be predicted during times of financial hardship, changes to a company's supply chain can worsen their circumstances by impacting the quality of products or services delivered.
Dronfield-based financial planners Belmayne are preparing to kick off a new season of support for the area’s young footballers. Belmayne is continuing its relationship with Dronfield Town FC for a second year, having agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with the club’s U16 boys’ team. The firm has close links with the football club through accounts manager, Laura Hayman, whose son, Charlie, joined Dronfield Town in 2019. His U16s team is looking forward to the new season, after suffering a number of injuries last year.
Financial firm sponsors footie club
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT
The people I work with know that their money is doing nothing for them sat in a bank account and are looking for ways they can invest their money wisely.
I do the leg work for my clients. I find the properties, manage the process and renovate them ready to rent out. We completed on 12 properties last year with 5 currently in the refurb process and another 5 going through conveyancing. When it comes to investing… there’s no time like the present.
Throw back to this time last year... I spoke to so many people who wanted to start investing in property after Christmas, after Covid, after ‘insert excuse here’.
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 43 Sector Focus: Finance
I’m not going to lie, finding properties in 2021 was anything but easy, which you will know if you’ve tried to move home in the last year. But whilst others may have given up, I saw it as a challenge. I viewed more properties, put more offers in, made contacts with key people and moved my business forward.
Now 2022 is here. A few of those people took action, but a lot of them found the next excuse.
The most common thing I hear from my clients is that they would love to invest their money in property but don’t have the time. Let’s get a call set up and put that money to work.Ifthis sounds like you, scan the QR code to organise a call. If you would prefer to email, then please contact me on: contact@gilburninvestmentgroup.com
Rochelle Gilburn
Rochelle Gilburn, Managing Director of Gilburn Investment Group, says despite the challenges facing the property industry, she is moving her business forward thanks to a combination of more properties, more contacts and more offers.
The Sheffield-based engineering company has been heavily involved in a number of important projects in recent months and have continued to invest in both technology and its people. Business development manager Andrew Wellwood is excited about their future plans. He said: “One of the stand-out ingredients here at AMB Co. Ltd is our collective attitude; everyone pulling in the same direction and bristling with positive energy. It’s that energy driving us forward and will get us to where we want to be. “As part of our ongoing drive to achieve excellence, we identified certain parts of the business that required attention. We launched our brand new company website in November, increased our engagement on our socials and gave our branded items inventory a much needed revamp.
Managing director Frazer Crownshaw (left) and Andrew Wellwood
44 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
The feedback AMB have received from customers and suppliers suggests there’s real optimism in the UK manufacturing sector, despite the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Email: andrew.wellwood@ambco.co.uk Visit: www.ambco.co.uk
Andrew continued: “We still expect the rest of the year not to be without its challenges, but I believe we’re well placed and well equipped to navigate the obstacles as and when they crop up. We’re currently busy working on future projects, planning customer visits and developing business in other target sectors.”
Despite emerging relatively unscathed from what has been a challenging couple of years for most, AMB Co. Ltd continue to forge ahead with their plans for growth and are full of optimism for what lies ahead.
“We’ve also continued to invest in our people with various training courses completed over the past few months. Furthermore, we’re just interviewing for a vacancy in the Commercial team and a CNC milling operator, for an August/September start. All being well, we hope further recruitment to follow either side of the new year.”
Sector Focus: Manufacturing & Engineering
AMB Co. Ltd are the leading supplier of hardfaced components to a diverse range of industries; taking a magnitude of different raw materials and processing them into high specification components using manual and CNC machines, EDM machining centres, in-house heat treatment, inspection and testing facilities for a full turn-key solution.
Manufacturing firm looks to the future
‘We were really proud to receive ‘ManufacturingaHero’award’
“We were really proud to receive a ‘Manufacturing Hero’ award for our work throughout the pandemic and we’re delighted to announce that we’ve purchased a new Magnum LS centre lathe. Due to the bespoke nature of some of our work, we’ve found it important to retain a level of manual process and this investment will only enhance our capabilities.
Sector Focus: Manufacturing & Engineering Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 45
The college receiving their Recognition of Excellence plaque The opening of the new wellbeing room
Laura Harrap, business development manager Yorkshire and North East for City & Guilds, added: “We are delighted to present this plaque to recognise the commitment and quality of provision Barnsley College give to their apprentices. The quality of support and learning on offer is of the highest standard and it is great to celebrate this with them. At City & Guilds we put apprentices’ success at the centre of what we do, and working with great providers such as Barnsley College is very important to us.”
Rebecca Loosemore, assistant principal at Communication Specialist College Doncaster, said: “We’d really like to start by saying a special thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Our students can face a number of challenges so to have a dedicated area where we know their emotional wellbeing and mental health can be supported is so beneficial.
46 BUSINESS connect Q3 2022
On hand to unveil the warmly welcomed space at the college, on St Leger Way, was Dr Alan Billings, the police and crime commissioner for South Yorkshire, who was joined by a host of other partners and college staff and students.
To help them emotionally, the new Wellbeing Room provides a safe and quiet space for these young people to experience therapeutic and wellbeing activities. The room was completely refurbished and soundproofed, while new flooring also enables the area to be enjoyed as a dance and yoga studio.
Aspecialist wellbeing room to support the mental health and enrichment of young people with communication difficulties has been officially opened at Doncaster Deaf Trust. The wellbeing room, which supports students at the Trust’s Communication Specialist College Doncaster, was created thanks to funding from a number of key partners including the Hospital Saturday Fund, VCSF Fund, Co-op Local Community Fund, Arnold Clark Community Fund and the South Yorkshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as fundraising activities such as a link up with the Doncaster 10k earlier this year.
Praise for college’s training standards
Barnsley College offers over 70 apprenticeship pathways at various levels in dozens of industries, including accountancy, engineering, hair and beauty, management, teaching and warehousing and logistics.
Barnsley College is delighted to have been presented with a ‘Recognition of Excellence’ plaque in appreciation for the college’s End-Point Assessment (EPA) achievement from the renowned training organisation City & Guilds. Barnsley College was one of the first organisations to start delivering the new EPA standards. The plaque was presented to recognise the college’s high pass rate, quality, and success of its apprenticeship provision.
Jill Holland, head of department for apprenticeships at Barnsley College, said: “Barnsley College is very pleased to receive the Excellence in EPA Delivery plaque from City & Guilds for our apprenticeship provision. “I am delighted to be receiving this award on behalf of the apprenticeship team at Barnsley College. It is great that the hard work and support our staff is being recognised by this award.”
Deaf Trust opens wellbeing room
“Relaxation, exercise and therapeutic activities are proven to benefit our students and build the resilience they need benefit from their learning. It’s important they learn how to can cope with the challenges they can experience in their everyday lives, as well as having further opportunities to develop new hobbies and interests as well as establishing valuable friendships.”
The demand for this new facility is very real with the college’s diverse cohort of students, ranging from aged 16-25, having a variety of needs including deafness, hearing impairment, autistic spectrum conditions and learning difficulties. Some students may have complex needs and require additional support to maintain their good mental health and wellbeing due to high levels of anxiety, diagnosis of mental health conditions or more simply want support to build self-esteem and confidence.
Sector Focus: Skills & Training
Q3 2022 BUSINESS connect 47 Sector Focus: Skills & Training
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