CHAMBER CONNECT Q. 22021 1-26.qxp_Chamberlink 19/05/2021 10:05 Page 8
Business News
Helping people get back to work A
s the region prepares to get back to work, Sheffield training specialist The Source is opening up to help businesses bounce back and support people the pandemic left jobless. Since 2003 the Skills Academy, a not-for-profit charity, has upskilled thousands of local people, helping many into work and others to boost their careers. It continued serving the community throughout the pandemic, focusing initially on online training to boost the skills and morale of furloughed workers at over 70 Sheffield City Region SMEs. Vital face-to-face training for first aiders was resumed as soon as possible and The Source is now working hard to fully re-open its base on Meadowhall Way by 21 June, if Government easing of restrictions goes as predicted. “In this fragile economic climate, we are needed more than ever by businesses and unemployed people alike. We have a raft of help to get the region back to work,” said Tricia Smith, CEO of The Source. Local companies who have had to make job cuts are being helped to fill gaps in their workforces by taking on recruits through the government’s six-month paid work placement scheme Kickstart, and via apprenticeships. The Source is also helping companies to access training to
‘We have a raft of help to get the region back to work’ Tricia Smith
boost the skills of existing employees taking on extra responsibilities, or returning after a long period on furlough. To help combat the region’s rising unemployment, a community learning zone has opened on the ground floor so jobless people of all abilities can access support and boost their confidence and job prospects. Its Community and Employability team is already on site and giving
support and training to people made redundant in the pandemic. Tricia said: “We exist to help people of any age, but we are also acutely aware that the prospects of the young have been badly hit. “Those whose qualifications and confidence have suffered can take up our traineeships, Apprenticeships or Kickstart Placements, which will help them improve in key subjects and gain a deeper understanding about the world or work.”
On 12 April, The Source opened up more facilities with safety measures including socially-distanced learning and training spaces, Covid-19 lateral testing capacity, and mandatory mask-wearing. Parts of the building can also be rented on short or long-term agreements, a scheme to assist new start-ups and businesses who have had to give up larger premises. Visit: www.thesourceacademy. co.uk
Software specialists extols virtues of digital ecosystem Chesterfield-based software specialists, Lobster DATA, are launching a new vision to demonstrate how a sustainable, competitive edge can be achieved through digitalisation. The German group’s Head of UK, Jeni Steele (pictured), said: “The pandemic has accelerated the need for integrated digital processes and firms that embrace this approach will come out on top.” Lobster provides user-friendly data integration solutions that connect companies internally and to external partners, automating many back-office processes via a transparent flow of information. The firm’s Lobster_data and Lobster_pro packages work together to collect and disseminate data through a business and can be
8 CHAMBER connect Spring 2021
configured to match specific processes. By eliminating coding, they enable clients to achieve full digitalisation and benefit from increased efficiency, reduced costs and greater customer satisfaction. Dr Martin Fischer, Lobster’s Managing Director, added: “We believe data processes that belong together should not be treated separately. Rather than focusing on isolated internal solutions, or investing in peripheral external areas, we urge clients to prioritise decisions that are comprehensive, scalable, secure and flexible. By developing software that everyone can use, we provide the tools to help companies navigate their digital transformation for long-term viability.” Call:(0114) 399 1551 Visit: www.lobster-world.com Twitter: @_lobsteruk
